A Yearly Favorite Blog Post: Verses to send with your children as they head back to school

So many of you have been searching for prayers and support as your children return to their school routine.  My blog has been pretty busy these last couple of days with people looking for verses to send with your children as they go to Kindergarten, High School, Home school, or college!  This time of year always makes me reflect upon how each year I would send a notecard off to school with my daughters on (or close to) the first day of school.  I would let know how totally I was (and still am) in love with them, how I would be (and still am) praying for them, how I appreciated the growth I saw in them over the summer and then I would usually include a verse to let remind them of God’s truth!

Here are a few of the verses that I remember including….

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“God has said,  ”Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:”I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.”  Psalm 56:3-4

Some years I would write out a prayer for their year, some years included a gift and every year included the fact that I was crazy about them and would be there for them as they went through each day.

This year the only student I will have in school is my youngest daughter who will be a sophomore at Moody Bible Institute.  I can’t tell you what I have planned for her because she some times read my blog and I want her to be surprised.

Tell me what verses you are sharing with your school age children as they head back to school ….

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The next generation in the family heirloom

Last month, on June 16, I wrote a blog post about our family cradle.   I had no idea that early the next morning, the next occupant of the family cradle would be born – almost 2 weeks early.  The Lord knew the exact right time for Joey to be born and he is doing so well (as I write this, I am enjoying babysitting him while his parents are out on a date.  He has been an ideal baby this evening, sleeping, drinking, cooing, and stretching – what more could a Grammie ask for?).

Because so many of you have asked and because this blog is titled Recognize and Remember (and these photos deserve to be recognized and remembered) – here are the photos of Joseph Isaiah taking his place in the Joseph family cradle.

God is so faithful to fill our family cradle with this little boy.

“The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.”

Psalm 146:10

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Safe in His Hands…

Grandpa and Joey snuggled in – Bill’s hand covers his entire back.

On the 4th of July, we went to the Saint Lawrence River to watch fireworks over the Boldt Castle.  It was very different for people from Pittsburgh who are used to seeing the fireworks over the 3 rivers, but it was very pretty.

Bill was holding baby Joey, who wasn’t sure about the whole experience – so Bill took him away from the crowd and covered him with his big manly hands.  Joey felt secure and loved in Grandpa’s hands and tucked himself in under Bill’s chin and fell asleep.  He stayed that way throughout the loud grand finale and the walk through a noisy crowd to the car.  Safe, loved and cared for a by strong, gentle man.

Watching the 2 of them  made me think of the Psalm 91 – where God’s protection  is compared to sheltering us under His wings…

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For He will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with His feathers.
He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

Psalm 91:1-4

That was what Grandpa was for baby Joey, protection – a shelter – a place to feel safe enough to fall asleep.  And that is what God is for us  – He protects us and shelters us when we are afraid and overwhelmed with the loud noises of our world.  Picture yourself being safe in God’s presence with His arms wrapped tightly around you and snuggle in tight to your God who will hold you close and take you safely to  home.

Grandpa’s finger compared to Joey’s.

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Is June really almost over?

This month has flown by and I am amazed that in just a few days it will be time to change the calendar to July (always one of my favorite months, thanks to my oldest daughter Alycia).

Here are the highlights of the last month….

Memorial Day picnic with family.  Bill made this table for me for Mother’s Day and ever since we have played a lot of checkers.  I have only won 1 game against him (he thinks through every move – I am more interested in talking).  I do love my checker table and how it looks on my front porch – very inviting and cozy.



Wedding Planning with Jason and Alycia.  September 25th is coming!!!

My Beautiful Clematis plants that grace our deck trellis (another thing that Bill made for me).  These flowers are so faithful, they come up every year with little effort on my part and each year are so beautiful.  Reminds me of 2 things – my friend Beth as she always appreciated and was envious of  my clematis flowers and Grace (these flowers come up even though I do nothing for them).

