Stop Fighting Them!

There is one thing that I have struggled with while working in the childcare field and that is this Passion to see children become their best. It is a struggle because as a childcare provider, I can only do but so much for each child. It is really up to their parents- they are the ones who ultimately set the foundation for these children. There have been so many who do not give their child/their family their best effort and they refuse to see the truth that they are broken and that their children are having to suffer because of it.  It finally got to the point where I would go home crying because I couldn't get these parents to see that what they were doing/not doing. I was tired of seeing children become the broken people that their parents were.

So, what did I do? I asked the Lord for wisdom. Why did it bug me so much and why am I in a place were I can do nothing about it? I asked the right question because a day later God so plainly spoke to me and said
"it's because of the lack in your life as a child. You feel you didn't have  the great examples of a Godly marriage, Godly parents, etc." "You care so much Angelina because you want children and their parents to walk in truth, the truth that has been made so plain to them but that they refuse to follow."

So, my next question for God was-What then do I do?

God's Answer-"Be the example. Be me. Be my light. Embrace your place and STOP FIGHTING FOR YOUR WILL TO BE DONE. It is up to them to choose life or death, truth or lies."

"TRUST ME ANGELINA!" So, I stopped fighting them and began the fight against sin in my own heart and through prayer in theirs. It is not easy to keep quiet, to sit back and watch as people choose to disobey a God who only wants their freedom But I have great confidence in knowing that my God is an all consuming fire and that in the end, his plans are far better and his ways are far better than my own.

One more thing, I will speak up when God allows but until then..to all of the Parents out there that settle for mediocrity and for the temporary pleasures of this sinful world, I will fight for you in my prayers.

Thank you Father for Passion!

Amen!




Security in life is not the promise of another person but the promise of God

Family/Marriage/Parenting Resources..

Wanted to provide some links/resources to some of the things that myself and my husband have found life changing in our marriage (before and during)

1-Family Life -They offer a wonderful marriage conference that my husband and I will be attending April 27-29 called "A weekend to remember"
http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.6703867/k.21D3/Stepping_Up_A_Call_to_Courageous_Manhood.htm

2-Chip Ingram's ministry..great marriage and parenting tools..here is the link to his new message on God's design for a dream marriage
http://livingontheedge.org/home/broadcasts/listen-online-daily.php

3-Focus on the family-Great article on Marriage and dealing with the issue of pornogrpahy and virtual infidelity
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/divorce_and_infidelity/pornography_and_virtual_infidelity.aspx

4-Focus on the family has tons of broadcasts on issues from infidelity and how to overcome, parenting troubled teens, to divorce, etc.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com

5-Joseph Sangl has great approaches to paying off debt and budgeting amongst other things.
http://www.josephsangl.com/

6-Carol Kent is a woman who has been through a nightmare of a situation with her son and is still overcoming even though she is still in the midst of this. Her story of surrendering her child to Christ is remarkable and inspiring
http://www.carolkent.org/

7-Gayle Haggard is an awesome example of how to forgive your spouse in the darkest hour..here is a link to the interview her and her husband did a few years back at Elevation Church and a link to her page
http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons/healer/part3
http://www.gaylehaggard.org/

Perfect Spouse, The Perfect friend, The Perfect Father

Many of us grew up without an example of what a healthy marriage looks like, what healthy relationships are and we had to learn and are learning the hard way because of this. This is something that I do not want for my children. The journey of learning through the eyes of God and through trial and error in my own relationships with others and with my spouse though freeing and rewarding in the end, has been tough.

BUT I want my children to be set up for success. I want them to come into a healthy, Godly marriage so that when they meet that someone that God uses to bring them closer to him, they will appreciate it and grow in it that much more. I want the blessing of a healthy marriage for their children and their children's children.

So my question to you is, are you setting your children, the generations after you up for success in marriage, in relationships? Are they learning through your example how to love unconditionally, how to let go of pride and humble themselves, are they learning to speak life into the lives of the others around them, are they learning what it means to sacrifice for the cause of Christ, are they learning how to stand strong when the circumstances look grim, are they learning how to endure when the mountains before them look so high, when the pit feels so lonely and dark?

They are learning, don't get me wrong. But are they learning how to be successful, are they learning God's way or the world's way?

"BUT BUT BUT, I am not perfect. I am never going to be perfect." I get that. We are not called to be perfect now. We wont reach perfection until we are with the Perfect one. But, we are to try (in God's strength) to be all that he has called us to be. This only happens in his strength, in his might, and when we make the decision to learn from and spend time with the Perfect Spouse, The Perfect Friend, The Perfect Father-God.

Let's seek him today, let's press forward, let's stray from complacency because in the end we will, our children will, and our bloodline will reap the harvest.


^"9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galations 6:9-10)

From the Bible to the Classroom

Over the last year, I have noticed more and more one amazingly awesome and simple truth- "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV).

It says it in his word but man oh man, when he reveals it to you up close and personal, it really penetrates deep. I have noticed even more so as I teach the children in my class simple manners and daily truths such as.....

-You only fail if you do not try.
("I can do all this through him who gives me strength"-Phil 4:13)

-When you make bad decisions bad things can happen and those bad things are called consequences; When you make good choices, good things happen.
(Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.- Galations 6:7-8)

-We can help our friends by offering suggestions but we cannot make them do what we want them to do. They need to make the choice.
^("Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor." -Galat. 6:4-6)

-You are special. There is not one person just like you.
("We are God's masterpieces"-Ephes 2:10)

-Keep trying, do not give up so easily. Some things take time
("Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. "-Galations 6:9/"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."- Phil.3:14)

-If you need help, you need to ask for help. I cannot help you if you cannot tell me what's wrong.
("Present your requests to God"-Phil. 4:6b)

-You need to choose to be happy no matter what you feel, it is a choice. But only you can choose how you handle it.
("For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances"-Phil 4:11b)

These are concepts that I teach and implement daily in my classroom and it is so neat to see how God takes these truths and implants them in my mouth during a given situation (it definitely does not come from me). The amazing part is not only seeing these truths being lived out in those 2 year olds but in myself and throughout scripture.

I get the most joy out of it when I get to share what we are learning with their parents-who may or may not know Jesus. I get to plant seeds in their children's lives and in their own because of God's living word. He really does convict hearts, we are just not always aware of it.

Potty Training 101

So, I have heard many different viewpoints on potty training. I would break down the whole process for you BUT there is no one way to do it due to the fact that every child is and will be different. I decided to instead give you some little brief side notes to help you when considering to and when potty training your children....

-If they are fighting you about it, do not force them! Now, this does not mean do not encourage them and try to help them get excited-especially when they are 4 and 5. At this point it may be more of a discipline issue.

-Do not go from diapers to underwear!!!!! This one gets me every time. Pull-ups are a stepping stone so they (1)they do not get used to going potty in their underwear (like diapers) (2) And at this point they are stil learning control. Going in their underwear may cause them to feel guilty and ashamed of themselves
IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU! IT IS ABOUT THEM! GET OVER- "I'M TIRED OF BUYING DIAPERS" & WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD :) - I mean that in love

-Consistency is key, especially if they are in child care. Make sure to try to be as consistent as possible at home and try sticking to using the same methods that the center is using.

-Learning to have a BM on the potty almost always comes last. Do not stress it if this takes a little time.

-No, you do not need to give them physical rewards every time they go potty BUT encourage them. Give them words of affirmation. Come up with a song and dance. Make them proud of themselves and let them know that you are proud.

-Allow them to be independent in this. Let them pull down their own pull-up, pull their pants down, wash their hands, etc. Get them excited about doing things for themselves. This is a big kid step for both you and them. Can't expect them to want to be independent if you are always taking this away from them. Allow them to be confident in their abilties. Then, they will be confident in doing other things.

-Help them out by getting them the pull-ups that they can take off themselves (velcro sides) and pants that they can take off themselves. No onesies please (this for them becomes a hassle and they'll have trouble wanting to go). This goes for when they are in childcare as well-keep the consistency.

-Talk about using the potty when they wake up in the morning before dropping them off at school. Get them excited!

-Let them watch you go potty and ask "do you want to try going potty like mommy and daddy?" Helps when you let the parent of the same sex as the child show them. What child doesn't want to be like mommy and daddy.

-If they are still going pee pee on themselves while you are changing their diapers-they have not yet learned that bladder control. You can still take them to try potty but they are not ready. BUT If you notice your toddler, 2 year old, etc. not going pee pee as often in their diapers this can be great or not so great (either means they have a UTI, etc. OR means that they have learned to hold it and can be totally ready to use the potty!).

-Suggestion-putting a pull-up on at night or during naps is not a bad thing as long as you are checking to see if they are waking up dry. I'd give it about 2 weeks of a dry pull-up consistently and then try allowin them to sleep in their underwear. Help them out though-don't give them tons of liquids before they go off to sleep (you are asking for it fi you do)

-Rule of thumb! I know that everyone loves to look on google and look at research to see what it says and some parents even go to great lengths to do everything that "the research" says- EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT! Research can really get you into some trouble and cause unneccesary stress for yourself and your child.

Hope these tips help you in some form or fashion. But remember, every person eventually becomes potty trained so please do not place your stress on them. Stress in potty training on a child is the best way to bring down their self-esteem and leave them feeling ashamed and guilty. We are raising champions, not animals.

Here are some verses to help you along the way..Happy Training!!!!

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Proverbs 22:6

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Take Possession:RunNTeach

Recently my church home has had a revival going on called codeorangerevival. You can check this out at elevationnetwork.com. There have been amazing speakers from Ed Young to Christine Caine to Jentezen Frankin, and the list goes on. I heard a familiar theme from 2 speakers which keeps ringing in my ear-Take Possession because God wants to do something big and this will not only impact you but it will impact your children and their children even more.

So today, I encourage you to take possession of the land that God has set before you because if you do not, someone else will.  What does RunNTeach have to do with this???????? Great Question..

LET'S RUN THE RACE TO SET OUR CHILDREN UP FOR SUCCESS. LET'S BE OBEDIENT AND DO THE TOUGH STUFF SO THAT WHEN OUR CHILDREN ARE READY TO WALK IN ALL THAT GOD HAS FOR THEM, WE ARE NOT THEIR HINDURANCE BUT WE ARE THEIR STEPPING STONE, THEIR LAUNCH PATH...THE PARADIGM SHIFT SO THAT THEY DO NOT LOOK BACK AND SAY "MY PARENT'S DIDN'T DO IT, SO I HAD TO BE THE ONE TO SACRIFICE AND MAKE THE TOUGH DECISIONS."

Take it from someone who had to be the paradigm shift in her family-it has been a diffifult road overcoming what my parents never overcame. But now I am taking possession of the promise land that God has for me and my family so that my Champions for Christ will look back and say "Thank you Father, that my mother/my father kept their eyes on you and overcame in your strength and power and might!"

Deuteronomy 34:1-9

The Death of Moses

¹ Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, ² all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, ³ the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. ⁴ Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

⁵ And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. ⁶ He buried him^[a] in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. ⁷ Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. ⁸ The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.

⁹ Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit^[b] of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.

They'll Grow Out of It!

You know, I here this comment an awful lot from the parents in the child care field- "Oh they's grow out of it one day." They tend to come up with this idea to not sweat the, what they consider, small things such as the use of bad words, hitting, tantrums, rolling of the eyes, etc. Now, do not get me wrong, some things we learn as we grow but every situation in your child's life is an opportunity to learn.

Those tantrums that they throw should not be okay. They are having trouble expressing their emotions. Is this how we want to teach them to express themselves? Or can we use this as an opportunity to teach them how to take deep breathes, relax, use their words, talk to them?

I know, you are tired, do not have the time nor energy BUT how about we raise children who cope effectively in healthy ways because believe me..A two year old can learn how to calm themselves down but taking deep breaths, etc. I teach it in my classroom often.

Let's take time to teach our children and not leave it up to other adults who God only knows, how they handle or express their feelings. Let's take the time to invest in the healthy adults that we want them to be instead of coming up with every excuse why we shouldn't.

Let's Raise Up Champions!

In his Grace!