For those of you who don’t know, I have spent the majority of my life in church. Whenever someone used to ask me how long I had been in church I always used to tell them I was born in church. As in my mom was pregnant with me when she started attending so it was all I have ever known. However, my loving husband asked me to stop saying that because it sounded like my mom gave birth to me in the 3rd row pew right before offering was taken up. So now I say “I have been in church since the womb” because I feel like that makes it a little better.
Just to give you a little background, I grew up Pentecostal. Oh, you don’t know what that is? The girls that could only wear skirts, couldn’t wear makeup and had very long hair (because it could not be cut) which is most often worn in what I refer to as “bundage.” Yea, that was me. I know. Looking back in my 30 year old body, several tattoos, hair cut, and big hoop earrings on, it is hard for me to believe too. Church was what we did on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights, first Monday nights, special Friday nights... you get it- we kicked it there... a lot. Most of the earliest memories I have involve sleeping under a pew and listening to my pastor’s wife sing old hymns. Still today those are some of the sweetest memories I have.
Several months ago I was talking with some people about their church where they serve. Honestly I don’t even know how we got to the subject but they told me they have actually seen church members yell at volunteers in the coffee shop when they don’t have their coffee out and ready when they arrive on Sunday morning. Confused I said “because they have paid for this coffee so they expect it to be there?” No, this coffee is free. “And the people attending the church are mad because their free coffee isnt out?” Yes. “ummmm... what??!!” As I was processing why this would even be happening, Jesus asked me a question “What does any of this have to do with me?”
Completely caught off guard, I sat quietly not really knowing what He was asking. In the days that followed I sought out the Lord needing to know what this question was all about only to have more questions come from Him. If there wasn’t free coffee, would the people still come? If there wasn’t all the flashing lights, beautiful building, great singers- would people still know me? Love me? Seek me? “Uhhh.... what??!! How am I supposed to know Jesus. I don’t even go to their church!” But that wasn’t what God was asking. He was after something more in my heart. He was asking “Do people know me outside of the 4 walls of the church?”
I know for me personally I have often boxed God in. Allowing him to move in the designated time between 9-10:30 AM on Sunday morning, while I was at church, because that is the time slot I picked for him. Anything outside of that was my time and God asking for any of it was invasive and just flat out rude. I mean- I gave him an hour and a half already right? Why didn’t he use that time wisely. Church in my mind has always been a PLACE. Of course it was. I went to it all the time as a kid and as an adult. So when Jesus decided to wreck my world with all of his crazy questions, there was a shift. I started moving from this idea of “going to church” and instead started realizing “I am the church.” I am not set apart mid morning on Sunday- I am set apart every moment of every day of my life. I am not in communion with Jesus JUST when I am in a building with other believers, but also when I am in my house with my husband and kids and we are praying together and worshipping.
I have spent so much of my life believing that I had to have someone else usher me into the presence of the Lord because they were “anointed as a worshiper” instead of realizing that Jesus is alive and accessible even to me who has the worst singing voice on the planet (although I am certain I sound like an angel to the Lord) while I am sitting in traffic in my mini van.
Oh how I wish this would have been shared with me early on in my walk with Jesus. I have so often thought “If I could just get so and so to church they would be better.” Trying to force them in with an incentive to buy them lunch after instead of knowing that I am just as capable of showing Christ’s love at any moment of any day to someone and that encounter could change their life.
So what does all of this mean? Why do I care enough to write about it? Why do you care enough to keep reading? Well, here is the deal- I meet people on a daily basis (And so do you) that are going to hell and for a long time I didn’t do shit about it. Oh- that language offended you? But the fact that people are going to hell didn’t? Moving on. If we are the body of Christ then we better not be waiting until Easter service comes around to invite someone to know Jesus. It may be too late. We should be showing God’s love daily, and not the creepy love like spewing scriptures down someones throat. No- I mean just letting Jesus live in us and through us. Helping a neighbor. Praying for a friend. Feeding the homeless. Doing the things Jesus did. If Jesus is in you, people will see the difference. They will want to be around you. Want to know what it is about you that is different from anyone else they have met. I’ve tried it. It works.
In all of this I am NOT saying don’t go to a church building, so please please please don’t read it like that. What I am saying is, don’t meet Jesus there and then leave him there.
