A Reflection on God's Faithfulness...



Southern Psalms - location of the Calling All Women's Conference

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21

This time last week, I was battling Satan.  I was scheduled to be one of the speaker's at a Women's Conference and Satan was telling me it was impossible.  He has ways of keeping us quiet and at first he was doing pretty good with me.  Telling me I was too quiet and shy to speak in front of people.  Which is partly true - I am more of a quiet person.  Even my own husband said he'd never heard me speak a solid 15-20 minutes!  Yet, the part he was leaving out was that while I couldn't- God could!  I knew it was something God wanted me to do.  At first, I tried to be like Moses and pray for an Aaron but that didn't work either!  God said I had to do it. 

So, the way I saw it, I could either believe Satan's lies and live defeated or I could step out on faith and trust God to use me as a willing vessel for Him. 

So, I had spent the last few weeks - months really- in a spiritual war with Satan.  I had been trying to guard my mind and come back at him with scriptures such as Philippians 4:6-8, 13; 2 Timothy 1:7; and James 4:6-8.  And there I was at the moment of truth, I was the next speaker and I literally felt nauseated.  My legs were shaking, I even wondered if I'd make it up to that podium without falling.  But I did!  And when I did, a peace
that passeth all understanding took over.  God was faithful once again!  There was no way to explain it, except it was a God thing!

I was able to share a little about the importance of being a wife and mom and what God has done for our family, including providing a way for me to be a stay at home mom.  Also, what He has revealed to me during this time on living out my priorities and being more intentional with my time.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to be a part of this Women's Conference.  No doubt, throughout the process, it was me that grew the most.  First of all, in just reflecting and seeing how real He had been over the past seven years.  I could now look back and see that even in my times of uncertainty how He was working all things out for the good of me and my family.   Secondly, as God continued to stretch me and make me step outside my comfort zone, He drew me closer to Him and revealed once again that when I need Him the most - He's always there and will never fail me. 

The conference was on Saturday, then on Sunday we wrapped up another year of Classical Conversations with our end of the year celebration.  Once more, I just sat back and reflected on God's goodness.  So many questions I had when we began this homeschooling journey- to be honest, so many questions I still have- but as I looked over the last two years, I could once again see God's presence woven throughout! 

First of all, I can see His presence in our Classical Conversations group.  I was probably one of the biggest skeptics of all as I went to my first CC info meeting.  I, who had been working with preschoolers for several years, thought it was absolutely ludicrous to try and teach my preschooler a song that lasted almost 20 minutes and covered the entire history of the world-and that was just scratching the surface of their memory work!  However, they sucked me in with their motto "To Know God and to Make Him Known" and the idea of community as I wanted my children to still be involved with other kids.  As I looked around Sunday and saw the community God had given us to help raise our children, I was so thankful for the wonderful families that truly lived out His will for their lives.  

Not only were we teaching our children facts, but  more importantly, we were teaching them what a community truly should look like. On a weekly basis my children were seeing families, that truly valued children and others over material things-which to be quiet honest is so rare in today's society. 

We look so very different within each family:  some with foster children, some with adopted children, some with children from other countries, some with many children, some with one, some seriously struggling with health issues within their families, some with financial issues, and I could go on and on. 

Yet, here we all were encouraging each other, lending a helping hand and trying to teach our children more than anything else - to know God and to make Him known! 

Because really, is there any other reason we should be educating our children? And you know what else - I love that timeline song!  

Secondly, God's presence has been evident through our time at home together "schooling".  In case you didn't know school comes from the Greek word "schole" which means "leisure".   The Greeks considered it a pleasure to be done working and to sit around and read and discuss ideas.  That's how some of the greatest philosophers  and ideas came.  Looking back, it's been in those moments we've slowed down that we've learned the most about each other, the world around us and most importantly, God.  While the future still holds many uncertainties, I'm so thankful for these years at home to give my children a God centered worldview and a strong foundation to build upon. 

