Balanced Living

Growing up in a pretty stringent Baptist church, it is work for me to ensure that I keep a balance in life especially with my kids. It has been my experience that a high percentage of children raised in homes with a list of do and don'ts as the focal point, end up trying as many of the don'ts as they can once they're free. Of course, this in NOT to say that all Baptists are like those I was subjected to as a kid. What I experienced, however, was a missed childhood. I don't want my kids to get caught up on the list of rules. I just want them to embrace life and know Jesus in a real way.

What is tough for me at this point in my life is that I feel that most of what they learn will be learned by example. And, the Bible does say much about having your kids emersed in Scripture. I always wonder if I am giving what they need to truly know and experience Jesus. Precious prayers at night and around the dinner table abound, but I do really need to get back to doing daily devotions with them so they can learn about who Jesus is in order to make their decision as to whether they'll have Him as their anchor in life.

My biggest fear is that they would grow up and not accept Him as their Savior and end up being tossed about like the waves on the see with no anchor. I hope that inspite of my shortcomings, they'll embrace Christ and know true joy.

With all of that being said, part of maintaining balance is allowing them to experience things that are just kidlike in nature with no malice. So, first there was the mohawk and now the tattoo. He loves it, and really what harm is there??? He even asked me to put it where his shirt would cover it when he goes to the "store"!

Keeping balanced by defying specific gender roles such as the woman is to cook. This little dude is being trained to be a good hubby and dad. What could be better than a hubby who takes off his shirt and throws on an apron - well if he has a six pack! LOL

And, we do graffiti too! Sidewalk chalk is almost a daily activity around here! As you can see, blue is Sophia's favorite color.