Coming Home Story-Meme

Did you go from this...



to this?:



In her book, The Way Home, Mary Pride writes:

"What can a woman who doesn't have an outside job write down as her occupation? Housewife? The word conjures up a dull creature with her hair in curlers, addicted to soap operas, and possessing barely enough intelligence to wash dishes. Homemaker? That sounds a little better-cheery ineffiency in a frilly apron and high heels. Homemakers are pretty white females who approach housekeeping with zest and enthusiasm-as a hobby. Homemakers are a decorative luxury only a few men can afford...

But to be a "Working wife" is a different story. What do you think of when a woman introduces herself to you as a "working wife?" Smart effiency in a $200 business suit? Paychecks? Prestige? In the battle of words, feminist have mined the harbor. Mrs. Frumpy Housewife can't hold her own against Ms. Savvy Workingwife."

When I was growing up, I thought about being many things: a singer, a lawyer, a psychologist. I even thought of joining that United States Air Force. Never, ever, did I see myself as a housewife! Like, the previous quote by Mary Pride, I saw being a housewife or being a Stay At Home Mom as one of the most degrading jobs for women. I always wanted to be a career woman. This was what I remember being taught to me. I remember comments such as, "You can't depend on a man...get your degree...travel...take care of yourself!" This was what success meant to me: Being a strong, black, educated, independent, woman. A husband, children, and certaintly did not staying at home fit into "my plan."

Oh, but I found that God had other plans! (doesn't he always?). I ended up falling in love with my best friend of whom I believed God confirmed was "the one." We ended up getting married two weeks before our graduation from undergraduate school. God blessed us to concieve our first child eight months after we were married. So, there I was, thinking I was on my way to a doctoral program, when I became faced with this huge, life altering decision to stay home with my baby or not!

To make a long story short, I will tell you that after much fighting, crying, confusion, questioning, reading, praying, counsel etc, etc I decided to give the whole "Stay at Home Mom" thing a try. I began to seek God's mindset on women, marriage, mothering, and homemaking. I began to have a change of heart. I renewed my mind with scriptures such as, "...they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:4-5) and "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies...She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her" (Proverbs 31:10,27-28). Eventually, I began to have more peace about following my (I believe God-given) desires to be the primary caretaker of my children.

I would be lying if I told you that this was not the MOST difficult job or task I've ever done (including graduating from one of the most academically rigourous universtities in the U.S.) There have been times I would have traded in my mothering and household responsibilities for a 20-page research paper anyday!

Nevertheless, as I have grown, I realize that this work has eternal rewards! God has enrusted little souls to me that will live forever. My job is to take care of them naturally and to train them up in the way they should go, so when they are old they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6). I can't fanthom any greater or more important task for God to give me.

Were you a working mom who decided to come home? Or, have you always wanted to be a homemaker?

What's your coming home story? You can write it in the comments section if you don't have a blog.

For those who have a blog: This is my first meme meme ever! Here are the rules:

1)Answer the question: "What's you coming home story?" in a post on your blog.

2)Link your post back to this site.

3)Tag more people by posting their link in your post, and commenting on their blog and/or emailing them to let them know you tagged them.

I tag:

1. KAAH @www.homeschoolblogger.com/kaah
2. Katie @http://everydaylifeofahousewife.wordpress.com/
3. Molly @ http://counterculturalmom.blogspot.com/
4. Victoria @http://homeschoolblogger.com/victoriacarrington/

Thankful Thursday-My Summer Gig!

Today I am thankful for a great first week at my summer gig!

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been blogging much in the past week or two. That's because there's alot going on over here! (I'll update you in due time;) As for today, I will tell you that part of my blogging absenteeism is a result of my starting a summer instructor position at the Chicago Freedom School on Monday. The Chicago Freedom School (CFS) is a non-profit organization that provides programming and fosters dialogue, coalition building, the study the work of past movements, and the understanding of current social problems between young people and adult allies. The Freedom Fellowship is a one-year program that features a summer institute that includes popular education courses and support for the development of an acition goal plan. "CFS defines popular education courses as those designed to allow youth to become more aware of how their own personal experiences are connected to larger social issues." I am facilitating a popular education course for 10 high school students on the relationship between racial and economic inequality and youth violence. I will meet with them for about 2 hours, twice a week, for four weeks this summer.

