6. It's perfectly acceptable to prance around singing 'Dancing Queen' at the top of your voice whilst doing household chores.
7. New stationary is exciting as well as functional.
8. You can talk to anyone you please and no-one is suspicious of you. e.g. person with cute puppy, or cute baby or random person in the supermarket checkout line.
9. Your 'look' alone can kill. Men haven't mastered this.
10. You can wear skirts or trousers....David Beckham. No comment! Are we suprised it didn't catch on? er..NO.
11-15 coming soon...
After some more serious stuff.
Girl Power
06/09/2008
Prepared for anything?
I like to be organised. I like to be prepared, fully and as in advance as possible, it's part of my personality. When I'm packing for a family holiday, for instance, the process begins about three weeks before departure. I think about which clothes everyone will need to take, wash them, iron them and put them in the case in the corner of the bedroom. This trait drives my husband mad, in a perplexed rather than in an angry way! (He is a very calm and patient man...):
'Where's my blue Polo shirt?" He'll ask.
"Packed" I'll reply.
(BIG SIGH) "But we're not going for another 2 and a half weeks!!"...
When I'm satisfied with that stage I'll make a list of things I might need to go and buy:
* deoderant
* batteries
* things to keep the children happy (colouring book, sweets...)
...You get the picture!
I love lists. They're definately the way to go. I love crossing jobs off a list that I've complete. I enjoy the satisfaction of a shopping trip where I've got everything on the list in as little time as possible and preferably, as cheaply as possible.
This need for organisation, preparation and thinking ahead is evident in other parts of my life too...even, dare I say it, in my Christian life. I believe that God used this part of my personality in a way to 'win me'. Before I accepted Jesus as my Saviour it was thinking ahead to the rest of my life and more specifically to the end of it, to my death, that I didn't feel prepared for. I didn't like this feeling. Being unprepared (about anything) to me is the total pole opposite to the secure feeling of being organised, it's sheer panic. So, not preparing myself for the inevitable as I grew up seemed stupid. I HAD to think about it.
It puzzles me that a person will plan their funeral meticulously and sort out their pre-payed funeral package, choose the songs they want and even the colours they want people to wear! but be careless about their destination. It's like spending your life savings on a very expensive plane ticket for what you hope will be a relaxing holiday but not bothering to pack anything, omitting to plan any accomodation at the other end and not bothering to take your passport to the airport. How can it be that people can choose a beautiful silk lined box, look after their loved ones financially but only plan up to that point and not beyond?
Last September my Dad read a note to me over the phone that his Mum had left for him to read when she died. Although the event to us was sudden and shocking, my Nan had been totally prepared for it, in every way, despite not knowing the hour or day it would come. Her note wasn't long. She was a woman who didn't like a fuss. It simply stated that she had had a very happy life and contained two instructions. The first was about her death not bringing us sorrow.....although it does still bring me this, I know it brought her joy. The second was the two hymns she wanted at her funeral. The words of which summed up her life and death. She lived with Christ and died in him. Her destination was secure. I know where she's gone. For sure. I know where I'm headed too. It's my deepest longing and prayer that more people will be prepared like my Nan. A lovely pastor once put it something like this: "If you saw thousands of people running blindly towards the edge of a cliff, wouldn't you shout at them to warn them?"
I know that it's wonderful to know what God has prepared for me. I know it's a miracle He lead me to this certainty. I also know that I don't shout loud enough.
The anniversary of my Nan's death has made me realise again that it's urgent. Death is a certainty. For those I love, those I know and spend time with. For those that don't yet know Jesus and therefore don't know where they're going. Please pray for me. I want to shout louder. I really need to warn them about that cliff. I really have to tell them the way to get to heaven. But often my voice is little more than a pathetic whisper.
'Where's my blue Polo shirt?" He'll ask.
"Packed" I'll reply.
(BIG SIGH) "But we're not going for another 2 and a half weeks!!"...
