Eliminating the Martha Quality

So today I had a really great idea! I've always struggled with taking time to relax. For some reason, I either feel guilty about it or I just can't take my mind off of everything that needs to be done. This has been a problem in my life for as long as I can remember and it has really been highlighted since I married Matt. I remember when we first got married and he would be sitting on the couch in the evening. Of course, I would be running around frantically trying to clean up or do laundry. He would say, "Kim, come sit down with me on the couch for a while. All that stuff can wait until later." It's funny, I'm sure that the Lord is probably saying the same thing to me daily.

I am constantly reminded of the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus came to visit the sisters, Martha was running like crazy to make preparations but Mary rested at the feet of Jesus. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister, Jesus said that Mary was right in her actions. Oh if I would but sit at the feet of Jesus and simply enjoy the presence of my sweet friend and King.

I believe that this quality-we'll call it the Martha quality-has been engrained in me since the beginning. (Please note: I am not putting any blame or even saying that Mom and Dad did anything wrong in raising me. It's hard to even put into words how grateful I am for the good work ethic that they taught me.)

In order to make the children aware of the Martha quality early on and teach them

the delicate balance between work and relaxation, we will make hard work AS WELL AS relaxation a part of our family's DNA. This will be a priority for the Wooten family. Balance is SO important. Below is a list of practical ways that we can incorporate relaxation into our days:

1. Set aside a specific time each day that is solely dedicated to quiet time with the Lord. Teach the kids that this is top priority in life. If the time we choose is 8:00 am then everyone goes to their own quiet place and prays, studies the word, does a daily devotion, etc at 8:00 am. Follow through is so important here. If I'm going to show them that this is truly top priority then I can't change the plan if a better activity comes along. After all, if you make a plan to meet up with a friend, you don't ditch them if you get a better offer.

2. Help the kids manage their schedules. Teach them organization from the beginning, that way as activities, homework and other responsibilities pile up, they are well prepared to manage their time wisely. I'd love for each kid to have a calendar/bulletin board/white board in their own rooms. Somewhere where they can compile all information and schedules and keep track of everything on their own. I'd also like to have a family hub in the kitchen where we would all have access to a family calendar and a bulletin board to hang notices and reminders. Each person can update as needed. This way everyone plays a part in what activities our family can and can't take part in.

3. Their are so many good things our family can do. However, it's easy to get involved in too many activities. We will make dinner time at the table together as a family a priority. If we ever get to a place where there are so many things going on we can't have dinner together, then something will need to be eliminated. The dinner table is where hearts are softened and character is built. This is where the presence of the Lord dwells in a home-the alter of the house. We will honor this principle as a family.

4. Schedule a family game night. This could be every couple of weeks or even once a month depending on the season our family is in. Not only is this fun for everyone but family bonding will take place during this precious quality time.

5. Kids will have a specific bed time where they at least need to be in their room with the lights out. Sleep is so important for a healthy body and brain. Work with the kids to avoid late night studying as much as possible.

I'm sure there are many other tips that the Lord will show me as the day approaches when I will actually be able to put this plan into action, but for now I feel like this is a good start. I can't wait to see how the Lord will bring these things about. He is faithful and I'm so thankful that as we sew we will reap. Thank you Lord for that awesome promise in your word!!!

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Kool-Aid Play Dough
Art projects at this age are all about experimenting with and exploring new avenues of expression. Playing with this dough is a creative outlet and smells good too!

You'll need:
• 1 cup flour • 1/2 cup salt • 1 tablespoon Kool-Aid mix • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 cup water • large saucepan • mixing spoon
What to do:
Your toddler will love the smell of this scented play dough, and it's easy to make from ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Mix the flour, salt, Kool-Aid mix, and cream of tartar with the spoon in a large saucepan. Stir in the water and vegetable oil. Place the saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick. Remove it to cool. When the dough no longer feels sticky and hot, place it on waxed paper and knead it with your hands for about a minute. Break off a piece and invite your toddler to explore this creative dough, molding pieces in any shapes she wishes. Older toddlers may wish to experiment with plastic cookie cutters, cutting shapes from this dough. When finished with this activity, store the play dough in an airtight container or zipper bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Finger paints...

2 cups cold water
3 tsp sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 T light corn syrup
liquid food coloring

Stir water, sugar and cornstarch in a small pot. Whisk over low heat for 5 minutes until mixture is thick and clear. Stir in corn syrup. Pour paint into small containers with lids. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and shake until color is well mixed.



This will be fun!

Which seat at the table will you take?

