Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Armor and Earplugs

I showed one of my local HSing friends the magazine cover that my sons and I made up yesterday.  Her first question was, "Did you write the articles, too?"

Hmm.  No, I didn't.  But I could, right?  So, today, welcome to the first article from Knights Becoming magazine. ;)

Armor and Earplugs

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

... Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-11, 13-17

Oh, how often I try to be strong on my own two feet and the strength of my gradually slowing body!

I have been blessed with three energetic little boys (and a quiet little girl!) who keep me on my toes at all times.  Just today, I had to run across a mown-down cornfield to catch my two-year-old son.  Did I mention that this was while I was carrying a backpack and after I had already run across a pretty good expanse of grass?  Oh, and the cornfield was muddy and wet.  You get the picture.

By the time I caught up to my gleefully fleeing son, I was out of breath and out of patience.  I was also out of time, as I could hear my daughter wailing for mommy to come back... NOW.  My chief mischief maker (aka Son #3) was not yet done with his game and thought the next field over looked like a good idea.  Fortunately, my reflexes were faster than my running shoes and I caught him before he took off again.  Much to his indignation, I hauled him up on my shoulder like a sack of grain and trudged back to my other waiting children.

After loading them all into the car, fastening car seats, and handing out snacks and drinks for the drive home, I was able to take a breather for just a second.  It hit me: I am not young anymore.  I am by no means middle-aged, either, but that little jaunt took a lot of energy out of me.  We're not just talking physical energy, either.  Emotionally I was a bit worn down (babies squalling tend to do that to a person); spiritually I was in need of a long drink of spiritual water.

This would be the time that my children decided to sing "John Jacob Jingleheimer Smith" at the top of their precious little lungs.

I don't really own earplugs. I wouldn't dare use them if I did, because I'd miss those frightening little silences in my home that mean my children are up to something they'd really rather I didn't know about.  But I am learning to put in little mental earplugs occasionally and just let the noise go.  I notice I do a better job with these imaginary earplugs on the days when I've had a good dose of spiritual renewal.  Time spent in prayer, Bible study, and just treasuring God provides me a helmet (better than a hard head) to deal with my stubborn little boys.  It gives me a sword to cut through all the "stuff" the world feeds us about how to deal with our children so I'm more likely to deal with them in a Godly manner.  It gives me a wonderful shield from, well, "John Jacob Jingleheimer Smith" sung full volume (and off-key) in an enclosed space.  It gives me peace, rather than anger, righteousness rather than self-righteousness, and truth rather than defeat.

I did eventually have to ask the boys to quiet down (hey, their sister was trying to sleep!), but I was able to do it in a loving manner-- and I wasn't mad.  Had I tried to deal with it on my own strength, I would have failed.  But thanks to a little armor and some virtual earplugs, our ride home was loud, but peaceful.

Contest at DANDELION SEEDS...

8:46 AM, Mar. 10, 2006 .. Posted by DandelionSeeds

Thanks for sharing this...

Also, wanted to let you know that I've posted a new "BOOT CAMP" and contest. Stop by and leave a comment sharing how your school year is going and you're automatically entered.

Blessings,
Amy

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9:14 AM, Mar. 10, 2006 .. Posted by Stacy

I came across your blog while looking at others. You said you used to live in Chatham. Where do you live now? I live in Springfield.

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10:47 AM, Mar. 10, 2006 .. Posted by ChathamMommy

I'm in Springfield now, too. :) Thanks for stopping by!

CM

awesome article...

12:17 PM, Mar. 10, 2006 .. Posted by SupComTabz

I could see it, feel it and really relate to it (even though I'm not a mother myself, I have chased my fair share of little ones across large distances. My favorite memory of this was chasing two five year olds through our massive sanctuary, my church seats about 5,000). Since the church was huge and older (it was built in the 1930's I believe. The rows are pretty tight to get through, so I was banging my thigh and hip trying to get to the two run aways. Luckily I cornered both of them and got them back to the class room in record time.

I'm sure you already know this, but treasure these moments because they don't last forever. Even though I'm sure you were more than frustrated at the moment I envy you being able to run down a little one! :) I am not married yet, but can't wait to have my own kids!

Thanks for sharing, your writing style and sound is very enjoyable to read. :) I definatly have to friend you and come back and read more of the adventures!

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10:14 PM, Mar. 10, 2006 .. Posted by DandelionSeeds

Tee hee... yes, the magnets can be bought... we're in the process of getting that going, but my hubby is putting up another site for that... we didn't want the blog to look like an "ad"... what's happens on the blog needs to be from the heart and not looking for money (or so we feel) so........... I'll be sure to let you know when that gets up. There's going to be lots of spiritual magnets which make great gifts as well as helping children (and adults) remember verses!

Thanks for stopping by!
Amy