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	<title>parenting &#8211; 7 Days Time</title>
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	<title>parenting &#8211; 7 Days Time</title>
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		<title>Right in Front of Our Face</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/right-in-front-of-our-face/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2018 12:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lesson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[provision]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=7256</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Have you seen those memes on social media that depict a kid &#8220;looking&#8221; for something but can&#8217;t &#8220;see&#8221; it so they come to their mama to help them? Yeah. Happens ALL the time in our house. Me: &#8220;Charis, pick  up the crayon, honey.&#8221; Charis: &#8220;Where?&#8221; Me: &#8220;Right there.&#8221; Charis: &#8220;Where? I don&#8217;t see it?&#8221; Me:&#8230; [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/right-in-front-of-our-face/">Right in Front of Our Face</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you seen those memes on social media that depict a kid &#8220;looking&#8221; for something but can&#8217;t &#8220;see&#8221; it so they come to their mama to help them?</p>
<p>Yeah. Happens ALL the time in our house.</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;Charis, pick  up the crayon, honey.&#8221;</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Where?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;Right there.&#8221;</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Where? I don&#8217;t see it?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me:&#8230;</p>
<p>You get the picture. <span id="more-7256"></span></p>
<p>While those scenarios drive me absolutely bananas (give me grace, oh Jesus!), I must say that I am just as bad as not seeing the things right in front of my face.</p>
<p>Hang with me as I explain.</p>
<p>See, there are SO many times in my life that I complicate things or, because I am looking for something specific that I think I need, I miss what God has put directly in front of my face.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s another kid example: Several months ago right after <a href="https://www.7daystime.com/and-im-back/">we moved to El Paso</a>, we were out in the backyard just hanging out. My son, clothed in a T-shirt and a diaper (#BecauseSummerInTheDesert) was up on the landing when it started to rain.</p>
<p>Although my dear son has seen/experienced rain before, I think he was flabbergasted because rain in West Texas in July really isn&#8217;t a &#8220;thing.&#8221; I told him to walk the 3.5 feet to the edge of the awning so he wouldn&#8217;t get wet.</p>
<p>But he just stood there. Angry.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-7257" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_2882-979x1024.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="575" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_2882-979x1024.jpg 979w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_2882-287x300.jpg 287w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_2882-768x803.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></p>
<p>Because I am an amazing mother, I sat there and laughed at his conundrum. His big sister took compassion on him, stretched out her hand and led him the three steps to &#8220;shelter.&#8221;</p>
<p>(I wouldn&#8217;t have let him get soaked. It was barely sprinkling. #DontJudge)</p>
<p>As I sat there chuckling, I couldn&#8217;t help but realize that I do the same thing to God sometimes.</p>
<p>I am needing an answer, a way out, something, and I stand out in the spiritual &#8220;rain,&#8221; yelling at the Lord to &#8220;FIX IT, JESUS.&#8221; And right in front of my face is the answer. I&#8217;m just too consumed in my own little world, solely focused on my problems to see God&#8217;s timely provision.</p>
<p>This also reminds me of a little quip I&#8217;ve heard a few times. There was a man who was caught in a flood. His house filled with water, so he prayed, &#8220;Lord, save me!&#8221; He climbed up on the roof as the water levels continued to rise.</p>
<p>He prayed and prayed and soon a man in a boat came by. &#8220;Hop in!&#8221; the boat owner said. But the stranded man said, &#8220;I can&#8217;t! I&#8217;m waiting for God to rescue me!&#8221;</p>
<p>The stranded man continued to pray and soon a helicopter hovered over the house. They let down a basket and told him to get in. But the man yelled back, &#8220;I can&#8217;t! I&#8217;m waiting for God to rescue me!&#8221;</p>
<p>Sure, it&#8217;s a humorous story, but just like my son getting &#8220;stuck&#8221; in the rain, I confess that we (ahem I) get so bogged down with my problems I sometimes miss the great work that God is already doing around me to provide, empower or equip.</p>
<p>My challenge for all of us today is to consider how we respond when it starts to rain or the water starts to rise. Do we panic, paralyzed with fear? Do we wonder around in circles and whine about our circumstances? Or do we ask God to help us AND open the eyes to see His answer, sometimes right in front of our face?</p>
<p>God will never, ever leave us stranded. Sometimes, we just have to take a few faithful steps and take shelter in the shadow of his wings.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong><span id="en-ESV-14112" class="text Ps-17-8">&#8220;Keep me as the apple of your eye; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-17-8">hide me in the shadow of your wings&#8230;&#8221; ~Psalm 17:8</span></span></strong></em></span></p>
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		<title>Musings from Kindergarten Korner (Chapter 1)</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/musings-from-kindergarten-korner-chapter-1/</link>
		<comments>https://www.7daystime.com/musings-from-kindergarten-korner-chapter-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2018 12:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindergarten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quotes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=7208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Kids really DO say the darnedest things. Especially my kid. (I can&#8217;t imagine WHERE she get&#8217;s that from&#8230;) So what better way to document these conversations for high school graduation blackmail material AND have a chuckle at the wild ride that is parenting than to write them in a blog. I hope you enjoy this [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/musings-from-kindergarten-korner-chapter-1/">Musings from Kindergarten Korner (Chapter 1)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kids really DO say the darnedest things. Especially my kid. (I can&#8217;t imagine WHERE she get&#8217;s that from&#8230;)</p>
<p>So what better way to document these conversations for high school graduation blackmail material AND have a chuckle at the wild ride that is parenting than to write them in a blog.</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this short glimpse of my parenting world. Out of the mouths of babes&#8230; more specifically, our creative and witty kindergarten girl. <span id="more-7208"></span></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-7211" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Musings-from-Kindergarten-Korner-683x1024.png" alt="" width="318" height="477" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Musings-from-Kindergarten-Korner-683x1024.png 683w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Musings-from-Kindergarten-Korner-200x300.png 200w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Musings-from-Kindergarten-Korner-768x1152.png 768w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Musings-from-Kindergarten-Korner.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 318px) 100vw, 318px" /></p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Hey, Mama?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;Yes, honey?&#8221;</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Charis: &#8220;For my birthday next year&#8230;. Can we go to China?&#8221;</p>
