Baby, Baby, Baby!

If babies could talk, what would they say? Let’s follow the birth of a newborn in her own words (reportedly).


5/26/2010 @ 9:50 pm: Hello everyone! My name is Amanda, and I am ready to enter this world. I am currently sitting comfortably in my mommy, but there is just no more room, and all of my parts are done cooking – so here I come! My first job is to move this little plug thingy – it is in the way. My bag has to be unplugged in order to get this party started.

5/26/2010 @ 10:15 pm: Now for the help from my friend, I like to call her Ms. U – she has to help squeeze and squeeze so mommy can push me out later. And we are doing this thing in fast-forward mode. She’s squeezing like every five minutes. At this rate, I’ll be outta here in no time! It seems like mommy doesn’t like the squeezing very much. I wish I could tell her that it won’t be that long.

5/27/2010 @ 12:00 am: Well we’re on our way to the hospital. Ms. U is still squeezing away. And I’m trying to make my way down and out of this place. We are having a little bit of difficulty getting into the hospital at this late hour. Daddy’s talking to some man who is trying to buzz him in but it didn’t work the first two times. Third time is a charm. We are finally in . . . Labor and Delivery, here we come! Daddy has to fill out a form and then we’re in our room.

5/27/2010 @ 12:45 am: We’re pushing liquid out now – my mommy said that her water broke, whatever that means. I just know that I’m one step closer to the outside world. And mommy’s getting medicine so that she can handle Ms. U’s squeezing. The nurses are asking questions, questions, and more questions. Enough already, bring in the medicine guy, my mom needs some relief. And how do you spell relief? E-P-I-D-U-R-A-L. Now the medicine doctor has come in. And they are asking more questions. Adults sure talk a lot!

5/27/2010 @ 1:30 am: Mom has mellowed out. It’s the drugs I tell you! OK, so we are on our way. Ms. U is still squeezing, and will you know it, mommy has gone to sleep! I guess she was really tired. And she stays asleep most of the time, except when the nurses and doctors come in and do stuff. Leave mommy alone! Can’t you see that she’s tired?

5/27/2010 @ 6:32 am: The nurses say that it’s time for mommy to start pushing. Look out world, ‘cause here I come! Deep breath, push to the count of ten, then repeat. Come on mommy, you can do it! Push, push, push. It’s only a matter of time now.

5/27/2010 @ 7:53 am: I’m here! My name is Amanda Janae Daniels, I am 8 pounds and 21.5 inches. The nurses clean me up then give me to daddy while the doctors are still over there with mommy. We are such a happy family. I have the bestest mommy and daddy in the whole wide world!



Peace & Blessings
Amanda's Mom..."AKA" Sharon


I'll be back in 2 weeks! See you Monday, June 28th.


Tuesday's Blog: Ponnie has a special blog for you.

DO NOT BECOME WEARY…….Part III

Good Morning Sisters…just a reminder of the scripture verse from Part I…Paul tells us in Galatians, that we are not to become weary of well doing. Yet as Believers it seems this is a very hard instruction for us to grasp or follow. First I would like to share with you how that scripture reads in the Complete Jewish Bible. 9So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in due time reap the harvest. 10Therefore, as the opportunity arises, let us do what is good to everyone, and especially to the family of those who are trustingly faithful. Galatians 6:9-10

As promised we are going to look at how “People” just get on our nerves and why we are so tired of them. Often this comes about because of our own “expectations” and “attitudes.” In other words, “We bring it on ourselves.” I know, you thought we were going to sit down and just talk about how folks “get on our nerves” you know, like girlfriends do…LOL!! Ladies, you should know me by now, I am no nonsense and my goal is always to provoke you unto “good works” and “spiritual growth.” And how do we accomplish that? By judging ourselves and the way we do things.