How thankful I am for the conversation I had about coffee and even more that God would pursue me and have me question more. So much more I can and will say but for now- I pray that you Go. Be the church. The Bride of Christ. Beautiful and Glorious.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Dressing Room Drama
I leave for Elementary Camp on Wednesday- YEAAA!!! So I am about to spend 4 days in 101 degrees doing outdoor activities. Right up my alley. Since we are going to be getting filthy I decided instead of taking a bunch of my running clothes that I actually like- I would go get some t- shirts at Salvation Army. I would just rather pay $1.00 for a t-shirt that I can just throw away after I am done. I know- super cheapo.
Well, I went on Wednesday which is 50% off day there (yea, shirts for $.50 even better) which means it is extra crazy. I went into a dressing room to make sure I didn't spend a couple quarters on a shirt that didn't fit and while in there I hear a knock on the door. I hear a girl say "Excuse me, is there a person in there?" I say "yes" and then hear "Is it brown?"
I am not really sure how to answer. I look at my skin, look at myself in the mirror and then say "Well, I guess I am half brown?!? " (I mean, what color does a person call a Mexican these days?)
By this point I am opening the door to see a young white girl standing there. She is bright red and says " I am so sorry! I said is there a PURSE in there?"
Right... could happen to anyone.
Well, I went on Wednesday which is 50% off day there (yea, shirts for $.50 even better) which means it is extra crazy. I went into a dressing room to make sure I didn't spend a couple quarters on a shirt that didn't fit and while in there I hear a knock on the door. I hear a girl say "Excuse me, is there a person in there?" I say "yes" and then hear "Is it brown?"
I am not really sure how to answer. I look at my skin, look at myself in the mirror and then say "Well, I guess I am half brown?!? " (I mean, what color does a person call a Mexican these days?)
By this point I am opening the door to see a young white girl standing there. She is bright red and says " I am so sorry! I said is there a PURSE in there?"
Right... could happen to anyone.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Potty Training Problems
Since Rafi turned 2 we have really been serious about the potty training situation. It didn't take her long to catch on, but I realized it is all about being consistent and communicating with her. What I mean by that is, all we ever talked about for a while was going potty and when we were not talking about it- we were actually going to the potty-about every 20 minutes. (Any of my friends who have been through this I am sure feel my pain)
Well, last month heading home from Dallas (after the flea market situation) we stopped off to get a bite to eat and let Rafi have a potty break. I took her into the empty restroom and she went to the bathroom. Then I asked her to wait while I had a turn. Of course, at that moment someone else comes into the bathroom. As loud as she possibly could she says "OH MY GOSH MOMMY- YOU POOPED IN YOUR BIG GIRL UNDIES!" After about 5 minutes I finally caught my breath from laughing and said "no I didn't honey." She rubs my arm and kindly says "oh I see, you only tinkled, its ok!"
As I came out of the bathroom to wash my hands, the other person was standing there looking at me. I felt like I needed to explain that we talk about going potty a lot since my daughter is 2, I felt that I needed to tell her I in fact did not poop or tinkle in my "big girl undies." but instead- I just avoided eye contact, washed my hands and did a walk of shame back to our table.
Potty Training:
Rafi- 1
Mommy- 0
Well, last month heading home from Dallas (after the flea market situation) we stopped off to get a bite to eat and let Rafi have a potty break. I took her into the empty restroom and she went to the bathroom. Then I asked her to wait while I had a turn. Of course, at that moment someone else comes into the bathroom. As loud as she possibly could she says "OH MY GOSH MOMMY- YOU POOPED IN YOUR BIG GIRL UNDIES!" After about 5 minutes I finally caught my breath from laughing and said "no I didn't honey." She rubs my arm and kindly says "oh I see, you only tinkled, its ok!"
As I came out of the bathroom to wash my hands, the other person was standing there looking at me. I felt like I needed to explain that we talk about going potty a lot since my daughter is 2, I felt that I needed to tell her I in fact did not poop or tinkle in my "big girl undies." but instead- I just avoided eye contact, washed my hands and did a walk of shame back to our table.
Potty Training:
Rafi- 1
Mommy- 0
Monday, July 9, 2012
Favorite Flea Market Finds
This weekend we traveled to Dallas to watch my husband graduate. We had so much fun celebrating, relaxing, swimming and my personal favorite- eating!
As the weekend came to an end, my sister in law said there was a HUGE flea market on our way back to Austin. We look up the place online and this is the homepage that we see:
We all think this place looks pretty good. White people chatting about prices, a carousel for the kids, may even get some yummy food and a good buy.
