Update: Big Man Tater's Airway

It's been several months since we've needed our nebulizer and albuterol for Big Man Tater. And I have been more than thrilled.  Enter disclaimer: remember when I said that we weren't going to beat ourselves up for using conventional methods if we felt like the need warranted it? Well, that day came three days ago.

Wednesday morning, our big guy was just fine, but by the evening, he had developed a cough. As a busy mom, with 3 little's under five, our house is crazy on MOST days, so I didn't really notice any change in his breathing until that evening. Mind you, we've had colds until now, and our handy stash of oils have kept the invaders to a minimum for him.

My first mistake was not having the necessary oils on hand to apply EARLY and OFTEN, and nip it in the bud. My Thieves supply was severely LOW. Shame... :( So, I had to turn to others, which worked, but because every person's body chemistry is different, some oils don't work as well as others for the same need.

I used what I had, but not what I needed. And, I watched Big Man's cough get drier and drier overnight, and by the next morning, we were dealing with the dreaded reactive airway... again. Not sure what that is? Think asthma symptoms that go from non-existent to acute within 12-24 hours. NOT. FUN.

And, so hesitantly, we pulled out the nebulizer until I could get my hands on an oil to help my guy. And immediate relief covered me as I heard my guy beginning to take deeper and deeper breaths. His airways were opening up. Temporarily. I knew that I only had a short amount of time to get my hands on something that could provide as much relief as the albuterol had.

At this point, my brain kicked in, and I remembered that my good friend, and YL enroller, might have something in her arsenal that would be helpful. So, I picked up the phone... dialed, praying. She answered. After a short conversation, she mentioned that she had just ordered a "Breathe Again" roll-on, and she wasn't sure why because none of her family suffers with asthma. But, it had JUST come in.

I begged her for it :) ... she obliged, and within hours, I met her to pick up the newest members of my oily toolbox. BREATHE AGAIN and EUCALYPTUS BLUE.

My friend also contacted one of her friends, who just happens to live right around the corner from me (in my neighborhood), and she brought me an oily version of vapor rub. Among all the chaos, I did another inventory of my oils, and found a tiny sample bottle of Thieves. Yippee!!! So, we got to work.

Yesterday we oiled our big guy throughout the day, both topically, and ran our diffuser (humidifier for oils - AWESOME, btw), during nap time and when he went to bed. And in just one day, I could see a MARKED difference. The cough is still there, but is productive, and  we're not  gasping for breath anymore.

I pinky-promise that my next post will be about Thieves, because now that we're over the hump, it's definitely time to restart our daily Thieves application to build his immune system back up. But, for now, we're happy our little man can breathe.

Everything I know I learned in Kindergarten...

So… on September 1st, this mommy ventured into the world of "homeschool". And boy, was it rough. I’m thankful that my Kindergartner is gracious, and didn't see right through my nerves. No one ever told me how much grit it takes to homeschool. You REALLY DO have to be organized.

I thought I was organized. I. WAS. NOT.

So, we kind flew by the seat of our pants on day one, and then that night, I sat down to learn from the mommies world over, who were MUCH more experienced that me. What did I find? LOTS of planning sheets.  :)

Seems someone has been where I am before. It’s almost like I can see their footprints in the sand ahead of me as I step into the unknown. But, even more so, I saw the footprints of the Lord ahead of me, and I was even more thankful. I bet you’re wondering why I brought up the Lord’s footprints, huh? Let me explain.

It seems that God has graced us with a wonder-filled, very intelligent, and inquisitive person, in the body of my Big Man Tater. He has many questions, and is always trying to "figure out" the world around him. I can see him trying to make sense of it all. Some days I’m amazed by it, and on others, totally annoyed. That’s just honesty, folks.

So, enter Day One of Homeschool Math, which I have been told, tends to be a more difficult subject for most. And with much advise and instruction, I set on teaching math first – ALWAYS DO THE HARD STUFF FIRST. So, we open to Lesson One in our book, and he breezes right through it, and looks at me like, "this is math? Where's the hard stuff?"