One major problem we have as women, we try to please people. And when we don’t get the expected results or it backfires in our face, weariness begins to set in. Let’s take a look at what we do that is ministry related. Being in a church fellowship that was once very small and is now large, I have lived through the metamorphoses of one extreme to the other. When the church was small, often “the workers” (you know the ones who roll up their sleeves and jump in, versus those who sit, look and complain) wore more than one hat in order to keep things going. But as the fellowship began to grow, the same people were continually asked to “run this” or “do that!” And before you knew it, they were overwhelmed and burnt out. Our pastor eventually put into place the rule, that after you completed new member’s classes; you could only serve on one ministry. Given that our new member’s classes were for an entire year, it seems to reason that by the time of completion you usually had a clue as to where God was leading you as far as ministry. This was for the betterment of everyone, because your focus is in one particular place and people were where they were supposed to be. But this did not stop anyone from being involved with other groups or activities outside our fellowship. But there are still many fellowships that run on the premise of having people serving on 2, 3 maybe even 4 different ministries, and sisters this is where we really get ourselves into trouble.

In theory when we agree to do something, it looks good and seems possible, but once we have to implement all the components to make it happen we can find ourselves overwhelmed and in, over our heads. And because we said we would take this on or help out, we struggle to be honest and go back to say, “I have too much on my plate and I can’t keep up.” We are trying to please people, even though resentment starts to set in, and we are tired. It was a very freeing experience for me when I had the understating, that since God judges our hearts, even if we can fool man that we are happy to be doing something (but inside we are miserable and seem to be doing it under duress), God does not count it as good, because He see exactly what we are feeling. This was freeing because it helped me to be honest and not feel pressured to do something just to please man, because I knew that the true state of my heart did not bring honor to God.

We have to remember as women, God has an order for us, and if you are married, or have a family, then the things you do, should not supersede taking care of your home and family. But we often try to do it all, and we find ourselves in a real predicament when we can’t seem to stay on top of things. We become overwhelmed and very tired. In other words, we become weary (tired of well doing) in our homes, our jobs, and ministry. It all starts to run together and becomes too much. Why do we stay in this state? Because we are “Great Pretenders!”

We are very good at “pretending” that everything is okay, when in reality it is all falling apart. We don’t want to be viewed as “not being mature or not a person of our word.” When in essence being “mature” enables you to reassess things with the help of the Holy Spirit and be able to fess up that everything is “not okay.” Also it helps you to make change, even if that means that others are not happy with you decision. And that is okay, because sisters we must get to the point of pleasing God and not man. We must get in order of what God says are our first priorities. This will help us not to become resentful and weary in doing good and putting too much on our plates.

Another issue we have is “guilt”. As women we can feel very guilty about not wanting to be bothered with people because we know deep down this not pleasing to the Lord. So we fool ourselves into thinking we can fide it from Him. And I have one thing to say about that, “Let me know how that is working for you!” Take a moment to look at…Psalm 139:7-12 (Message) Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute— you're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you. This lets us know that the last thing we can do is hide anything from God.

There are so many different variables as to why we get to the point of “We just don’t want to be bothered!” that we can’t go over them all, but there are a couple I feel are the root to most of them. For one the “expectations” we put on people. “You’ve been walking with the Lord for how many years?! How come you haven’t gotten this by now?!” Sound familiar? Yes, I’m sure it does. We can so easily slip into the position of judge. “Lord she should know better by now!” “How come she keeps making the same stupid mistakes?!” “She doesn’t take my advice, so why am I stuck with trying to guide her, pray for her and encourage her?!!” “She only calls when she needs something or she has gotten herself into, yet another mess!” These are the words of a sister who is becoming weary in well doing for one who is in the family of those who are trustingly faithful. Yes, she’s tried of her sister in Yeshua. (Jesus) But can any of you relate? Are we not guilty of having these same feelings? Maybe even uttering some of the same words? I know that I am, and not proud to say this but over the years, “More times then I want to count.”

