A to Z Blogging--R is for Rest

Rest--Making Sundays a Day Of 
  

“And on the seventh day, God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.”

Genesis 2:2-3

God certainly did not need to rest, even after He did the unimaginable work of creating…well, everything! But His Word said that He did rest. He did this to set an example for us; we, too, need to rest. We need a day to rest physically and emotionally from the day-to-day stresses and happenings in our lives. We need a day to focus on Him and His teaching and His blessings. We need (NOT just on Sundays!) a day to worship, to pray, to seek His will in our lives. We need time to relax and refresh ourselves for the next week.

I decided to make Sunday a “day of rest” for me and my family about 15 years ago. We attend church every Sunday, and when we lived 25 miles from the grocery store I usually did some grocery shopping on Sunday. But I did not cook or clean or do any other projects; I spent time focusing on the Lord and His Word, spending time with my family and maybe indulging in a rare nap. I still do this as much as possible and find that it does prepare me for the following week. (If, for some reason, I can’t take Sunday as a day of rest, I try to take another day, or at least part of the day, to focus on the Lord and rest.

Please note that I do not view Sunday as a day full of rules as to what I can or cannot do. The ancient Jews debated over how far they were “legally” allowed to walk, or if they could pull an animal out of the well on Sunday, or had to let it die, as pulling it out was “work.” Some Sundays I do more than others; the important thing is that I focus on the Lord on that day and do what refreshes and renews me for the week ahead.

How can you make Sunday a day of rest for you and your family?  

  First of all, talk with your family about the new Sunday routine. The kids won’t have any chores (yay!) besides taking care of animals. No “honey-do’s” for your spouse either (yay!). Remind them that you won’t be cooking (yay!); they can eat leftovers or maybe it will be a day to order pizza.

·         Talk with your family about what a “day of rest” means. It’s not just a day to relax, but a day to spend more time with the Lord, praying, in Bible study, worshiping Him. Help your kids to plan how they will spend the day; maybe an hour of Bible study and journaling, writing out Bible verses to memorize, making a prayer list, making a list of things God has done for them, etc. Small kids will need more direction; you could read and discuss a Bible story together and then ask them to draw a picture about what you read and talked about.

·         Plan family activities, too. Maybe you’ll prepare a meal together or take a walk or visit members of your congregation who cannot get out. Just remember your goal to honor the Lord and refresh yourself for the upcoming week.

·         Plan ahead for what you will do! Gather your Bible and other study tools, or a devotion book. Will you update your prayer list? Journal about how God has spoken to you? List the things that you are thankful for?  Take a long walk by yourself, photographing evidence of God’s work? Take a walk or a long bubble bath?

·        Prepare your home. On Saturday, make sure there are clean towels and something in the house to eat, even if leftovers. Clear out the dishwasher and take out the trash, so it’s easy for everyone to pick up after themselves on Sunday.

·         If waking up to a messy house on Monday gets your week off to a bad start, spend a few minutes on Sunday night picking up—make it a family activity, maybe before you enjoy a treat together and talk about the day and the upcoming week.

·         If making Sunday a “day of rest” is a major change for your family, be prepared for some rough spots. You might get requests for supper or complaints that a favorite shirt is not clean. Gently remind your family of the “day of rest” rules; maybe they’ll decide to do their own laundry or cook for themselves, or maybe they’ll make do. Don’t give up! After a few weeks everyone will adapt, and I bet you’ll come to cherish your day of rest as I do.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

Exodus 20:8-10

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times . Check it out! 

A to Z Blogging--Q is for Quirks

Quirky Things about Me

"For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Psalm 139:13-14

I’m glad God made us all different—and that includes our individual (sometimes weird) quirks. Here are some of mine.

 Bananas must be at the perfect state of ripeness for me to eat them; they can’t be green, but can’t have too many brown spots either. I think, in my eyes, they are at that “perfect” state for about an hour. When I get them at the grocery store I take one or two bananas of various states of ripeness, off of several bunches, so their “perfect ripeness” time is staggered. I found out recently that my sister Deb shares the “bananas must be at the perfect state of ripeness” requirement, so maybe it’s genetic.

Eggs. I do not eat eggs if I can recognize them—scrambled, hard boiled, omelets., etc. The reason? When I was about seven years old my dad told me that eggs were “unborn baby chickens.” He is, of course, correct…but that concept grossed me out so much that now I cannot eat them. I really wish I could because they are cheap, nutritious, and can be prepared so many ways…but I just can’t.

Swimming in a lake. When I was a kid our family vacationed with my grandparents at a lake resort in “fish go to the bathroom in the lake.” Well of course they do…where else would they? But in my mind, I didn’t want to swim in fish pee.

northern Wisconsin. I LOVED swimming in the lake…until my grandfather told me that

Color coded calendars. I have several calendars and color-code them all; green ink for my work hours, red ink to note birthdays and anniversaries and blue or black for everything else. When my kids were home I had a color for each of their activities, and for family activities as well. It really helps me keep track of things with only a glance at the calendar!

Sticky notes. I love sticky notes of every size, shape, color and design. Trouble is, when I want to write something on one it has to be written on the “perfect” one—so I usually have to search for one of the perfect size, color and design.

