today is a hard day. i'm trying to stay relaxed and spend lots of time soaking up my sons this week. but today has turned into an uphill battle. they fight, they are destructive, i can't seem to get the bare minimum accomplished, and i'm emotionally beat this week already do to some more follow up to Nick's health (nothing the dr. is concerned about at this point but we will be waiting and watching and checking up in 3 months). and tonight i'm supposed to go minister to more kids at our "Wednesdays in the Park" program. how???
only by the grace of God.
that's all there is to it. not saying that makes everything else. not in the least. but it does make everything do-able. i can trust that He will get me through the day. the trials will not diminish, no, they will persist even after i fall asleep; i will have the grace to be able to walk though them. the children may not behave better, in fact, they may get worse; but my peace and joy will be enough.
Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way."
i have assurance that He knows the battles in my heart today and is more than capable of holding me together as i battle though this day. and in those thoughts, i find a little bit of peace...
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
confessions of a floundering mama...
let me offer these words of comfort for any other mommies who feel like their house is eating them alive, like they are failing at training up their children, and have nothing left to give their husbands at the end of the day...
... i only managed to get 7 pictures this christmas. i am in none of them (which i am ok with being in pictures, it just didn't happen). the lighting stinks, the angles are funny, and there are none remotely nice enough to even post on facebook.
Christmas is a time to remember the birth of my Savior.
... this is what my kitchen table has looked like for the past 6 days. my husband smiles and deals with it graciously, but will be appalled when he finds that i have posted this for the world to see. but other mommies need to know, we all have these times. and it's ok.
Jesus has still covered me with His blood and washed me white as snow.
... i got claustrophobic today when Christian was climbing on my lap. i had to set him down and find my own seat. he gave me a look like he thought i was crazy. i probably am.
Blessed be our Lord who holds us close and never let's go.
... Isaac is watching his new curious george movie for the 2nd time today. he didn't take an afternoon nap so this evening will be ruff.
Praise the Lord for He is Good! ... and p.t.L. for dvd's.
the point is not that i'm making a list of excuses for bad behavior. on the contrary. i try to work hard within my home for the glory of God, for the honor of my husband, and for the good of my sons. but sometimes things can become a bit very overwhelming. and whether my home is spotless or not, God is still God!
my family can function in a messy house for a couple weeks if the need is there. they cannot deal with a mama who is have a mental breakdown. it just doesn't work.
so here are a couple suggestions to try and help save mamma's sanity...
... do something with your kids that will make you all laugh. sit down and watch a kids movie, or have a game of tag around the piles of laundry.
Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones."
... throw half of the toys in a box, seal it & throw it in a storage place for a while. if your kids are little, they won't even notice and less stuff means less to clean up later. (plus, when you get it out again it will be new and exciting toys for free!)
... mix 1/4 white sugar with a tablespoon or 2 of lemon juice and a tiny bit of water by shaking it all up in a little container. use it right away as an amazing body scrub that is super refreshing and CHEAP! (note: you will not be sticky as all the sugar rinses clean in the shower. trust me, this is a favorite of mine.)
... sing something! children love to sing and mine love to dance. they don't care what you sing or how it sounds. plus, i heard that singing releases endorphins (those are the happy hormones in your body).
... before bed, read some chapters from the Song of Solomon, pray, brush your hair, and put on some pretty pj's. i don't want to embarrass anyone, but, a husband who is satisfied is more understanding and patient with all the stuff around the house.
... i only managed to get 7 pictures this christmas. i am in none of them (which i am ok with being in pictures, it just didn't happen). the lighting stinks, the angles are funny, and there are none remotely nice enough to even post on facebook.
Christmas is a time to remember the birth of my Savior.
Jesus has still covered me with His blood and washed me white as snow.
... i got claustrophobic today when Christian was climbing on my lap. i had to set him down and find my own seat. he gave me a look like he thought i was crazy. i probably am.
Blessed be our Lord who holds us close and never let's go.
... Isaac is watching his new curious george movie for the 2nd time today. he didn't take an afternoon nap so this evening will be ruff.
Praise the Lord for He is Good! ... and p.t.L. for dvd's.
the point is not that i'm making a list of excuses for bad behavior. on the contrary. i try to work hard within my home for the glory of God, for the honor of my husband, and for the good of my sons. but sometimes things can become a bit very overwhelming. and whether my home is spotless or not, God is still God!
my family can function in a messy house for a couple weeks if the need is there. they cannot deal with a mama who is have a mental breakdown. it just doesn't work.
so here are a couple suggestions to try and help save mamma's sanity...