Can you believe it? I thought I was going to finish this up today. LOL!! Well, I guess that is not going to happen. I have to make sure that we go over some of the main reasons we find ourselves in the position of weary (tired) with other people. And then I will be able to give you some instruction on how to protect yourself and win the fight to walk in love.

See you in a little less than two weeks; remember I will be posting on Friday’s from now on.

(Part I posted May 15th, and Part II on May 29th)



Be Blessed,
Pat

I will have Part IV for you on Friday, June 25th!


Monday's Blog: Ponnie is filling in for Sharon while she is on maternity leave.

Changes, Changes and more CHANGES!!!

The Kitchen Table is coming up on our 6 month anniversary. Kudos for us!!! It takes a lot of work to write and publish a blog 6 days a week, and I am very grateful to God for all the sisters (past and present) who write for the table. It is with great commitment and love on their part, that we are able to do what we do. And with the feedback we’ve been getting, we are amazed at God’s grace in how He is using the table to encourage and inspire His daughters! But as with all things, there often comes a time to re-evaluate and make change. And we are very excited about the changes that we are getting ready to implement.

First we are going from 6 days a week to 5 days a week. All Saturday blogs will now be published on Friday. Tomorrow’s blog, “Words of Wisdom” will be our last Saturday blog. The reason for this change is that our website will be published soon and it will be a place that gives even more encouragement and information. So please keep us in prayer as we work to get the website up.

Second, Maria Guzman “Life Unscripted” is going back to college in September and will only be writing once a month. She is shifting her focus to encouraging women to go back to school and will be blogging about what it feels like to be back in school in your 30’s. We don’t know what she’s going to name her blog, but I tell you girls, God is just too much in the way He loves on us!!!

Tovah is already having withdrawal from not writing for the table and after taking time to think about what her senior year is going to look like, she will be returning in September to blog once a month as “Life of a High School Senior!”

Lydia is starting her freshmen year at the University of Portland in September and we pray she will have the time to continue writing for us each month.

Rise’ has chosen to leave the table and we are really going to miss all the heartfelt stories about her family “The Whampler Zoo!” My favorites are about Miss Emma…LOL!! Rise’ you are in our prayers and we wish you and your family the very best. God bless you sister.

There will not be a replacement for “The Whampler Zoo” time slots; instead we taking this opportunity to be more diverse by having different guest writers. We know a lot of sisters that have some good things to share, but are unable to write every month, so we are going to let them share when they can. It is all very exciting.

And last but not least, Sharon Daniels “Women & Finances” continues to be on maternity leave while she and her new daughter (Amanda) get to know each other. ~Smile~

There seems to be a lot of changes, but in retrospect it is all good, and we are excited about them all. We will have our first virtual book club on Saturday, June 19th and Cheryl is hosting. Our website is coming soon and also the publication of my e-Book along with it. Oh, yeah sisters, God has so many good things in store for all of us.

Please keep us in prayer as we work hard to be faithful to God’s call to inspire and encourage each other.



Blessings and love from all the sisters at “The Kitchen Table!”


Tomorrow our finale Saturday blog: Pat “Words of Wisdom”

Dear Friend

Now that school is out for the summer I wondered what I should write about. I mean I know the title of my blog is Diary of a Home School Mom, but the pages in my diary for this school year are full. So what to write about? As I thought I began to reflect on women and how we tend to feel about ourselves. Often times we are never satisfied with how we look, what we do, what skills we have. We often spend a lot of time trying to measure up to those we think have it going on just to find out that they are just as insecure as we are. I remember me ten years ago. I was so insecure with me and most of the time felt like I did not belong. What changed? I got a hold of the Word and through that and the constant encouragement of people who genuinely loved me I began to feel accepted and worthwhile. Years later I am a different person yet I still have moments of insecurity. So today I wrote this “Letter” that I hope inspires you, because I love you and want you to know that you are so truly loved.

