You Brighten My Day
You Darling Things, I am chasing my tail right now and overwhelmed about a number of things. Feeling down over our sister from the Bossier City event that still hasn't surfaced and, as long as I keep it healthy, I think that's appropriate. My heart aches and breaks just like I know yours does. I've got a lot of concerns for hurting loved ones right now and someone dear to the ministry, a college student at that, has recently learned that her cancer has returned with gusto. Man, life is hard. But in the middle of it, God blesses us with His glorious Ever-Presence in our time of tribulation and, to top it off, He gives us one another and lets us brighten up some cloudy days. I got on the blog a few minutes ago and read your comments to Amanda's entry on critical moments. I got so tickled that I nearly called up the Grande Non-Fat Cappuccino I had right after lunch. You are so funny. Delightful. No kidding. A few minutes earlier, I wanted to stop what I was doing, lay my head down on my desk and cry HARD. As God would so lead, instead, I clicked open the blog, read what you had written, and laughed my head off. I could quote from 25 of them but how about little Sarah Jane noting that one of mom's friends had gained a few pounds and asking, "Mom, do you ever think your bottom will be that big?" Do you just LOVE younguns'? The little dickens are humbling, aren't they? I make it a point to surround myself with a whole mess of them.
Hey, you know what just occurred to me? I am teaching on parenting out of the Book of Proverbs in a few weeks on a Tuesday night. It would be fun to hear from some of you regarding ONE of the most hilarious or profound things your child has ever said or done. Remember to keep it brief so I can read all of them! Oh, this is going to be a blast!!!
I love you, Sistas. You brought some pure-dee Sonshine to a cloudy day.
posted by Beth @ 4:18 PM
306 Comments
306 Comments:
as a little girl, my daughter was a thumb sucker. she is also a lefty. I always told her that lefties are smart! Randomly one tme I told her that kids who are thumb suckers are also smart. One night at the grocery, she was in the buggy and must have put two and two together when she said, "Momma, if lefties are smart and thumb suckers are smart then I must be a genius!". I laughed so hard. She laughs to this day when I tell her about that. She's also a strong-willed child...one that would make James Dobson want to cry...if I may quote Beth.
She is a joy....a delight. 27 years old and a fine, Godly woman. All grown up but will always be my baby.
Here's a conversation I had with my youngest (12) on the way to school one morning:
Watching a guy blow through one of the busiest four ways on the way
Me: "That was illegal."
He: "Maybe he had a doctor appointment." (The stop happens to be near the hospital)
Me: "Even if he had a doctor appointment it is wrong. The only way I could see him needing to do that is if his wife was in labor next to him and she suddenly yelled, "I need to push!" "
He: "If my wife does that I am going to drive like crazy."
Me: "If your wife says that, and you are not close to the hospital, you better stop the car and catch the baby. Once she says, "I need to push!" there is usually not much time."
A pause as he thinks this possible scenario through.
He: "Well, when I get married we're going to live right next to the hospital."
I had to think which story to tell. You know little ones, so I have SO many to choose from!
Our family was driving to Florida for a Spring Break trip to Disney a few years ago. My son was 8 and my daughter was almost 5. My son would count down each state as we would get to them...."We're almost to Mississippi, how much longer to Mississipi.....Are we almost in Mississippi?" Finally, my daughter asked me when were we going to get to "her" house. I didn't understand and puzzled told her, "Honey, we're going to Disney World, not someone's house, what do you mean, 'When are we going to get to "her" house'?" She said, "You know mom, Mrs. Ippi's house!" I had to think on that one for a second and then I got it... Mrs. Ippi and Mississippi!!!
We still laugh about that one!
Blessings to you, Beth. Sure enjoyed last Tuesday night's study and am looking for the next three!!
Oh Beth, I really could write you a book, but I won't!!
One thing I just read out of my journal from a couple of years ago is this:
"My three year old daughter, Lindsey, recently taught me the lesson of the importance of the outward appearance. One particular morning, she awoke and entered my office. It was early and I had not yet showered, much less brushed my teeth. As she approached, she began to cry, “I want my Mommy!!” I tried to comfort her by saying, “My darling, I’m right here.” She replied, “No, you’re my ugly Mommy. I want my pretty Mommy.” God doesn’t look at man’s outward appearance, but on the heart. However, three year olds prefer their Mommies to look and smell their best!!"
Blessings,
Dori
P.S. God is just blessing our "Crocs" off in Bible study. I have ten beautiful ladies who are "Breaking Free" with me this semester. Just finished "The Potter & The Clay" DVD and was reminded once again that Jesus asks us to "Come away and find rest!" May you find rest today, my sweet friend! (May I call you that?) :)
Beth,
This blog site is such a bright spot in my day too! I'm going thru what seems like not just a cloudy day, but a cloudy month. The comments from you and all of my dear sistas remind me of the goodness of God in the midst of a difficult and lonely season. Your teaching on our Ebenezer Stone at the Bossier City event keeps reverberating in my spirit - to chronicle the times that "thus far the Lord has helped me". Thank you for such a timely Word!
God bless you all for the little nuggets of joy, wisdom, and sometimes just plain ditziness in all of the postings. It's so much more fun on the journey with my sistas along! Amanda, I think a critical time for you may have been when you obeyed God to begin this blog ministry. I know it's almost taken on a life of its own, but thank you so much for your obedience! What a daily blessing it is.
I've not been blessed with children (at this stage I think any remaining eggs are probably hard-boiled), but I can't wait to hear from the group!
Much love,
Linda
On the way to church one Sunday morning, my son (then 3) noticed some bird poop on his window. He immediately prayed, "Jesus, please get this bird poop off my window!" We had a laugh and went to service. As we got to the van later to go home, there had been a little thunder bumper shower while we were in church. My son noticed as we approached the van and said, "Mom, look! Jesus washed the poop off my window!!!! THANKS YOU, JESUS!"
I guess He really does here our every prayer!
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
Praying for a double portion of God's peace for you today.
My 5 year old son and I were on the way to school one day last fall when out of the blue he said "When Jesus died on the cross, God said to Him ...Come home My Son!" I thought to myself, well the bible doesn't say that and I certainly didn't teach him that, but I bet the Father DID say that. :) Another day he told me that he had asked God if there were any rainbows in the world at that time. I asked him if God answered him. He said so matter of factly "He said "yes." :) Makes me smile everytime I hear that little boy of mine talk to ME about Jesus.
One time when I was really small (I'm 29now) my mom and I were headed to town when our car broke down. Soon thereafter we were picked up by my dad's uncle, a person my mom didn't particularly care for. Now, remember this was before she was saved but here's the exchange:
Me: Glenn?
Glenn: Yes, honey?
Me: You know what my mommy calls you?
Glenn: No, honey. What?
(Picture me leaning over and getting right in his face as I yell) BIG NOSE!!!
Wouldn't you just know it? My poor mom is at this guy's mercy and I not so gently inform him that she calls him "Big Nose" behind his back! OH THE HUMANITY!!! 25 years later and I'm still sorry.
It's very hard to limit this to one, since I have six children, but I will choose a popular re-tell in our home. My son was about three years old. He was at the age where he talked incessantly. We were together alone in the car and he was talking and talking and TALKING. A great worship song came on the radio and I'm half listening to him. I'm smiling and nodding and saying "Oh! Really? uh huh...oh!" and he says "Why are you smiling like that? People don't smile like that when they're really listening."
Quite convicting! I try to be a better listener, and watch my smile!
When she was 6, our youngest daughter announced she wanted to be a Girl Scout...because she wanted to help bake the cookies.
My husband is a pharmaceutical sales rep and keeps the drug samples in the trunk of the car. When my daughter was five years old, someone asked her what her daddy did for a job. She sweetly replied, "He sells drugs out of the trunk of his car." :)
Sandy in OKC
Dearest BEAUTIFUL FROM THE INSIDE OUT BETH, from a SIS who is FREE b/c of how God used ALL your studies to DEPOSIT a KNOWLEDGE, PASSION & DESIRE TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT (WITS) to DO HIS WILL OVER MINE! My dear daughter was 5 when she "invited Jesus into her heart & when she shared the GOOD news happily w/her Dadda he said GREAT! Next will be baptism of which she's seen several immersions at church....to which she QUICKLY bowed her head, closed her lil eyes & began to pray FERVENTLY under her breath...when asked what she was doing she replied "then I'm inviting Him right back out of my heart!" I sure pray that's ONE prayer that isn't effectual! BETH keep CLINGING TIGHTLY TO HIS STRONG RIGHT ARM FOR DEAR LIKE WHEN THE WAVES OF LIES/ACCUSATIONS, DREAD, TERROR and OVERWHELMEDNESS aim for your HEART SOLD OUT TO CHRIST AND US SISTERS! LISTEN LOUDLY TO HIS TRUTHS from all YOUR BELOVED SISTERS HERE WHO'D BE LOST WITHOUT YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND CALLING! THANK YOU WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH to GOD FOR YOU!!
My 7 year old son was slumped down in the back seat of the suburban today on the way home from school. I asked him if he was tired and he said that he was just thinking. I then asked what he was thinking about. His reply..."I'm just lookin' at the clouds and thinkin' about God's creation and thanking Him." Wow. May we all slow down, look to the heavenlies, think about God's creation, and praise His holy name! Lessons learned from God's precious children are endless!
Once, while riding in the car with a friend of mine, my (then) 4 year old daughter pointed at the ash-tray in the console and said, "Is that an ashtray?" She was told that it was and then she matter of factly replied that her mom and dad didn't have one of those in their car because they didn't want to go to hell! Could. Have. Died!
I took my nephew, Mayson, to the ocean this past May. He was three at the time and on our first night there he wanted to know all the details of this vast body of water he had just laid his eyes on for the first time. He said "Is that our pool?" I said yep. He said "Who dug it for us?" I said uhhh. He said "God." Why yes He did! :o) Then he proceeded to ask about the fish and the sharks, agreeing that God made them all, then he said "What about the big mean sharks?" I said, yeah, God made them too, they just make bad decisions. He said "Yep, they need time out." How cute is he!
I have one for you and one for Keith. I explained to our then 5 year old that Daddy's calling from God was teaching. She stopped her bike, looked up at me and said "Ohhhh, I get it, Mom. And God called YOU to clean!"
The sweet girl is now 13 and the other day I told her we needed to buy bear spray for our trip to AK this summer and she stopped dead in her tracks and said "I REFUSE TO WEAR BEAR SPRAY".
I thought I was gonna pee my pants right there in the kayak and tent section.
love you, too
Cathy
My youngest daughter was looking at the World Record book from the library and was amazed at the height of the tallest man on record. We asked her how tall he was and she said, "He's taller than the page!" I thought it was cute. She's the one that also prayed about a woman we know who was a Christian and recently went to be with the Lord. I told her she didn't need to pray for her anymore- she ignored me and told Jesus that she hoped He and the dear woman were having a good "date" since she hadn't seen Him for awhile. God Bless her, I'm sure she was!
i'm student teaching in first grade and on election day one of my kids proudly stood up and said, "my dad voted this morning...he's a democrap".
funny, but kind of sad...
while doing an interactive writing lesson with my 6 year olds on friendship, avery says "teacher, evan said something not nice to me"
after dismissing the rest of the class i quietly pulled evan aside and asked what had happened.
his response: "all i said was avery's bringing sexy back"
6 years old.
When Chase was in 1st grade several of his friends had recently gotten baptized. He came home from school one day and said, "Mom, I want to get Baptist!". I looked at him kinda funny...and said, "I think you mean you want to get baptized!". He said, "Yeah, that's it!"
my favorite quote from our
"love is..." bulletin board at school
"love is when you get the exact same sunglasses." -ryan, age 6
I have 3 young children and my oldest has been in speech therapy for several years. His two younger sisters are very used to going to the weekly appointments, but I didn't realize how much so until the day the 5-yr.-old said, "Mom, does Jay have 'feech' today?" It took everything I had to keep a straight face! Needless to say, we'll be working on those "s-p" pronunciations soon! :)
community helpers unit: what job would you like to have the school community?
