5 Ways to Encourage Young Children To Love God

 

Photo By: Commanderjaygold

Parenting is filled with many responsibilities. We are charged to not only take care of the physical needs of our children, but God also calls us lead our children spiritually. We are to teach them to love God and keep His commandments.  Deuteronomy 11:19 says, "And ye shall teach them your children, speaking to them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

In today's busy world carving time out for family can be a challenge, let alone, time for God. How do we encourage and teach our young children to love God? Here are 5 easy ways to daily share the love of God with our little ones.

1. Pray With Your Children: Make prayer an integral part of your day. Pray with your little ones when they wake, before meals, and even in the evening. When you can't find the lost keys or socks, offer a prayer to God for help. Also, don't forget to share prayers of thanksgiving when you find the lost item or any other blessings are received.
2. Attend Weekly Services Together: Attend weekly services together. There is a blessing that comes from fellowship with believers. Children receive this blessing as well. Attending weekly services and becoming actively involved in a local church with  not only allow your child to have christian friends, but foster a sense of community in faith.
3. Read and Study God's Word Together: It is important to ready and study God's work with your children. We have a time each night where we read God's word together as a family.
4. Sing and Memorize Scripture : Singing is a great way to memorize. I still remember the quadratic equation because my algebra teacher taught it to me in a song.  So putting scripture to song is a great way to get your little ones memorizing. 
5. Model Christian Character: Our children are always watching us. So we need to model christian character. We must remember to be kind, giving and loving not only to those in our homes, but to those we meet daily. 

What are some of the ways you are sharing your love of Christ with your children and family?

Catherine's 19 Months Old

Catherine has actually been 19 months old for a while now. Before I know it she will be two. Where is the time going. This month Catherine continues to amaze me daily with new words, discoveries, and adventures. This truly is a fun age.

Catherine's Stats

Weight: Not sure.  22.12 lbs at 18 months.
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 5 shoes
Teeth: 6 on top and 7 on the bottom! One of her canine teeth are coming in! Loves: Going to playgroup, singing,opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, anything outdoors, going to the park, "reading" books, running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo, drinking from a "real" cup, and drinking with a straw, "sweeping" and helping mommy clean, giving hugs and kisses, dressing and undressing her dolls, and pulling her clothes off.
 Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing, the word no, and wearing pants?!
 Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off, walk up and down the stairs holding my hand, drink from a straw,beginning to recognize letters.
Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta, homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans, turkey, corn polenta.
Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans, eggplant, and mango's
Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop, crayons and paper.  
What she says: "more, eat, cup, chip, doggy, back pack, apple, mama, dada, titi, no,up,baby,doll, and so much more!

The Young Wife's Guide

Today I am filled with much joy. My first article as a contributing writer has been published. What a great way to honor my mother on her birthday! Today you can find me writing at The Young Wife's guide. If you have not checked out this lovely blog, please do so. Jami and her team of writers encourage readers daily with articles that focus on gospel centered homemaking.

Today I am sharing how applying the eight health principles found in the acronym, NEW START can lead you and your family to greater health.

From the Post: Being a busy wife and mother, my days are filled with many responsibilities. One of my greatest responsibilities is ensuring my family stays in good health.  As Christians, we are charged to take care of our bodies.

Head over to the Young Wife's Guide to read the rest of the post, NEW START: An Acronym For Greater Health

The Brownies Are Back!

I hope this post find you all doing well.  The Brownies are back! Thank you for being so patient with me. I know my last post was about a month ago, but my first priority is family. I have been working on things to share with you, and I'm so excited about the future of this blog.

Let me tell you,  moving is not easy. It has taken much more time to get settled than I expected, but we love our new home. Each morning I wake up with a smile on my face because I feel so blessed to be in our new home. The memory making has already begun!

Now that most of the unpacking has been completed, we have started our project list. Like proud homeowners, the hubby and I have begun making weekend trips to Lowe's to complete some of the small projects on our list. Here are a few things we are working on.

• Upgrade dryer cord to four-prong cord.
• Replace garage door springs (they broke our first week in the home).
• Upgrade to three-pronged outlets in the living room and master bedroom
• Hang all art and mirrors.
• Organize playroom toys and books.
• Organize storage area.
• Prepare for a fall garden.
• Create a composting station.
• Create a recycling station.