I know this has probably been one of my most scattered post ever written; however, after last weekend, it's where my mind has been this week:  Rejoicing over God's goodness and faithfulness throughout our journey so far! 

In closing, I encourage you to not let Satan fill your mind and life with his lies.  Don't live defeated.  Instead, guard your mind and life by knowing and trusting in God's word.  Speaking at the women's conference and homeschooling are only two instances where I've stepped out on faith and witnessed His faithfulness.  Had I of believed Satan's lies or just went with what today's society said I would've missed these two HUGE blessings!   It doesn't always make sense to us, but that's because we only see a few of the pieces of the puzzle at a time.  God has a plan for your life that is "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" - step out on faith and live it!  Then you too will be reflecting on His faithfulness...



 

God First Challenge: Day 14 - Live it!

Day 14 Challenge:  Live it!

Day 14 Scripture: James 1:22

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

We’re almost at the end of our challenge but here’s the thing…If you don’t do today’s challenge then the last two weeks have been in vain and utterly pointless. 

WHAT??  Shouldn’t you have told me this at the beginning?  Maybe so but you’ve came this far so don’t stop now…

LIVE IT!   Let’s not just wake up, study, and even ask God what He wants us to do with our day.  Follow through with what He tells us. 

Live out His Word. 

Make our choices based on what we’ve learned about His word.  Not on what society is telling us, not on what I tell you, not on what your parents have told you and not even on what your church leaders are telling you but on what HE has told you. 

I wanted to share this video from Francis Chan that's really stuck with me.  He makes a great point - one that I can easily relate to as a Mom!  I can only imagine how furious I would be if I told "Miss Priss" to go clean her room and she came back and told me she'd thought about, studied it, and even had some friends over and talked about it but didn't DO IT!!  Is that what we're I'm doing with God's Word? 

Let's apply this morning time to our life and LIVE  boldly for HIM!

It may not always be the EASY way but it’ll always be the BEST way even when we don’t see it at the time.

God First Challenge: Day 13-Prioritize!

Photo Credit

 

Day 13 Challenge: Prioritize

Day 13 Scripture:  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."  Matthew 6:33

I have some bad news and some good news for you.

Bad News:  If you’ve made it this far you’re probably really starting to get challenged!  Satan is probably starting to throw things at you (besides sleep) that are starting to keep you from getting up and spending those first few minutes of the day with God.    

Good News:  You’ve actually already beat this challenge!  Every morning that you’ve chosen to successfully get up instead of sleeping in you’ve chosen God over sleep.  Every morning that you’ve gotten your Bible and went to your solitary place you’ve chosen God over that cell phone or television. 

As you continue even after these 15 days you’re going to have to choose and prioritize every morning but the good news is you can do ALL things through Christ!

Prioritizing  and Simplifying have become almost synonyms for me.   This blog was actually a result of me really questioning my priorities and how I was spending my time.   This is further explained here.

Now when I hear someone say, “I just don’t have time for that.” Or “Sorry, I meant to _______ but I just didn’t have time.”  What I really hear is “It wasn’t a priority for me.” 

And sometimes that’s ok.  Sometimes I even smile to myself and think “I’m glad they have their priorities in order.”  Of course there are other times I think, “Get your priorities in order!”  May sound a little harsh to you but everyone that lives through today is going to have 24 hours.  The difference is what we CHOOSE to do with that time.  And (as I said in my first blog) whether you realize it or not how you spend your time is a direct reflection of your priorities.

So you may be getting to (or maybe already reached) the point where things are getting chaotic.  Where you really need to get some other things done in the morning or you really just need your sleep back. 

I challenge you to prioritize.  Realize what your priorities are then make sure your time is spent according to them.  If God really is your number one priority then it shouldn’t be such a problem to give him the first few minutes of your day.  Only then will you truly find happiness and peace.

God First: Day 1 Challenge-Get Up and Look Up!

 

Day 1 Challenge:  Get Up and Look Up!

