Comments for Kerri's Blog http://kerriweems.com Here is a window into my world --- just a way to bring my friends along for the journey! Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:11:33 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 Comment on Sisterhood Mornings Starting NEXT WEEK! by Regina http://kerriweems.com/2010/09/02/sisterhood-mornings-starting-next-week/comment-page-1/#comment-4611 Regina Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:11:33 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=646#comment-4611 Pastor Kerri, I know all of at Orange Park are ready to receive from this study! Our leaders meeting went really well! Thanks for empowering women to serve in this House! Blessings, Regina Pastor Kerri,
I know all of at Orange Park are ready to receive from this study! Our leaders meeting went really well! Thanks for empowering women to serve in this House!
Blessings,
Regina

]]> Comment on Sisterhood Mornings Starting NEXT WEEK! by Cindy Nowicki http://kerriweems.com/2010/09/02/sisterhood-mornings-starting-next-week/comment-page-1/#comment-4610 Cindy Nowicki Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:25:20 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=646#comment-4610 Dear Kerri, This was something I came across from a few years back while I was a military spouse. I think you will like it. It reminds me of what you talked to us about in our Sisterhood Leaders meeting yesterday. PLANTING TIME Place five rows of peas: Preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness, and prayer. Next plant five rows of lettuce: Let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us love one another, let us be truthful. No garden is complete without turnips: Turn up for church, turn up with a smile, turn up with a new idea, turn up with determination. Remember... you only reap what you sow. Dear Kerri,
This was something I came across from a few years back while I was a military spouse. I think you will like it. It reminds me of what you talked to us about in our Sisterhood Leaders meeting yesterday.
PLANTING TIME
Place five rows of peas: Preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness, and prayer.
Next plant five rows of lettuce: Let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us love one another, let us be truthful.
No garden is complete without turnips:
Turn up for church, turn up with a smile, turn up with a new idea, turn up with determination.
Remember… you only reap what you sow.

]]> Comment on JustONE Virtual Conference by Brandi Kimm http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/30/justone-virtual-conference/comment-page-1/#comment-4608 Brandi Kimm Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:21:00 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=651#comment-4608 Inspired!! Can't wait to gain more wisdom and encouragement in my family, home, husband and children! Inspired!! Can’t wait to gain more wisdom and encouragement in my family, home, husband and children!

]]> Comment on Moms: To work or not to work? by SM http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/25/moms-to-work-or-not-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-4606 SM Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:46:31 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=641#comment-4606 I was raised in a home where my dad worked and my mom stayed home with us and was very involved with school and extracurricular activities that we did. I was always told I could be anything I wanted to be and always strived to better myself through more education because I wanted to be "more than a stay at home mom." Now I have 2 kids and have to work way more than I want just to pay for student loans that got me where I am now. At this point in my life, what I really want to be is a full time mom. I really wish that when I was being told that I could be anything I wanted, someone would have told me that being a mom was the best thing I could be. I was raised in a home where my dad worked and my mom stayed home with us and was very involved with school and extracurricular activities that we did. I was always told I could be anything I wanted to be and always strived to better myself through more education because I wanted to be “more than a stay at home mom.” Now I have 2 kids and have to work way more than I want just to pay for student loans that got me where I am now. At this point in my life, what I really want to be is a full time mom. I really wish that when I was being told that I could be anything I wanted, someone would have told me that being a mom was the best thing I could be.

]]> Comment on JustONE Virtual Conference by Debbie Heald http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/30/justone-virtual-conference/comment-page-1/#comment-4605 Debbie Heald Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:02:18 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=651#comment-4605 I just put it on my calendar and can't wait to check it out! You're going to do great Pastor Kerri! You have so much wisdom to share :) xoxxo I just put it on my calendar and can’t wait to check it out! You’re going to do great Pastor Kerri! You have so much wisdom to share :) xoxxo

]]> Comment on Moms: To work or not to work? by Kerri Weems http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/25/moms-to-work-or-not-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-4604 Kerri Weems Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:39:28 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=641#comment-4604 Wow! Love all these incredible perspectives. Thanks to all of you for contributing your thoughts. This is a little bit of a tender topic because all of us want nothing but the very best for our children and families, so it makes us s women very vulnerable as we open up about our decisions. Thanks again for opening up you hearts. xxKerri Wow! Love all these incredible perspectives. Thanks to all of you for contributing your thoughts. This is a little bit of a tender topic because all of us want nothing but the very best for our children and families, so it makes us s women very vulnerable as we open up about our decisions. Thanks again for opening up you hearts. xxKerri