Dear Friend, do you know how beautiful you are? Whether you are six feet or four eleven, wide hips with big feet or narrow hips with feet that look like Barbie’s you’re a beauty! From the blondest straightest hair to jet black tightly curled coarse hair flowing down your back to close cropped what a sight you are! With your deep brown skin and your pale tan complexion, my, you are lovely! With eyes big and blue to brown with a slant to almond shaped hazel, oh how gorgeous you! Your beauty is more than skin deep. For you are kind and gentle, funny and smart. You are bold and even shy sometimes. God has made you exactly how He wanted you, no mistakes and no errors. Do you know how beautiful you are?

Dear Friend, do you know how gifted you are? You wow us with your singing, you impress us with your dance, go girl do your thing! You write with such emotion and create the most amazing art work, you cook with love and create pastries that look like a work of art, show us what you got! You are the best teacher, nurse, doctor, mommy, lawyer, scientist, athlete, seamstress, yes, God has given you gifts to do all things well. Do you know how gifted you are?

Dear Friend, do you know how special you are? You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Made in the very image and likeness of God. He has breathed His life into you and calls you His own. You are precious in the sight of God and you are acceptable to Him. Yeah you are imperfect and sometimes you even make mistakes yet you are seated in heavenly places with Him. Do you know how special you are?

Dear Friend, do you know that you are loved? From the moment you came into your parent’s life they loved you. Your friends, husband, kids, siblings, co-workers love you so much. Most important God loves you with a love that is forever. There is no end to it, live in that love girl.

Dear Friend, please remember that you are beautiful, you are gifted, you are special and you are loved because YOU ARE!



With Love,
A Friend Who Cares,
Cheryl


Catch you in two weeks on, Thursday, June 24th!



Friday's Blog: We have a special announcement!

I WORRY……About the Desires of My Heart

Dear Sisters......

I PRETEND that I am happy and that I have it under control.
I FEEL scared and alone and that I will never reach my goals.
I TOUCH the hem of His garment with my prayers.
I WORRY that I will never receive the desires of my heart.
I CRY when I look in the mirror. I AM fearfully and wonderfully made…by Sasha Brown
(For the entire poem, see “I AM” Monday, June 7, 2010)

When I read Sasha’s blog it touched my heart in such a way that I was inspired to change what I planned to write for today. Because I think that in some point and time in every woman’s life, “we all worry that we will never receive the desires of our hearts.”

I chose today’s picture because I felt it reflected the little girl inside of us who is worried and scared. As women we have a tendency to worry and or be anxious about things. I think that is why the Bible instructs us so much to…“Fear not! Don’t be afraid! Don’t worry! Be anxious for nothing!” God is so aware of our make up that He constantly reassures us, but when reading Sasha’s poem, the words hit something deep inside.

Lately I have been fighting the good fight of faith to just live in “Today.” Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (NIV). But I have also secretly been worried if I will ever receive the desire of my heart that I have for the upcoming season in my life. I’ve been a single mother nonstop for 35 years, and when Tovah goes off to college (God willing) next year, I have a desire to be free! What does that exactly mean? I’m not really sure myself what it would all entail, but I do want to move into a place that is more suited for me. I rent a 3 bedroom house and pay utilities and water bill. Last winter was brutal and high gas bills for heat came along with it. I don’t see myself being in this house alone while Tovah is away at college. So I have a secret desire to move into a condo or 55 plus apartments. I also want to be free to come and go as I please and travel to visit some of the people I know in different parts of the United States and Europe. There is a fear this won’t happen for me. You ask, “Why?” Truth is, I’m afraid God, will say He needs me to do something for Him, and that would mean I have to continue to put others before what I want. In other words, I worry that He might say, “No that is not my plan for you.”

