Archive for April 2012

Guest Post: Mageirocophobia

By Sara · Comments (5)
Friday, April 27th, 2012

By Amanda Johnson
faithfamilyfriendslove.wordpress.com

So speaking of being the perfect wife and mom (which I am not – if that is what you are looking for, you need to run far, far away) – lets talk food.

I love food! I love food shows, recipes, gadgets, appliances (seriously – for Christmas my precious gave me new cookware, and a super awesome crock pot and I could not have been more excited. We joked because they were on the list of things ‘not to get your wife’) – anything food or kitchen related, I love!

I enjoy cooking for my family.

FOR MY FAMILY.

Did you catch that? I love cooking for my husband and kids. You know why? Because they love me – even when I botch the rice. (Which I do every single time I try to cook rice – I cannot for the life of me figure out what I do wrong. White, brown, wild, long grain, short grain, takes-forever-to-cook, instant, boil-in-bag… it doesn’t matter. I cannot cook it correctly.) They love me, and understand that if my creation does not go as planned we can always go out or order pizza.

Cooking for others… terrifies me! Which brings me to the title of this blog post: Mageirocophobia - fear of cooking. I may not have an actual “phobia” but there are different types, such as the fear of causing illness, or serving inedible food. Both of which I do worry about when serving other people.

I love the idea of entertaining. I love finding new recipes. I dream of a super awesome kitchen and a dinning room table that seats 20. But then you have to feed those 20 people, thus resulting in my problem.

We are in a small group that meets in a home one night a week. It is my favorite night of the week! I love doing life together with these people! So we meet with our Bibles, books, and … you guessed it – food! I look forward to the email that is sent out every week delegating who brings what. I’m sure God gets a good chuckle when He hears my pray “please let it be salad or dessert, please let it be salad or desert!”

The week I had “main dish” I tried something new. See, I am a smart cookie. I’ve learned that you try a new recipe so that you have the excuse of “I’ve never made this before” if it is a major fail. I made Mexican Lasagna (google it, there are lots of variations). It smelled wonderful, but when we got there and sat down to eat, my (sometimes too honest) husband took one bite and I could see it all over his face – he hated it. Everyone else said it was good. It wasn’t bad… It is just something that needs a little tweaking before we try it again.

So here is my next dilemma. This weeks menu – pot luck! Don’t they know that I need specifics? You can’t give this fearful-creative-quirky person something that broad and vague. Looks like I’ll be spending some time browsing through my collection of cook books (OH how I LOVE collecting cookbooks!!) and the internet.

Do you enjoy entertaining and feeding others? Have some pot luck suggestions for me? A particular brand of rice cooker you love? LOL! Please share!

Amanda Johnson lives in Texas with her husband, two kids, and their bad dog. She is a stay-at-home mom who loves playing, cooking, camping, kayaking, and hiking. When the Johnson family is not enjoying blueberry muffins and coffee on a Saturday morning, you’ll probably find them at the zoo. Amanda and her husband share a desire to reach families with young children, encouraging them and helping them to grow in Christ as a family. Visit Amanda’s blog at faithfamilyfriendslove.wordpress.com. 

FROM SARA: Want to share your own adventures or (mis)adventures as a wife and mom with the readers of MyProverbs31Life.com? I’m dealing with a packed schedule over the next few weeks with speaking events and finishing up a couple of graduate classes – would love to share other wife and mom stories in my bloggy absence! Email me at sara@sarahorn.com with your best blog post on faith and family and I may choose it to post as a guest post! Don’t forget to include a brief bio as well as a link to your own blog or website. (Legal stuff: I reserve the right to choose – just because you send it doesn’t guarantee it will be selected – and to edit for length or typos/grammatical errors. Keep it positive, hopeful and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. That always makes others feel better.)

 

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The pressure we put on ourselves

By Sara · Comments (4)
Thursday, April 19th, 2012

This morning was a usual hustle and bustle kind of morning. Cliff got ready to leave, Caleb was up, putting out the trash that he’d failed to get to yesterday before going to bed and I was tending to our dog who has developed a hot spot he hasn’t had in quite a while. This is the busy season for our family – and the next three weeks will be very busy with speaking engagements and wrapping up work for a couple of graduate classes I’ve worked on this spring. But I’m still trying to stay focused and engaged on being there for my family.

So I made pancakes for breakfast for Caleb this morning because he asked me too. But this morning, the batter exploded. Like, literally. Flour and water went “BOOM”. I would like to say it hit the fan (and that would be fairly accurate since 1) we have a fan in our kitchen and 2) the batter went everywhere and could quite possibly have gone that high). But I’ll just say it exploded and leave it at that.

