The Women's Role

The scripture that often brings much controversy and dissension... 1 Timothy 2:11 says "A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness." Whew... man that has always stung. It sure sounds like Paul is saying we women should sit down, shut up and be a doormat. BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT HE IS SAYING. I've always had a hard time with this verse UNTIL I heard one of the best explanations about this verse.

Go to www.watermarkradio.com.
Click on "View All Messages in this Series"
Listen to 5-10-09 Extraordinary Opportunities for Non-Ordinary Women.

It really is one of the best explanations I've ever heard. It's rather motivating...

Happy Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, I received Dr. Laura Schlessinger's In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms. I love it so far. It definitely offers validation for those of you who are SAHM's. If you are one of these, doesn't it feel a little controversial to you? On one hand we are praised for being the main caretaker of our kids... research would show that our kids need more of this these days. Yet, we are often forgotten that we are "working" too.

If you are a mom who is trying to determine what you should do when your baby arrives, this book has some great advice from listeners who have tried both staying home and working. Other experiences can often teach us A LOT.

I'll end with this quote... "The 'greatest generation' isn't limited to those folks who served valiantly at war; it embraces the folks who worked on the farms and in the factories, toiling at difficult jobs to not only serve their country byut provide for their families. Little mentioned are the women who birthed the babies, raised their kids, and managed the home and the budget so that there would be food in the family's tummies and clothes on their backs, taught their children right from wrong and made sure they washed behind their ears and got them to school on time. "

Moneywise

I despise how the media is creating such worry about the state of economy (and the Piggy Flu).

Several years ago my husband and I joined a Foundation Group through our church. Through this newly married group we discussed important things like oneness, communication, finances and the like. The financial stuff we went through changed the way we viewed "our" resources. It. Was. Transforming. Enlightening. Resolving. So, here we are, in this "crisis" and we aren't afraid. We know where we stand. We are prepared. We do not fret. We know Who is really in control. We see "our" stuff as not really ours, but as God's and we are simply stewards of His resources.

If I lost you at Christ, please don't quit on me now. Check out Moneywise. It's a group of people committed to walking you through a better perspective. If you aren't ready to meet with someone, just click on the articles provided or start with reading one of their suggested books. You won't regret it.

Memory Foam

"They" say we need 8 hours of sleep a night, at least. 9-10 would be even more functional. So why do I hate spending money mattresses? (Can anyone else relate?) I know sleep is important for so many reasons but I just feel gipped when it's time to buy a mattress.

My husband and I talked about getting a new mattress since ours is like 10 years old. But, he is a lot like me, hates spending the $ on that. Instead he bought us 4 inch Memory Foam for my birthday. It came with two memory foam pillows too. Oh my, how I love our bed again! I am sleeping so much better now. I mean, it's not like I never wake up at night, but it's improved so much. Some nights I don't wake up at all! I wake up feeling more rested and with less aches and pains.

Re-Engage

Marriage. It's a sacred thing. It's rewarding. It's desired by most. Yet it's the hardest thing to maintain a HEALTHY functioning marriage. This is a topic I'm deeply passionate about. It's not about just remaining married... it's that our marriages stay happy, healthy, safe and moving towards Christ together. God didn't just intend for us to live under the same roof unsatisfied and not divorced. He intended for our union to be a reflection of how Christ loved the church... and remember? He gave His life for the church. Wow. What a standard.

Many people would admit their marriages could use a little pick me up. Re-Engage is a place where you can get just that. It's also a place where if you are having significant problems you would find a safe place to process and begin healing your marriage. Seriously, it's incredible. I've seen and heard of amazing restoration at this class.

So if this is you. Check it out. It's an ongoing class. Always accepting new attendees. Here's a link and more about it... http://www.watermark.org/ministries/life-stage-ministries/marriage-ministry/

REENGAGE is designed to help couples move towards oneness in their marriage through stories of grace, teaching and small groups. Sessions will cover topics such as forgiveness, communication, roles, etc. Join us Wednesday nights from 6:30 -8:30 pm on the second floor of the Watermark Tower (7540 LBJ Freeway @ Park Central, Dallas. Email questions to Emily McKeaigg.

Radio Flyer Walker Wagon

This is one of my all time favorite purchases for my 1 year old. I discovered it at a friends house. Our kids were all at the age of starting to walk (~ 9 months) and they just loved taking turns pushing the wagon and giving each other wagon rides. Here's why I enjoy it so much...

• It's going to last us many years through (hopefully) many kids.
• It's not restricted to just a walker toy. In the future, my oldest could push younger siblings around or we could display toys in it in his room.
• It's not wobbly... all other walker toys I was looking into purchasing were kind of wobbly... he would lose his balance easily when pushing it. This one is heavy enough to help him balance if he begins to stumble.
  
• The wheels "click" when he pushes it. There's a purpose to it though... it's clicking because there is a mechanism that keeps it from rolling out of control when it transfers from soft to hard surfaces. So when he pushes it from the carpet to the kitchen tile... it goes the same speed.
• I'm a huge fan of Radio Flyer equipment. They just remind of my childhood when toys were more simple.
• It posed as a great "Easter basket" this year. My son could push it around instead of carrying a basket. For him, that was good because he's still pretty wobbly when carrying something.
  

The downer to this fantastic toy is the price. They are around $80 plus shipping. (They don't carry them in stores that I have seen). So, I beat the system and found one on Craigslist for $50. I have a friend that found one for $35. If you are in the market for a walker toy, I HIGHLY recommend this one. You just have to hunt for a used one if you don't want to spend the $100.

The wagon in action...

Aveeno

I have used my fair share of different facial products. Everything from Mary Kay, Neutrogena, Clinque, Cetaphil, and the list goes on. Hands down, I just LOVE Aveeno products. I use their Positively Radiant face cleanser and moisturizer. They make me skin feel so soft and my skin so even. Seriously, I look forward to washing my face every day and puttingon the moisturizer. Right now, the moisturizer comes with a sample tube of their Night Cream. I tried it last night... wow, I really could tell a difference. I woke up and my face felt even more soft and nourished. The best part about it is I can pick it up at Wal-Mart of Target on a regular groery run instead of making a special trip to a department store. Also, they last me several months.

Interested? I found this coupon online. Enjoy!