Here's a picture of me and some of the CFS staff being silly during orientation week:




Monday was my first "official" day facilitating the class. I have 10 bright and energetic freedom fellows in my class who are between 14-16 years old. We spent our first day getting to know each other better and setting the tone for our class. We made agreements as a class and watched two video clips on the issue. Soon we got right to business, engaging in a very thorough discussion about what has been going on in Chicago in terms of violence, why its happening, who its affecting, and what we can do about it.

As a young person, I was involved in alot of activites and programs similar to the Freedom Fellowship. I can't stress enough how invaluable the experiences and relationships I made during these programs were. They both helped to mold my outlook on society, myself, and my possibilities. Thus, the work I am doing at CFS very important to me. I hope to do, say, or be something that will cause these young people to think deeper and motivate them to go further than they may have gone before our interaction. I remember one of my favorite preachers saying some years ago, "You ought to cause someone to be something that they would not have been without an interaction with you!" -J.L. Jones

After leaving my full time employment to stay home with my first daughter, I was concerned that I would not have the opportunity to do anything "professional" until all my children were grown and out of the house! Neverthless, I let God know that my desire was not to be gone working a 40-hour plus job, but to spend the majority of my time raising my own chlldren and taking care of my household. Nevertheless, I told Him "It sure would be nice if I could somehow stay involved in the youth development/violence prevention field even though I am choosing to stay home." I'm so glad God honors those, "It sure would be nice..." prayers, don't you?

Not long after having my first daughter, God opened up the doors for me to start doing independent consulting. I have been able to do flexible jobs, in my field and volunteer at my convienence ever since! I am thankful to God for continuing to be so mindful of me, giving me the desires of my heart, and the ability to accomplish those desires!

"And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).

"Building your Life on Christ's Mission"

With all we have going on in our daily lives; work, family, friends, bills, hobbies, cleaning, travel, church, ministries, etc, its easy for us Christians to get a little sidetracked from time to time. This following message preached by my pastor, Bishop D. Rayford Bell, admonishes us to build our life on Christ's mission.

Jesus knew the purpose of his life. He came to seek and save the lost. After he died, rose, and sent back the holy ghost, he charged us to make that mission our own. When Jesus saved us he didn't just save us to go to heaven, but we have recieved the ministry of reconciliation. God has charged all of us to "go ye into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost."(Mattew 21:19).

Whenever you need a little reminder of your mission as a Christian, feel free to remind yourself by clicking on this powerful message! I know I will.

"Bats"

Bats

Echolocation.
Two different kinds of bats.
Wonderful creatures.

Written by: Laila H.(9 yrs. old)





Bats are wonderful creatures.
Amazing mammals.
Terrific animals.
Scary-looking species.

Written by: Laila H.(9 yrs. old)

Genius in the making!

My nieces spent the night at our apartment last night. While they were with us, they decided to show off their literary ability.

Here's a taste:

I love my daddy

I love my daddy because he loves me.
I love my daddy because he’s sweet.
I love my daddy because he helps me.
I like me daddy because buys me stuff.

Written by: Alyssa H.(7 yrs. old)


Soon to come... "Bats" by:Laila H.

Thankful Thursday-Our Place

Whoa...Is it Thursday again already?

Well, this Thursday I must tell you that I had quite the praise going for the Lord this morning! With a husband, children, and many responsibilities, sometimes its difficult for me to concentrate during my morning prayer to the extent I would like.

Yet, today God allowed me to think back to last spring when my husband and I were looking for an apartment. We were residing on the Northside of Chicago in a one-bedroom apartment. However, we needed to move to the Southside so my honey could be closer to his new job. I was pregnant with baby #2 so we really needed another bedroom and we needed to pay less money! In addition to this, we wanted to be in an area where we would feel safe and that was populated mostly by families.

My husband put all of those request before the Lord (and I added in there that wanted new carpet and fairly new kitchen. The cabinets and appliances at our old apartment where so filthy from past tenets, I desired something newer that we could have the first crack at dirtying it up ;) So, My husband and I prayed and looked at many apartments for about 3 months and nothing seemed to work out. There was one landlord who seemed very kind, but had just rented the apartment we wanted to someone else. However, he told us that we seemed like nice people and because was important to him, when choosing tenets. He said he'd give us a call if something opened up in another one of his buildings. We were really disappointed that things didn't work out with him.