"i want to be the pricipal so i can fire people" -henry age7
This exchange happened when my sweet middle child was in kindergarten...I said, "Mary Cortland did you get in trouble at school today?" she said, "I think I'll let the Holy Spirit tell you."
She knew her momma had connections in high place!
love ya'll,
Teresa
Braden, TN
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I have too many funny ones but the most profound ones seem to come from my seven year old son. His sister is in kindergarten. And has faced her first bullies. Now I admit I don't handle my babies being mistreated very well so my advice to my daughter was not the best, luckily my sweet boy had sound words. He told her maybe the bully is mean because she has never had friends and if you are nice to her she'll see the being friends is better.
Love ya lori in florida
My daughter is always quick to catch on to things and she really picked up on everything she's ever learned about Jesus being in our hearts. One night when she was 3 she was drinking her cold rootbeer and could feel the coldness creep down. She said with a silly wonder in her voice "Mommy, Jesus must be taking a shower because he's in my heart and my rootbeer is getting all over him."
And as I meantioned once before. About four months ago I walked into a gas station that was being robbed, before i could blink I had a gun in my face and eventully had a man demanding my keys, well my kids were in that car. (which is CRAZY because I had never left them in the car like that, but thank God they did not experience the robbery) Well that man was not getting my keys unless I was dead, so long story short he left in another car, I got in my car and had a major panic attack and could not calm down. My 7 year old son right away started praying out loud He said Dear God please help mommie be okay and please help them catch the bad guys. That very moment the attack ended. My 5 year old daughter also prayed she said Thank you God mommie didn't die.
Beth, I wish I could met you, just to talk..and get a hug! I am so blessed by you. I thank God everyday for people like you, who are willing to share the passion they have for Jesus and lead us one step closer to him.
CHLOE(age5): when did you accept Jesus in your heart
ME (age__): when i was 8
CHLOE: ha ha i beat you, i was 4.
My seven-year-old son has quite a sense of humor (and a sanguine personality), so he cracks me up routinely. When he was five, he went up to one of our associate pastors, who is around 70 years old, before the evening service and said, "I don't like it when you preach so long. It makes my legs hurt." I could have died.
Not too long after that, my son had to memorize 1 John 4:19; this was his version: "We love Him because He sure loves us." Amen to that, little brother.
my little girl is 6 and she noticed a "Mothers Day Out" sign on a nearby church.
She said, "WHAT!!!, That's so mean, they don't believe in MOTHERS DAY!"
(get it...she took it to mean we will have no Mother's Day celebration in this church!)
To "get" this story, you'll need a few background tidbits. First, I am the pianist and media "person" at my church and have about 2000 hours of Christian music and Bible Studies loaded on my iPod. Next, we live on a FARM--at the very end of the dead-end road and 30 miles from church, school, work, fast food and groceries--so we have LOTS of time in the car. One day on the way home from school, my 7th grade "man"-child plugged in his iPod to "let" me listen to some of "his" music. Well, it had some "inappropriate" words--as best I could tell--and I said, "You probably don't want to put anything on your iPod that you would be embarrassed about if Jesus came over and asked to borrow it." He (way too quickly) replied, "Why would He want to borrow mine when He could get yours which is right beside it and already has everything He likes?" DUH!
Hey Sister Beth got one for you my son He is 13 now we went to the Esplande Mall and You know the fountains in the middle well He fell in in I was horrified my two other friends couldnt hold it together I had an infant at the time and a two year old so I had to go and buy Him some dry clothes so we could finish shopping I have a few more you said keep it brief. God Bless you and Hubby and your kids. PS. I will keep our Bossier Sister in my prayers.
You also know kids say the darnest things My daugter asked this overweight lady is She was Pregnant too. Got four kids nothing I mean nothing suprises me what comes out their mouths and these are born again kids.
Love ya,
Sue- La
My kids struggle with learning dysabilities, especially when it comes to getting out the right words. We homeschool and the oldest two, 9 and 7, often work together when looking for the right word.
We were reading through the New Testament and at the beginning of devotions I asked what book we were reading. The oldest thought for a moment then shouted with great joy at remembering the word, "JEWS!" a second later the younger shouted, "Oh yeah! Hebrews!!!"
My daughter is 3, and likes to unbuckle the harness part of her car seat while we are driving around. We have started telling her that "it is against the law and the police will come if you don't keep it buckled". One night as we pulled into our neighborhood, she announced "I unbuckled my seatbelt". We told her she had better get it buckled fast or the police would come. As we pulled into the garage and got her out of the car, we heard sirens. My husband, jokingly said, see...they are coming for you. She immediately burst into tears and said, "Don't let them take me". (We felt horrible - we've warped her forever). Needless to say, she hasn't taken her seatbelt off since then!
Hi Beth! My boys are as big as me now, but when my youngest was about 4, we were at a beach on Lake Michigan for the day. The facilities were quite stinky and dirty, so when our son said he had to 'tinkle', we informed him to 'just go in the water'. He looked at us, shocked and said 'really?'. We assured him that the fish go there and at this beach he could too. You can imagine us hiding our faces as he walked into the water, about knee deep, pulled his trunks all the way down and sprayed the incoming waves! :)
Beth, I just love you!! Please let the young college lady know that I will be praying for her. I have had cancer and was diagnosed 5 years ago but have been cancer free for 4 years. I have had returning pain in my legs and I am having to go thru tests on Monday to see if it has returned. My oncologist doesn't think so, but I am having to trust God with all I have. I feel for this young lady!!
This is hard to just mention one but I understand if we didn't you would be forever reading our comments! By the way, God had me praying rest for you this morning.
Something Profound.
My son David was seven at the time and had just gotten saved. Well, he apparantly had been witnessing to his little brother of four and told him that Jesus would be coming out of the clouds one day to take his children home and if he didn't get saved he was going to hell. (kids are honest) and he was rather blunt. One day we were driving home and my little 4 year old kept looking out the window toward the sky, I said, Jason, what are you looking at? He said, David told me Jesus was coming down from the clouds and I was looking for Jesus and momma, I don't want to go to hell. I was amazed, it was at that time I had learned what David had said to his little brother. Needless to say, after many conversations and a few years later, Jason gave his heart to the Lord. David also, at two years of age, would lay hands on Jason when he was sick and pray over his brother. I can see him doing it like it was yesterday. My sons are 18 and 16 but still a blast to be around.
My grandson having heard the Christmas story ask his Mom, was Mary really that big that there was no room for at the INN.!!!
HE IS 10, and has a love for GOD and his Word. What a blessing to have your grandchildern love the LORD.
Beth you have many wonderful blessing ahead of you.
Hi Beth, I'm praying for God to prop you up in this time, He is so faithful. Here's my little funny... My cute, bold five year old gave the best response I've ever heard to the question, "Derek, what do you want to be when you grow up?" He looked at me and with a puzzled look said, "Mom, a grown-up!" (Almost like, duh, mom, silly question!! Isn't he precious! Kim B in PA
One night we invited a couple and their children for dinner. It was the first time their children had been to our home. Their middle child, a boy, was one of those kids who noticed everything but he especially noticed everything about girls and women. Soon after their arrival, I realized he had been earnestly studying me for a few minutes. About that time he turned to his mother and asked, "Why don't you have a mustache like hers?"
I hit send too soon- one other from precious Derek (5 years old), in the car he gets a little loud and my mom suggested he use his "inside voice" in the car. He thought hard for a moment and said, "I didn't get one of those!" I just love his little face! Blessings of love and laughter, Kim B in PA
This past Christmas, I was reading the story of Jesus' birth to my 3 year old daughter from a toddler's bible. I got to the part where the angels appeared to the shepherds and told them "...you will find the baby Jesus lying in a manger."
Caroline put her hand on the page, looked up at me with big eyes and gasped, "OH MAMA! He shouldn't have been telling lies in that manger."
When Noah, my oldest, was about 6 years old, he was sitting quietly with us in church and wrote on the bulletin, "I am NOT God." Then he wrote, "God is up. I thought that was great and described our GREAT God, as well.
Also a couple of weeks ago, we were driving through Raton Pass before breakfast, my daughter Kylie became car sick. Fortunately, we had those handy blue hospital bags. My son Tabor, always the encourager, said in a very cheerful voice, "Kylie, your sick is so colorful!" We laughed our heads off!
'Hope you all do too!
Love you much,
Holly
One day we were explaining to our nephew that Jesus would be taking his grandma's deceased body up to heaven. He just looked at us bewildered and asked "Isn't He going to take her head too?" So innocent they are! Also one day our 3 yr old son looked at my husbands slightly unshaven face and said (of course in front of others) "ewwww, what are all those bugs on your face, daddy?" We still remind him of that to this day and he is now 20.
I was putting my 3 year old daughter to bed when she requested "da blud, da blud!" I could not figure out what she was asking me. Later on in the night I asked my husband if he knew what "da blud" meant- to which he replied- Oh yeah, she wants to hear the song Nothing But the Blood of Jesus! Little did I know that my husband had been singing praise and worship at bedtime with her!
One day our whole family, (excluding mom), was taking turns stepping on the scale for a weigh-in. The kids were all having fun comparing their individual weights when dad stepped on the scale. My dear son glanced at the digital print-out and announced "Dad, you weigh all the numbers!!" We've laughed hard over that one ever since!!! From the mouth of babes as it were!!
When my 14yr old was little she would always come and get in our bed when it stormed during the night. One day she was riding with her grandmother and they were talking about her getting in our bed. Her grandmother told her she didn't have to be scared because "Jesus is always with you and will protect you". My daughter thought about this for a long while and finally said..........."Well me and Jesus are going to get in mommy and daddy's bed!". Needless to say her grandmother almost wrecked!!
Sweet Beth,
So sorry to hear about your friend. She will definitely be lifted in prayer.
The last several days we have been sadden by the loss of my husband's uncle. He passed away on Sunday. On Tuesday evening we took Aaron my son who is only 6 years old with us to the wake. This was his first. While driving to the funeral home he asked "If he could pay the money to say good bye to his great uncle". Confused by his question I ask him what he meant. His response back to me " Grand dad said I should go to pay my respect".
Please lift our family in prayer during this very sad time.
Aaron did well, but cried when he seen his great uncle lying there and realized he would not see him again.
Blessings and peace,
your Sista in Christ
Debby Ann
Town of Concord University
We moved from Florida to Illinois about two years ago. One night during bedtime/prayer time, I asked my 3 year old where does Jesus live. He looked at me pensively, and replied... FLORIDA??? I got tickled...
Oh Beth, my friend Lisa (hisfivefooter) and I could just feel your spiritual attack yesterday and we went into the throne room of God on your behalf and prayed like mad! We love you so!!!! XO from Angela in Seattle.
STORY:
One night when my middle son (we call him "RED") was about 6 or 7 yrs old we were saying our evening prayers and he stopped and said umm...excuse me mommy I have a fession to make, and I said, what is it Red and he said, now mom I won't get in as much trouble if I just tell you right out, you always say "always tell the truth" and I said that's right honey, he said well, I've been praying to die and of course I gasped and my mommy mind was racing off all over the place, good Lord I said, why in the world would you be praying something like that?? He said in his most precious and serious voice, mommy I just love Jesus so much sometimes I feel like I wanna die so I can go be with him. Well, needless to say I started bawling my eyes out, he took one look at me and said see, I knew this wasn't gonna turn out good!!! I LOL and just loved him up. What a lesson that was for me on how our Father desires each of us to come to Him like a little child!!
My middle son who is now almost 13yr old is our comedian and it's hard to narrow it down to one incident. When he was 5 yr old (I think--maybe older)we were at church and he got very restless. So his dad, after the usual leg pinching and all, told him he was getting a spanking when we got home. Well that settled him right down. After church the drive home was quiet especially Jesse who usually talked nonstop. We all went in the house, changed our clothes and several minutes went by. Suddenly Jesse approaches his dad and in a sing-song voice tells his dad... "Oh dad (pause) I think you forgot something". We all busted out laughing and needless to say he didn't get the spanking.
Beth,
One of my daughters (who is now 26) used to come up with the most unique statements:
Mommy, are my lips blue?... Good, because I didn't want to be cold.
