Train Up Tuesday: Recipients of Encouragement

Are you one of those people that enjoy doing just about anything for someone else...but you almost cringe at the thought of someone having to help you out? Maybe you think you can handle it or you honestly don't want to burden anyone. Maybe it's that you think someone else could better use the offered help or encouragement.

Can I tell you that it might be pride that keeps you from allowing others to step in? How dare I say it? Oh, because I remember coming to that realization several years ago. And by "coming to", I really mean, having it pointed out. Yeah, it was by my immediate supervisor at a previous job. I was talking about my aggravation at having done something mindlessly stupid (locking my keys in a car hours away from home...and trust me, it wasn't a simple remedy like getting a locksmith...it was in a remote area...it involved being driven home

late at night and having to make arrangements to go back to pick up the car the next day). I mentioned that I wouldn't have minded being the one helping someone in a fix, but I loathed being the one that needed the help IN the fix. Quite gently, my boss pointed out that sometimes not wanting others to help us out is a sign of pride in our own life. Ouchie. He said he didn't mean that was the case in my situation...just a thought.

That could have blown right over...except that same day...literally...same day, I had opened an new book and guess the topic...pride in handling things ourselves. Ugh!

So, all that to say I've been in a process of allowing more people to "help" and to "encourage" me in all that is "life". It's still not easy. I mean we all have ways of doing things in

manners that we prefer. Sometimes we can get caught up in our own ways that we can shut out the offers of others.

But people want to help, right? They don't simple want to be the recipients of love, they want to give love, too. And they are blessed for doing so. We shouldn't rob them of their poten

tial blessings. Nor should we shortchange ourselves the beauty of seeing them as caring for us.

My sister (who was VERY pregnant and I think actually due the week she offered help) organized a week's worth of meals for my family last month, when we had been in the thick of much sickness and doctors/hospital visits. It wasn't necessary, I could have handled it. Others were surely in more need than us, but God knew that WE were in need of seeing our "neighbors" in the light of His love. Everything fromhomemade meals, pizza delivery (with pepperoni shaped into a heart), and a catered buffet of sorts from Panera (the nearest one is 25 minutes away from us!), and giftcards for meals showed up at our home throughout the week. The neatest thing was seeing my boys light up at the deliveries. We talked about the graciousness of the friends/family represented in each meal. It was God's love in action. They witnessed it as recipients so now they know what it feels like to be cared for by a "neighbor" in Christ. My hope is that they will remember this in the future when we are able to care for another.

(oven fresh lovin'!)

(you don't always need a dozen flowers to brighten your day...a dozen sandwiches can do the trick, too)

Throughout that week, I remember asking, "Is it possible to be overwhelmed but not surprised?" We were overwhelmed by the outpouring, but knowing the people who gave of themselves, we were not surprised, because they have often showed their love for Christ in their actions, words and attitudes.

I also was overwhelmed by words of encouragement. A Facebook message. A card. A phone call with my Mom or sister. Earnest prayers. Also that "one" phone call. In the middle of caring for 3 boys, my husband answered the phone. It was a friend from a few years ago. Not a super close friend that I hung out with. One I attended church with for a few years and got to know a little. Although she has a Facebook account, I think the last time she checked it was 3 years ago :) However, she called me. She said, "I don't really know why I'm calling. It may be nothing. But I've had you on my heart for about 3 weeks now. God keeps putting little things in my way that make me think of you. So, of course I prayed for you, but God told me to call you...and now finally I have." WOW! She had not seen any "status updates" and hasn't been in my "circle" for years, yet God spoke to her to pray for me. And she did. And she called to encourage me. THAT is amazing!

So, friend, see someone in need? You don't have to look far to be a help. Most of us want to do that.

Friend, are you in need? Have there been offers to help minister to your soul in some way? Don't shut it out. YES, it will encourage you and let you see them in the light of Christ...but you also afford them the opportunity to be blessed with the "feel goods" or validation that their encouragement to you was a God send.

Hope you allow yourself to be encouraged ;-)

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: More Than Tolerant Part 2

Last week we talked about "tolerance" and our hopes that our children will see that we truly LOVE them because they are a joy and a blessing. That is the first step in teaching them to be beyond tolerant.

We can also be proactive and intentional in providing opportunities to share God's love....and that He isn't merely a "tolerant" god but, rather, the God of Love. Maybe it looks like this in a child...helping open doors for strangers or carrying groceries for that mom in the parking lot who has her hands full, making cards for shut-ins, raking a neighbors yard or helping to weed. It's teaching them to be honest (like when you are given back too much money at the register), to engage those they come into contact with (yeah, there are times you SHOULD talk to strangers!...ask them how they are doing today; sometimes it opens the door for the gospel), smile at people, be a reflection of The Light.

Behind the "public eye", "being intentional" might be praying for people that it's "hard to love" and also those who the child feels needs extra prayers or working on their own character issues. Perhaps you have boys who need to work on their arrogance and boasting or rudeness (see 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) or girls who need to learn to rejoice when others rejoice (instead of being envious?).

The point is to be proactive in this teaching. I think that failure to do so will make them like everyone else in society....merely tolerant.

What are some verses that come to your mind that we can teach our kids to "live out"? Do you have any suggestions for practical, daily applications of showing LOVE to friends, family, strangers?

Get that comment role going! ;-)

Much LOVE,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Why Not Y?

Cabin fever, cabin FEVER! It has been CRAZY up in my house lately. A week of cabin fever due to the "white out" that we had a couple weeks ago in NC while my husband was on a ministry trip. And then last week, another week of cabin fever while taking care of a 2 1/2 y.o. baby boy who had developed pneumonia. I was looking for Calgon (or anybody else) to "take me away" ;-) I'm ready for SPRING so we can get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors again.