Day 1 Scripture:  “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”  Psalm 5:3

Brrriiinnnggg!! Don’t hit that snooze button!! Get up!!  Christ rose from the dead for you the least you can do is get out of bed for Him! (I know- to some of you rising from the dead or getting up early – not much difference, huh?)  However, I challenge you to Show Him you love Him even MORE than your sleep!!  And that’s A LOT right???!!!

Ok that’s probably enough motivational sayings and exclamation points for the first day…

But seriously, this is going to be the hard part everyday for the next 15 days.  Whether you realize it or not when that alarm goes off you have a decision to make.  You can get up and look up as David did or you can hit that snooze button saying, “Sorry God I’m choosing a few extra minutes of sleep over you.”  

It may be a struggle to get up this morning and even tomorrow morning but I promise it will get easier.  I’m not guaranteeing that you will become a morning person overnight or even within these fifteen days but I can guarantee if you stay committed it will get EASIER.  Your desire to get up and have a few peaceful moments before all the chaos begins will begin to outweigh your desire to sleep longer.  Naturally speaking we have to get up and feed our bodies to prepare for the day.  You’ll find that there’s a need to do that spiritually too. 

So once you’ve made it up – look up!  Thank God for allowing you to wake up.  Thank Him for keeping your family safe through the night.  Thank Him for what He’s going to do for you and what He’s going to show you in His Word.  Because if you get up and look up, He’ll show up- I can promise you that…

God First Challenge! (September 2-16)

I want to extend a special invitation to all of you to join me beginning Sunday, September 16 for the "God First Challenge"!

And here it is my first vlog…(by the way if you read my post yesterday I decided late last night to change the name from 15/15 Challenge to God First Challenge):

I know what you're thinking (because I thought it too):

“I barely have enough time to get out the door in the mornings...”

“I'm SO not a morning person even God doesn't want to spend the morning with me...”

 

I ask you just to give it a try and COMMIT for 15 days and see if it isn’t life changing for you!

 

Speaking from experience, this challenge has helped me to:

• Feel better prepared for my day
• Feel more peaceful
• Become closer to God
• Have a clearer understanding of God's purpose for my life
• Enjoy waking up
• Find more purpose in the everyday things
• Have a better understanding of His Word and how it applies to my life
• And SO much more...

 

This challenge will begin Sunday, September 2 and go to Sunday, September 16.  I will have DAILY (yes, I said daily -eek!) blog posts to encourage you along.  Each day will have a challenge and scripture. I will post the blog the night before so you can read the upcoming challenge and then during those 15 minutes in the morning be totally focused on God and his will for your day! 

 

You may choose to read and meditate only on the scripture I post or you may have your own study you want to do-either way is fine just be in His word!  So are you up for it?  Ready for God to challenge and change you? 

Leave me a comment and let me know if you’re going to be joining us.  It’s only 15 days but it’s my prayer that by the end of these 15 days just as you get up and crave that cup of coffee first thing in the morning, you’ll also long to get in God’s Word and have a drink of living water!

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Happy Belated Birthday (And Welcome Back) Striving for Simplicity!!

Wow-I just realized that while I’ve been on a bit of a “blogging break” my blog officially turned a year old!  So Happy Belated Birthday to “Striving for Simplicity”!!  I enjoyed reflecting on some of my first blogs and seeing how much both I and our family have grown over the last year. Not just in number but we’ve grown closer to God and to each other enjoying many simple moments and making some precious memories!  While we've been doing this my blog has been pushed aside but I'm ready to get back into a routine and return to some accountability - so ready or not I'm going to be back to more of a "normal" blogging schedule.

 

Now as I get ready to settle into a fall routine, I’ve looked back over my first few entries and my priorities.  (In case you missed my first post on what this blog is all about then you can read it here.)

