Bible Verses to Help Overcome Emptiness and Feelings of Loneliness

Being a christian is not easy and sometimes we face trying times where we might feel that God has left us, or that we have strayed to far away to be brought back. Spiritually we may feel lost and in need of guidance so that we may be brought back to a peaceful state of mind.

I was once in that situation where I felt a wave of emptiness and loneliness. Nothing I did made me happy, or
would fill the emptiness inside. I slowed up on reading my bible and made excuses not to pray before I went to bed. I could feel myself pulling away and I could not stop it.

When I pulled away, I opened the door for the devil to walk right in and he did just that. Everything that was going well turned for the worst, and I felt like I could not shake it. I tried to get back into my daily routine, but when I sat down to read my bible I could not pay attention. My mind was racing a mile a minute. It was like the devil knew I was trying to find my way back home and he kept distracting me and leading me away from the right path. I could not focus, so I put my bible down for the time being, got on my knees and started praying. I asked God to clear my mind of all distractions and guide me to the right scriptures to feed my hunger for spiritual healing.

Once I finished saying my prayers, God opened my mind and my heart to receive his healing. He led me to a few scriptures that were directed towards my emptiness and lonely feelings, but two of them stuck to me the most and I hope they will do the same for you.

2 Corinthians 12;10
     Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

I loved this scripture because I took my feelings of emptiness as a sign of weakness, but I am strong in my weakness.

Luke 15:4-6
      What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost until it is found
        And when he hath found it he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing
         And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost.

If we stray away from the flock, God will leave his flock to find us. He cares that we leave, but his greatest joy is when we returns. I really enjoyed reading this scripture because it spoke directly to my situation.

When I finished reading, my feelings of lonely and emptiness was no more and I can only thank God.

If you are still feeling lonely, read Psalms 25: 16-17, Isaiah 41:10, Luke 15:22-24.

God is our Strength, with him all obstacles can be overcome.

Reflection On The Wall

       Dear reflection on the wall,

Please stop hurting my daughter's feelings. She saw you the other day and thought it would be a good idea to play with you, so she crawled up to you and bumped her head. I tried to explain to her that it was only her shadow and you would not play with her, but she insisted on coming up to you anyways. She showed you her cute little baby hand and to my surprise you and her had the same cute little hand and she laughed and I couldn't help, but laugh. I can not possibly imagine the conversation you and her had together or lack thereof, but she seemed to really enjoy whatever it was that you and her were talking about. I guess she did not realize that you wasn't really talking back. I don't think she cared.

What really got me was when she moved to a different place on the bed and you did not move with her. She threw a fit. One, I have never seen before and I have seen her share of fits. She slapped her brother's hand for trying to close the door of his power wheel because in her mind he should have known she was trying to get in so she could take it from him.

but this time was different. When she could not find you, she literally beat on the wall yelling at the top of her lungs like you had really went some where. Luckily it did not take her that long to get over her fit. I was glad because my wall was tired of feeling her wrath.

The friendship was good while it lasted, but once you disappeared and the wall stop accepting its beating, she moved on to the lonely doll in the corner.

You were truly a good five minute friend.

Sincerely,
The mother who witnessed it.

Coming back never felt so good

It has been a while since I sat down and actually had time to write. So, let me catch you up on the last
few months. My active two year old has finally graduated to a extremely active two year who likes to talk back. He is growing up so fast, but I can do without his smart mouth. He is very smart, but chooses not to pay attention. I noticed his sister who, by the way, is nine months would say her name, but I have not once heard him say his name. So, I asked him to tell me his name one day, instead he started telling me about the tree in our front yard. He had a lot to say and I learned a lot about that tree, but I just wanted to know his name.

I thought maybe he did not know how to say his name, or maybe he just liked making things difficult. Come to find out he does know how to say his name and he knows just how old he is, but I cannot figure out why when people ask him what is his name and how old he is, his first reaction is to change the subject and tell them about his trucks.

Oh my goodness! Don't get me started on those trucks. My brother bought him some monster trucks that he loves so dearly. Until he traded two of them for ONE little car at his doctor's appointment with another little boy. Graison takes baths with those trucks, rides in the car with them, he would even sleep with them if I allowed it. I am so tired of those trucks. I could go into the back yard and dig a hole for those trucks and pretend like I have no idea what happened to them, BUT... I'm not going to do that.. He almost drove me crazy at church this past Sunday. It was a little girl sitting in front of us and he kept driving the trucks in her head. I got so tired of telling his to stop and sit down. I could barely listen to what the preacher was saying. I do not go to church to show people how much I yell at my son for nothing listening. No I really don't yell that much, (kind of) but seriously the people in front of us got so tired of him driving the truck in their little girl head that they packed up and moved down. I couldn't do anything, but laugh because my son's face expression was priceless. None of this would have happened if he would have just listened. He needs someone to play with besides his sister.

His sister is another story.I could write a whole page on her alone.  She is very smart and always smiling. She is full of excitement and loves her big brother. She is forever surprising me, but Aubrei can be very mean at times. That's a story for another time. Once she started crawling, I knew my hands would forever be full and they were. I run after her more then I did when Graison was her age. I love that they keep me busy during the day because I sleep like a baby at night.

