What I Wish I Could Tell My Teenage Self about...Moms...

{source: me. those little feets are my littles...minus the most recent addition}

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, sorry I've been such a slacker...the blog is finding itself on the very end of my to-do list as a certain little cutie newborn is hogging my arms. I don't mind too much.

Today's post might be super mooshy and totally relevant to life right now for me. I try hard to stay in the "mind of a teenage girl" for posts and will try with this post also as I type about what I wish I could tell my teenage self about my mom. Hence what I wish you could know NOW about your mom or any woman in your life that loves you and cares for you...

By the way (I totally typed BTW and went back and typed it out b/c it was like I was trying too hard to be cool! Made me laugh), you can read the other series by clicking below:

1. What I Wish I Could Tell My Teenage Self about...FAMILY. 
2. What I Wish I Could Tell My Teenage Self about...BOYS.

Okay so here is what I wish I could tell my teenage self about...MOMS.

1. Moms are so tired. Now I might be typing this from a very personal place but let me extend on this a bit. Although I am physically tired with this little newborn stage I still would say moms (of teenagers or tweens or young ones) are tired. As the hubs and I had our EOD (end of day) talk before we drift off to sleep-time I literally looked at him and said..."I'm going to be tired for the next 25 years." I think moms need more sleep but I also think this point is all too telling of their hearts. Do you know that I can hear any movement in our house...any little foot or cough. I hear the faintest of cry or the toddler version of "mommy" before it's even uttered. I would guess that even in teenage years it's the same...just a bigger version of those toddlers. I bet your mom hears every tear after you don't make the cheer team as you lay in bed. I bet she hears the door knob turns and knows you are home safe. She is up late worrying and yet trying not to worry and let you go. She lays in bed staring at the old popcorn ceiling wondering will you and she ever make it through these teenage years? She awakes at 5 am for a bathroom break and can't go back to bed because she is dreaming of the day she will give you away and the day you become a mom. She's tired...but trust me I can honestly say...it's the best kind of tired.

2. Moms are dirty. Yep. I presently have spit up down my whole shoulder. I haven't shaved in 5 years since we started having kids. I do own a toothbrush, though every little in my house has put it in their mouth too to "bwush teef." Again, stay with me for moms of teenagers as they are a bit out of the spit up and haven't showered phase...I hope. That would be weird if your kid still spit up on you. Ew. Your mom's hands are covered with glue from the project in 5th grade with all the planets. Pinterest wasn't around yet...therefore it was actually hard to make. Your mom's hands are covered in spaghetti sauce, chicken guts, burgers for the team and chocolate chips to feed the neighborhood kids. Your mom's hands are so dirty from the snotty noses you had during allergy season as a toddler, throw up from the flu that would hit like an atom bomb every year in your house and lice bugs from the horrible sunday at church when you "shared" with the itchy head kid. Your mom's are dirty...with your life. They are in it. They are a part of you. They have daily picked you up and cleaned you off. Sometimes they want to pick you up when you should fall and fall hard...so instead of picking you up they crawl in whatever "dirt" you have gotten yourself into. Mom's meet you in dirt...they wish with all their heart you would never get dirty or hurt. They know they can't protect you from that so instead...they meet you in your dirt.

3. Moms are screw-ups. Preach. Yes. I cannot tell you how many nights I have walked in at midnight to my little 2 pigtails room and had to whisper in their ear..."Mommy is so sorry for being impatient today. I love you and please forgive mommy." There is no answer besides a little breath breathing so sweetly in and out with her thumb hanging out the side of her mouth. I have to do it...I couldn't sleep laying there and knowing I screwed up. I don't live in guilt (that's a whole nother blog post to mommies out there) but I am so very quick to say sorry. Sweet teenage girls...Your mom isn't perfect. She messes up. She is trying to figure out how to protect you, but not overprotect you...to raise you but not too quick but not too slow where you are living at home when you are 27. She is trying...be gracious. Talk to her. Don't shut her out. If she hurts your feelings, share that...but here is a crazy idea...listen to her why's and thoughts. Your momma might surprise you. Forgive her and know that no one loves you like she does. Seriously...no one. (besides Jesus. obvi.)

4. Moms are people. When was the last time you (yes, you little teenage girl that types more words to a stupid iPhone screen than actually talks to someone) sat down with your mom after arriving home from school and said..."how was your day, mom?" MIND BLOWN. Go try it. Your mom is a person...breathing, with feelings, thoughts, hard days, celebrations. Get to know her. Know her little sayings that are so "your mom." Cook her favorite recipes and learn how she does it so you can pass that on. Your mom is this full picture of love, grace, unconditional everything, patience, and acceptance...you owe it to yourself to know her. Hold her hand when you are walking. Hug her at night. Run into her bed on Saturday morning to just laugh and then go get donuts in your pjs. See her. If you do this you will see Jesus...

5. Moms are Jesus to you every day. Oh, how many moments did my mom probably stand in our hallway so overwhelmed in raising a teenage daughter. My silence, my door slams, my rollercoaster of emotions, my attitude...oh Jesus please come back before we hit the teenage years in our home. But my mom showed me Jesus...she was steadfast in her love, she always scratched my back at night which said I love you in every way, and she always took care of me. That's Jesus. My mom gave me the foundation of Jesus in my life. That deserves a million bucks and a million thanks...the great thing about moms, though, is that a little hug or "i love you" is all it takes to make our hearts smile and rest in a job well done.