Again, we are so blessed to begin this new journey in our new home. Please continue to pray for our family and read about our progress. Here are a few pictures of my favorite room in our home, the kitchen!

Seeds Of Faith: Finding a Home Pt. 4

photo by: moving companies

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. As usual, things have been busy in the brownie home. We are moving to our first house in less than a week! I am filled with excitement as each day passes. Home ownership has always been a life long dream and I feel so blessed to see this dream realized.

The journey to home ownership has been challenging and faith building for our family.To read more about our journey click here. As this journey comes to a close,  I am filled with gratitude, joy, and praise. God has provided our family with a house that has all of the things we need and even some of the things we want. A house we can grown in, love in, and make memories in. 

Best of all, not only has God blessed us with a house, but he has taken care of all of the details. Although we are closing later than we planned ( I hear this is common), our house has been thoroughly inspected and all repairs have been completed. My heart is filled with thanks as I know my home will be safe and worry free. 

I share our experience to encourage and inspire you to dream and put your trust in God. He cares and provides for those who love Him. Remember 1 Peter 5:7 says, " cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." Not only has God blessed our family with a house, but He  provided the necessary funds to break our lease, move, and furnish our house. One thing I've learned throughout this journey is that if God gives the vision, He will give provision. 

 I know it sounds cliche, but it is true. Hold on and keep the faith. Your breakthrough is coming. 

Please keep us in prayer as we prepare to move this weekend and settle into our new home. This will likely be my last for the next two weeks, as my first priority is to my family.  Thank you for your support and encouragement through this journey. I look forward to sharing many more with you.

Catherine is 18 Months!

 

Photos by: Marisela Olivares Shamsid -Deen

 

I can't believe Catherine is 18 months. She is going to be two before I know it.  Here is a quick update on her development. Not much changed, but she is learning new words everyday.

Random facts about Catherine at 18 months:
Weight: 22.12 lbs! We moved up on the growth chart!
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 5 shoes
Teeth: 6 on top and 7 on the bottom! One of her canine teeth are coming in!
Loves: opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, anything outdoors, going to the park, "reading" books, running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo, drinking from a "real" cup, and drinking with a straw, "sweeping" and helping mommy clean, giving hugs and kisses.

Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing, the word no

Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off, walk up and down the stairs holding my hand, drink from a straw,beginning to recognize letters.

Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta, homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans, turkey, corn polenta

Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans, eggplant, and mango's

Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop, crayons and paper

What she says: "more, eat, cup, chip, doggy, back pack, apple, mama, dada, titi, no, and so much more!

Keeping up with the Brownies

I hope this post finds you doing well. Things have been busy in the Brownie household and are expected to get busier. I have been juggling several projects along with the daily demands of being a wife, mother, and homemaker. I praise God for not only the strength He is giving me, but I also praise Him for the blessings He has given. Below is a list of updates and some exciting news!

1.) Our New Home: Many of you know that my husband and I are purchasing our first home. Our scheduled closing date is May 10th.  At this time, we will not be closing on time due to additional repairs that need to be made. Please keep our family in prayer as we complete the final steps in our journey to our first home. Click here to read more about our home buying process.

2.) Family Matters: Things are settling down after the death of my mother. I am finding it hard to juggle the demands of motherhood while grieving and making preparations for my Dad. I am thankful for the support of my loving husband and siblings during this difficult time.

3.) Food Allergy Awareness: May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness month. Next week, At Home With The Brownies will be celebrating Food Allergy Awareness Week. This is a cause near and dear to my heart. Catherine suffers from multiple food allergies. You can read her story here.  Next week you can expect the following.

• Food Allergy Safety- An Interview with the Director of Services of Kids R'Kids Overland Park.
• Motherhood Chronicles- Stories of mothers of children with food allergies
• What You Can Do- Ways to get involved.

4.) New Opportunities: I've only been blogging for five months and I love it. It has become a new passion and ministry for me. With every post I hope to encourage, uplift, and inspire my readers to be the best they can be and bring glory to God. Today I received word that I have been selected to be a guest contributor to a popular blog I follow. I am excited about this new opportunity to reach a broader audience. I can't wait to share more information about my new partnership soon.

5.) Maybe a book?: With the recent death of my mother, I have been reminded just how short life really is. James 4:14 says, "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."  With the blessing of God I have fulfilled many of the dreams I have had in life, but a few remain.

My mother loved cookbooks and read them like novels. She passed her love of cookbooks and cooking onto me. It was always a dream of ours to write a cookbook or own a bakery together. Although she has passed, the dream lives on. So here I am,  prayerfully considering writing a cookbook. Please keep me and my family in prayer as we seek the Lord's will in our lives.

Hope in the Midst of Sorrow: Miracles Do Exsist

 

source

At this time, many of my you know that my mother passed away April 5, 2013.  The last three weeks have been filled with sorrow and grief, but it has also been filled with many blessings from on high.  Through it all I have seen the hand of God working in my life and lives of my family.

Last Friday my mother's oldest sister, Shelia Radford, was admitted to the hospital. Her heart was in aphib. The following day my husband, baby Catherine, and I went to visit her in the hospital. She was doing better and scheduled to be released the following day. Sunday afternoon, while driving back to Kansas, I received a call that her health took a turn for the worse. My aunt had been moved to ICU.

The doctors didn't know what was wrong with my aunt and she was quickly deterioating. I was discouraged. At this time, it had only been a week since I burried my mother and I just couldn't take the loss of another close relative. So I did the only thing I could do; I began to pray.  I prayed and called others to pray. My family in Dallas gathered around my Aunt's sick bed and called upon the name of Jesus. There is POWER in the name of Jesus!

Later in the evening, I received another phone call. My Aunt had stopped breathing and a code blue was called. My sisters called me as the medical team performed CPR for over an hour and thirty minutes. I was told the doctor wanted to stop CPR and the chaplain was called to give the last prayer. With prayers going up all around, the family asked the medical team to try one more time. I am pleased to say that my Aunt Shelia LIVES today!

Not only is my aunt alive, but her recover has been called miraculous by the doctors. After being out for over an hour, there are no signs of brain damage. I've been told she is awake, attentive, and bossing everyone around from her hospital bed.

This is not luck. It is the POWER of God.  I am here today to tell you that prayer works and that God is in control. It's not over until God says it's over! "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It is a miracle! My Aunt still has a ways to go, but we are thankful for how she is recovering. We praise God for keeping her with us and give Him all the glory and praise.  God is good! Even in the midst of sorrow there are always reasons to give Him praise. 

Seeds Of Faith: On Losing My Mother

I want to thank all of my family, friends, church members, and readers for your thoughts, kind words and gestures, but most importantly your prayers over the last few weeks. I can say with-out a doubt the past few weeks have been the hardest of my life, but I know my faith and the prayers of the saints have been carrying me though.

Almost three weeks ago, my mother passed away unexpectedly. Although she had some ongoing health problems( diabetes and high blood pressure), they were managed and my mother was doing well. She had even lost a little weight. When I received word on April 5th that she had passed, I was in a state of shock.  Losing a loved one is always hard, but when it comes unexpectedly it is almost crushing.

My mother was not only my mother, but rather my friend. We spoke everyday, several times a day about what we were cooking, our favorite blogs, our faith, and of course what Catherine Grace was up to. My mother has been one of my biggest supporters in life. She believed if I put God first, there was nothing I could not accomplish.  I know I was blessed to have her example of biblical womanhood for twenty-seven years.

To say I miss her would be an understatement. Every morning I call her phone just to hear her voice on the voice-mail. I miss her encouraging words each morning and how we often planned our dinner menus together. I am thankful for the time we had together. I'm thankful she was able to witness my marriage to a Godly man and the birth of my first child.

I know the next few weeks, months, and maybe even years won't be easy. I know grieving is a process that takes time. I will have good days and bad days, but it is well with my soul.   I know I am not alone. Isaiah 43:2 says, " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. I know God will bring my family through this. We are casting all of our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.  
1 Peter 5:7

Please remember me and my family in your prayers. 

Prayer Request

I hope this post finds you all doing well.  I come to you today with a heavy heart. I got news today that my mother passed away this morning. Please keep my family in your prayers. I won't be posting for a few weeks as I need to take time to grieve. Again keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Spring Cleaning: What projects are you tackling?

I hope everyone is having a happy Wednesday. Things have been very busy in the Brownie home this week. From bringing in the new furniture to preparing our apartment for the exterminator, I feel like I have been running in circles. I can't complain. All of the moving shifting have got me in the mood for spring cleaning and organization.

