Simply Heidi

Today my grandfather passed on to Jesus…Thank you for praying for our family.

We have known all week that my grandfather could pass at any time, but tonight we got word that it will be hours, and then he will go on to be with Jesus. Sad, would be a good word. I really don’t have words tonight to put to how I feel.

I am thankful that Tony was able to meet him a year ago and we were able to spend time with him.

Time is such a precious thing. We do not know how long we will be on this earth. The Lord has each of our days numbered. Our lives are just a vapor. I think so many times we go through life, caught up in the “stuff”…

Time it is precious. Make the most of what you have, with who you have, while they are here!

So I made this apple pie today. It was to die for. Seriously it was. I said the same thing to Tony and he was like “okay, we will see, your mom’s pie is pretty good!!” He took a bite and was like “WOW!!!! Did you write the recipe down honey??” Well, No I did not…I just made it up as I went along. So anyways, I am going to try and remember everything I did later on tonight.

As of right now, we are installing new carpet on our stairs! Yah, cause we are crazy like that!

Why pay someone 800 bucks to do it, when I can pay my husband with apple pies and kisses. We both win and it is so much cheaper!!!!

This little girl had a heart transplant and got to sing with Kari Jobe….It was moving. God is truly AWESOME!!!!

Learning from Natural Consequences

Sometimes the best way to help a child is by doing nothing and staying out of the way, allowing a natural consequence to provide the teaching. You’ve probably learned a number of things through natural consequences. Maybe more than you’d like to admit.
- save your sales receipt so you’ll have it if you need to return what you bought
- buy gas when your tank is on “E” even if you’re late for work
- don’t forget to water your plants
- don’t wash your husband’s red sweatshirt with his white underwear

Natural consequences allow life to provide its own lesson without outside intervention. When a parent intentionally stays out of a problem and makes little or no comment, the child has an opportunity to learn from life.

In the Bible, Peter was allowed to experience a natural consequence of lack of faith when he stepped out of the boat in Matthew 14. After he began to sink, however, Jesus was there to help him. Jesus also allowed Peter to make the mistake of denying him three times. No lectures or rebukes were needed; just a look from the master’s eyes and Peter was overcome with remorse. Many times in the gospels, Jesus allowed life to be the teacher and he took on the role of counselor or coach.

Natural consequences often happen if we, as parents, learn to keep quiet. The four-year-old who goes out to play on a hot day wearing a turtleneck learns by experience. The six-year-old who chooses to skip snack because she wants to continue her game may feel the pain later. The ten-year-old who spends all his money on one thing may wish he had not done so. Each of these experiences can be a learning opportunity if the parent responds wisely.

The question then is how are we going to respond? These may be tempting opportunities for parents to condemn, lecture, or put down a child. When you identify these situations in life, they are excellent opportunities to come alongside, express empathy, and help a child learn problem-solving skills.

This idea was taken from the book, Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids, by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

If this tip was sent to you by a friend and you’d like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up at www.biblicalparenting.org.

If it is not one thing it has been another in our household. I am SO ready for a break.

Tomorrow we see a bone doctor for Chandler. He has fluid in his hip joints and around hip bones. Very painful and has had a hard time walking. They did a sono to discover the fluid. The doctor will determine what we are to do next. Remember his surgery on his tooth. Well they are thinking that MAYBE that infected abcess, infected his bones and joints there. If so it will have to be removed and he will be on more medicine. Please pray for us, as tomorrow will be a long day. ALL 4 kids at the doctor by myself. I need patience! LOTS OF IT! I will post something as soon as we know!

“But HE gives more grace…”

Today we really miss her. The kids have been asking about her a lot today. Our hearts were forever changed by a little girl. Somedays are easier, when we are busy. But today even being busy does not keep our hearts from being sad. This is a process, and I am asking the Lord to keep giving me the strength to carry on, push on, and keep climbing our mountain!