Go get your momma...read this together. See her. Promise me...

Be awesome and Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

I Wish...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
This video is POWERFUL...but my prayer is that it isn't just powerful but that it brings change for parents and kids, teens, moms and dads to talk about purity...Don't be wishing you had...

Be awesome & Love Jesus,


kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Yeah...MOMS...

{source}

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals,
Well, it was Mother's Day...WOOHOO! This is my 2nd year as a mom (well, 3rd year if you count the 1st year that the firstborn was in my belly). At some point in my day on Mother's day I always think of all the girls that come through the gates of K2 each summer. Most of you probably have moms that love and adore you. Some have lost their moms. Others have moms for some of you have let you down by not loving you like Jesus does. My heart, as I look at our 2 kiddos, breaks for any of you girls that hasn't been loved with the love of Jesus Christ...He is the only reason I can do anything good or loving each day. He is the only way I can be the exact Mom that by kids need.

So today...if you have a mom, who is far from perfect but loves you so much...GO.HUG.HER...NOW. If you lost your mom, I'm so very sorry sweet girl. Please know that you are loved and so very precious! Happy Mother's Day all you mommas!

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,
kanakuk ashley robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

What Every Little Girl SHOULD Hear...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals,
Well, part 2 of What Every Little Girl Should Hear...and maybe I should even change it to What Every Little Girl Should KNOW. I think we can "hear" it but not allow it to truly get to our hearts because of all the other voices. So know with each message that you should know, rest and just deeply embrace the words.

So Part 1 was to know you are Beautiful! Part 2 from a parent to a daughter (or son) is to know that you are protected. This one is tough to type as some of you reading may have walked through a parent that abused you in some way. First, I am so very sorry. My heart breaks that they hurt you in any way. Second, I want you to know that there is a Heavenly Father who does protect you...even in the midst of hurt and pain. I promise!

As a parent, I want my kids to know I (and the hubby) will protect them. Not overprotectively (well, maybe) but protect them from harm and hurt. I promise to protect them. PERIOD! So girls today know that your parents (prayerfully) do want to protect you and guard your hearts till it's time to let each wing find it's flight...not too soon but not too late. It's a delicate balance...protecting versus letting them "fly." I'm sure most parents reading this pray for that perfect balance. I know I am and will continue to do so.

So girls, today, know that you are protected. Hopefully by your Heavenly Father AND earthly parents but if not then rest and know that God watches over you.

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

photo: etsy.com / seller: LoveSugar (Click HERE)
seller: myzoetrope (Click HERE)

Coolness is Gone...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals,
Well, I am wondering today if my coolness factor is completely 100% totally gone. Why, you might be asking? (I'm sure most of you would never think my coolness factor could be gone...ha!) I thought through most of my days...with 2 little precious faces my life and it's coolness might be gone.

Things that I do mostly every day:
1. Crawl like a horse as our 1st born rides and thinks its funny to "fall" off. Quite the workout.
2. All my shirts and really all parts of my clothing have become burp cloths and most of the time have some sort of spit up.
3. I sing songs with words like "wiggle, wiggle, waggle" in them.
4. I repeat words like nose, belly, eyes, and feet while pointing to mine and a 14 month olds.
5. My body is the newest jungle gym to crawl, poke, and pull.
6. I bought 3 different size diapers at Target the other day...1 because they were on sale, 2 because we will need them all.
7. I use scissors in every meal to cut up food.
8. I am hardly ever by, around, or on my cell phone.
9. I daily look up something in a book called Baby 411 or Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby.
10. I am a laudry company. Seriously.

So today I laughed as I wouldn't change any of those things for my "coolness" back. Just remember gals this summer you have to keep me "cool" by keeping me up on all the trends of music, fashion, lingo, etc...I'm sure the K2 girls leadership team will have a field day.

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com
photo: etsy.com / seller: artsyville / click HERE to purchase this adorable print!

What Every Little Girl SHOULD Hear...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals,

My heart has been heavy and excited to blog lately. The hubster is out of town so I'm just now getting a chance. I have been with my two precious ones and just so wanting them to know all these core messages I want to write upon their little hearts. As I thought about the 2 sweet ones that stare back at me with no words in reaction since they don't speak (besides the mumblings of a 14 month old), I wondered how many of you have these messages because you had a mom resounding them into you and how many of you don't have these messages because your mom hasn't told them to you, isn't around, or has passed away. With all those thoughts I wanted to be a voice to tell you the core messages I think every little girl needs to know. I want to blog on this at least once every 2 weeks...cross your fingers that I actually do it.

Message #1: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I heard the other day that this generation more than anything else wants to be complimented. More than ANYTHING...just to be complimented. I watch our little firstborn clap her hands together (her newest accomplishment) and stare at her daddy waiting for his reaction. I remember myself twirling around and around as a vent made my Sunday dress poof open and look like a princess. As I twirled I prayed that I was seen by someone to say...You are BEAUTIFUL. So to all the little girls out there, remember today that you are beautiful. Your sweet smile, you dimple that is only on your left cheek, your scar on your left knee from trying to jump a fence, your curly hair that is cray cray when you wake up...everything about each of you is beautiful. You are made in the likeness of Your Creator! His beauty illuminates in everything about you!