It's hard to skip with roller skates on!
What good is an umbrella if it pinches you!!!!
Still brings joy to my heart. You are going to have fun with this one. Love, Su from CO
My daughter, Rebekah, was born with a heart defect that we knew one day would require surgery.
When she was about 3 years old, she had to have an echocardiogram. This takes a rather clear picture of the heart and the chambers.
We had always told our daughter that Jesus lived in her heart because He loved her so much and because she loved him.
When the echo was completed, the cardiologist asked Rebekah if she would like to have a picture of her heart. Of course she did! When the doctor handed her the picture, she just stared at it. When we asked her what was wrong, she said, "Where's Jesus? Why didn't He want His picture taken?"
Explain that!
I have three little girls. One who's almost 5, one who's a little over 3 and one who is 10 months old. The grandparents brought my older two to the hospital the day when my youngest was born. When they saw her for the first time through the nursery window, my middle said, "I love her." My oldest turned to my mother and said, "Look, CiCi, she's panting like a puppy." Does it get anymore precious than that, I ask you?
My little one is five and her name is Mary Grace. Everyone always tells me that her name is very decieving...because whatever is on her mind comes out of her mouth, no matter what it is. She is brutally honest. She told a lady at Walmart one time that she must be getting really old because her skin was sagging. I wanted to die!
just for laughs...my 3 year old drew a few pictures the other day and put them by the door. She didn't tell me why she put them there so I didn't move them. She woke up the next morning and was disheartened to find the pictures still sitting by the door. She told me she drew the pictures for Jesus, but He didn't take them. The next night she left them there again...she said if Jesus didn't want them then she was leaving them for Santa. Guess she figured since he took all the cookies he would probably take her pictures, too. We've got some work to do in our house! :) Ashley, Nashville.
One afternoon my almost 6 year old son started to to poke at my belly(I'm a size 8) and commented that he thought I drank to much Cherry Coke. Without missing a beat, he then proceeded to ask me how old I was(33). Upon hearing my answer his reply was "Wow, Mom that's really old!" Nothing like getting all the uncomfortable stuff out of the way at one time. At least I'm laughing about it.
Hi Beth - I'm glad the blog brightened your day. I have two stories for you. First the OB app't...I was 8 months pregnant with my 4th child. I had an app't with the doc and ended up having to bring my boys with me. I thought it was going to be a quick visit. That was my first mistake! The doc decided he needed to do a quick vaginal check. (Please note my boys were 2 and 5 at the time). I'm sitting partially naked on the table only covered with a small paper blanket. Just as the doc walked in my youngest pulled the paper off of me and said, "Mama, where did your big underwear go!" The doc just about commented when I gave him my 'mother look' and said, "if you are a wise man you won't comment." He smiled and hugged me instead.
The other quick story is known as (pardon the freshness of this) Testicle Tales. We are ranchers and my son had been "ranching" for the day with his daddy. He experienced the many activites which are done to the cattle on these days (I won't go into detail). He decided his mama was missing the fun, picked up the removed body part from the bull calf and put it in his pocket! He pulled it out at the restaurant and set it on the table. My husband's eyes about came out of his sockets. He said, "Why did you bring that?" Quietly my 5 year old answered, "I thought mama would like to have it...." I love my boys....
i certainly wouldn't say this is profound & it's definitely a "ya had to be there" moment, but i'm telling it anyway . . . one Christmas morning, my oldest niece (13 at the time) went in to wake up her younger sister (4 at the time). as soon as she touched her & called her name, the little one sat right up in bed, & i do mean she sat RIGHT UP, & said (with great shock at her own wisdom), "how did i know it was Christmas?!". like i said, ya had to be there (or at least have caught it on video). those nieces are 20 & 11 now & have a 5 year old sister, but "how did i know . . ." is still a common phrase in our family.
Okay, so I don't have kids yet, but I have been teaching for a lot of years, so I have to mention this:-)
I was teaching my old preschool class of 4-5yrs olds about something, and I asked if anyone had any questions.
Little 4yr old Danny(who is now 10yrs), raised his hand, and I called on him.
" Yes, Danny what is your question?"
and he replied with such seriousness,
" Miss Angie, Who let the dogs out?"
I turned away because I was in laughter shock.
For those of you who aren't young enough lol, that is a song, " Who let the dogs out" :-)
Be Blessed:-)
I'll share!
My son was about 3 or 4 at the time. It was Thanksgiving and we were going to service at Church. He had never come into service with me as I had always left him in the daycare there.
Well, to my surprise, there was no daycare that day. So I prepared him to sit with me, digging through my bag for things to entertain him. I leaned over to him and whispered: "Were in God's house, remember, we need to whisper, OK?" and he smiled and nodded and continued coloring with the pad and pencil.
Service started and pastor, a deacon and some of the male choir members were singing up on the alter. As I was listening to the singing, I felt a tug at my side and leaned over to listen to what my son had to say.
And what was his question? "Which one is God?"
My oldest daugher had just lost a tooth and was so excited that the tooth fairy had left her a dollar. My youngest, then in pre-school, seeing her excitement over a dollar decided to test each tooth to see if she would lose one soon. To her dismay not one tooth was loose, so she got creative. We were dressing for school the next morning and Jess came in with a grin on her face and her hands hidden behind her back. I could tell that she had been up to something and about that time she turned her head to reveal that she had cut her hair straight back right above her ear. Not just one side, but both. I asked her "What have you done?" I was trying not to cry, because it took her along time to grow the hair that she had! In one hand she had a hand full of hair and in the other a pair of scissors. She said that since the tooth fairy couldn't come to see her and leave her a dollar that she wanted the hair fairy to come. At that point, all I could do was laugh and give her a hug. She had given herself the best mullet cut you have ever seen. The hair fairy came that night, but I told her that it was a once in a life time visit and hid the scissors!!
How's this for profound...my 4 year old asked me the other day, "Do make believe people think we're make believe?" It took a minute to register how deep that question really is!!
Dear Beth,
My son was 3 years old and we had a new cat. It was close to Christmas and John had been learning about Christ's birth in Sunday School, Preschool and talking about it a lot at home. I said, "I wonder if the cat is pregnant, she looks like she is getting big." To that my son exclaimed, "I hope not, she'll have to ride a donkey and have a baby." Aren't children precious?
Love you Sistas,
Laura
I scrapbook a lot and on one particular day, I was interviewing my 6 year old daughter to include her comments about me on a layout. I started asking questions to her about me. Her answers were both funny and profound.
me: How tall am I?
her: 13 inches high!!!! Is that how big you are, Mama?
me: How much time do I spend on the phone?
her: 180 years to spend on the phone.
me: Am I a better driver than daddy?
her: Yes, because Daddy gets all crazy in the garage and you just go straight.
Now for the more profound ones. Especially number 2 below:
me: Is it hard to be a mom? Why?
her: Yes. Making your children happy again.
me: How do you learn to be a mama?
her: Copy what your mama does when you are older.
WOW!!!! Oh yes, sisters, we are being watched with eyes that will remember. It makes me pray even more that my actions and my words portray the love of Christ to my babies!!!
I currently have a 16 yr old son and a 13 yr old daughter. The two of them are such a hoot and I have enjoyed every stage of life with them.
One of the many times when we were disciplining our son who is the poster child for the strong will child, our sweet and not so innocent little girl goes up to him with her four fingers up to represent how old she is and her other hand on her hip and says," I am four years old. I understand these things, why don't you?"
You can only imagine what the parents did. We quickly exited the room and laughed until we cried.
I've got a story about something my younger sister said. It was August of 93, so in the HEAT of summer here in Oklahoma and she was practically standing on her head as she helped me with a school project. My 2 year old sister walked into the room and asked mom for some pudding. Mom replied, "Not now Kimberlie, I'm about to croak." After a few seconds Kimberlie replied, "Well, after you croak can you get me some pudding?"
I still laugh over that one.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES ~
Proverbs 1:8-9
Our son Michael was in 1st grade and the teacher had just read a story about a little girl with Pig tails. The teacher called on Michael to draw a picture, on the chalkboard, of the little girl.
( visual ) So, Michael the ever obedient student began drawing a little girl and at the place where her bottom is, he began drawing a pigs tail. ( can you visualize it) Well, the entire class began to giggle and Michael didn't understand. The teacher thought he was being funny and then realized that Michael was sincere in his diagram of the little girl with a pigs tail. As a mother of a household of males, I had forgotten the teachings of pigtails for my sons education. The teacher begged me to let her send the story ordeal into a magazine. Ofcourse, Michael to this day has not forgotten the instruction and wisdom of knowing about girls and their HAIR styles. :)
Michael is now 18 and the young woman appreciate the way he notices their hair !!!
Proverbs 1:8
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina ~ Exeter, CA.
Beth, I love the way you never try to act like you've "got it all together." Sometimes we see our giants of the faith as everything but flesh and blood.....Beth Moore overwhelmed?!? No way. Not Beth Moore.....Thanks for keeping it real.
Love you bunches!!!
As I washed the dishes one day this week I heard much wailing coming from our basement. The kind of wails you don't ignore. I came to investigate and found my 2 year old son crying at the bottom of the stairs. My almost 4 year old son jumped around and excitedly told me Brother sat in a box at the top of the basement stairs and then he had pushed Brother and Box down the stairs. Brother "FLIPPED OVER IN THE AIR!" Then he hit the landing and rolled down the final 2 steps. "But he didn't cry until he hit the bottom, momma." I asked why he did it. "Scooby Doo and Shaggy do it." Needless to say Scooby has joined the list of banned videos for our house.
Don't worry, Brother survived this incident without a scratch or goose egg on him.
Stephanie in Rhode Island
When my dad was ill and dying in the hospital my oldest daughter brought her son to say "Goodbye" to Grandpa. He came in all bounding with energy and took one look at my dad and told everyone that "Papa was sick and that he was sleeping" He then picked up the old fashioned tv remote and held it to his ear and pretended it was a phone. He would occasionally look over at dad and then go back to talking/listening to the tv on his phone. When it was time for my grandson to leave, my daughter picked him up, he blew a kiss to my dad and said "Bye Bye Papa I love you". My dad passed away just an hour later. Of that whole situation, that is the sweetest memory I have and will carry with me always.
qrrtfOne day in a women's public restroom, my three year old son asked what that was on the wall (where feminine products are sold.) I told him it was a vending machine. He then bent down and asked where the coke came out. It was the funniest thing, but I could not laugh or it would have created even more questions.
My daughter being true to her pre-teen, 12 yr. old status, decided one day to protest my request that she brush her hair by making a huffing noise, as she passed by (on her way mind you to brush her hair). Being a Mom who is new to handling the preteen/teen attitude I came up out of my chair imitating her huffing noise, I said, “Huh, what does Huh mean?” To which my 8-year-old son responded, “Huh, means Mom is always right.” At which point I rolled on the floor laughing uncontrollably. For my son, the choice between getting a laugh and the equally pleasurable scene of his sister getting in trouble, getting a laugh won out. We still joke about “Huh” meaning Mom is always right!
When my daughter, age 9 was baptized, my 7 year old son watched with interest. A few weeks later his sister was being grumpy and mean toward him. After she grabbed her game from him that she had been letting him play, he looked at me and declared: "That holy water that they dunked her in obviously did not work!". My son has since been baptized and he understands that the water doesn't change us, but having Jesus in our hearts does. And that Jesus loves us even when we're grumpy.
I have three children two girls and a boy. My middle child, Joslyn, keeps us laughing. One night we were driving home from church. As she was staring out the van window, a panic strickened voice exclaims, "Mommy, look the moon is broked, it looks like a toenail, but maybe the birds will fix it." I thought that was the cutest thing. She was just three. I can understand the "broked toenail moon" but were do the birds come in?
O Dear Beth - the combination of being able to give a response that would brighten your day and brag about our sweeties is just too much to pass up - especially as they are grown and this empty nest Mom misses them like crazy. Where to start... Our daughter was always very proper while big brother got himself in trouble fairly often. More than once she would come to us, cork screw curls bobbing and say smugly, "Nathan, he be's mean to me!" (We use that expression now to each other when we feel like someone has mistreated us) When we told our son about a loved one who had left her marriage he said wonderingly, "But she promised...."