This week I have organized my closet and kitchen. Going through each piece of clothing and cabinet deciding what stays and what goes. It has been a blessing. I now have a generous heap of sacks ready to donate to the Goodwill. In cleaning out my kitchen I discovered a few hideaways(hot coco mix and apple cider)  of old favorites that needed to be donated to make our home officially allergen free.

Here are some pictures of this weeks organization. Are you spring cleaning? What projects are you tackling? Please share in the comment section.

Weekend Round-Up

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter weekend. Our weekend was filled with many blessings. From worship on Saturday to fellowship with family and new friends on Sunday, we were filled with His love. Below are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Catherine in her Easter Sabbath best!

Family time at the park on Sabbath afternoon!

Catherine playing with cousin Eli after dinner on Sunday!

Weekend Round-Up

Hi there! It has been a few days since my last post. Things have been busy in the Brownie home. What have we been up to? Mostly we have been preparing for closing and the big move! From inspections to paperwork, purchasing a house keeps you busy.

We had our first home inspection last Wednesday and it went well overall. Some electrical issues did arise, but I am confident the seller will resolve all of the issues. The inspector said overall the house was very structurally sound so that gives me a good feeling. Please keep our family and the sellers in prayer as we move forward in this process.

My husband and I have also been busy preparing all of the paperwork our lender needs for closing. Collecting all of our financial documents and having them notarized has kept us busy in the evenings.

It hasn't been all business and no fun. Yesterday I was able to "preview" and estate sale and pick up a few items for the new house. I am really excited about our new pieces. We will pick them up this weekend and I can't wait to share them with you.

I will only be posting a couple of days a week during this busy time in our lives. Please continue to read. I enjoy reading your comments and sharing this journey with you.  Here are a few pictures of Catherine being silly over the weekend. For some reason Catherine now enjoys here baby swing?? Stay blessed!

Seeds of Faith: Finding a Home Pt. 3

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.Romans 8:28

On Sunday I said I had some exciting news. We found a home! We made an offer last Friday and it was accepted Saturday evening. I am so glad this process is almost over. We have the home inspection this week and then onto closing.  This process has been very emotional for me, but I give all of the praise and honor to God for making it possible.

All I can say is God is always on time. I know the last time I wrote about our home search in this post, I was down because we lost a home. I know now it was so that I could have a testimony. The promise of Romans 8:28, is true. Not only did we find a home with everything on our wish list, but it was priced just right, and in a better part of town than the house we lost. God always knows what is best for us.

Now that we have found our home the packing has begun. I have always tried to post at least 4 times a week but with the big changes in our household, I may only have time to write 2 post a week. I ask that you keep our family in prayer as we finish this journey and begin a new one.

Catherine is 16 Months!

 

Random facts about Catherine at 16 months:
Weight: unsure – at 15 months she was 20.11 lbs
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 4 shoes
Teeth: 5 on top ,5 on the bottom, and 3 more breaking through!
Loves: opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, pointing out and asking about everything around her “dis? dis?”,  running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo, saying "more, more", sliding down the slide at the park, reading books.

Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing

Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off, follows simple directions (put this in the trash, or bring me your cup).

Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta,  homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans

Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans,and eggplant

Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop.

Seeds Of Faith: Finding a Home Pt. 2

This morning my husband and I found out our offer was not accepted. I must admit that I am feeling disappointed and frustrated with the home buying process. The only thing keeping me going is my faith. I know that God has a plan for our family.Keep our family in prayer as we move forward in this process.

Seeds Of Faith: Finding a Home Pt.1

  Source

 Last week I shared that my husband and I have officially started the house hunting process here. We have been through this process before, only to be disappointed when our deal fell through. Although this process has been difficult, I know what God has something special for our family. Finding a home has defiantly been a faith building experience for me.

When my husband and I were first married, I never dreamed we would be able to afford a home of our own. Living on one income with significant student loan debt, I never imagined we would qualify. 

 I  believe God knows what we need even before we ask. I can say without a doubt that God has blessed us with an opportunity to buy a home. Yes, we have worked hard and sacrificed, but I know it is the hand of God working in our lives that has led us to this point. I could share testimony after testimony of how God has blessed us and how the promise of Malachi 3:10 is true.

