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What I've Learned from the Amish

I've always been extremly intrigued by the lives of the Amish.....maybe it's because I secretly want to be
one ....but, I really don't think that I could give up some of my modern conveniences such as a hot shower and air conditioning.

Yet, I find their ways extremely beautiful, simple, and uncomplicated....graceful and pure. I once read about an Amish father and his young son milking cows together and how Amish parents never shush away their children while working....they always work beside them learning and bonding along the way....the way that God intended us to raise them...the way we should all strive to raise them.

And then, I look at modern society...and how we plop in a movie to go and do the dishes or laundry by ourselves....doing the total opposite of what the Amish would do....what God wouldn't want us to do.The first thing I've learned from the Amish is to always work side by side with my children to teach and bond with them. Now, when I fold clothes, they sit alongside me and help....the same with dishes and yard work. If the opportunity rises, my children will be there alongside me.

The Amish have also taught me the importance of simplicity. An Amish proverb explains this lesson well: he who has no money is poor; he who has nothing but money is even poorer. The Amish work to survive and any extra that they earn, go to others less fortunate than them....they don't need extras....they strive for simplicity....because with more things, the less room there is for God. Do you really need those fancy clothes, nice vehicles, or other unnecessary things? Try to downsize....you will find life uncomplicated and you will be teaching your children a wonderful lesson.

Another lesson that stuck with me is their use of proverbs to teach their children daily morals. When you parent with proverbs, God will give you more graces to help your journey as a parent. I believe the Book of Proverbs is one of the best parenting tools.

 It's hard, but I have strengthened my own faith by striving to live simply as the Amish do. I realized, when I enforce simplicity into my busy life, only then I can become closer to God and have more peace within my family.

So why do you commemorate the saints?

"So why do you commemorate the saints?" is a tried and true statement that I receive from many that believe it's a form of idolatry. How do you respond to such a curious question? First, I pray for God's grace to answer with knowledge and wisdom so that I may guide others to the Catholic faith. And then, I tell them that we, as mere "human beings" on earth can never reach God's infinite perfection. 

We can strive to be like Christ, but we will never reach that perfection. A saint is more of a realistic expectation for us as "mere" human beings on earth to replicate. They are role models for my children instead of a "famous baseball player" or a "modern singer." They help my children reach their main goal in life; to be with God in heaven...not to achieve earthly desires. We will never stop praying to God first because he is our main focus and number 1, but we will also pray to the saints afterwards...because they are our earthly role models. Their stories of their life and faith give my children hope in a world of evil and selfishness. They help my children remember that our time here on earth is but a short flick of an eyelid and to keep God true to their hearts. 

May God Bless you all this election day 2012 :)

A "Mary" Mom Amidst a World of "Marthas"

A "Mary" Mom Amidst a World of "Marthas"

According to the bible Luke 10:38-42 Martha and Mary were sisters. One day, Jesus came to visit them. Mary sat at Jesus's feet and visited with him while her sister Martha slaved away cooking and cleaning. Martha became angry and outraged and asked the Lord to tell Mary to help her. Martha expected Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but instead, he said that she should be worrying about more important things. Mary had chosen what was better.

It's difficult, especially in this day in age where living the "Martha" way is more acceptable than the "Mary" way in society. The constant pressure of having clean floors, empty sinks, folded clothes, and floors destitute of toys weighs heavily on a mom's shoulders.

Though, this doesn't mean that you have to neglect all of your "Martha" responsibilities, but in a way, can be more lenient about these less pressing matters.

I encourage you to become more aware of your inner "Mary." Take time for the more pressing matters in life as Jesus said. Pray more, spend more time teaching your children about God, read to your children, and spend quality time with your husband. And if you have to complete your "Martha" tasks, do them with a "Mary" attitude. And remember, in everything that you do, there is always time for prayers and always an opportunity to teach something to your children. :)

Creating JOY in Your Life!

My family has adapted the Duggar philosophy as far as creating JOY in our lives. As stated in their book "A Love that Multiplies," the only way we can obtain true JOY in our household is if we put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. 

This mnemonic device is not only important for children to adapt, but just as important as we, the parent, to ritualize. If the parent doesn't ritualize this philosophy, there is no way we can expect our children to adapt it as well. I start each morning with quiet prayer time before the kids wake up and once they are up, the first thing we do is kneel down by our crucifix downstairs and recite a prayer meaningful and understandable to their age (2 & 4). 

"Good morning dear Jesus this day is for you.

We ask that You bless us in all we think, say, see, and do."

As a gentle reminder, we have a poster hanging on our fridge of the JOY philosophy. 

                                             

Developing A Mother's Mission Statement

     "Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in  you." 

     
These are the powerful words of the late St. Augustine, patron saint of theologians. They are the words that I mediate each and everyday. In a world of modern busy bustle, it's easy to forget these powerful words. So easy, I had to finally write the quote down on a piece of paper and place the words of wisdom in my purse; a place where I would see them everyday. That day, I also made a promise to God and to myself that despite the modern, busy world, it was my duty as a Christian mother to raise my children holy. To do this, I needed to develop a mission statement for parenting as a Christian mother. I needed to throw the modern world aside and rest my whole heart with the Lord. Until I did this, there was no way I could raise my kids holy; I needed his support, his Grace.For those of you that are not familiar with a mission statement, it is defined as a statement that defines how we want to live or who we want to be. After prayer and meditation, my mission statement was developed: "As a Christian mother, I want to provide my children with a holy environment, void of the influences that neglect the teachings of God. I want them to become followers of Christ; charitable, loving, and fair towards others.