It was something when Aubrei started crawling, but then she started climbing on everything and getting into things I never knew possible. I have to watch her like a hawk. She has to sample everything and even bully her brother while she is doing it. Then she started walking. Yeah, my nine month old is walking. I love seeing her walking across the floor and sometimes she even tries to run, but that only means my baby is growing up. Sooner or later she will be as active as her brother. Then I'll be around here pulling my hair out.

I forgot to mention that she is dramatic.

and

super talkative which I will tell you about later, but I have to tell you a little about her dramatic side.

sooo...

Graison touched her hair.. yeah like took his little toddler hand and placed it on her head

 and she screamed liked he was killing her. I honestly thought something happened, but when I looked over at them, Graison had his hand on her hair. Nothing else. Just a hand, touching her hair. I just shook my head.

but don't think, for a minute, that she lets him get away with messing with her.

just wait. I'll let you in on her little pay back next time.

The End To Regressive Behavior

I am so proud of my son! A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about regressive behavior. My son was going
through it and I felt it would be nice to enlighten other parents who were going through the same situation I was in and how to deal with it. No matter how much you research and read up on the subject remember that patients is key when it comes to dealing with your toddlers regressive behaviors.

It will pass!

and that is why I am so proud of my son. He has returned to his same old active self. He does not want me to hold him and treat him like a baby which I did not mind and actually enjoyed the extra bonding time.

but..

his room surly did miss him and I missed being able to blog in peace. When he was under me I did not have to worry to much about his room being so messy and dreading cleaning it up. I don't miss the banging and toys flying against the walls, but I will accept it with great pleasure.

This morning I had the pleasure of taking two CD's and a play phone out of his CD player.

He told me he was trying to watch the Paw Patrol..

Oh did I tell you when my son left his regressive behavior outside at the front door, he learned how to say so many different words and form them into sentences. So now when we talk to each other, I actually know what the conversation is about.

Great isn't it? I know right!

The best part is that we are back on track for potty training! I know you can tell that I am pretty much super excited and I really am. What can I say I am proud of him and we are having fun doing it. The other day he sat on the pot until he used it, came and got me to tell me he was finished and usually when he do there is nothing there, but this time there was. So I screamed YAY!!! YOU DID IT! YOU WENT TO THE POTTY! I was jumping up and down so he started jumping up and down and saying YAY! I DID IT! I POTTIED MOMMY( those are his exact words)

I just love that little boy. He keeps me laughing and he never fails to make me smile!

So..

Just remember regressive behavior is just a phase and all phases have to come to a end.

Be patient! Joy always comes in the morning!

and make sure they feel secure and loved! They need a little extra love and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Lets Agree To Disagree

                                  Parenting Styles

Mom vs. Dad

Lets face it, raising kids is difficult, but there is an extra added stress when you and your partner disagree on each other's parenting styles. It is difficult to focus on what is important when your main focus is who is right or wrong. Most parents choose to parent how their own parents raised them and sometimes that is not the best choice. Every child is different and how your parents raised you might not necessarily work for your children, or for you.  I knew that my husband and I would have different parenting styles, but I also knew how understanding and open he was when it came to raising our kids. Sometimes we agree to disagree, but we respect each other's decisions. You just have to remember that dad's opinion is just as important as mom's. I think that is where a lot of parents go wrong. As moms, we feel we are superior over dad, but we fail to realize that we are in a partnership and we are equal to each other. Dad needs to feel important too. Remember that.

Parenting is not a competition. Parenting works best when both the mom and the dad are on the same page. Believe me children will use that against you!

My toddler knows that I am the sweet one and I will barely spank him. I am more open to talking to him and letting him express his feelings, but if he gets too out of control I will spank him. His dad on the other hand is viewed as the mean one. He is not as open as I am to trying to find out why he acting the way he do and alternate disciplinary actions, so he uses that against his father and I. This can be stressful at times because I know that he is going through his terrible two's and regressive stage and he does not know how to properly express his feelings. I know he is on an emotional roller coaster, but his father thinks he is "just bad" and that he knows better. This is where our different parenting styles come into play.

The Downfall  

Different parenting styles can have a lasting effect on a relationship. It can harm the most rock solid relationships and can sometimes end them. It can lead to unnecessary arguments, or even fights. Parents have to realize that even though their kids are young it does not stop them from seeing what is going on. Once they figure out, they will try to use it against you. It does not get better over time unless something changes within the parents. 

Someones has to learn when to step back..

and let the other parent take the lead... It does not matter how many books you have read, or how much experience or research you have done. Dads want and need to feel like their role is as important as mom's role. You do not want your children growing up feeling like they do not have to respect their father, or do what he says. That can lead to resentment on the father's side.

So what can we do?

As mothers, it can be hard for us to see our kids being discipline. We might even step in when we feel the treatment is too harsh which can lead to a argument. It is hard to step out the way and let dad handle the situation, but he needs that. Your relationship needs that. Your kids need that. So what do you do when you want to be on the same page as your partner? Okay if your husband is anything like mines, you know that he will not do the research you did, or read as many books. I can tell my husband where to search, what to read, the page number and what section to find it in, and he still will not get it. But what I do know is that if we are sitting face to face talking he will listen.