We continued to ask God to order our steps to the right place, and the whole situation was a really big faith test for us. Sometimes we'd stay up all night on online apartment hunts! We had to fight worry alot, especially after we didn't renew our lease and the date we need to move grew closer. God wanted us to trust him.

Soon after we got the victory over our fears and began to trust God to bless us, the landlord we liked called us back! We came to see another one of his apartments and it wasn't in very good shape at the time. However, the landlord let us know that he was in the process of doing a lot of work on it and we could come back to see it when it was closer to being finished. We were feeling that with the way everything worked out, God seemed to be behind this particular place. Needless, to say we took the apartment! We ended up in an area that fit our preferences, with an extra bedroom, brand new wall to wall carpet, fresh new paint in every room, and the best of all...a newly remodeled kitchen! Hallelujah! My faith in the Lord was strengthened yet again through that experience! He keeps on doing great things for me!

I'm reminded of Matthew 6:8:

"Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."

The Girls are Back in Town!

My nieces are here visiting from Virginia for the summer. Although they've only been in town for about two weeks, they may very well have seen more of Chicago than I have all summer!

Here are some pictures of their recent undertakings:



On their way downtown via Chicago's "L" train.




More fun downtown Chicago.



Welcome to the Taste of Chicago!


Hubby and I plan to accompany my brother and nieces when they go to Taste of Chicago tomorrow night for the annual Indepednece Eve Fireworks! Attending the fireworks was always an annual tradition in my family since my brother and I were toddlers. As we have gotten older, and its been more difficult for my parents to get around, we haven't been as faithful. So, it will be nice to be together with our own children this year. What are some of your family traditions?

Five Reasons Why Mom Blogs Are the Blogs to Watch

Read an exciting article below to find out why Michelle Mitchell from Scribbit believes Mom Blogs are so "hot" right now! You can read the original article here.

If you read my first post, you will see why I blog and how my reasons are in alignment with Michelle's perspective. Are her ideas consistent with your reasons for blogging?

Five Reasons Why Mom Blogs Are the Blogs to Watch

In the Wall Street Journal’s April 10th issue Sue Shellenbarger interviewed Heather Armstrong (known to millions of fascinated fans as Dooce) and a gasp of surprise went up from print media around the country (even my hometown paper The Anchorage Daily News picked the article up off the AP wire).

But I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing surprising about Dooce’s super-stardom and in fact not only is it to be expected but other mom blogs are following in her wake. Mom blogs are poised to become the next big “It” when it comes to the internet–they’re gathering power like no other blogging niche and will only get bigger and better. Here’s why:

1. Moms can blog at home

You don’t need a PhD, an office or a small business loan to start up a blog and this especially appeals to mothers who are looking for ways to bring in extra income while they’re at home with their children. It’s a job that they can do while the kids are napping or away at school and allows women like me who have left the work force to raise a family to feel part of the tech age–always a benefit when your days are filled with diapers, dishes and drool.

Mom bloggers don’t have to leave their day jobs and they don’t have to make enough money to live off of–all they need is a little extra to pay for soccer lessons or a family vacation.

2. Moms need the sociality of the net

I couldn’t possibly count the number of days that I’ve spent without the live interaction of another adult (except maybe the clerk at the grocery store). Women want–no we crave and demand–social interaction and for those of us whose office is our home the internet and blogging opens up a new world of friendship, debate, learning and conversation. No longer do we have to pretend to hold conversations with Steve on Blues Clues just to talk to another adult, now we can blog. Women need to read about other moms’ struggles and disasters–it’s how we feel that maybe our own traumas aren’t so bad–and there are more and more moms daily that are discovering how the world of mom blogs helps them feel connected to other women.

3. Moms have a wealth of material to use

Tech blogs are just about technology, celebrity blogs are strictly about celebs but a mom blog could focus on parenting, protecting the environment, politics, crafts, food, homeschooling, gardening, household products, design, travel or just funny stories.

