Journey of Faith Friday: Intentionally Training Your Children

Intentionally Training Your Children

Last week, I shot a video of B singing a song we sing most mornings before I get him out of his crib. It is always a sweet time for me, so I wanted to have the video to look back on and to share with his dad and grandparents.  I immediately sent the video to those previously listed with a smile on my face as I thought about B's sweet personality.  However, I received an email from my mother-in-law that really encouraged me to look at this moment in more ways than one.

She wrote, "This is SO precious - of great value - to me.   Not just because of the special moment caught but also because it shows a mother's intention, acted upon in a simple, yet effective way to train her child to set his will, his outlook, and his purpose, each morning, deliberately, with simple songs, simple disciplines.  I am so thankful....that teaching your children these values are important to you both [speaking of my sister-in-law and myself]."

As a mom it is easy, at times, to get caught up in the day to day tasks required for survival and forget the important role I play in training my child(ren) in the way he should go.  There are many days I beat myself up wishing I would have dealt with a situation differently or would have set forth a different example or am just plain exhausted and wonder if all this is worth it, but the reality is.......IT IS!!!!!  And deep within me, I have a desire to train my child(ren) to respect authority, to love others, to be compassionate, to know and live truth, to be generous, and so much more.  Those desires fuel me most days to be intentional with the way we start our day to the way I discipline to the way we play to the words I speak to the activities we participate in.  Some days, I am exhausted and my tank is on empty.  It is those days God provides a simple email, a text, a comment, and/or a hug that confirms I may be having an off day or moment, but I am still being intentional, so stop being so hard on myself.  
2 Cor. 3:18
¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Thanks to my mom and my mother-in-law who provided much encouragement as a result of this video.  It was much needed.  Also, thank you to the leaders of Bible Study Fellowship who pour their time and energy into my son and myself, so that we may better know and apply the truth of God.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Most Friday's, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey with Him on this road of faith.
How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

I have decided to discontinue hosting the linky at this time, but may resume in the future.  However, I would still love to read your post, so be sure to leave a link in the comment section.

I Believe

In the morning I will often listen to Pandora or and iTunes playlist while cleaning up breakfast.  This morning, while listening to the Andrew Peterson station on Pandora I was reminded of how important it is to daily confess that, "I believe He is the Christ, Son of the Living God.  And all I know is that I was blind, but now I see.  Though I kick and scream, love is leading me.  And every step of the way His grace is leading me." 

Journey of Faith Friday: Reminded of the Great I Am

Reminded of the Great I Am

Before becoming a mother, one to five hours of my day were spent driving.  While some may label that a burden I experienced much joy, solitude, and healing during those hours.  Those hours were often spent praying for others, thanking God for His glorious creation, crying out for mercy, and praising Him along with the voice coming through the stereo.  I remember days with the windows rolled down, sun roof back, one hand raised,  and Chris Tomlin and I praising God as loud as we could.  I remember days of reflection as I listened to Andrew Peterson.  I would reach up to rewind the song every  few verses, so I could fully absorb his powerful lyrics.  I also remember days when a song spoke volumes to my heart during that particular season of life, but also reminded me of seasons gone by.

Last week, I experienced one of those rare moments, now that I am a stay at home mom,  of alone time in the car.  I ejected toddler tunes from the CD player and inserted an all time favorite, Nichole Nordeman's Woven & Spun.  I have been listening to this album since it's release in 2002.  At that time The album is packed full of powerful lyrics, but one song in particular has ministered to my heart during various seasons of my life.  It is a reminder of the work God has done and continues to do in my life.  It is a reminder that no matter the season He is sufficient.  He is present.  He is the GREAT I AM and has been from the beginning!!!!

Pencil marks on a wall 

I wasn't always this tall, 

You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed, 

You watched my team win, 

You watched my team lose, 

You watched when my bicycle went down again,

CHORUS: 

And When I was weak unable to speak, 

still I could call You by name, 

and I said “Elbow healer, Superhero,

come if You can,” and You said “I am”

Only 16, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at ten PM 

You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break 

Heard when I swore I’d never love again

CHORUS: 

When I was weak, unable to speak, 

still I could call You by name, 

and I said “Heart-ache Healer, Secret-keeper,

be my Best Friend” and You said “I am”

You saw me wear white, by pale candlelight,

I said forever to what lies ahead 

two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream 

too much it might seem when it’s two AM

CHORUS: 

when I am weak, unable to speak, 

still I will call You by name. 

“Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-maker,

hold on to my hand,” and You say “I am.”

The winds of change, 

And circumstance blow in and all around

us so we find a foothold that’s familiar, 

And bless the moments that we feel You nearer 

Life had begun, I was woven and spun,

You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when, 

But they’ll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home

CHORUS: 

I will be weak, unable to speak, 

still I will call You by name 

“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,

Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,

Lord and King, Beginning and

the End, I am, yes, I am.”