I would suggest printing out information, and reading it together. That way if you have any questions, or concerns they can be addressed right then and there. Moms listen to your partner and let them know their feelings matter. Their role matters.

Communication is key

Be understanding,

Compassionate and understanding of their needs

in the end both parents wants what is best for their children. You might not see eye to eye on every situation and that is okay, but your parenting relationship will be in a much better state. Which is truly in the best interest of the child.

Is Regressive Behavior Normal?

Is Regressive Behavior Something To Be Worried About?

I noticed that my son is going backwards in his development. He wants to be treated like a baby. He noticed how his father and I treat his sister and he wants to be treated the same way. I did not necessarily know how to approach the situation. I sought the opinions of others, but did not agree with their methods on how to handle it. So, I did some research and thought it would be a great idea to write an article for those who are going through the same situation.

I did not understand why this was happening at first and I won't lie, it frustrated me. I thought we were gaining progress, but now he does not want to use the potty, he will not go to sleep on his own, and he wants to be held all the time. At first I thought it was something wrong, but as I was reading I came to the conclusion that my stress was all for nothing. So, is regressive behavior something to be concerned about?

Not at all. 

My son shows all the signs of regressive behavior and I can understand. He was the baby for almost two years before his sister came alone. He got everything he wanted and then some. If he wanted to be rocked to sleep, we did that. In my eyes he was still a baby, and to me he still is. He also talks well, but since his sister started baby talking he no longer wants to talk like a big boy. He breaks his words up into two short syllables. He was doing well with his potty training and now if I mention using the potty he takes off running, or starts crying. What I did not understand was why he wanted to breastfeed again, but it is normal for him to see his sister breastfeeding and want to nurse as well. He wants to feel like a baby again, and that is okay, but there are signs that you should be aware of when it comes o regressive behavior.

When to contract the doctor?

It is normal to notice some regressive behavior especially if their is a new baby in the house, but if you notice that your toddler's motor skills are regressing, their social skills decreasing, or they stop speaking all together then it is time to contact their pediatrician. It is important to have your toddler examined to ensure nothing is seriously wrong.

How do you respond to regressive behavior?

Toddlers usually show regressive behavior because they feel insecure. They want to feel safe and they feel that when they are snug close into the arms of their loved ones. It is important to let them know they are safe. When they feel secure, their regressive behavior will stop and they will go back to their normal behavior.

Now, what happens when your toddler wants to nurse again? I know it can be frustrating as I am going through this myself. So, how do I handle the situation? I sit my son down and I tell him that he is a big boy now, and big boys do not breastfeed They use big boy cups. I explain to him that his sister is still a baby and that is how she eats. It hurts my heart to see his face when I tell him that, but redirecting him is the best response.

I make sure that I give him as much attention as I give his sister. I tell him I love him and give him as many hugs as he can handle. My son loves to give me kisses, so I use that as a way to redirect him when he is upset. I also make sure to include him when I am doing something with his sister. For example if I am singing to his sister, I make sure to look at him and start singing to him as well. That makes him feel wanted and secure. If I am dressing his sister, I ask him to help me put her shoes on, or I ask him to pass me something I might need for his sister. I try to include him in as much as I can and make sure I let him know what a great big brother he is.

I know this is a phase and it will soon pass, but it is important to respect how your toddler is feeling and ensure to respond in a positive way. They cannot help not knowing how to correctly express their

My Toddler's First Love

One of my very good friends let me watch her daughter while she went to work today. I thought it

would be good for Graison to be around other kids, and I desperately wanted to see my friend. She never have time for anything but work.

I thought today was going to be a busy day with me running after two toddlers and taking care of my sick five month old daughter, but to my surprise today was a breeze. My sister came over and we walked to the seafood place with the kids. They seem to really enjoy the walk, and so did I. The only thing I hate is crossing major highways. I have never been able to cross a highway without freaking out and thinking the cars are moving to fast... so I never do it.. When we got back my friend was waiting for us, and Graison was excited to see his playmate.

It took them no time at all to start getting into everything. As soon as they got into the house they ran into Graison's room and started screaming at each other, and throwing toys. I am shocked that my son did not run her away. He did not fight her, or do anything to make her cry. He was so sweet to her. He even apologized for her falling even though he did not cause it.

Later on I went outside to do some yard work and let the kids play. They really enjoyed being outside. Graison was sweet enough to let my friend's baby drive his truck and when they "ran out of gas" he got out and started pushing it. Before they "ran out of gas," Graison was scared by her driving and tried to get out the car, but she was not going for it. When he opened the door, she reached over and shut it before he could jump out the truck... They are so cute together.

I felt bad when it was time for her to leave. Graison was so hurt that he ran to the door and tried to go with her. The tears did not start until he saw her pull out of the driveway. He ran to me with his big wide eyes, full of tears, and hugged me. It was the first time he wanted to be around me all day, but me being mommy I embraced his hug and lent him my shoulder to cry on which lasted every bit of five seconds.