Come On Sandy--Keep the Hat On!!!

Merry Christmas from Thailand!! We are working really hard around here to make it seem like Christmas. It is cooler and windy, but definitely not cold and snowy. I have heard the children on and off, murmuring this or that about the weather and how the season just doesn't seem like Christmas. Then, how no one tells them 'Merry Christmas' around here. We are still practicing our 'kind' hat wearing around the home. Seems as if we are all busy trying to do school, but wanting to be in 'holiday' mode, and that is hard. Who gets excited about working when it's Christmas time? I am just trying to hang on for 3 more weeks, stay focused, and diligent and in the meantime, BE KIND!
Why is it so hard? John and I were discussing this very question just a few days ago. Us being here in Thailand, makes for excessive amounts of time WITH one another. So, we have to practice kindness during 'at home' hours, which are 24/7. This is unlike America, where you have various outings to go to, with OTHER family and friends. We are TOGETHER ALL THE TIME...except our date night, which is 3.5 hours a week.
This is challenging, at the same time I am very thankful for this test. It is teaching and showing all of us our weaknesses. John and I were saying how if we can't be kind and show love in the home, what is the point of trying to spread the love of Jesus to others we don't know. We can't be too hard on ourselves when we fail 5, 10, 25% of the time. God forgives, children forgive, we forgive. The point is, we have to pick up, turn around, and do better the next time. Lord, help me today to continue to walk in kindness and love towards those VERY close to me :).
This is just a little of what is on my heart today, wishing I had time to write more, post pics, etc. The two babies are down and I need to run. Time to go read aloud--Story of the Greeks and Our Island Story to the oldest.
Merry Christmas to you all!!!
Wish you could see all my lights on the tree, or the plug-in, it is such a sight. I have 11 plugs in one strip outlet!!! It is hysterical, but I believe it is safe, just a little red-neck. At least I have lights, right?

...'but the greatest of these is love'. 1 Cor. 13

Gentleness, Kindness, Soft Tones...in the Midst of Storms

   I love to wake up around 5:30 or 6:00 am, the house is calm and quiet...maybe I can get my Bible study in and take a nice walk.  Lately, most mornings around that time, I hear the pitter patter of little toesies, and then a climb into my bed.  On to preparing breakfast, then school, then lunch, then school, then naps, then dinner, and a lot in between :).  In the midst of the spills, the cries for 'mommy', the questions about school, the trying to read aloud to the oldest while the youngest are dropping bombs and flying planes all around us...sometimes my brain feels extremely overstimulated.  To say it nicely, this week I have had to repent over and over for a raw tone of voice, for a lack of patience, for a lack of smiling.  It has made me so sad.  I laid in bed last night, tossing and turning, unable to rest due to my 'rotten' attitude. I love this time of my life, why is it so hard to not get emotionally involved in my chidren's childishness.  Instead, I begin acting childish myself!  And then, wonder where they get it from. I happened to stop by http://flourishingmother.blogspot.com/, just before writing this...and was so blessed by one of her post.  So, I will paste a small section of it.  Hopefully, it will bless you as it has me.  And, Praise the Lord that His mercies are made new everyday!!

 Putting on kindness:

1. Practice kindness.

2. Recognize that whatever comes from my mouth is born in my heart.

3. Allow no corrupt talk, in any form, to come out of my mouth.

4. Learn to love kindness.

5. Recognize the difference between childish immaturity and sin.

Pursuing gentleness:

1. Smile at your children.

2. Demonstrate constant affection toward your children.

3. Never speak in tones of sarcasm.

4. Do not raise your voice.

5. *Practice* speaking gently.

6. Adorn yourself with gentleness and a quiet spirit.

7. Utilize your husband as an accountability partner in helping you grow in gentleness.

Be especially cautious of your words, tone of voice, and countenance as you speak to your husband. Your words should be wholesome and edifying. Your tone of voice should be gentle and calm. Your countenance (a smile or pleasant expression) should show respect even when you disagree with him or he is obviously sinning. God will help you if you turn to Him. He is the "help of your countenance, and your God." (Psalm 42:11)

Be blessed this week and may God be with us all as we strive to always practice kindness in the midst of every storm, no matter how big or how small!

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