I was using the little Bisquick Shake ‘N Pour bottle. Love these things because you just add water, shake, and pour. (Thus, the name, in case you weren’t sure.) But apparently I shook it too hard, because as I twisted the lid to open the bottle and pour the batter onto the griddle, I was surprised with a big PWOOOF that sounded like a fairly large plastic bag full of air exploding. I had pancake batter on my night shirt (pajama top sounds too pajamamy – this is just a comfortable t-shirt I like to sleep in occasionally), on the stove top, and the floor (and I will probably go back and check the fan after I write this). It seemed to be everywhere! Who knew that much pressure could build up from just adding water and shaking?

But of course, as I sighed and half-chuckled at myself, wiped up the batter mess and kept going on Caleb’s pancakes, I got to thinking about that pressure. (I’m never one to miss a spiritual lesson if I can find it – just wish sometimes I would learn these lessons BEFORE the batter is dripping off of my countertop and down my cabinets.)

Because, I think as wives, we deal with a lot of pressure, don’t we? Sometimes I think we’d like to blame others for putting that pressure on us, but in the end, if we’re honest, I think a lot of that pressure comes from ourselves. My husband doesn’t ask for a perfect house – I do. My son doesn’t care about a fancy breakfast or dinner – I’m the one more concerned about the little details than they are. And all of the things I deem so important… if I sat down and wrote out what really was important – well, many of the things I spend time and energy staying focused on probably would not be on that list.

Part of what I struggle with is that pressure doesn’t come at me all at once. It builds up, and it builds up usually because I’ve added too many things and taken on too much. That’s when the pressure becomes obvious but by then, well, it’s PRESSURE. I’m in the thick of it.  And I guess the obvious answer to keeping that pressure from building is to not allow so many things to build up that pressure in the first place.

But what happens when the pressure is already built? Well, somewhere you have to release it. Somehow, you have to lessen it.

Give it to God. Psalm 29:11 says “The Lord gives His people strength;  the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Ideally, we need to give each day to God before it starts. But if you’ve found yourself past that, if you’ve found that you’ve missed a few days and now you’re in a big ole’ pressured pickle – you can still give it to God. And He will help guide you through it.

Start saying no. Learn from the pressure you find yourself in and start saying no to the things that aren’t important. Or learn to ask yourself to look for the great instead of the good. There are LOTS of good things I can do and be involved in; but I’ve learned (over and over I’m sorry to say) that I can’t do all of those good things. So I need to choose the great ones. And be content with greatness. Not consumption or perfection of it all.

Whittle down the list. I think for too long we’ve been told and have told ourselves we can do it all. And we have technology now to help us. But I think we’ve put ourselves on a dangerous slope by believing that. Because if I can do it all, why do I need others? Why do I need to work on relationships? I mean, if I have my smart phone, do I really need anything or anyone else? So I need to whittle down the list of what’s important for this season of my life. Notice I said for this season. You may have dreams of doing things or accomplishing something big for God. But this may not be the season. Your season right now may be to focus your energy and your time on your family. Or on your baby. Or learning to fix dinner so you can save money by not eating out every night. Seasons. Whittle down the list to what fits this season today. And pray about it first. Because your list, and God’s list for you, may be completely different. (I’d go with His, by the way).

So those are just some thoughts I wanted to share. I’m going to be whittling down my list. I’m going to try and learn to say no more. (This is a hard one for me.) And I’m definitely going to remind myself that giving this life to God is a daily requirement – not just when we get around to it, or feel like it.

Question: What’s one thing you can do today to ease the pressure you put on yourself?

 

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Categories : Faith

Guest Post: I’m not “that” mom

By Sara · Comments (3)
Monday, April 16th, 2012

A note from Sara: Happy Monday everyone! I know I need to get back into our weekly challenges, but I think I’m going to delay another week so I can share this wonderful guest blogger, Amanda, with you! I ran across Amanda’s blog, FaithFamilyFriendsLove, this past weekend and LOVED reading her post about realizing that the differences she has as a mom is ok and seeing the value in the talents and gifts God has already given her. I’ve enjoyed reading from lots of wives over the last several months who have embraced the Proverbs 31 wife journey (with a new perspective that includes an attitude of ‘perfection not required’). So I hope to share more of these guest posts and guest bloggers with you over the coming weeks and months because I think one of the greatest encouragements we can receive as women striving to walk in relationship with God while keeping those relationships with our husbands, children and other around us healthy – is to know we’re not alone. So be encouraged today. And know it’s ok to not be “that” mom. 

