It's been a long year. 2013 seemed like the longest year of my life. Tons of trials with life lessons weaved throughout. Our family moved, had a new baby, started a new church, enrolled in public school, pulled out of public school, challenges of homeschooling two active boys with a newborn, tons of sickness with the kiddos (when they are normally very healthy), having my oldest tested for Aspergers with therapy sessions, major car problems, and my four year old had major reconstructive bladder surgery (in hospital for a week) that we are still recovering from. But...God is still on the throne.
It has been exhausting. In it all HE has reminded me the importance of clinging to His word for encouragement and refreshment. At times it has definitely felt as if I am in the dessert and desperate for a glass of water. But it's a season. It's not forever. If I were really honest, in these crazy times, I have learned more about Jesus than in those easier seasons of my life.
I have struggled as a mommy. I have had to repent and ask my kids for forgiveness. In it all there are lessons, for me, for my kids, and those He wants me to share with. Lessons that challenge my character to look more like Jesus.
Have you had a rough day? Month? Year? You are not alone, Mommy! Find a quiet place, get alone with God, and allow Him to refresh you in the desert you are walking through. HE will give you "streams" to revive your tired and weary self.
HE loves you! Being a mommy is tough. But you have an amazing opportunity to raise up the next generation for Christ. It is huge. Satan wants to sift and take you down, in order to thwart your efforts. Cling to Him. You will never regret it!
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40-
Throughout our life we encounter lessons the Lord is trying to teach us. Sometimes we get in the first time and other times it takes some good frustration before our minds recall what we heard and didn't heed.
Lately it seems my boys have really enjoyed jumping, punching, and hitting each other way too much. I have found myself getting irritated as it seems I cannot do anything without someone crying or whining in the process. As I tried to find a common denominator of why this was happening, it occurred to me that our life has gotten off of our regular schedule. We need a routine. We need a schedule.
Today was a rainy day. But it was great. It caused us to get back on our schedule. We got back on routine and had blanket time (time each child has seperate from each other to play alone - on a blanket or designated area). Taking many 10-15 minute intervals with different activities (setting our kitchen timer). It allowed me to slow down and enjoy my boys. Exhausting as it was (with no naps mind you), I cherished our quality time together.
Schedules work. They help alleviate boredom in our kids, which is where most chaos occurs.
Are you on a schedule?
If you are not sure....try this activity
---> Get a notepad & commit to write down every activity you do throughout the day
---> After a week (or less) you will see a pattern (or lack of one) with your day/week
This activity was so convicting and telling as I did this last summer :)
If you do not have a schedule....make one.....print it out....put it up....follow it through!
