Queenies Little Kingdom

I haven't actually spoken the number 46 out loud regarding my birthday last Friday. But I thought it'd be safe to say it here, I mean…who cares really? Heck, I don't even mind being that old young! I'm sure everyone feels about the same on birthdays. Nostalgic, hopeful & grateful.

I know I'm not that old but I am old enough to know… There's no going back! Short dresses & cutesy styles have left the building. It's time to face it and dress/act my age. Which quite honestly is old enough to be a grandmother, I know this not because of my children's young adult ages but because many of my classmates are proudly posting pic's of their own sweet grand babies all over Facebook. Oh me!! Let me see 50 something first, Lord. I'm not ready and neither are my "still under my care" kids!!

What can you do when your kids make big time choices that affect not only their life but yours too?

Don't own it.  The choices they make are theirs.

Let them be responsible for the choice.  We do no favors for our kids by trying to bail them out.

Don't take it personally.  You most likely weren't even on their mind when they made the choice.

This, coming from a certified helicopter mom.  The decisions my kids make are just that, theirs.  Over the years, I've trained myself to swoop in and rescue, the results of that behavior are ugly.  It makes for lazy, irresponsible people.  The opposite of what I wished for while lovingly raising my brood.

Now, I'm in a sort of retraining period.  Don't worry though…they seem to be getting it.  It's good for me (and them) if I keep these truths in perspective and remain solid on the difference between their choices and mine.  My attitude, and yours does not have to suffer because of loving our kids to the max.

One more thing.  Poor decisions still affect us (parents).  Just remember, they have to learn….just like we did!

If this 31 days doesn't end soon the devil is sure to run out of ways to flub me up!  Something new, everyday!

It's a beautiful fall day where I am right now (in Indiana). The wind is blowing and the bright leaves are flying all around. Which makes perfect sense when that all too familiar sound happened a few minutes ago and the house went silent. Big tree falling on power line equals no electricity and where I live, it could be a while before we see light.  No need to rush, you see.

 Now, now let's not make a mountain out of a molehill, right?  [I’m talking strictly to me].  I'm just thinking ahead.  My evening plans included the next NEW episode of Revenge (how befitting, right?) and if this power isn't back on….I might flip!  Or lose it.  Or totally get all bent out of shape.  I mean, come on…who likes to be inconvenienced?  Nobody!  Especially on the very last night of a great fall break!  This whole debacle brings to mind, little things that threaten to steal your joy.

How do you handle your attitude when stupid little inconveniences keep interrupting your life?

I confess, it gets under my skin. That's just how I'm wired. I wish it weren't that way and my family probably wishes it even more. My attitude often shows the moment there's trouble!  Why? Why? Why?

Maybe it's just me, eh?

Scripture is a great source in helping me stay on course when frustrations come my way. I like memorizing God's word and I can't tell you how many times Bible verses have literally bailed me out of a personal slump.  I don't want to give you the idea that I only use them for troubled times but in keeping an attitude worthy of honoring Christ, scripture is a lifesaver!

My tip for hanging on to your dignity today instead of wigging out when your attitude is shaky.

SCRIPTURE!

Read it.
Repeat it.
Hide it.
Write it.
Share it.
Believe it.

Scripture has power and I can't think of anything I need more when I'm on the edge of a meltdown. Take my word, God will clear a path where there seems no way to pass. Even the little things that nag for your attention will seem silly. All because of God's calming word!

Ps. 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Ps. 56:3 – When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

Ps. 51:10 – Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

John 12:27 – Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

 **Update**

It's 10:45am on Monday (15th) and my house is still out of power.  It was interesting this morning getting ready for back to school after a great break away.  But my attitude….it's admittedly hanging by a thread.  Considering how I just spent over $300 restocking my refridgerator/freezer this weekend.  Everything…is melting!