And, right there, on DAY ONE of homeschool, not even 10 minutes into our journey, I am faced with a HUGE decision. Do I let him advance to lessons that are challenging for him, to keep his  attention? Or do I stick to the plan, already laid out for me, and walk through each day as it is written, whether or not he already comprehends the material?

I never thought I would experience such a range of emotions on DAY ONE of homeschool. But, mostly… FEAR in the form of those nagging questions… "what if he loses interest in math, and we never get it back?", "Will be a bad mother if I withhold him from walking too quickly ahead, when another place is prescribed for him at this point?” I wish I could say I had an easy answer immediately. But, it took a couple days of deliberation, and a conversation with my best friend before I saw the footprints of the Father's heart, and that He had already been here, with an answer.

Here I was fussing with myself, and hearing my friend’s, but not really listening. to “what”was being said. And then, I heard the words of another Counselor, spoken quietly to my heart. Slow IS NOT bad. Build the man. Mastery over familiarity. And then this beautiful picture of  a Father and His child, walking together took shape in my heart's eye.

I could see the heart of a Father, who was walking with his child, and would gently correct the child who was intent on walking ahead of Him, instead of by His side. The Father knew that though the child was ABLE to go ahead, but He had more in mind for this walk, and wanted the child to experience the beauty of his surroundings.

Then James 1:4 found it’s way into my heart. "Let patience have it’s perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” And there... I sobbed. I stopped what I was doing, and sobbed. And I heard Father’s heart for me, and you, and every child He has made…

"Going SLOW is for you. It’s meant to build you. It’s meant for your good. Don’t try to run ahead, just because you can. Stay close by My side, and you’ll see and experience every good thing as we walk together. Don’t let the enemy tell you that we’re walking slowly because you can’t run. You certainly can. But, I would rather you be complete, and mature, lacking no good thing, than fast and familiar. Learn of me."


So, my prayer for us today, and everyday, is that we stick to the prescribed plan set before us, and not leap ahead of God simply because we have the ability to run. He has indeed gone before us, and is now walking along side us. And if we’ll go slow with HIM, then we’ll experience His glory and grace in the moments as we pass them by.

Here's looking at you...

Here's looking at you, you wonderful woman of God,

When you asked how to connect, I wasn't sure how to answer. So, I did some research, because, everyone needs a friend. Especially us moms. :)

As it turns out, when I created my blog, it was not correctly set up to fully convey my thoughts in a Facebook friendly manner anyway. So, obviously, this HAD to be remedied. *wink* Because, Facebook is where we meet, right? Well, yes. But, now there's another way... :)

In the right hand column, just above the social buttons, there is a new way to stay connected. In fact, when the blog is updated with a new post, you will receive a copy in your email inbox. Hopefully you'll read, have your own thoughts, and continue the conversation. Of course I'll still share with Facebook, and we can chat there, too. But, just in case you miss it on the timeline, I'd still like to create a space for community.

So, if you're loving the subject matter, or just want to stay connected, there's a way to do that!

All my Love,

Dottie

The Trouble with Oxen

"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of the ox. " Proverbs 14:4

I've heard this verse before, and ran across it again today.

Pastor explained it as "what you should expect when oxen (the people of God - in a church setting) get together... that there will always be a mess somewhere."

My experience has proven his theory correct. :)

The trouble with oxen is that they don't clean up after themselves.

As a mommy of three little people, I can TOTALLY RELATE. As long as you have them, there will be something that needs to be cleaned up, a mess left somewhere.

There will be a cost to maintain them, and feed them, keep them healthy, and it is likely that they will inconvenience your life more than a time or two.

But, the better part about oxen?

Oxen are nothing more than TRAINED cattle. 

Imagine that... an ox is just a steer or heifer that has been "taught to work."

Bless the Lord. :)

Even better… the Word promises that MUCH increase comes by the strength of the ox.

This gives me hope, because I know that though a young ox be feeble, he can gain strength if he will remain teachable. And further, there is blessing in the gaining of strength.


Man, that'll preach.