I'm so grateful God helps us grow along with our children. So many times it seems like our relationships with them give us insight into how God feels about us.
Becky in Ohio
I had picked our son Jad up from kindergarten one day. At that age he spoke with a lisp, so you'll have talk like that if you use this. When he got in the car he said "Mama, Miss Kitty thinks my name is Jad Sgroup". I said, "Jad Sgroup"? "Yes", he said. "she says, ok it's time for Jad Sgroup to read. And she said it's time for Jad Sgroup to get water". "You need to tell her my name is Jad Dowdy"!
Then I realized his teacher, Miss Kitty, was saying "Jad's group"!
When my first son was about four years old we were playing chase in the yard. He was running behind me and asked me why my butt was bouncing. It never occurred to me that it was flabby enough to bounce. Also, when my sweet, quiet daughter was three years old, she looked at my husband while we were eating dinner and she asked him why he had fur. He just had hairy arms. We've never forgotten that one! She's ten now and we still tease her about it.
My son, 7 yrs.old, heard a commercial one night about taking a trip to paradise. Not knowing the word, he asked me, what and where, is paradise. So I told him that a lot of people consider paradise to be a favorite vacation spot.--Somewhere that is just the best place they could possibly imagine being. He paused for just a moment and then said, Mom, our home is paradise to me. What a gift from GOD to hear those sweet words from my boy! Esp. when sometimes, I get so tired of the mess and the work of caring for our home, and yes, caring for my 3 children too. Thank GOD for teaching me, through my precious little ones, about what is really important, and that what I am doing IS impacting my children every day.
At church on Wednesday night, my precious seven-year old boy looked at our pastor and said "Did you know there are five really bad words?". My heart begins to pound. I look at my pastor, who is trying not to laugh, but I'm sure he is just wondering what that precious little mouth is about to utter. My thoughts in that split second are "Where would he have heard such words?". He promptly says "They are mean, dummy, liar, stupid and bad". Whew!
Shawnna in Missouri
This one is from 17 years ago, when my oldest nephew, Ryan, was 3 years old. We were at a family gathering, and were making a video tape that we were going to send to my sister, Amy, who was living in Boston at that point in time.
Well, Ryan just cracked us up when he looked straight into that video camera lens, and said, "Mamie(for Amy), ARE YOU IN THERE ??? (as in inside the video camera) =)
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
P.s. I've been praying and praying for "our missing sister"...
Last summer my two boys were outside playing in their fort with the neighbor kids on a very hot day. I decided to take them out some popsicles to cool them off. My youngest told the kids, "See, I told you she's our servant." Lord, help their wives someday!
My youngest was asked to pray at the end of her first grade chapel at her school and after praying a very sincere and eloquant prayer (no bias here), she ended by adding "And Lord, please help my family stop sinning. Amen." Her dad is one of the pastors at our church so of course we had so many giggling people come up to us afterwards to see how embarrassed we were. I had to laugh and say that her prayer was actually a very appropriate one!
My THIRD CHILD (read: blamed for everything) had noticed a bullet hole in my sister's plate glass window in her den. Buster said, "What's THAT?" My sister said, "Somebody shot a gun at our house!" Buster held his hands out and said, "We were out of town yesterday!" He was making sure he didn't get blamed for that one!
We have always tried to call the body parts by their correct name...not hard with the boys, but when our princess came along we settled into calling her stuff, her "private area." When she was about two and a half, I was washing her n the tub and I referred to that part of her and she started to laugh and said "Mommy, you're funny, PIRATE ARRRRH!!!" I completly cracked up and of course it is no longer her "private area" but just plain and simple her "pirate." Yes, we did exactly what we wanted to prevent but it will only be a matter of time!
Before I get into a funny story about a young'un - sometimes your blog comes up with some kind of oriental characters - its very odd - any one else notice it??
OK- the story - I cared for children in a group home for a few years. One Christmas as we sang Christmas carols- the littlest boy - Andrew -4 at the time requested the song "where God rescues Mary" - we racked our brains singing different songs in the book until at last he said that's the one! The song? - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen!
Today I was talking to my 3-yr-old son about the example he was setting for his younger brother.
My 5-yr-old daughter, listening, said, "We're all teaching somebody something, aren't we Mom?"
HOW TRUE!!!
Chris from Canada
Beth,
How wonderful to hear the Lord used us to brighten your day. The shoe is on the other foot for a change. You have brightened our day for years.
I will start thinking of some memorable moments to share.
Dear one, God is the lifter of our head when life gets hard. Praise Him for His sustaining grace and peace. In the storms of life what a comfort to know our Father holds us in the palm of His hand.
Shoulder-to-shoulder your Sistas will be praying for you and the concerns you mentioned.
We love you, dear friend.
Your Cheerleader
(Hebrews 10:24)
Bless you, sweet Beth, for sharing your heart. Life is HARD...but God is so GOOD! all the time!!
I have 2 precious sons who keep us laughing, but when I read your post I thought of my friend's 4 yr old son who had heard his mom teach his older sisters out of Pilgrim's Progress. She didn't think he'd understood or even listened to any of it. Later that afternoon he comes walking through the living room with a bookbag on. She asked him what it is for. He replied "It's my burden and I'm taking it to God." Out of the mouths of babes, huh? Be blessed today, sweet Beth! Love, mariel
We learn lots at our house about God the creator since Mommy is a science teacher. One day, my then 3-yr-old was afraid of an approaching thunderstorm. I said, "don't worry, God'll take care of us". She looked at me very seriously and said, "who is Godall?". Another day, I mentioned that there are 8 other planets (this was before Pluto was booted). She said, "I thought there were 9". I told her that she was correct: we are on one and there are 8 others. She just smiled and nodded knowingly, "the others are just for decoration!"
Our 2 year old, Gracie, already seems to have a heart for wonder, beauty, delight and adventure. Recently, I overheard her say something priceless. As she scaled a climbing aparatus at the local park (probobly designed for the "bigger kids") I overheard her saying "Daddy's got you, Daddy's got you, Daddy's got you" as she climbed. Even though her Daddy was not there at the time, just saying those words boosted her confidence and courage to climb. Oh for faith like a child!! Our Abba IS there- how much more should the security and reality of His grip on us propell us to climb to new heights with Him! Psalm 18: 29
I've got two short ones:
My daughter, then age 3, praying at night. I was about 8 months pregnant with my 3rd child at the time: "Dear God, Thank you for the handsome guy named Daddy and the big lady named Mommy."
And my then 5 year old, at about the same time, after watching me pull our dog out from under the bed:
"Mom, I know it's not polite to say someone has a fat bottom, but it is okay to say someone has a big bottom?"
Hi Beth,
Love your Blog sight. What an encouragement. My Baby is a non stop talker. My favorite phase that she came up with for Chicken Pot Pie is this. "Pee Pot Pie" I Think she got the phase mixed up because her grandma calls her, "My little Pee Pot". When grandma came to visit and we made Chicken pot pie, Lindsay got it hilariously mixed up.
Thanks for Being a Woman of God. Keep up the great work. We need a Godly role model. Thank You.
Kim
I have a 4 and 1/2 year old and a 2 year old daughter. My husband and I constantly tell them episodes from the Bible. So one time when we were getting dressed to go out, the older one wanted to wear a particular outfit that I thought would not be appropriate for the event. When told so, she was upset and insisted on wearing her choice. I got the clothes I thought was appropriate looked at her and said, "do you know what the Bible says..."and I was planning on telling her that children had to obey parents etc...when she did not wait for me to finish and said,"the bible says children should wear clothes at all times."
One more thing...music truly soothes my soul. One song that has blessed my heart lately is: You Raise Me Up by Selah.
I hope you will listen to it.
We were at church one Sunday and went up to take communion. The pastor stopped in front of me and said "Take, eat, the body of Christ..." When he got to my then 4 year old daughter to give her a blessing she said " I want some of that body of Christ." It was all the Pastor could do to keep from laughing outloud! Thankfully, she is now 17 and gets to partake of the "Body of Christ" on a regular basis!
Being the mother of three girls, now ages 29, 27 and 25, there are tons of stories I could tell. Picking just one is hard, but today is the middle one's birthday, so I will tell this one from her childhood. Hope this is okay to tell... When she got to the age of asking about where babies come from, I proceeded to explain things to her and when I was done, she looked up at me with her big beautiful brown eyes full of sadness for what I had endured and said "Oh mama, you and daddy had to do it three times!" After she left the room I thought I would die laughing!! All three of my girls are Godly young women and we all attended LP in Bossier last week... what a blessing! Thank you Beth for sharing your life with us! May God continue to bless you and your family!
Ok we were moving - from one state to another in the dead heat of summer - I was pregnant and had a four year old and a almost two year old to keep occupied while we unloaded the moving truck into storage...I suddenly got this idea upon spying these fold up chairs...we would play simon says - and I could have them play it while sitting - you know kill two birds with one stone so to speak...anyhow everything was going fine until my almost two year old jumped out of her chair - I called her by name and asked her to sit down and without missing a beat she turns to me with this huge grin and says "but Mommy Simon didn't say to sit in my chair"
My younger son, Cory, would NOT go to sleep at night. He would tell his brother, Ty, and my husband, and me "good night" over and over until we told him he HAD to be quiet and go to sleep. One night he went through this routine until I was getting a little exasperated, and he finally was silent. Then, after a few minutes, he asked if we knew that tomorrow was Tuesday. We said "Yes! now please go to sleep!" A few more minutes, and then "And it's Yom Kippur's birthday...whoever THAT is!" Needless to say, we all laughed until we almost fell out of our beds!
A few weeks ago my 7 year old daughter and my husband were at church. They were about to take communion and my husband explained to her what she was about to do. So when Communion was over she looked at her daddy and asked, "Daddy did we just get brain washed?" I couldn't begin to tell you where she came up with the term brain washed, however I would love to know. Unfortunately I was home sick and missed the whole thing, it's prabably for the best I know I would have fell out laughing and caused a spectacle.
The other day my parents dog passed away. We had to explain this to my 4 1/2 year old son, Ben. He wasn't understanding the concept of "dead" so my husband finally told him that "Mattie Dog" was in heaven (we figured we could later theologically straighten him out). He then asked me what heaven was like. I told him it was the best thing he could every think of. Ben then says "I know, Jesus and "Mattie" are in heaven in a really nice hotel"
When Maggie was about four, (14 years ago)...we had a morning when she was particularly cranky. She and I had been fussing at each other for some time when I decided on a more therapeutical approach. I said, "Maggie, darlin', you seem a little bit irritable this morning, is something bothering you today?" She replied, "um hmmm". Concerned, I quickly asked, "Well, honey, what is it?" She looked right at me, eye ball to eye ball and said, "You!"
my daughter is only 22 months so she really has not pulled out any shockers yet...so I will have to tell one about my niece. Bre, who is five, was watching me study my online courses. When I hit the correct button to correct a test the answers that I got wrong showed up in red. She said "Jen, is that
Jesus talking to you?" I got it immediately...Jesus' words are in red in the New Testament so she automatically thought Jesus was talking to me about my wrong answers. I laughed my head off.
Oh my little sweetie does put stuff in other peoples buggies at Walmart (we call them buggies in Alabama).
