The Jackson Family Online

It’s Sunday afternoon…another huge pile of laundry is almost finished. I always think that I’ll stay on top of it throughout the week, but the next thing you know five loads are piled up on the basement floor it seems. I need to clean my front room today. Everything else is in pretty good shape. Yesterday I took the time to go through some of LYdia’s clothes, she’s been growing so her pants, shorts were needing to be gone through, and I went through my kitchen as well…got rid of some dishes that I never use, just don’t see the point in hanging on to it if it’s never going to be used. Then the girls and i went through all of our jewelry (nothing of any great value mind you:)…you know how it is with girls you acquire quite a pile of bracelets, earrings and other stuff…so we were able to get rid of a good amount of the rubble and now can actually see what is left in an organized fashion. I’ve basically decided that while we’re not adding anymore stuff…we’re also going to pitch some stuff along the way and in the end probably end up about where we need to be.
Today Pastor Mark talked about money…about materialism, tithing, etc. I was glad that God had already been addressing the stuff issue in our life so it just felt like confirmation rather than condemnation. I’m starting to give Lauren an allowance, she really wants to have more responsibility in that area so decided it was probably time. She’s never lacked for anything…but she’s at a point where she would like to save, spend and be responsibile more for handling the whole process. I’m sure that it’s something that she’s ready for in fact probably would’ve been ready sooner than now, but better late than never.
This morning in sunday school we talked about Moses, the story of Joshua fighting the battle and them winning whenever Moses arms were up in the air…and how Aaron and Hurr had to come along and help him keep his arms up. We were supposed to think through who we identified with in the story…I found myself identifiying with Aaron and Hurr, I don’t feel like I’m in an intense battle at this moment, I don’t really see myself in a Moses position of leadership…but I do feel that God wants and needs for me to notice those around me who need encouragement and help holding their arms up that are in leadership. So…I’ll do my best.
Lauren’s sunday school class is going to bring questions next week, any question that they want Matthew (their teacher) to try and explain. Her question that she wants to ask is “How do I know that I’m going to heaven?” Ah…I remember that struggle when I was her age. Trust is something that grows over time. I asked her…”well how do you know that you’re going to Europe this summer” to which she replied…”I don’t”. I asked her if I’ve ever said we were going to go someplace before and then we didn’t…it hasn’t happened. I asked her if she trusted me when I made a promise. And then we talked about God making our “travel arrangements” for us and how we can trust Him. His promises are not empty. I didn’t try to resolve the whole issue for her. I think it’s one of those that every person has to work out with some fear and trembling. But I’m glad that at least when it was brought up in class today she had a question come to her mind…at least her mind is engaged.
Lydia is currently in her room for an extended period. She is like a wild stallion sometimes. And she’s 11 years old. I try to imagine what it will be like when she’s 15. I get weary of trying to break her in. I’ve made statements to her that are strong but I feel like I’m constantly having to call her bluff, to yank her chain, to remind her of who’s in charge. I feel that if I can’t get her to understand that basic concept…than how will she ever be able to obey God, to submit to His will in her life. We seem to go around this mountain every weekend lately. I guess it’s just the stage of life we’re in.
Anyway, no big plans for the big game tonight. I think we’re actually going to just stay at home, relax, and probably have an early to bed. It’s just not that big of a deal to me. I didn’t even know who was playing in the game until Lauren told me this morning. I’ll probably try to catch the half time show…although I have no idea who’s performing.
Hope your Sunday is great!
Love,
Ruth