I’m not “that” mom

By Amanda Johnson
FaithFamilyFriendsLove

Are you ready for another confession?

I’m not “that” mom.

In fact if you are looking for a blog about being a great wife and mom, about being organized, couponing, crafting, cooking… Keep on looking, because that is not me. As much as I would love to be her – I’m not.

You know the kind of women I’m talking about. In fact, maybe you are her. If you are, may God bless you! The mom that is always put together. Hair, clothes, make-up… The mom who plans wonderful meals for her family, and has them ready and on the table when the dear husband gets in from work. The mom who sees awesome crafts on Pinterest and actually recreates them. The mom who is a vital part of the PTA (or is it PTO?). The mom who is a DIYer. Perhaps you are the mom who works outside of the home, and manages the home as well. If you are any one of these, then I salute you! If you are all of them… Well please don’t tell me – I may just cry.

Just kidding… kind of.

You see, I want to be “that” mom. The desire is there. The follow through… not so much.

My hair is wild – there is no hope. Make up, eh… Clothes… sigh. I’ve never been accused of being trendy. (Which is actually quite all right with me! Give me some jeans and a NOTW shirt, and I’m a happy girl!) Getting supper ready before the husband gets home -with a 3 year old “helping” and a (almost) 1 year old getting in the dogs food and water bowl – is not an option. I like the idea of being crafty. There really are some awesome things out there to recreate. Again though, it is the follow through I have issues with. We plan to home school, so I guess I don’t really have to worry about if it is PTA or PTO… The DIYer… yeah, here we go with that follow through again.

I struggle with laziness. It is not something I am proud of. I pray about it daily and seek Gods help. Some people see and do, and I admire you. I see and think, geez that looks like a lot of work and effort.

Sometimes I “blame” it on having two young children. But that is just an excuse. I know it, you know it, let’s just be honest here. I know people with 1, 2, 3…5+ kids at home and are able to accomplish AMAZING things! They cook, clean, sew, make fun crafts with their kids, create cute lunches with the foods made into cute hearts and faces, etc…

However, God has opened my eyes, and used my husband by allowing him to  love me despite my faults, and has used a new translation of the Bible that I LOVE – to guide me so that I’ve learned that yes, part of it is that I am lazy, but another part is – maybe that just isn’t who God created me to be.

While yes, I would love to be one of those women who “Pin” things and actually recreate them – I just pin things in hopes that a family member or friend will be blessed by it. I read blogs and think, I wish I could be an eloquent blogger, and inspire others with my writing, but I can’t even manage to sit down once a month to type some nonsense on this site! And that is OK.

Because God has shown me that I don’t have to be “that” mom. I am the mother and wife that He created me to be. I love my family with every fiber of my being. I love teaching my children about God, and how He loves them so much that He sent His son to die for them. I love encouraging my husband on the good days, and especially on the hard days. I love playing waitress with my little girl. I love chasing my army crawling little boy away from the dogs food and water bowl. I love dancing with my sweet “O” to the tunes of the Go Fish Guys. I love being a VeggieTales Ambassador and sharing the simple truth that “God Made You Special, and He Loves You Very Much” with other young children and their families. I love that my husband and I have a heart for young families, and want to see them thrive in Christ and worship Him together, as a family. I love that God has given us a vision, and we are seeking His guidance in how to bring Him glory through this mission He has placed upon our hearts. I love reading books like “My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife” by Sara Horn and realizing – I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to love God, love my family and trust in Him to guide me each and every day.

Life is not perfect. Life is not easy. It’s hard. It’s messy. It hurts at times. But PRAISE AND GLORY TO MY FATHER IN HEAVEN I have learned that “I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.” Philippians 4:13 – The Voice

No, I’m not “THAT” mom. But really… who is? Let’s not set unrealistic goals. Let’s not judge and envy. No. Let’s learn to be content. Let’s embrace who God created us to be, and run with it. I’ll never be crafty, and that is ok. I’m enjoying the life God has blessed me with. Glory to my Father in Heaven!

Amanda Johnson lives in Texas with her husband, two kids, and their bad dog. She is a stay-at-home mom who loves playing, cooking, camping, kayaking, and hiking. When the Johnson family is not enjoying blueberry muffins and coffee on a Saturday morning, you’ll probably find them at the zoo. Amanda and her husband share a desire to reach families with young children, encouraging them and helping them to grow in Christ as a family. Read her blog at FaithFamilyFriendsLove.