As we pull in, we realize this place had a lot more than we could have ever imagined. I wanted to share a few of the "special" items we found while browsing the place.
First, in case you have a 7 year old daughter that you like to take to the clubs with you, look no further- they have a dress for that very thing!
What's that? Your daughter has her club clothes, but you don't?!? No worries- this is class all the way:
Have you been looking for that special shirt to wear to the gym? Church? First Date? There are so many at this place to pick from. Lucky for you the prices are cheap so you can get one for every occasion.
Looking for a bra that is just your size? Clearly they know how to help you here:
And this one is my personal favorite. Gems like this don't come along in your every day mall. This is a pair of panties that has a zipper pocket in the front. I suppose there is a time that we all think "wow, I am starving and could really use a late night snack. I sure wish I had a pocket in these panties to stash some crackers in."
Needless to say- we had some good laughs while looking around, but I will say that the home page of their website is very misleading. It was a million degrees there, not one white person to be found (except me!) and we never even saw a carousel. Maybe they should use this picture of the back of my shirt as I was getting in the car to leave. This would be more accurate of how you will look while shopping at this place.
As the weekend came to an end, my sister in law said there was a HUGE flea market on our way back to Austin. We look up the place online and this is the homepage that we see:
We all think this place looks pretty good. White people chatting about prices, a carousel for the kids, may even get some yummy food and a good buy.
As we pull in, we realize this place had a lot more than we could have ever imagined. I wanted to share a few of the "special" items we found while browsing the place.
First, in case you have a 7 year old daughter that you like to take to the clubs with you, look no further- they have a dress for that very thing!
What's that? Your daughter has her club clothes, but you don't?!? No worries- this is class all the way:
Have you been looking for that special shirt to wear to the gym? Church? First Date? There are so many at this place to pick from. Lucky for you the prices are cheap so you can get one for every occasion.
Looking for a bra that is just your size? Clearly they know how to help you here:
And this one is my personal favorite. Gems like this don't come along in your every day mall. This is a pair of panties that has a zipper pocket in the front. I suppose there is a time that we all think "wow, I am starving and could really use a late night snack. I sure wish I had a pocket in these panties to stash some crackers in."
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Very Important Life Lessons
I have had an interesting few weeks to say the least. I think there are times in our life that we are in a season of growth. That's exactly where I am right now! Learning and growing. I have learned a few life lessons this week that I feel are worth sharing, in hopes that you will learn from my mistakes.
1. Sometimes you should stick to what you are good at.
Over the past couple weeks we have been going out to my mom's property in Bastrop to work on the land. Because I had both of my kids out there, I was really useless in the "work on the land" department. How much can you really get done with a 2 year old and a baby strapped to your chest in 100 degrees?? So Tony and my mom did most of the work while I kept the kids inside. Finally I decided that I should really let my mom have a break (well, if you consider watching my kids a break) and I would go out and do some work. Tony convinced me that the brush mower he bought was "just like" using a weed eater, only easier. Not that I would know the difference considering I have never used either one of these things, but I thought- hey, how hard can it really be?!? I was outside for 5 minutes using this machine and somehow was able to break one of my mom's windows in her RV and a window in my car at the same time. 5 minutes, that is it. I realized in that moment I am no good at yard work and instead will stick to taking care of my kids and the A/C!
2. Think before you swim.
I went to the lake with my best friend and our kids the other day. Of course having 3 small kids meant it took like 1/2 an hour just to get swimwear, sunblock, floats, etc. on. By the time we finally got them ready to swim they were so eager we just ran to the water. I was playing with the kids while my friend held Beck on the shore. Suddenly I felt a bit "heavier", but the kids were so happy I didn't bother to give it another thought. As I started walking out of the water I realized I had forgotten to take off a very important piece of new mom gear- my nursing pads. Similar to what a diaper does when it is soaked in water- these do the same thing! Lesson learned- Super Absorbent does not play favorites when it comes to liquids. It just absorbs!