I began listening to this song when the pain and joys of age 16 and the desires of being a wife and mother were all too real.  My sister and brother-in-law sang this song at my wedding and I hope someone will sing it at my funeral.  It is one of those songs that I sometimes think God created just to remind me of His presence throughout my life.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Most Friday's, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey with Him on this road of faith.
How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

I have decided to discontinue hosting the linky at this time, but may resume in the future.  However, I would still love to read your post, so be sure to leave a link in the comment section.

Journey of Faith Friday: No Orphans of God

No Orphans of God

We had been dating 8 months with the last one being the toughest.  On various occasions we had both privately questioned if it was time to end our relationship.  I had just decided to quit my full time job as an outpatient Physical Therapist, because I was questioning many aspects of my career and my passions.  I was a few days shy of my last day of work when we headed to my hometown for a weekend celebration.  

Sam had met my family several times, so there was no stress in that regard.  However, I always arrived at my granny's early to assist with meal preparation, table set up, etc. for our annual cookout.  Having spent endless hours working to identify my stress "triggers" and how to appropriately set reasonable expectations, you would think the weekend would have been something I was EXCITED about.  However, I was over stressed for no good reason.  

The unexplained stress spilled over into my conversations with Sam and by the end of the weekend, it was obvious that he was frustrated and at the end of his rope.  We spent an uncomfortable 2 hours driving back to Lexington and once he was out of the car, a number of our exchanged words during the past 48 hours flooded my mind.  

I spent the few days sick.......literally........heart sick.  After a few emails I was sure our relationship was over.  One positive thing (among others), it had forced me to identify the reasons why I wanted our relationship to work.  To make a long story short we worked through several issues over the next several days and by the grace of God, our relationship continued.  

I can't remember the time frame, but some time later we were in the car and the song "Orphans of God" by Avalon was playing.  Sam shared that he heard that song during the week of our near break up and it helped him to focus more on my character and desire to change versus my current shortcomings and flaws.

Who here among us has not been broken
Who here among us is without guilt or pain
So oft’ abandoned by our transgressions
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this

There are no strangers
There are no outcasts
There are no orphans of God
So many fallen, but hallelujah
There are no orphans of God

....................

O blessed Father, look down upon us
We are Your children, we need Your love
We run before Your throne of mercy
And seek Your face to rise above

WOW, am I forever thankful that the same grace of God that fills my life, fills the life of the man who is now my husband.  
We all have been broken.  In one way or another.
We all have been guilty.  We all have experienced pain.
We have all been left empty by the sin in our own lives.
We ALL NEED the GRACE of GOD!!!
Keep approaching His throne of grace and He will help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16)
It may not look the way you had imagined, but if you belong to Him, you are not an orphan.  God is your Father and will love you no matter what.
This is a lesson I am learning more and more every day. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

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Journey of Faith Friday: Thanksgiving Music

Thanksgiving Music

Today, I had planned to share a personal post with you regarding an experience I had in high school that still impacts my thoughts, attitudes, and actions today.  However, with all of my travel preparations I have been unable to finish it.  So today, in light of the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I would share a few of my favorite songs that focus on gratitude.

Most of these I listen to throughout the year, because gratitude is not something that occurs only in November.  It is a discipline that produces a more gentle, joyful, humble heart.

How Could I Ask For More -Cindy Morgan

Forever -Chris Tomlin

Give Thanks -Don Moen
Cannot Say Enough -Mercy Me


Thank You For Giving To The LORD -Ray Boltz

We Gather Together (Hymn)

How You Live -Point of Grace


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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.  However, since Thanksgiving is next week, I will be taking a break, but back on Friday, December 2nd.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

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Journey of Faith Friday: I Will Never Leave You

I Will Never Leave You

Do you need reassurance this morning?  Reassurance of the Lord's presence, reassurance of His constant guidance in your life?

There are days when I ask the Lord to draw near to me my while I struggle through the up's and down's of life.

If you are in that place today, I ask you to close your eyes while listening to the song below (the actual song will finish at 8:16).  Allow the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit to fall fresh on you and remember HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God said,

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

~Hebrews 13:5~

It won't play embedded, but you can click directly through to YouTube when you click play.

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Read previous Journey of Faith Friday posts.

Every Friday, I post about the work God is doing or has done in my life, as I journey on this road of faith.

How is God working in your life as you journey with Him?

Would you consider sharing it with us today?

If you decide to share...enter the URL to your exact post below.  If you join, please help us find one another by sharing the "Journey of Faith" graphic within your post.

You can link up through Wednesday.

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Journey of Faith Friday: Do You Know Him?

Do You Know Him?

This video has circulated through my email a few times, but it is too powerful not to share with those of you who have yet to come across it.  May it speak to your heart as it has spoken to mine.