<p><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span></span><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cm">ShootForTheStars</span></span><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">ForEvenIfYouMissYouWillBeCelebratingYourBirthdayInTexas</span></span>     <span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">SorryKiddo</span></span></p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Mama, why are you cleaning up the house?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;So that when Uncle Brock, Grandpa Dietrich and Grandma Lex get here, we can have fun and enjoy a tidy house.&#8221;</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Charis: &#8220;Oh, and so THEN we can start making messes again?&#8221;</p>
<p><span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">HowBoutYaNot</span></span> <span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">FullTimeJob</span></span> <span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">NotEnoughMopMotivationInTheWorld</span></span></p>
<p>***</p>
<p>*As I&#8217;m doing push-ups in the living room floor*</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Mama, why do you exercise?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;Because it&#8217;s good for my body. I want to be healthy. That&#8217;s why I run and do push-ups and sit-ups.&#8221;</p>
</div>
<p>Charis: &#8220;And squats! Don&#8217;t forget you have to do your squats!&#8221;</p>
</div>
<p>#FriendsDontLetFriendsSkipLegDay #ApparentlyKindergartenersDontLetYouEither</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;Charis, guess what?!?! Our friends got a new puppy! His name is Boone.&#8221;</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Boom?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;No, BOONE, with an &#8216;N.&#8217; Like Daniel Boone.&#8221;</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Oh. Who is Daniel Boone? Is he handsome?&#8221;</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>I feel like somebody is finally understanding my constant confusion in this house&#8230;</p>
<p>Charis: *Yelling from laundry room* &#8220;Why is there a dirty spatula in the clean laundry basket?&#8221; <span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">MyLifeStory</span></span> <span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">SolidarySister</span></span> <span class="_5afx"><span class="_58cl _5afz" aria-label="hashtag">#</span><span class="_58cm">PassItOn</span></span></p>
<p>***</p>
<p>If I ever get the chance to write a book, it will be titled “Nah, I won’t spend that much at Costco (and other lies I tell myself.”)</p>
<p>It, of course, will be dedicated to my family:</p>
<p>To my Beloved Husband, Brandon because he provides the dollar bills necessary to shop at Costco.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>To my dear son, Malick, because he is on a personal mission to build Costco employees’ self-esteem by indiscriminately eating ALL available samples.</p>
<p>And to my daughter Charis, who is always looking for life victories, even in mundane moments like putting Costco purchases in the car: “Mama! WE TOTALLY WON SUPERMARKET SWEEP! Look at all these groceries!”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>The latest installment of “Things I never thought I would say as a parent:”</p>
<p>“Do not put mac and cheese in your shoe!”<br />
“Who smeared mashed potatoes all over the dog?”<br />
“Why is there a toothbrush in the sandbox?” <span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
“Do not feed your brother that shovelful of sand!”<br />
“Please do not fill the ice cube trays with dirty, soapy dishwater.”<br />
“Why is there part of a peanut butter sandwich in MY shoe?”<br />
“Please tell me your head is not stuck between the wrought iron bars.”<br />
“Why is there a bite taken out of this textbook page?”</span></p>
<p>***</p>
<p>The Tiny Humans brought their A-Game today!</p>
<p>Charis, watching Paddington again: “Look, Mama! It’s London!”</p>
<p>Me: “That’s right. Do you know where London is at?”</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Charis: “Yep.” *Points At TV* “Right there.”</p>
<p>Me: “Touché.” (So much for the teachable geography moment&#8230;)</p>
<p>Two minutes later, to my darling man-child: “SON. Get your foot out of my salad!”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>&#8220;Me, groaning as I squat down to put the toddler&#8217;s shoes on in preparation for mandatory family fitness time AKA the treadmill is still in pieces from the move and I need to get some steps in, with Tiny Humans in tow*</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;What&#8217;s wrong, Mama?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;I ran 4 miles yesterday and my legs are sore.&#8221;</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Charis: &#8220;Well, how far are we going today?&#8221;</p>
<p>Me: &#8220;Probably just two miles.&#8221;</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;OK, good. Because if we have to go 4 miles, I will TOTALLY FREAK OUT.&#8221;</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Charis: &#8220;Mama, what are the planet names? Is Saturn&#8217;s rings made out of rocks or metal? Does it take a long time to get to space? Oh, here are some things I don&#8217;t like: Fevers, touching cactuses, mosquito bites, really hot weather. I only like things that are fuzzy, soft and cuddly&#8230;&#8221;</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Things I had to say to my children:<br />
“DO NOT EAT STYROFOAM!”<br />
“Get your toe out of your brother’s mouth!”<br />
“Why are you eating your peanut butter sandwich with the sandbox shovel?”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>See? Parenting might be a challenge, but at least it isn&#8217;t boring! I&#8217;m looking forward to sharing more of my daughter&#8217;s verbal shenanigans on a regular basis.</p>
<p>Laughter is the best medicine,</p>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-472 alignleft" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="" width="67" height="31" /></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong><span id="en-NLT-17286" class="text Prov-31-25">&#8220;She is clothed with strength and dignity, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-31-25">and she laughs without fear of the future.&#8221; ~Proverbs 31:25</span></span></strong></em></span></p>
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		<title>Why we need &#8220;Those&#8221; Days</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/why-we-need-those-days/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2018 12:00:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[perspective]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=7171</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Some days turn into “those days.” Last week, a &#8220;some day&#8221; turned into one of &#8220;those&#8221; days for me. Our dear (rambunctious and fearless) son had his first trip to the emergency room due to falling and hitting his head on the stone fence in the backyard. I knew it was only a matter of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/why-we-need-those-days/">Why we need &#8220;Those&#8221; Days</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some days turn into “those days.”</p>
<p>Last week, a &#8220;some day&#8221; turned into one of &#8220;those&#8221; days for me.</p>
<p>Our dear (rambunctious and fearless) son had his first trip to the emergency room due to falling and hitting his head on the stone fence in the backyard. I knew it was only a matter of time, but still&#8230; you can’t really prepare for something like that.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>I would love to tell you that I dealt with it peacefully and gracefully, that I was kind and gracious to the kindergartener who was also in tow (and decided that particular day was “National Day of Disobedience and Backtalk.”)</p>
<p>But last I checked, being a Jesus follower who lies is not encouraged.</p>
<p>I was stressed and I was frazzled (especially after the urgent care doc wigged out, said it was “severe” and needed a referral to ER, legit sutures and sedation(?!?)) My tongue was a lot sharper than I wanted it to be.</p>