Becoming a Grammie to Joey (nothing more to say)

Representing Blessings Unlimited at the Christian Home Educators Convention in Akron, Ohio.  I got to meet Shannon, another Blessings Unlimited Consultant and she was a real joy to work with.  That is such a benefit of this job, meeting all of the wonderful people associated with Blessings Unlimited.  I also had a wonderful Prayer Legacy Gathering with several wonderful women this month.

This is the only photo that can be shared from a fun, crazy boat trip with our family.  Let’s just say that the day included a borrow board that didn’t always run properly, the lake patrol, a rainstorm, no utensils for our food and lots of fun in spite of all our mishaps.

“God has given us these times of joy” Psalm 81:4 (TLB)

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A New Man in My Life

There is a new man in my life….

Joseph Isaiah was born yesterday, June 17th at 9:27 am

He weighed in at 8 lbs 7 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Even though I was supposed to be at his birth – he decided he needed to come in a hurry and arrived after only a few hours of labor  (not enough time for me to get there for the birth).  But Bill (the Grandpa) and I hurried as fast as we could to drive the 6+ hours to meet our new grandson.  He was well worth the trip.

I am pleased to introduce Joey…

The very happy Grandpa and Grammie

God is so faithful and good — Praise His name forever!

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Without a Doubt – A Great Book Parents Must Read

Last year, when I was speaking with Hearts at Home I displayed several of the notes that my daughters had written me over the years on the Mother’s Paychecks.  These notes included comments such as “I haven’t told you in a awhile that you are a great, wonderful and cool Mom” and (from in very young handwriting), “I love you almost as much as God” 🙂 .  A woman stood at my table reading these and when I asked her if I could help her, her response was, “Teach me to raise kids like these.”  There were several ideas of how to answer her that ran through my mind, but I needed time with her and a wished I had a good resource to recommend.

This past year, I received a GREAT resource to review from 2 of my favorite ministries, Hearts at Home and Moody Publishers titled growing grateful kids by Susie Larson.  The byline is” Teaching Them to appreciate An Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places.”  This is the book I needed to recommend to the lady who stood at my table.

Lately, as I have been reading Christian books, I have wondered if it was really necessary to publish these titles; so many are a repeat of each other and the Scriptures are a much better read.  Yet, this book is a MUST READ for very Christian Parent.  Susie Larson does an excellent job of teaching how to begin raising grateful kids by being grateful ourselves.  Her family stories are easy to relate to and demonstrate God’s work in our lives.  (I love the story of grace she told of her son Jake and forgiveness – it is powerful and memorable).  Today’s culture provides so much for our children, that they come to expect items that no other generation has expected – and we, as their parents, need to learn how to be wise as we raise our kids.   The book is broken into 4 parts, Model Thankfulness, Teach Perspective, Encourage Faith and Live Abundantly with practical chapters in each section.  Susie also has a great sense of humor that makes the reading easy and fun. 

I highly recommend this book to be at the top of your summer reading, it will be worth your time (I was going to give away my copy, but this is a keeper for me).You can order the book through Hearts at Home Heart Shoppe by visiting http://www.heartshoppe.com/grgrkibysula.html.  This way you support the wonderful ministry of Hearts at Home as well as receiving a book that will be a great help to you.

And just in case, if you are the lady who stopped at my table and wanted to know how to raise kids that were grateful – I will send you my book and buy myself another one (just email me, sandrajoseph@windstream.net ).

Blessings,

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Why is it?

Recently I had the priveledge of spending the day with a woman that I have not always been friends with.  We went to the same college together, yet ran in different circles.  We have know each other through different Christian organizations such as the Church, Christian School, etc…, but have never taken the time to really get to know each other.  But through our brokenesses, we recently and cautiously reached out to each other and connected.

The day we spent together was painfully open; we both reveal thoughts we had about each other and how those thoughts had hindered our friendship.  One statement she said about me has really made me think — she told me that she was “jealous of my life.”  I was really taken back by her comment and I challenged her that maybe she didn’t really know what was going on in my life – the failures, the struggles and the fears.  As I proceeded to share with her all that our family has been through, her response was that she didn’t know. Just as  I have not known what all has been going on in her life. 

Why is it that we think the other person has it easier/better than we do? 

Why do we allow the enemy to control our thoughts/emotions about our fellow Believers?

Why is jealously such an issue in our culture when we already have so much?

After spending time together, my “new old friend” and I were reminded that it is only GRACE. 

Grace to forgive each other

 Grace to allow each other to mess up

 Grace to struggle with what God allows into our lives,

Grace to accept each other’s blessings without being jealous

Grace not to have the “perfect Christian family”

Grace not to have the “perfect Christian finances”

GRACE is why it is…

“By the grace of God, I am what I am.” 1 Corinthiians 15:10

Blessings Unlimited By Grace Alone Sign

http://sjoseph.blessingsdirect.com/Products/Directory/CUST043/ProductDetails.aspx?prodid=806&cid=500

 

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They’re Engaged!!

Last Wednesday, Saint Patrick’s Day, our oldest daughter, Alycia said YES to marrying Jason.  She started her day in Florida with her Grandparents and me, arrived in Pittsburgh in time to have lunch with her Daddy and by that evening, she had a fiance and a beautiful engagement ring on her finger.

Photo taken by Jason’s Mom of Jason & Alycia that evening.

Once again, Bill and I are so blessed by God bringing Jason into Alycia’s life.  I told him the evening that they called, that Bill and I had been praying for him since before Alycia was born.  It is fun to watch how God has worked in both of their lives to draw them together.  God is so faithful!

It would appear that another wedding is going to be scheduled for September.  So many good things continue to happen in our lives – weddings, grandson (soon to be born), college freshman, empty nest, turning 50 –  WOW! 

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

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God set the lonely in families

This week, I have been enjoying an amazing week with my daughters and parents.  We all were able to get a few days away to meet  in Florida.  One of the absolute best times of the week, has been to see my 3 daughters together again – laughing and sharing their lives together.  God’s design for the family is good.

My birthday will be later this week and to celebrate, my Mom and daughters took me to tea at the Disney Grand Floridian.  What a special time we had enjoying tea and special food in a beautiful setting (their scones are to die for).  To learn more about the Grand Floridian Tea Room, check out this website  http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=305.

God knows that the last several months have been lonely for me as I adjust to the empty nest and the many changes that have come into my life.  This week I have enjoyed God’s blessings of family togetherness again.  I thank God for His good gifts to fill the emptiness through family and ultimately through the gift of His Son.

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,  is God in His holy dwelling.   God sets the lonely in families…”  Psalm 68:5-6

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A Mother’s Paycheck – My Mother’s Hands

 

This week I have missed my youngest daughter more than usual.  I think it is because there have been so many snow days (days from school because of snow).  It would be fun to spend the day with Audrianna, snowed in so we could talk, watch TV and work on dinner together.  

Above my kitchen sink, I have a poem she wrote me and then framed titled My Mother’s Hands.  It was part of  a wonderful Christmas gift my daughters got me several years ago (you can read about that gift in a 2007 post titled Memorable Gifts or at A Mother’s Paycheck website). 

Since I am missing my youngest daughter and I need to be reminded of her love for me… it is time to share Audrianna’s gift of writing this heart touching poem with you.  Thank you Audrianna for this Mother’s Paycheck — I will treasure it always!

 

 

 

My Mother’s Hands

By Audrianna Joseph 

They are a picture of tenderness; 

A portrait of grace 

A captured moment of happy bliss, 

As dainty as lace 

~ 

Their feather softness will caress,  

They are strong 

Their tough enough to clean the mess 

They sing a silent song 

~ 

They are there when you are young or old 

Forever believing 

They create warmth from the cold 

Never deceiving 

~ 

They will softly wipe away all your tears 

You can’t live without 

They will destroy all of your fears 

They will never doubt 

~ 

You do not always get it or agree 

They are hope 

When you are blind, they let you see 

They let you cope 

~ 

They are love 

They will always understand 

They are love 

They are your mother’s hands 

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