So, I'll preach, or maybe pray?? a little bit of it here. *wink*

Thank you, Lord, that You have taught us to carry our cross, by carrying it first. You teach us on a daily basis that we can walk, and we can learn of You, and we can have the mind of Christ if we will but walk alongside You. Because, in deed, we are not unequally yoked with You, who came, wrapped Your glory in this skin, and were one of us - our Emmanuel. Because You were the firstborn of every creature, and because we can look to You for instruction. You speak with grace, "If any lack wisdom, let him come…" Let us hear Your voice today, and find strength in Your instruction.

Amen.

As a mommy of little ones, in a place where the mess is quite literally EVER PRESENT, I am thankful that my "young oxen" can be taught. And that with their learning comes much increase, both for them and accounted to me as mom.

I am MORE thankful that this gal can be taught… and is learning (daily) to plow under the wise instruction of the Master, and the eldest of oxen, who plowed this life PERFECTLY -  the One Risen Jesus.

Thank you Lord, for ever walking by my side.

May this life, in all of it's messy glory shine bight a light that draws Your 

lost treasure back to You. May my eyes see the Reward heaped 

upon the necks of my little oxen as they learn to carry your yoke. 

Help me to be a faithful teacher, to imitate what I have learned from You.

 My heart, and my neck are ever yoked to You, my risen King. 

Amen.

photo credit

(in) Real Life 2014 - This is PAST DUE for me...

Calling all ladies!! Are you ready to have some fun? 

Me, too... in fact this is WAY OVERDUE. :) 

So, here's the lowdown... A few years back, the ladies over at (in)courage took note that quite often we ladies typically DON'T get together to encourage each other on a personal level, for a host of different reasons. 

While we are so very good at connecting with each other via social media, it's easy to sit behind the computer screen, and be safe to type (rethinking many times what you're going to say, so it sounds just right) and maybe edit those posts, afterward, to be sure that they are "encouraging". 

I don't know about you, but I know that my human soul longs for face to face interaction...  And, I'll go out on a limb here, and say that if you're a living human, then you need community, too. :) We all do. It's how we were built.  

To meet this need, the (in)courage team had a BRILLIANT idea to offer a FREE annual Women's Conference that comes to you! It's called (in) Real Life. When I heard about it, I was all in... because, I mean, what woman doesn't LOVE hanging out with her girlfriends, catching up, and share her life stories? 

I love this idea because EVERYONE HAS A STORY, and we never know if our story will be just what is needed to encourage someone else who is currently walking where we have already been.  

So... with the blessing of the Full Life Women's Ministries, I will be your humble host for the first annual (in) Real Life Women's eConference on Saturday, April 26th @ 4:00 - 6:00pm.  Click here to register & view the agenda and speaker list!

There will be food, giveaways, I have heard about a possible craft that (in)RL is putting together for us to do together, and of course the conference (via webcast on the BIG SCREEN).  Oh, and CHILDCARE (W/SNACKS) WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE CHURCH. 

You may have noticed that the conference is 4/25 & 4/26. The conference IS a two day event, but the Friday session will be available at different times for you to view at home, whenever is the best time for you. So, you can be in your PJ's, eating chocolate, and no one will know! 

I love this... I'm thinking of retreating to my bedroom that evening, and letting daddy have a movie & pizza night with the kiddos in the living room! :) 

God has challenged me with transparency this year, and I'm so looking forward to spending my afternoon with you, getting to know you better & learning who Jesus has been in your life! 

Won't you come? I would love to see you there! 

Grace For Today...

Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 

Psalm 31:2 Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.

Proverbs 8:22 "The Lord formed me (wisdom) from the beginning, before he created anything else." - Italics added for clarity

It's been one of those weeks. Ya know, when, you feel completely overwhelmed? Yesterday's post by Ann Voskamp was like chocolate for the soul. Most of her posts resonate so clearly within me. I am thankful for her insight. If you ever get a chance, stop by her blog at www.aholyexperience.com, and read along. Jesus Wisdom spills forth in every post.

Yesterday's encouragement were thoughts on "How to get through what's burying you." And the answer was simple. Grace. God's grace heaped upon grace is the only thing that sustains our mounting heaps of whatever may weigh us down. 

For me, this week, was planning what turned out to be an uneventful trip to Birmingham, for Stephanie. Add to that the laundry list of chores (including laundry, ironically), and "Oh, you forgot to blog", and don't forget that there are three other doctor's appointments  this week, and "we really need more milk?", and the list goes on and on.

