What I Learned From Spoiling My Son (For a Day)

For those of you who don’t know, we follow the Babywise philosophy of parenting in the Morgan house. While this encompasses a lot of things, the main gist is that we have a set schedule – meals, naps, bedtime. And we do some other things like Independent Play and Blanket Time. Probably by a lot of standards we are “strict” with Judah but everything I do has a higher purpose and mostly revolves around the idea that it is easier to train my child in what is acceptable behavior now than it will be later. Of course, if you have any more questions I’d love to share (maybe over a cup of coffee) 🙂

This is our foundation, then enter our first real sickness this week. Judah has had his fair share of colds but for the most part those don’t interfere with normal life. This week though he seems to have some sort of tummy bug which means a lot more TV, snuggles, less Independent Play, and a much more go with the flow type of eating.

And it’s been really nice, actually.

Weirdly maybe, this time of “spoiling” has affirmed my parenting choices more than anything. I’m able to enjoy this extra neediness because it’s different. I know the hard work we’ve put in already means that this special day isn’t going to mess up his sleeping or his ability to play by himself. It’s nice to let things slide for a short period, knowing it’s only temporary and for a good reason. Maybe I’m loosening up a bit after all 😉

“The Power of Presence” Book Review

“The Power of Presence” by Neil T. Anderson is a short, but powerful book about experiencing the presence of God in the midst of the author’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease with his wife.

I was unsure whether the book would be a narrative about his journey with his wife, or if it would be more theological in nature. I was pleased to discover it found a great balance between the two styles of writing. He weaves the theological teaching and personal story together fluidly throughout the book in a way that makes the theology practical and his personal journey helpful.

The book is broken into 6 chapters covering the absence of presence, suffering in the presence of God, coming into God’s presence, serving other people in God’s presence, resting in his presence, and coming fully into his presence.

Anderson puts a powerful and contemporary spin on Brother Lawrence’s classic “Practice of the Presence of God”. This is a book I will keep on hand. I expect I will return to it time and again on my journey of learning to live the “with God” life.

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Kregel Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.]