All At Once or Individually

In my lifetime, I've noticed that if you're going through something bad or having a real trying time. Usually, you're not the only one. When I was little, I had in my head. That bad or sad things only happened to one person at a time, so God could help one person at a time. Yes, I know...I was an interesting kid. I was raised to know that God helped everyone and was there for everyone at all times, any time and all at one time. I was raised in a Christian home. And I knew these things. Why did I have that in my head? Well, for one my brain never stops working. I'm always thinking, doing, thinking and doing. If something is making sense, I'll change it so I can figure it out. Or if something doesn't make sense, I'll try hard to figure it out.

Back to my point. I figured that if we all had trials, bad or sad times at different times. Then we could help each other through it. We could focus on that one friend or family member. Get them through this ordeal and then wait for the next person to take care of. Of course....doesn't that make sense?

Yeah, there's a few problems with my theory. First, God is an Almighty God. We serve Him and do things to glorify Him. And He has such amazing and awesome powers. That we can never fully understand how awesome He is. We're not meant to understand or "figure" God out. If we were that close to understanding Him or figuring Him out. We would be Him. And you know that will never happen, nor do we want that to happen. But He has such amazing powers that He can help everyone at the same time. And we need to lean on Him in good and bad times. We need to know that He is there, no matter what.

I've always taught my kids and my teens at church.That God does allow bad things to happen. Alot of people blame Satan for all bad things. But God does allow bad things to happen. Why? Think back in a time in your life when something bad happened, you got bad news, you got really sick, you lost your job or a loved one. What is something you most likely did first? You prayed! You prayed for God to heal you, you prayed for God to make things better. We've all done it. I sure have! When Sept 11th, 2001 happened, people were angry and sad. They wanted to know why this happened? Why wasn't God there for them? Guess what people? He was there! Yes, I said it...you read it correctly. After 9/11, church attendance rose and American Flags went up. A country based on Christianity and people finally needed God again. We wanted God in our lives after that, we wanted Him to love us, guide us and make us understand what happened. But most important we became closer to Him. We were thanking God for keeping our loved ones safe, thanking God that we had soldiers willing to lay their lives on the line for us. Thanking God that we still had our freedoms as an American citizen. Because we were scared, because we did loose loved ones and because someone tried to kill the American spirit. We became closer to Him.

He does and will take care of all of us at one time, individually and on His terms and time. But when we're going through hard times or sad times together and someone else is going through hard times or sad times. We become a stronger unit. We take the knowledge and strength God gives us and we help each other through it. Most important, we depend on Him even more. He wants us to depend on Him, He wants us to come closer to Him. And if He has to allow something traumatic to happen. Then He will.

We all have different names, different looks, different temperaments and different problems. But God is our link and God will bring us together and will always bring us closer to Him. He'll do it all at once or individually.

The Difference Between Boys & Girls and Moms & Dads

Here in the Shenandoah Valley, specifically Rockingham County,Virginia we raise some tough kids. On one hand, we like our girls sugary sweet, with bows in their hair and a little twinkle in their eyes. But on the other hand, we expect them to learn what being a Southern country girl is all about. We work on farms with the guys, we drive big trucks lifted so getting in and out can sometimes be a challenge. We can wrestle with the cows and calves like the rest of them. We teach our daughters how to hunt. And one of our favorite places to eat is at the Shenandoah Valley Livestock Sales. We also teach them how to make the best apple pie you've ever eaten and some mean fried chicken, mashed potatoes and home made gravy.

My Husband & I were joking one day about how he wouldn't mind seeing a picture of a pretty girl on the fridge (another story, another day). Instead of my daughters Barbie magnets. My daughter quickly told her Dad "Momma knows how to use a shot gun!" Wow, a girl after my own heart.

So where do we draw the line between throwing a bail of hay out for the cows and being called pumpkin, by your Daddy? Well let's start with the Momma and the Daddy's. As most of you know, Virginia has been clobbered with snow, snow, ice and more snow. Almost three months later the snow is still here. We live out in the country on back roads. And my Niece was leaving for school on a 2 hour delay, which after they finally got back to school after being off for a whole 2 weeks. 2 hour delays were very common. She left for school in her car. Hit ice, spun around and hit a snow bank and went into a ditch. She called her Dad, he came got her out and sent her to school. (You know, it's a guy thing). My Sister-In-Law who is sitting at home with a painful broken ankle calls my Niece to check on her. She's sitting down in Broadway crying. My Sister-In-Law tells her to come home (it's a girl thing). My Sister-In-Law and I got a kick out of my Brother-In-Law sending her to school. Why? Because this was devastating and scary to my Niece. To a guy, it's no big deal. To prove my point. Last summer my Son who is exactly 4 days younger then my Niece. Wrecked his Jeep. He was driving through the field, his tire blew, he hit a big rock (that's all we got out here) and flipped the Jeep. It messed up his Jeep real bad. He hurt his head, back, ribs, shoulder and legs. My Son other then hurting and being sore was okay with it. Hauled the Jeep closer to our house and went on with his friends. Me? I freaked out (its a girl thing). Is my Son okay, is he broken? Does he need a big hug from Momma? Oh no, he's fine. My husband (its a guy thing) laughed.