<p>And honestly, I was really frustrated that MY plans for the day were all thrown out of whack, especially when the ER referral address had a typo in it and send me driving 20 minutes one way in the wrong direction.</p>
<p>Yes, I know that parenting is my greatest calling in this current life season, and of course the health and wellness of my kids are a priority, but it doesn’t make “those days” any easier.</p>
<p>But do you know what? Malick is fine (thank you Jesus&#8230; he only needed glue and steri-strips, no sutures or sedation), and we made it through.</p>
<p>God’s mercies really ARE new every morning. His grace really DOES cover us. His power IS made perfect in our weakness. And sometimes, we just need on of “those days” to remind us of His eternal truths.</p>
</div>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-472 alignleft" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="" width="67" height="31" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong><span id="en-NIV-20377" class="text Lam-3-22">&#8220;Because of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>’s great love we are not consumed, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Lam-3-22">for his compassions never fail. </span></span><span id="en-NIV-20378" class="text Lam-3-23">They are new every morning; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Lam-3-23">great is your faithfulness. </span></span><span id="en-NIV-20379" class="text Lam-3-24">I say to myself, &#8216;The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is my portion; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Lam-3-24">therefore I will wait for him.'&#8221; ~Lamentations 3:22-24</span></span></strong></em></span></p>
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		<title>Paul Didn&#8217;t Go Shoe Shopping</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/paul-didnt-go-shoe-shopping/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2018 10:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[perspective]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=7123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you ask a random person to quote a Bible verse, chances are we can guess which verse it could be. In fact, if I was a betting woman (which I&#8217;m not&#8211; I only gamble with Jesus dollars because after 7 years of ministry, I&#8217;ve got lots of those) I would put money on that [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/paul-didnt-go-shoe-shopping/">Paul Didn&#8217;t Go Shoe Shopping</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you ask a random person to quote a Bible verse, chances are we can guess which verse it could be. In fact, if I was a betting woman (which I&#8217;m not&#8211; I only gamble with Jesus dollars because after 7 years of ministry, I&#8217;ve got lots of those) I would put money on that the quoted verse would like be one of the following: <span id="more-7123"></span></p>
<p>John 3:16~ &#8220;For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.&#8221;</p>
<p>Jeremiah 29:11~ &#8220;For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.&#8221;</p>
<p>Philippians 4:13~ &#8220;I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.&#8221;</p>
<p>Those are three very popular (and rightfully so, because they are mighty powerful!) verses. But for today, I want to share some minister/milspouse/mama musings on that last verse, Philippians 4:13.</p>
<p>Now, this verse has probably been used for, well, everything. It&#8217;s printed on shirts, coffee mugs, those rubbery-bracelet things (Yes, I have one&#8211; but it came in a pack with 3 other verses I couldn&#8217;t live without). It&#8217;s found at the end of email signatures and probably quoted in the locker room of many championship games.</p>
<p>A while back, I was trying to be all motivated-mama and thus loaded up the Tiny Humans because our eldest was in need of new running shoes. Unfortunately, I forgot that shoe stores don&#8217;t usually have shopping carts. Annnnd I forgot to bring the stroller.</p>
<p>The moment we walked into the shoe store, my sweet Toddler Son transformed into a creature that could only be described as the love-child of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and King Kong. He began running, roaring and swinging his arms, grabbing every available shoebox whenever I would let go of his hand or put him on the floor.</p>
<p>Naturally, the Kindergartener fueled the situation by laughing, roaring back and not focusing AT ALL on the task at hand.</p>
<p>It didn&#8217;t take much and I was sweating. (I said sweating, not swearing. Just making sure you are awake). We finally found a pair of shoes for our daughter that didn&#8217;t cost eleventy billion dollars (Sorry, not sorry&#8211; I love my children but no way on this planet am I buying them shoes that cost as much as mine, especially considering the likelihood of them keeping track of both shoes for an extended period of time is minimal). I made my way to the checkout and sighed heavily.</p>
<p>As I reached for my wallet, I did a spot check on the children. The Kindergartener had the Toddler pinned in some sort of WWE (or is it WCW? NWO?) leg-wrestling move.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-7156" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Paul-Didnt-Go-Shoe-Shopping.png" alt="" width="421" height="421" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Paul-Didnt-Go-Shoe-Shopping.png 800w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Paul-Didnt-Go-Shoe-Shopping-150x150.png 150w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Paul-Didnt-Go-Shoe-Shopping-300x300.png 300w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Paul-Didnt-Go-Shoe-Shopping-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px" /></p>
<p>I looked at the ceiling and that verse came into my mind: &#8220;I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,&#8221; immediately followed by the less-than-spiritual thought of &#8220;But I bet Paul didn&#8217;t go shoe shopping.&#8221;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I jest. I know Paul faced way more tough stuff than shoe shopping with a T-Rex Tanker Toddler and a sassy, antagonistic Kindergartener. I mean, he was beaten, stoned nearly to death, bitten by a snake, blinded, shipwrecked, arrested on more than one occasion and finally martyred for his faith.</p>
<p>Shoe shopping isn&#8217;t even close to the trials he faced. BUT&#8230; God does care about our everyday mundane struggles and frustrations. I couldn&#8217;t help but laugh at the expressions from my kids as they lay there by the checkout counter in the shoe store. And I couldn&#8217;t help but laugh at how God gave me this extremely popular verse in that moment of chaos (and sweat).</p>
<p>Bottom line: We don&#8217;t have to be some awesomely profound historical biblical figure to tap into God&#8217;s strength. His power is always ready to work within us, whether we are running a marathon, sharing the gospel, or yes, even shopping for shoes with a miniature T-Rex.</p>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-472 alignleft" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="" width="67" height="31" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>&#8220;But he said to me, &#8216;<span class="woj">My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.&#8217;</span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.&#8221; ~2 Corinthians 12:9</strong></em></span></p>
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		<title>Parenting Bingo (Humorous Printable)</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/parenting-bingo-humorous-printable/</link>
		<comments>https://www.7daystime.com/parenting-bingo-humorous-printable/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jun 2017 16:20:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[printable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bingo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[game]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=7064</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s no secret&#8230; Parenting is one of the most awesomely-blessed-pull-your-hair-out-epically-rewarding challenges of our lives. And some days, the only thing that is going to get us all to bedtime is my sense of humor, coffee and Jesus. (Not in that order, of course.) I had one of those days earlier last week. The baby was [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/parenting-bingo-humorous-printable/">Parenting Bingo (Humorous Printable)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s no secret&#8230; Parenting is one of the most awesomely-blessed-pull-your-hair-out-epically-rewarding challenges of our lives.</p>