Moms and daughters go through stages...stages of dependence, avoidance, rebellion, friendship, advisor, and on and on the cycle goes as life goes. Sometimes moms can say things they don't really mean...example: "Are you going to fix your hair?" when it's already fixed. "What about your other outfit?" when you are dressed for the day. "Why don't you go work out?" when your jean size changed. The words come out of their mouths and your heart breaks. Mommas, catch these words. Stop them. You HAVE to be your daughters loudest voice of beauty (you and daddio). Shout their beauty with notes, whispers as you sit in church, never negative looks comments in front of others...be her biggest advocate of beauty!

So today, each little girl remember that. Remember those 3 words when the world says otherwise.
Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

photos: etsy.com / sellers: lovesugar (Click HERE) & theloveshope (Click HERE)

Never Grow Up...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals,
I got Taylor Swift's new CD for Christmas and let's just say I am a bit obsessed. I know she is like in her 20's and I'm in my something older than that...but I still am confessing on this blog I just adore her! Anyways, on her CD she has a song called "Never Grow Up." I am not sure if pregnancy hormones are just still in me or what but I ball like a baby every time I hear this song. Just thinking about our 2 munchkins growing up...I can't even type it without crying.

I am not sure if the K2 girls' moms read this blog anymore but this post is for you mommas and for the girls too. Daughters remember that your moms/dads/grandparents or whoever raises you thinks this way about you. You are their most prized possession on this earth!

Our 2 munchkins...you aren't allowed to grow up! The pause button for humans will be invented and perfected by the time you are 5 years old.

"Never Grow Up." Taylor Swift

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up

You're in the car on the way to the movies
And you're mortified your mom's dropping you off
At 14 there's just so much you can't do
And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots
But don't make her drop you off around the block
Remember that she's getting older too
And don't lose the way that you dance around in your pj's getting ready for school

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
No one's ever burned you, nothing's ever left you scarred
And even though you want to, just try to never grow up

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home
Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
And all your little brother's favorite songs
I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone

So here I am in my new apartment
In a big city, they just dropped me off
It's so much colder that I thought it would be
So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on

Wish I'd never grown up
I wish I'd never grown up

Oh I don't wanna grow up, wish I'd never grown up
I could still be little
Oh I don't wanna grow up, wish I'd never grown up
It could still be simple
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
Won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
And even though you want to, please try to never grow up
Oh, don't you ever grow up
Oh, never grow up, just never grow up
Lyrics provided by LyricsMode.com

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

photo: etsy.com / seller: sarahjanestudios / Click HERE to purchase. It's adorable!!!!!!!

2 Buttons for Parenting...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals & PARENTS,
Hopefully there are still some parents who check this crazy blog since the summer when summer was all to you all. Today is for both parents and girls. As I have watched our firstborn begin to grow, gain more independence with crawling and more spunk with her faces and wants I have thought so much about parents.

Girls, I promise you that parents (again, from my 11 months of trial of this whole parenting thing) would love for their to be a button that in every day situations, hard situations, confusing situations that they could just push the all knowing, perfectly solution finding EASY button. Already with an 11 month old, I wish there was an easy button that as you labored for your child the button just came right out with each one too. That would be amazing and slightly odd...but you know what I mean. Girls, your parents, even at their worst most unconnected to you stage, desperately love you and are just trying to navigate this world of teenage junk and prayerfully have a daughter that not only survives but thrives in knowing the Lord, knowing her security, and knowing her giftings. Oh, to have an EASY button...amen from any parents! I am sure some are staring at this screen screamin' "PREACH SISTER." No, oh, okay?

But girls, sadly the button that we as parents get (again, 11 months is the fullness of my knowledge) a lot of the days is the PANIC button. We have a panic button in our tongues, our hearts, our bodily movements. So when you come home and want to go to a party that "everyone" is going to we just say, "No, because I said so" out of pure panic. If we had the handy dandy easy button we would sit down and listen to why you wanted to go, would parents be there, what type of things would be going on, and allow you to share, listen and then ask for you to hear us out on our side. We would ask (party in this example is not a good party like with hats and hayrides) if this party truly was a place Jesus would love to return and see you at. Ohh!! Such a squashing question of questionable parties...you at that point would see our side and although sad would in your heart know that your parents had just pressed the easy button instead of the panic button. Another example, you come home and really want to major in college in Art & Literature while your dad/mom have pushed the business world for a very long time. Your parents might press the panic button and say they will not pay for college if you major in this crazy, ain't no jobs in Art & Lit that pay more than $2 an hour. You at that point calmly ask your parents what is it that scares them for you to major and work in the area that you are passionate and more than that the Lord has gifted you in? Ohh! Good question teenage daughter! Your parents then get to hear your excitement and dreams and know that the Lord has placed those things on your heart and get to say..."ya know what, we want to support the heart the Lord has placed in you. We do want you to have a job but maybe it's something we couldn't have scripted...only God can. So we'll pay!" WOOHOO!

Okay, cheesy examples (and quite long)...absolutely. But parents and girls you both (again, I'm learning this even now with an 11 month old and by no means want to come across as having it figured out...just typing here to the world wide web some thoughts) have to withhold your hand from slamming down the panic button in fear, doubt, out of control. etc and allow yourself to hit the easy button but stopping, asking Jesus to meet you there, and listening to each other.