Cabin fever is enough to stress you out, for sure. Lately, when I'm stressed, a good run kinda clears the air. Realistically, though, with 3 small boys at home, those opportunities to take a good run in my neighborhood are few and far between. Enter "The Y". My hubby and I were members like an eternity ago and we have 2 great Ys within 5 minutes of our house, but we haven't been members in several years. I think I assumed with kids, other responsibilities, and just being "tired all the time" the likelihood of ever getting there and taking advantage of our membership were slim.

However, a few months ago, we reevaluated our position. We looked at the benefits of physical activity and discipline, naturally, but we also looked at the opportunities for me to get out of the house...and NOT have to hunt for or pay extra for a sitter. Since our Y (and you'll have to check the details at your local YMCA) includes 2 hours of childcare per day, it's a perfect opportunity for me to workout, get in shape, sweat away my stress (and hopefully all those nasty germs trying to creep in), and perhaps make some new friends. OR it's a good time to just relax in the steam room....or in the lobby with my iPod. In fact, I know of a few friends who work out the first hour a couple times a week and then just relax and maybe read the last hour.

I think something like the Y is great for any family with young kids but especially if you don't have lots of hands to help you during the week (there are people ready to watch your babies) , or you live in an area perhaps away from your family and friends where you don't know lots of people yet (the caretakers at the Y are trustworthy).

Maybe you don't have a Y near you. Consider some other options, like a Bible or book study or hobby group that provides childcare. You will love it and your kids will likely thrive and enjoy the chance to get to know some other people. A healthy body, mind, and spirit will help cure some of this cabin fever. And be of good cheer....spring will come ;-)

Much love,
Ashlie

Live Webcast

OK, all you shoebox packers!

If you want to see what happens to your shoebox after you drop it off, hear some TOP NOTCH Christmas music from none other than the Tommy Coomes Band and maybe even shed a tender tear after hearing real life Shoebox stories, be sure to join us for the LIVE webcast tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 10 am online here. It's the Operation Christmas Child Community Celebration comin' to ya live from the Charlotte, NC shoebox processing center. If you keep your eyes peeled, you just might spot a familiar face or two AND your very own shoebox. Maybe you remember this face in the video below from here? See you at 10!

Training Up Tuesday: Have You Heard of MOPS?

Hi, lovely sisters on the Roof!

Cooler temps, falling leaves, the smell of newly sharpened pencils and erasers. Autumn marks back to school time for many of you moms. School isn’t the only thing back in session, though. For those familiar with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) September is a time for getting back together with likeminded moms. I embark on my first adventure as a MOPS participant this September at my church, and I’m very excited!

You may be asking what I’ve been asking, “What is MOPS?” Well, it depends on who you ask. The MOPS Coordinator my group, Claire Belles gave me a clear definition that MOPS.org provides: “MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom. Moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.”

Or perhaps, you may be able to relate to Nikki Mans’ (Creative Activities Leader for her area MOPS for 4 years) description:

“Simply put, it's a place where you can escape for 2 hours (Yes, I use the word ‘escape’ as in: break free from captivity or confinement), have free babysitting, hang out with other moms, eat a lovely breakfast (You actually get to sit without interruption & eat your whole. plate. of. food.), hear an inspiring message, make something creative (my fave!), discuss your latest mommy highs-n-lows, learn some things about yourself...& more!”

So, why are we talking about MOPS on Train Up Tuesday? Because, to be an effective trainer, we as moms need effective training, coaching & cheering; all of which one can find at MOPS meetings.

I asked Nikki, “How has (MOPS) enabled you, inspired you, taught you to ‘train up your

child’?”

“One of my favorite things about MOPS is being able to ask questions of the other moms about whatever it is I'm going through: whether it be potty training (Aargh!!), sleeping through the night, finding my sanity, ideas for alone time with hubby, etc.

Mostly MOPS has taught me a lot about myself. I always had so much guilt as a new mom because I felt I wasn't being a good mom. This would make me angry at myself and sometimes I'd get angry at my children and I'd yell and everything would just boil inside, which caused MORE guilt and a vicious little cycle that repeated. I learned to let go of those expectations and find joy in my uniqueness as a mom. I am a much more relaxed mom now than I used to be. Being a mom is super-duper-deluxe hard work & MOPS helped me to feel like I wasn't alone. MOPS made me realize how ‘normal’ I am & how ‘normal’ the things I am going through are. I have a support system.”

Nikki found MOPS when she needed it most. She was an “overwhelmed & stressed out mom of 2 kiddos both under 2 years old.” She needed “ME time,” even if that time was with other women like her who could provide adult conversations and a time of rejuvenation. While enjoying her time with other ladies, she could rest in knowing that her little ones were being well cared for in the MOPPETTS program.

Doesn’t this sound just like something you or a girlfriend could use in her life at this moment? If you haven’t registered to be part of a MOPS group it isn’t too late! Many women join throughout the course of the MOPS’ year. Visit the www.mops.org website for more information on the program or to find your local chapter. The nominal yearly fee that most groups charge cover the membership to MOPS International (includes a book, a monthly magazine and weekly email encouragement) as well as costs for supplies for MOPS meetings.

You can also find some great MOPS inspired crafts and thoughts by visiting Nikki Mans’ whimsy love page http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/search?q=MOPS.

Are you already a member of MOPS? How has it helped you most?

How would a group like MOPS help you “train up a child”?

Thanks to Claire Belles & Nikki Mans for providing me with information on MOPS!

Love,

Ashlie