Hi Everyone,
My apologies for being MIA again. I'm going to try really hard to not let so much time go in between my posts. With that being said I'm going to jump right on in to today's post. So for a while now my husband and I have been trying to figure out ways to help our son Joshua focus better at school. He will be 7 in a couple months but even as a baby the kid has always been very energetic. He is a very passionate boy but has tons of energy and sometimes that could work against him especially in school. Of course through the years we have heard terms like ADD and ADHD but we were warned by professionals that people are going to try and say he has that because of his energy. He is a boy and lets face it, most little boys don't sit still and read books all day. He wants to play, build Lego's, and play outside for hours. When we got to the elementary school level we were told that Joshua did have trouble focusing at times in subjects that he did not love. For instance, reading. That did not come easy to him and he is a lot like his momma. If he couldn't get it quickly he just got frustrated. I could totally relate, as I watched him over time I had to remind myself to pray and encourage him through it.
In the meantime we started to go to a Chiropractor to get regular adjustments for our overall health and for Joshua b/c I had been told to try it for his focus/concentration. After we had been going for a couple weeks I mentioned to our Chiropractor about Joshua's behavior at school and asked if there was anything we could do. Naturally. My husband and I were pretty adamant about trying everything we could before Joshua would ever go on medication. I'm NOT saying that is the right choice for everyone. Every parent and child are their own unit and need to make those decisions themselves. We just knew in our hearts Joshua was not going to just be put on meds for an easy solution to focusing. So we spoke to our Chiropractor about it and the first thing he asked was about his diet. Joshua is a very picky eater so I normally have to sneak in the fruits and veggies in foods he would normally eat. Like cauliflower in his scrambled eggs. He asked if Joshua ate/drank a lot of dairy. Interesting I thought in my mind, Yes his diet is about 75% dairy b/c it happens to be things he likes. That was the first problem...dairy! We were advised to take dairy out of his diet. I didn't even hesitate on this b/c I had heard someone else say it to me. The next day all the milk/cheese/eggs were finished and the entire family switched to Almond Milk and dairy free diets. I was shocked at how on board everyone was. My kids actually LOVE almond milk and don't even think twice about the switch. I'm not saying my kids won't have pizza on occasion or other foods with dairy but they won't be eating dairy on a daily basis anymore. We also have been juicing. It is incredible to see the juices my kids will drink. Joshua will drink apple/carrot juice right from the juicer each morning and head out the door. He is not even hungry like he used to be mid morning. His teacher has told me that. So we have now been doing this for about 2 months.
In addition to switching his diet we have also put him in Tae Kwon Doe..also recommended from another parent who's son is very similar to Joshua. This has been one of the best decisions we could have made. He loves it and does so well in class. He is focused, respectful and continues to want to try his best so he can test for his next belt. It is amazing what it has done for his confidence to. Amazing.
I write all this to tell you that this morning I received and email from one of his teachers. His reading teacher which to be honest when I saw who it was from I was nervous. She told me she has seen an incredible improvement in Joshua's behavior and focus. His entire attitude towards learning has changed and she wants to know all the specifics to what we have been doing the last 2 months with him. She thinks it is something she could share with other parents so that they could give it a try. I jumped all over that b/c I would love to help other parents the way our Chiropractor and others have helped us. I was beyond thrilled to get this email today and I could not wait to forward it to our Chiropractor and call my husband at work. God just showed me in that email to keep pressing forward and do what we need to for Joshua..and Gianna for that matter.
I knew these changes would take effort on my part. Getting up extra early to juice for him, or running around more than normal to Tae Kwon Do 4 times a week..not b/c he has to but b/c he wants to go every chance his class is offered. For my child I'm willing to do anything. It is a blessing to have a husband who is right on board with all this and willing to do extra to make sure we do all we can for our kids. We have all noticed a huge difference in Joshua and I'm so thankful I reached out to ask others and got the help I did.
It is not easy raising children and it is not easy getting emails or calls every other week informing you that your child is struggling in certain areas. I knew Joshua could do the work but he needed to believe in himself and just focus.
We pray with Joshua and he falls asleep to Christian music every night. Those words soak in his brain as he falls asleep and he wakes up singing such joyous words. His whole attitude has changed. For this momma it has been a huge blessing to watching this transformation.
My mind is all over the place but hopefully you were able to understand. If you want to know more specifics to what we have been doing or have a child you would like me to pray for please do not hesitate to let me know. I am here to pray for you and for them! Try to not to get frustrated with your child. They are not meant to be cookie cutter and God made them exactly the way they are. Love them for who they are and just pray!
Thank you for reading and sharing in my excitement that came in that one simple email...changed my entire day :-)
Love and prayers,
Darea
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
When I say, "I am a Christian" Poem By Carol Wimmer
Love this poem...had to share with you! There are many "Christians" our there, so just to clarify on the kind I am..all about Jesus, serving Him, loving others and NEVER coming off as though I'm better then anyone else. We are all sinners...I am saved by His grace and just striving to be a better me every day.
Poem
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek His name
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek His name
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved
Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer
Friday, December 23, 2011
Letter from Jesus...
There are so many things I've wanted to write about but when I read this earlier today I knew it was a must to re-post on the blog and let it speak for itself :-)
Letter from Jesus about Christmas:
"It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most
easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember"
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember"
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I'm back :-)
I apologize for not blogging in months!! Life has been great here in the Hastie household. We had a wonderful summer and fall filled with spending time with family, friends and creating memories that will last forever!
Sept came and was filled with some craziness. You know how that goes, orientations and open house for the pre-schooler, then getting the elementary school child back in the groove of homework, going to sleep early and getting ready on time. It is all fabulous but I feel like after September we could all use a vacation, lol. The end of October brought lots of excitement. My mom got married and it happened to occur on the only snow storm of the season so far! Definitely a wedding we will all never forget :-)
Here we are now, December and so excited for Christmas. My kids are having so much fun this year celebrating all aspects of this season. From decorating the tree, house, singing Christmas songs, playing with their Little People's Nativity set, and telling everyone about baby Jesus. My son was going around his room this morning looking for this one toy car that he just received for Christmas from family this past weekend. He said he wanted to give it to one of his friends at school. My reply was "Joshua, why are you doing that, you just got it." And shame on me b/c his response was "Mom this is what Christmas is all about. Giving to others and telling them about Jesus' birthday." His heart amazes me every single day. He might be one of the most energetic 6 year old's I know but his heart is so pure and his actions are so sweet. I think this time of year is amazing if we take the time to enjoy it and not run around all the time. Sometimes it takes a child to bring it all back into perspective for us. It is about loving others, spending time with people and celebrating the birth of Christ! I'm excited to bake a cake with my kids this weekend for Jesus' birthday. Every year when we wake up Christmas morning we come down to the kitchen, light the candles and sing Happy Birthday, Jesus! We have been doing it since Joshua was born and he looks forward to it every year. He gets that it's not about presents (although, don't get me wrong he loves receiving them) eating candy canes, or even Santa. Often we forget what it's really about. This past Sunday Joshua sang with some of the children in our church and every time I hear the words I get tears in my eyes. Here is part of it
So whatever you are doing or celebrating this season, take the time to look around you, enjoy the moment and if the one gift you wanted to buy hasn't been don't worry..time spent with the ones you love means more then any gift you could possibly buy in a store! If you don't think so just ask any 30 year old what they got for Christmas when they were 8...most likely won't remember but they will remember if Mommy or Daddy (or whoever was their guardian) was spending time with them while they were growing up!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love and prayers,
Darea
Sept came and was filled with some craziness. You know how that goes, orientations and open house for the pre-schooler, then getting the elementary school child back in the groove of homework, going to sleep early and getting ready on time. It is all fabulous but I feel like after September we could all use a vacation, lol. The end of October brought lots of excitement. My mom got married and it happened to occur on the only snow storm of the season so far! Definitely a wedding we will all never forget :-)
