Train Up Tuesday: Lest I Forget That I Only Have Them a Short Time

Ever have one of those weeks, days, or months where parenting is just plain tough?! That's been me the last few weeks. Yeah, I read the Good Book and other good books, and implement what I know to be true and timeless standards, but sometimes, it's just tough. Lately, it's been one of those "I-love-you-but-I-don't-really-like-you-at-this-moment" kind of seasons.

In times like these (come on, even those of us who see this as "no greater joy" still have times like this, right?...or is it just me?...are those crickets I hear chirping?), I've found great encouragement in a few things:

1. Admit it - to your spouse, to friends, hey, even on (dare I say?) Facebook. I did all of those things recently. My husband is amazing and knows how to refresh my spirit. And all it took on FB was a status update: "I could use prayers today. Having a tough day as a mom/disciplinarian." That alone lit up my wall with encouraging comments and prayers of friends that I know are lifted me in prayer. It also welcomed inbox messages from people who otherwise wouldn't have ministered to me (thinking I otherwise have it "together" all the time).

2. Pray - which is "admitting it" to God, but it is also a way to soften your heart towards your children, because you do want to mold them into God's image and into turning their hearts towards him.

3. Read your Bible. The ultimate in true godly counsel!

4. Good music. My 15 m.o. son figured out how to find music on my iPhone long before I did! The other night, he pulled up one of my favorites (okay, he's not really a genius, he didn't know it was a favorite, but I do think God was working through my baby's fat little fingers at that moment). Jars of Clay "Boys (Lesson One)" - it speaks of a parent handing down lessons of great worth...and the reminder that all this (growing up, parenting) goes by all too quickly...

Sara Groves also has a couple of songs that I'm trying to keep in my heart and mind: "Prayers for This Child" and "Song for My Sons" (the first being a "prayer" and the second being similar to the Jars' song for its "advice").

Hope that brings you some encouragement to keep pressing on!

Ashlie

Who knew we needed a theme song?

I had scheduled this time to sit down and tell you about a few deals to help make this Thursday Thrifty. However, my course has changed and today is going to be Theme Song Thursday instead. Sometimes things just need to be switched up and today is one of those days.


As you know, we've always had our theme verse here on the Roof, "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops." Matthew 10:27


Background: Well, I have a very dear, loooong time friend name Stacey who happens to be serving in China. Traditionally, RWAV's audience has been moms but Stacey isn't a mom. She is single with no children. However, she shares with me on occasion how the Lord has laid you ladies on her heart. She thinks of you. She prays for you, and believe me, you can be blessed by this because my girl is a prayer WARRIOR!!!!


Anywho- Stacey has taken it upon her sweet self to find us a theme song...and it just happens to have our theme verse in it's chorus! By golly, I love that girl.


You're going to love it. If you're dry today OR you are meandering through the mundane routine housework OR you need a new tune to spice up your exercise routine...just hit play and worship...by yourself, with your kids...just do it. No matter what you feel in your spirit, just scream these words out to the Lord. Feel free to even bust out some dance moves as you start to loosen up and take off a load. You just might get refueled and have fun while you're doing it. :)


Here we have the brand new Roof with a View theme song....Rooftops by Jesus Culture!

Train Up Tuesday: Something Worth Getting Stuck in Your Ear

Ah, interesting TUT title, eh? Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest putting anything in your kid’s ear that’s “smaller than your elbow.” (Did you ever hear that rule growing up? I know I heard something like that somewhere growing up. I always wondered... “who in the world figured THAT one out?” Anyway...) ;-)

No, I’m talking this week about “earworms”. Do you know that phrase? It’s one I’ve been using for years, but I never actually looked up the word until I was getting ready for this blog entry (you can check it out on wikipedia, if you like). You know what one is, even if you’ve never heard of this word. It’s that song (usually a most annoying one) that gets stuck in your head and usually decides to try to play itself out by repeating the tune over and over again in your head....usually at the most inconvenient times...say when you wake up at 2:00am (can you tell I speak from experience?). I find that it usually is one of those songs that is pretty simple and usually a very repetitive type melody. You know what type of songs are almost ALWAYS made up of those ingredients? KIDS’ SONGS!!! - whether it’s a VeggieTales song (I'm not hating on them...we love VT!), a song from a favorite program or video, or even the song that gets “stuck” on one of your children’s toys.

This is exactly why parents dread letting their kids pick out music when riding in the car! Classical music has worked wonders for me (as you may remember me mentioning last week). But, this week, I want to introduce you to something that would be okay to get stuck in your ear ;-) It’s Seeds Family Worship. I learned about them earlier this year and have been delighted to expand my Seeds library over the last few months. Each cd is a collection of verses with a common theme (Courage, Faith, Praise, Purpose, and Encouragement) set to music...good music...that you, as a parent will actually enjoy listening to regularly.