<p>And some days, the only thing that is going to get us all to bedtime is my sense of humor, coffee and Jesus. (Not in that order, of course.)<span id="more-7064"></span></p>
<p>I had one of those days earlier last week. The baby was up every two hours (he had been starting to chill and stretch it out 4-8 hours without waking but changed it up just to keep me on my toes). The preschooler was up three times that night, hubs was/is still working absolutely crazy Ranger Instructor hours (HURRY UP SUMMER BLOCK LEAVE!)</p>
<p>Then, just when my frustration was peaking, I changed the baby in the dark and of course he peed&#8230; EV-ER-Y- WHERE. Through the comforter, on his clothes, and somehow on the part of sheet that goes up near my face. So I changed his wardrobe, said a prayer over the wet linens, vowing to take care of them when the sun came up&#8230; Then tried to get him back to sleep.</p>
<p>Three minutes later he decided that 5am was ideal time to have  poop explosion (we&#8217;ve only had two of those since he has been born.)</p>
<p>Things continued to be pretty sketchy throughout that day, so I posted on Facebook and asked my friends to chime in with their &#8220;Parenting Bingo squares.&#8221; You know, slightly crazy (yet typical) things that happen that if we made into a game, our most challenging days would be winning the blackout bingo prize.</p>
<p>And, in true 7 Days Time fashion, I didn&#8217;t want this opportunity to slip by. So yes. My nerdy self created a real-true-to-life parenting bingo card. Printable. Because these crazy days are really precious memories, right? Right.</p>
<p>Six weeks from now will mark my 6th year blogging anniversary. And friends, this is one of my most fun/proud/creations. I&#8217;m pumped and laughed the entire time I was putting it together because I truly believe that our sense of humor is a VERY powerful tool.</p>
<p>Take a look at this printable PDF. Feel free to share it on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest. Print it off. Laminate it and use dry erase markers to &#8220;play&#8221; your parenting game. (Or, for my fellow office supply nerds,  you can probably get some magnet marking-button things and &#8220;play&#8221; it on your fridge.)</p>
<p>I hope it makes you grin&#8230; It&#8217;s funny because it&#8217;s true.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-7072" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Parenting-Bingo-JPG-1024x791.jpg" alt="" width="624" height="482" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Parenting-Bingo-JPG-1024x791.jpg 1024w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Parenting-Bingo-JPG-300x232.jpg 300w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Parenting-Bingo-JPG-768x593.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Want the printable PDF?</h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Click here&#8211;&gt; <a href="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Parenting-Bingo.pdf">Parenting Bingo</a></h2>
<p>Dear readers: Which ones are your favorites? Have you &#8220;marked&#8221; any of these off so far today? Please don&#8217;t be shy&#8230; Jump in and leave a comment below!</p>
<p>Hope this brings some joy to your day&#8230; And if you are doing the hard part of a parenting gig as we speak, hang in there. This too will pass. Sure, it may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.</p>
<p>But seriously&#8211; you are doing a GREAT job. God is pleased with your parenting heart and He will help ALL of us accomplish this task to which we have been called in raising our Tiny Humans.</p>
<p>For His Glory,</p>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-472 alignleft" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="" width="67" height="31" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>&#8220;Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.&#8221; ~Proverbs 22:6</strong></em></span></p>
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		<title>The God-Mother Complex</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/the-god-mother-complex/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 May 2017 12:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[fear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worry]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=6998</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s no secret that being a mother is one cool gig. It&#8217;s also no secret that it is sometimes the hardest job on the planet. As you (probably) know, we welcomed a new Tiny Human into the world almost three months ago. Time has flown&#8211; and honestly, I&#8217;m not really sad about it. (I will [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/the-god-mother-complex/">The God-Mother Complex</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s no secret that being a mother is one cool gig.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s also no secret that it is sometimes the hardest job on the planet.</p>
<p>As you (probably) know, we welcomed a <a href="https://www.7daystime.com/oh-boy-what-a-birth-story/">new Tiny Human</a> into the world almost three months ago. Time has flown&#8211; and honestly, I&#8217;m not really sad about it. (I will pause as you gasp and say, &#8220;<em>Oh, treasure these days, for they go so fast,</em>&#8221; etc.)</p>
<p>Nope. I like it when my kids start getting a little bit older and more &#8220;stable,&#8221; i.e., I don&#8217;t feel like I am going to break him every time I touch him. And the better sleeping habits too. Let&#8217;s not forget that.</p>
<p>During the last three months of night-feedings, I have had a lot of time to think. And pray.</p>
<p>And I&#8217;m sure it&#8217;s just me, but if I think too much, it can quickly turn into worry.<span id="more-6998"></span></p>
<p>One night early on in our son&#8217;s life, I remember stressing out about&#8230; Well, all the things. Every thought that popped into my head eventually led to what I would do if something &#8220;happened&#8221; to him. (If you want details on this, google &#8220;Risks for newborns&#8221; and then get back to me after you get done having a panic attack. I think we live in an alarmist society that can make the most stable person nuts&#8230; but that&#8217;s another blog post.)</p>
<p>I remember just being so overwhelmed with love for this new little guy that it almost scared me. That big, fat, jerkface Satan was taking that joy and turning it into fear about how I would &#8220;cope&#8221; should my kid die. (I have no real grounds for worrying as Malick is healthy as a horse&#8230;)</p>
<p>That <a href="https://www.7daystime.com/stop-feeding-the-snake/">Snake Satan </a>was feeding me lies that I needed to think deeper, worry more and try harder to &#8220;prevent&#8221; anything from happening to our new son.</p>
<p>Then, I felt a figurative tap on my shoulder (heart?) from God.</p>
<p>Newsflash: <em><strong>I. WASN&#8217;T. GOD.</strong></em></p>
<p>Who knew, right?? I needed to stop trying to fill His shoes or, as ridiculous as it sounds, &#8220;Help&#8221; God. (Like the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Creator of Heaven and Earth needed my &#8220;help&#8221; to keep my kid alive.)</p>
<p>I had developed a God-Mother complex. And no, not the sweet godmother that is designated at a child&#8217;s christening. Not the sparkly Bippity-Boppity-Boo godmother from Cinderella either.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-7000" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-God-Mother-Complex-683x1024.png" alt="" width="321" height="481" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-God-Mother-Complex-683x1024.png 683w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-God-Mother-Complex-200x300.png 200w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-God-Mother-Complex-768x1152.png 768w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-God-Mother-Complex.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 321px) 100vw, 321px" /></p>
<p>I was a &#8220;God-Mother&#8221; who wanted to act, think, and live like GOD. I had somehow convinced myself that the more I did (i.e, worried) the safer my kid would be. I had unintentionally decided that I wanted God&#8217;s power when it came to my children.</p>
<p>Newsflash Numero Dos: That&#8217;s NOT my job. And there&#8217;s a good reason for it.</p>
<p>Because I would be a lunatic if I had God&#8217;s power. (I&#8217;m already hard enough to live with. Ask my husband.) Plus, I wouldn&#8217;t be able to fulfill my specific, unique role as my kids&#8217; Mama.</p>
<p>God is God for a reason. And He doesn&#8217;t need this &#8220;God-mother&#8221; to &#8220;help&#8221; Him with His job.</p>
<p>I checked his resume. Trust me. He&#8217;s fully qualified. (Someone please remind me of this next time I start wigging out about things I can&#8217;t control.</p>
<p>Once I realized (again&#8230; and again&#8230;) that I wasn&#8217;t God (duh!) the pressure I put on myself eased up. I was able to focus on my darling son&#8217;s smile and live in the moment&#8211; just ENJOY it. And, when I lapsed a bit and started to worry, I programmed myself to pray hard and pray often.</p>
<p>So friends, if you are struggling with a God-complex whether it&#8217;s in parenting, career, relationships or anything else, take it to the Cross. Have a conversation with Him. Crack open the Bible and take a good, hard look at the Lord&#8217;s resume.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.7daystime.com/god-wasnt-charge-printable/">If God wasn&#8217;t in charge, I&#8217;d be worried. But He is. So I&#8217;m not.</a></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s to letting God be God,</p>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-472 alignleft" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="" width="67" height="31" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>“You agree, don’t you, that God is in charge? He runs the universe—just look at the stars! ” ~Job 22:12 MSG</strong></em></span></p>
<p><a class="a2a_button_facebook" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&amp;linkname=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" title="Facebook" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&amp;linkname=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" title="Twitter" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_pinterest" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/pinterest?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&amp;linkname=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" title="Pinterest" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&amp;linkname=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" title="LinkedIn" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_email" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&amp;linkname=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" title="Email" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_wordpress" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/wordpress?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&amp;linkname=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" title="WordPress" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2Fthe-god-mother-complex%2F&#038;title=The%20God-Mother%20Complex" data-a2a-url="https://www.7daystime.com/the-god-mother-complex/" data-a2a-title="The God-Mother Complex"></a></p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/the-god-mother-complex/">The God-Mother Complex</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
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		<title>6 Ways Parenting a Newborn Is Like Being a Military Spouse (Army Wife Network)</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2017 13:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Army Wife Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[analogy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milspouse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=6878</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Listen VERY closely&#8230; Do you hear that? It&#8217;s my own personal internal tick-tock clock as I anxiously await for this New Tiny Human to be born. (I am writing this post a little bit in advance, because hopefully, by the time this post is published in late February, this kiddo would have been evicted and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network/">6 Ways Parenting a Newborn Is Like Being a Military Spouse (Army Wife Network)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Listen VERY closely&#8230; Do you hear that?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It&#8217;s my own personal internal tick-tock clock as I anxiously await for this New Tiny Human to be born. (I am writing this post a little bit in advance, because hopefully, by the time this post is published in late February, this kiddo would have been evicted and settling into the &#8220;real world&#8221; in our arms.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You may recall that last month, I wrote a post about how <a href="http://www.armywifenetwork.com/?p=32765">pregnancy was like being a military spouse. </a> Well, my love for analogies hasn&#8217;t stopped, so today I would like to share 6 Ways Parenting a Newborn is like Being a Military Spouse.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(Sidenote: The kid we are preparing to birth is our second Tiny Human&#8230; so I am also tapping into all the things we learned in Round #1 a few years ago.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let&#8217;s hop to it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.armywifenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/How-Parenting-a-Newborn-1.png"><img class="wp-image-32849 aligncenter" src="http://www.armywifenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/How-Parenting-a-Newborn-1.png" alt="" width="420" height="420" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>1. Both parenting a newborn and being a milspouse are MESSY jobs. </strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And I mean that very literally. Those of you who have ever had a newborn in your home, you are probably picking up what I am laying down. The amount of laundry that results from the bodily fluids that just seem to ooze out of someone so tiny are almost mind blowing. And sometimes, bless my dear husband, I think the same about him! The sand tracked in on his boots. The smell of unwashed ruck-marching feet and B.O. Random pieces of TA-50 scattered in every room, every vehicle, every nook and cranny of our abode. Yes, both are physically messy&#8230; but they can both be emotionally messy too&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Want to keep reading about the other 5 ways these experiences are similar? Jump on over to <a href="http://www.armywifenetwork.com/?p=32845">Army Wife Network. </a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Also, don&#8217;t be shy&#8211; if this post made you grin, be sure to leave me a comment. (I always love reading your feedback!)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Blessings to you all- whether you are in a season of parenting a newborn (or not) or living the military wife life (or not.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All For Him,</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="size-full wp-image-472" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="Initials Signature Blog" width="67" height="31" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>&#8220;As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” ~Isaiah 66:13</strong></em></span></p>
<p><a class="a2a_button_facebook" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&amp;linkname=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" title="Facebook" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&amp;linkname=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" title="Twitter" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_pinterest" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/pinterest?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&amp;linkname=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" title="Pinterest" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&amp;linkname=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" title="LinkedIn" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_email" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&amp;linkname=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" title="Email" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_wordpress" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/wordpress?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&amp;linkname=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" title="WordPress" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.7daystime.com%2F6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network%2F&#038;title=6%20Ways%20Parenting%20a%20Newborn%20Is%20Like%20Being%20a%20Military%20Spouse%20%28Army%20Wife%20Network%29" data-a2a-url="https://www.7daystime.com/6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network/" data-a2a-title="6 Ways Parenting a Newborn Is Like Being a Military Spouse (Army Wife Network)"></a></p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/6-ways-parenting-a-newborn-is-like-being-a-military-spouse-army-wife-network/">6 Ways Parenting a Newborn Is Like Being a Military Spouse (Army Wife Network)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Power of an Apology in Parenting</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/power-apology-parenting/</link>
		<comments>https://www.7daystime.com/power-apology-parenting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2016 16:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[challenge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[repentance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.7daystime.com/?p=6801</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;ve been an In-Real-Life parent to this Tiny Human for more than three-and-a-half years now. And almost every day, I am reminded that parenting is not for the faint-hearted. Especially now as I am growing another Tiny Human in my currently occupied uterus.  Maybe you are a current (or future) parent sitting out there wondering [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/power-apology-parenting/">The Power of an Apology in Parenting</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">I&#8217;ve been an In-Real-Life parent to this Tiny Human for more than three-and-a-half years now.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And almost every day, I am reminded that parenting is not for the faint-hearted. Especially now as I am <a href="https://www.7daystime.com/new-ish-niche/">growing another Tiny Human</a> in my currently <a href="http://www.armywifenetwork.com/state-of-the-uterus-address/">occupied uterus. </a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you are a current (or future) parent sitting out there wondering what my issue is. I mean, perhaps you were born and bred to keep Tiny Humans alive, all while raising them up in the way they should go, complete with daily Pinterest projects that would make Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper envious.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If that is you, congratulations. Teach me your ways, Yoda. Because parenting is still very much a learning curve for me&#8211; even when I intentionally leave out all things Pinterest. <span id="more-6801"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">See, here&#8217;s the problem: I am still a sinner. I still struggle daily with &#8220;doing this right&#8221; by the standard that God sets for us.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And good news/bad news is I am a sinner, married to a sinner, both of whom are trying to raise a sweet little sinner that is <em>just like us. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Feel free to come over to my house to lay hands on us a pray.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But the absolute best news in ALL of this is that God does not call us to be perfect. He just asks us to strive for progress.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And, if I don&#8217;t mind tooting my own horn, I think I have made a touch of progress in the last almost-four-years of parenting. (<em>Toot, toot!) </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let me give you an example of a real-life lesson I recently learned involving my very strong-willed Threenager, breakfast and strawberries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6803" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Apology-Parenting.png" alt="apology-parenting" width="560" height="397" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Apology-Parenting.png 560w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Apology-Parenting-300x213.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" />It was just another morning in our new-to-us-Georgia home. My kiddo was sitting (mostly) contentedly at the kitchen table chowing down on her oh-so-nutrious breakfast of Cocoa Pebbles swimming in now-chocolate milk with side of orange juice. (Sounds like a gross combo to this preggo, but I ain&#8217;t judging.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I was fixing my own breakfast, knowing that it was kind of a race against the clock. Low blood sugar upon waking in the morning can make this Mama a bear if I don&#8217;t get calories in my body sooner than later.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I asked my sweet daughter if she would like some strawberries with breakfast. Her reply was &#8220;No.&#8221; (ahem, &#8220;No THANK YOU, daughter.) I sliced some up for me, and asked again. She stood true to her pattern. No strawberries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I continued to prep my breakfast and asked two more times about the strawberries, because she had been on a strawberry kick lately&#8230; and one I sat down to eat breakfast, I did not want to have to get back up again.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But, true to her word, she rejected my offer of strawberries. Feeling affirmed and confident in her answer, I took the container of fruit and put it back in the fridge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The moment the fridge closed, I heard the words that sent me over the edge: &#8220;Mama, I want strawberries.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thus ensued my finest hour. I slammed my plate down on counter and legitimately yelled, &#8220;ARE YOU SERIOUS, CHILD?!? I asked you FOUR TIMES!! NO STRAWBERRIES!&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Charis&#8217; little puppy-dog eyes got wide and started to well up. <em>Sigh. &#8220;Great going,&#8221; </em>I thought to myself. &#8220;<em>Somebody nominate me for mother of the year.&#8221; </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As my child blinked at me (and I choked back unnecessary feelings of pregnant rage) I sat down beside her with my plate.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I heaved a heavy sigh and immediately was reminded of a conversation I had nearly a year ago with some sisters at Protestant Women of the Chapel Bible Study.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I remembered that there can be a lot of power in an apology. And in this case, an apology in parenting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I turned to my daughter and genuinely apologized. &#8220;Charis, Mama is sorry for getting upset and yelling about strawberries.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She responded without missing a beat: &#8220;It&#8217;s ok, Mama. I forgive you.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And our day just went on from there.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the past, I would have let that moment ruin my entire day. I likely would have held onto my frustration for hours. But, because God nudged me to live the way I was (trying) to teach my kid to live, my sin was forgiven and forgotten just like that.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just like Jesus did for us on the cross.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Friends, whether you are parenting or trying to do the marriage thing or just living life in this messed up world, know that there is a lot of power in an apology and in repentance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So let&#8217;s tap into it without hesitate. Repentance trumps our pride, every time&#8230; As long as we give it permission.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Becoming an apologizing professional,</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="size-full wp-image-472" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="Initials Signature Blog" width="67" height="31" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff9900;"><em><strong>&#8220;Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.&#8221; ~Matthew 3:8</strong></em></span></p>
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		<title>10 Commandments of Parenting Toddlers #EverydayJesus</title>
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		<comments>https://www.7daystime.com/10-commandments-of-parenting-toddlers-everydayjesus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Everyday Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EverydayJesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commandments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toddler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day!  *** Parenting is one crazy ride. One minute you are laughing so hard you want to cry and the next minute you are [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/10-commandments-of-parenting-toddlers-everydayjesus/">10 Commandments of Parenting Toddlers #EverydayJesus</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day! </i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Parenting is one crazy ride.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One minute you are laughing so hard you want to cry and the next minute you are crying because, well, parenting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is kind of exciting to think that I have been blogging long enough to share a few &#8220;Commandment&#8221; series blogs of parenting, like <a title="10 Commandments of Pregnancy: For Husbands" href="https://www.7daystime.com/10-commandments-for-husbands-with-pregnant-wives/">10 commandments of Pregnancy for the Husbands</a>, for the <a title="10 Commandments of Pregnancy: For friends/family/strangers" href="https://www.7daystime.com/10-commandments-of-pregnancy-for-friendsfamilystrangers/">family/friends and strangers of pregnant gals,</a> commandments for the <a title="10 Commandments of Pregnancy: For the Preggos Themselves" href="https://www.7daystime.com/10-commandments-of-pregnancy-for-the-preggos-themselves/">preggos themselves</a> and even <a title="10 Commandments for New Mamas" href="https://www.7daystime.com/10-commandments-for-new-mamas/">10 Commandments for New Mamas. </a><span id="more-6194"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So yep, you guess it. 2.5 years later, a new addition: The 10 Commandments of Parenting Toddlers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Toddler-Parenting.jpg"><img class="alignright  wp-image-6196" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Toddler-Parenting.jpg" alt="Toddler Parenting" width="336" height="607" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Toddler-Parenting.jpg 508w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Toddler-Parenting-166x300.jpg 166w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Toddler-Parenting-300x542.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /></a>1. Thou shalt laugh.</strong> Please. Laugh. And don&#8217;t just laugh, feel free to guffaw and really let it out. (Only after your kid recovers from whatever silly thing they did and moves on with their day.) There are numerous opportunities for me to choose to be all serious and grumpy (or even &#8220;too busy&#8221;) to really find the joy and humor in parenting our sweet toddler. So laugh.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. Thou shalt speak kind words to the tiny human.</strong> It is amazing how someone so tiny can have a personality so huge. And how much power our words can already have over them. Just tone, facial expression and the way we speak can make or break a child&#8217;s heart. Don&#8217;t get me wrong&#8211; we still need to discipline, but it needs to be done in love, sown with the seeds of God&#8217;s truth. Because that will last a lifetime.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Thou shalt not compare.</strong> Pretty sure this one has made the list on a majority of our commandments. But it bears repeating. Don&#8217;t compare. Because it will either stress you out or puff you up (only to deflate you 34 seconds later when your allegedly-potty-trained 18-month-old poops in the bushes at the playground.) Rejoice in the kid God gave you and move on.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>4. Thou shalt not get too comfortable&#8230;</strong> Because chances are, things will change again in about 20 minutes. It almost never fails&#8211; right when I find the &#8220;knack&#8221; for getting my kiddo to sleep or eat or whatever, a new factor comes in (big girl bed? Potty training? Wants to feed baby doll at the table simultaneously?) so have to stay on our toes. Which leads to the next commandment&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>5. Thou shalt roll with it.</strong> Oh friends&#8211; this has been a BIG one for me. A painful (but necessary) growth opportunity I would say. I am  scheduled planner&#8211; and I don&#8217;t like kinks thrown in my plans. But this little one is the biggest kink-thrower I have ever met. So now, instead of getting all bent out of shape, I just roll with it. (Most of the time, anyways&#8230;)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>6. Thou shalt be practical.</strong> This one is a slightly double-edged commandment. There is nothing about toddlerhood that deems a living in PretendLand moment. Sure, my daughter will SAY she wants a ponytail, but after negotiating and finally getting her situated, she will change her mind and take it out two minutes later. So we don&#8217;t spend a ton of time getting groomed up, because most days it just doesn&#8217;t work out. However, don&#8217;t be TOO practical. Sometimes you just need to get an ice cream cone at 9:17am on a Saturday for going on the potty in a public restroom for the first time. (Her, not me.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>7. Thou shalt be patient</strong>. Self-explanatory. #Seriously #DeepBreaths<br />
#OneDayAtATimeSweetJesus</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>8. Thou shalt be creative.</strong> This ties back into commandment number 5. Sometimes, we just have to be creative. Out of stickers during crafty-play-hurry-up-is-it-bed-time-yet? Give the tiny human a piece of duct tape. Stuck in traffic? Make up a new song or teach a ridiculous new skill (our current favorite is &#8220;Practicing Emotions.&#8221;)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>9. Thou shalt extend AND receive grace.</strong> Yes, friends. All the things yes. I have to give grace to my girl, because hey, she is still a little kid, learning how to do life and function like a &#8220;real&#8221; human everyday. Manners, sharing, waiting, all of it requires grace as we teach. BUT&#8211; we also have to receive grace ourselves for those moments when we raise our voice when we knew we shouldn&#8217;t or spoke those words we can&#8217;t take back. Grace. For all of this parenting journey.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>10. Thou shalt pray.</strong> As with all of my other commandments, I believe this is the most important. (Don&#8217;t be fooled that just because it is at the bottom of the list, it is last in precedence.) Seriously, though&#8211; pray about EVERYTHING. To laugh. To enjoy the experience. For discernment when a new awkward behavior erupts. When the tiny humans start becoming not-so-tiny. For all the things all the time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So friends: Which commandment is your favorite? Which do you identify with most? Join in the conversation and leave a comment.</p>