3. You don't always have to be the cool parent.
We went to visit my dad on Sunday for Father's Day. As we were leaving he said he had a slide that they no longer use and we should take it home for Rafi to play with. What a GREAT idea! I was so excited. First thing Monday morning I set the slide up for Rafi and of course I took it to a ghetto level. I set the slide up to go straight into the very small kiddie pool we have in the backyard. We happened to also buy a slip n slide the day before that I went ahead and set up as well. Rafi played all morning and had so much fun. Then after nap time she wanted to go right back out. But this time she decided she wanted someone to play with her. How could I say no?!? After seriously hurting my leg trying to show my 2 year old sweet moves on the slip n slide, we moved over to the pool slide. She said "mommy, you do it with me." Again, who can refuse this?? So, I get on the slide- of course I have to sit sideways since I didn't actually fit on the slide and there I went. Rafi was clapping and screaming "GREAT JOB Mommy!!" So- I did it again, and again... Finally the pool had enough. On my last slide, my legs went straight through the plastic. As I sat looking at half my body hanging out of the pool and all of the water gushing out, all I could hear was Rafi no longer encouraging me, but instead saying "Mommy, why did you break my pool?? I need a new one!" (Oh how they turn on you quickly.) After pulling myself out of the disaster zone, I decided I'm going to let Dad take the cool parent role. He is way better at it than me.
1. Sometimes you should stick to what you are good at.
Over the past couple weeks we have been going out to my mom's property in Bastrop to work on the land. Because I had both of my kids out there, I was really useless in the "work on the land" department. How much can you really get done with a 2 year old and a baby strapped to your chest in 100 degrees?? So Tony and my mom did most of the work while I kept the kids inside. Finally I decided that I should really let my mom have a break (well, if you consider watching my kids a break) and I would go out and do some work. Tony convinced me that the brush mower he bought was "just like" using a weed eater, only easier. Not that I would know the difference considering I have never used either one of these things, but I thought- hey, how hard can it really be?!? I was outside for 5 minutes using this machine and somehow was able to break one of my mom's windows in her RV and a window in my car at the same time. 5 minutes, that is it. I realized in that moment I am no good at yard work and instead will stick to taking care of my kids and the A/C!
2. Think before you swim.
I went to the lake with my best friend and our kids the other day. Of course having 3 small kids meant it took like 1/2 an hour just to get swimwear, sunblock, floats, etc. on. By the time we finally got them ready to swim they were so eager we just ran to the water. I was playing with the kids while my friend held Beck on the shore. Suddenly I felt a bit "heavier", but the kids were so happy I didn't bother to give it another thought. As I started walking out of the water I realized I had forgotten to take off a very important piece of new mom gear- my nursing pads. Similar to what a diaper does when it is soaked in water- these do the same thing! Lesson learned- Super Absorbent does not play favorites when it comes to liquids. It just absorbs!
3. You don't always have to be the cool parent.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Celebrating a Beautiful Life
For those who don't know, my step-dad- Rodger passed away on May 19th. This week, we gathered with family and friends to celebrate his life. There were so many people who loved Rodger that were unable to attend so I am sharing the words I spoke on Wednesday here. Rodger was a beautiful example of God's love and will be forever missed...
On behalf of my mom, Sandra and our entire family we would like to thank you for being here today. Your support, love and prayers over the last several weeks means more to us than you will ever know.
When my mom asked me to say something today, I started reflecting on the last 14 years I have been blessed to have Rodger in my life and I was immediately filled with thanks. He was an incredible person. This is something I have always known, but in the last 2 1/2 weeks I realized that the rest of the world knew this too. We have received so many cards, calls, flowers, emails and letters from so many people who have been impacted by Rodger’s life. As I looked at our dining room table this week- covered in stories, pictures and kind words about one person- it made me ask myself- what made Rodger Davis so special?
Yes, Rodger was funny. He could often be heard telling a joke or saying crazy things to keep us laughing. He was brave- I mean he did co-sign for me to have my first brand new car when I was just a teenager. That takes some guts!! And he was obviously talented. Anyone who has ever seen the things he built knows that. But I believe there are some fundamental characteristics about Rodger that made him different, unique, and exceptional. Characteristics that we can all work on in hopes that one day- we too can make a lasting influence on those around us.
First, Rodger was an incredible leader. It was an honor to have him as the head of our family for the last 14 years. In 1 Peter 5 we are instructed to “care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God...Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.”
This is exactly how Rodger lead us. My brother Chris and I were not Rodger’s biological children. He didn’t have to invest in us- but he did. God entrusted us to him and because of his kindness, concern and love for us- it was easy to submit and let him lead. He never forced anything, but instead allowed us to grow and change while he graciously helped to shape us.