... do something with your kids that will make you all laugh. sit down and watch a kids movie, or have a game of tag around the piles of laundry.
Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones."
... throw half of the toys in a box, seal it & throw it in a storage place for a while. if your kids are little, they won't even notice and less stuff means less to clean up later. (plus, when you get it out again it will be new and exciting toys for free!)
... mix 1/4 white sugar with a tablespoon or 2 of lemon juice and a tiny bit of water by shaking it all up in a little container. use it right away as an amazing body scrub that is super refreshing and CHEAP! (note: you will not be sticky as all the sugar rinses clean in the shower. trust me, this is a favorite of mine.)
... sing something! children love to sing and mine love to dance. they don't care what you sing or how it sounds. plus, i heard that singing releases endorphins (those are the happy hormones in your body).
... before bed, read some chapters from the Song of Solomon, pray, brush your hair, and put on some pretty pj's. i don't want to embarrass anyone, but, a husband who is satisfied is more understanding and patient with all the stuff around the house.
Friday, December 24, 2010
this earthly body...
i've been thinking and convicted...
i follow the blog of an unbeliever (several actually, this is just one of them). she writes about some fashion. you know, clothing & shoes & accessories & etc. she also writes about... how do i sum it up... "body image" i think is the term i heard her say. the name of her blog is already pretty. and today she had this post.
now, i don't agree with everything she says. she is obviously very convinced that self esteem is important and we know that all men are sinners and thus are nothing good without the Lord in their life. i'm not having a pity party, i'm simply being honest and accepting what God has said in the Bible.
But i did find it interesting that she has a good outlook on disregarding the worlds standards of beauty. it's interesting that an unbeliever is more content with her flaws than many believers i know. and that makes me a little bit sad.
we know that God formed us ever so carefully. that His sovereign power brought us to where we are in life. that everything we are is because of Him. and yet we bemoan the state of our body.
please don't be confused. there is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy and lose weight to feel better. i'm not talking about that. i'm talking about the complaining & the comparing. You are not Heidi Clume because God didn't make you her, so stop comparing yourself to her. what difference does it make what number is printed on the tag of your jeans.
let us have speech that is seasoned with salt. let us not compare ourselves to the girl sitting in the pew in front of us. and let us make sure we aren't moaning about what we look like. remember, child of the Most High Lord...this is a temporary body. :)
i follow the blog of an unbeliever (several actually, this is just one of them). she writes about some fashion. you know, clothing & shoes & accessories & etc. she also writes about... how do i sum it up... "body image" i think is the term i heard her say. the name of her blog is already pretty. and today she had this post.
now, i don't agree with everything she says. she is obviously very convinced that self esteem is important and we know that all men are sinners and thus are nothing good without the Lord in their life. i'm not having a pity party, i'm simply being honest and accepting what God has said in the Bible.
But i did find it interesting that she has a good outlook on disregarding the worlds standards of beauty. it's interesting that an unbeliever is more content with her flaws than many believers i know. and that makes me a little bit sad.
we know that God formed us ever so carefully. that His sovereign power brought us to where we are in life. that everything we are is because of Him. and yet we bemoan the state of our body.
please don't be confused. there is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy and lose weight to feel better. i'm not talking about that. i'm talking about the complaining & the comparing. You are not Heidi Clume because God didn't make you her, so stop comparing yourself to her. what difference does it make what number is printed on the tag of your jeans.
let us have speech that is seasoned with salt. let us not compare ourselves to the girl sitting in the pew in front of us. and let us make sure we aren't moaning about what we look like. remember, child of the Most High Lord...this is a temporary body. :)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
my body
he's a thought for all the women i know.
when was the last time you thanked the Lord for your body? i mean, your physical vessel. the whole thing. your arms, legs, butt, thighs, chest, neck, cheeks, ears, nose, hands, feet... the whole thing. all the parts you like and all the parts that make you cringe.
i have learned that anything i thank God for on a regular basis, i begin to enjoy more on a regular basis. funny how that happens. :)
1 Timothy 4:8
"for bodily dicipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
1 Peter 3:3-4
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
God crafted you in His utmost care (which is how He does everything!) so don't be down and out about the length of your limbs or feet, or the colors that He painted you, or where He put the padding. the all powerful, all WISE, God of the universe disigned you!
