Monday, May 13, 2013

When the Small Things Start to Be Big

The past few days have been a bit of a challenge for me...
No big, drastic, life changing issues, mind you;
Just the little annoyances that pound away at me...
  • Repeated mistakes;  
  • Getting stuck in long, drawn out discussions with people who like to gossip and start arguments.
  • A headache that won't go away. 
  • A messy house that I can't seem to get caught up on cleaning.
  • Those little things that my husband does/doesn't do that seem to bother me more than usual.

It is easy for Satan to use my emotions against God and others, which is why Paul instructs us to "not give the devil a foothold."

Sometimes I wonder...is this another test from God?
Is He checking to see if I can handle the little things in life that wear me slowly down?


I start to wonder that if the little things in life start to become the big things, how can I ever become a true disciple of God? How can He trust me with the big things, if I fail so miserably with the small things that so easily upset me?


I know that through the Holy Spirit's leading, I can overcome the small things that start to be big. I'm reminded of the saying:
 
This is why; 
I refuse to let anger; disobedience; wrath; hurt, etc, remain on the inside of me.
I immediately; began to pray.
I don’t know about you.
I can feel; when an ill-feeling is rising up in me.
If it is not the fruits; that the Lord speaks about:
  • Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
I must stop allowing the enemy to control how I let my emotions take over and how I respond to these distractions/annoyances:


A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.—Proverbs 15:18 (NIV) 

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tem"pered displays folly." - Proverbs 14:29 

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." —Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)


Below is a perfect song for my week!!!!!! 
(Maybe your week was like this too.)
It's a great reminder that God uses even the little things to help us grow in Him each day!

Today, I choose to have patience and I pray I will be the person who does the things that make life more positive. 

Lord remind me to keep things in perspective and not turn the small things into big things.   Amen.

Continuing to list all the blessings(gifts) Christ has shown me and rejoicing in Him alone!!!   at  "Multitude on Mondays"
  
1,334 - Two families of Canadian geese that stopped in our yard to have dinner.
1,335 - Catching fish off of our pier at our lakehouse.
1,336 - A fun Friday afternoon, shopping with my friend!
1,337 - Time with my parents and in-laws.
1,338 - Cool weather for Mother's Day...slowing me down to enjoy family time together
1,339 - My hubby, who bought me flowers, a sweet card, and made me french toast for breakfast for Mother's Day....even though he has had allergies the past week.
1,340 - A phone call from my son, who couldn't be with me for the first time ever on Mother's Day.(Oh, how I miss him!)
1,341 - Learning to daily live out the fruit of the Spirit, even with the small things.
1,342 - Enjoying a few minutes taking in a sunny afternoon, without any pressures or a tight schedule.
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Phases of a Mother's Life

It seems like just yesterday I was changing diapers, up for nighttime feedings, and rocking my son to sleep. 



 Before I knew it, he was going off to school...first preschool, then kindergarten. Those were emotional times for this young mom.


Of course, when middle school and the teenage years hit, I wasn't as sad, as I was anxious and frustrated...as his emotions and unpredictable behaviors kicked in overdrive!

High school was more of a time of honing in on his interests, gifts, and talents. Encouraging more responsibility and preparing him to be an independent young man.

 High school graduation was more of a relief...we got him through his basic schooling. Then it was time for seeking out a college and career path...
There were many side-tracks before making a decision about what he wanted to do with his life. Patience,  loving advice, and encouragement were top on my list. Sometimes, I wondered if he was ever going to make a decision about his future.

Moving out, getting his full independence from us, his parents was what I had anticipated for so long. But it surprised me how great an effect his absence had on me.(on us) 
Now, we are officially "empty-nesters". It sounded great to me at first, but there definitely have been some changes and adjustments that I have had to get used to... am still getting used to. 

Why, on some days, do I feel so old? Maybe it's because my baby is now 20, going on 21. Our oldest, in her 30s now, and has made me a grandma 3 times over, and her oldest is a teenager, now! (Unforturnately, we don't see them much.)
Maybe it's because, it seems like the days, months, years, just seem to spin out of control and are gone so quickly, now-a-days.
 

I know there are more phases yet to come in my life as a mother. But, I look back and see each phase I've gone through was unique, special, and  had a purpose. Some were more pleasant than others. Some years were a true test of my faith, patience, love, perseverance, and trust in the Lord. 

 



 
I spent many days and nights on my knees in prayer, pleading with God to guide and protect my children, my son especially, since he was with us from birth. 
 
Such an array of emotions and memories for this mother! What joys and sorrows...the phases of a mother's life! 
As Mother's Day approaches, I am reminded of each of these phases, thanking God for all He has provided! He has walked with me through each one of them and answered many of my prayers, some not how I would have chosen, but how He chose for me and my children. Thank you, Jesus!

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Friday, May 3, 2013

Take Care of Yourself

As a wife and stepmother for 26 years and a full-time mom for 20+ years, I understand the strains and stress of parenting and fulfilling all the wife's duties in the home. Parenting is a full-time job, whether you work full-time, part-time, or are a stay at home mom. And, depending on the needs/responsible-ness of your husband, being in charge of home duties/finances may also fall heavy on the wife.


Sometimes in the daily grind, we are rushing around to take care of everyone else in the family, and we wives/moms forget the importance of taking care of ourselves first. 

I've heard this quoted many times:

In fact, for me anyways, I have had to re-evaluate my relationships within my family.  There were some unrealistic expectations, some unhealthy habits, and even some misconceptions of each role that we played within the family. Things had to change (and we are still working on this) for our family to be a healthy and successful one.

Interesting thought:

 But change isn't easy, is it?