You can read more Journey of Faith Friday posts HERE.

Journey of Faith Friday: House of Stress

House of Stress

It seems to be a normal response in the midst of facing loss.  When my paternal grandfather died I was extremely overwhelmed with graduate school, but several months later I realized the majority of that "overwhelmed" feeling was a result of his gradual decline and my grief.  Several years passed before I was faced with losing another grandparent, but my response was the same.  I felt extremely overwhelmed, stressed, and sad.

The last year I have experienced many "overwhelmed" moments, as I have said goodbye to my maternal grandfather, paternal grandmother, and now am in the face of losing my maternal grandmother.  With each loss I have more quickly identified the stress, but have continued to struggle with surrendering it to God and  with changing my actions and thought patterns.  What is, most times, a home filled with a good amount of structure, cleanliness, fun, gratitude, relaxation, LAUGHter and a little OCD becomes one full of clutter, nagging, frustration, ingratitude, unhappiness, and dissatisfaction.  I see it.  I identify it, but I keep feeding the mess.  

Yesterday, I decided I needed to lay down during B's nap taking time to journal and read God's promises regarding peace, rest, and trust.  My house needed a little housecleaning, not only the physical one, but the"house" I call my body.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal.                                                                  -Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.                -John 14:27

He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.     -Psalm 91:1-2

This is an older song that I have gone back to time and time again when asking God to help me clean up my heart, particularly when dealing with stress and the overwhelming feeling that seems to fill me more than I would like.  Shaun Groves, Welcome Home (BTW, his new CD is coming out the end of August.  YAY! You can listen to it HERE) 

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You can read other Journey of Faith Friday posts HERE.

Multitude Monday LVIII (58)

I am thankful:


July 4, 2011


2659.  for the freedom experienced as an American citizen
2660.  for those who knew God, sought God, and respected God's authority while setting the foundational principle's of our country
2661.  for little arms wrapped around my leg
2662.  for sitting and sifting through sand with my family

2663.  for the Shah's hosting and cooking us a July 4th dinner

2664.  for B and Anlon sitting on my lap 
2665.  for dad's playing with the boys

2666.  for the joy children bring


July 5, 2011


2667.  for Bradford and Bennett's chatter in the back seat
2668.  for a front row seat to the B and B dance (to Take Me Out to the Ballgame)

2669.  for B giving Anlon kisses and pushing him through the house while riding Thomas the Train

                                     B pushing A on the Train from Amber cullum on Vimeo.

July 6, 2011


2670.  for a room full of children singing and dancing at the library
2671.  for the librarian that takes time to joyfully lead the children
2672.  for the kiddie pool in our back yard leading to outdoor fun
2673.  for jars filled with veggies my granny canned


July 7, 2011


2674.  that Sandy arrived early allowing me to leave for work a little earlier 
2675.  for LAUGHter with co-workers
2676.  for compliments
2677.  for available stairs when elevators don't work
2678.  that I am able to walk up and down the stairs
2679.  for the joy of reuniting with B at the end of a work day
2680.  for an evening learning more about Nate's passions
2681.  for fun shared by Sam and Nate


July 8, 2011

2682.  for B's cuteness dressed like a cow for Chick-fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day

You can vote for him HERE!!!!

And you can vote for us HERE!!

2683.  for ladies to eat lunch with
2684.  that B can play at Grandma and Grandpa's house independently


July 10, 2011


2685.  for a breezy morning bike ride
2686.  that I was able to do some housework, start laundry, and take a shower before B woke up
2687.  for conviction
2688.  for fun activities (relating to photography) to participate in


July 11, 2011


2689.  that the Boney's were volunteering in B's class, so he was more peaceful
2690.  that I gave Indian food another chance several months ago (and now I can't get enough of it)
2691.  for a peaceful, delicious lunch with my family

Journey of Faith Friday:

Restless

"Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee..." 

                                                                                                                                       -Saint Augustine


How many days do I spend restless?  Running through life 100 miles per hour paying little mind to my heart, to my soul, to that voice within softly whispering slow down, pay attention, be still, rest, rest in Me.  In a busy, busy, busy society I am learning to say no to more "stuff" and yes to more of Him.  

Often joining Audrey Assad in praying, 

Still my heart

Hold me close

Let me hear a still small voice

Let it grow

Let it rise

Into a shout

Into a cry

So many things vying for my attention, yet few worthy of it.  So many things crowding my mind that it takes a conscience effort to choose which ones I will allow to stay.  Today, this often restless heart is choosing to rest in Him. 

Linking up with Scripture and a Snapshot

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You can read previous Journey of Faith posts HERE.

Signing Times With B

B has began using more sign language (during the last few weeks) to communicate with us.  I was so glad when I captured this video, as it really shows how he is using it.  Plus, he is the sweetest thing.