just some thoughts to try and help you have a more thankful heart and a more profitable outlook on what God has given you, all the lumps and dimples included. ;)
when was the last time you thanked the Lord for your body? i mean, your physical vessel. the whole thing. your arms, legs, butt, thighs, chest, neck, cheeks, ears, nose, hands, feet... the whole thing. all the parts you like and all the parts that make you cringe.
i have learned that anything i thank God for on a regular basis, i begin to enjoy more on a regular basis. funny how that happens. :)
1 Timothy 4:8
"for bodily dicipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
1 Peter 3:3-4
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
God crafted you in His utmost care (which is how He does everything!) so don't be down and out about the length of your limbs or feet, or the colors that He painted you, or where He put the padding. the all powerful, all WISE, God of the universe disigned you!
just some thoughts to try and help you have a more thankful heart and a more profitable outlook on what God has given you, all the lumps and dimples included. ;)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
a few Psalms
If you follow this blog, i'm sorry that it has been a while. I have had some trials in my daily life lately, & it's better if i don't even turn the computer on some days. especially since i'm not sure if anyone even reads these posts. oh, well. i'm sorry that you are feeling the effects of my troubles if you do read this, but now i want to share with you some of my joy as of late.
here are some things the Lord has given me from His book of Psalms.
Psalm 28:6-7
"Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voices of my supplication.
The Lord is my strength and my shield,
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults
And with my song I shall thank Him."
Psalm 30:2
"O Lord my God,
I cried to You for help,
and You healed me."
These 2 have been very literal in my life today.
Psalm 4:7
"You have put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and wine abound."
Psalm 5:3
"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."
Psalm 6:9
"The Lord has heard my supplication,
The Lord receives my prayer."
I love how simple this verse puts it. and so, I need to take advantage of the simple truth and pray more!
Psalm 13:5-6
"But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation,
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has delt bountifully with me."
How much do I rejoice in how my God has saved me (in eternity and today in the little things)? so much that I want to sing His praises! I made a decision to actively sing my God's praises more, and help my sons learn to do the same.
Psalm 17:2
"Let my judgement come forth from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look with equity."
consider everything as He would consider it. what i wear, where i go, what i spend my money on, how i use my time, things that go into my mouth and things that come out of my mouth. there are so many things that i do that i need to be considering how much "equity" (love that part) God says they have.
Psalm 19:7-9
"The law of the Lord is perfect,
restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
The judgements of the Lord are true;
They are righteous altogether."
Psalm 20:4-5
"May He grant you your heart's desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the man of our God we will set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions."
Psalm 26:2
"Examine me, O Lord, and try me;
Test my mind & my heart."
Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord."
He even gives me direct words like this when i'm wondering about when to move ahead with my desires and helps me to have wisdom in my timing.
here are some things the Lord has given me from His book of Psalms.
Psalm 28:6-7
"Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voices of my supplication.
The Lord is my strength and my shield,
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults
And with my song I shall thank Him."
Psalm 30:2
"O Lord my God,
I cried to You for help,
and You healed me."
These 2 have been very literal in my life today.
Psalm 4:7
"You have put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and wine abound."
Psalm 5:3
"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."
Psalm 6:9
"The Lord has heard my supplication,
The Lord receives my prayer."
I love how simple this verse puts it. and so, I need to take advantage of the simple truth and pray more!
Psalm 13:5-6
"But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation,
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has delt bountifully with me."
How much do I rejoice in how my God has saved me (in eternity and today in the little things)? so much that I want to sing His praises! I made a decision to actively sing my God's praises more, and help my sons learn to do the same.
Psalm 17:2
"Let my judgement come forth from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look with equity."
consider everything as He would consider it. what i wear, where i go, what i spend my money on, how i use my time, things that go into my mouth and things that come out of my mouth. there are so many things that i do that i need to be considering how much "equity" (love that part) God says they have.
Psalm 19:7-9
"The law of the Lord is perfect,
restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
The judgements of the Lord are true;
They are righteous altogether."
Psalm 20:4-5
"May He grant you your heart's desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the man of our God we will set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions."
Psalm 26:2
"Examine me, O Lord, and try me;
Test my mind & my heart."
Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord."
He even gives me direct words like this when i'm wondering about when to move ahead with my desires and helps me to have wisdom in my timing.
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