Here we are now, December and so excited for Christmas. My kids are having so much fun this year celebrating all aspects of this season. From decorating the tree, house, singing Christmas songs, playing with their Little People's Nativity set, and telling everyone about baby Jesus. My son was going around his room this morning looking for this one toy car that he just received for Christmas from family this past weekend. He said he wanted to give it to one of his friends at school. My reply was "Joshua, why are you doing that, you just got it." And shame on me b/c his response was "Mom this is what Christmas is all about. Giving to others and telling them about Jesus' birthday." His heart amazes me every single day. He might be one of the most energetic 6 year old's I know but his heart is so pure and his actions are so sweet. I think this time of year is amazing if we take the time to enjoy it and not run around all the time. Sometimes it takes a child to bring it all back into perspective for us. It is about loving others, spending time with people and celebrating the birth of Christ! I'm excited to bake a cake with my kids this weekend for Jesus' birthday. Every year when we wake up Christmas morning we come down to the kitchen, light the candles and sing Happy Birthday, Jesus! We have been doing it since Joshua was born and he looks forward to it every year. He gets that it's not about presents (although, don't get me wrong he loves receiving them) eating candy canes, or even Santa. Often we forget what it's really about. This past Sunday Joshua sang with some of the children in our church and every time I hear the words I get tears in my eyes. Here is part of it
Such sacrifice and love! What a blessing that God made a way for you and me to the cross...I know I don't deserve the forgiveness and grace that I get every single day from Him. As I think about the hard times I have faced whether in the last year or in life in general nothing will ever compare to what Jesus went through on that cross for me!
So whatever you are doing or celebrating this season, take the time to look around you, enjoy the moment and if the one gift you wanted to buy hasn't been don't worry..time spent with the ones you love means more then any gift you could possibly buy in a store! If you don't think so just ask any 30 year old what they got for Christmas when they were 8...most likely won't remember but they will remember if Mommy or Daddy (or whoever was their guardian) was spending time with them while they were growing up!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love and prayers,
Darea
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Jealousy...A reality we all deal with in one way or another
"Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value. Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point - that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you. There is only one alternative - self-value. If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved. You will always think it's a mistake or luck. Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within. Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences. Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security. Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them." ~Jennifer James
It always surprises me how people assume things or judge you when they aren't even your friend. If people looked within themselves then maybe they could stop making assumptions about other people's lives. Sad really...if all they want to do is talk (without having an ounce of factual information) then I actually feel sorry for them! Once again..all you can do is pray for people like that. This quote explains a lot about what I was going to talk about so I figured I'd just leave it at that! Again, so glad the only approval in life I need is from my Heavenly Father :-)
Love and Prayers,
Darea
It always surprises me how people assume things or judge you when they aren't even your friend. If people looked within themselves then maybe they could stop making assumptions about other people's lives. Sad really...if all they want to do is talk (without having an ounce of factual information) then I actually feel sorry for them! Once again..all you can do is pray for people like that. This quote explains a lot about what I was going to talk about so I figured I'd just leave it at that! Again, so glad the only approval in life I need is from my Heavenly Father :-)
Love and Prayers,
Darea
Friday, May 13, 2011
Not a competition..
Almost six years ago I began a journey no one could have prepared me for...Being a mom! A wonderful but hard job that I would never give up! God has blessed me with two wonderful children who right now are 2 1/2 and almost 6. Not the easiest of ages but I really am enjoying watching them grow and explore life. I have to say though I would not be the mom I am without all of my other mommy friends out there to turn to. Not just the moms who are my age..mom's that I turn to of all ages who either have little ones themselves right now or those who have raised them and they are now living on their own.
What I love about my friends is that we all love and are there for each other no matter what. Through the smiles and the tears b/c lets face it parenting is not just all about the joy. We might not all parent the same or even live life the same but we all have our kids best interest at heart. I have friends who were able to breastfeed and did so till they were comfortable, I have friends who could not or were not comfortable. I have some friends that let their children "cry it out" and others who chose not to. I have friends who put their kids in nursery school starting at 2 1/2 and I have others that waited till a year before Kindergarten and friends that home-school. Guess what, NO ONE has all the answers and no one does everything the same way. We are our OWN child's parent and as long as you are comfortable doing what you do it is not up to anyone else to make us feel guilty or as though our parenting style is wrong. If you want to put your child in time out or take away toys as a form of discipline then guess what, you do what works for your child. None of us are made a like so what makes us think our children would be. I have two kids, a boy and a girl and they couldn't be more different. They have very strong personalities but they respond to discipline differently. My daughter understands time out while my son has to get something he loves taken away. This is just what works for us. I only answer to God, not anyone else.
