The power of Pink

DD Day 41

Deuteronomy 4:9
9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

FAITH STORIES

It is amazing how quickly we forget or dismiss the ways God has been faithful to us. We become distracted, self-sufficient, or focused on a new problem. God knows these human tendencies. That is why He asks us to actively remember His blessings. He takes it one step further by instructing us to share these stories with our children. Children learn from example. If parents model a faith that is alive and real, it will have incredible influence on them.

Ephesians 6:16 talks about taking up the shield of faith to defend against the evil one. Your family's shield of faith can be constructed with stories of God's faithfulness and provision.

Take the time to communicate to your kids the many ways God has blessed you. It is an affirmation for you and an example to them.

Daily Devotional- Parenting, Day 40

Day 40

Numbers 20:12

12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

DELIVERING CONSEQUENCES

Talk about a tough consequence! Moses, the great leader of the Exodus and recorder of the Ten Commandments, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he blatantly disobeyed God. Moses pleaded with God to change His mind, but God followed through with the consequence.

Even great leaders and great kids can make serious errors. In a culture of declining moral standards, following through with the right consequences can feel unloving and harsh. But developing habits of obedience in our children requires that we establish clear boundaries and consistently enforce the consequences when they disobey.

Though it may seem harsh, delivering consequences consistently is an act of love.

Bottle Drip Irrigation

Bottle Drip Irrigation 

All water gets to the roots of each plant unlike sprinklers which allow much of the water to be trapped in the foliage.

The materials you will need are as follows:

• 2 litre plastic soda bottle or water bottle that still has the lid
• Drill and small drill bit
• Sharp knife
• Cutting surface

Drill 4-8 small holes into the cap of the plastic bottle. If you want it to drip slower use less holes, faster use more holes. Don’t make holes that are too small, they will become clogged up by debris. Remove the bottom of the bottle by cutting across with a sharp knife. I find a serrated knife works well. Removing the bottom of the bottle creates a funnel for you to easily pour water into. The wide mouthed opening will also catch some water when it rains.

Dig a hole next to a plant or in between a grouping of plants that is deep enough to bury at least one third to one half of the bottle. If you position the bottle in amongst a grouping of plants it will be hidden from view. Place the bottle in the hole with the cap side down and secure it into the hole by pressing dirt around it. This will ensure that your bottle stays in place. Pour water into the bottle until it is full. You can add fertilizer to the bottle every few weeks so that your plants are fertilized right at the roots.

You will need to fill your bottle when it is empty, once a day or less depending on how much direct, hot sun your plants receive. Make several bottles to place in all your large containers or next to plants in your garden such as tomatoes that require a lot of water.

 

This is so clever, and I can't wait to have a garden again to be able try this out.

(I found this idea at yougrowgirl.com)

Daily Devotional - Parenting

Day 39

Numbers 14:18

18 The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

CONFRONTING REBELLION

What prevents you from calmly following through with consequences when your kids sin or rebel? I resisted giving consequences because I wanted to avoid angry responses such as: "Chill, mom!" "You're mean." Or, "I'll do it later." I tried reasoning with them, but this usually backfired. I tried arguing my point, but the more I talked, the angrier they seemed to become. I was hiding behind words (nagging, reminding, and arguing) to avoid giving consequences.

When you get an angry response for delivering consequences, don't escalate the situation by nagging or replying in anger. Words are easy. You may think you are being "strong" when you argue your point forcefully or make dictatorial decrees, but the truth is it takes more strength to hold your tongue and give consequences calmly and with empathy. That is a model of real strength.

Confront rebellion calmly and deliver consequences, rather than words.