I procrastinate about the weirdest things. I’m almost compulsive about being on time or even early to appointments, church, and so on. However, I procrastinate about the silliest things. A few weeks ago the lightbulb in my closet burned out. Dreading the process of finding a screwdriver to get the light cover off, finding something to stand on (I’m really short and my stepstool wasn’t enough), getting the old lightbulb out, new lightbulb in, screwing the light cover back on…I put off this *very difficult and time-consuming task* for…at least 17 days. 

The time it took me to complete the task, including locating the screwdriver, finding something to stand on, getting the light cover off AND back on, taking the old lightbulb out and putting the new one in, putting the screwdriver away…literally, less than 3 minutes. Another example—I’m also doing the A to Z Blogging Challenge atNebraska Family Times. I started in April (as I did on this blog) but put off finishing until today. When I went to the blog to see what letter I was to, and how many letters I still had to blog about, and found that the ONLY entry I needed was…”Z”. I put off doing the very last letter for almost 3 months. Yep, that’s part of being Shelly, I guess!

What makes you unique? In the comments below, share one of your favorite quirks!

A to Z Blogging--Prepare for Sick Days

(adapted from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home”, by Shelly Burke. Click on the sidebar to order, or click on the tabs above for more information.)

 It’s inevitable—someone in your home will become sick, probably at a most inopportune time. Developing a

strategy for sick days—whether the sick person is a child, your spouse, or yourself—will make enduring them much easier.

Here is a list of “sick day supplies” to always have on hand.

Medications, in age-appropriate form, to treat:

Fever

Pain

Nausea

Diarrhea

Congestion

Cough

Be aware that some medications are combination medications—they contain more than one medication. Read the label carefully to avoid giving too much of any medication. For example, many cold medications also contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you give the cold medicine and acetaminophen, you might be giving too much acetaminophen.

Make it a habit to check the expiration date of your medications several times a year.

Other Hints for Preparing for Sick Days

Other items to have on hand:

• Electrolyte replacement fluid for infants (check with your doctor as to when you should use this)
• Juice/soda to sooth upset tummies and replace fluids lost through vomiting/diarrhea
• Thermometer and probe covers
• Humidifier and distilled water
• Your family’s preferred comfort foods; soup, crackers, popsicles, jello, applesauce, pudding, juice, etc.
• Activities to keep the kids occupied when they’re on the road to health but bored, or when you are sick and need to keep them occupied. When they’re on sale, purchase (and hide!) a supply of coloring books and new colors or markers, DVDs, simple craft projects, card games, art supplies, etc. Keep hidden until needed!

Other ways to be prepared:

• Ask your doctor or nurse for guidelines as to when certain medications should be given; for example, how high should your child’s fever be before you give medication? When should you call the doctor about a fever/vomiting/diarrhea, etc?
• If anyone in your family has a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes, his or her medication needs may change with illness. Talk with your doctor about this before illness strikes, and call while the person is sick if you have any questions.
• Never let your supply of diapers, wipes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc. run critically low; you don’t want to have to shop for these items with a sick child or when you yourself are sick!

What sick day supplies do you have on hand at all times?

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”

(She is prepared for the future.)

Proverbs 31:25

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times. Check it out! 

A to Z Blogging {Still catching up!}; Other Ways to Bring God into Your Kids' Lives

(Click here to read part one of this post; Kids--Bringing God into Their Lives)

To instill a love of God in your child, God must be a part of your life every day—at home, at school, wherever you go and whatever you’re doing. Here are a few tips to make God an integral part of your life every day.

• When you read to your child, include Bible narratives. When your child is old enough to read, provide Bible stories; give tweens and teens Christian fiction to read. (Caution: read the books first, to be sure they are really “Christian” books.) Consider subscribing to faith-based magazines; again, preview them first to be sure they give the message you want your kids to read.
• Give each child a Bible of their own; consider a study Bible so they can learn even more from the study notes. Give them highlighters so they can mark in their Bibles too, and encourage them to write down what they’ve learned and questions that come up as they read.
• Have Bible-study/devotion time as a family. Teach what you learned in Bible study, or read and discuss passages from the Bible. Many Bible study and devotion books are also available.
• Write Bible verses on note cards and post them around the house. Encourage your kids to do the same so they memorize verses or are reminded of God during a tough time.
• Pray for your kids…and with your kids. Ask them what they would like you to pray for, for them. Pray that they will desire to have God in their lives and follow Him. Encourage them to start a prayer journal, recording their requests and God’s answers.
• Set a good example of showing Christ’s love wherever you go. Be polite even if the checker is rude. Return change when too much is given. Give to charity as you feel led. If you lose your temper with another driver, apologize, explain why what you did was wrong, and ask God’s forgiveness out loud.
• Bring God into situations in your child’s life. When she talks about a new child at school, encourage her to talk to him and explain how Jesus was kind to everyone. If a teen at her high school gets pregnant, talk about the consequences of not obeying God’s laws and the impact on the rest of that teen’s life. You can also use this as an opportunity to talk about choosing life, and God’s forgiveness.  
• It’s normal for teens to ask questions about faith and your religious denomination. Allow them to ask these questions (I think God is glad when we think about Him and His Word and ask questions!). Discuss them as a family; find the answers if you can, or ask your pastor or priest. Even if kids are questioning their faith, make attending church a rule.