Sisters, there are too many of us who are “Worried we will never receive the desires of our heart,” and it’s stopping us from enjoying the life that we have “now”. For single women one of our main desires is to be married, and with each passing day that it looks like that is not going to happen, we begin to worry if it ever will. We worry we won’t have the home that we desire, the education, the job or position. As our childbearing years begin to shorten, we worry we may never have children. We worry if God will give our children husbands and wives or us grandchildren. We even worry about what retirement will look like.

Once I acknowledged there was an underline anxiousness in my spirit about the upcoming year or so, I had to explore and get to the root of “Why?” I know that God has a planned destiny for my life; I just don’t know all the details. And since I am a servant of His, I must do that which He calls me to do. Now I should be excited about that, right?! But there is a little piece of me that is not, because that could mean, “I won’t get to be free.” Don’t worry girls…I have come to my senses…LOL!!

Over the years I have learned that the Lord is the one who gives us the secret desires of our heart. Meaning the more we submit ourselves to Him, the more we live, walk, eat and breathe Him, the more our desires change. And He is the one making those changes. Any desires He puts into our hearts He obligates Himself to fulfill. Now it has taken me sometime to learn this, but I do know it to be true. I had just gotten a little off track. ~Smile~

There was a time in my life I wanted to be married, in fact I’ve been engaged 2.5 times…LOL! The .5 is a story for another time…LOL!! And as I started to get older there was a desperateness that was beginning to move into my heart, until I moved into the place of “Your will Lord. Your will be done in my life.” And He called me into missions for “women and children in crisis” and with that He called me to remain single. And to ensure there was never a struggle again about being married or not being married, He took that desire and replaced it with a joy in serving Him on His terms.

So again, “Why am I worried?” The truth is, I think it is time I had some freedoms and I think I have paid my dues, and I think now should be my time.” In other words, “This is something I feel I should have.” But the reality is, God may also feel the same way, because this is a desire that has been developing just the past couple of years, and though He does have a sense of humor, it is not His nature to play cruel practical jokes on us. So if God has placed (given me) this new desire in my heart then He has obligated Himself to see it through. But if for some reason this is something my soul has dreamed up, then all I have to do is talk to God about it. And since the Holy Spirit has brought it to my attention there is a bit of worry about all I this, I really have no choice but to talk to God about what is going on so that I can eliminate the worry or anxiety. That’s the part of Psalm 37:4 we don’t always talk about, the…“Delight yourself also in the Lord.” We just like the…“He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” (AMP) Because the delight ourselves in the Lord part, means He might replace our own desires with one of His. And as a human being it is often hard to let go, whether it’s hopes and dreams, people or things.

Today my dear sisters, I want you to stop worrying about if you are going to ever see the secret desires of your heart come to fruition or not. Go to God. Talk to Him about what it is you want and then ask Him if this is what He wants for you too. Don’t be afraid of Him saying “No,” because that is a possibility, but rest assured He has a better plan and a better desire for you. Be bold in saying, “Father if this desire is not of you, then please take it from my heart, so that it will no longer be a problem for me.” If we purpose to focus on delighting ourselves in the things of the Lord, then our love for Him and our desire to please Him begins to supersede our own selfish desires and our desires become His desires.

As for me, I’m going to confess my worry to God, ask Him to forgive me, and focus back on living in each day. The truth of the matter is I may not even be here when the time would arrive that I thought it should be “my time”. In fact none of us may be here, the world is changing so quickly and things are coming into place for the end time, who knows? Do we really know what is in store for next year? No! We don’t even know what is in store for today. It is just getting started.

My dear sisters, I pray that I have inspired you to cast your “worry’ upon the Lord and to begin to think about how God’s desires are always greater than that which we could ever dream or hope. Spend some time talking with Him about your desires and find out what His thoughts are. And in the process, remember to live each day He gifts you as if it were your last. Seek, out the joy and love that is to be found right in front of our noses.


Blessings & Love
Ponnie

I will see you on Wednesday, June 23rd, until then work on casting your cares.


Friday's Blog: Information on the revamping of our bloging days and schedule.