<p>Remember, if God called you to be a parent, it is for a reason. Invite him into your everyday with prayer&#8211; whether you are currently parenting a tiny human or not, have ever been or ever will.</p>
<p>Because God cares about your everyday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Guided by Him,</p>
<p><a href="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-472" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="Initials Signature Blog" width="67" height="31" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>&#8220;Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.&#8221; ~Proverbs 22:6</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Holding tight to Slimy Toddlers &#038; Peace</title>
		<link>https://www.7daystime.com/holding-tight-slimy-toddlers-peace/</link>
		<comments>https://www.7daystime.com/holding-tight-slimy-toddlers-peace/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 11:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sharita]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toddler]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>My two-year-old daughter loves to play games. And unfortunately for this mama-with-places-to-be-at-a-certain-time, that game is not something calm, cooperative and peaceful. My girl loves to be chased. I blame her Daddy. Because yeah, it is super fun to play &#8220;Chase around the table in our pajamas&#8221; when we have nowhere to be on a Saturday morning. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com/holding-tight-slimy-toddlers-peace/">Holding tight to Slimy Toddlers &#038; Peace</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.7daystime.com">7 Days Time</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">My two-year-old daughter loves to play games. And unfortunately for this mama-with-places-to-be-at-a-certain-time, that game is not something calm, cooperative and peaceful.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">My girl loves to be chased.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I blame her Daddy. Because yeah, it is super fun to play &#8220;Chase around the table in our pajamas&#8221; when we have nowhere to be on a Saturday morning. Her peals of laughter make it almost worth it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Almost.<span id="more-5864"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Until I am trying to rock the solo-parenting gig and have somewhere to be and she decides that &#8220;Hey Charis-girl, let&#8217;s get your shoes on. It&#8217;s time go,&#8221; is actually code for &#8220;Hey sweet-slimy little toddler, please take off running so Mama will have to break a sweat trying to catch you after she has already worked out and showered this morning, making us all a bit late arriving to our final destination.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This chase-play-game is especially difficult right after bath time. She loves running around naked (who doesn&#8217;t?) but refuses to pause to a least get dry before streaking through the room.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever tried to catch a wet toddler? It is like subduing a greased pig. (If you haven&#8217;t caught a greased pig before, just find a county fair and sign up.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For someone so small, she sure is slimy. And agile.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some days, I practically have to tackle her. By that point, she is no longer just slimy and slick&#8211; she is also angry.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let the flailing commence.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Toddlers-and-peace.jpg"><img class="alignright  wp-image-5867" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Toddlers-and-peace.jpg" alt="Toddlers and peace" width="371" height="495" srcset="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Toddlers-and-peace.jpg 499w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Toddlers-and-peace-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Toddlers-and-peace-300x400.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px" /></a>But friend, know that once I have finally caught her, I am going to hold onto her for all I am worth. Because her anger just gives her fuel if she happens to escape. Nothing short of a well-placed foot-to-my-chin is going to make me release my grip on her. (Although that does happen on occasion.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Recently, during one of these current fiascos, I was holding her on my lap at the supper table trying to calm her down after she woke up super-cranky from a nap. I was about at my wit&#8217;s end, so I literally opened the Bible and started reading out loud.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the screams-for-no-reason-that-I-could-determine, Psalm 34:14b in The Message nearly jumped off the page at me:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>&#8220;Embrace Peace&#8211; Don&#8217;t let it get away!&#8221;</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As I sat there trying to console my beyond angry toddler (and yes, I tried sitting her down in the floor&#8211; that only made it worse) God spoke to me through those words. This year, I am on a quest for rest. Rest in all things, in all moments&#8211; for my body, spirit, mind. I am finding that rest is a foundation for so many other God-like fruits.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Like joy. Hurry steals joy. So when I rest, I find more joy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And stamina. Resting gives me the ability to persevere.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Probably the biggest one is peace. And not just any peace. God&#8217;s peace. Peace that passes understanding. Rest has been foundational to grasping peace that seems to be more elusive than a freshly-bathed-streaking-dripping toddler.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since peace seems to be so slick, I have taken this scripture to heart. When I get a hold of peace, I embrace it. I grasp it tightly, clinging to it for all I am worth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Because I don&#8217;t want it to get away. With God&#8217;s help, holding onto peace, regardless of my circumstances (drippy or otherwise) is absolutely possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Think to yourself for a moment: In what moments or circumstances do you need to hold onto peace the tightest? What is your strategy? I always welcome feedback. <a href="http://wp.me/p2bz2E-1wA">Leave a comment below.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Dearest reader, I encourage you to run after peace with the fervency of chasing a drippy toddler in the living room. (Gently) wrestle it to the ground and hold onto it for all you are worth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Because God&#8217;s peace is a treasure that we don&#8217;t want to let get away.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Holding Tight,</p>
<p><a href="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-472" src="https://www.7daystime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Initials-Signature-Blog.jpg" alt="Initials Signature Blog" width="67" height="31" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><strong>&#8220;S<span class="Apple-style-span">eek peace and pursue it.&#8221; ~Psalm 34:14b NIV</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p><i>Linking up today with </i><a href="http://afieldofwildflowers.blogspot.com/"><i>Kelly, </i></a><i>  Laura at </i><a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><i>Playdates with God</i></a><i>,  Joan&#8217;s </i><a href="http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/"><i> Beauty in His Grip</i></a><i>,  Jen over at </i><a href="http://www.solideogloriasisterhood.com/"><i>Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood</i></a><i>,  and Hazel via </i><a href="http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/"><i> Tell Me a Story</i></a><i>. Be sure to join our </i><a href="https://www.7daystime.com/place-hang-link-ups/"><i>#EverydayJesus link-up </i></a><i> community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday! </i></p>
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