When I am at Bible Study on Tuesdays we always know it is time to leave small group and head up to the lecture when we hear the school bell chime and a voice say, “Teachers, it is 10:15 and time for D.E.A.R.”  The Acrostic stands for “Drop Everything And Read” and that is just what the students at KDS do – they stop everything and spend 15 minutes reading.  One day a friend said, “We do that at our house.”  (She has a 3 year old and 11 month old.)  

On one of the snow days last week I remembered all this.  I had just a few chapters left in the book I was reading and saw an opportunity . . . for me AND my kids, mind you.  So, I called everyone to the living room and announced, “Kids, it is 3:45 and time for D.E.A.R.”  I handed Bubba his Magic Treehouse book, gave Little her “book box” selection, Stinky Socks, and handed KB 3 picture books to peruse.  We had 15 minutes of reading time.

This is going to become a normal part of our routine.  It’s only February 6 and I have already finished two whole books! That’s just one less than I read all year, last year.  Could I be turning a life-stage corner? 

(I’ve already read 1/2 of Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover but started it a couple years ago.  The goal is to have it finished by the end of February.  A year ago that would have caused me to yell, “Dear Me!!” but now will smile confidently.  It’s a brand new stage.  A brand new year.  Yes folks, “It’s 2011 and time for D.E.A.R!!”

Please don’t ask me how I found out about Mommy Missions – I can’t remember.  Still, I did.  I was intrigued by the concept but unsure about the money.  Also, my pride was kicking in and thinking, “I have the training and skills to plan for my children’s spiritual growth.  I don’t need a calendar and preprinted scripture memory.  Nor do I need encouraging articles, for heaven’s sake.  It’s just something else.”

At the end of 2010 I started Emealz and realized one simple truth: while I know how to plan menus and I love to cook, the truth is I get so overwhelmed with my life I DON’T plan our menus and therefore I DON’T cook.  We were eating out way too much and it was a stress on our finances and becoming a stress in our marriage.

Similarly, I know how to think for my kids.  I know I want to have a plan for their spiritual growth.  I DO think for my kids.  I DON’T have a plan.  I DON’T have time to create a specific plan.  Tara M. DOES, apparently.

At the end of 2010 Mommy Missions had an incredible sale and they offered a year subscription for less than half of their normal price.  Shot through with a big dose of humility I signed up.  I’ve only received the first month’s plan and it wasn’t for the kids. . . it was “For Mom Only: Refocusing the Heart”.  It’s very simple – no rocket science but I have to say. . . it’s been over a week and I have memorized two verses and spent time each day in prayer for my heart and my kids.

Truth? I have had the plan since mid January and just started it in February.  I realized I was going to have a hard time following along if I didn’t do something to get the plan in front of my face.  So, I added a Touch of Cutesy (the purple dots are just there to cover the assignments.  I want to honor Tara and not share her work) and printed an 8×10 photo for $1.  

It is now in a frame on my desk where I will see it every morning when I sit down to do my Bible reading, check my email, and make my daily to-do list.