Rodger was also generous. 1 Peter 4:9 says “Be quick to give a meal to the hungry a bed to the homeless- cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all can get in on it. If words let it be God’s words, if help, let it be God’s hearty help.” Almost every time I talked to Rodger he was either on his way to help someone or on his way home from helping someone. I feel like most of the time he was helping me as I am terribly challenged when it comes to yard work, appliances, cars, well- many things. But Rodger was always happy to lend a helping hand.
However it was Rodger’s generosity with words that I will really miss. He was an encourager. He was always quick to point out what someone was doing well, offer praise and always speaking life. I know his kind words will be missed by many.
Third, Rodger was a wonderful friend. Proverbs 27:9 says “just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Being around Rodger was just that- refreshing. When Rodger married my mom we talked about what “title” I would give him. He said I was welcome to call him my step dad, but we both thought it sounded odd. We agreed that he would be called my “other dad.” Eight years after accepting that title, Rodger helped to give me away at my wedding. At the reception we danced our father/daughter dance to the theme song of Toy Story- I am sure many of you with kids could sing it “You’ve got a friend in me!” Rodger will always be my other dad, but he was as good of a friend as he was a father.
My husband Tony asked me a couple weeks ago- “What do you love most about Rodger?” Without hesitation I said “I love Rodger because he genuinely loves me.” To me, this is the characteristic that really made Rodger different. He loved me not for who I wanted to be, but just for who I am. In all my faults and failures, in every good day or bad- he just loved me. And it wasn’t just me. He loved everyone like this. 1 Peter 4:8 says “ Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically everything.” Any downfalls Rodger may have had, were outweighed by his genuine love for people. If I could model one characteristic of Rodger’s, I pray that it would be this one.
I know that this will be a hard season for everyone as we transition into a world without Rodger. But Romans 5:3 tells us to also “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
I pray today that we would all receive the hope and peace only the Lord can give in this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that Rodger is in a much better place. A few days ago our 2 year old daughter told us “Papa is in Heaven playing the guitar with Jesus.” I cant imagine that it could get any better than that.
On behalf of my mom, Sandra and our entire family we would like to thank you for being here today. Your support, love and prayers over the last several weeks means more to us than you will ever know.
When my mom asked me to say something today, I started reflecting on the last 14 years I have been blessed to have Rodger in my life and I was immediately filled with thanks. He was an incredible person. This is something I have always known, but in the last 2 1/2 weeks I realized that the rest of the world knew this too. We have received so many cards, calls, flowers, emails and letters from so many people who have been impacted by Rodger’s life. As I looked at our dining room table this week- covered in stories, pictures and kind words about one person- it made me ask myself- what made Rodger Davis so special?
Yes, Rodger was funny. He could often be heard telling a joke or saying crazy things to keep us laughing. He was brave- I mean he did co-sign for me to have my first brand new car when I was just a teenager. That takes some guts!! And he was obviously talented. Anyone who has ever seen the things he built knows that. But I believe there are some fundamental characteristics about Rodger that made him different, unique, and exceptional. Characteristics that we can all work on in hopes that one day- we too can make a lasting influence on those around us.
First, Rodger was an incredible leader. It was an honor to have him as the head of our family for the last 14 years. In 1 Peter 5 we are instructed to “care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God...Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.”
This is exactly how Rodger lead us. My brother Chris and I were not Rodger’s biological children. He didn’t have to invest in us- but he did. God entrusted us to him and because of his kindness, concern and love for us- it was easy to submit and let him lead. He never forced anything, but instead allowed us to grow and change while he graciously helped to shape us.
Rodger was also generous. 1 Peter 4:9 says “Be quick to give a meal to the hungry a bed to the homeless- cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all can get in on it. If words let it be God’s words, if help, let it be God’s hearty help.” Almost every time I talked to Rodger he was either on his way to help someone or on his way home from helping someone. I feel like most of the time he was helping me as I am terribly challenged when it comes to yard work, appliances, cars, well- many things. But Rodger was always happy to lend a helping hand.
However it was Rodger’s generosity with words that I will really miss. He was an encourager. He was always quick to point out what someone was doing well, offer praise and always speaking life. I know his kind words will be missed by many.
Third, Rodger was a wonderful friend. Proverbs 27:9 says “just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Being around Rodger was just that- refreshing. When Rodger married my mom we talked about what “title” I would give him. He said I was welcome to call him my step dad, but we both thought it sounded odd. We agreed that he would be called my “other dad.” Eight years after accepting that title, Rodger helped to give me away at my wedding. At the reception we danced our father/daughter dance to the theme song of Toy Story- I am sure many of you with kids could sing it “You’ve got a friend in me!” Rodger will always be my other dad, but he was as good of a friend as he was a father.
