Return to Blogging

Wow, it's been a very long time since I've even attempted writing or had a notion to blog. It's been a roller coaster of a year, but it's time for an update.
In brief... I finished one full school year at Southern, went canvassing for the summer in Arizona and switched to attending SOULS West in Prescott, AZ. Through a series of unfortunately, yet divine timing, I ended up back at home in March of 2012. My mom had been diagnosed with USPC, an rare and highly aggressive cancer. I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend at home with her and care for our family. While home I met, dated, fell in love with, and married by wonderful husband. But I'm getting ahead of myself. For the summer of 2012 I worked as a leader for the canvassing team; it was a great experience! I came back home in August and Rob proposed in October. To read our whole story, click here. Long story short we got married on March 10, 2013; and everyday since we are more in love than the day previous!
However, in the meantime my mom's health began to decline in new and more painful ways, and before we knew it time rapidly passed by and so did my mom. My mom fell asleep in Jesus on May 19th. It has been a crazy year, but I am so thankful at the same time. First of all, my mom got to see me getting married. She was there for my sister's high school graduation, all my mom's family came in to spend time with her - what great memories! And lastly, she's no longer in pain. It hasn't been easy and I now what it's like to not go a day without thinking about someone. But God has been there, and I am so looking forward to being reunited with her in heaven!
But now for the transition of this blog: I am really wanting to turn this into a Recipe, Home Remedies, Going Green, Pintrest-y type blog. Housewife stuff. LOL sounds funny and cliche, but it's totally up my alley. And I already have at least two ideas ready to go!
So for now, it's time to go wash dishes, clean toilets, sweep, cook supper, and... you get the idea!
Au revoir

Discipline

I firmly believe that children should be taught obedience from a young age; it is a highly important aspect of life. My parents raised me to be obedient and respectful, not only to them, but also to any others who are above me. Because of my mother’s gentle methods of ingraining this concept in my mind, I have never desired to rebel, nor have ever felt as if her “rules” were restraining. I strongly believe there are both correct and improper methods for teaching life-long lessons. Looking back, I do not remember any stern rebukes from my mom; rather, my mother, through her calm disposition and pleasant attitude, disciplined me with a loving approach. It is not necessarily the words that she spoke which softened my stubborn mind; more so, the manner in which she presented the words.

Reading about discipline has opened my eyes more fully to the principles supporting my mother’s techniques in raising me. Growing up, there were few “thou shalt not” rules. Instead, there were guidelines to follow and a standard to live up to. My parents entrusted me with responsibilities and would take disciplinary action as necessary. Out of love, not fear, I joyfully abided. However, in contrast, my best friend was not as blessed to have a properly disciplined upbringing. Her parents would demand her to follow a long list of unspoken rules, and she was constantly watched like a hawk. This unfortunately cultivated a rebellious heart within my friend and caused an unhealthy tension between her and her parents. Her parents tried instituting more restraints, which ultimately resulted in her defiantly leaving the home. I have seen two variations of discipline and their accompanying outcomes.

When children see the principles behind the rules, they are more likely to see the value and protection provided by the boundaries. From personal experience, I know that when children are trusted they are more likely to return the favor of respect. This does not mean that parents should abandon the care of their children. Parents should be actively involved in a positive manner, outside of reprimands and punishments; this method fosters healthy relationships.

Submission to authority is extremely valuable, but more importantly is submission tothe Authority. A parent’s influence plays a strong role a child’s life; this is the key to their prosperity – both in this world and the world to come. Just as God is not a dictator, parents should not order children around, but should give them a choice to obey or to disregard principle. The choice of obedience should be softly emphasized.

Spiritually, children need to be mentored and practically taught how to daily live in Christ. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. God is a god of love and seeks our best interest. Biblical principles are in place for our benefit. “Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its stead something better.” (Education p.296) I am greatly encouraged to become a more obedient daughter of the King, having a better appreciation for principles and heavenly guidance.

My Life is Complete

• Positive thinking
• Reading my Bible instead of fbing
• Getting off work early
• Acing my psych quiz
• Beating Jeremy in accounting
• Cheerful day at work
• Pasta for lunch
• Time with friends
• Turning in papers that I feel confident about
• Coming back to a clean room - my roommate is awesome!
• Devouring homemade cookies
• Listening to birds sing
• Short weather
• Watching my energetic fishy
• Playing some lovely iTunes
• Inhaling the smell of hot apple pie from my tart burner
• Inspiration to write
• A joyful heart
• Eyes for thankfulness
• Love of color
• Spring break in one week with the two loves of my life: my-Rissa and Bradward :)
• Promises!

The sky isn't even a bright blue and today has still been perfect!

Wait, I take that back. The clouds have vanished and the sun is shining its marvelous brightness on my joyous face!