Tuesday, February 17, 2009

What I've Learned This Week

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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Welcome to...What I Learned This Week and our host, Jo-Lynne.

What have I learned this week...where do I start?

I've Learned:

  • that there is drama, regardless of what stage of life you are in


  • that when your child hurts, you hurt

  • that the love you have for your child doesn't change with the choices that they make in life...you might be disappointed but your love never ceases, only increases as does your prayers


  • that we have to help our children guard their hearts because they haven't fully developed that ability yet in their lives


  • raising a teenager is harder in 2009 than it was 8 years ago when I had my last teenager at home in 2001


  • that none of this is a new revelation to me, but I have been on a refresher course since last week


      • Have a wonderfully blessed day!

      Posted by Jennifer at Tuesday, February 17, 2009
      Labels:

      15 comments:

      1. DeniseFebruary 17, 2009 at 12:45 AM

        Bless you sweetie.

        ReplyDelete
      2. momsthewordFebruary 17, 2009 at 12:48 AM

        Beautifully put, Jen. Being a mother of a teenager is both challenging and captivating. It's awesome to watch them grow and mature, but scary knowing that you have to loosen the reigns a bit. We don't loosen them much though, just a little at a time!

        ReplyDelete
      3. PamFebruary 17, 2009 at 12:58 AM

        Yes, it is hard, and heartbreaking at times....lots of lost sleep and prayers...and prayers, and prayers.....thanks Jennifer,

        ReplyDelete
      4. Kim @ Homesteader's HeartFebruary 17, 2009 at 5:45 AM

        I hear you on the raising kids thing!! My husband and I think back to when we were kids and we'd be outside all day, running around the woods and fishing and such but you just can't let your kids do that now adays! It's sad really.
        Big hugs my friend.
        Kim

        ReplyDelete
      5. Beth in NCFebruary 17, 2009 at 6:15 AM

        Hey Sister - how'd it go this past weekend?

        I need to think of something to give away on my blogoversary too! Wow, yours is in 3 days!!!! I hope I remember to wish you a happy one. hee hee

        Love ya!
        b

        ReplyDelete
      6. AngelaFebruary 17, 2009 at 6:27 AM

        Thank you for sharing. Great teachable moments that God reveals to us!!

        ReplyDelete
      7. LAURIEFebruary 17, 2009 at 7:34 AM

        God is constantly refining us even thru the teen stages of life. Have a great day! love, Laurie

        ReplyDelete
      8. He & Me + 3February 17, 2009 at 11:40 AM

        Oh boy...I am not too far off from those days, and you are right. Drama abounds at every stage:)

        ReplyDelete
      9. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2009 at 2:31 PM

        Jennifer...I have read your posts for a few weeks now (thanks to our mutual friend, DB). I can relate to you in so many areas of my life, not at the same phase in life but with similar situations. I went through a very bitter divorce. I have two sons - one who has chosen a lifestyle that I don't approve of - but have loved and prayed for him every step of the way, knowing that one day God is going to do a mighty work in him. The other is a teenager. What planet did he come from? Every day is an adventure, but am doing my best to understand with patience while he is sprouting wings. Again, lots of prayers and tears go along with the joy that my sons brings to my life. I have been blessed beyond measure in so many ways, especially when God sent my soulmate. We have been married for 20 months (wow) that sounds strange. I am living proof that you can love twice and that happiness is not something that is deserved. I have gone through so many phases - trying to be the perfect wife, the perfect mom, trying to make someone love me that did not. Self-confidence was lacking and I never felt as if I belonged anywhere. I am not sure why, but after my divorce and remarriage, I have found that I am nothing without my Lord. I devote certain times of the day to prayer time (especially when I am driving back and forth to work). I am always doing a bible study of some sort or reading an inspirational book. My Bible has become my source of strength. I say this because I was born and raised in a christian home. I have spent my entire life in church. I have been on every committee and even served as a deacon's wife. I even helped build a family life center. I do not say this flippantly, I say this because I spent so much time trying to please others, I forgot that I was not serving God. I did not pray or study or worship as I do now. I have learned the hard way, through disappointments, turmoil and a bitter home. It is amazing how began to work in me after I quit trying to do things myself. My home is now my haven. It is peaceful and calm. We talk, laugh, cry and have the common bond of getting to know God in a different way, as a personal Savior rather than a distant friend. No, everything is not perfect but things are certainly are better than they have ever been. I am living proof of heartaches and challenges, but I am blessed. Thanks for letting me share.

        ReplyDelete
      10. Laurie AnnFebruary 17, 2009 at 2:46 PM

        I cannot imagine raising a teen in this day and age. Or beginning to, I mean. It must be so difficult. The influences of the world just seem to get louder and louder.

        Loved your post!

        ReplyDelete
      11. Richard LawryFebruary 17, 2009 at 3:34 PM

        You learned a lot this week. Thanks for sharing

        An Arkies Musings

        ReplyDelete
      12. MelFebruary 17, 2009 at 3:43 PM

        Teens! they are an entire library unto themselves!!

        ReplyDelete
      13. DarleneFebruary 17, 2009 at 6:29 PM

        I love this one:
        that the love you have for your child doesn't change with the choices that they make in life...you might be disappointed but your love never ceases, only increases as does your prayers
        This is sooo true! I wonder when they will realize this?
        Blessings,
        Darlene

        ReplyDelete
      14. AlisonFebruary 17, 2009 at 7:48 PM

        Thanks for the words of wisdom. When my kiddos (6 and 3) hurt, I hurt with them and I know it will be the same when they are teens--only then I won't be able to fix their hurts with a kiss. I hope I will be able to help them guard their hearts, though.

        ReplyDelete
      15. Musings of a HousewifeFebruary 18, 2009 at 8:31 PM

        You mean it doesn't get easier? ;-) You're making me a little bit afraid to parent teenagers. I'm sure I will love them no matter what, but I don't look forward to the heartbreak.

        ReplyDelete

      Thank you for stopping by today and sharing your heart felt thoughts with me. As we ride "Through the Storms of Life" together, chances are...your situation is different than mine. However, we serve the same awesome God, King of Kings who is in complete control and it all belongs to Him anyway...He wants to give you the very best. Be encouraged my friend, God loves you!

      Thank you again for taking the time to visit me at "Through the Storms of Life".

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