-jenny williams, pelham, al
When my youngest daughter (at the time) was finally in kindergarten I began subbing up her school. Knowing I was working in the office this particular day the P.E. teacher brought sweet little Cassidy (5 at the time) straight to me when she threw up in gym class. She bopped spryly across the office with a silly grin on her face. I quietly got eye level with her and said "Sweetheart are you sick?" She matter of factly said "Well, what happened was that Marissa and Nicole and me were playing and Nicole sneezed and snot was coming out of her nose. Me and Marissa laughed so hard that I just threw up!" "Honey," I said "you were laughing that hard?" Cassidy grabbed my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes..."Mom, did you hear me?? SNOT WAS COMING OUT HER NOSE!!!!" She doubled over in a hearty chuckle again...as did all of us in ear-shot:)
When my son Andrew was around 3, he is almost 13 now, he and his father and I were taking a walk in the neighborhood. He was a huge fan of Disney movies from an early age,but was particularly fond of Dalmations after watching 101 Dalmations. Anyway...we passed two women on our walk in the neighborhood walking 2 Dalmation dogs...and as we passed them he said very loudly look mommy and daddy Damnations...and well we just had to laugh!! Then the women said son you said that right apparently they were not very friendly dogs and the women went on to explain they disliked childen. So as they say out of the mouths of babes...You might imagine how even to this day we laugh when we see Dalmation dogs anywhere....It always makes us smile. We need those smiles yes we do, dear precious Beth, I uplift your friend in need..I uplift the needs of the missing sister and her family and pray for her quick return..to her loved ones.
Tina :)
My younger daughter (2) was tiring quickly the other day of being bossed by her big sister (5). Let me interject that her Q's sound like K's. All of a sudden, I heard her say, "Abby, the Bible says be...kiet!" (quiet) I laughed hysterically out of earshot and then reminded them both that the Bible says to be kind!
As a ministers wife I often get phone calls from members who would like to change certain things in the church. One day a lady called and she was sharing her viewpoint on some things. As I listened to her I repeated to myself--- she is a precious member of the body of Christ--she is a precious member of the body of Christ. When I got off the phone I said aloud-"She is a precious member of the body of Christ--she must be the GALLBLADDER". Later that week, as we entered the church, one of the woman was walking in at the same time.My darling 4 yr old daughter looks at her and says "MAMA IS SHE THE LADY YOU SAID WAS THE PRECIOUS MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST---THE GALLBLADDER?
Children are like wet cement - LEAVE A GOOD IMPRESSION
my youngest son loves electronic toys but they always seem to be out of batteries. I always have to say, "I'm sorry buddy that dosen't work, it dosen't have batteries." During his potty training process he was trying to poo on the potty, and he just couldn't. "It's hard work" he would say. But one day he said "I can't mommy, it's not working, I no have batteries in my butt" I laughed so hard, he is so funny. Rebekah, Belpre,OH
I have only been a mommy for a week now! I have no incredibly funny stories...only feelings of joy! My husband and I tried to get pregnant for 2 1/2 years, and with doctors help and prayers of many, our prayers were answered...times three! We were blessed with three incredibly precious girls! I was able to carry them 35 weeks (I'm 5'9"...but just imagine how big my belly was)! During the c-section my blood pressure dropped as a reaction to the epidural...therefore causing the babies heart rates to drop. The doctor had to rush in and get them all out...I can remember the doctor saying, "Hurry this baby needs help (tears are coming to my eyes again as I remember)." All I could do was pray...beg the Lord to get these girls out...and that they be ok! I thought...God we've come all this way...please don't take them! ...and praise God...He took care of them! They were all out in less than 2 minutes and were stablized!
They are now in the NICU and doing wonderfully! We are so blessed! One should be coming home by the end of the week and the other two are right behind her! God is so good!
I went through so many moments of doubt and my faith was surely tested...but in His time...He sure answered our prayers! We joke now that we had so many people praying for us...He decided He would answer in the same volume...THREE!!
Sorry it wasn't breif...I usually try to stick to the RULES, but I am overwhelmed with JOY right now! I never knew just how much these little angels would mean to me!
Took my 4 yr. old grandson to the park to feed ducks. Got bored with that pretty quick. He made sudden movement and ducks fluttered away. He realized what happened and promptly stomped his foot to see if it would work again. Again, ducks fluttered away from him. That brought on him waving his arms in the air and jumping around. I said, "Honey, stop doing that. You will scare the ducks." He turned and looked up at me with confusion on his face, and said, "They don't have bad dreams." I was speechless.
5 years old - "Mommy, when Jesus flys down from Heaven will he wear a cape like Superman?"
PRAISE GOD FOR LAUGHTER TO LIFT OUR SOULS...
MY SECOND DAUGHTER HAD THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF COLIC...THE SWEET NEWBORN CRY 24/7.YEP, NOT A ONE MINUTE BREAK OF SILENCE FROM THE MOMENT SHE CRUISED OUT OF THE CANAL UNTIL SHE WAS 6 MOS.OLD!A PACIFIER AND CONSTANT MOVEMENT WOULD BRING ABOUT A "SLIGHTLY MUFFLED" SOUND.OF COURSE, ALL OF YOU EXPERIENCED MOMMIES KNOW THAT THE LITTLE DARLINGS CAN'T KEEP A PASSIE IN THEIR MOUTHS ON THEIR OWN AND YOU CAN'T KEEP YOUR HALF-DEAD,SLEEP-DEPRIVED BODY MOVING CONSTANTLY, SO...LIVING IN A VIBRATING BOUNCY SEAT WITH A ROLLED UP CLOTH DIAPER WRAPPED AROUND HER NECK RIGHT UNDER HER CHIN (NOT TOO TIGHT)KEEPING THE PASSIE PROPPED IN HER MOUTH, LOOKING LIKE A NECK BRACE FOR A CAR WRECK VICTIM AND A NICE PIECE OF DUCT TAPE IN THE BACK TO KEEP IT IN PLACE.YESSIRREE, SHE WAS A BEAUTY!STILL IS!
This is just the latest of many of what I like to call--Jonathanisms...
At one of Jonathan's soccer games a few weeks ago, there was a lady walking around with a parasol to keep the sun away. This was a traditional parasol with the wooden spokes and everything. When the lady passed by, Jonathan said, "Wow, that must have been a REALLY BIG margarita!!"
Our 2 year old, Gracie, already seems to have a heart for wonder, beauty, delight and adventure. Recently, I overheard her say something priceless. As she scaled a climbing aparatus at the local park (probobly designed for the "bigger kids") I overheard her saying "Daddy's got you, Daddy's got you, Daddy's got you" as she climbed. Even though her Daddy was not there at the time, just saying those words boosted her confidence and courage to climb. Oh for faith like a child!!
Let me say how that just blessed my heart!! Made me tear up, even! What a good lesson for us women, as we find ourselves in situations "too big for us" - we aren't alone. Daddy's got you.
Beth, I'm praying for you. Daddy's got you.
My little story was just from today. When I wake my children I go in with something along the lines of "Rise and Shine!" Or, "Wakey Wakey Meg and Jakey!" Today, my 3 year old was ill and feverish and we layed down together on the couch and drifted off for a nap. I woke to his sweet little hands rubbing my face and hair and him whispering, "Wake Shiney Momma!"
Children are SUCH a gift from God.
These stories have blessed me so much, what a wonderful way to end my day!
It was "Hero Day" at my 4 year old's preschool, a day to celebrate Dads. The fill in the blank poster on the wall said:
*His name is -Tony
*He is good at-Helping my big sister get out of car wrecks.
(Needless to say her big sister was thrilled that her recent wreck was on the wall at preschool)
*This is what he does at home: All the laundry and cooking
(Needless to say I was embarrassed-I am a stay at home mom...eating bon bons on the couch)
*How old is your hero? 100 years old (We all thought that was funny...except her daddy...)
What a joy she is and the youngest "light of my life" in our family.
Precious Beth-Please, oh please, take care of yourself and rest!
The other night my 5 yr old daughter woke up and sat up in bed and my husband said I love you honey and she flopped back down saying in her most "do I have to?" voice yesss sir... we both just laughed!
The same 5 yr old and her 3 yr old sister were arguing about something and I heard my 3 yr old say I talking to God and He said yes!
I laughed so hard at everyone else's comments!! Children are too funny!
I was stopped one day by a police officer, saying he was giving me a ticket for making an improper right turn at a stop sign. My daughter who was still young enough to be in a carseat in the back behind me , reassured me with " It be all right momma ! " She knew her mommy was unnerved and unhappy by being stopped and she so she repeated this a few times. My daughter, now 21 , outmatured me by the age of 16 ! NOT kidding ! Two weeks ago when home from college on Spring Break , I was stopped by a policeman and was ticketed for speeding while she was with me. THIS time she was in the front seat , handing me the information I needed to hand to the police officer ( proof of registration and insurance )and she again smiled and said to me " It be alright mommy ! "
Love you Beth ! ( And praying for the missing young lady. )
When my daughter, Sarah, was in kindergarten two years ago, she was getting ready for school. SHE IS SLOWER THAN MOLLASSAS IN JANUARY at getting ready in the morning. So, I kept telling her to "hurry up! What is taking so stinkin' long?" Her response was I can't get these "blank" tights on." I know I shouldn't laugh, but I just about fell on the floor laughing my brains out!
I was reading Bible stories to my three year old son, Boaz, a few years back. As soon as I was done reading he protested and said, "More Jesus, Mommy! More Jesus!"
Looking at a picture of Jesus wrapped in cloth after His death, two year old Boaz very soberly remarked, "Jesus died on the cross and He got a BIG band aid on."
Four year old Noah, "Mom, does God live in Jesus' neighborhood?"
Five year old Boaz: "Mom, when I get to heaven can I ask God a question? Can I ask Him if everyone else in heaven can go on a walk and then I can talk to Jesus - just me and Jesus?"
During Easter week a couple years ago I read the children what Jesus did each day of the that week. When I read about Pilate, four year old Noah looked up excitedly and asked, "He was a pirate?!" "No, honey, PILATE." He looked stunned and asked in awe, "He flew a plane?"
And, one more from five year old Noah, "Satan isn't very powerful. He's like a cornflake compared to God."
--Beth, thanks for letting me slip down memory lane and pull out my "Family Quote Book." Blessings to you -- and all our Sisters and their Loved Ones...
Well, my son (at around 3 years old) saw a picture of the Cross that had the purple robe and the crown of thorns around it.
He said ( in such despair and concern,), " OH no mom.. Jesus forgot all his stuff on the cross!"
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Another time, we were in a Christian bookstore that had "footprints" along the carpet to follow around the store.
My son, 3 at the time, said in complete disbelief, " Mom, you will not believe this.. He pointed to the footprints and said, "JESUS was here!"
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Same son, age 2.5 on an airplane that was experiencing serious turbulence ( however you spell it). Several people were gasping and concern was filling the air. Even "mommy" was frightened.
The 2 year old declared (LOUDLY and BOLDY) to the whole plane with his hands in the air (like "okay everyone), " It's okay folks.. Jesus is here!"
Everyone cracked up laughing. And we landed safely!!!
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And well, this was the most profound and I believe was just God speaking through my son- it was a time that I was struggling INTENSELY in spriitual battles with a bondage of my own. He was only 5 years old and had no clue what mommy was enduring spiritually.
Then, out of the blue, he looked up at me at the dinner table and these were his exact words, " Mom, would you rather fight in the battle or just stay stuck in the mud???"
You can not tell me that wasn't a Holy Spirit inspired sentence. A five year old can't come up with such things!
* for what it's worth, his daddy is a pastor and I think he inherited his daddy's faith genes!*
okay, so this is my second comment but this is the most precious story I have..
My oldest son is autistic. He is 12 years old and is for the most part non verbal. Although he loves to have the bible read to him and LOVES to watch Bible man movies.
I had a tough day (ministry issues and dealing with chronic Lyme's disease). I had my head down on my desk and was crying quietly.
I prayed and said, " Lord, please speak to me today. Give me some hope."
My son (with autism), within minutes came over, tapped me on the shoulder. I looked up at him and he sat down right in front of me ( eye to eye- if you know much about autism, eye contact is nearly miraculous).
My son did not speak to me. But he sat there, looked at my weepy eyes and sang " Jesus loves me" from start to finish.
I have never had such a spiritual, tangible moment with my Lord like that.
He sent my child, that could not speak, to sing and remind me, " Jesus does love me.. THIS I KNOW!"
I can not even think of that story without crying.
He may not know the alphabet, or how to write his own name, and he may be in diapers at 12 years old, BUT my son knows the most important of all things- "Jesus loves me.."
And he ministered to his mommy that day with those words.
okay, did you say ONLY one story? I promise this will be my last but I forgot such a good one.
