Down Mulberry Lane

Progress still being made...debt free journey update...

We paid the bills the other night and found we are having enough to pay the bills, however my grocery money was a little short this month due to all the car repairs.  I told everyone that we will just have to wait until Dh gets paid until buying some more food. 

This really isn't a problem at all.  I have a good stockpile of the basics... whole grain for breads (and all the other bread staples), dried beans and basic herbs and spices, rice and pasta, canned tomatoes and other sauces, cashews and peppers for my "cheesy sauce", some rice and almond milk in their vacumn sealed boxes... basically everything we need to survive except DAIRY!  LOL.  I even have plenty of fruits and veggies.

So we are again dairy free for another week as a family, together!  *grin*  God is so good to me.  My family is supportive again this week because we are out of cheese, milk, etc... due to money shortages.  I get a short breather for me to catch my breath and be ready for the holidays without dairy. 

I've noticed the last two weeks the attitudes around the house are more selfish in nature and I haven't been quite able to figure out what to do about it as of yet.  I never really noticed, but tonight, I went to church to hold our monthly health meeting and I asked my girls if they'd come with and help and not one was willing to go.  This is really odd... they've always been willing... then one of my daughters pipes up with ... what will you give me?  I looked at her questioningly and she replies... will you take me out to eat?  I said, we're serving dinner at the health meeting, why would we go out to eat and then she said... no, I'm not going. 

I was just stunned, I've not ever really encountered them rejecting an opportunity for service at church.  In fact, they have always LOVED helping in the kitchen and I was floored by the reaction.  Oh my kids have had days of not helping from time to time, but usually in coincided with "something" going on in their lives... but this... I don't know... I think it is more heart issues I am dealing with.  Perhaps my dairy free break is not only for me, but for them to have to give of themselves.   I will have to do some praying this week to see if further direction is needed.  Now that I am aware of this, I'll likely need to pay attention to what is ruling their lives... self or Christ.  I know many times I do not notice myself when I stray from what is right and sometimes redirection is needed.  God seems to find a way to wake me up and get my attention.  It seems that now is a time for my girls to "see" what I have seen today.  May God give me wisdom that I can do it in a loving and non-critical way so that they might be open to change. 

My computer time is about done for today.  Time for a quick pick up before bed.

Warmly, ~Melissa 

Understanding Mom

9:48 PM, November 16, 2008 .. Posted by armywife

Dear Melissa,
I understand how you feel about how your children are behaving. Mine sometimes do the same. I find when that happens that they have become complacent with things, and they often forget that service to others is important to the Lord too. Especially when they ask what I will give them in return for their service such as doing the dishes or folding laundry. It's at times like those that I am just as stunned as you, and then I have to ask myself," Am I setting a poor example somehow?" Sometimes it is me. Maybe I am not being very cheerful about doing my own services for the Lord, and the children have picked up on it. Other times they just need to be explained to that Mommy needs help with things because God only gave her two hands. Keep your chin up. I'm sure you're doing it all just fine. Kids have off days too. God bless.

Untitled Comment

7:06 AM, November 17, 2008 .. Posted by melaniedawn

Melissa,
I know the feeling of seeing some heart issue amiss in my children, and being at a loss as to how to deal with it. I'm not suggesting this is the case for you, but I find most of the time it is due to my attitude or actions and that I need to change something within myself. Many times my children just need some extra love. We are also feeling money and food shortages at our house and I think my young ones are sensing that and being a little more "off" due to the vibes my hubby and I may be giving off because of the situation, so we have to be careful what we say in front of them about such matters and try to have a joyful attitude in spite of it. We kind of spoiled them with our foolish use of credit and now we are paying the piper both physically and emotionally.
Melanie