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Categories : Mom-Life

Mama Drama Politics

By Sara · Comments (4)
Thursday, April 12th, 2012


This morning I shook my head as I read the articles popping up on my FB news feed about the battle  between Republican candidate and presumptive presidential GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s wife, Ann Romney and tv pundit and Democratic strategist, Hillary Rosen. Women were quickly  taking sides. (Though, honestly, all I saw was one side. I know, I don’t have a very diverse group of friends. But I like it that way. That’s why they’re my friends. But I digress…)

A lot of moms who work at home got greatly offended at Hillary’s comment she made last night on CNN that stated because Ann Romney chose to be a stay-at-home mom, she’d “never worked a day in her life.” I could understand. Some of the hardest working women I know don’t necessarily have a name plate in an office somewhere. But they have the word “Mom” drawn all over pictures hanging on their fridge. And they’ll tell you, they work hard.

It was a poor choice of words for Hillary. And she has since apologized for them. But she’s not the first to compare women to each other.

We compare ourselves to others and others to ourselves just as much.

You only have to look at FB or Twitter to see what I mean. Sometimes it’s subtle – sometimes it’s not. But we’re comparing. We’re pointing out our differences. Constantly. In the articles we post, the word-photos we tag, the statuses and the tweets we write. Except it’s not just about working moms and stay-at-home moms (isn’t that really so 1980s?). Now it’s breast feeding or not breast feeding, all natural foods or um, not-natural foods, home-schooling or not home-schooling. I once mentioned online some frustrations I was having with my son’s school and instantly I had 3 home school moms comment how they didn’t have those problems because they home school. Good for them, but not exactly helpful to me. I would never tell a home school mom who’s stressing over which curriculum to choose for their kids – “oh, wow, see I don’t have to worry about that because my kid’s teacher does that for me.”

I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of women over the last six or so years, in person and online. And let me tell you – we are all different! Some of us are VERY different. But I am amazed by our differences as well as our similarities. And that’s what I really want to talk about in this post. Because as different as most of us moms are from one another, there are a few things we all share.

1. We love our kids.

Sure, some of us may have the patience of gnats when it comes to our kids (or they might say they have kids who have the attention spans of gnats, thereby the lack of patience on their part), but most of us love our kids. We’d do anything for our kids. And that is one thing we share as moms. Whether we work outside the home or we work at home – we love our kids. We do what we need to do for our kids. And that’s all that really should matter.

2. We want to be good moms.

I don’t think any of us start out as moms saying “I’d like to be the worst mom I can be.” We want to be good moms. Maybe we want to be just like our moms. Or, maybe for some of us, we want to be better than our moms. But we want to make a difference with our kids. We want to help them and support them and see that they have a great life, a great start to life, and a great chance to be whatever it is they’re supposed to be.  So let’s support each other instead of tearing one another down. Let’s recognize we all have different callings. We have different approaches. But we all share the one thing in common. We’re moms… and we’d really like to be good moms. So let’s encourage each other. And give each other high-fives when we do something great (not slights or the occasional one-up comment like “oh, your child is walking at 12 months? My child started walking at 8 months and a month later she’s now reading Harry Potter books!”) , and hugs when we’ve messed up (not more salt for our wounds). ‘Cause chances are, we’re going to do both. Many, many times.

3. We’re looking for help.

As moms, we recognize that we need help! Why else do you think all of these mom blogs are popular? Why else do you think “pinning” is now the new “posting”? Why else are recipe and meal planning websites are all the rage, as well as money-saving blogs that teach us how to spend 25 cents and feed a family of four for a week? (I exaggerate… but barely.) We want help. We want to show love to our kids and we want to be good moms. And for those of us who have a relationship with God, He’s the one we turn to for our daily help – or at least we should be. I pray for myself as a mom often – but how often do I pray for the other moms I know? Probably not as often as I need to.

When you look at the big picture of how this world is moving and what’s at stake – arguing over who is working harder really is pointless. Because we’re all working hard.

So let the politicians point their fingers and try to make their points – political and otherwise. But don’t let them drag you into the fray. Instead, support each other. Love on each other. Be kind to each other.

As moms, we can all use  some of that.

 

“Strength  and honor are her clothing,

and she can laugh at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom

and loving instruction  is on her tongue.

She watches over the activities of her household

and is never idle.

28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.

Her husband also praises her… (Proverbs 31:25-28)

Share with us: What do you LOVE about being a mom? 
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