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#oneof15m

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I feel like I should share the story behind this picture….This was taken last year, Alexander feel asleep on my shoulder after a day of exhausting frustration. It was our “final straw” day. The day he was suspend from school for things that he should have had an IEP, or at least 504, protection from. It was the day that we decided that schooling from home would be the least harmful education.
We have known that Alexander struggles with ADHD since he was very little. Our daily battles are exhausting and often times simple tasks seem impossible. It seems like we have been fighting for him since the day he started school. After 6 years of requesting an IEP from the school system we finally got it last December(2014). Ironically, it was also the day that I withdrew him from his neighborhood school and he transferred him to the virtual home school.
Life

Identity

I am a mom. More specifically I am Alexander’s mom, Thomas’ mom, Jonathan’s mom, and now Sophia’s mom. That’s my title, my name, my vocation. It’s been so long since I’ve been Melissa that I’m not really sure who that is. I do Mom stuff; laundry, cooking, cleaning, discipline, taking kids to the doctor, etc. When I’m holding Sophia people talked to her and not me. I love being a mom! While there are many moments of pure chaos, no rest, and way to much noise, I still wouldn’t change anything.
But today, I had a moment. An exhausted mom moment where the kids were pulling on me just to kiss on Sophia and I thought, I’m just Sophia’s mom. And that’s when I heard God speak. He told me that He is Melissa’s Father and that’s okay with him. Duh, God sent His son Jesus to live and die as a man so that I could know him as Father.
So while I’m in the midst of these crazy momma days, I will be okay with being the caretaker of the Midkiff clan because I know that the Father is proudly taking care of me.

Life, Thomas

Lessons learned from Thomas

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Thomas, our second son, is always teaching me new things about being a mother. He is unique and I love it. I have been writing down little “lessons” learned from him over time. He has taught me a lot. I thought i’d share a little, I’m sure this list will continue to grow, as long as he keeps being my Thomas.

  1. The color orange goes with everything!
  2. Bottles of shampoo and soap are single use, no matter the size.
  3. Always check to make sure Thomas is wearing underwear.
  4. Don’t forget how young he is because of how independent he is.
  5. When Thomas is missing, check the car trunk.
  6. The dirtier the better. This applies to toys, rooms, bodies, etc.
  7. Silence is dangerous.
  8. Hide the scissors. The temptation is too great, he will cut his hair.
  9. Always check the chair before sitting down. It may be sticky, wet or taken apart.
  10.  The answer to “Why are you picking your nose?” is “Because I’m Thomas.”
  11.  Have a plan. Thomas has a plan for his career, sweet girl that he’ll marry, home he will live in, and vehicle(s) he will drive.
Christ, Life, Ministry

Legacy

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Last night I was reminded of where I come from.

I had the unexpected opportunity to attend a meeting and catch a glimpse of where Louisiana Baptists, specifically the Women’s Ministries, are focusing on for the future. Their focus is to teach missions. This is nothing new for the WMU. They have been teaching little girls to live out the great commission since 1888. I am a part of that legacy.  I have been fortunate enough to learn from wonderful women.

I was reminded that we are supposed to live “missions”.  All Christians are called to serve. When we are talking to our boys, the big question is always “Are you showing love?” That’s really what missions is all about, Love. Showing the Father’s love to hurting people. Hurting people are everywhere: China, Montana, Louisiana, the Military, your church, and your home. Love them because God sent his Son to die for them.

My prayer is that as I teach a new generation of G.A’s about missions I can continue this legacy.

GA Pledge: “As a GA, I will do my best to live a missions lifestyle that honors God by learning about missions, praying for missions, giving to missions, doing missions, and participating in the work of the church.”

“The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to” (Micah 6:8 NIrV).