Blog surfing

I enjoy reading the blogs of others. Often, I discover an alternate view that enlightens me, a well written opinion (better than my own) on some belief that I share, or just to peak through a window in to another's world. Some blogs I routinely read, such as the LPM blog, or Patty Kirk's Amateur Believer. The post cited below is exactly what I am referring to. I envision myself as a mother like Patty, in the sense that children are better served in the long run if they are allowed to explore the good and bad (within reason) as long as discussion and parental involvement are included. I knew a few children of strict religious families (and I mean strict--like no radios and praying the rosary when driving in the car), and I think it perpetuated rebellion in their young adult lives. In contrast, I was not raised in a "religious" family, but one filled with discussion and experience of many different things, but not always discussion on some important things that would have effected me as a young woman...such has discussions on sex as it relates to me. As a teenager and young adult, I didn't have the type of relationship with my mother where I could discuss deeply personal issues that were consuming my mind--although my relationship with my Mother today is like this. Simply put, there were things that I could discuss with my parents, and many things that I felt I could not. Thus, my friends had a stronger influence during my early adult years...which left my parents in the position to always "bail me out!" I am sure that you can relate.

While I am sure I will do my share of bailing out in the future, I hope to use an improved approach on mothering with my children then what I experienced myself. Of course, I think mother's today have many more challenges to contend with (such has the media's visual bombardment of our children's minds) but we also have a great deal more resources than the generations of mom's before us...aren't we lucky? While I face single parenting and working full-time, I still have "places" that I can go for support and guidance--such as mom's groups, online communities, parenting resources, and good old-fashioned girl chat with women in the same position that I am in.

There are a million ways to approach parenting, much of which is a reflection of our own experiences as children (good and bad); However, I think finding freedom in Christ involves a lot of self-discovery during those precious years of development...otherwise, how will our children find true freedom with Him? What I mean is that real appreciation can only come from knowing, experiencing, or observing the bad in life to appreciate the good; engaged parents have so many opportunities to expose and teach their children about the ugly side of life if they do not shelter their children from it...simply put: if every day is a sunny day than you take the sun for granted; throw cloudy, stormy, windy blah days in the mix and all of a sudden, that sunny day feels glorious! I am aware that my children will find themselves in a pit and have already seen and experienced some ugly...but we talk about it, pray about it, and move on. I hope this will make them better prepared as adults for facing the very real challenges that they will undoubtedly encounter. I laugh at how imperfect I am, but it makes me real, and I think my kids will (one day) appreciate this.

Check-out the link below, you may find it interesting...

amateur believer: Radio Blues

I love this prayer that a friend sent me:

Heavenly Father, today I humbly open my heart to
You. Use me for Your glory and have Your way in my life. I choose to believe in
You and invite You to believe
through me. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.