Signing Times with B from Amber cullum on Vimeo
In case you were unable to follow or identify the signs, here are the ones he performed:

Source

Multitude Monday LIV

I am thankful:


June 8, 2011

2557.  that my husband occasionally puts toothpaste on my toothbrush while he awaits my arrival in the bathroom before bed
2558.  for the phone conversation with my mom regarding my granny B
2559.  for the thick tree cover along West Chase neighborhoods
2560.  for the nice surprise which led to an impromptu lunch with Sam
2561.  for the confidence I have in asking a mentor for wisdom and insight
2562.  for the opportunity to learn more about friendship

June 9, 2011

2563.  for parks that are well shaded

(SOOC shot for Shoot and Edit's slide/swing theme)

2564.  for making time to read today
2565.  for difficult situations that push me to evaluate the person I am and the person I am becoming
2566.  for an encouraging message from D.K.B.

June 10, 2011

2567.  for a tree full of Mangos

2568.  for the way the sun beams through the trees
2569.  to have Michelle and the kids at my house in the afternoon
2570.  for fun talking while decorating cupcakes

June 11, 2011

2571.  for Mary Jean's generous offer allowing us to swim in her pool
2572.  for little boys on rope swings
2573.  for the minutes of LAUGHter that occur while chasing B through the house
2574.  for reasons to have a dirty floor

June 12, 2011

2575.  for a message this morning that encouraged me to keep writing and remembering God's faithfulness
2576.  for the opportunity to create a testimony in my home
2577.  for familiar faces at church
2578.  for B's improved balance while walking in the 1 foot pool

Water Slide from Amber cullum on Vimeo.

What's New From May?

Another month has gone by and our little duder pants continues to grow and learn and explore.  He is a great source of entertainment and is constantly putting a smile on our face (with the occasional expression of frustration).

He has become much more proficient in his walking and rarely chooses to crawl.  He still loses his balance when walking on an incline, but for the most part he is very steady.

He finally cut his first molar and now has a total of 9 teeth.  The worst part of teething is his increased clinginess and frequent whining.  However, at least at this age it is obvious what is causing his whining.

B is at such a fun age as he is learning something new every day.  We are consistently amazed at his growing vocabulary and his understanding of what we say to him.  In addition to the words he was saying last month, he can now say NEIGH, DUDE, BUBBLE (his version: buhbuh), SIPPY (his version: pippy), TURTLE, YEP (his version: djop), NOPE, BANANA (his version: nana), MORE, TURKEY (his version: turh-e), TRUCK (his version: tuck), CAR, BITE and WATER (his version: waa).  We can now ask him if he wants to read a book and if he does, he will go get the book for us and come sit on our laps.  We can name a specific book and he can pick it off the shelf.  We can ask him to bring us a specific toy and he will go looking for it and bring it to us.  We can say we're going bye, bye and he walks toward the door. We can tell him to sit down and he will come sit on our laps and so on.

His two new tricks this month are:

• We say, "How big are you?"  He raises his arms overhead and says, "BIG!"
• He officially blows kisses.  He just puts his hand over his month and makes kissing noises.  It is super cute. 

He now understands consequences.  When being disobedient and given a choice to continue the behavior (with a negative consequence) or walk away (with a positive consequence), he will often walk away.  When he makes the right choice and we give him positive re-enforcement (ie. good job listening), he claps for himself.

We are continuing to encourage sign language.  B can now sign Thank You, More, Food, Please, Water, and Milk.  I have also been practicing the want sign with him.  He doesn't use the specific sign, but he will stick out his hand in the direction of the object he wants while opening/closing it several times.

We officially turned his car seat to a forward position since we were traveling so much.  Some days I think it has helped and other days I am not so sure.  Since returning from Kentucky he has began crying while in his car seat (I THOUGHT WE WERE PAST THIS PHASE).  I think he got used to us sitting in the back seat with him and is now struggling to re-adjust.  I hope it doesn't go on for too long......because it drives me NUTS.

The traveling has also affected his sleep, but thankfully not so much at night.  He is still sleeping all night, but has been going to bed later and will occasionally take two naps.

Now that summer is upon us, we have been spending a lot of time in the water.  B absolutely loves the water and has no fear.  We have been able to take him to two pools that have kid areas and he dives in head first over and over again.  I know we have to watch him very closely, but I would much rather him love the water than be afraid of it.

*Linking this photo with Simplicity's Together Challenge

*Linking this photo with Trendy Treehouse Challenge Trees

Pool Fun at Gran and Pap's from Amber cullum on Vimeo.

We are so blessed to have B as our son.  He brings us so much joy and even the challenging times are forcing us to grow and change in ways we need.  We love him so much and are so thankful that God has chosen us to be his parents.

**Linking up with The Happiness Project and My 3 Boybarians and Communal Global.