When I'm satisfied with that stage I'll make a list of things I might need to go and buy:
* deoderant
* batteries
* things to keep the children happy (colouring book, sweets...)
...You get the picture!
I love lists. They're definately the way to go. I love crossing jobs off a list that I've complete. I enjoy the satisfaction of a shopping trip where I've got everything on the list in as little time as possible and preferably, as cheaply as possible.
This need for organisation, preparation and thinking ahead is evident in other parts of my life too...even, dare I say it, in my Christian life. I believe that God used this part of my personality in a way to 'win me'. Before I accepted Jesus as my Saviour it was thinking ahead to the rest of my life and more specifically to the end of it, to my death, that I didn't feel prepared for. I didn't like this feeling. Being unprepared (about anything) to me is the total pole opposite to the secure feeling of being organised, it's sheer panic. So, not preparing myself for the inevitable as I grew up seemed stupid. I HAD to think about it.
It puzzles me that a person will plan their funeral meticulously and sort out their pre-payed funeral package, choose the songs they want and even the colours they want people to wear! but be careless about their destination. It's like spending your life savings on a very expensive plane ticket for what you hope will be a relaxing holiday but not bothering to pack anything, omitting to plan any accomodation at the other end and not bothering to take your passport to the airport. How can it be that people can choose a beautiful silk lined box, look after their loved ones financially but only plan up to that point and not beyond?
Last September my Dad read a note to me over the phone that his Mum had left for him to read when she died. Although the event to us was sudden and shocking, my Nan had been totally prepared for it, in every way, despite not knowing the hour or day it would come. Her note wasn't long. She was a woman who didn't like a fuss. It simply stated that she had had a very happy life and contained two instructions. The first was about her death not bringing us sorrow.....although it does still bring me this, I know it brought her joy. The second was the two hymns she wanted at her funeral. The words of which summed up her life and death. She lived with Christ and died in him. Her destination was secure. I know where she's gone. For sure. I know where I'm headed too. It's my deepest longing and prayer that more people will be prepared like my Nan. A lovely pastor once put it something like this: "If you saw thousands of people running blindly towards the edge of a cliff, wouldn't you shout at them to warn them?"
I know that it's wonderful to know what God has prepared for me. I know it's a miracle He lead me to this certainty. I also know that I don't shout loud enough.
The anniversary of my Nan's death has made me realise again that it's urgent. Death is a certainty. For those I love, those I know and spend time with. For those that don't yet know Jesus and therefore don't know where they're going. Please pray for me. I want to shout louder. I really need to warn them about that cliff. I really have to tell them the way to get to heaven. But often my voice is little more than a pathetic whisper.
08/08/2008
Summer Holidays - Survival or Joy?
A high pitched chorus in whinging unison "Muuuuuuuuum" reaches my ears for what seems like the three hundred and thirty third time already today and it's only 10am!
This is my umpteenth attempt at putting some words (of wisdom? ha ha) into my blog in the last month. My success in achieving a few thrown together thoughts today will depend very much on how long I can ignore my children's want of constant attention and how much patience God will enable me to display in the next half hour.
The Summer holidays are long if not hot here in the beautiful south of England and I'm like the many many other mothers nearing the end of this break - very tired and totally lacking in any more creative ideas to entertain my young. I look back at the past few weeks and thank God for some really wonderful family times, we've got some great photo's and good times to talk about in the future. I also look back and sigh....I'm almost there and I've survived! I'll be honest. I don't find the holidays easy. I love my children and have lots of fun with them, but it's jolly hard work. I'm a working Mum ( so I'm allowed to say this) It's harder than my paid work. There are parts that are not fun, there are things I really struggle with, things about motherhood that really get me down. Arguing, bickering and fighting between them is the main one. If you're reading this and have more than one child and they don't do this, I'd love to hear from you as I've been led to believe it's a common problem. If you're reading this and have one child - the struggle may not be exactly the same but there are plenty of parenting 'pits' that I'm sure would affect you in the same way. If you're reading this and don't have any children at all, don't be smug! The lessons I learned were from God and about me, not really about childrearing at all.
