Parenting Pamphlet

Also... at risk of being overwhelming by writing two posts right in a row... I'm doing it anyway.

Yesterday I started the ever humbling process of actual putting into action something I've said for awhile that I was going to do. I started writing a book. So far it's 3 paragraphs. I might be finished. :) I really don't like writing all that much... this may be more of a pamphlet than a book when all is said and done. And really it's meant not for general perusal, more as a personal memory trigger since my memory lasts approximately 3 days.

Anyway... the point is that I don't want to forget the many things I've learned about both being a teenager and parenting teenagers over the last 5 years. I think that being in my role as a youth leader, the Lord has allowed me insight into what parenting really is... ultimate discipleship. It is hard and challenging and totally worth it. So, there is a lot I want to remember.

To that end, I had some girls write down things from a teenagers point of view... things they're parents have done well, not so well, things they wish they had done, things they want to do when they are parents, things I should do as a parent, etc. It's been really helpful, and I would love more insight. So... if you're a teenager reading this... give me feedback... my future children (Lord-willing) will thank you. If you're a parent reading this... please give me feedback... your wisdom and experience is priceless. If you've ever been a teenager or had a parent... that should be everyone... let me know some thoughts :) It's a lot for a blog comment, so you can email me if you want... ssinnes@gmail.com.

Thanks for your contribution to my parenting pamphlet :) Maybe one day I'll have reason to use it!

Dear sickness...

Dear sickness... I'm kicking you to the curb.

After 4 straight days of laying around on my couch suffering through fever and shallow breathing I'm rebelling against sickness. On the agenda for today... a bagel run with Megan and a trip to the grocery store! After that, I'm probably going to need a nap! Sad, but true.

There is something really good about being sick for a control freak like myself. It reminds me that life really can, and will, go on without me. It is important to me to feel needed and purposeful. And while I think that is a good thing in it's own rite, sometimes it gets out of hard and I feel like the Lord needs me. One of my favorite lines of a song is from Caedmon's Call's song "Two Weeks in Africa".

"We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing.He doesn't need us, but He lets us put our hands in."

He doesn't need us... but I'm thankful He lets us put our hands in. What a good reminder for life and ministry and family and friendships. The responsibility does not rest on us to be perfect Christians, sisters, mothers, friends, youth workers, missionaries... the Lord is doing something... something big. And He is using us, imperfect jars of clay, to show that He is one who is doing it, he's just letting us be blessed to be a part of it.