Notes from Nicole

As a parent I have tried many different approaches to discipling my children. I have used sticker charts, extra tv time, and other reward systems. When my daughter was younger she did not like to be told "no" about anything and if we are being honest with ourselves none of us enjoy hearing that word when we want something! It became such a problem that even if she asked me an obviously no answer type question such as, "Mom, can I have ice cream before supper?" and I responded with "No" it did not matter how gently or calmly I said it, she would have a melt down! So, at the suggestion of a behavior therapist we created the "No Jar." It was just a plain old jar and we had a small container of beads that sat next to it. The deal was if she accepted the word "No" without throwing a fit, then she could put a bead in the jar. If she did not accept being told "No" then she did not earn a bead. Once she had a certain amount

I am proud to say that I have read most of the Bible. Well, maybe proud isn't the word I should use...privileged, that is how I feel everytime I open this great book. It IS a privilege to be able to open my Bible and read it anytime and anywhere that I want to. Some people do not have this gift of freedom. I will say that some books of the Bible are more interesting and fascinating to me than others, but I know that there is wisdom hidden even in those books which I struggle to get through. One of those books that just didn't appeal to me is the book of Job. I vaguely knew Job's story and I just couldn't seem to get myself in the right frame of mind to read about his trials and suffering until just recently. Whenever I start to read a new section or book in my Bible I always write the start date on the beginnning page. So, for Job it was December 2012....my ending date was today, January 22, 2013. No, the book of Job is not a 1200 page novel and no, I do not ne

One of my earliest childhood memories from church is hearing about and memorizing the 10 Commandments. In our SS classroom we had a poster with man that I first thought was Santa Claus holding these two big rock like things with words on them and funny looking letters-which I learned later were actually roman numerals- (gimme a break I was only about 8 years old!) So, anyway, we could earn a prize if we could memorize all of the commandments and recite them outloud to the class. It was a really big deal to me! I remember studying them with my mom and I eventually did memorize them all and get my brand new SS pencil!!!! Ahhhh, the small pleasures of childhood:) I also remember after learning about these 10 Commandments anytime I got into trouble or I would "sass" my mom she was always quick to remind me of what one of the most important commandments is; "Honor thy mother and they father!" Oh boy! Do you know how many times I heard that one??? I think God put