The Simple Woman's Daybook

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

FOR TODAY

December 14, 2008

Outside my window...cold rain and melting snow.

I am thinking...fun and creative projects to do with my children for Christmas.

I am thankful for...the growth of our church. We are family in the truest sense of the word.

From the learning rooms...more Poppleton, new curriculum and one finished math book.

I am wearing...jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. My new one from Horn Creek...oh so soft and comfy.

I am creating...nothing yet, but I did get a new sewing machine that I am very excited to use. Not brand new, but new to me.

I am remembering...the fall that Larah took 2 years ago and am thanking God that she is alive and healthy.

I am going...to help a friend decorate their Christmas tree tomorrow so that when his wife comes home from rehab, she will be able to enjoy Christmas....decorations and all.

I am currently reading...A Better Way by Edna Lee Allen.

I am hoping...for some more snow.

On my mind...Christmas and how blessed we are.

I am hearing...Sarah Buxton's Outside My Window...over and over in my head.

(You) still need stars when you're wishin at night

A best friend to set you right, a good laugh, a warm bath

And a beautiful song you can sing along to

Good news that'll make you cry

All the little things that money can't buy

No wars, no more, just a big rainbow outside my window

La la la la la la

Around the house...all is quiet.

One of my favorite things...my sister's voice on the other end of the phone.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

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A Parent's Prayer

I recently heard and prayed this prayer. I have committed to praying it everyday for the next thirty days. I am excited to see how God is going to work in my life and in the lives of my children.

Oh God, make me a better parent. Help me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them and contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Give me the courage to confess my sins against my children and to ask of them forgiveness, when I know that I have done them wrong. May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children. Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame and ridicule as punishment. Let me not tempt a child to lie or steal. Guide me hour-by-hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness. Reduce the meanness in me. May I cease to nag, and when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. Blind me to the little errors of my children and help me to see the good things that they do. Give me a ready word for honest praise. Help me to treat my children as those of their own age, and let me not expect of them the judgements and conventions of mature adults. Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose, and to make decisions. Forbid that I should ever punish them for my self-satisfaction. May I grant them all their wishes that are reasonable and have the courage always to withhold a privilege that I know would do them harm. God, help me to be a better, more loving parent. Amen

I challenge you to join me in praying this prayer, for you and your children, for the next thirty days.

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