My 4 year old is fascinated with heaven..
He said to me, " Mom will there be cars in heaven?"
Me: " well buddy, I don't know but there will be streets there and they are made of gold."
Him: "what? how do you know that?"
Me: " the bible tells us that."
Him, " Man.. I've got to read that book more often."
HA HA!
One day I was watching the video for Beloved Disciple at home because I missed our meeting that week. My then 5 year old walked through and saw you, Beth, talking. He stopped and said, "Wow, she's so good she should be a preacher!" A few minutes later he walked in and saw the crowd of people listening to you speak. He raised his voice and said, "See I TOLD YOU she should be a preacher! She IS a preacher!!"
Angie Lechner
Mozambique
Africa
I already commented but I remembered another. Last year our family took a four day car trip and I was going to miss my Bible study that week. I had loaded the DVD session for that week onto our ipod so I could listen in the car. When it came on, my then 11 year old asked in an excited voice, "Are you going to listen to Beth Moore now?"
"Yes," I said, thrilled that he was excited about hearing Bible teaching.
"Good", he continued, " I need a nap!"
The nerve of that boy! :-)
Angie Lechner
When my daughter was 3, she happened to see me naked about to get into the bathtub and she asked me..."Mommy, why does your stomach have two parts?"
Ya'll know what I mean...the top layer, the indention in the middle and then the bottom part.
She has been blessed with a completely long and flat stomach, so she just didn't understand why mine wasn't either!
Just one story??! I have 5 kids!;) When my oldest was about 3, she had done something in my bedroom and I yelled at her rather harshly. A few minutes later, I said I was sorry for losing my temper. Over the next few days I kept finding her in my room. She would be looking under the bed, the dressers, the end tables, even the closet. I finaly asked her what are you looking for?" She answered: "Your temper, you said you lost it."
I assured her she would find it again! All these years later, still cracks us up!
Love, Maryellen
I took my boys, Andrew was 4 at the time and Nathan was 3, across the street to my neighbor's house to visit. Ruth was an older lady who was eccentric but very good to us. She and I were talking while the boys were watching TV when Nathan jumped up and started screaming, "Monster, Mommy, monster!" I assured him there was no monster on TV and he settled down. After two more times of this, I finally asked Nathan where the monster was and he pointed to Andrew. When I asked Andrew what he was doing, he opened up his mouth and gave me a HUGE grin. To my complete horror I saw that he had put Ruth's top dentures in his mouth and it looked like he had great big horse teeth!
I gasped and was rooted in place but Ruth leaped off the couch, grabbed her teeth out of Andrew's mouth, took them to the bathroom and came out acting like nothing had happened. We have never spoken of the incident but she never left her teeth lying around after that!
When my daughter was around 5 and had just asked Jesus into her heart, she was pondering heaven a lot. One day in the car she asked , "Mommy, what happens if when Jesus comes to take us back to heaven if I have on flip flops and they fall off on the way up?"
Like any good girl, she was concerned about her shoes!
I have 3 children, who at the time of this story were 3, 18 months and a 1 month old. We were sitting in church and were at the point of the closing prayers. My younger two were getting restless and the 1 month was starting to fuss. In the middle of a very long winded prayer the gentleman paused. My oldest took that golden opportunity to shout (I mean shout) "Amen already!" Everyone in the balcony laughed quietly. When the prayer ended and we walked downstairs our preacher came over and smile saying "I'm pretty sure that was your kid, right?". Our children were famous for those "golden moments"
My daughter Meredith (she'll be 3 in June), didn't make it to the potty the other day. I peeled off her wet shoes and socks and pants and panties and began to clean her little legs up with a warm washcloth. She brightened up at that and said, "I'm a disciple!" "A disciple?" (I didn't get where she was going). "Yes," she said, "and you are washing my feet!"
I guess that makes me Jesus???
When I was teaching sixth graders, we were beginning a unit on myths and fables. We started with Aesop's Fables. I asked the kids if anyone could tell us who Aesop was. After a few moments of silence, I hear a small voice squeak "As soon as possible?" I had to explain that Aesop and ASAP are two very different things!
Could have fallen through the floor laughing on the inside!
First, I'm sorry if this posts twice, for some reason my computer gave me an error after I hit submit - so just delete it if this posted twice.
Anyway, my daughter, who has five at the time came storming out of her room one morning while I was watching you on Life Today. She announced, "Beth Moore woke me up." I looked at her, a little taken back because the TV wasn't that loud and I don't know how she heard it in her bedroom. I asked her how Beth Moore woke her up. She said, "I know that voice, mommy. I can see her hair in my sleep. I know Beth Moore." OK, after I finally stopped laughing I asked her, "Do you want to sit down and watch her with me." She replied, "Yes, I like her."
Hooked Up and Hung Out To Dry
Boys and girls today "hook up," that is, they pair off for an hour or more of commitment-free physical intimacy. No preexisting relationship is necessary; in fact, the very term “hooking up” refers to the fact that being physical is the foundation and sole purpose of the connection. In an article written for young women, sex columnist Anka Radakovich wrote:
Making out can get so complicated. But having a little bit of discipline will keep those hot-and-heavy sessions on your terms—and totally fun.
She goes on to explain that boys don't become as emotionally invested as the girls do when "hooking up," so girls ought to be wary. But by means of abstinence? No. Instead, Radakovich advises:
Now, all of this isn’t to say that you have to hide from boys forever. The point is that you can experience all of what’s fun about hooking up if you hook up on your terms. And the best part of all? You’ll wake up the next day with no regrets.
I read Radakovich's words in a teen magazine. This is the "wisdom" young women are receiving today—not exactly like an issue of Seventeen from my teen years! (and when sex columnists are writing for teens, why do we even wonder that our society is such a mess?) Sadly, Radakovich and everyone else who advocates consequence-free sex are embedding an illusion that will follow teen girls into adulthood and into their future relationships.
Bonds form whenever intimacy is practiced—it's just too powerful to avoid—but when practiced in a selfish context the bonds are nothing more than bondage, and whoever believes otherwise is either deceived or hardened. The bottom line is this: girls who give it up get hooked. A girl who gives her body gives her heart. Radakovich is spouting a deception—there is no way to keep those "hot and heavy sessions" on a girl's terms and "totally fun." Women just aren't wired that way.
Beth, I was sent the above from a friend who sat in a dr's office reading SEVENTEEN mag. I know you speak to many young women Beth, and you may already be familiar with all of this. Just wanted to pass it along.
Amand, there is no need for you to post this unless you feel it is necessary. It was something I though your mom would want to see as she seems to be having more and more influence over teens/young women.
Blessings for all you are doing.
Julie
A comment from my oldest son who at the time was not more than 3. My husband had to go to Miami to get his visa for a Missions trip to Albania, which had just opened up for chrisitans to enter. We decided we would go with him. That morning I told Nathan that we would be going with dad to Miami. He was so excited all day. As we were driving through and over one of the larger overpasses which allowed him to get a great view of the city, He said, 'Mom your AMI is so beautiful!!' My husband and I thought that was the cutest thing as for the rest of our trip and well beyond that he would refer to it as Mommy's AMI ( instead of MIAMI).
I was at a meeting a while ago, and a sweet little boy came with his mama since she had not been able to find child care. He kept talking and finally took her cheeks puckered in his chubby little hands, and said, "MAMA I want to see your FACE when I talk to you." She smiled, picked up her purse and took him to McDonalds for a little one on one. It was sweet.
My son (who's 15 now) was an early talker and at age 2 1/2 he would sing with me in the church pew. One day when we were singing the hymn, "Victory in Jesus," I noticed he was singing it wrong. Here's his version of the lyrics to the chorus(the real words are in parenthesis): "Oh victory in Jesus, my savior forever, he socked (sought) me and he bopped (bought) me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him, and all my love is due him. He punched (plunged) me to victory beneath the cleansing flood."
Such the typical boy, huh? Funny though, after just finishing your Daniel study, I feel like his lyrics are appropriate. I feel like I've been socked, bopped and punched. Sometimes God has to hit us on the head to get our attention and I'm so glad he does.
Richest blessings,
Rachel
My husband was teaching a class of 7 year old cub scouts. He was teaching John 3:16 and asked the boys to copy this verse down on paper. As they are writing he is explaining that Jesus is a gift from God so that we can all go to heaven. One little boy replied (in a cute little lispy voice),"I'm NOT writing that down! I don't want to go to heaven!" My husband asked why not? The little boy replied, "I DON"T WANNA DIE!"
Too funny!
While tucking my then 6yo daughter in one night she was complaining of her tummy hurting. This was her explanation "Mommy, do you remember that time I asked Jesus to come into my heart? I think He's moved to my tummy now"
A couple of years ago I was drving (as usual) my then
7 year old daughter and 4 year old son somewhere.
My son said something really smarty to me. I hear my wiser-than-she-should-be daughter proceed to "whisper" to him, "Someday mom's going to be dead, and all that will be left is me and you. You'll wish you had been nicer to her, but you won't be able to tell her because she'll be dead." Being 33 years old at the time, I began to question my mortality from a 7 year old's comment. I told my husband and he said, "Where will I be?" We chuckled long and hard over that one.
Last night, my 2 kids and I were on our way to meet my husband for dinner. We were not far down the road when my 4 year old blurts out, "Mommy, we're winning. We just passed 2 more cars." I of course slowed down.
As we walked into the restaurant, my son blurts out even louder this time, "Mommy, I've got to go potty really bad. I've got to go NUMBER 3." Who knew there was a number 3?
Beth, I have been praying for you almost constantly these days. You have been so on my heart and mind. I am praying that He'll fill you with a peace that passes all understanding.
I had just disciplined my little (probably 3 at the time) boy, when I noticed he was all smiles.
Mom: "Tim, why are you smiling?"
Tim: "Because I'm goochi."
Mom: (confused) "Goochi?"
Tim: "You know..." (he reaches up and tickles under my chin)
"Goochi, goochi, goo."
Some time later, pleased, I commented, "Tim, you're always laughing."
He replied, "I was made to laugh."
When my daughter (now 13) was three she used to sleep on me in church. One Sunday morning after the service I was getting her on her feet and she said, "Mom, I know Pastor has to talk about Manna, and Quail and stuff... but does he have to do it so loud!" Of course the Pastor was standing right there.
I know you said just one, but this is my 3rd post. I have 3 kids and I just had to give one from each of them. My daughter got into trouble one day when she was about 5-years-old and my husband told her he was going to have to spank her for what she'd done. Without missing a beat, she looked right at him and with so much sincerity said, "But daddy, I love you!" Being princess does have it's advantages!
Richest blessings!
Rachel
While my husband was a pastor, my 3-yr old daughter and I attended the visitation for an elderly man of our congregation who had just died. As we stood solemnly in the hushed atmosphere of the funeral home, my 3 yr-old sighed in a very grown-up way, "Poor Gene is dead and gone," right in front of his sisters. I could have died right there--I wanted to laugh and put her in time out all at the same time. Thankfully, Gene's sisters were not in the least offended :)
My husband and I were having a discussion with our 3 year old on the way home from Sunday night service about God and Jesus. We were trying to keep it on his level and my husband asked our son where Jesus lives. We were expecting Heaven and the answer.
Our 3 year old said, Daddy, Jesus lives in my heart...and Mommy and Daddy's.
You could have heard a pin drop in that car. It was proof to me that even a 3 year old listens more than you think they do do the services we attend.
Every time I remember this story I get goosebumps.
When my oldest was 5 1/2 he made the decision to ask Jesus into his heart! We were sooo thrilled, as you can imagine!
The next day at the lunch table a "teachable moment" arose between Jake (my 5 year old) and his younger brother Trent...I began to explain to Jake that now that Jesus lives inside of him it is Jesus who makes him strong and gives him the power to do the right thing, even when he wants to do the wrong thing. At that moment, his eyes got so big, and he raised up his arms and began flexing his little muscles and said,"yeah! look Mommy, my muscles DO look bigger today!". WOW. For me it was a beautiful reminder that like Jake, I should take Jesus' indwelling power literally...my spiritual muscles should be growing and strengthening daily!!