 

Now looking forward I still have the same top five priorities but a few different ideas on how to live them out:

1.        God –  I still have my Good Morning Girls group to help hold me accountable for putting Him first in my day.  I’m also excited to announce that while we are between sessions, I’m going to be doing a challenge here on the blog I’m calling the 15/15 Challenge.  This challenge will begin Sunday, September 2 and will involve giving God the first 15 minutes of your day for 15 days.  I’ll have blog posts everyday for those 15 days (yikes!) which will include daily scripture, a daily challenge, and even a couple giveaways so stay tuned! I’ll have my first vlog (if I don’t chicken out) and more details coming up tomorrow so stay tuned!!

2.       Family – I’m still all about family night once a week; however, I’ve also realized that for us it’s impossible to have a set night of the week to do it.  It’s easier for me to just look ahead to the next week and then decide what will work best for us.  I’m also planning to start back with Tot School after Labor Day.  “Miss Priss” has asked often about that so get ready for those posts to return once a week!

3.       Friends and Community – I’ve missed my “visiting” over the summer.  I’ve been able to start it back the last couple of weeks and it’s amazing how you go to someone’s house hoping to lift them up or be a blessing and leave being so blessed yourself!  Now that “Miss Priss” is a little older I’m hoping to really involve her more in our visits and “random acts of kindness”.  Hoping to be able to incorporate making cards, basic “cooking” skills, etc. into our Tot School and then deliver our goodies on a visiting day!

4.       Home – I’ve stuck with my original cleaning schedule and it’s really working for me!  I love investing an hour or so a day into cleaning and that leaving me free to do the other things that are more important! We were very blessed over summer to be able to do a couple projects around our home.  I’m still hoping to share some cleaning and decorating tips, along with some other things that are working around our home as we go throughout this next year.

5.       Health- Last year I set all these goals out then found out a few weeks later I was pregnant so this one didn’t make it anywhere last year! I am registered for my first 5k on Labor Day although I have to confess I have not stuck with my Couch to 5K program very well and probably will be doing more walking than running but at least it’s a start!  I’ve also been trying to eat more natural, whole foods and to only eat when I’m hungry. It’s amazing what a difference that makes!

 

So there’s my little check-in for the upcoming blog year. I’m looking forward to seeing what God has coming up for me and for this blog as we begin our second year continuing to keep our priorities in order and strive for simplicity!

 

Is it time for a priority check-up in your life?  Have you enjoyed anything from this blog this first year?  Anything you’d like to see or read about in the upcoming year? I’d love to have your input!

A Heritage from God

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:  and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalm 127:3

Our precious baby girl was born a week ago today.  She truly is a gift sent straight from God to be in our lives.  I've thought about the above scripture a million times over the past week.  

Her•i•tage-(noun) property that can be inherited or passed down; a gift.

When you think about a heritage it is something usually of great value and meant to be passed down from generation to generation.  God knew her before we even thought about her (Jeremiah 1:5).  When I think about the fact that He looked down and saw fit to pass her down to us even for a season I feel so humbled.  However, He has also given us a responsibility and that is to teach her His word and His way so that it can be passed from generation to generation.  His plan from the beginning of time wasn't for us to build up a nice college fund for her or even to provide her with a huge house but to keep His Word on our hearts and teach it to her diligently.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

I think today's  "society" has underrated the role of motherhood today.  It's seen as a "second job" or something you do on the side.  However, to me it is the most important job I'll ever have and because of that it is a priority in my life.  The impact I have on my children is one of if not the only thing that will last an eternity.  What I teach and show them  will be carried on through them and through their children and so on.  What an impact Moms really make!

So while I look into those newborn eyes I know I'll make mistakes, but I'm thankful for the plan God has laid forth.  I'm thankful for his grace, mercy and forgiveness that will be there as I need it.  I'm thankful He chose me to be their Mom.  I'm thankful for those moments when "Miss Priss" is whining,"Sunshine" is crying, the dog is barking, phone is ringing, and someone is knocking at the door (yes, we've already had those) and He whispers sweet peace to me amidst all the chaos!  He lets me know that my "job" is the most important one I'll ever have and that since this is His plan He'll equip me with whatever I need!