They’re usually written with an emotion and personality which connects with readers in ways that other niches often can’t and they speak about subjects that naturally carry strong emotions: home, family, marriage, children, the environment–all of which encourage dedicated readers. A blog about the latest techy gadget, while interesting, doesn’t carry the emotional weight that a post about home and family does. While other bloggers may sneer over moms posting stories about life with little ones and the oddities of every day life there have been plenty of writers from Erma Bombeck to Dave Barry to Jerry Seinfeld that have built careers on noticing life’s quirks and inconsistencies and mom blogs are cashing in on this.

4. Moms are record keepers

Blog means “web-log” and most blogs are started as online journals. Moms naturally tend to be the record keepers for their families whether it’s a newsletter, scrapbook or photo album and more and more women are turning to blogs as an easy way to keep their family’s diary. Staying in touch with Grandma, recording a child’s growth, these are the reasons women are turning to blogs and even though 99% of them will never see traffic outside of their family those who blog read other blogs. And who are they going to read? I’ll give you a hint: it’s not TechCrunch.

5. Mom blogs wield economic power

In Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point he writes of the importance of mavens–those who are trusted for their opinions and who pass along information on what products, services and ideas are the best–and mom blogs are the maven nesting grounds. Moms want to know which products work and which don’t; they want to give an opinion on what’s worked for them and share their experiences with others and advertisers are just beginning to discover this advertising pot of gold.

Because women are generally the buyers for their homes in everything from clothing to food to minivans mom blogs talk about things that can be bought and sold, products that can be promoted and services that most households need. Proctor and Gamble, Sony or General Electric can throw up their logos on PerezHilton and that might make them look rather hip but if they can get Dooce to say she liked their stuff that’s when the sales start rolling in. You’ve heard “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”? Well she who does the shopping then blogs about it rules the net.

Mom blogs are growing and it’s not going to be too long before Dooce stops being an anomaly in the blogosphere and becomes the matriarch of mom blogs everywhere.

I Believe!

clipped from www.cnn.com

Fact Box

The Urban Prep Creed
We believe.
We are the young men of Urban Prep.
We are college bound.
We are exceptional -- not because we say it, but because we work hard at it.
We will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before us.
We are dedicated, committed and focused.
We never succumb to mediocrity, uncertainty or fear.
We never fail because we never give up.
We make no excuses.
We choose to live honestly, nonviolently and honorably.
We respect ourselves and, in doing so, respect all people.
We have a future for which we are accountable.
We have a responsibility to our families, community and world.
We are our brothers' keepers.
We believe in ourselves.
We believe in each other.
We believe in Urban Prep.
WE BELIEVE.

This is the creed that the young men of Urban Prep, Chicago's first public charter academy for all men, recite together every morning before going off to class. The school was founded in 2002 in response to alarming realities and statistics concerning the state of young black men. Only 1 in 40 black males will finish college, and 50 percent will drop out of high school (CNN). If that wasn't enough, Chicago youth are facing gang and gun violence on a regular basis. Almost 30 Chicago Public School students have been killed by gun violence this year alone. Thus, Urban Prep's mission is to: "produce responsible, nonviolent, college-bound men"(CNN).

"Against all odds: School offers hope, opportunity for young men," is the title of the recent story done by CNN on the school. You can click here to view it.

Urban Prep is located in Englewood, one of Chicago's most violent neighborhoods. Not only did my husband and I attend high school there, but it is where my husband grew up. There has always been alot of talk about how terrible the area has become. Nevertheless, It’s more than refreshing to see people who are now doing more than just talking about the problems, but actually doing something to solve them.

My hubby has served as Urban Prep's Director of College and Community Partnerships since the fall of 2006 (I know...handsome and noble. I told you I had myself a keeper!). Consequently, I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know some of the young men. In addition, I have gotten a chance to witness first hand the way the faculty and staff at Urban Prep genuinely care about the young men. They go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure these young men succeed. I'm sure I am not alone in being proud of the work this school is doing! Go Urban Prep!

Do you believe? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.

Thankful Thursday-My Church Home

Iris over at Sting my Heart started a meme called Thankful Thursday. Here's what she has to say on it:

"Why be thankful on Thursdays? We tend to just give thanks on Thanksgiving; why not share your blessings on a weekly basis with us? You don’t have to participate every week; do it as often as you can. The road of life is hard, let us count our blessings as we travel this road…"

I completely agree with her, so I have decided to join in on the Thankful Thursday fun!