So go my K2 girls and awesome K2 parents...begin to switch buttons in your home from panic responses of the flesh to spirit responses of the heart. I have to end with this...well, that was easy!
Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com
Photos: google.com / Search "easy button" & "panic button"

Go Hug...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals,
Oh, woah, my goodness, I'm so sorry it's Thursday...seriously I thought I had blogged each day. Maybe it was because the last post about speaking truth (which random...the artist of the print is a friend of mine's cousin! Oh etsy...you are such a small world!) took a lot out of me. Just kidding, but it was a bit more serious for me.

Well today I just wanted to quickly say one thing...Go hug your parents. Seriously. That's it. Just go hug them. No matter if you are in the "you don't know anything mom stage" or "dad, you are so not cool" stage...go hug them. They are your parents. They love you, maybe not perfectly, but they do love you. So c'mon...quit reading...stop it...get up...walk, keep walking, say "hey mom" and hug her for a bit. Doesn't that feel awesome!? Hey you aren't even at your computer to read this...so I could type blah blah blah and you wouldn't know it. That's funny.

Maybe you are back now...don't you feel like you just need to cry a few tears. Oh, something about parents! Mine are coming to visit today...WOOHOO! Even at an elder age than you all and being a parent now I still get excited to see mine!!!

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com
Photo: http://www.etsy.com/ / Seller: EarthArt / Click HERE to purchase (it's on my wish list for our bedroom...just LOVE IT! Again, does anyone know of any help groups for addicts of Etsy.com!)

New Chapter Begins...

Hey K2 Kanakuk Gals!
Well, since yesterday as the "I'm back" message and my brain is still not back into high gear I thought I would tell you about a new chapter for Shay and I and for Trish and I with kamp. Nothing major as far as summer...Trish is the Women's Director and I'm still the Assistant Women's Director...but in the 9 months I'm now officially a FULL TIME MOM! Woohoo!

I am so very excited and can't imagine any one else getting all this time to watch our girl ("s" becomes plural in November) each day. It's been just awesome! I am still doing some work from home and helping Trish as I can but life is definitely different. I once again am in awe of this ministry that desires for family to be first!

So if emails aren't getting responded to quick enough or facebook (which let's be honest I don't check all that often anyways, but I'll try and be better) isn't updated often you will know why! I am just playing on the floor with my most favorite firstborn...

Hope everyone is having a great day...tomorrow I think I will blog on school supply shopping...it was one of my favorite things to do before school started each year...even in college! I know you will all be rushing back for that!

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

Welcome Parents to a Window to K2's World...

Hey Term 1 2010 K2 Parents,

I am hoping you got my email introducing myself and letting you know about Kanakuk Ashley. Basically this is just a small snapshot so that each day you get to know in REAL TIME (Lampe Postal service is pretty slow) what is going on each day with your daughters. I keep it really simple and short and can't overwhelm my schedule with trying to get a picture of every kamper on this blog or of every little activity. I more along the lines give you a big picture into the daily runnings of K2. I really hope you like it and can join me in praying each day for your daughter as she prayerfully gets encouraged, makes friends, and grows closer to Jesus.

Each day I will have a number at the top. The number correlates with the "date." I will then have the daily verse, devo topic (this year we are doing Women of the Bible), morning activity, afternoon activity, and night time activity. The following day I will post pictures from the previous day's activities and post on that day same as above. (Hope that makes sense ;)!

So check back each day and please comment or email me if I can do anything for you and your family. Thanks and we can't wait for you to start driving into these gates...TODAY! Woohoo!

Window to their World,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

Miley Cyrus...

Oh, goodness, fellow Kanakuk girlies I could be walking a very fine line. I was bombarded today with articles on every search engine about Miley's new video. I want to be so very careful in this blog to by no means cast judgement or gossip. I hesitate with each letter on my keyboard...but I also feel as if I should blog on this to simply focus on ONE comment that made it very clear I had to blog on this. Whether you love Miley/Hannah...I must admit I love the precious Hannah Montana reruns they are doing on Disney right now...but I must admit it scares me how hard she is trying to get away from innocence...Friends, innocence is a great thing. Anyways, that's a whole different post.

I watched the video this morning and just was sad. Not mad, not frustrated and not even sadly surprised...I think I am sad because this path of bodies, walking the line with moves in this video, and shots of close faces (I'm putting all these very simply as opposed to what they probably actually are in the video) truly makes me sad, not in a judgemental way but in a way that the world is just so loud and appealing. I hate that most of you might even watch this and think "She looks great or sexy," "I love this video, it's so cool," or "I want to be her...money, fame, clothes, guys." I read the lyrics of this song...and once again I just was sad. I know it's just Miley Cyrus...but she is holding the banner of Jesus. The same Jesus that loves her and made her innermost being. The same Jesus that wants her body to be His and someday her hubbies...not flirting with lines of up close shots with guys and girls. Pause, I ramble...again, my heart is not judging...so I will stop and simply focus on the quote from a comment left on a site:

Tue, May 4, 2010, 4:42 PM
I have a confession. I could not even remotely bring myself to watch this video…The explicit details behind its content is enough. Once again, our Southern “Christians” turned rocked stars are at it again, professing being saved by Jesus and holding onto their virginity. First, it was the pop princess Britney Spears 10 years ago, then the preacher’s kids, Jessica and Ashlee; and now, should we be surprised, the Cyruses have sold their daughter into virtual prostitution. I believe in Jesus, too, and I’m a wild girl, but I never professed my virginity, nor pretended to be a faithful follower at every turn. I hate the hypocricy these “wanna be Christians” bring to the table. Just admit that you would rather follow the money than God. I would respect that honesty far more than the unbridled c*#p you all have been selling.

