M.O.M.'s Mailbox 7/18/09

I am up late waiting for my Joe's arrival home and answering questions from my inbox. If you have a question you would like to ask me please do so by sending a note to the email on our profile page. Not all questions are posted however, I will reply to each of them! Have a wonderful week ladies!

Both of our questions this week deal with literature. Enjoy!

Question: I have been searching for a bible study or devotional book to go through with (my daughter). Just a quiet time for her and I. I have NOT been able to come across a book that I like. Everything seems to focus on worldly issues... boys, dating, ect..... I want us to be digging into the word, not that I am avoiding those issues, I just don't want it to be the focus of our quiet time/prayer time. Do you have any book ideas for me?

Answer: Quiet times with our girls are so important!! We have special memories of the chats, giggles and growing that happens when we study the Word together! I am not sure how old your sweet girl is. I have listed some of our family favorites. Some won't apply if she is young and others may not be the right book for this Season of her life. Nonetheless, I thought I would give you a variety for your reference. I would love to hear what book you finally decide on.

Some of our favorites are:
Polished Cornerstones (this might really be what you are looking for full of activities while you learn the Scriptures!
Ruby Doll- bible study while you make a doll and her family
In my Fathers House
Raising Handmaidens of Virtue
Daughters of Destiny
Feminine by Design
Return of the Daughters (DVD)
Dear Princess
How to be a lady
Young woman after God's own Heart
So Much More
Waiting for your Prince Charming

Do these suggestions help? If you asked me to pick one item off this list and my daughter was 12 or younger it would be without a doubt the Ruby doll!

Another reader writes:

Question: How do you feel about reading fairy tales? Recently I have started to rethink the fairy tale part of our curriculum. Can you briefly share what you do?

Answer: Let me first say that I really feel issues like this are unique from family to family. If you are feeling uncomfortable with the fairy tales you are reading, or any book for that matter, I would encourage you to prayerfully consider if that might be the Holy Spirit prompting you to take heed. We have even researched the authors to see if they lived the lives I would want my children learning from. The Wood family loves to read! We prefer books of historical interest and character building and very few fairy tales have ever been read in our home.

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

A Moment in Proverbs 7/17/09

Proverbs 17: 28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Teaching our children the importance of this verse is such an important skill. I am a firm believer in allowing children to talk, taking time to hear their heart, carefully considering their motives and not just reacting to their actions. I believe that children are a delight to hear. In fact, children noise is some of my most favorite sounds on earth! At the same time, I diligently work to teach my children to bridle their tongue! They don't have to talk just because they're nervous. They don't have to speak because their afraid or uncomfortable of the silence, and there is a time when silence can say much more than words ever can!

This verse has led to many training sessions here in the Wood household. Perhaps the Lord will provide time for me to share some of those with you soon. For now, consider how you can apply this passage in your home all for the glory of God!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

A Moment in M.O.M.'s Kitchen- Wood Family Granola

We love to eat fresh, healthy granola in the morning!

It doesn't take long to realize that cold, sugar based cereal from the market won't keep your little ones tummy full very long. Here in our home, we enjoy fresh made granola that not only keeps the tummy full but gives us the energy we need for a busy farm life! There are many variations to this recipe since we use what we have on hand. Feel free to be creative and add the flavors your family will enjoy.

Elisha's Granola:

9 cups of fresh ground Oat Groats

1 cup of raw honey

1 cup of coconut oil (if you need coconut oil email me for details on the best prices and quality I have found)

1 tsp Salt

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 Cup Raisins

1/2 Cup of nuts of your choice- we enjoy pecans

1/2 Cup of dried cranberries, cherries, or any other dried fruit of your choice.

In a large pan, we use a large cast iron skillet; bring your honey to a boil on the stove. Add your oil, cinnamon, and salt then bring to a boil constantly stirring. If adding apples add them now, continue stirring until back to a boil, then stir for a minute more. Turn down your heat on the stove to low and add your oats, raisins and nuts. Stir thoroughly. Let it cool. (We make this the night before we are going to use it) Then serve and enjoy! Most often we use as a cold cereal and add milk to it.