Unfortunately If you're after the solution to sibling squibbles in the next paragraph you're going to be disappointed, however this is a simple breakdown of my recent experience of holiday survival!
1. Got irritated and annoyed with them and then at myself at being a sub-standard parent.
2. Got very upset at my own inability to cope with the endless diagreements.
3. Read a book donated by my helpful Mum-in-law called 'Parenting isn't for cowards (no kidding!)- dealing confidently with the frustrations of child rearing by Dr. James C. Dobson
4. Briefly encouraged, waded into battlefield situations with positive 'new' tips. Someworked, some failed -some quite spectacularly!
5.Reached mental breaking point.
6. Sought wisdom from an experienced, Godly mother (of 3 now grown-up boys) who pointed me straight to the wisdom in God's word and prayed with me about my struggles and listened in love and who helped more than she understands.
What an amazing thing to be able to ask God for help and to recieve it.
What a very stupid thing to delay seeking help until things become depressing and desperate.
I live in such busy times, but I've learned (once more...have you noticed that as adults it's rarely new lessons we learn, just the same ones over and over) to stop and to turn to God in the tough times, to lean not on my own understanding. Admitting you're struggling and asking for help is a hard thing to do when you're the one used to helping others out. I think I forgot (again) who's strength I need and I think that my summer has shown me I can't 'Mother' without God's help and quite frankly I can't do anything else without it too. He really is the strength in my weakness.
'You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!' Psalm 68:35
This is my umpteenth attempt at putting some words (of wisdom? ha ha) into my blog in the last month. My success in achieving a few thrown together thoughts today will depend very much on how long I can ignore my children's want of constant attention and how much patience God will enable me to display in the next half hour.
The Summer holidays are long if not hot here in the beautiful south of England and I'm like the many many other mothers nearing the end of this break - very tired and totally lacking in any more creative ideas to entertain my young. I look back at the past few weeks and thank God for some really wonderful family times, we've got some great photo's and good times to talk about in the future. I also look back and sigh....I'm almost there and I've survived! I'll be honest. I don't find the holidays easy. I love my children and have lots of fun with them, but it's jolly hard work. I'm a working Mum ( so I'm allowed to say this) It's harder than my paid work. There are parts that are not fun, there are things I really struggle with, things about motherhood that really get me down. Arguing, bickering and fighting between them is the main one. If you're reading this and have more than one child and they don't do this, I'd love to hear from you as I've been led to believe it's a common problem. If you're reading this and have one child - the struggle may not be exactly the same but there are plenty of parenting 'pits' that I'm sure would affect you in the same way. If you're reading this and don't have any children at all, don't be smug! The lessons I learned were from God and about me, not really about childrearing at all.
Unfortunately If you're after the solution to sibling squibbles in the next paragraph you're going to be disappointed, however this is a simple breakdown of my recent experience of holiday survival!
1. Got irritated and annoyed with them and then at myself at being a sub-standard parent.
2. Got very upset at my own inability to cope with the endless diagreements.
3. Read a book donated by my helpful Mum-in-law called 'Parenting isn't for cowards (no kidding!)- dealing confidently with the frustrations of child rearing by Dr. James C. Dobson
4. Briefly encouraged, waded into battlefield situations with positive 'new' tips. Someworked, some failed -some quite spectacularly!
5.Reached mental breaking point.
6. Sought wisdom from an experienced, Godly mother (of 3 now grown-up boys) who pointed me straight to the wisdom in God's word and prayed with me about my struggles and listened in love and who helped more than she understands.
What I learned this summer (apart from how to ignore bickering children):
What a blessing it is to have someone to turn to.What an amazing thing to be able to ask God for help and to recieve it.