I don't know what gal left this but if I were to dream up a character I would say it's a gal that knows Jesus but is "wild." She sounds like she has gone through some "stuff," whatever that might be. And what made me sad was that from her comment if feels like "christians" have let her down time after time. She wants to see an AUTHENTIC woman who loves the Lord...or don't claim it and "follow the money."

I pray today that each of you, as the world yells so very loudly to look sexy at 12 years old or to dance this way at prom this year or to have an attitude that you dominate the whole world...well, I just pray that you would remember God's Word...

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Philippians 4:8

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure...think about such things.

Psalm 27:4
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.

Be awesome, love Jesus and be ALL HIS,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins / ashley@kanakuk.com

Surprise...

Well, the Robbins (that would be Shay, Lulu, and I) are adding to the fam again! I know, I know...I just had one right. Yes, Yes I did. But God's timing is perfect...or at least that is what I am having to say over and over in my head. Just kidding! We are pumped and excited for baby #2!!! Lulu will be just turning 1 when the new sister or brother arrives!

Yay for family!

Be awesome, love Jesus and another Robbins,

KANAKUK PARENTS, Go On & Get Your Armor,

KANAKUK PARENTS: Goodness, I am pretty much fired up this morning...okay, not like go out and start a strike fired up but fired up as a woman of the Lord, wife, and mom of a girl. Today I hopped over to foxnews.com to catch up on what is going on in the world. I am usually so very clueless and rely on my husband and fellow K1 assistant director to keep me informed on all things politics, religion, world affairs, and entertainment. Well, Shay never helps with entertainment unless it's sports related. Anyways, I am very shaky on writing this because I DO NOT want people to watch this video. To preface this article let's just say that MTV has banned this video.

I am 10000000% writing this to parents because I have had dear parents say..."Lady Gaga oh it's a fun upbeat song," or I have heard "Okay, now who is she because my kids love her." Oh, moms and dads...RED FLAG RED FLAG! Lady Gaga's latest video is with Beyonce and has an abundance of trash...again, please trust me or head over to here to read article. I know that during the teenage years you cannot control everything from sun up to sun down that your precious daughter(s) hear. I know that the world's voice each day grows so very loud over yours and sometimes even the Lord's voice in your daughter's heart.

But this morning, with my little 4 month old little girl sleeping, I made a vow. A vow to be involved. A vow to be a MOM not a best friend. A vow to be aware. A vow to be the protector of my home like Mel Gibson in Patriot. I will guard my computer in my home. I will guard the iPod. I will guard the iPhone. I will guard iTunes (are "i's" taking over the technology world!...sorry, side note for comic relief with my motivational blogging monologue). Lady Gaga...Beyonce...or whoever else, you will not influence my daughter. You will not be someone I want her to be like. You will not be an upbeat song I play without having a clue.

My banner is raised...this momma is putting on her armor (oh, Jordin Sparks song just jumped into my head...go on and get your armor, get you armo-or!). Parents, you in?

(*Side note: I am not "angry" at Lady Gaga as a person. She, I'm guessing, does not know the unconditional love of a Savior. I am simply not allowing the junk of this world to win...to stealthly make their way into Shay and I's home. Every crack in our home will be sealed with the TRUTH of God's Word.)

Be awesome, Love Jesus, and go on & get your armor,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Sleeping Beauty...

Hey Girls,
Somewhat of a follow up to yesterday...Just wanted to instill the awesomeness (not sure that's actually a word) of your innocence. It's priceless!

CAUTION: Moms/Dads/and Kanakomo girls, get a tissue before reading below. I'm so serious, go get one right now...pause...okay, now you can read.

TO A SLEEPING BEAUTY
Dear daughter,
I tiptoed in your room tonight and I looked down at
you smilin' in your sleep.
You were so lovely my heart nearly broke;
and I thought how much like Sleeping Beauty a little girl is.
When I tuck you in at night I never know
how old you'll be when you wake.
One evening you crawl on your dad's lap
and throw your arms around his neck,
the next morning you might be
much too grown up for that sort of thing.

You're so quickly approaching the awkward age,
too young to drive the car and yet too old
to be carried in the house half asleep on daddy's
shoulder. I have a secret that I've never told you,
Sleeping Beauty, you're going on a very exciting trip.
You'll travel from yesterday all
the way to tomorrow.
It's a rapid journey and you'll travel light,
leaving behind you - measles,
mumps, freckles, bumps, bubble gum and me.
I promise not to feel too hurt when you
discover that the world is more
important than your daddy's lap.
Yesterday you were blue jeans and pig tails,
the neighborhood's best tree climber.
Tomorrow you'll be blue organdy and
pony tails and you'll view the world
from a loftier perch - a pair of high heel shoes.

Yesterday you could mend a doll's broken leg
with a hug; tomorrow you'll be able to break a
young man's heart with a kiss. Humh! Humh!
Yesterday you could get lost one aisle away
from me at a supermarket - now I have to worry
about losing you down another aisle
to some strange young man. You see,
just at the point where you're
growing pains stop, mine begins. Yesterday
you were kind of a pain in the neck
when you were around, tomorrow you'll
be an ache in my heart when your not.
Tomorrow you'll lay aside your jump rope
and tie up the telephone lines
and that little boy that used to push you in the mud;
well, he'll fight to sit out a dance with you.
The clock is countin' the minutes for you and the
sky upstairs is savin' its' brighest stars; -
and the sun is waitin' with its' shiniest day.

Oh I, I can't expect you to live in a doll house forever.
Sooner or later, the butterfly sheds it's cocoon
and the smallest bird must try its wings.
But when you grow up and out of my arms;
when you finally get too big for my
shirts, I'll still recall how you used
to scatter dust and dolls and partially
through ev'ry room in the house;
but you spread sunshine too. The dust is
settled, your mom picked up the dolls; -
but the sunshine will always fill
the corners of our hearts.
So, here I am talking in your sleep, because,
well if you saw this look on
my face, you'd laugh and if I spoke
with this lump in my throat, I'd cry.
Yea! honey when I looked at you tonight you
were a Sleeping Beauty.
So, I tiptoed over and I kissed you -
you didn't wake up, I knew you wouldn't.
According to the legend only the handsome
young prince can open your eyes
and I'm just the father of the future bride.

So you sleep on pretty thing, tomorrow you'll wake
and you'll be a young lady and you won't even realize
that you've changed courses in the middle
of a dream. But you might notice a little change in me;
I'll look a little different somehow.
A little sadder, a little wiser, but a whole lot richer.
Tonight, I kissed a princess and I feel like a king.
Recorded by Jimmy Dean
Written by L. Markes

Well, I'm in tears now...going to hold my precious Lulu....forever.

Be awesome & love Jesus,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins

Price of Perfection...

Okay, I must admit that I am flustered. I got on Vicki Courtney (an author/christian speaker's) site today and found her article on Heidi Montag. Oh, sweet teenage girls...my heart is racing and my fingers are slow. I feel almost stunned by the reports and quotes of this precious girl. I say girl because she is 23 and has had 10-15 plastic surgeries. 10 of them at one time. My heart in posting on this is to just help to shed light on the MADNESS of it. To try and shed truth and light into each of your hearts to tell you that there could not be a more beautiful YOU!

Heidi Montag throws a curve at young girls :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Laura Berman: "Perhaps even more troubling than her procedures is Montag's justification for this obviously excessive amount of plastic surgery. Like a lot of children, Montag was teased while growing up, and she says this prompted her to go under the knife, as her so-called imperfections 'held me back from a certain inner light and an inner happiness.' It's as if Montag is broadcasting right into the insecurities of young girls everywhere. And, while men also grapple with body image issues, it is young girls who will examine her newly taut body and decide they don't measure up. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't men who are handing women measuring sticks and asking them to fit into a certain size of jeans. Women do it to each other, and we do it to ourselves. Most men would simply be happy if the woman in their lives was confident and would embrace her curves (or her angles)"

I looked up article after article that made my mind spin as a new mom. I sat in my office in disbelief that it's real. Girls, women, teenagers are actually doing this. The statistics for plastic surgery is sky-rocketing each day. My mind is swirling with thoughts of our precious daughter ever feeling or thinking she isn't good enough. Having thoughts that she isn't beautiful the way El Elohim (Her Creator, your Creator) made her to be! I plead with you to stand and walk in TRUTH. Not the lies of the world. Heidi speaks of being held back from her inner happiness...I am mystified how she can speak of inner happiness by having 10 outer surgeries. I pray my 23 year old daughter someday never seeks inner happiness by changing everything about herself.

My heart hurts for Heidi's mom...not that I know her. But I have to wonder if she sits at her home and flips through pictures of her baby...her precious Heidi. The natural, beautiful, pure daughter she had. The innocence is now gone. The purity of life is now tainted and her joyfulness is skewed with seduction with each smile. I just wonder what this mom feels? More than that I wonder if Heidi, when the cameras aren't on, the expensive clothes are off, the professional hair and make up is all removed...what does she see? Does she feel her "inner light and inner happiness" then? I fear she will be left empty. In that moment may she feel and know the hope, love, and tenderness of the precious Lord and Savior!

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." ~Proverbs 31:30

Be Awesome & Love Jesus,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins

* Side Note: This is obviously an extreme case...this does not apply to plastic surgery that was done for medical purposes/health reasons/birth defects/etc. I apologize for being late in adding this note.

Mom as your BFFAEAEAE...

A best friend is so rare and so valuable these days. I remember through the years having only a small handful of best friends. I had an elementary school best friend...then I had a high school best friend...then a college best friend...now lots of kamp best friends. But today I wanted to remind you of the most tried and true best friend you will ever have...YOUR MOM. Mom's are the best, not perfect, but so the best! Here are 5 things that make Mom's the optimal best friend:
1. Moms always wait up for you or stay up with you, no matter how tired they are. (*When you are a baby, they are up with you. When you are a teen, they are up waiting for you.)
2. Moms leave you little messages in your lunch for school.
3. Moms truly truly do want the best for you...even if they can't quite communicate that the way you want them to.
4. Moms always make you soup and bring you coloring books when you are sick, sad, or heartbroken. (Again note, this was my mother you can sub in what you like and what your mom does)
5. Moms are the best accountability because they know everything about you.