This Sunday we went house hunting again.  I am pleased to say that we found a house we would like to make an offer on. Owning this home would lower and stabilize our housing cost and give us room to grow as a family. Best of all it has been completely renovated. Everything is new and energy efficient.

For the last year, we have been looking at listings online and searching for the perfect home for our family. Now that we have found a home, I am excited, yet nervous, but faithful that the dream will be realized. Home buying has been a long an challenging process for us, but I believe , Those who sow with tears reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5.

Snow Day and Allergy-Free Pancakes!

The Brownies are having a snow day party! My husband is home from work today with Kansas City expecting 8-12 inches of snow. Aunt Bonnie has also decided to ride out the blizzard with us. We plan to spend the day watching old movies and eating great food.

We started the day with these wonderful allergy-free pancakes. This recipe like most recipes I've shared lately is from the Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book.It is quick and simple. I adapted the recipe by using gluten-free flour.

Born and raised a Texas girl, I have never seen so much snow. We are even experiencing thunder snow, but are happy to spend time together as a family. If you are experiencing a snow day, what fun activities or traditions do you and your family have?

Allergy-Free Pancakes

Yield: About 20 Pancakes

2 cups gluten-free flour Mix ( I used Bob's Red Mill)
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthum gum
2 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups of rice milk
dairy-free cooking spray

Preheat a cast-iron griddle on medium heat until hot, and preheat oven to 200 degrees.

While the griddle is heating, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder,salt, and xanthum gum with a wire whisk.  In a large liquid measuring cup, combine water, oil, and milk.  Pour the water mixture into the dry ingredients, and mix with a wire whisk until just combined.  Do not over-mix; a few lumps are fine. 

Spray the griddle liberally with dairy-free cooking spray( repeat this process each time you put down a new pool of batter).  Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the heated griddle, and cook until small bubbles start to form on top.  Flip and cook the other side until light brown.  Transfer the pancakes to the warmed oven, and repeat.

Catherine is 15 Months!

Went to Catherine's 15 month check-up today. Not much has changed this month for Catherine. However, she is becoming more independent with every new day.

Random facts about Catherine at 15 months:

Weight/Height:  20.11 lbs and 30''
Wears: size 18-24 month pants, 18-24month shirts, 18-24months dresses, size 4 shoes
Teeth: 5 on top and 5 on the bottom!
Loves: opening and closing doors, stacking blocks, dancing to music, pointing out and asking about everything around her “dis? dis?”,  running down the hallway while screaming, clapping for herself, iPhones, Elmo, brushing her teeth, being outside in nature,saying "eat, eat" when it is time to eat

Hates: being hungry or thirsty, sharing

Brags: She knows the animal sounds for dog (woof woof), duck (quack quack), and can turn lights on and off. She knows and uses the signs for milk and more.

Foods she loves: tomatoes, rice,orange slices, apple slices, peas, oatmeal, corn pasta,  homemade cookies, homemade and restaurant french fries, roasted chicken, corn tortillas, green beans

Foods she hates: bananas, refried beans,and eggplant

Favorite toys: her kitchen, her shape sorting blocks, stacking blocks, books with musical buttons, her mini piano, and her leap frog laptop.

Weekend Round-Up

I hope you all had a great weekend. My family had a busy weekend with church activities and house hunting. Yes, I said house hunting! My family and I have begun the search for our very first home.

In other news, I am tackling my 2013 reading list. I only have a couple of chapters left in A Year of Biblical Womanhood, and  I look forward to writing my review in the next few weeks. I also want to thank my mother who gifted me the next four books on my list.

Finally, I want to mention a resource for all of my food allergy mama's. Each week my husband and I do our grocery shopping on Thursday evening. We methodically visit our favorite stores, collecting all of the items we need. This week while checking out at Trader Joe's, the employee noticed we had several gluten-free items. He asked if one of us had Celiac disease. I told him no, but shared that Catherine had multiple food allergies including wheat. He then gave me a copy of their gluten free list. It is a six page document that list all of the gluten-free products in there store by department. The document also sheds light on the companies manufacturing standards. Trader Joe's gluten-free list definitely makes shopping there store easier. If you have a Trader Joe's near you,  I recommend you ask for one of there list.

Well, that was my weekend in a nut-shell. What did your family do this weekend?