What a very stupid thing to delay seeking help until things become depressing and desperate.
I live in such busy times, but I've learned (once more...have you noticed that as adults it's rarely new lessons we learn, just the same ones over and over) to stop and to turn to God in the tough times, to lean not on my own understanding. Admitting you're struggling and asking for help is a hard thing to do when you're the one used to helping others out. I think I forgot (again) who's strength I need and I think that my summer has shown me I can't 'Mother' without God's help and quite frankly I can't do anything else without it too. He really is the strength in my weakness.
'You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!' Psalm 68:35
29/07/2008
Reasons to enjoy being a girl: part 1
This one's lighthearted.....so sorry if you were after deep and meaningful thoughts.
I love being a girl, or is it a lady/woman now?....I prefer girl.
Being female is fab, I'm glad that's what God made me.
Here's a few resons why:
1. You can colour co-ordinate your outfit without your friends laughing at you...in fact it's actively encouraged.
2. You are expected to enjoy eating chocolate - made by the aztecs as an aphrodisiac, popularised and established by puritans and quakers (Mr. Cadbury himself) as upright family businesses in Europe. Can't be bad then.
3. Crying is expected, feel no shame. Happy?...you can cry. Sad? Absolutely. Just plain confused or exasperated? Crying can help......in fact
4. Sudden or frequent displays of emotion are ok if you're a girl. My survey (of a random range of females) said hugging was the most popular.
5. Being giggly is ok if you're female, NOT if you're male.
Ahh there are loads more reasons.....think I'll interspurse my 'reasons' entries between more serious articles. Watch this space!
(Any of your own reasons to add please mail me at gilliantuck@gmail.com so I can steal your ideas for entries 6-10! I'm aiming for 100....)
I love being a girl, or is it a lady/woman now?....I prefer girl.
Being female is fab, I'm glad that's what God made me.
Here's a few resons why:
1. You can colour co-ordinate your outfit without your friends laughing at you...in fact it's actively encouraged.
2. You are expected to enjoy eating chocolate - made by the aztecs as an aphrodisiac, popularised and established by puritans and quakers (Mr. Cadbury himself) as upright family businesses in Europe. Can't be bad then.
3. Crying is expected, feel no shame. Happy?...you can cry. Sad? Absolutely. Just plain confused or exasperated? Crying can help......in fact
4. Sudden or frequent displays of emotion are ok if you're a girl. My survey (of a random range of females) said hugging was the most popular.
5. Being giggly is ok if you're female, NOT if you're male.
Ahh there are loads more reasons.....think I'll interspurse my 'reasons' entries between more serious articles. Watch this space!
(Any of your own reasons to add please mail me at gilliantuck@gmail.com so I can steal your ideas for entries 6-10! I'm aiming for 100....)
20/07/2008
Encouraging Discouragements
I've had one of those weeks, I think you know the kind I mean. When everything conspires against you to bring you down, when the little things become too large and when curling up in bed and going to sleep until the next week starts seems the best option. There's been no major event in my life that could possibly warrant such a downturn in my spirits, but I'm assured by several good books and more than a handful of real life Christians that times like this are normal.
Normal, yes. Easy, no. I've (notice the word!) tried cheering myself up. You might be familiar with the routine - count your blessings - even write them down, have a little shopping trip - nothing too extravagant, just a little material pick-me-up, read a funny book, watch a funny movie, phone a cheerie friend (who incidently was out! how inconsiderate!!). Solutions to 'the doldrums' tried and tested by countless women I'm sure. Methods that don't help, well not in the long run anyway. Eventually the lightbulb appears comically above my head and I stop trying and do the thing I should have done before spending my money, lifting the phone or watching that film ('The Wedding Singer' in case you were wondering, very funny if you lived through the eighties). I lifted my Bible and spend some time and energy in prayer. It might surprise you to know that this didn't magically and instantaniously transform my day, or the rest of my week for that matter. Even today, Sunday, walking back to the car after a wonderful church service I overheard a short conversation which discouraged me again. But what that simple act of faith in turning to God did was to reassure me that I'm normal and taught me to hold on. A lady called Eugenia Price puts it like this:
'I no longer panic at dry or so-called dark periods....I learned long ago that if those times didn't come, we wouldn't be normal. How we feel- how I feel 'spiritually'- seems less and less relevant. What matters is that God is constant. He is the only constant.'