Okay, so this is not an exhaustive list, just a fun one that I came up with on the fly. What do you love about your mom? Go hug your momma's neck and curl up on the couch and ask your mom questions about her growing up years...and actually be interested!

p.s. For those reading this that have lost their moms or don't have ones that love them as they should, first of all, I'm so sorry. Please know that the Lord's love is more than enough and I would guess their are days that you ache to say "mom" but please know that I pray that their are women/friends around you who fill that void with an overflowing love that bursting out of you! I would love to hear from you about how the Lord has supplied a person to fill that void in your heart.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

Kanakuk Ashley Robbins

Panic Moment of a Future Mom...

Girls, I had a somewhat panic moment today as I sat at my desk. It was around 3:36 pm and I was quite tired. Supposedly, that's normal, but still weird because nothing has changed necessarily in my body. Anyways, so I look down at the book I had grabbed from my house out of fear that it would get tossed into a bag then tossed into storage then lost forever. My friend, Bronwyn, loaned me the book and I have barely grazed the pages. I am still somewhat wigged out that right now as I type these words there is a CHILD in my BELLY! What!!!!!! Anways, so I thought I would fill you in on my panic moment of my life right now as a clueless-what-just-happened-this-is-not-real-future mom.

Chapter 5: The 1st Month:
"By the end of the first month, your baby is a tiny, tadpole-like embryo, smaller than a grain of rice. In the next two weeks, the neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord), heart, digestive tract, sensory organs, and arm and leg buds will begin to form."

MY COMMENTARY:
What are arm/leg "buds?" (please no one answer this for real, I know, just trying to give you a hearty laugh...and by "know," I mean I'll google it later...hehe!)

Chapter 6: The 2nd Month:
"By the end of the second month, the embryo is more human-looking, about 1 1/4 inches long from head to buttocks (one-third of it is they head), and weighs about 1/3 ounce. It has a beating heart, and arms and legs with the beginnings of fingers and toes. Bone starts to replace cartilage."

MY COMMENTARY:
What a funny looking kiddo? Wonder if the Lord did that just being funny? 1/3 ounce with a alien head! :)

Chapter 7: The 3rd Month: (I am presently in this month...I'm 10 Weeks along)
"By the end of the third month, this tiny human, now a fetus, is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and weighs about 1/2 ounce. More organs are developing; circulatory and urinary systems are operating; the liver produces bile. Reproductive organs are developed, but the gender of the fetus is difficult to distinguish externally."

MY COMMENTARY:
Again, what in the world? First off, "embryo" is a child from the 1st day of conception. Second off, yuck, bile!

Well, there are my thoughts from today's panic moment!

crazy mom,
Kanakuk Ashley Robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Hottest MOM in Branson...

Well, K2 girls, the cheer has become reality (not the hot part, but the MOM part)...Girls/Moms, Shay and I are having a BABY!!!!! Wooohooo! We are so very excited and the official due date is November 30. We have met our doctor (who is incredible and loves the Lord) and I am feeling great! I have not had any morning sickness, just a tid bit tired! We got to hear the little guy/girl heartbeat today and girls it was so awesome!!! How anyone could say that's not life in there is just crazy!!! His/her heartbeat was 177, which the doctor informed me that it was great! All is healthy with mom and child! I also learned that I can still do TRIATHLETE!! Woohoo! I just have to watch my heart-rate but otherwise I should be good to go, especially the swimming! Doctor said it's great for pregnancy! Ya'll I just can't wait to see each of you this summer and to hug your necks!!! 

Would love prayer for continued health of child and mom, to cherish every moment of this process, begin to learn/grow in the Lord on how in the world to be a mom, for the sweetness of this time between Shay and I, and that this little one would love the Lord first and foremost! Thanks so much for praying!!

Craziest-future-mom-in-Branson,

Kanakuk Ashley

ashley@kanakuk.com

Teenage Parenting...

Hey Moms,

As I was traveling last week my heart was once again reminded of the role of parent. Kanakuk does events called "Mom's Coffees." They are a blast. I sometimes get the chance to speak a tid bit on the teenage girl zone. And please let me say I AM NO EXPERT. I don't have kids and don't presume to have all the answers for the teenager years. After working with the teen culture for almost 10 years I simply have a heart and burden for them. I pray when I do have kids that I am like my mom and so many of you who desire to raise godly, young women in this crazy world. So I just wanted to help with giving you resources. The book below is a great start and a great resource. Please know you have been prayed for today...

(me with my momma, She's cute!)

Another woman who is in the trenches fighting for teens and moms is a lady named Vicki Courtney. She is an author and very faithful blogger also :)! I check her blog often and she is very up and up on the newest news that affects teens[http://www.virtuealert.com/]. Last week in Nashville, I had the privilege of meeting her publicist (I think that is the job...sorry Andrea if I'm wrong) and she was just as sweet as can be! I want to, in the next few months, talk about Vicki's new book, 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter.

[Disclaimer: I have not had the chance to purchase this and really read it...so if you don't agree with all parts please don't come after me. From what I've read and Vicki's belief I do think I will agree with the book. I just agree with the 5 conversations you MUST have with your daughter.]

