bsmiles and sunny days

Because when there is more than one kid, the noise... Even when they’re just talking, the volume in the car rises exponentially every time another voice joins the conversation. Let me introduce you to a little tool I call “no talk mode”. Suzy says to Ben, “Bet I can make this sound longer than you can!” Ben responds, “Nugget-uh! I can do it longer! Berrrrrrrrenrneneneeeeee” Suzy says, “Berrrrremerrnenrenenrnrehgghjjememrmrmee.” At this point everyone I’m the car has raised their volume to be heard, and Dad has turned up the radio. Mom calmly says, “Ben and Suzy, you are on No Talk Mode for 5 mi utes. At 1:46 you can talk.  A few pointers: Tell them what time they can talk so that when you forget, they will remember. If they don’t stop talking, have them close their eyes for the duration of the time allotted. If they continue to talk or make noise, usually giggling, have them sit on their hands or hold their hands together in their laps. Add minutes each time they b...

This morning at the kitchen table in a guest house in Terre Du Lac, Missouri, my little ones were arguing about whose turn it was for the Kindle.  When I realized they weren’t finding resolution, I said, “Ask her if you can have a turn in 2 minutes.” and set my timer for two minutes. He did, she said yes, and when the timer went off, she passed the Kindle off to him and left the table to do something else.  One of the uncles in the room said, “That really works, huh?”  It does. I start using this technique as soon as a little one is old enough to ask for a turn. It takes a little training, but once each side understands that both parties will get equal turns, there is peace about sharing.  Lvb

I have this overwhelming sense That I'm not doing something  All the time. The thought crosses my mind On a daily basis. In getting ready to listen to a webinar On focus. It's the same guy that did the last one That reminded me to focus. I considered not even listening in. Honestly, is it possible to focus in my life? I wish someone would come in here And show me how to do this With focus. I know what the Bible says is true. Seek first the kingdom of God... But what does that amount to? Could it really come down to  Reading a chapter of my Bible In between  Sips of slim fast or breakfast Changing diapers Cleaning up spilled cereal  And hunting down the lost things that No one can find but me? My prayers are  Desperate Sporadic Does that matter to God? Is that seeking Him first? It seems more like filler. Like Here's my heart Lord Mixed up in the pieces of a  My scattered hairbrained mess of a day. Will He really accept it  As an offering of devotion...

I plugged my ears With earplugs So I could read while the tv is on. I'm not sure how Mr.PhD studies in front of it. His stuff is exponentially more difficult than mine! So I have just arrived at the second part of Shepherding a Child's Heart. Please, please, please! If you have children anywhere near Your sphere of influence, Promise me you will read this book! If your chief end in life is to glorify God And to enjoy Him forever, Read this book! I am sick about not having finished it sooner. I feel hopeful for my children again! It is changing me as a parent. My whole perspective is new! Praise God for His mercy toward us! Read it. Read it now. Lvb