I'm thankful for the other mommy's/friends in my life that I correspond with and get wisdom from. There are many of you and you know who you are ;-) We don't have to go through the tough moments alone. Only we understand "Mommy brain" or the exhaustion that comes from bringing home a newborn, or dealing with the terrible 2's & 3's .
I also find that sometimes people think life is a competition between their children. One thing I will never announce is my child's grades. I will simply state they did well or that I'm happy with their report cards (if that) but publicly that is all you will get. If they do great they will know I'm proud and if they try their hardest and don't do so well then I will still let them know I'm proud. There is so much pressure on kids today that the last thing they need is for us to add to it. I'm not talking about encouraging our child to do their best, I'm talking about making them feel like they aren't good enough for not getting A's. I've seen all too well what can come of parents that do that. Even when I was in H.S. I saw what those pressures did to people around me. If you think about it, when was the last time someone asked you your GPA in high school or college (and I don't mean those who are applying to schools) No one cares that I got B's in high school. I tried my best and had a great time in high school/college. I have a lot of fond memories that can never be taken away. You cannot get those days back. My mom never once made me feel bad for bring home a B. If I needed extra help in a subject she made sure I got it but never ever made me feel bad for not getting straight A's. Thank you mom for that..means more then you ever realized!!
I simply write this b/c it doesn't matter if your child walks before mine, or if yours talks before mine, or if yours can hit a home run before mine. I will be excited for such accomplishments no matter who does it when. I LOVE the support I have all around me. I don't even have all my close friends in the same state as me but they are a quick, call, email or FB chat away. I love that I don't get judged but rather given great advice when I'm not sure what to do. Parenting is hard enough without others making it harder. No child is perfect..some people might think theirs are but the reality is, there is no such thing! I hope if you are a parent reading this that you have a great support around you and if not I'd love to get to know you more. Life is so short, enjoy the moments you have with your children and know there is someone out there if you need to talk :-)
Love and prayers to you all,
Darea ...One Blessed Mommy!
What I love about my friends is that we all love and are there for each other no matter what. Through the smiles and the tears b/c lets face it parenting is not just all about the joy. We might not all parent the same or even live life the same but we all have our kids best interest at heart. I have friends who were able to breastfeed and did so till they were comfortable, I have friends who could not or were not comfortable. I have some friends that let their children "cry it out" and others who chose not to. I have friends who put their kids in nursery school starting at 2 1/2 and I have others that waited till a year before Kindergarten and friends that home-school. Guess what, NO ONE has all the answers and no one does everything the same way. We are our OWN child's parent and as long as you are comfortable doing what you do it is not up to anyone else to make us feel guilty or as though our parenting style is wrong. If you want to put your child in time out or take away toys as a form of discipline then guess what, you do what works for your child. None of us are made a like so what makes us think our children would be. I have two kids, a boy and a girl and they couldn't be more different. They have very strong personalities but they respond to discipline differently. My daughter understands time out while my son has to get something he loves taken away. This is just what works for us. I only answer to God, not anyone else.
I'm thankful for the other mommy's/friends in my life that I correspond with and get wisdom from. There are many of you and you know who you are ;-) We don't have to go through the tough moments alone. Only we understand "Mommy brain" or the exhaustion that comes from bringing home a newborn, or dealing with the terrible 2's & 3's .