Mandi
Get ready. THis is a doozey. I was preparing to have some guest over to our just moved in home. My youngest son at the time was potty training. Moments before the guest were to arrive I heard something splatting like rain, only it sounded as if it was in the house. Just as I turned the corner upstairs my son was peeing off of the banister to the hardwood floor below. Ding dong the door bell rang. Talk about superwoman trying to get the pee off of the floor and wall! I couldn't help but laugh. I love the things kids do.
When my youngest daughter was 3 she was at the store with me. A child's umbrella caught her eye and she asked me to buy it for her. Knowing that I did not have the extra money to purchase it for her at that time, I told her she would need to pray about it and ask God for it. She bowed her little head right then in the cart and a moment later she told me that "God said YES" with a darling look on her face. What is a mother to do with that one?!
Blessings,
Michelle
Houston, TX
Thank you,Beth for this particular blog....God is timely (as usual).... the laughter is good medicine!
My youngest son (now 13)delighted us each evening at bedtime prayers when he would "pray" his bible lessons that he had learned during the day at school..."Thank you God for the birds and the trees and the water from the rain so they can have a good drink...and please, God, help Moses with those tablets on the mountains!" (Thank You LORD for Christian Education!)
Our 21 year old, who is now serving in the USAF--He was 3 at the time. One bright, warm, day at a stop light-we had all the windows in the car down, He leaned out the window and yelled loudly to the man next to us-"Better stop dat smokin 'cuz your lungs are gonna be black and Jesus not happy with you! (that was the LONGEST stop light ever!!) =)
Sistas: Please remember to pray for our military.
While visiting our daughter out of state, I passed by our 2 and 1/2 yr old granddaughter`s room. The sweetest little made up melody was coming from there, but as I stopped to listen I heard , " I`m in trouble ---I`m in trouble ----I`m in trouble --I`m in trouble ". As I looked in , there she was coloring on the floor with her colorbook. "Sydney, what are you doing",I asked. She just pointed to the bed cover with a couple little cut places and there by her side were her little scissors . Yep, she knew---BUT she sure sounded sweet! Thanks Beth for last weekend! Linda in MS
When my lil' sister was about 3 (she is 23 now) she kicked over one of my mom's potted plants. Their conversation went something like this:
Mom: "Honey, don't kick over mommy's plant, that isn't nice."
3 yr old: "I didn't do it Mommy, my foot did."
And the child was dead serious. She never took responsibility for anything but always blamed it on her apendages. Proud to say she is a God-fearing woman these days and one of my best friends in the entire world:)
Thanks for the work you allow Christ to do through you, Beth. God has used you in mighty ways to bless so many, me included. I thank Him for placing us in this generation together.
All my love,
Kim
I work as a part-time nanny for several families. As I was praying with a three-year-old precisous little boy before bedtime I noticed he seemed really into this prayer...talking as if Jesus was right at the foot of his bed.I asked him who he thought Jesus looked like when he was talking to him and without missing a beat he said to me," him look like Elvis because him is a King!"
My best story was when my daughter was about two ot three and she was always saying things we're "so cute" or "so pretty." So after she said it to her dad a couple of times, I tried to explain that she would say "so handsome" to men. So she picked it up pretty quickly. One day she walked in on her dad going to the bathroom and promptly said, (with a little speech impediment)"Dad yoor tail is so handsome!" I guess she thought it was a tail like a dog!! I laughed my head off.
I have a funny one from my son. When he was about 8 for some reason the subject had come up about how my husband used to dip, (and I ain't talkin' chips!) anyway, I think my husband had been telling someone about how he quit years ago and how hard it was and so on. Well, the next day or so driving down the road my son, (still shocked at this revelation), said, "Did Dad REALLY used to do that?" I said, "Yes, he did it quite a while before he got saved and once he became a new man in Christ he evaluated some of the things he was doing and realized that this was not good for him and prayed and asked God to help him quit and He did." My son said, (a little ticked I might say), "Well, I think you two CHOSE not to tell me this until now!" I said, "That's possible" He said, "Well, I don't like that..... I want to know RIGHT NOW every bad choice and every wrong decision you and dad have ever made.... no more surprises!!" I was floored and needless to say told him that would not be happening because it was not beneficial for him or us and we had already asked God's forgiveness and didn't need to ask his (my son's). It provided a wonderful opportunity for us to have a lengthy discussion about God's forgiveness. (I also added, he wouldn't want ALL his sins listed "RIGHT NOW", would he?) :)
Not having children, I just remember stories my mother told us about when we were young.
I was about 2 and my brother was an infant and allergic to EVERYTHING, so my mom could only feed him this formula they sold at Kroger. We are running late for Sunday School, and the "24-Hour" Kroger apparently closes until 8 am on Sunday mornings. We're sitting in the car waiting for the grocery store to open, my brother's screaming his head off because he's hungry, my poor mother is exhausted at the end of her rope; so my precocious 2-year-old self starts praying: "Jesus help us, Lord help us, we wish you would, amen."
I have three children so you get one from each:
When my second daugther was born, my mom brought my oldest to the hospital room shortly after the delivery. A year or so later the second one was into everything and loved to get dirty. The oldest said "Cassie is just like that - even when she was born her feet were dirty." When she first saw her sister it was right after they inked them for the birth certificate.
When my children were 9, 5, and 1 they went out to eat with a friend of ours. At the restaurant the server commented on the oldest's beautiful hair and the baby's cuteness. When he left the middle one said "Oh sure, everyone forgets the middle child." I am not sure where she heard that.
When my son was two and a half he was very interested in telling me that a person was a man or a woman. When we were in the grocery store he would point, "He's a man, she's a woman." Then in the dairy aisle we came across a cross-dresser. He looked at me and stated loudly, "I have no idea what that is." We turned and hurried to the checkout.
Dear Beth - hope your day is great.
The other night at dinner we were discussing the President and I asked my six year old daughter if she knew his name. She responded with George Washington. I corrected her by saying that he was indeed our first president but that our current president also has the name George. She quickly answered "George Clooney". We all laughed so hard my son almost had milk coming out of his nose.
Thanks for all you do - I truely enjoy our time together.
WOW! I JUST posted this on my blog TODAY!
When Gabrielle was two, we were having a bit of a difficult time getting her ready for bed. I think we had company, so for some reason, I was unable to be as fully engaged with her as I usually was. She has always been very independent and at this point, she was fully capable of getting her pajamas on by herself.
After telling her SEVERAL times to go and put her jammies on, I said firmly, "Gabrielle, if you don't go upstairs and put your pajamas on RIGHT NOW, I'm going to do it for you."
Up until that moment, she had been in a really goofy mood and almost out-of-control hyper, but when I made that statement, she stopped short, stared at me in complete silence, and then got a very quizzical look on her face. It kind of looked like, "Mom... you can't be serious. Are you FOR REAL?"
This is what she said, "MOM! My pajamas wouldn't FIT you!" Then she proceeded to laugh hysterically and go upstairs to get ready for bed.
We were visiting a new church and the pastor came over to our house for a visit. My daughter, 6, sat so close to him she was practically sitting on his lap. My son, 3, was sitting on the other side of him and began tickling him. After a few minutes of casual conversation, he began a sentence with "I want to ask you a few questions about your relationship with God." My daughter completed his thought and said, "Dad, when were you baptized?" I pray the Lord continues prompting her heart towards HIM.
We were driving to school one morning and my son, 3, was telling a story~a VERY LONG story. I was listening to the message on the radio and I guess I wasn't responding to his inquiries in the appropriate allotted time and he said, "Mom, why aren't you listening when I'm talkin' to you?"
as my four year old prepares to turn five and we prepare to officially begin the homeschooling process I told her in passing the other day she would be in "kindergarten" class...later that day we ran to the store. As we passed a display of seed packets she piped up and asked if we could get some...I told her no...then she looks at me in complete distress and asks how she is going to have anything to plant for her class, her garden kids class.
When my son Lance was just old enough to be talking, I used to call him my little "stud muffin"...
One day he said "Momma, I an egg!" I questioned him "you're an egg?" He said "Yeah, an egg muffin"! I then realized that we had probably eaten breakfast at Mcdonalds one too many times :)! He is now 7 yrs. old and he is just a plain old Stud!
Thanks for being used by God Beth!!!
I'm a stay at home mom to 4 children, and a few months ago, I reminded my government employed husband that President's day was coming up and he and the kids had the day off. He asked "You mean you don't have the day off too?" My smart 10 year old said "Dad, Mom never gets the day off. Even on vacation she just takes her work with her." Amen, son! He gets it!!!
When my youngest son was 4 years old (about 2 weeks from turning 5) he came to me at home (after a week of VBS) and informed me that he had asked Jesus to come into his heart. Of course, being the "older and more mature" believer and mother, I encouraged him and told him how excited I was about what he had learned at VBS (I just knew that this was a "phase" and he certainly was too "young"). He insisted that I follow him to his room so he could show me where he prayed. I stood there amazed as he knelt down and repeated what he had done so I would take him seriously. I loved on him and thanked God for him but spent the rest of the day as normal. That evening in my quiet time, God so gently but firmly informed me from the book of Mark to suffer not the little children to come unto Him and who was I to think that his decision wasn't real? Not only did I have to repent for not believing my son, God used this time in my life to call me into children's ministry. That following Sunday morning at church, my son kept pulling on my skirt during the invitation insisting that he had to go tell our pastor what he had done. To make a long story short, he "floated" across the baptistery a few weeks later to be baptized (while I sat there crying like a baby) and this child, 13 years old today, loves the Lord with all his heart and his mother will never question another child's decision for Jesus as long as she lives. Thanks for allowing me to share. Just another sister from Louisiana
Son: Mom why do you eat salad all of the time.
mom: Because you told me I was fat
Son: Well you are.
Mom: Well your a brat.
Son: I know,that is why I'm on a diet!
He was only 3 or 4 then. He is now 15 and I remember it like it was yesturday. I laughed hard then and still do. Kids! Got to love them.
Ok here is my story--my four year old is the greatest!
She sleeps between me and my husband and has since she was born. I know BIG MISTAKE! But that is how it is! So one day we were shopping and I saw some cute decor for her bedroom (that is empty of course) I told her "see Ady we can get this for your new room and you and Ella can keep each other company at night" She says "but I wouldnt get to cuddle with you and daddy" I responded " well mommy and daddy like to cuddle together and sometimes I like to kiss daddy too, like you do" HER RESPONSE to me was " well, he can just reach over me"! So at that point she had solved the problem! I laughed until I cried-But she is now sleeping 85% of the night in her big girl room with baby sister in the crib beside her! We are making some progress-have a good day!
Thanks for mentioning that Beth. I have been praying since I heard about that lady.
Ok, here's my story. My 8 year old was talking the other day about something he saw on the Discovery Channel about a certain animal evolving or something. I told him we had to be careful what we believed from tv like that because some people don't believe that God created us but that we evolved from monkeys. He said, "That's silly! If we had come from monkeys, we'd still be picking bugs off each other's butts!" I about died, but I also thought - Good point! :)
Bless you Beth and know we love you and treasure our "time" with you, and most of all, God blesses what you do.
Because of a new job, my parents recently began picking my 7-year-old daughter up from after school care each day.
One afternoon, Taylor walked up to her grandmother and wanted to know which way was West. Nana promptly told her and then watched as her precious grandchild began marking off several steps to the west.
Of course, curiosity got the best of her and she had to ask Tay what she was doing. The little one replied, "I'm just following the instructions on your keychain." It happened to be a '9 West' brand keychain.
We're not quite sure what she was looking for--treasure, the lock to which the key would fit--but we do know that our days will never be dull with this child!!
My daugter loves to play sports, and my sister is a really good athlete. Needless to say she thinks all of her God given ability comes from her. One night around the dinner table we were talking about her talent and I asked her where do you think you get all of your ability? She said "Al" (my sister's nickname)Well my husband said "Where do you think you get your genetic makeup?" She looked at him as serious as could be and said "Daddy I don't wear makeup."(She was 9 at the time)I about came undone.