This week I must say that I am extremely thankful for my local church home. Last night, I attended the weekly bible class at my church and after about 3 minutes into the lesson, my husband and I turned to each other in amazement. We realized at the same time that our pastor was up there teaching on the very same issue we have been discussing and seeking God about for the past couple of weeks! This particular issue has been an area tied to many of our test and trials. Thus, my husband and I have been desperately trying to understand God's mind on the matter. We were thrilled to unsuspectedly attend our weekly bible study, only to find the answers to our questions coming right over the pulpit! Hallelujah!

I must tell you, this is only one of the many times something like this has happened for us as a result of attending the weekly meetings at our church. Actually, I was just discussing with some friends yesterday how I wasn't to enthusiastic about being a member there initially. Nevertheless, I have come to appreciate the teaching, the leadership, and the members there so much. I honestly, can't see how I would have made it this far in my Christian walk without it. God knew just what I needed when he ordered my path and saved my soul through the fruit of this ministry.

Go ahead. You can join in too! What are you thankful for?

Bringing me iced coffee...

...what a wonderful way to say, "I love you."

Yesterday was my first day back to what I would call my "normal" life. Last week was an exceptionally busy week. Besides the day I spent being present for the birth of my friends first child; I spent every other day at an orientation for a summer instructor position. Yes! You heard(read) me right!...My dream of designing and facilitating my own social justice class has finally come true! I will be leading a group of high school age students through a four-week course about the effects of social and economic inequality on youth violence. Obviously, the possiblities for this class are endless.

But, I digress. "Normal" life for me entails all of the classic highlights of mommydom: diapers, crying, correcting, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, folding etc. Certainly, one should not be expected to deal with such things without at least one good cup of coffee! Right?

Nevertheless, my coffee cravings were slight in the morning and began to grow as time went on. It wasn't until 1pm, when both of my little ones fell asleep, that the "itch" for iced coffee became really strong. Thus, I was torn between crawling in bed to catch up on my own sleep, or walking a few blocks to Dunkin Donuts for my sweet iced treat. Needless to say, as much as I love iced coffee drinks, after chasing after two toddlers all morning, the nap won.

After nap time, I cooked, picked up a bit, and then we were off to visit my brothers and my nieces who are in town for the summer. As day turned into evening and evening into night, I still yearned for my iced coffee. However, I found it hard to still away. At about 9pm as I traveled back home, I figured it was getting too late and gave up on any hope of getting my iced coffee delight.

Finally, after being home and working my my blog for about an hour and a half, in walks my hubby from choir rehearsal with a unexpected surprise: a hazlenut iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts! Not only did he get major points for bringing the cofee, but also because it was specially made just the way I like it: a little coffee to go with my cream and sugar! I hadn't told my hubby about my iced coffee craving. He just decided to take the opportunity to make a random and very sweet gesture of love. Well... It looks like I got myself a keeper!

When was the last time someone "made your day" by some small thoughtful act of kindness?

Whereas my children occasionally clinch me at the ankle....

...I had a good laugh at this:

She came, she saw, she conquered...

...the business of being born.

So you've been wondering where I've been eh? Well, among other things, I've been delivering babies!

On Thursday, June 19, 2008, my friend gave birth(naturally) to her first child! Notice the picture above of the handsome little fella. I had the pleasure of having a front row seat as I played the role of the "doula" during his birth.

I can admit openly (now that its all over) that I was a bit nervous about being in the delivery room with my friend and her husband for the birth of their first child. Although I have given birth to my own two little bundle of joys, neither were without the aid of an epidural. I have only felt contractions without any interventions until about 6cm dilated, so I knew I would have to search for more insight into natural birth if I was going to be of any help to my friend after that point.

Fortunatley, I felt much more prepared after finally viewing the The Business of Being Born documentary in its entirety(everyone should see this!). I prayed and asked God to make me a blessing to the expected parents and interestingly enough, I seemed to have a "knowing" that she would go into labor when she did, and everything I needed to happen to make me feel prepared seemed to have fallen into place by that time. God never ceases to amaze me!

When I arrived at the expected parents home at about 5am Thursday morning, my friend had already been in labor for about 5 hours. The expected dad and I worked to keep her comfy and encouraged for as long as we could at home, but when we begin to notice signs of her being in the transition stage of labor(vomiting, hot/cold flashes, and hicupps), we made our way to the hospital.