]]> Comment on Moms: To work or not to work? by Sarah http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/25/moms-to-work-or-not-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-4602 Sarah Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:11:43 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=641#comment-4602 I worked full time right up until the day our first daughter was born. Both my husband and I agreed that I would stay at home with the kids once they arrived into this world. I never looked back. I was and am so glad that I have chosen to stay at home with the kids. Now that I am pregnant with our third child, I realize how special and fast those moments are when your kids are so young. Will I go back to work? At some point, absolutely. As a matter of fact working at home in the evenings after the kids go to bed is the goal for me right now to bring in extra money. Money is tight without my full-time income, but somehow God manages to work it all out. Hand me downs, and coupons are the norm now, and as part of my job, I am the CEO of savings. Do I regret not furthering my career by going back to work? No way. The decision was so right for our family, and I see the benefit of me being at home with the children God blessed us with through the close knit relationship we have. I am the one that has gotten to kiss their hurts, I saw their first steps, I held them all day and night when their fevers spiked over 102 degrees, not worrying about sick days or vacation days. In other words, I have been there for every moment that I valued as important in their lives. It was a gift from God to allow me to do that. Do I look down on other mothers that make a different decision than mine? No way. What is right for me may not be right for others. We don’t all like chocolate ice cream right? Why should we then hold each other to the exact same standard that we hold to ourselves in living our lives? The end result is the same, you are blessed with a child, and in the end you are a mother whether you return to the workplace or decide to stay at home full time. I worked full time right up until the day our first daughter was born. Both my husband and I agreed that I would stay at home with the kids once they arrived into this world. I never looked back. I was and am so glad that I have chosen to stay at home with the kids. Now that I am pregnant with our third child, I realize how special and fast those moments are when your kids are so young. Will I go back to work? At some point, absolutely. As a matter of fact working at home in the evenings after the kids go to bed is the goal for me right now to bring in extra money. Money is tight without my full-time income, but somehow God manages to work it all out. Hand me downs, and coupons are the norm now, and as part of my job, I am the CEO of savings. Do I regret not furthering my career by going back to work? No way. The decision was so right for our family, and I see the benefit of me being at home with the children God blessed us with through the close knit relationship we have. I am the one that has gotten to kiss their hurts, I saw their first steps, I held them all day and night when their fevers spiked over 102 degrees, not worrying about sick days or vacation days. In other words, I have been there for every moment that I valued as important in their lives. It was a gift from God to allow me to do that. Do I look down on other mothers that make a different decision than mine? No way. What is right for me may not be right for others. We don’t all like chocolate ice cream right? Why should we then hold each other to the exact same standard that we hold to ourselves in living our lives? The end result is the same, you are blessed with a child, and in the end you are a mother whether you return to the workplace or decide to stay at home full time.

]]> Comment on Moms: To work or not to work? by Hollie http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/25/moms-to-work-or-not-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-4600 Hollie Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:56:53 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=641#comment-4600 Funny, this is actually an issue I'm praying about now. When my son was born my husband and I agreed that I would quit my job and stay home to raise him. I did not want to miss anything! It was something both of us wanted and we are very glad I did stay home with our son. When my son started first grade I entered the work place once again due to several different reasons, one being money but I've felt guilty about it ever since. I don't think it's wrong for a mother to work outside the home, I think it's a personal choice that each mom has to make for herself. But for me, now that I've worked outside the home for about 3 years, I miss being able to take my son to school, pick him up as soon as school is out (not send him to aftercare until 6pm) go on all of his field trips and be around for any special events the school may host during the day. I miss being active in my son's daily activities and I want that back. My son also says that he wishes I did not work so I could be with him more. I don't think it's wrong for moms to work as every woman is different as is every home and its needs. I really do feel it's a decision that each woman has to make for herself (and of course with her huband). I do feel howerver that as women we try to have "it all" and we need to redefine what "IT ALL" really is. For me it's a happy and healthy home with God as its head. I have also faced, even from my own family, looks and comments of disapproval when they hear me say that I want to be a stay at home mom again. Almost like it's a lazy way of life and just a way to get out of working a "real" job. It almost angers me to hear this because I feel that because I have this wonderful blessing of my son, that my main job and real job is to make sure he's taken care of in the best way possible. Not with only tangible things but a tangible mom, that is around when he needs and wants her. And is also around when he needs guideness. I want to be sure that my son is constantly getting godly influence in his life. My husband and I are believing that God is making a way for me to be a stay at home mom once again and continue to raise my son in all of His ways. But most of all I'm seeking God's perfect will for my life because if I'm in His perfect will..... then everything else will fall into place. Funny, this is actually an issue I’m praying about now. When my son was born my husband and I agreed that I would quit my job and stay home to raise him. I did not want to miss anything! It was something both of us wanted and we are very glad I did stay home with our son. When my son started first grade I entered the work place once again due to several different reasons, one being money but I’ve felt guilty about it ever since. I don’t think it’s wrong for a mother to work outside the home, I think it’s a personal choice that each mom has to make for herself. But for me, now that I’ve worked outside the home for about 3 years, I miss being able to take my son to school, pick him up as soon as school is out (not send him to aftercare until 6pm) go on all of his field trips and be around for any special events the school may host during the day. I miss being active in my son’s daily activities and I want that back. My son also says that he wishes I did not work so I could be with him more.

