I love my children...they are a gift from God, but sometimes the best gifts are those that teach you something. Isn't it funny how God knows that. He shows me daily how he loves me by giving me the gift of a child. Just like I try my patience with God, those boys of mine do the same. Like I throw fits with God, those boys do the same to me. Just as I am disobedient to God, my boys are disobedient to me. Being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever done. I can only image how God feels sometimes.

This week we made the decision to take my middle child out of Kindergarten and put him in a preparatory class that only meets four days a week with 1/2 days. I love my Garrett so much and have toiled with the decision to put him in kindergarten for months. This kid is very bright, has a great sense of humor, and can be very witty at times, but is not ready for an 8 hour day of complete structure. His social maturity just needs some more time.

I can't help but apply everything back to my spiritual walk with God. So hear is my life lesson on this topic. God knows how we are...how we will mature in him... and how some individuals grow spiritually faster than others. The joy is that his grace ...patience...love... and acceptance is all we need to further or walk. He knows that some of us are going to take longer to get it than others. He knows that some of us will need a little extra time to turn to him. Just as I have given my little boy another chance to grow and mature by waiting, forgiving, and loving him along the way... Christ does the same for me. Thanks to Garrett for teaching me a wonderful life lesson. I love you and you are still my favorite 5 year old in the whole wide world.

FAITH

I am now teaching a FREE aerobics class at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. It is sooooo great to play Christian music the whole hour. Please come join. It is every Thursday from 9:45 to 10:30 in the West Wing of the church. See you there.

After yesterdays post I found this book from Proverbs 31 ministry. Check it out!!!

I love my Burn Baby Burn aerobics class. I feel like I have so much in common with all the women. Today we had a great discussion about staying fit for your husband and your children. Sadly, we as moms bear the weight of making sure many tasks are done in our lives. Let's see, we wash clothes, make meals, read books, change diapers, clean the house, run a taxi service, go to doctor appointments...you name it and we can get it done. Why then is it so taxing on us to stay in shape for ourselves, our husbands, and our families. Why is it that our husbands put on weight with us when we have babies, but don't take it off with us when we are ready to shed the baby weight? Why, in a sense, are we also responsible for our husbands and our children's health as well. I mean come on, Eve didn't force feed Adam the apple from the forbidden tree. Well, here's what I think....

In a very good Genesis study I did I learned that God saw that Adam needed a HELPER SUITABLE FOR HIM. Did you get that? Let me write it again, but from the Bible this time. Genesis 2:18 says, ...God said, " It is not good for man to be alone, I will make him a HELPER suitable for him." Then in verse 19 God makes all the creatures of the earth, but Adam still did not have a suitable helper. In verse 22 it says,...The Lord God fashioned into a women the rib which He had taken form the man, and brought her to the man. I love how my Bible uses the word "fashioned" --- see even in creation God made women fashionable. Now Adam had a helper.

See girls, they need us. Although it is sometimes seems unfair, if we just think of it as an honor to help our men stay healthy by cooking healthy meals, suggesting you exercise together, and holding each other accountable to exercise daily...it can be fun, enhance your marriage, and help with the sex life. So I challenge all of you to get your hubby's on board, change your lifestyles and start living healthy together. Encourage him and as you do it...believe me he will follow. Remember, you are his helper. God knew he would need you.

OK, SO I AM FORCE FEEDING HIM IN THE PICTURE ABOVE, BUT I HAVEN'T SINCE OUR WEDDING DAY.

I would love to have your comments so please post your thoughts.

Fitness fart

I finally figured out how to use You tube...Just thought some of you who take my classes might get a little chuckle out of this. Mendy

Pachelbel Bedtime

ok, here it is for all of you to see. Mendy

Ok, this is tooooo funny, I thought those of you who know me well would get a kick out of this. Thanks to my friend Adrienne and her distinguished Dr. husband for sending this to me. Please click on the link and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyP9bI81XX0

moved to tears with reality

Thanks to my former EQ client Renee I was moved to tears when I watched this man on YOU TUBE sing this song. The words are so true. I love the part when his daughter walks in the room. Check it out...if you are a parent I promise you will love this. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uISuvTiTYJA

Mendy