I also find that sometimes people think life is a competition between their children. One thing I will never announce is my child's grades. I will simply state they did well or that I'm happy with their report cards (if that) but publicly that is all you will get. If they do great they will know I'm proud and if they try their hardest and don't do so well then I will still let them know I'm proud. There is so much pressure on kids today that the last thing they need is for us to add to it. I'm not talking about encouraging our child to do their best, I'm talking about making them feel like they aren't good enough for not getting A's. I've seen all too well what can come of parents that do that. Even when I was in H.S. I saw what those pressures did to people around me. If you think about it, when was the last time someone asked you your GPA in high school or college (and I don't mean those who are applying to schools) No one cares that I got B's in high school. I tried my best and had a great time in high school/college. I have a lot of fond memories that can never be taken away. You cannot get those days back. My mom never once made me feel bad for bring home a B. If I needed extra help in a subject she made sure I got it but never ever made me feel bad for not getting straight A's. Thank you mom for that..means more then you ever realized!!
I simply write this b/c it doesn't matter if your child walks before mine, or if yours talks before mine, or if yours can hit a home run before mine. I will be excited for such accomplishments no matter who does it when. I LOVE the support I have all around me. I don't even have all my close friends in the same state as me but they are a quick, call, email or FB chat away. I love that I don't get judged but rather given great advice when I'm not sure what to do. Parenting is hard enough without others making it harder. No child is perfect..some people might think theirs are but the reality is, there is no such thing! I hope if you are a parent reading this that you have a great support around you and if not I'd love to get to know you more. Life is so short, enjoy the moments you have with your children and know there is someone out there if you need to talk :-)
Love and prayers to you all,
Darea ...One Blessed Mommy!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Two gifts in my life...
I have always loved the saying "We might not have it all together but together we have it all." This couldn't be more true about my sisters and I. The three of us are so different but yet are as close as can be. I will always remember riding on the bus to camp every summer together for over 8 years, enjoying our Saturday morning bagel time, swimming in our pool until it was dark outside..(as we got older, Joy kicking us out so she could hang with friends, lol), Jodi singing under my door when she knew she hurt my feelings..could never stay upset after that, and of course getting ourselves through some of the hard times we faced together as well. In life there are always highs and lows. However, it was in those hard times that the three of us grew the most and then became the closest.
As we grew up my mom always said to us "If you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything, or it's not what you say but how you say it." That certainly came out a lot through our teenage years ;-) Despite how we were towards each other you knew that if someone else spoke badly about another we had each others back. You can say whatever you want about me but when you say something about one of them expect me not to keep my mouth quiet. I get so tired of people feeling it is their duty to judge other people, or think they know what they are talking about when they speak about anther persons, life, relationships, finances, parenting styles, jobs, vacation destinations, what one chooses to eat. I'm so not kidding either. Do people just have nothing else better going on in their own lives? I have come to the conclusion that if people want to talk about others in such ways it is because they are jealous or that they have issues of their own they are not secure with. So now my sisters and I just pray for those that "talk behind our backs." Its funny how they talk behind our backs but yet somehow we still know they are..not very good about keeping it behind our backs ;-) You can look us up and down and put whatever judgements you want on us..we know who we are and we know that we only answer to God!! If you are friends with any of us you know we are real, honest and what you see is what you get. There is no show here.
God definitely made us sisters but love made us friends. I love the two of them more then words can express. I know we have been through some tough times and even when we didn't realize it God had a plan all along. People often tell us, "For children who have come from divorced parents, you and your sisters really have adjusted well." I personally never accepted that stereotype that if your parents are divorced or you come from a "broken home", which don't get me started on that phrase, that we would end up with problems. Sure we each have our own insecurities or downfalls but guess what, who doesn't? We are all responsible for our own actions regardless of where we have come from. Divorced parents or not I think my sisters and I should be proud of who we are. More importantly we should be proud of our mom for raising us the way she did. None of us are perfect and we never pretend to be. In fact if you spend any amount of time with all of us you will definitely find us picking on or making fun of each other for those things..all in love of course. I know my sisters have my back and I hope they know I will ALWAYS have theirs.
God made no mistakes by putting the three of us in the family we are in. I wouldn't trade anything we have gone through to be in another family. We are all stronger, wiser and have more of an appreciation for each other b/c of what we have been through. God has been so good to us. I thank him every day for putting me in the middle of my very smart organized older sister and my very free spirited, sarcastic younger sister. I'd like to think I'm the balance of the two ;-) Love you both!!
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