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.

Another Good Read!

Yes! I found another fruitful read, and it is special because it enriches the vocation of  motherhood!

The Domestic Church: Room By Room by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle breaks down the vocation of motherhood and uses analogies to compare it to different rooms of the home. Pope John Paul II wrote the "little domestic church, like the greater church, needs to be constantly and intensely evangelized: hence it's duty regarding permanent education in the faith."

The first chapter starts in the foyer (an entrance hall of the home). This chapter explains the "beginning" of our vocation and who we must look up to as mothers (Virgin Mary). After we have established this role model in our lives, we move to the other rooms in the house: Garage: A Husband in the Picture, The Nursery: The Blessing of Little Souls, The Living Room: In the Heart of the Home, The Kitchen: A Vocation of Love, The Dining Room: Praying in the Domestic Church, The Basement: Selfless Love-The Foot of the Cross, The Porch: The Overflowing Chalice of Love, and The Patio: Evangelizing with the Feminine Genius.

I also love how each chapter uses scripture to explain her analogies. Because of this, I found her book very helpful in my vocation as a mother and will refer back to the verses she references in the book.

I hope you enjoy this one :) God Bless

Hitting The Pause Button For A Moment

 Sometimes, you have to just hit the pause button, look around at your life, and say "thank you God for everything that I have."

Today, I had one of those pause and look around days. This feeling came to me after opening a box of baby clothes that my now 4 1/2 year old wore long ago. After gently unfolding one of his baby sweaters, I lifted it up to my nose, sniffed, and took in a whiff of his baby smell....or maybe it was just the memory of it.

After the smell enveloped my nostrils, I opened my eyes, and that's when it hit me....the nostalgia of it all. Time has gone so fast. And, I believe this revelation came to me by divine intervention. God gives you these moments, to pause, take it all in, and re-evaluate things. You don't really fathom how fast your kids are growing until you open a box of their old clothes or that first day when your son calls you by your first name.

And then, you scroll down zipping through your files of pictures as if your looking through them on a chronological timeline...and then, it really hits you.

These pause and look around moments are a gift from God......a gift to look around, re-evaluate your life, be grateful, and savor the small and big things in life....your family, the warmth of your home, snuggling up with your kids to read a book, a child's smile, memories, small and big moments, and the beauty all around you.

This week, I captured some pictures of the beautiful moments that I'm grateful for....

Hanging out with all the cousins that are just about the same age :)

Thinking....What sort of trouble can I cause next?"

Brotherly and Sisterly Love :)

Such a good big sister :)

My sweet baby boy growing up so fast :)

Dreaming sweet, beautiful baby dreams :)

5 Things I've Learned So Far As a Young Christian Mother

I'm getting there....never will be perfect in my parenting, but I've learned some things, so far, along the way....Today, I reflected on 5 important things I've learned in my short time as a young Christian mother....

1. Never scream or yell. This is a hard one. When one kid spills their kool-aid on the floor and skates around in it....and then your son joins in the fun, all while the baby is screaming...it's hard to keep your composure. I try to keep in mind at these moments that Christ wants us to keep "a still, small voice." This calm composure will show children how to respond to stressful situations they have to deal with in the future....remember, your kids imitate everything you do! I also keep in mind to use the same tone of voice with my kids as I would anyone else; a priest, pope, stranger, boss, etc.

2. Pray, pray, pray! From the moment you wake to the moment you shut your eyes for the night, never cease praying. Pray for your children, your husband, neighbors, strangers, non-believers, sinners. Pray for wifehood and motherhood. Start your morning with an offering and the Lord's graces will do wonders for your life and your vocation as a mother.

3. Be consistent. Another hard one....kids love consistency. It's the #1 key to learning. If you read a chapter from the bible one morning, keep on doing it daily. Soon the kids will get up, grab the bible, and meet you in the living room for morning bible time.

4. Do everything in Christ's name. "As often as ye shall do things, ye shall do them in remembrance of me." When you eat....pray and thank God for your food. When you watch TV....watch a clean show...religious or with good christ-like morals. When you dress....dress modestly. When you read....read good, clean stuff. When you listen to music....listen to beautiful songs that praise God.

5. Nothing will ever be perfectly clean....not your house, your car, or your own clothes. This is a good sign...a sign that you're living in your house.....a good mother. Toys splattered across the floor means that your kids are having fun, not sitting in front of the TV. A lot of dishes in the sink means your kids are eating good, a dirty car means you have fun road trips, and throw-up on your shirt means the baby is getting fed and burped. So, if your house is messy along with your clothes.....keep up the good work...you're a good mom!

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. :)

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.