Mama's Little Helpers

Today was a fairly busy day - especially for it being summer vacation for this teacher. I had to work and the munchkins had to come with me. Luckily, their auntie was able to pick them up about halfway through the day and take them to the pool. Thanks, Auntie! By the time I picked them up and got home it was shortly after 4:00.


While I relaxed for a bit, the kiddos cleaned their rooms. When it was time for supper, I said that they could unload the dishwasher while I got supper ready. Much to my astonishment there were no accompanying wails or gnashing of teeth! Both darlings were very willing to do it without any grumbling whatsoever. In fact, they even (dare I say?) seemed enthusiastic about it. (I wonder what they want???)

After taking them to VBS, I came home and decided to fix myself a plate. This is what I saw:

Please don't think that I normally put dishes away all mixed together. Not there's anything wrong with that. For all I know you might put your dishes away like this. But, as I am wont to do, I digress. This, my dear friends, was the work of my little angels. Normally, this would have bothered me and I would put them back the way I wanted them. And I would have told the munchkins as soon as they walked in the door from VBS how to do it the right way. But who says this way is wrong?

Honestly, I was just thrilled that they were both willing to help me and not grumble about it. And that is bigger and more important than the dishes being put away perfectly.  Mama's happy. And the kids are proud of being able to help (which warms Mama's heart).

Bumper stickers, Christianity, and VBS

Today while driving I saw a bumper sticker on the car in front me. I thought about taking a picture of it, but figured two things: 1) My phone wouldn't take a decent enough picture to post here, and 2) It probably wasn't very safe to be taking pictures while driving. It did, however, make me stop and think. Well, not literally stop. After all, I was driving and it wouldn't have been safe to come to a stop in the middle of the road. I'm not that bad of a driver, although there are opinions out there that probably differ from that statement. But I digress. A better way to say it: It made me reflect on its meaning.

Image from Christian Art Gifts, Inc.

Does God really recycle? What does that statement really mean?  Yes, the Bible says man is made out of dust and that when he dies he returns to dust (Genesis 2:19).  But does he recycle? I think he does. In his own way.

God can change lives. He gives us His unconditional love. He has given us the Bible and its many promises to let us learn about Him and his love for us, to teach us right from wrong, to give us comfort and strength in our time of need. He can cure the sick. He can help people be free from their sinful desires and behavior. He recycles broken lives and makes them whole. That, I believe, is the ultimate in recycling.

As a Christian, I am trying to instill in my children a love for Christ. Every summer they attend Vacation Bible School to get with kids their age and learn more about Christ and His love for them. I remember going to VBS as a child and have fond memories of it; I want my children to have their own memories of VBS.

Here are some pictures of my little munchkins taken at VBS last week. Part of the lesson was about the Lord's Prayer. I am thrilled to say that they have asked to say it every night at bedtime (in addition to their regular prayer). That makes a mama proud!  And I know it makes God happy too.