So I just want to give a word of encouragement to all of you Moms out there!  You're doing a great work, day by day.  You're shaping a soul that will have an eternal impact!  You have been blessed with a heritage and that heritage will be passed from generation to generation.  God has placed this precious child in your hands to mold and shape.  I want to leave you with two of my favorite quotes from a book study I'm doing right now The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson: 

No matter what you do in other areas of your life, when you have a child it is a calling of God. A calling to use your intelligence and skills and your mind and your heart and your time in such a way you have the privilege of shaping children whose souls will last an eternity.

I have come to believe that being a mother encompasses all that is best within me.  To embrace the mission of motherhood requires that I understand God and his design for life and can relate deep theological issues to the everyday minutes of my life. It requires that I become a mature counselor, ready at any moment to make decisions judiciously.  It also requires that I develop skills in hospitality, nursing, intellectual prowess, diplomacy, leadership training, and more, and that I stretch my creativity to the max.

For more on this book study check out Mom Heart.

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A "Monumental" Message!!

"Footprints in history are not made sitting down.  I cannot wait to show you this movie.  This is the most important journey of my life.  America is worth fighting for and so are our families.  But I cannot do this alone. I need you to join me in reclaiming America's true national treasure."
                                             Kirk Cameron




Last night I was able to go see the movie "Monumental".  It was a one night live presentation to kick-off what I hope to be an awakening across our country!  I know it certainly was for me!  I was amazed at how little I really knew and had been taught about the Pilgrims and how our nation has twisted and just flat out destroyed the truths in which our founding fathers believed would create a strong nation.  They even laid out the plan for liberty for us.  Yet we are SO far from what they envisioned and spent their lives establishing.  Here are just a few things that I didn't know prior to the movie:


1.  The Pilgrims started the seperatist movement because the Bible was translated into the English language and they begin to read it, study it and understand it for themselves.  They soon realized that the true "church" was not based on a rich monarchy but quite the opposite it should consist of humble servants.  However, to break away from the church also meant treason at that time.  Thus they searched for a new land.

2.  The Pilgrims weren't just some weak, ignorant men that landed without knowledge of how to plant corn.  They endured MUCH suffering and many set backs along the way.  Yet their faith in God stayed strong and they knew they had a greater cause and for this they did not give up!  They sacrificed SO much so that their children and the next generations could be able to worship the true God in Spirit and in Truth.

3.  We've been told that our founding fathers wanted seperation of church and state.  That God has no place in our government.  That God in schools is NOT something they would have wanted.  Yet, (brace yourselves for this one) the first Bible ever printed in English in America was printed in 1782 by Congress for the purpose of "an addition of Holy Scriptures for the use of our schools".     It didn't end there.  They not only wanted Bibles in schools but in homes.  The signers of our Consitution funded a family Bible in 1798 so that the Word of God could be distributed to individual households.  Why did they want families and children to be studying and learning the Bible?  Because they knew that if they wanted their new country to be successful then it must start within the individual.  There must be moral values instilled in the citizens.  When that desire to please God is present THEN you will have a successful country.  Here's a short clip from Monumental and Wingclips on this:

4.  Out of the founding fathers that signed the Declaration of Independence not only were they Christians but over half of them (29 of 56) held seminary degrees.

5.  The National Monument to the Forefathers lays out what our forefathers believed would work to establish a successful government.  I'd never even heard of this monument until this movie.  It holds SO many strong truths and you can see as we have strayed from these truths and the "formula" they believed our nation has started falling apart.  

I don't want to spoil the whole movie so I'll stop there.  I knew as Americans and as a country we were far off track but I had no idea how far off track we'd become until watching these truths.  Somewhere along the way we've been deceived and I feel as Christians we've failed to find the facts and to stand up for what our rights are.  Not only for what our forefathers and founding fathers wrote and established in their agreements and declarations but what they sacrified their lives for. 