Here is the first conversation, parents, these are SO GOOD! My prayer is that you are encouraged today. I'm so thankful to be helping you in your fight for your daughter (Dads & Moms alike!). Enjoy, A. Rob

"I hope you enjoy these additional tips on having Conversation #1 across the various age ranges. Remember that it is never too early to begin addressing issues related to the culture's narrow definition of beauty. Even if your daughter is on the young end, it won't be long before she is exposed to the message that she is measured by the sum of her parts. Our call is to help our daughters redefine beauty to match God's perfect standard.

If your daughter is five and under:
One thing I love about this age range is that young children often see beauty in people according to God's standard of beauty. We can learn so much from them! In other words, they don't really know the rules of the game for what constitutes "beauty in the eyes of the world" and it's absolutely refreshing. Do what you can in these years to set a foundation for beauty that matches God's standard. Pay close attention to comments made in the hearing of your child that refer to people being "pretty" or that focus on a person's external attributes. Rather, point out true beauty that you see in others. For example, if your daughter's Sunday School teacher is someone who earns the title, you might say to your daughter, "Mrs. _____ is such a beautiful person because she loves Jesus and loves to teach children about Jesus." The more we can use the word "beauty" and "beautiful" in the context that God intended, the more likely our children are to reject the culture's definition in the years to come.It is not unusual for girls in this age range to take notice of images of women (magazines, pictures, their own reflections) and begin to make comments. Mothers have emailed me about their daughters in this age range expressing that they want skinny legs like so-and-so or want to be "pretty" like the lady on the magazine cover. Take advantage of teachable moments like this to broach the topic of what beauty is in God's eyes. Go over the verses discussed in this chapter and help them memorize them. Heaven knows they will need them in the years to come! When you and your daughter hear a message that contradicts God's standard of beauty, take the opportunity to ask her, "What would God think about this?" Again, if she has tucked some of the verses regarding beauty away in her heart, help her apply the verse to the faulty message. The earlier we can train our daughters to do this, the better the chance they will be able to recognize the culture's lies in the years to come. For example, if your daughter tells you, "Someone at pre-school said Emily was fat," go beyond the standard, "Oh, that's not nice" and say, "Uh-oh. Did you tell them that God thinks Emily is fearfully and wonderfully made?"

If your daughter is 6-11:
If your daughter is on the younger end of this age range, take a minute to read over the tips in the age category above as it talks about the importance of establishing a foundation for defining beauty according to God's standards. Girls in the upper end of this age range are usually showing some signs of absorbing the culture's narrow definition of beauty. Many of the tween girls (8-12) I have surveyed at events have expressed concerns over being "too fat" or "not pretty enough." One ten year-old girl said she was worried her "boobs won't be big enough." Mercy. What in the world is a child like that being exposed to that she even has that on her radar?!! Which brings me to my point. Be very careful about what your daughter is exposed to through media. She can't escape the message, but that doesn't mean we throw all caution to the wind and allow her to tune into shows that are inappropriate for her age and engage in other media influences that are beyond her level of maturity.Remember, at this age, it's difficult for girls to break down the culture's lies. They are literal, concrete thinkers, so the messages they are exposed to regarding beauty are absorbed as truth. That's where we come in. We have to aid them in becoming "critical thinkers." Help them question what they see and point out the fallacies (models who are air-brushed, too thin, etc...). Engage them in dialogue and set the foundation for interactive communication.When it comes to issues pertaining to weight, focus on health and nutrition. Steer clear of magical numbers on a scale or an ideal clothing size. This can be especially tricky when our girls often assume that something is wrong if their clothing size exceeds their age. Seriously, who thought of setting it up like that? A man, I'm guessing! Remind your daughter that God makes people in all shapes and sizes and that in some parts of the world, it's considered unhealthy or a bad thing to be thin. Again, focus on the lies that surround her about beauty and take advantage of teachable moments. Go over the verses related to beauty in this chapter and have her write them down in a journal or on notecards and commit them to memory. As I stated in the age category above, point out messages about beauty that contradict God's standard and use the verses in scripture to refute the lies. Remember this is part of "breaking down strongholds and taking every thought captive." (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

If your daughter is 12 or older:
Read the tips in the category above so you are aware of our mission as mothers to help our daughters recognize the culture's lies and replace them with God's truth. As stated above, go over the verses related to beauty and if possible, memorize them together. Everything covered in Conversation #1 is suitable to pass along to your daughter when she is in this age range. In fact, the sooner you begin teaching her these truths, the better. Consider setting up a time where the two of you meet on a regular basis to discuss what you are reading. If you are convicted that you have bought some of the lies regarding beauty, don't be afraid to admit that to her. If you have said things to your daughter in the past that supports the culture's narrow definition of beauty, humbly apologize to her and tell her that you too, are a work in progress. I have had to do this on many occasions with my own daughter. Catch yourself when you are tempted to comment on someone who lines up with the culture's definition of beauty and instead, try to cultivate the habit of noticing inner beauty qualities in others and commenting on those instead. Point out truly beautiful people to your daughter (a godly Grand-mother or mentor, Sunday School teacher, Missionary, etc...) Finally, model God's standard of beauty to your daughter by claiming it for yourself. It doesn't matter if you have some weight to lose or need to start exercising -- take steps in that direction all the while, focusing your attention on beautifying the inner rooms of God's temple (your heart!). Can you do that?"
© 2008, Vicki Courtney. Used by Permission. Originally posted at http://www.virtuealert.com/.