Since we last visited this subject, the school kids went back to school and so that has freed me from the constant fear of someone showing up during our school time. Well, not fear....annoyance is a better word.
Surprisingly, my attitude has mellowed quite a bit. I have been praying about it and asking for peace. Peace has been given.
I've set rules and so far the regular(s) (it's (s) now somehow) are complying well with all due respect, who knew? I
For whatever reason the good Lord has seen fit to squeeze my comfort zone, so I really have no choice but to roll with it.
Hopefully we can be a blessing to these kids, or they to us.
God has brought me a very looong way, and has done so patiently and ever so gently. And, He's not done yet. :-)
ReplyDeletePraying for and with you!
Thank you Petra.
DeleteThis is difficult. I like to keep my kids away from the "kids in the 'hood" Thankfully, our neighborhood is mostly full of elderly, so I don't have to worry too much. But ther are a few. We can't allow our kids to play with kids who aren't good for them (bad company corrupts good morals) yet, we need to figure out a way to reach out to these kids...because they need us- Let me know when you find the perfect balance! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever will (find the balance). It takes effort. I have to get to know these kids, find out about their families, etc. I haven't done as good of a job as I should. I need to be more vigilant about it in some ways, but less uptight.
DeleteOh my gosh whether it be kids or grand-kids - it is getting harder and harder to keep kids from the bad influence of others. My grandson is going into middle school and we wanted him to go to a Christian school - it was not that easy - and I had been moaning and groaning for awhile. It was hard. You have to stay ever steadfast.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to know what to do. The world is going to be out there and we are not supposed to hide our light. I hope all is working out well at your grandson's school.
DeleteMa- Please take comfort in the Sovereignty of God with your kids now and later when they're adults. You can lead and teach them and you can protect them as much as is in your power to do so, but it is God alone who will convert and keep their souls. So....pray, pray, and pray some more!! :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you sister.
Thank you Diane, and I do try to trust and also obey. I know I wasn't brought up with a particular emphasis to stay away from certain friends. It IS up to Him.
DeleteMy trip to California added a new twist to my troubles that kind of resembles this theme, sigh. There is someone who really gets on my nerves there who I need to be praying for non-stop. She has said some things that show a level of disrespect that was truly shocking and saddening... and then made me sooooooo angry! Grrr! Pray, pray, pray...
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wish He wouldn't put these people in our path, but He does to exercise us, keep us coming to Him and obeying His command to love our enemies. It is hard! It is becoming clearer to me that we are going to really have lots of struggles before it is all over.
DeleteMy mom is suffering from dementia, and she takes care of her, but she is also taking advantage of her. Also my favorite auntie (whom she knows) passed away during the time of my visit. This lady said something regarding my auntie, and also regarding something she has always bugged about getting from my mom (a diamond ring that my stepdad gave to my mom) and she took it saying my mom gave it to her. My mom had said that this girl kept bugging her for it ever since my stepdad died. Now that she has dementia, she can take advantage of her. :( I keep saying "it's only stuff" but this shows such disrespect to my mom (and you should have heard what she said about my auntie, it made me want to puke!) and my brother (who is handling everything) doesn't want to cross this person. sigh.
DeleteI'm so sorry about your aunt. It's too bad that people take advantage like this. God will make everything right in time, we just have to believe. I know it's really frustrating, though.
DeleteI have had kids come to my home and be completely disrespectful to me and the things in our home....needless to say they were not invited back.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne