And another one bites the dust.

Sadly, another one of our guineas perished.  It is so hot and the poor little guy died. Even with water and shelter, it is sooooooo hot.

Farm life is not for the faint of heart. Life isn’t for the faint of heart!

Before this event, we had a young black lab puppy show up.

Angel, sweet guard dog that she is, does not like interlopers.  She had a few choice doggie actions for that pup. She was like a lion on that poor thing and wisely, the pup ran off.  

It made me question my parenting skills. Am I paying attention to what is going on in my life and the life of my family?

Am I that concerned for my family that I will do anything to protect them from harm? Do I take a stand against TV shows or friends that hamper their walk with the Lord? Do I guard them like Angel does us? I don’t have to bite people mind you, but do I guard my family as she does? I would like to say yes! Absolutely! In reality, I am not perfect and I get tired and a bit lazy at times of the fighting and just relax my guard just enough to let in an “interloper”. We are the only people that can take care of our families!

I Peter 5:8 and Philippians 4:7 Talk about being on guard and guarding your heart. We also have to guard our families until it is time for them to stand on their own two feet.  

Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. (Ephesians 6)  Put on that armor and gird yourself for battle.  There is a fight for your children and mine. What are we going to do about it?  

Don’t let another one bite the dust in the world in which we live.  Be alert. Be aware. Let’s guard our families.

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Angel 2 Snakes 0

After dinner the two big girls went out exploring the back 5 of the property.  They came running back panting excitedly! “Angel saved our lives!” “Angel was snuffing a snake for us!” “She saved us!”

Of course, you don’t take that quietly. (well on the inside I am SCREAMING, but on the outside I have the raised eyebrow thing going on.) Sammy asks the good questions, “What color was it?” “How big was it?”  They said it was a long red, yellow and black snake.  (There are a Few snakes that I know… Coral red and yella kill a fella and a rattlesnake.)  From their description, the former seemed to be the one.  OF course, I have a freak out moment in me heart.

The girls are screeching for us to come see the snake Angel killed. So rubber boots, a hoe and some enthusiasm and we were off!  On the way we did some berry picking and when we arrived, we saw her prize. She had done her duty and she was done with it.  We reminded the girls again that they have to be ever vigilant with where they are and what they are doing. Always watchful and aware. We kinda have to do that in life don’t we? Be aware and alert. Watching for the enemy who seeks to steal kill and destroy?  (John 10 and I Peter 5)

We are praising God for the safety of our kiddos and thankful for Angel! (and still thankful for our property even though there are snakes.)

Fly Paper Mama

Are there times when in the distance, you hear someone calling your name? Are you actually listening?  Do you care?

Then you realize the person is right next to you, repeating your name and calling you. “MOM! MOM! MOM! Can you hear me? I am talking to you. MOM?!”. Is there a frustration that builds as they pull you from your own blissful world of silence?

Being a stay at home mom can be a challenge at times. There is a constant barrage of questions and answers that trickle in through the calm. Constant redirection and correction are your tools. Little rears, little noses and little hands that all need attention NOW!

Little lips are kissing my arm like one of those water pecking birds.

I am in the midst of doing some chore. The other two are speaking as they increase the decibel level by 10 so that they can be louder than the other to get my attention. The garden needs to be watered. Five piles of semi folded laundry are scattered in the living room. Dinner is in the oven and the dishwasher is in over drive.

Then someone announces, “The dog just rolled in horse poo mom and she wants to come in!”  

“NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! DON’T LET HER IN!!!”

“Hi Angel.” (In a very gushy talking to the dog voice. Those who have dogs, know what I am talking about!)

“OUT! OUT! OUT!”

“Mom, she wanted to say hi.”

“She can say hi from the door next time.”

(True story) 🙂

Do you feel like you just can’t listen anymore because you are so frustrated with life going on all around you?

Do you feel like Fly Paper?

Turn this situation around to yourself.  Imagine you are with a friend or a spouse having lunch or a coffee.  You are chatting away only to realize they did not hear a word you said.  Shock and dismay are pretty common reactions here. Feeling unimportant to them is another.

I really like to speak and be heard. I really like to listen. I have to remember though, that even though my children are little, they are still little people. They do need to be heard. I am training them by my actions and reactions how to be adult listeners.

Am I showing them that is ok not to listen while someone is speaking to them?

OR

Am I making them feel special, because I am taking time from my busy day to demonstrate the same love that I want to be showered with?

There is a great responsibility before us as we raise children to be good listeners.

Lend your ear today.  Listen to what the little people are saying. 🙂

 

Lord, let me be a good example to my children today. Guide me as I teach and instruct them in Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 ^{James 1:19-20 NIV “}My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

“Angel”ic Apples

“Angel” ic Apples

Head of Ranch Security

Angel doesn’t stay still long enough for me to get a photo of her! Our English Springer Spaniel is on the hunt for excitement!