Milk and cookies...

A small glimpse of 'Mother Hen's' day:


I've played hide and seek with a big kid. Twice.  By the grace of God, I am getting better at this game! So are my younger children.  While I stealthily searched, two other children climbed onto the counter to scarf down as many oreos as they could before I returned.  'Are you kidding me?' I thought to myself.  Nope - the big chocolate toothy grins with make-up crumbs surrounding their mouths were a bit of a give away- they must have thought I'd be gone longer.  I'm telling you, prayer works, we are getting better at this challenge!


I also taught my preschooler and older 'found' child.  With the preschooler, we are working on rhyming.  It just so happens we are rhyming with the sound 'oo' today.  First sound, 'm'.  He got it perfect!  I exclaimed, "What, we have a cow in the house!"  Giggles and more "MOO!"  "Where's John, get this cow outta here!" Then we have, "Moo, Poo" and more giggles.  "Moo, poo poo!"  'Eww!' I exclaim.  "Moo, Doo doo."  more giggles.  This 'cow' is out of control with giggles, and his mama is not helping. You could say I was maybe the hen; egging him on.



Whose idea was it to rhyme with 'oo'? 


 Oh, yes,  the great reading book shown on the left!  


I milked this 'cow' for thousands of giggles, all the while thinking, God, I hope You're laughing with us, and smiling in His presence. And wondering if he milks us for smiles as well- like in the sometimes challenging moments of the day: for example when above children were scarfing down cookies right before lunch as I searched for the older child.


He DiD milk a smile out of me when I saw their chocolate covered teeth and great big crumby smiles.  Oreos, dipped in milk - oh, delicious.  


And so, once again, God teaches me through my children: Grace, Love and Mercy.  In my milk and cookies kind of day, I'm grateful for life's challenges.  In a prayerful mind they are delicious. First I am humbled, which calls for grace. The Grace strengthens my weaknesses and brings joy. Joy allows me to love and show mercy. 


The parable of Milk and Cookies:Take the gift of cookies (kids) dip them in a bit of Milk (squeezed from the work our Father) and the outcome is delicious - (love, mercy and a touch of laughter).

"Whoooa! Are you writing on the windows?"

Culprits in unison, "Sowry mom, I sowry."

I reiterate: 

Grace.  

Love.  

Mercy.  

And I add:  Consequences...ya know, to purify.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  
-Matthew 11:28-30