Did you ever give a gift to someone who had an amazing reaction? Maybe they were surprised or just excited about the gift you gave them. Didn't you feel like you were on top of the world? Man, it feels good to bless others especially when it's obvious that you've truly made the recipient happy!
Now think back and remember a time you gave a gift and you weren't sure that the recipient was pleased with the gift you gave them. There wasn't much of a reaction at all or possibly it was clear that they weren't satisfied with the gift. Did you still feel good about giving or did you think to yourself, 'well, that's the last time I give this person a gift!'?
I have to admit, I've had this thought before. So what was my true reason for giving? ...was it to bless the other person or was it to feel good about myself?
This feeling of entitlement sneaks in way too often especially around the holidays. I've heard these lies a thousand times...
Why didn't I get invited to that holiday party?
How dare she ask me to do this? Doesn't she know I have enough going on?
I can't believe he didn't even thank me for that gift. I spent hours looking for that _______ and it wasn't cheap!
I'm not going to serve here because I'm not appreciated in this area. More people would be touched if I helped out ___________.

Aren't these all examples of entitlement? When we put ourselves in a more important position than others, we are not living as Christ asked us to live.

"Let nothing be done through selfish amibition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

I'm going to bust your face in, Daisy

So today I decided that no matter how many things I've got to get done, I'm going to try to keep a good attitude. I'm trying to do this new thing where I don't let 'things that need to be done' rule me. It is such a challenge for me to live in the moment I'm in and not worry so much about all the many uncompleted tasks (that frankly will always be there no matter how hard I work). I've been praying about this for years and I'm finally just sick of it and want to be rid of this thorn in my side. I'm going to be joyful and have a good attitude today.

Soon after I made this decision, I went in to make my bed and straighten up my room a bit. As I pulled the comforter up, something damp brushed up against my arm. I froze and stared at the big yellow spot and it stared right back at me.

DAISY! You stupid jerk!!!!!!!!! I'm seriously going to kick that dog's butt as far as I possibly can. What the heck would possess that idiot dog to go in and pee in the middle of our bed? Does she think begrudgingly to herself, 'No one even asked me how I slept last night or how my morning is going, much less opened the door for me to go out and take my morning piddle. I'm so sick of these humans ignoring me. I bet if that baby wanted to play ball, they would throw it at least one hundred times. I'll show them!'

This morning before Matt left he asked me if he could let Daisy come in and lay in the bed with me. I said ok, but only because I assumed he let her out to go potty beforehand.

Whatever. It doesn't even matter.

Blog, you are my witness. This is the last straw. Daisy is NO LONGER ALLOWED ON OUR BED. She'll be lucky to set foot in our room. PERIOD.

One last, lasting HOPE

Are you trying to be perfect?
Have you succeeded?
Have you made even one minute, insignificant mistake...?
Think about it now....
Have you told even one little white lie, given someone a dirty look or had a scandalous thought...?

Well, then, you are no longer clean. Period.
If you've messed up once, then you are damaged goods. Stained forever. Trashed.
I'm sorry, but you will not spend eternity in paradise because, unfortunately, you can never stand blameless before the One that created you.

But wait...there is one hope for you!

There is one perfect person. The person of Jesus Christ.
He did not sin once--NOT EVEN ONCE--EVER! If only you had his record, right?
You can. Anyone can.

All you have to do is accept Him.

Romans 10:4 says, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

It couldn't be more simple. It couldn't be more clear.

Romans 10:9 says, "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

Suddenly, you are clean, white as snow and blameless in the eyes of God. When He died on that cross, he took on all of your sins-past, present and future. He basically traded you accounts. When God looks at you, He no longer sees your flaws and your sins. He sees His son.

He did it ALL for you. He said it was finished.

He rose. He made a way.

Just accept it.

My prayer for you...

Son,
I am excited to meet you. I pray so many things for you. I pray you have good health and that you rarely get sick. I pray you are a happy baby. I pray you sleep and get peaceful and fulfilling rest. I pray that nightmares do not come to you. I pray you feel secure and safe. I pray that you feel loved every day. I pray that you are coordinated and that you like to breastfeed. I pray that you keep a good schedule. I pray that you are like your Father. I pray that you are like your Father in heaven. I pray that you know Jesus and know Him well and know Him early in your life. I pray that you succeed in everything you try and that you give God the glory. I pray that you are not tempted beyond what you can handle. I pray that you are strong. I pray that you are intelligent. I pray that in your weakness, God is strong. I pray that God will give you eyes to see and ears to hear. I pray that you are compassionate. I pray that you are sensitive. I pray that you are not prideful. I pray that you will love your parents but not more that you love God. I pray that you will be a witness. I pray that you will be discerning. I pray that you will be forgiving. I pray most of all, my son, that you will obey God and love Him so that we will all be together for eternity with our loving God.
I love you!