My husband Tony asked me a couple weeks ago- “What do you love most about Rodger?” Without hesitation I said “I love Rodger because he genuinely loves me.” To me, this is the characteristic that really made Rodger different. He loved me not for who I wanted to be, but just for who I am. In all my faults and failures, in every good day or bad- he just loved me. And it wasn’t just me. He loved everyone like this. 1 Peter 4:8 says “ Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically everything.” Any downfalls Rodger may have had, were outweighed by his genuine love for people. If I could model one characteristic of Rodger’s, I pray that it would be this one.
I know that this will be a hard season for everyone as we transition into a world without Rodger. But Romans 5:3 tells us to also “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
I pray today that we would all receive the hope and peace only the Lord can give in this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that Rodger is in a much better place. A few days ago our 2 year old daughter told us “Papa is in Heaven playing the guitar with Jesus.” I cant imagine that it could get any better than that.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Craft-less Mom
I often laugh about the fact that I just don't "do" crafts. What I mean is- I totally suck at doing crafts. I don't enjoy them. They often seem to take too long, make a mess, and honestly I feel like I could be doing a million other things. I DO appreciate my friends who are super crafty. I think its amazing that people can knit blankets, sew clothes and even do basic things like use a glue gun. All things that are totally out of my league.
As my daughter gets older and we have started working more on arts & crafts, Bible stories, etc. this lack of craft skills is really starting to prove challenging.
A couple of weeks ago, Rafi was asking me to draw a picture of her. Although it is not the best picture, I was able to get through the whole eyes, nose, hair part, but then she kept asking me to draw her hands and arms. So- I had to break down and tell my 20 month old I just couldn't do it. Every picture she has, looks just like this:
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Recently we have been working on the 7 Days of Creation. When we talked about God making the birds and the fish, I made a picture for Rafi to color. When she was done we hung it up in her room so that when Tony got home she could tell him what she learned about. After I put it up I said "now what did God make Rafi?" She looks at the picture and says "Fish and Bats." I realized I better put labels on it to help Tony later that day.
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Yesterday we learned about Noah. After reading the story in her Bible, I thought we would do a little craft to really help the story sink in. My goal was to make the ark mobile, so I made a slit in the paper and made it to where the boat could move across the waves. A very ambitious task I know. Well, I didn't really know how to create the ark, but an even bigger problem was that I didn't know how to draw ANY animals. So- this is what we came up with. Obviously that is Noah in the boat.
All of these things should make me want to try harder, take a class, or at least ask for some help. But instead- I think I will just start using my printer more and doing a lot of coloring sheets to go with our stories. And let's be honest here, children retain stories much better when told over a bowl of ice cream as opposed to a craft any day. So- for any of my craft-less moms out there, have no fear! Just give your kid sugar, and you will be way cooler than the other moms ; )
As my daughter gets older and we have started working more on arts & crafts, Bible stories, etc. this lack of craft skills is really starting to prove challenging.
A couple of weeks ago, Rafi was asking me to draw a picture of her. Although it is not the best picture, I was able to get through the whole eyes, nose, hair part, but then she kept asking me to draw her hands and arms. So- I had to break down and tell my 20 month old I just couldn't do it. Every picture she has, looks just like this:
.JPG)
Recently we have been working on the 7 Days of Creation. When we talked about God making the birds and the fish, I made a picture for Rafi to color. When she was done we hung it up in her room so that when Tony got home she could tell him what she learned about. After I put it up I said "now what did God make Rafi?" She looks at the picture and says "Fish and Bats." I realized I better put labels on it to help Tony later that day.
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Yesterday we learned about Noah. After reading the story in her Bible, I thought we would do a little craft to really help the story sink in. My goal was to make the ark mobile, so I made a slit in the paper and made it to where the boat could move across the waves. A very ambitious task I know. Well, I didn't really know how to create the ark, but an even bigger problem was that I didn't know how to draw ANY animals. So- this is what we came up with. Obviously that is Noah in the boat.
All of these things should make me want to try harder, take a class, or at least ask for some help. But instead- I think I will just start using my printer more and doing a lot of coloring sheets to go with our stories. And let's be honest here, children retain stories much better when told over a bowl of ice cream as opposed to a craft any day. So- for any of my craft-less moms out there, have no fear! Just give your kid sugar, and you will be way cooler than the other moms ; )
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