$100

I was talking to my sister just before Christmas. She told me she'd been at party and was talking someone about parenting teens. His youngest is 22yrs old, so he spoke with some wisdom and experience. One of the things he told my sister, is that when his kids discovered the wonderful, crazy feelings members of the opposite sex could spark in the heart, he offered them $100 if they didn't kiss anyone before they turned 16. My daughter, SWEETHEART who is 15yrs old, overheard this conversation and blurted, "Hey, I'd have done that! If I don't kiss anyone for the next year will you give me $100?"

I've had several conversations with my kids about kissing and touching and all that other stuff they will save for marriage. One of my favorite "discussions" is about -closed mouth kisses-. (Some time I'll have to "discuss" it here, but not today) So, knowing that she had already crossed the kissing line I offered her $75. She negotiated for $85. The next time she hung out with her group of friends (and her "kissing friend") I asked her how it went and whether our deal was still in place.

She told me the following story:

"I told Kaid that we couldn't kiss anymore. He said that $85 was pocket change. I asked him if I kissed him if he would give me $85. He said, "No." So I didn't kiss him. But mom it's really hard! You should give me $200."

Ya, I know...maybe I should...I know once you've crossed a line it's harder to go back...It was a great opportunity to talk about physical intimacy and those boundaries the Lord has set and how easily the adversary can push us across them and the struggle that repentance is and how difficult it can be to stay back the next time. It is better not to cross or get close to them in the first place.

Somewhere there is the happy medium of freedom and control. Parenting teens is certainly a tedious exercise in finding the right balance between the two.

Pay It Forward

It has been WAY TOO LONG since I have taken time to post anything here. I still check in on my favorite blogs (you can bet that if you've commented here or seen a comment from me I've lurked on your blog for the last few months). I'd say I was sorry for not posting more and for neglecting the blogging world without so much as a "see ya later", but that would not be completely honest. I've been crazy busy finishing my last semester of classes and even though I've done well, other things have taken priority to posting.

My marriage has taken some pretty big hits and I have a difficult time being positive. So rather than pretending to be up beat and joyously looking for God's hand and searching for "His plan" in all this. I've been silent. Who knows maybe I've been away for too long and no one even looks here any more. I can't say I'd blame anyone. C'est La Vie!

So what has brought me back to post, you may ask. The answer to that question is - Lizzy, at http://icecreamdiary.blogspot.com/ She has been the catalyst to my resurrection. Several weeks ago she named me as a recipient of her "pay it forward". A couple of days ago I received her gift in the mail. See the beautiful earrings and necklace? Isn't she just wonderful?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you my fellow Ice Cream obsesser. I love them!

Since she chose me for this gift I've tried to think of something I could pass on to someone else. I think the general idea is to "Make" something. I used to be pretty creative but those creative juices have not been flowing very well. And I've got a couple of vague ideas. I'll put them to work this week and see if I can make something that I wouldn't be embarrased to pass on. Wish me luck.

P.S. If anyone is still out there after my extended absence, let me know. 'Cause I'll soon have three gifts to pass on.