1, 2, 3...Do Over!

Hello!

Welcome to my blog. I certainly have a lot to write about, but first allow me to explain the name of my blog, what exactly is "1,2,3...Do Over!"?. Lamentations 3:22-23 says: ²² Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

I have tried, and tried many different things when it came to my children, I have battle frustration, anger and disappointment. Then I realized this is what God must feel about me, almost constantly. I felt like I was continually falling flat on my face, stumbling through each day, talking the talk, but falling while I walked. I began to re-route my thinking concerning my children's mistakes, if God gives me an unlimited supply of forgiveness, grace and mercy, why shouldn't I do the same in return with my children?

So we began, all of the kids were making bad choices and I had reached my breaking point, by mid day, I too was badly in need of a "do over". So, I called the kids together, we did a "hands in" and "1,2,3...Do Over" was born, we all had a fresh start. Does that mean that they are with out consequence for their actions, no. They still find themselves grounded, or at the table writing Psalm 119 in it's 176 verse entirety, the time of the punishment is set for however long it takes to complete the task. "You may watch t.v. as soon as your room is clean", could take 15 to 20 minutes, but with my boys it could also take 2 months. "You may go to the park, or spend time with a friend, as soon as you have completed writing the Psalm" It has become much easier than me setting the time limit for the punishment. Now I don't need to keep track of "how long has it been since they were grounded?" because it depends solely on them and their willingness to get done what needs to be done, so "X, Y, Z...."

It doesn't matter how old we are, we all need "Do Overs", and God is gracious enough to offer an unlimited supply, for those who ask.

This blog is my "parenting diary of sorts", with a husband, 6 kids, ranging from 21 years to 17 months, a 3 year old pug and a 2 1/2 year old yellow lab, my well is definitely not in danger of running dry any time soon!