But, something she said really resonated within me. She was using  this amazing snow artist for an example, (Simon Beck - if you haven't seen his work, check it out, it's AMAZING) and how he doesn't care that all of his effort will be blown away by the next gust of wind. That he understands that all of his effort is just for the moment. But why bother if it could be gone the next day?

And then, profound words…

Because there will more grace given tomorrow.  

For more. Always more coming.   

There will be more meals to cook tomorrow. More dishes, more laundry. You’re going to have pick up coats and boots and papers and books all over again tomorrow. You can still make art with everyday fallen grace. You can still create art knowing it’ll be gone the very next day.   

Because there will more grace given tomorrow. To make more. Always more grace coming.  

Grace upon grace. 

When these words hit my heart, it was like God shined a spotlight on my heart. And I see:

• I have a tendency to idolize my daily routine, calling it something that should be respected. Which is really prideful.

• I allow the "laundry list" overwhelm my thoughts, instead of placing it under the rule of my spirit, which is filled everyday with new grace for today, and everything I need to "exist" today on this earth.

• I don't say thank you for the seemingly little things, and allow Father's joy and peace to flood my day. Which is why I'm learning to count gifts..

Believe it or not, confessing our faults can be liberating. God knows that, which is why he said to do it.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Who knew releasing today (and each day) into the hands of a loving Father would be so hard? But, that's where I am. Wow.

The truth is, there are only 24 hours in a day. And how I spend that 24 hours can be viewed in 2 ways:

•  I can turn the hourglass upside down, counting the hours until the day is complete, whizzing by all of the beauty woven into it.

OR

• I can see the hourglass as it is. As Father has designed it to be. 24 hours of grace. Grace for today, and anything that comes with today, there's grace.

So, who cares if there will be another day of craziness tomorrow. Today, I will choose to wear "grace upon grace". Today's grace is all that matters, and it's more than enough for me.

Outside the Lines

This morning proved to be interesting. I was in the kitchen, working on a batch of yummy grain & nut pancakes, when I heard my husband call out to my son, "What are you doing?" I assure you, those are NOT words any mamma wants to hear at 9:30 in the morning. I'm glad I took a sec to gather myself before I rounded the corner, because I wasn't prepared to see the masterpiece my son had created.

 It's not like we haven't provided him with a space to freely express his creativity, and with many different mediums. And I must say, for a 4 year old, he's become a little artist, who is quite skilled in his creations. *proud mamma* However, I guess, something in his little mind decided that it was time to expand his repertoire to include carpet art. Yep. Crayon. Meet Carpet.

Had I thought to take a picture of it before I scrubbed it up, (because who wants a rainbow in crayon in the middle of their floor), I could have shown you the detail and intention  that he had put into this creation. I must confess that, afterward, I felt kind of bad for disciplining him for inappropriate coloring.  Wow... inappropriate coloring. 

This is a place of struggle for me, lately.  I've surrendered my Tater to the Lord on several occasions, asking Him to please fix the MANY mistakes I've made (already) in the parenting of my son. He is, without a doubt, a strong willed child. And, while I want to ensure that He learns to obey (especially the Lord), I don't want to break His spirit, and cause him to be afraid to stand up for himself when the opportunity presents itself. And in this age, that's a certainty.

So, where's the line? When did coloring outside of the lines become a bad thing?. Even in preschool, learning rudimentary skills include tracing and coloring pages. And while every mom wants their children to learn to read and write, I can't help wondering why technique must be learned at the expense of creativity. I just don't want my son's voice to be stifled. He was built to create. To wonder.  

How do I know? Because we all were. And, he has my genes in him. I remember my mother telling me the story about a stubborn little girl who just had to find out what Kool-aid would look like if it were mixed into carpet. Yep.  It seems  that as a budding artist, I had a passion for carpet art as well. Apparently, my son is more like me than I thought.

So, today I am thanking the Lord for reproducing passion and courage to color outside of the lines within my children, and the reminding me that He IS able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I can ask or think , according to the power that works in me.  ~ Ephesians 3:20

All I have to do is pick up my crayon.