This dish keeps the children feeling strong and full for the busy days we have here on our farm! Remember, we are cooking for a family of 12. If you have a smaller family this recipe can be stored and used again as a cold cereal, in yogurt, or as a mid day snack (we enjoy bananas rolled in granola).

Make sure you share with me how you enjoyed the granola, any family alterations and even send me a photo of the experience. I would love to hear from you!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

Real Moments

Sharing a real moment from our home- Enjoy!

Our family's five "Momfinitions"

Bekah and I came across a fun contest today at:http://www.parentsconnect.com/articles/mom-definitions.jhtml I would love to hear your family "Momfinitions" too so let me know that you have posted and your site as well! Have fun!

Here are the links for your reference:

http://www.parentsconnect.com/articles/mom-definitions.jhtml

http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/fun-easy-contest-write-5

1. Mobbish

M.O.M. Definition: Mobbish (mob-ish) verb: Child's behavior that resembles slight similarities to mob activity. ie: swinging the cat by his tail in hopes that it returns like a boomerang.

M.O.M. Sentence: "Johnny if you continue your mobbish activities I will have no choice but to call your father aka: The Family Police!"

M.O.M. Daily Application: I have seven boys do I need to say more?

2. Oddphobia

M.O.M. Definition: Oddphobia (ODD-f-O-B-E-ah) adjective: fear of odd numbers especially in age.

M.O.M. Sentence: "My Oddphobia disorder keeps me from being able to only eat one piece of cake!"

M.O.M. Daily Application: (real moment from our home) As Matthew approached his fifth birthday he seemed disappointed. When I questioned him he said, "Momma? Can't I please just skip five and be six?" I replied, "No son, you must be five first. Why don't you want to be five?" After a pause and with a discouraged countenance Matthew said, "Because five is odd and I don't want to be odd Mommy"

3. Gahmany

M.O.M. Definition: Gahmany (g-ah-ma-nee) adjective: An overwhelming feeling of "Oh my Gosh! I can't believe I'm me!" especially when life moments catch you by surprise. Most commonly felt in moments of intense stress, disaster, or embarrassment.

M.O.M. Sentence: "Gahmany! Not again?!?!" As I stare into the toilet filled with Lego’s, doll parts, matchbox cars and toothbrushes.

M.O.M. Daily Application: Anytime you can't find the 'right' word to express your thoughts on a matter just reply, "Gahmany!"

4. Ammit

M.O.M. Definition: Ammit (a-m-it) verb: a cute and adorable way to say that you didn't do something that wasn't so cute and adorable

M.O.M. Sentence: "Tommy don't feed your food to the dog." "I ammit mom!"

M.O.M. Daily Application: When a child’s words begin to slur together normally because they are being asked to do the unthinkable. ie: take a bath, wear clean socks or actually go to bed on time

5. Baffaloo

M.O.M. Definition: Baffaloo (ba-f-a-loo) noun: most commonly known as a Buffalo

M.O.M. Sentence: (real moment from our home) "Dear Jason, on our trip to Kansas we saw many Baffaloo’s. They were awesome!"

M.O.M. Daily Application: In the world of true children all animals need new names. They think the ones adults came up with are just boring and hard to pronounce!

A Moment in Proverbs 7/15/09

I really must giggle at myself. Yesterday, I wrote about Proverbs 17: 6 because I thought I was reading chapter 14! I didn't realize I had the wrong chapter until this morning when I went to review some thoughts and couldn't find the verse I was looking for. I just dismissed it until I came to share with you today and noticed what I did! Anytime in the Word is blessed no matter what chapter I am on however, just for the record, I didn't realize I was on the 'wrong' chapter! It will be exciting when we get to heaven and realize how someone, including me, needed that verse at that moment. Won't it be fun to know as we have been known?