My husband and I had a chat this week about discouraging things, the things that are getting us down and effecting us. He pointed out that we should be encouraged that satan is bothering with us at all. Of course, it's easy to attribute things to the devil, but after some thought I've realised there's no other origin for discouragements as God is the source of all things good.
I often find that I'm drawn to songs which express times in my journey with God - there's always a song that your soul can cry out to God. There have been two this week that have helped me reflect on what God wants me to learn. They're both from the same album - so if you feel the urge to shop for whatever reason, your money wouldn't be wasted on Lou Fellingham's 'Treasure'. The track hard pressed starts: 'I am hard pressed on every side but I'm not crushed' When I'm down I know God is constant and I also know that with God the discouragements of life will never crush me. The other song which has helped me begins: 'You give rest to the weary, you bring strength to the weak. As they wait in your presence, there is grace for their need...'
So, if you're barely clinging on and feeling discouraged, don't let my story encourage you, let God's abundant grace encourage you, His constant, unchanging grace.
The book which made me laugh is 'Not A Super-Saint' by Liz Hansford.
Normal, yes. Easy, no. I've (notice the word!) tried cheering myself up. You might be familiar with the routine - count your blessings - even write them down, have a little shopping trip - nothing too extravagant, just a little material pick-me-up, read a funny book, watch a funny movie, phone a cheerie friend (who incidently was out! how inconsiderate!!). Solutions to 'the doldrums' tried and tested by countless women I'm sure. Methods that don't help, well not in the long run anyway. Eventually the lightbulb appears comically above my head and I stop trying and do the thing I should have done before spending my money, lifting the phone or watching that film ('The Wedding Singer' in case you were wondering, very funny if you lived through the eighties). I lifted my Bible and spend some time and energy in prayer. It might surprise you to know that this didn't magically and instantaniously transform my day, or the rest of my week for that matter. Even today, Sunday, walking back to the car after a wonderful church service I overheard a short conversation which discouraged me again. But what that simple act of faith in turning to God did was to reassure me that I'm normal and taught me to hold on. A lady called Eugenia Price puts it like this:
'I no longer panic at dry or so-called dark periods....I learned long ago that if those times didn't come, we wouldn't be normal. How we feel- how I feel 'spiritually'- seems less and less relevant. What matters is that God is constant. He is the only constant.'
My husband and I had a chat this week about discouraging things, the things that are getting us down and effecting us. He pointed out that we should be encouraged that satan is bothering with us at all. Of course, it's easy to attribute things to the devil, but after some thought I've realised there's no other origin for discouragements as God is the source of all things good.
I often find that I'm drawn to songs which express times in my journey with God - there's always a song that your soul can cry out to God. There have been two this week that have helped me reflect on what God wants me to learn. They're both from the same album - so if you feel the urge to shop for whatever reason, your money wouldn't be wasted on Lou Fellingham's 'Treasure'. The track hard pressed starts: 'I am hard pressed on every side but I'm not crushed' When I'm down I know God is constant and I also know that with God the discouragements of life will never crush me. The other song which has helped me begins: 'You give rest to the weary, you bring strength to the weak. As they wait in your presence, there is grace for their need...'
So, if you're barely clinging on and feeling discouraged, don't let my story encourage you, let God's abundant grace encourage you, His constant, unchanging grace.
The book which made me laugh is 'Not A Super-Saint' by Liz Hansford.
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