I am inspired and thankful for the stand Kirk Cameron has made.  Not only in doing this movie but on the stand he has taken on other issues in the media.  I loved what he said at the end of the movie as he talked about how everyone places the blame on someone else whether it be Washington, Hollywood, the Church, or elsewhere. Yet he said

"The answer doesn't begin at the White House, it begins at my house.” ~ Kirk Cameron. 

I think that's exactly what are forefathers realized that in order to have a successful government it must start with successful individuals and in order to have a successful individual you must have a Godly influence and strong morals. 

So as an individual I plan on holding myself to an even higher moral standard.  To truly study God's word for myself and do my best to follow it in my life.  I plan on being more aware of what's happening and studying some of these truths I've just been shown even further.  I want to pass along what I'm learning to others that may not realize it and most importantly to my children who probably won't be taught these truths in school.  There's still hope out there for America but it must begin within us and within our families.

Is there more you want to do?  See the movie?  I don't believe this is all we've heard on this movie.  Kirk Cameron plans on releasing this as a DVD, creating devotionals, homeschool curriculums, etc.   Here's a few more links for additional information:

Monumental Movie Website
Clips from the movie
Demand the Movie in Your Area
Monumental Facebook Page
Pilgrim Monuments


And I leave you with one final quote from John Adams our 2nd President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence:

"Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be."

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_{--Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.}

Good Morning Girls Session starts Sunday!!

Originally posted by GMG

Are you that kind of woman?  Do you long to be but instead find your feet hitting the floor and then dashing off to your chaotic day feeling more like an easy target for the devil?  Then I challenge you to start your day in a more peaceful way.  I've learned that either you can start your day or you can let your day start you!

If you need a way to hold you accountable for doing so then I know just the way!! Our next Good Morning Girls session starts Sunday!!!  I'm super excited about studying Ephesians this time!  If you've never heard of Good Morning Girls then check them out here.  This will be my third study with them.  If you want to read how I got involved and why I love Good Morning Girls and this particular format of Bible studying then click here. 

Even if you're just looking for a good Bible study to do on your own then you can download their free e-study guide and follow along on their blog.  They usually have posts and/or a short video on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I'll also be linking up with them here on my blog and sharing some of my thoughts on Wednesdays and would love to hear your comments too!

So starting Monday (Sundays just a warm-up day then the actual Bible reading starts Monday) I challenge you to set your alarm a little earlier-even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes and spend some time with God.  See if it doesn't change your day and your life!!

"O God thou art my God:  early will I seek thee:  my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is." Psalm 63:1

Proverbs 31 - A Worthy Role Model

In between our GMG studies I have been studying the Proverbs 31 Woman.  I thought it'd be a great way to kick off the new year and remind me of my responsibilities.  I've used my Bible, the SOAP method and Courtney from Women Living Well's free e-book, The Proverbs 31 Woman One Virtue At a Time. I started the day after Christmas and finished yesterday and boy was I "weighed in the balance and (art) found wanting" (Daniel 5:27)! 

Just thought I'd post my list of characteristics or virtues from Proverbs 31.  How do you measure up?

She is:

  - A treasure (worth more than rubies and you'll soon see why!) v. 10
 - Trustworthy v. 11
 - Speaks AND DOES good to her husband EVERYDAY v. 12
 - Works with eager hands v. 13
 - Goes the distance in preparing meals v.14
 - Rises early v. 15 and works late v. 18
 - Makes wise decisions that will benefit her family v. 16
 - Tackles the tough jobs v. 17
 - Works diligently v. 19
 - Reaches out to the poor and needy v. 20
 - Is prepared for the bad weather v. 21
 - Takes care of her NEEDS v. 22
 - Brings honor to her husband v. 23
 - Gives her work her best v. 24
 - Clothed in strength and honor v. 25
 - Speaks with wisdom and kindness v. 26
 - Keeps an eye on her family and isn't idle v. 27
 - Blessed by her children and praised by her husband v. 28
 - Excels in virtues v. 29
 - Fears the Lord v. 30
 - Earns the fruit of her hands and praises of her works v. 31

  Much to my dismay no where in there did I find "deserves a long, hot bath at the end of the day" or "takes a Mommy's day out"!!
I love what Courtney says concerning the 30th verse:  "She will work tirelessly and sacrificially to create a home that is filled with peace, joy and comfort.  This woman loves the Lord and desires to please Him.  She serves her husband and children because of her higher desire to please the Lord. ...Her faith is her beauty secret."