How do you make God a part of your kids’ everyday lives? Please leave your comment below! 

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

The Morning Blues—and how to Beat Them!

Mornings can be hectic—whether you have kids at home or are just getting yourself ready for the day. Here are some tips to take the “blues” out of the morning.

•  Start the morning on a positive note with the Lord’s words: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) and “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!”  Psalm 118:24).
• It’s hard to start the morning facing a sink full of dirty dishes or overflowing garbage can.  Every evening take a few minutes (it takes less time than you think!) to clear off the counter and start the dishwasher and take out the trash if needed. Pick up dirty towels in the bathroom and toys and shoes and books scattered around the house. This is not deep cleaning but a quick pick-up so you don’t have to face chaos and clutter in the morning.
• Plan breakfast the night before and have a back-up in mind in case the bread is green or last bit of milk is spilled in the morning. It’s OK to eat supper for breakfast, too! Cody’s favorite supper/breakfast was meatballs and mashed potatoes. String cheese and baby carrots are another alternative. Have breakfast bars on hand in case breakfast has to be eaten on the way to work or school.
• Before bed, choose clothes for the morning; lay them all out, including underwear and shoes. If it’s the first cold spell of the fall also hunt down gloves and hats.
• Gather your purse, library books, backpacks, and everything else that needs to leave the house with you. If something needs to stay refrigerated until the last minute, put a sticky-not reminder on the door or your purse.
• Make a checklist for your kids (and maybe yourself) of morning “to-do’s”. This will also teach your kids accountability and time management.
• Make it a priority to start the day on a positive note. Grit your teeth through spilled milk or lost library books. Send your family off with a smile; the time to discuss changes in the morning routine is not when you’re in a hurry, but when you have time to discuss it calmly.

 How do you beat the morning blues? Share your ideas in the "Comments" section! 

“Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love,

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

Psalm 90:14

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times. Check it out! 

Life Skills to Teach Kids (Catching up on the A to Z Challenge!)

By Shelly Burke

Our main job as parents is to work ourselves out of a job…that is, teach our kids how to live productive, independent lives—on their own! Along with teaching your kids to do their own laundry and cook ramen noodles, here are some less-thought-of skills that will be even more valuable in “real life.”

Teach your kids to: 

• Say “HI” to the janitor. And the waitress. And the check out lady. And the maid at the hotel.
• Request an extra pillow from the lady at the front desk. Call and order pizza. Check their bank balance by calling the bank. Making a dentist appointment. Ask the produce man how to choose a ripe pineapple or avocado.
• Make an exchange or a return at the store, or renew a car license at the courthouse. Politely, even if the person behind the counter is not polite.
• Make small talk. (“Tell me about your job.” “How about those Huskers!” “What about this weather?”)
• Know when not to talk, but to listen and observe.
• Introduce people to each other.
• Know when to apologize and how to apologize, without making excuses.
• Estimate how much groceries will cost. (As you’re checking out, ask each child to estimate what the final bill will be and write it down without letting anyone see. The one who has the most accurate estimate doesn’t have to help take the groceries in.)
• Comparison shop.
• Read a map. A paper map (maybe in a book called an “Atlas”).
• Pound in a nail…without a hammer. Screw in a screw…without a screwdriver. Pull out a nail…without a hammer. Hem a pair of pants…without a needle and thread. (Answers: hard heel of a shoe, knife, fork, duct tape.)
• Play a record on a record player. (When Morgan’s pre-school teacher did this, Morgan came home excited about huge “CD” her teacher had that was “this big!”)
• Write a letter. By hand. With a pen.  Look up the address in the phone book. Address the envelope and stamp it. Take it to the post office and mail it.
• Use the Yellow Pages. The ones made of paper, not on a screen!
• Check the oil level in a car. Jump a car battery. Change a tire.

 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

What practical skills do you have to add to this list? Please leave your suggestion in the "Comment" section below!

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times Check it out! 

Catching up...and...{Drumroll}...winners!

The winners of the gift basket (pictured below) are: 

• Marcy, for your comment on the Nebraska Family Times blog on 4/18
• Buffie, for your comment on the Nebraska Family Times blog on 4/16
• Melanie Schultz for your comment on the Home is Where the Mom Is blog on 4/16
• Multi-Tasking Mama for your comment on the Home is Where the Mo Is blog on 4/8

Please e-mail me your mailing address to me at shelly@shellyburke.net by Wednesday and I'll get your gift in the mail!

Thank you to everyone who commented! I appreciate your taking the time to do so and I appreciate your comments! Keep commenting because...

The next giveaway will be announced later this week;

sign up to receive these blog posts in your e-mail so you can sign up

for the next gift giveaway! {HINT: It will contain CHOCOLATE!)

And stay tuned...I'll be catching up on posts for the A to Z Blogging Challenge on both blogs this week!