 "Why is it hard for many of us to do things for ourselves before we do for others? Maybe we believe the "good" woman sacrifices herself for her family and, increasingly, for her work. In terms of our relationships, women often feel they're responsible for everything—which is not a complete misperception," says nationally syndicated columnnist and life coach Harriette Cole. "We are the ones who usually lead the way. But somehow we get from there to the idea that the world won't work if we don't help it along." 

 "If you always put someone else first, there's a tendency for others to depreciate you, to lose respect, because respect comes from an understanding that that person has her own wishes, dreams, and desires," says Ethel S. Person, MD, author of Feeling Strong: The Achievement of Authentic Power.
will i ever shower again as a new mom? Your Baby Booty
As Christian women, feelings of what's expected, or of being a "godly wife" can often cause us to feel guilty for putting our needs before others. Amazingly, even putting God (who should be above any relationship) before our family is sometimes looked down upon. I know this is something I am still coming to terms with.

 
"Self care is not generally supported by our culture, and some people equate self care with abandoning responsibilities or being self centered. Women often receive rave reviews for taking better care of others than they do themselves. For example, we might hear, “Isn’t Sarah remarkable; she puts everyone’s needs above her own.” Or “That, Lisa, I don’t know how she operates on just five hours of sleep a night; isn’t she extraordinary?” As a result, many women are suffering near epidemic levels of physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue.
 
I believe that taking time for yourself allows you to be a better wife, mother, friend, and employee."
(source)

 Here is a great way to start:
  1. Go To Sleep. Lack of sleep causes weight gain, depression, wrinkles and a short temper. Try to sleep 8 hours a day, but never ever let yourself get less than 6. Turn off that show you Tivo’d and get some rest!
  2. Get Your Blood Pumping. Everyday, weather permitting, go for a walk for 20-30 minutes. Put the kids in a stroller and load up on bikes. Find another Mommy in the neighborhood to join you for adult interaction. Just a bit of exercise will boost your health, happiness and your bottom!
  3. Pray. Researchers have proven time and time again that prayer is strongly associated with lower stress levels. If you are someone who has not tried prayer, I strongly recommend giving it a try.
  4. Reach Out to Your Friends. We are designed to love and support each other. Women with close friends, with whom they can safely share their emotions and thoughts, are much happier. So get talking: over coffee, on the phone, or online. It is imperative that you have a support network of loving friends.
  5. Look in the Mirror. I know, it is not fun, but take a few moments to examine what you see. How long has it been since you gave yourself attention? If it has been longer than you like, it is a perfect time to get this part of life in balance. Schedule a haircut, put on sunscreen and take a peek at your spring wardrobe. For lots of wonderful ideas check out the Fussy and Friends Fight the Frump series. There are hundreds of great ideas for taking care of yourself.

 What is your opinion/are your feelings about taking care of yourself, first (after keeping your relationship with God a priority)?

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Monday, April 29, 2013

A Weekend in Bloomington

I was a little unsure how the weekend would go.
We drove the 4 hours to get to our destination early Saturday morning.
We hadn't seen our son for almost a month. 
He moved to Bloomington, Indiana in February and seemed to be doing pretty well.
He has a new job and lives with a friend in an apartment.
It all seems too good, though.
Along with that, I'm not sure how I am feeling.
I've missed him so much! But I'm not really sure how much he's missed us. Not sure how this time will go, seeing him after this little time apart.  
But, when we arrive, he is so happy to see us!
We walk around town and find this beautiful botanical garden,
right in the middle of the city. 
We enjoy the walk and I take lots of pictures (I really am enjoying having a nice camera!).


It turns out to be a really good day.
The weather is a little cool and rainy, but we enjoy seeing the sights...
...and just spending quality time together.
Along with beautiful flowers and greenery, are displays of art, like the flower my son is standing next to(above) and the butterfly wall art (below), completely made of cork.
This is a college town (Indiana University) with lots of creative residents.
There are also lots of cultural restaurants to choose from also, like this Thai restaraunt.
We decide to try it, since none of us had eaten Thai food before.
Tyler had the curry and rice.
We tried the stir-fried vegetables and Pad Thai.
We stopped at a park and waterfall. (Called Cascades Park) There are so many flowers blooming, everywhere. So much color and new life!!
The waterfall in the park is amazing!!




We walked some trails, one which was quite overgrown with low-hanging trees and brush.
This creek runs through the park, with limestone walls on each side.
Some Canadian geese were enjoying the rainy weather.

All, in all, it turned out to be a very nice visit.
I miss my son very much, but am happy he is doing well, here in this college town. (He plans on attending college here, this coming fall.)
God is truly good!!
What did you do this past weekend?

Continuing to list all the blessings(gifts) Christ has shown me and rejoicing in Him alone!!!   at  "Multitude on Mondays"

1,322 - Quality time with my son.
1,323 - All the beautiful colors, as spring comes to life in flora.
1,324 - Trying new and unique foods from other countries/cultures.
1,325 - The calm and enjoyment we get out of observing nature.
1,326 - The sound of a waterfall.
1,327 - A sweet-tasting banana split for dessert, on a cold, dreary day.
1,328 - The opportunity to have some good conversation about some deeper issues with my son.
1,329 - Hugs from my son!!!
1,330 - Safe travels, to and from our weekend trip.
1,331 - God, giving me wisdom to not react to a negative situation that could have turned really bad.
1,332 - Last minute schedule opened up, to meet with my best friend, whom I haven't seen in a few weeks.
1,333 - In the midst of some(unspoken) hurt and heartache here at home, God still works in my heart.
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