Monday, January 08, 2007

How I Spent My Christmas Blogcation

I've just spent two weeks with both my girls, and I'm blown away by how much has happened in such a short time. I picked them up from their dad's in the wee hours of Christmas morning then drove to my mom's to spend a couple of days. It was a very pleasant visit, with the exception of having my daughters tell me that they would only go home with me if they don't have to stay. Sheesh, who's the parent here?

I made it clear that we are playing by different rules from now on, and they are going to have to learn to submit to my authority. My job is not to make them happy. My job, my obligation, is to teach them by example, by instruction, and by discipline to love the Lord and to walk by faith.

We left my mom's two days later, headed for home, and while I drove, they read various scripture passages aloud, and we followed up with discussion. Afterwards, I asked them how they felt about making it a habit and received positive feedback. Hallelujah! Half the battle has been won.

Still, Lindsey was very adamant that she was not going to stay because of her boyfriend. I had met him and his parents the day before, and they seemed to be good people. The only problem I had with him is his age and his advice to my daughter. (Wait a semester after graduation to start college? Bad advice, in my opinion, especially since it's contradictory to her parents' wishes and his own mother's advice.) I sat the two of them down to discuss my concerns about the seriousness of their relationship (He's already given her a promise ring, and they've only been dating two months.) She's 16, he's 19. As I was explaining to them the reasons for my belief that she needs to be with me, he felt compelled to point out that adolescence is all about rebellion. (Really? It's not just stuff they put in movies?) He was making a beeline for my bad side, at warp speed. I informed him that I'm fully aware of the natural human condition, but for the child of God, human nature is no excuse. THEN, when I asked him if he knows Jesus, he said he is saved, but he doesn't go to church because of all the hypocrites there. Mercy sakes alive! Who knew? I must have missed them for all the other sinners. Lord, forgive my sarcasm, and wake this young man from his slumber.

I scored a few points with Lindsey later when her dad was ranting about her attitude, right there in front of her beau. I looked at him, rolled my eyes and said "That's just adolescence." Good times.

Sarah surprised me. She was talkative and friendly, and seemed to be enjoying herself. After we got home, she wanted to go shopping. We spent a few hours at the Mall of Georgia, which wasn't enough time to hit all the stores, especially with the incredibly long lines. That place is HUGE! We will definitely go back. The following day, she asked if we could go shopping for me. Apparently, my wardrobe needed some updating. I highly recommend taking your fashion-conscious kids with you to the department store. They'll try to convince you that $50 jeans are reasonably priced, but hold out for JC Penney and head straight for the clearance racks. Grab the most garish thing you can find and act as if you'd actually consider wearing it. They'll be mortified, but you'll reach a whole new level of cool when you opt for something more tasteful. They won't even mind that it's on clearance.

There's more to this roller coaster ride. Stay tuned as the saga continues.

8 comments:

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Well, now, I was beginning to wonder if you'd skipped the country or something along those lines. ;D

I'm glad to read such good news and about these prayers that have been answered. I know the war's not won, but you've been victorious in a few battles. Praise the Lord!!

And hey, just remind Lindsey, if their love is real, it will be able to stand the separation, and even grow stronger. It could be either, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," or it may turn out to be, "Out of sight, out of mind." Yeah, we both know it could go either way, but she may not.

boomama said...

I've been wondering where in the world you've been...but figured the holidays probably had something to do with your absence.

And just FYI - L.'s boyfriend's excuse about not going to church TOTALLY ROCKS. Because, like you, I was completely unaware of the hypocrisy of sinners. I'm so glad he pointed that out, because I think I'll just stop going, too.

;-)

Hang in there....

Barb said...

I'm busy busy this morning, getting ready to take Rob to the hospital. But I had to check one more time to see if you were back. You have no idea how many times thoughts of you have popped into my mind in the last week or so. I'm so glad you're back.

BooMama stole my comment. Too funny. She said exactly what I was thinking. There'd be a lot of empty churches if everyone stayed away because of the hypocrits.

The encouraging thing here is that the lines of communication are open again. That's a great start! I'm happy for you. This post feels uplifting and encouraging.

xoxoxo

Kelli said...

BooMama said it best- OH.MY.WORD.

What a hoot!

However darlin' - I'm glad you are back, making in-roads with the girls. I was praying for you this whole time, and wondering like mad what was going on :)

Call me - or email me with a good time to call you! We need to catch up!!

Girl Raised in the South said...

Brenda, I believe it was Winston Churchill who gave this speech - it's total content, "never give up, never give up, never give up." Smart man. Raising teenagers is sometimes just an endurance test. Nice to hear from you out there again. xoxoxo

Robin said...

Thanks for stopping in at my blog and commenting.
YOur teenagers sound like they are as fun as mine. I don't know your situation but I applaud you for getting them to read the Bible aloud with you and for sitting L and her boy down and talking to them together!!
Hang in there

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

Glad you are back! Missed your posts.

The boyfriend sounds a little too big for his Levi's- do they wear Levi's now? I am so not looking forward to those days with my daughter- I can't imagine what my Mama had to put up with. :>)

Grafted Branch said...

Whoo hoo! I'm blog-giddy over your return! I wondered if you ever would.

I think about you and those going-to-be-so-wonderful-women you call your daughters, very often.

I'm LOL at your handling of the boyfriend. Oh my. He's new here, isn't he?