Oh yes he did. He laughed after he made sure he was okay. I still haven't laughed yet. We had to quickly take the Jeep to the junk yard to be crushed so I wouldn't have to look at it all the time.

We raise our kids in a Christ centered home, in church and surrounded by family. Not all of us turn out real good, but at least all the parents try. My Momma can weld just as good as any guy, maybe even better then some guys. And she can shoot a fox or deer whenever she wants to. But she'll turn around and get all dressed up in a pretty dress when need be. You gotta remember how, who and where we were raised. Especially who we were raised by; the Guys and the Girls. Sugary sweet and tough as nails.

Ghosts Of The Past

I put myself in their position. I try to see what it was like being in that situation, at that time, at that moment and with the circumstances they were dealing with. You know what happen to them, you know the outcome. But it's still hard to let go and to not put yourself in their shoes. You want to be able to feel how they felt, to see what they saw and to ask them questions.

I remember sitting by their side, thinking what went wrong? What happen so bad, that the outcome resulted in this? But than others, I sat by their side thinking wow what a great life you had. How did you manage to pack so much into a lifetime? I wish I could have had more time with you or I wish I could have met you in person. I was told stories by family members of the type of person you were, the funny things you said and did as a child and as you grew up. I remember praying that some part of you was still in me. Some trait that would definitely define who I am today.

My career is to research family history. It's not only my career, but it's also deep in my heart. I close my eyes and imagine being with you at that moment in time. I grieve with you, when you lost your loved one in the Civil War. I remember tears quickly filled my eyes when I imagined you crying when they told you your son was killed in a war. I pictured you holding the American Flag so tight to your chest. I grieved with you when you lost your loved one in the fire. I felt your joy when your wife gave you a new baby boy or baby girl. I felt your pain when your wife died during labor. I felt your uneasiness while traveling from Virginia to Kentucky in the early 1800's. I felt how scary and sad it was to leave your family behind and to move on with your husband and children.

I remember tears flowing down my cheeks when you couldn't travel back home to attend your parents funeral. I feel the pain you felt during different trials in your life, I remember wishing I could have been there to comfort you.

I wonder if you were here today if you would think I look like you, I wonder if you would be proud of me? I wonder if you would say "wow, I used to do the same thing."

I research and my heart sinks in to every aspect of your life. Whether you're a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, I still wonder about you and the life you lived. Sometimes it breaks my heart when I try to be apart of your life and I know the torture you went through. Or the tragic death you had or the tragic death of a loved one that you had to witness, or grieve for. When I sit by your headstone at the cemetery, I want you to know that although I may have never met you or you left my life too soon, my heart is still apart of you. I carry the same pain, the same happiness, the same moments you carried. That's why I continue to research about your life. So I can share it with others. So they too, can take a walk through a history that they may or may not have been a part of. So they can share the heart of a family member that shaped and formed the path that their lives have taken. Did a choice you made in the past, affect our family history? Did it affect the choices we make?

You're in my heart and always a part of who I am today!

Illnesses and Injuries

I hurt my back real bad Tuesday night. That's why I haven't been online much. I'm still in pain, a lot of pain in fact. But I can actually sit down now. The past few days, I had the choices of sit or lay. Nothing in between. So while I was in tears feeling sorry for myself. Yes, I know....we're not supposed to do that. I got to thinking about all these other people that have cancer and other things that some still don't have a cure for.

A teacher at my daughters school found out she has Breast Cancer, her old bus driver has it also. I found out my cousin who is 6 years younger than me, has Colon Cancer. And countless people at our church has cancer and other illnesses. So I quickly quit feeling sorry for myself. My back injury will heal, might take a while. But the treatments that these others has to go through is far worse than what I'm going through.

I was told once by a person dear to me, that if I don't slow down, God will take steps to slow me down. Soon after that was said...I got a really bad case of the stomach flu. This time...I hurt my back. I slowed down on my feet, but my brain didn't slow down. My point is; while you're sick or whatever, think about the other people with far worse problems. That need your prayers, smiles, notes of "I'm thinking of you" and your help. Maybe take them a meal, send them a note, call them or whatever. Because like my Pastor said "if your focusing on others and their problems, you don't have time to focus on yourself and feel sorry for yourself."

Milestone In Our Home

Well, we come close to having a milestone in our home. Our son will be 15 1/2 years old on December 14Th, 2008. That officially means he is able to get his learners license. So God willing on December 15Th, 2008 we will drive out to the DMV in Harrisonburg and take this big step. He's excited, I'm...well, I'm a Mom. LOL, what can I say? He's really been driving around our property, on the farm and other places since he was 10 years old. So he's actually a pretty good driver. And while I'm driving we go through various instructions, tips, etc. I'm confident he'll be a great driver. I'm just a worried Momma and this means my "baby" (who is almost 6 feet tall) is getting older.

Angels On The Moon

There's a song out now that I absolutely love. But it's more than just the song that's great, it's the lyrics. My cousin John died a few years ago of a rare and unknown cancer. He was only 1 1/2 months younger than me, we grew up together as did all of my cousins and we we're all very close. He lived with cancer for 18 months before he went home to be with our Heavenly Father. He was the type of person that was always smiling. Even during his battle with cancer, he smiled and he was more worried about everyone else than he was for his own health and happiness. But this song reminds me of him. Even when he knew he was dieing he kept living. I miss him so much and I know one day I'll be with him again.

Angels On The Moon
by Thriving Ivory

Do you dream, that the world will know your name
So tell me your name
Do you care, about all the little things or anything at all?
I wanna feel, all the chemicals inside I wanna feel
I wanna sunburn, just to know that I'm alive
To know I'm alive

Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

Do you believe, in the day that you were born
Tell me do you believe?
Do you know, that everyday's the first of the rest of your life

Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

This is to one last day in the shadows
And to know a brother's love
This is to New York City angels
And the rivers of our blood
This is to all of us, to all of us

Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

You can tell me all your thoughts, about the stars that fill polluted skies
And show me where you run to, when no one's left to take your side
But don't tell me where the road ends, cause I just don't wanna know,
No I don't wanna know

Don't tell me if I'm dying
Don't tell me if I'm dying
Don't tell me if I'm dying
[ Angels On The Moon Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

When They Were Little

In my office on my desk, I have a picture of my son, my daughter and one of my nieces. The picture is so cute, they're all beside each other smiling. My son was about 8, my daughter was about 1 1/2 and my niece was just a couple months old.

Like many people they keep family photos around their house, on their desks, on their shelves. I have another purpose for putting this photo on my desk. My son is now 15, my daughter is now 8 and my niece will be 7 in a couple of weeks. They've grown so much, not just their height, but their personalities. They've each developed their own special personalities and have changed so much since that picture was taken. I keep it there to remind me that even when they all act outrageous for whatever reason, act out with bad behavior or fight with each other. They are and were once, innocent little kids that has the whole world ahead of them. They have so much to look forward to and grow into. I get so excited when I look at them because I cant wait to see what type of an adult they'll be, what type of career they'll choose, who their spouses will be, how many kids they'll have. Even now as they get older, their personalities still change so much.

It saddens me as they grow, because they will eventually grow up, move out and have families of their own. But I keep that picture close to see that they are just that....little personalities that are strong willed, bad tempered at times, big sweethearts that do little things to make you happy or cry tears of joy. All three of them will always be babies in my heart, but they will get their wings when they're ready to fly.

You Know You Have Kids When....

I love being a Mom. I've always wanted to be a Mom and one of my main goals in life was to have kids. I have a wonderful 15 year old son and a wonderful 8 year old daughter. My kids are my life and I pray that my husband & I do a great job raising them. Don't get the title wrong, I absolutely know I have kids. They're with me all the time and they're especially in my heart.

This week I've been noticing even more that I am absolutely truly blessed with kids. And anyone who knows me or is around me, knows how blessed I am.

So I found that my kids had written their names all over my Grand Caravan in the dust left from our long road...this isn't the first time and wont be the last. People at church seem to get a kick out of "reading" my van each week. They [the boys] usually have "Redneck Transportation" written on the back, with all their derby car numbers. Today, I found cooked oatmeal in my purse at the bank...imagine the look on the bank tellers face when I pulled my hand out of my purse with a glop of apple cinnamon oatmeal. Oh yummy, NOT! I was taking a shower the other day and my 6 year old niece and my daughter used almost 5 lbs of sugar to make a "surprise". We are well familiar with the emergency room that my son, his friends and my daughter have particular seats in the waiting area they always sit in. My son and his friends like demolition derby cars and lawn mower derbies. So if I leave them at the house by themselves for a short time, my rule list consist of....no guns, no shooting guns, no fires, no blowing up stuff and of course no girls. So far, so good. My daughter whose bedtime on school nights is 8:30 P.M. always decides at 10 P.M. that she wants to do her hair, play with Lincoln Logs or go outside to play with the cats. And let's not forget about the bicycle that's parked right along the drive way where Mom can back over it. Uggghhhh.

So, yes, I am very blessed. My kids are polite, Christians, attend and participate in church activities faithfully, they're good friends and I can't say they're "typical" kids, but they're my kids. And God blessed me when they arrived. Praise God for all things!!

My New Cruet

Okay, so the title already has you bewildered. Right? Well, my Mom bought me a new Cruet.
I know everyone has some weird obsessions. Well, ONE of mine is my Cruet. And during
the summer some little kids (I wont mention any names, LOL) broke mine. We keep vinegar in
ours. And we use vinegar on almost everything we eat and I clean with it too. So it's a well used item.

Why post a story about it? Well, apparently Cruet's are a special obsession in my family. My Mom, my Aunts
and Grandma's all have one. Now, I know...most families have them. But we hit panic mode when ours is
out of commission. So when my Mom surprised me with this, I was so excited and I felt like my little friend
was back on my kitchen counter waiting to be used. So I went to the store bought red leaf and green leaf
lettuce so I could make lettuce salad with our home made dressing using vinegar, of course. Thanks Mom,
I love it!!

So what's an obsession you have? I also have a big obsession with baskets and paper. I have an
abundance of both! Share your normal and/or weird obsessions with us. I know my friend Sally from church on her blog shares that she loves animal crackers. Come on, share with us!!

Prayers For My Dad

My Dad left for the Ukraine this morning for a Missions trip. He is a "Building Missionary", he helps rebuild churches and some homes due to natural disasters. He's spent most his time in Mississippi rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina, most recently in Iowa from floods. Now he's on his way to Ukraine to help build churches.

I'm asking everyone to pray for his safety and all the people traveling with him. My Dad is a Christian and faithfully let's God direct his path.

Praying for you Dad!! Thank you to everyone who prays for him and his friends.

I'm Glad I'm Not A Teenager Again

I'm so glad I'm not a teenager again. The things teenagers go through, I'm so happy I'm married with kids. I'm around teenagers all the time, I have a teenage son and I have a teenage niece. In one week they can go through tears, fights, anger, happiness, big mood swings and than start back over again. Whoohooo, I'm so glad I'm not a teenager again. Ummm, did I already say that?

As Youth Director at our church and than various other youth ministries I do at our church, I am constantly confronted with "teenage issues". I have learned that when teen guys get mad at each other, they usually fight it out and become best of friends again the next day. Now the teen ladies, that's a whole other issue. Usually tears and screaming are involved. And then they hold grudges for a long time.

Now I'm not saying I was any different when I was a teen, because I'm sure if you ask my parents....they'll have that same dazed look that I have on my face all the time now. And as much as I shake my head in confusion, I'm surprised I haven't knocked a few important brain cells loose up there. God bless my parents for tolerating us. And by God's Grace they "survived" our teen years.

My advice to parents; just keep smiling and look as though you actually understand what your teen is talking about. And just remember the teen years don't last forever. ((we hope and pray))

My advice to teens; please enjoy these years, they'll go by too fast. Than you'll join the "real world." Your parents may be confused during the entire duration of your teen years, but we still love you!!

Demolition Derbies

We made our way to the annual Rockingham County Fair Demolition Derby. My family has been involved in Demolition Derbies as long as I can remember, most of my life I guess you could say. My Dad has a huge collection of trophies, mostly 1st place. My brother is following in my Dad's foot steps and has a great collection of trophies, a lot of 1st place. And now starting this year my son was in his first derby in Winchester, Virginia in the north end of the Shenandoah Valley. He placed 4th in his first derby.

Like I said before this has been something in our family which seems like forever. And as I've grown, it seems the demolition derby popularity has grown too. A long time ago, I would only see country people, rednecks (as my son puts it) and the families of the drivers. Now just over the past few years, there is a huge variety of people there. All walks of life. I find that very exciting. We have so much fun at the derbies because it's a family event. And we've also gotten to know other drivers families. I've watched some of the drivers kids grow and that's just fun in itself.

There's some derbies that are horrible. There's cheatin' going on, the officials do not call out anything. And if you have alot of hours on your hands, go to one of these derbies. They are very poorly ran. And they dont seem to care of they have a big audience sitting there waiting, waiting and waiting for things to roll along. I'm not gonna name which ones they are, but I'm sure if there's any drivers and/or their families reading this....they'll know which ones I'm talking about.

My two absolute favorite derbies are ran by Mangled Metal Productions and Nation-Wide Derby. Their whole crew is just awesome and the announcers....well, they make you feel like you're right down there in the drivers seat. Cheating is not allowed, safety comes first and they always make sure everyone knows we're here just to have fun! Great job everyone.

My point being; next time there's a demolition derby around your area...go to it. It's a cheap family event that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, an extra thump in your heart and make your hair on the back of your neck stand up. Hows that for fun?


**please note, I do not and have never worked for any of the above businesses.I'm just a derby Mom, derby Sister and derby daughter**

Canning Tomatoes.....

My daughter and I did our tomato canning today. I love canning and it's special because I'm teaching my daughter something that will be passed down to her daughters and granddaugthers, etc. Just as my family did. And sometimes one of my nieces helps, but she didn't get to this time.

As we were going through the tomatoes, she threw a few out that looked horrible on the outside. So I picked one up, cut it open and showed her that the inside was perfect. So of course I found this to be a perfect lesson on how to treat others.

Not all people are absolutely beautiful and perfect looking. And even those perfect looking people have flaws. But some people will not have anything to do with "ugly" people. Those people might not be so flattering and beautiful on the outside, but if you get to know that person....their inside is absolutely beautiful. They might be the nicest person you'll ever meet in your life and you will miss out on a special friendship. Because you didn't look on the inside. Just as my daughter may have missed a great tomato because she didn't look on the inside.

Growing Too Fast

It struck me today, that my kids are growing too fast. My son turned 15 in June and my daughter will turn 8 on Monday. I don't feel old, because of their ages and how fast they're growing. I just feel panicked. Think about this, in December my son will get his learners license. Soon after that he'll have his driver's license.

My son has always hung around with his friends, but they are always here and still are. And I love having all the kids here because I know they're safe and what they're up to. But now they're starting to go to the mall, ball games and to lawn parties by themselves (without me). We're a very close family and I think that's why it's so hard on me. Now when my son asks if he can go somewhere with his friends, in my heart I want to say "no, stay home with me", but realistically I have to let him go and grow. We pray that our kids do good in life, grow healthy and strong, stay safe. And most important keep God in their lives even when they grow up, move out and have families of their own.

We let our kids grow, instruct them and nourish them....but we also give them their wings. Like my parents, especially my Mom. They were over protective but they gave us wings. They still keep us close to their hearts and under their wings.

My kids are everything to me. I pray they grow up to be good Godly young adults. But most of all, I pray God gives me the grace to help me, "let" them grow up. Hug your kids and tell them how much you love them. Before you know it....they'll be on their own!

Our Veterans Deserve Better

In today's Daily News Record, Harrisonburg, Virginia. There's an editorial about Vets deserving better medical care. www.dnronline.com

These men and women, risked their lives for OUR freedom. They risk their lives, so WE can sit in our comfy house, enjoy satellite tv and have a nice meal. Whether they fought for 1 day, months, years or never made it home alive. They deserve our respect and thanks. My Dad enlisted to go to Vietnam. He's had some rough years and he has more of those years to come. But he has never once regretted going over there to fight. He fought for our freedom just like other soldiers. When he got back home, he was treated like dirt by hippies and war protesters who had the FREEDOM to stand at the airport and the bus station that Dad arrived at. My Dad and alot of others, fought so those people could have the freedom to do that. Sad but true.

Veterans need better health care; physical and mental, better benefits in all areas. Each Veteran needs to wake up each day with the medicine he/she needs and not worry about how they're going to have to pay for the next supply of medicine they need, wake up with a place to live and food they need. They need to know if they have a mental break down, (and it's likely to happen) they will get the help they need without all the "red tape". Which lets face it, slows them down for years.

I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Veterans, but especially homeless Veterans. Alot of people send millions of dollars to other countries helping others with food, physical and health needs and other causes these people find. But what about our Veterans? They're here in your community, but you reach over seas to help others. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying stop helping others. Because it is important to help others in need. But our priority should be on those who fought for us. Some people are so against fighting in the war(s) that they wont even look at a soldier.

This world is hard enough. And the government and some people, treat soldiers as if they have a skunk attached to them. Come on people, our Veterans stood up and fought for us, we owe them so and we can never repay them. Their service was invaluable and without their service, I may not be able to sit here and type all this or wear the clothes I want. I might not be able to go to the church of my choice or choose what religion they want. Next time you see a Veteran or active Soldier, shake their hand and thank them for serving our country. And Thanks Dad!!

The Story Tellers

My Granddaddy Rhodes used to sit with us on his front porch and tell us all kinds of stories. Not stories you read out of a book. But stories about his life, his parents, grandparents, etc. When we were growing up, like most kids we wanted to go climb a tree or ride bikes, instead of sitting there listening to old stories...some about people we never met. But most of the time we did listen. I think he thought we weren't listening because under his breath he'd say things like "well, if you're not gonna listen or I guess you don't care to hear about your family." Truth is, I was listening, I just couldn't sit still long enough to listen...I still cant.

I love to hear stories about our family. Honestly about anyone's family. That's one reason why I became a Professional Genealogist. My son says it's because I'm nosey, but I guess it goes with the territory. I want to know everything about everyone, especially about your family. If you meet me, I'm gonna ask you about you and your family clear back as far as you know and where they're from. I want to hear your family story.

Think about this; it's important that at this moment you be the story teller. Just as you parents were, just as your grandparents were and so on. You're kids, nieces, nephews, etc. will act like they're not listening. And some might not be, but most will be listening in their own way. Most will go to school and tell their friends the story, they might even write a report about it. Once you have the stories in their heads, they don't forget them. They'll grow up and tell their kids and grand kids.

This is how your family legacy is kept alive. You don't have to come from a famous family and your family doesn't have to be rich. The stories that keep your family going, are exactly that....stories that kept your family together, that got your family through hard times, memories your family made during good times and bad. It's especially fun for a kid, when they hear about the family member they act like. I tell my niece (brother's little girl) and my kids about my brother growing up, and they hoot, holler and laugh. My son acts exactly like my brother, so he's especially curious with all the stories.

Keeping your stories alive, is keeping your family history alive. Once they are no longer told, your family history disappears. After a few generations...the gap is so wide and the stories no longer can be told.

Be the storyteller in your family.

Parental Forgiveness

So many times other kids hurt your own kids and it seems that the parents have a harder time
forgiving the other kid, than your own kid does. I know I do. I know if other kids hurt my kids, forgiveness and forgetting is a long way off. But how are we to teach our kids forgiveness, when our own hearts don't follow that rule at times? And can a parent truly ever forgive someone that hurt their kids? As a mother, I find it quite hard at times to do this. Like my Mom, I've always been super over protective of my kids. Even now, my brother, sister and I are all grown up and she's still the same way. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. So because of our love and strength for our kids, it's hard.

I found that I do eventually forgive. I just don't trust that kid(s) enough to allow my kids with that person(s). Trust me, I've been tested during last school year. So I did learn...I do forgive, I just don't trust anymore.

So what if my kids hurt someone? And their parents react like I would. How do I deal with that? Well, I pray that those kids will forgive my kids eventually. But I have to remember that their parents will have the same "trust" issues as I do. So I try (key word being try) to remember that they need time too. And I try not to let my anger set in too deep. Eventually, it all works out in God's time.

As parents we need to remember to forgive those who hurt our precious gifts from God. But we also need to be patient with other parents. In our lifetimes, we will be hurt, we'll actually be hurt alot. And we will also hurt others, maybe a lot too.

Family in the Shenandoah Valley

I was born and raised in Rockingham County, in the Heart of the Shenandoah Valley. It's beauty is overwhelming and the people here are kind and courteous. If we wave to ya, dont get worried or scared, there's no hidden agenda. Just wave back! Most families live all of the United States, only seeing eachother maybe once a year. They visit eachother through phone calls, email and now a days, blogs. But in this area alot of families and their immediate family stay right here. We are a very family oriented. God, church, family and friends are all on the top of our lists.

Tell me about your wonderful experiences of living here, being raised here or visiting here. I challenge you today to find something in this area that you've never visited or experienced and go out and enjoy it.