With all that said, let’s enjoy the 'right' Proverbs for today: Chapter 15

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

Proverbs 15: 3

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

It is important to teach our children not to only be governed by parents, authorities or laws they can see. We must teach our children that the Lord is always watching, always caring about each choice we make. God is interested in our heart condition not merely the right answer when others are around. If we love Him, we will obey Him. (John 14:15; 14:23). If we fail to communicate this message, we will witness children who only do what is right when people are listening, watching or when they think they will get caught. If you have a child that only does what is right when you are around thank the Lord that He is allowing you to help and pray for your child now. Find moments to communicate this Truth to your child. Remind them of how the Lord desires to bless those that keep His commandments (Deut. Chapter 7). The Lord shows mercy to those that love Him (Deut. 5:10). Make sure they understand that we can "say" we love God but our actions will show that love(Matt. 21:28) . There are so many wonderful teaching moments to convey this Truth. It is a message that must be repeated over and over again for our sinful nature always desires to do that which we know we should not do! By God's grace we can overcome our sin and walk in victory. Let our homes radiate that message to the world!

A Moment in Proverbs 7/14/09

Proverbs 17: 6

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

I am confident that I was the crown of my grandfather as were my children. Every part of his conversation and actions showed that he found us the most precious jewels he had been given in life. At the age of 91 my grandfather was still full of life and mentally alert. I had often prayed that when the Lord took him home it would be peacefully, in his sleep. The Lord granted my request and Grandpa went home to Jesus just as I had prayed. Hours before he passed away, we were able to spend time talking with him. He told the children how he would never forget the joy of watching them catch waves (we had taken trips to the beach together). He told our adopted children of how much love and joy filled his heart when he learned they would be joining our family. We had sweet conversations with him and yet we somehow knew that it would be our last. I am thankful the Lord gave my children this last conversation with their great grandpa! They have been left with the message, "You were my crown!" However, it's not enough for children to know they are a blessing to their family. I want to make sure that everything I do encourages my children to delight in the glory of their father. I want to carefully guard them from the message of the world that says fathers are clumsy and disconnected. There is a peace that invades our hearts and homes when we live as God intended... when we see children as a blessing and fathers as the glory of children.

If this seems foreign to you, feel free to write me a note with your question and I will share how the Lord has personally led us. We delight in the Truth that we are a blessing to our fathers. We know the Joy as we strive to live within the blessings of their leadership.

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

M.O.M.'s Mailbox

This week I had two questions from my mailbox that I felt free to share. If you have a question I would love to share as the Lord led. Just use the email link listed in my profile page to do so. We look forward to hearing from you and pray His blessings abound in your heart and home as you live in His presence!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

Question- Can you explain a little about what a birthday Proverbs is?

Answer- A Birthday Proverbs is the Proverbs of the day that goes with the date of your birth. For example, my birthday is March 26 so my Birthday Proverbs is: Proverbs chapter 26. Each member of the Wood family has memorized their Birthday Proverbs or is in the process of doing so. We have seen the Lord speak volumes to each of us as we hid His Word in our hearts. If you chose to seek wisdom and hide His instruction in His heart, I am confident you too will be blessed!

Question- Unfortunately when you have big ones you sometimes feel that you've missed the boat and it's too late. Maybe you could include some stuff pertinent to those situations with older kids too, though; I know that since you train so well with your younger ones, you don't have many issues with your older ones.

Answer- First let me say that I view child training as life long. Even with our older children we are still training them in a variety of tasks and heart issues. I also understand the discouragement that can set in as our children are older. We had hoped they would be one place and they are another, we had hoped that we wouldn’t be dealing with certain issues as we are. May I encourage you to keep your children a priority in your prayer life? Do not neglect the protection in prayer that your children need from you, their mother!

As the Lord leads, I will be including training moments with my older children. Thank you for the reminder and encouragement to do so! I am blessed to share as a handmaiden of the Lord!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood