If we admit it, from time to time, we are all tempted to tell a little white lie if we think it might benefit us somehow or to cover up a mistake. However, we must choose to have integrity and realize that is not the honorable way to handle the situation.

This story is about a little girl named Mako, who makes a bad decision and must choose how to deal with the consequences. Her mother has bought Mako a new pair of clogs, and she gets one of them cracked while playing with her friends.

Now, they are not new and beautiful as they once were, and she wants a new pair. But, she knows her mother will not buy a new pair so soon.

Mako devises a plan that she thinks will get her a new pair of clogs. She must, however, decide whether it is worth going through with her plan to get what she wants.

A Pair of Red Clogs is a great example of doing what is right, even when we might get what we desire through inappropriate actions. Mako learns that her integrity is more important than getting a new pair of clogs, even though she wants them very badly.

Tiny Tidbits: This was Matsuno’s first children’s book. One day as she was walking in her wooden clogs, she came up with the idea of writing a story that would capture, in the English language, the sound of the clogs, Kara kora, kara kora, on a stone road.

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Posted on April 20th, 2009 in Books | 2 Comments

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‘”Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”‘ Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Although, this verse is about Mary spending time with Jesus while Martha was cleaning and cooking, we can very much apply it to our own family. Mary knew that it was much more important to spend quality time with Jesus rather than worry about things around the house that were, in comparison, of no real value.

My grandmother used to say, “those dishes will still be there, but the kids won’t always be there.” She could say this because she had experienced it.

Right now my children all still young, but every day I see that they are growing up so quickly. I know that one day they will be out on their own, and of course, there will still be dishes to wash and toilets to clean.

What do I want to remember: the hours that I spent making sure that my house was spotless, or the time that I spent with my children? Sure, there are things that we have to do around the house, but not to the point that we miss opportunities to nurture and spend time with our families.

Obviously, the key is to prioritize our time and find a balance. In the end, if we can do this, we will be much happier and will live a much more fulfilled life.

Prayer Time: Ask God to help you prioritize and balance the things in your life so that you will be able look back and say that you truly did the things that mattered most.

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Posted on April 19th, 2009 in Mom's Corner | 2 Comments

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Kids love to be outside especially when the weather is nice. They also love to do crafts. I came up with a great idea to combine the two. It’s super cheap and fun, and if your child can walk around outside and pick up sticks and stuff, then here’s you a simple craft.

All you need is:

1. A basket with a handle
2. Construction paper
3. Glue
4. Sturdy scissors
5. Your walking shoes

Now, take a trip outside around your yard to see what you can find. Let your child find sticks, twigs, leaves, flowers or even small stones. Once you have collected your items, find a nice shady spot outside where you can work on your project.

Have your child choose his favorite items and arrange them on the paper as he sees fit. You may have to do some cutting to get things to fit the way you want them, but just glue the sticks, leaves, flowers and such onto the paper to create a collage.

Your kids will like this collage because it consists of things they can find in their own yard. I know this is incredibly simple, but my son really enjoyed it. And to be honest I did too, for two reasons. It was fun going on a real exploration adventure with him, and it was a piece of cake to put together.

Believe me, this is a great project to do when you don’t feel like doing a lot of creative thinking, or you just don’t have it in you to do a major half-day project.

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Posted on April 18th, 2009 in Kids and Family | No Comments

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