Now, I don't know how "normal" this behavior is for someone giving birth naturally, but my friend's goal was to have a birthing experience that felt calm and natural. She didn't want anything to interfere with her expereince that may cause her to feel as though she was in some type of "medical emergency." Hence, she trucked down 3 flights of stairs with no assistance, decided to forgoe the wheel chair they offered her as she came into the hospital, worked her way down a long hallway at 6 and 1/2 cenitmeters dilated to the room she would give birth in, requested a heburn lock instead of IV, and believe it or not, never raised her voice much higher than normal conversation tone. To say the least, the nurses, the midwives, and the hospital staff were amazed at her behavior. Silly me, what was I thinking? I should have tied a cape around her neck and put a gigantic "S" on it so people would not have mistaken her for someone else;)

The expected mom moved from 6 and 1/2 to 10cm dilated in about 3 hours and then it was time to push. At that point, she was very tired and wanted to know when all of this would be over! But, she pressed on with no drugs. After about an hour and a half of some very intense pushing the moment we all had been waiting for finally arrived. There was this little person, with ten little fingers and ten little toes! Both of the parents were elated and I think everyone in the room felt a host of emotions: relief, joy, love, wonderment, and admiration. Afterward, the new mom said her pain was minimal and that although there were times during the labor that she wouldn't have minded the good Lord taking her onto glory, natural birth was: "doable."

The proud mom said that prayer and having so much support really helped her. She found www.birthingnaturally.net to be a great resource. She also saw the Business of Being Born which I think made her and her husband even more determined about having a natural birth and gave them some ideas to make that possible in a hospital setting.

Seeing my friend give natural birth awakened my mind even more to the feasiblilty of it. In addition, I believe that there is something about that challenge that evokes a greater sense of value for the process of birthing and the life that enters the world as healthy as God designed for him/her to be as a result of the hard work done during that process. I'll leave you with these quotes on birth that reflect my sentiments on the the issue at this point:

"We've put birth in the same category with illness and disease and it's never belonged there. Birth is naturally safe, but we've allowed it to be taken over by the medical community."

-Carla Hartley, founder of Trust Birth and the Ancient Art Midwifery Institute

"...experiences have clearly shown that an approach which "de-medicalizes" birth, restores dignity and humanity to the process of childbirth, and returns control to the mother is also the safest approach."

-Michel Odent, MD

"We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong."

-Laura Stavoe Harm

Another friend of mine recently gave birth naturally and you can read her birth story at: www.babynumberthree.wordpress.com
Thanks to her and everyone who commented and shared their natural birth experience in the comments section of my "The Business of Being Born" post!

Do you have an interesting birth story? What helped you during labor and delivery? Please share your experience in the comments section, or type a link.

She's got it folks!

Noooooo. Not using the potty...that saga contiues.

I'll venture to say this knowledge is even MORE vital than knowing how to use the potty. What could be more useful than that?

Well, my 2 and 1/2 year old has learned her first bible verse!

I try to have devotion with my children every morning. During this time, we sing, we praise, we pray, and we read the word of God. I also share with them the fundamentals of Christianity. For example, we discuss what the bible is, who God is, His love for us, and what Jesus did for us on calvary. This is one of my attempts to fulfill Dueteronomy 11:18-19: "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Since before my oldest could talk I have slowly read psalm 128:1 to her and had her repeat it after me. It has used to go something like this:

Me: "Blessed..."
Noelle: "Bleeeehh-sed..."
Me: "is everyone..."
Noelle: "is eh-ver-ry-one..."
Me: "that feareth the Lord..."
Noelle:"that fear-esed the Lawd..."
Me:"that walketh in his ways..."
Noelle: "that walketh-s in his way-sed..."

Now it goes like this:

Noelle: "Bleeeehh-sed..."
Me: "right."
Noelle: "is eh-ver-ry-one..."
Me: "that's it!"
Noelle:"that fear-esed the Lawd..."
Me:"you got it girl!"
Noelle: "that walketh-s in his way-sed...!"

Ahem. Yes, I am a VERY proud mommy!

What are your methods of teaching your children the word of God?