Proverbs 3:25-26

Proverbs 3:25-26

Have no fear of sudden disaster or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord is your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

What if I die and leave my husband and 3 kids behind?
What if someone breaks into our house and attacks us?
What if someone kidnaps one of my children?
What if Dave gets killed in a car accident?
What if Dave loses his job and we can't pay our bills and we become homeless?
What if, what if, what if???

Reading these you may think I am trying to be funny to prove a point or I am over exaggerating to make a statement. I truly wish this was the case. I struggle in my daily life to battle the "what if's..." If I am not careful, they overtake my thinking which then impacts our day to day functioning within the Scott family home. This verse in Proverbs is one I have read many times, but it never really sunk into the depths of my heart until just recently. I have committed it to memory and I am actively using it to battle the "what if's" that creep into my daily life. This anxiety is rooted so deep within the core of my being that it is going to take time and effort to weed it out, but it is a weed that must be pulled. It hinders me from fully living the life God has planned for me. It is also something I can already see I am passing on to my oldest daughter. The world will teach them enough about doubting the Lord and not trusting His proctection and provisions - I need to teach only the truth within these walls of my home! What freedom and joy would fill our lives if we can daily choose to live our lives like Psalm 63:8 tells us we are allowed to - "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me" Let's cling to Him!!

James 1:20

James 1:20 "For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

I have been meditating on this verse for the past couple of weeks. I can't help but remember the number of times that I have gotten angry at my children and let them know it in hopes that it would change and correct their behaviors. Well, this clearly states that my anger does not bring about the changes that God desires. I have been challenged to keep my voice calm and controlled. If I feel like I am getting impatient or feel that anger inside of me I purposely lower my voice as a reminder to myself to stay calm.

I have also been convicted that if I am angry or very frustrated with an action or behavior and I have yet to correct it, I have waited too long! I have found it is so much easier to teach and correct my children if I do it quickly rather then wait until it is bothersome or out of control!

Who knew parenting would be such a lesson in self-control and obedience!

Stacy

Adventures in Cloth Diapering

About 9 months ago, while pregnant with Niko I decided I wanted to try cloth diapers for the sole purpose of saving us $$$. We purchase a bunch of diapers, enough for Braelyn and Nikolas. Well, when I was put on bed rest with Niko, Dave and I decided that cloth diapers were one thing we didn't need to be worrying about at that time so we put them away and switched back to disposable. I had every intention of returning to cloth once Nikolas was born...but things didn't go quite as planned. I was totally overwhelmed with 3 under the age of 3 (not to mention 3 other daycare kiddos) and decided that cloth diapering just wasn't for me. So, I sold them to a dear friend. I am so glad she has been enjoying them, but it was such a mistake. After a month or two we were settled back into a great routine and I missed cloth diapering. I know it sounds silly, but I felt like it was a big thing I could do to help our finances; allowing me to work hard and support our family. It was a very personal and practical way that I felt I was able to live out this verse in my daily life...

Proverbs 31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her task.

I am by no means saying that a wife and mom must cloth diaper in order to live as a Proverbs 31 wife. That is the furthest from the truth! It was a personal conviction of mine.

Seeing as I had sold all of my first stash of cloth diapers I prayed about it and decided that a majority of my diapers I would purchase used and I would try and teach myself how to sew my own. Today Niko and Braelyn are wearing the very first "mommy made" cloth diapers. I learned a lot while making them and I am very excited to make some more! Here are a few pictures of my first creations...

A Whole New World!

A blog...for real?!? We'll see what becomes of it! I decided to give it a try in order to be able to share stories, pictures, and thoughts with those who are interested in reading about it. Here goes nothing...

Stacy