God Bless you Beth for all you do and I pray He will strengthen you mightily, and these sistas in need. In Jesus name.
Jennifer OKC
I think the one that will always stay with me was when our 14yr old was 3-4 years old we lived about 70 miles from my parents. I was on my way down there and had a bag of M & M's and she asked me for the bag. I said no. Her older sister said why not and I said because it would be all over the place, I am not that stupid. Well from the back seat, comes a small voice that said "hey stupid give me the M&M's."
We all still get a laugh out of it.
Several years ago I took my two youngest children for a walk along with one of the neighborhood boys. I was pushing a stroller and my 4 year old and his friend were walking behind me. I was enjoying the day until I heard the neighbor boy say to my son, "Boy Charlie, your mom is fat" I wanted to cry but then my son cheerfully said, "Yes, but isn't she beautiful?". At that moment I Wanted to laugh and cry. My son saw only the beauty of his mother and not her flaws. Isn't that just like our God?
4 yr old Gillian: Mommy, can we please get a cat?
Me: No, honey, your Daddy is allergic to cats.
Gillian: What does allergic mean?
Me: When he's around cats he sneezes a lot, can't breath very well and it makes him feel sick.
Gillian: (VERY thoughtful and serious) Mom, I really think I'm allergic to farts.
Me: couldn't breathe either because I was laughing so hard.
My 4 year old son, John Reagan, asked us two questions the other day. 1) Does Jesus have a Papaw? and 2) How did God not burn His finger when He put the sun in the sky? I love the simplistic questions children ask. I laughed and then had to get myself back together to actually answer him.
Years ago when our church still sang happy birthday to whoever had a birthday that week, we were singing to a four year old boy in our church. Since we were singing to several people, we sang 'happy birthday God bless you'. When church was over and the family got in the car, the little boy was frustratedand told his Mom, "I thought they were going to sing happy birthday to me and all they did was sing happy birthday to God." He was not happy.
My 7 year old son is VERY strong willed and has a theory that he is ALWAYS right. Being strong willed myself you can imagine how we butt heads! The other day driving in the van we had one such "discussion" and I finally just said "WHY do you do that Noah? Why do you ALWAYS have to be right? It's so annoying."
My 4 year old daughter weighed in with "Yeah, it makes me soooo angry my SHOES hurt!"
We sat down for a nice family dinner...right! My daughter who was 3 yrs old at the time did not like to sit on the chair at the table. She would rather stand on it and eat. Well, my husband told her sternly that she MUST sit down. She looked at him, saluted him, said "aye, aye, captin" and sat down. I thought I would die!
Needless to say no more watching Sponge Bob with her older brother again.
I just want to say thank you Beth for your willingness to put yourself out there and be used of the LORD. It is so refreshing to read the blogs and know there are Sisters in Christ out there, everywhere doing life together!
I am sorry I have to post this one more about my John Reagan (4 1/2 years).... We were sitting outside at Meme's house last spring. Meme has chickens that roam free around their property. John Reagan had gotten "garden tools" for his birthday and was enjoying "gardening" around Meme's garden. Meme saw some Chicken poo on the ground and asked John Reagan to scoop it up with his shovel and toss it in the garden. John Reagan, loving to please, promptly scooped it up and headed for the garden. He stopped about half-way there, turned, and thoughtfully pondered before asking his Meme...."why, are we going to grow a poppie tree?" That was definitly one to remember.
Years ago, my husband's boss was installing an in-ground swimming pool. Standing at the edge of the large gaping hole, my charming 4-year-old son was explaining to this 55-year-old man how he had to get rid of the rocks or the swimming pool would be useless. The boss asked "How do you know that?" Cocking his head to one side, my son shrugged his little shoulders, turned his palms up in the air and declared, "I just happen to be one of those people who knows everything!" 16 years later, I'm frustrated to report that all attempts to convince him otherwise have failed. LOL!
On the way to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit my 5 year old daughter told my husband, "Daddy, I don't want to see those dead squirrels!"
My husband and I have two boys, ages 19 and 12. We have been struggling with a drug problem with our 19 year old for about a year. Finally we felt that we had to use tough love and asked him to leave. We stuggled greatly with this decision, but have not kept our 12 year old in the dark, he is mildly autistic and doesn't always understand the nuances of relationships. We have been so concerned that our younger son didn't really understand why we have to make his brother leave, but he obviously understands very well! A few weeks ago my husband and son saw our 19 year old while getting gas and my husband bought him a tank full. My 12 year old came running in the door and told me what he and his dad had just done, he was so excited to have seen his brother. I snickered and called his daddy a sucker. My young son said, "Aw mom, you know you would've done the same thing." I said, "Yep, you're right, I would've." Then my boy said, "Because we still love him, we just have to love him hard." Yes, that's it! Very wise for a 12 year old!
I was helping out with Children's Church one Sunday and the lesson was on purity. She gave an example of a bride wearing a white wedding dress and how that represented purity and innocence. Her son raised his hand and asked, "Mom, so tell me why the grooms wear black?"
We keep a wall calendar in our kitchen that shows all twelve months at one time. My seven year old daughter stood there for quite some time looking at it and then turned to me, with her finger on December 31, and asked "is this the day we die?"!!! She didn't seem concerned, just curios.... although I think she was quite happy at the explanation that a new calendar would be put up the following year, and for many more years after that. I am so glad she verbalized her thoughts at that time!! PTL!!!
Shelley
we call our emma grace(6) our pride--she is very profoud and lukie j.(4) our joy--he is very funny.
when emma was five she ran into my room and said," i dont have to worry about dying...Jn.3:16 says whoever believes in Him WILL NEVER DIE." thanks to the great Scripture Rock cd, that is how she memorized it!:)
just the other day i was on the computer typing in a short sleeve shirt and luke comes up to me rubbing my arms and says, "mom,your arms are growing hair, you are turning into daddy!"
one last one...when i taught in a christian shcool i had to take prayer requests in homeroom. then the students would pray for the various requests. when it was Daruis' turn to pray for the "unspokens" he said, "Lord, give all the unspokens the courage to speak up!"
I just love reading these! My 5 year old got in trouble for talking too much at school (can't even imagine where she gets that) :-) Anyway, knowing she would have to face her daddy, she begins to sing, "It's me, it's me, it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer". Obviously, we laughed too hard to fuss at her!
When my daughter was 2 we were being silly and tried to teach her to say 'psycho-rama'. It came out 'psycho-mama'. Fitting, don't you think?
Bless her adroable little heart! My 5 year old daughter prayed the sinner's prayer, after which she asked me where exactly Jesus lives. I replied: "He lives in your heart Emma". This seemed to confuse her a tad and after a while she asked me: "If Jesus lives in my heart, He must be 'see-fru' becuase I can't see Him there!" I'm sure that the Lord was tickled pink!
"Here Mommy, here's your privacy."
My sister would tell her kids that she needed her privacy in the bathroom. Little Sarah came bearing a gift of a female product to my sister.
She thought the stuff in the blue box was called "privacy".
Oh my word...183 comments! I am going to go ahead, though, b/c this is pretty funny. Although, I guess someone might get offended (not meant to be offensive AT ALL!)
I was trying to teach my 4 year old son a Bible lesson...I think it was on the Tower of Babel. Anyway, he was NOT paying attention, so I quizzed him. He thought a minute...and said...I am not kidding...this is what he said..."Mom, I do know something about the Bible." I asked, "What, Landon?" He replied, "It's got an old testicle and a new testicle!"
We had to take our youngest to a cardiologist--big brother (who is 4) had to come too. The cardiologist came in and made small talk, and then turned to my 4 year old and said, "What do you want to be when you grow up little boy?" Without skipping a beat, my son replied, "I'm going to be a man. And I'm going to be in charge." It was a hoot! Guess all those times Momma and Daddy said something he wanted to do would have to wait until he was a man & in charge paid off! :-)
My little sister and friend came running to the friends mom wide-eyed. The friend's mom asked, "What is it?" Her daughter said, "(So-in-so)said the "O" word!" Her mom could not think of an "O" word and asked, "What "O" word?" Her daughter replied, "Oh my God!"
My 3 yr. old grandson, Elijah, is being raised on a pretty strict diet by his parents but, when at our home they allow him to have ice cream as a special treat. One Friday night I was trying to get him to put on his p.j.'s. He's pretty good at multi-tasking but, this time he wasn't co-operating. He was on one side of the kitchen table w/his treat & his Big Papa was on the other side w/his treat..."all gone". I urged Elijah again to put on his p.j's. With no response to me, he looked directly across the table at his Big Papa & in his precious little boy voice, said, "Bidd Papa, how farrrrh tan you weach?" The "r", "k", & hard "g" and "c" sounds give him problems. However, we still think we may have a diplomat in the family!
One night my 7 year old son asked me why they call it buttock? He then went on to say is it because it talks?
Another time when he was 5 we were going to the bathroom when he ran ahead of me and then came back to inform me that the other bathromm was the boys, I asked how he knew since he couldn't read and he told me "because of the smell"
Thank you Beth for being so brave to let God use you to transform my life and many others.
Here's one on the importance of paying attention... I was riding in the car with my then 4year old son. He was trying to tell me a story and I my mind was other wise occupied. He asked a question and I told him to repeat it because I was not listening. He went into his story again and got to the question part for a second time. Again my mind had not paid attention to the little darling and asked once again to repeat. To his frustration he replies.."How many times to I have to say...." (with hand gestures) I laughed so hard at that. How many times do we say that to our kids when they are little.(or big)
How ya doing today, Beth? I just want you to know that I love you and I'm praying for you.
Kristi
When all my children were little, as they got old enough to be in church, I would tell them during the invitation, "shhh, people are making decisions, so we must be quiet and pray and not move around." Out of my three children, my baby boy really listened to this news and took it to heart I guess...Years passed and then when he was about 10 years old, he was sitting beside me and when it came time for an invitation in the service, the people sitting next to him were getting up to leave and he leaned over and said, (quite loudly)...shhh, people are making decisions and we need to be still...they sat back down!!...the looks on their faces makes me laugh even today and guess what, to this day, they don't get up during the invitation...however they don't sit on our row any longer!!
The Lord uses my 3 young children to teach me spiritual lessons all the time! The most recent that comes to mind is my youngest son's tantrums. He may truly have a legitimate need or desire that he is trying to communicate to me, but the problem is that he rarely waits for an answer. He will keep screaming for his cup when it is sitting on the floor directly in front of him. During one such tantrum, I felt the Lord saying, "How many times have you asked something of Me over and over but you were never still enough to hear Me or opened your eyes to see My answer?" How many blessings do we pass by because we don't stop our tantrum long enough to see or hear our Father meet our needs?
Okay... here's my hilarious story about my kids! ;o)
Back when my daughter was maybe 6 months old, and my son was 2.5 years old, we were sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner. DD was dressed up in a "sleeper" (fuzzy baby outfit that buttons all the way up the front).
DS says...
"Mom, I want Katie to talk to me"
ME: "Well, I can't make her talk, sweety. She's a baby."
DS: "Yes you can! Just push her button!"
(meaning a button on the sleeper)
ROTFLOL...
Just had me ROLLIN' with laughter!
Kids are too darn cute! :-D
<>< Mizbooks
of A Renewed Mind blog.
My daughter loves to sing.. and loudly! The problem is that she doesn't always get the words right. I recall one particular Sunday morning during praise and worship time we were singing "He is Exalted". Sarah was 3 at the time, so everyone in front of us was listening to her, as most people do when young children are not afraid to "perform". She was listening closely for the right time to come in, and when that time came she belted out "He is a Sausage, the King is a Sausage..."
Oh yeah, I wanted to crawl right under the pew! We all had a good laugh that morning!
I wery ill with Leukemia when my children were 8, 9, & 12. In trying to find a match for a bone marrow transplant the 8 year old w/a screaming cry yelled "I DON'T WANT TO MATCH MY MOM!" When the doctor gave us the results it was my 9 year old with great sorrow cried "I wanted to match my mom".
By the way...I told my husband you said we should have servants but he didn't believe me!
love ya,
DeeDee
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