Hear a sample here from the Seeds of Courage. There is also a youtube channel. Check out this video to see where Seeds Family Worship got their start:



One of the great things about the “Seeds” packaging is that each cd comes with 2 copies - one for you and one to give away (as in, planting seeds in someone else’s life)! What a great idea! I gave my extra copies away to my siblings and their families. My brother-in-law and sister recently went on a road trip with two little ones, and they said
they actually liked this music better than much of what they hear on the radio (even Christian radio)! I think you will enjoy it, too. It is an especially invaluable tool for family worship.

You can also learn more about Seeds Family Worship by visiting their website - seedsfamilyworship.net, becoming a fan on Facebook, or following their Twitter account (@seedsworship). Also, if you sign up for their monthly newsletter, you will receive an opportunity to download a free song each month!

Are any of you familiar with this ministry? What other music ministries focused towards families or learning scripture do you like?

Enjoy the music!
Ashlie

Training up Tuesday: Music for your Child's Soul

This post was a brief reality check about the time and energy spent on the things we choose to put into our minds and the consequences for us as adults...but what about our children?

We as parents are responsible for the things that fill our children's minds in their early years...while they are with us. We are also responsible to teach them the importance of guarding their hearts and minds even as they branch out from under our wing. The power of that influence is nothing to take lightly. The effects of our choices on our children's behalf will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

My husband made a statement recently that made a huge impression on me. We were talking with a friend who shared how much she loves being with our child especially because it has given her the opportunity to learn things about Jesus through ways she did not experience as a child...children's Bible songs, Bible stories with illustrations for children, etc.

I tried to put myself in her shoes and I couldn't wrap my mind around not having that foundation as a child. Then, my husband made this statement...

"You know...I was raised with these songs, stories and illustrations. Granted, I didn't live for the Lord in my adolescence to college years. Those scriptures would come to mind at times even when I was living like hell. BUT when I started to live for the Lord again, they all came back to me just as fresh as before...like a flood."

That gave me chills. It was also a great reminder at the utmost urgency of not only protecting my child's innocent mind but also filling it with wholesome, truthful, FUN things that are appealing and will drown out any competing, unfruitful, shallow, destructive messages with which she will most likely be bombarded. Even though the thought makes me cringe, she may wander far from home but we as parents will know what is planted in her heart and soul.

Sidenote: I recently heard a respected Bible teacher say that she prays Matthew 15:13 over her family every single day.

"Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted."

I LOVE that and pray it over my little one every nigh as I tuck her in bed.

OK. This has gotten WAY longer than intended. Sorry, ladies. Now, here are just a few "tools" in the musical arena to begin filling those impressionable minds. You might even enjoy them yourself!

BABIES TO PRESCHOOL:
The Praise Baby Collection-Comes in DVDs or CDs. If you want audio, I highly recommend purchasing the 3 disc box set here. Trust me that this music will settle a fussy baby in a heartbeat. It is a pure joy to hear them follow the tunes w/ their cooing and as they begin sounding out the syllables, then words. Never underestimate your baby's ability to get his/her praise on. You will learn the true meaning of being "born to worship." You'll even love singing right along with them!

Lullabies by Laura Kauffman- If you or your babe need to unwind and relax, this is a sweet CD that will loosen every muscle in your body. The acoustics mixed with Laura's voice make it a great lullaby CD.





Touch the Sky is for preschool children ages 3-5 and brought to you by the Willow Creek Association. You can visit here to learn motions to each song so you are guaranteed to have EVEN more fun with your child(ren). To purchase, click here.

CHILDREN:
Phil Joel Deliberate Kids-Love Him! This is his first children's project and it is a guaranteed "boom-chaka-laka-ROCKIN' GOOD TIME!" full of "Biblical Truth, guitars, grooves and melodies designed to keep the whole family rockin!" His website is also a fun resource for online games and such...a great place for some homeschool fun.

The Big Story Soundtrack CD-This is not just a collection of music that you can listen to in your car, home or office. It is also a way for parents and kids to connect, talk and think about what twelve exciting Bible Stories have to do with their lives.

Pre-teens to Teens:

Here are some great artists that can contribute to a KICKIN' playlist on your KOOOOOL Kid's Ipod Playlist!

• Starfield
• David Crowder Band
• Phil Joel
• Third Day
• Toby Mac
• Leeland
• Building 429
• Shane & Shane
• Switchfoot
• Delirious
• Sanctus Real
• Lincoln Brewster
• Kutless
• Tree63
• Passion Worship Band
• Charlie Hall
• Chris Tomlin

You can check out some more teen friendly music at 106.9 The Edge, as well. What musical suggestions do YOU have along these lines? Share them with us!