I don’t think it’s wrong for moms to work as every woman is different as is every home and its needs. I really do feel it’s a decision that each woman has to make for herself (and of course with her huband). I do feel howerver that as women we try to have “it all” and we need to redefine what “IT ALL” really is. For me it’s a happy and healthy home with God as its head.

I have also faced, even from my own family, looks and comments of disapproval when they hear me say that I want to be a stay at home mom again. Almost like it’s a lazy way of life and just a way to get out of working a “real” job. It almost angers me to hear this because I feel that because I have this wonderful blessing of my son, that my main job and real job is to make sure he’s taken care of in the best way possible. Not with only tangible things but a tangible mom, that is around when he needs and wants her. And is also around when he needs guideness. I want to be sure that my son is constantly getting godly influence in his life.

My husband and I are believing that God is making a way for me to be a stay at home mom once again and continue to raise my son in all of His ways. But most of all I’m seeking God’s perfect will for my life because if I’m in His perfect will….. then everything else will fall into place.

]]> Comment on Moms: To work or not to work? by Sarah http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/25/moms-to-work-or-not-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-4599 Sarah Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:29:06 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=641#comment-4599 Kerri, I am so glad I read this post. I am not a mother. My husband and I just married in February and I just started Graduate School. However, I have been struggling with this subject because if I do not have to work then I would love to stay home with our kids one day, at least for the better part of their childhood. So I have been struggling on whether or not God wants me to continue in getting a Masters and in what (because I am torn between two degree options), especially since I feel as though I will be a full time mother, for many many years, if not permanently. Thanks for sharing! Kerri,

I am so glad I read this post. I am not a mother. My husband and I just married in February and I just started Graduate School. However, I have been struggling with this subject because if I do not have to work then I would love to stay home with our kids one day, at least for the better part of their childhood. So I have been struggling on whether or not God wants me to continue in getting a Masters and in what (because I am torn between two degree options), especially since I feel as though I will be a full time mother, for many many years, if not permanently.

Thanks for sharing!

]]> Comment on Moms: To work or not to work? by Libby Mahoney http://kerriweems.com/2010/08/25/moms-to-work-or-not-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-4598 Libby Mahoney Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:33:09 +0000 http://kerriweems.com/?p=641#comment-4598 I love this topic! This is something that I have struggled with since I had my 1st child 7 years ago. I have 4 children now and I worked full-time through each pregnancy and went back to work, full-time after each birth. We'd never had the money for me to stay home and it was very hard to leave my kids. I was a preschool teacher and my kids went to the same school as me because the school was a daycare/preschool. Before we were married, we talked about having kids and that I would stay at home. God had a different plan for us. The time I spent working, God grew my faith in Him and stretched me in ways I never would have imagined. I'd been a preschool teacher since I was 20. I put a lot into my career, through school and sacrifice but now we have entered into a new season. My health suffered after my last(4th) baby was born and I left my job. I feel like that door is closed now and God needs me to be here at home with my kids. Financially things are not easy but I know that this is where God wants me to be and He has promised to take care of our needs. I actually had a very difficult time transitioning to being at home. I joined a small group, here in St. John's county and we read Christine Caine's book 'Can I have and do it all please'. It was through that book, small group (thanks Debbie!!), and Shine (so amazing!!) that I was able to finally see the path that God needed me to be on. I am taking it one day at a time and waiting to see where God will put me next. In the meantime, I am enjoying this time I have with my kids because they will only be this young for a little while. They are 21 months, 4, 6, and 7. I love this topic! This is something that I have struggled with since I had my 1st child 7 years ago. I have 4 children now and I worked full-time through each pregnancy and went back to work, full-time after each birth. We’d never had the money for me to stay home and it was very hard to leave my kids. I was a preschool teacher and my kids went to the same school as me because the school was a daycare/preschool. Before we were married, we talked about having kids and that I would stay at home. God had a different plan for us. The time I spent working, God grew my faith in Him and stretched me in ways I never would have imagined. I’d been a preschool teacher since I was 20. I put a lot into my career, through school and sacrifice but now we have entered into a new season. My health suffered after my last(4th) baby was born and I left my job. I feel like that door is closed now and God needs me to be here at home with my kids. Financially things are not easy but I know that this is where God wants me to be and He has promised to take care of our needs. I actually had a very difficult time transitioning to being at home. I joined a small group, here in St. John’s county and we read Christine Caine’s book ‘Can I have and do it all please’. It was through that book, small group (thanks Debbie!!), and Shine (so amazing!!) that I was able to finally see the path that God needed me to be on. I am taking it one day at a time and waiting to see where God will put me next. In the meantime, I am enjoying this time I have with my kids because they will only be this young for a little while. They are 21 months, 4, 6, and 7.

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