Oh, how I desire to be more like the Proverbs 31 Woman-she's a worthy role model!

The Most Important Job I'll Ever Have-Part Two

On one hand, I could continue working and we would be financially secure.  Without really having to worry much about money.  We'd be able to go on vacations, finish up the house exactly as we'd planned, maybe even purchase a boat, etc.  However, that also meant "Miss Priss" would have to go in a daycare.  Something neither of us wanted.

On the other hand, I could quit and stay home with her but even IF we could do it financially there'd have to be a lot of sacrifices!  Finances were the biggest part of our decision but it wasn't the only factor.  I also LOVED my job.  I was teaching the grade I'd always wanted to teach with a wonderful group of Christian friends. It was a challenging job where I honestly felt like I made a difference everyday.  It wasn't an easy thing to give up. 

We spent the next few weeks trying budget after budget to see if it was possible, weighing all of our options.  To be honest on paper it didn't look possible to live on the one salary.  However, after much praying we still felt like that was what God wanted us to do as parents and with God all things are possible!  We both knew if that was the direction God was leading then we'd better follow!

So I quit my job.  Even now, almost 2 years later, as I sit writing this in the doctor's office waiting for a check-up on our next little blessing, I can honestly say I've not regretted that decision a single day. 

We still have more "stuff" than I know what to do with and I soon realized that even a family vacation wasn't what my children needed the most.  What they need the most is me and time spent at home giving them a stable, secure and happy childhood. 

My husband asked me this year what I wanted from him for Christmas and I told him nothing-he gives me my gift everyday when he goes to work so that I can stay home with "Miss Priss".  He laughed and said, "Seriously, what do you want?"  But I honestly meant it (although he still got me a little something).  I feel so blessed to be able to have the job of being a full-time Mommy.  In doing so, I truly "have it all".  To be here every step of the way guiding a precious little girl is scary and challenging but to me this is the most important job I'll ever have and because of that it deserves all of me!

"The best thing to spend on your children is time."

                                                            - Louise Hart

The Most Important Job I'll Ever Have-Part One

"Joy comes when you're doing

something with your life and feeling

that you're responsive to God's call." 

Dr. Bryan Cloyd

 
 

Our mission as Christians is to be a witness for Christ.  There's no one that we have a greater impact on as a witness than our children.  Which is exactly why the most important job I will ever have is being a Mom.

I have put off writing this particular blog because I have so many friends (good friends and GREAT moms) that aren't SAHM.  So let me begin by saying that quitting my job and staying at home with "Miss Priss" alone does not make me a better Mom.  However, others have also asked the question of why I felt I had to choose between a career and staying at home.  Don't I know it's possible to "have it all" in today's world?  Yes, I do.  I've been there.  I worked for four months with my daughter at home and let me just say not one of those days did I feel like I "had it all."  Quite the opposite in fact, I felt like everyone was getting the short end of the deal-my husband, my daughter, my students, and myself. 

I ultimately chose to be a SAHM because I felt it was what God was calling me to do.  I felt it was the best way to serve Him and my family.  I truly believe that motherhood is a ministry (hopefully one of these days I'll get to read Sally Clarkson's Ministry of Motherhood). 

I believe God has given us His children to watch over, instruct, and guide and with that blessing comes a great responsibility.  I also feel that their most influential years are the early years and me being with them as much as possible giving them the best care I can give is what He wants me to do.

So you'd think with such strong convictions about being a SAHM it would've been an easy decision for me (and maybe it should've been had my faith of been greater) but it wasn't.  Here's why...

I'd always knew I wanted to be a SAHM.  Then I found out I was pregnant.  My husband was in between jobs and so I was our primary source of income.  Not to mention we'd just started building a new house!  At first I was so angry with myself.  I was thrilled to be pregnant but disappointed because staying at home with the baby was not even an option at this point.  I was a planner and I'd known what I wanted. How had I let it get to this?

So "Miss Priss" was born and I was able to stay at home with her for about 10 weeks.  Then I went back to teaching while my husband stayed at home with her.  Not at all how I'd always pictured my life!  However, even when we may not see it, as long as we trust in Him, God ALWAYS has a plan. 

So I went back to work teaching 1st grade with the attitude that I would do what I could at school, leave it at school, and then come home and be a Mom.  Well, great in theory but not reality.  If you've ever been a teacher you know it's impossible to get it all done DURING school hours.  However, I also knew if "Miss Priss" was in school I'd want her teacher to give her all and expected nothing less out of myself as a teacher.  So I came home as soon as I could after school, then spent time with "Miss Priss" then once she was in bed it was back to school work.  As much as I tried I still felt, as I mentioned earlier, everyone was getting the short end of the deal and I was exhausted!

Even though my husband was doing a GREAT job taking care of her there were still things I was missing and knew I'd never get that time back.  There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't pray he'd get a job and we could swap roles!  I finished out the year teaching.  Then my husband got a job during the summer.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the job we'd hoped he get.  In fact, he would be making about 1/2 of what we'd planned.  Even though it wasn't what WE'D planned, he took the job anyway and then came the grueling decision of what to do next...

Yes, There is Life Without Facebook

Wow!  It's AMAZING what all you I can accomplish when you're I'm not buried in Facebook!  One of my monthly resolutions was to spend less time online, more specifically stay off of Facebook for a couple weeks.  It was definitely a worthwhile goal!  This has been one of the most enjoyable weeks I've had in awhile.  My to-do lists for EVERYDAY have been completed, my house is totally clean, laundry is done, "Miss Priss" is off to a great start on potty-training (no accidents the last 2 days :), supper has been cooked every night we've been home, I've had time to do some walking and things for myself... I could go on but you get the picture!  I've really realized this week how much life Facebook sucks out of me before I even realize it! 

I use FB to keep up with not only friends and social events but I have private group pages with family, church, and my GMG group.  I use it for our little business page and to keep up with new designs others are offering.  I use it to follow other blogs I love.  I use it for shopping and let me say those smocked auctions are an addiction all on their own!  I didn't even realize how addicted to it I was until this week!  I log on to check messages and then I see new pics posted by a friend, a new blog I want to read, an online auction going on, etc. before I realize it I've been on WAY longer than I planned! 

I'm almost embarrassed to admit it but I had a pretty major problem.  Before this week it was the first thing I did when I woke up in the morning and the last thing I did before I went to sleep.  Not to mention the probably 100x I'd check it during the day.  This week I've found myself unconsciously picking up my phone and clicking on the FB icon before I even realized what I was doing it was such a habit!  As the week went on it did get better.

I must confess that I didn't turn off my e-mail notifications because it has become such a MAJOR if not THE MAJOR form of communication for me.  I have responded to a prayer request and a family post- but that's it!  Believe me that's a major accomplishment for me!

When I'm trying to get rid of a bad habit the easiest way for me to do it is replace it with something else.  Sunday I decided my prayer life had definitely been lacking so I decided anytime I had the urge to check FB then I'd say a prayer for someone on my prayer list.  I even put my prayer list up in the kitchen to serve as a reminder.  Boy, has my prayer list been prayed for this week-lol!

While part of me has been tempted to just delete my page, I do believe it is beneficial to me - in it's place!  I plan on continuing life without FB for one more week until my GMG session starts back then I hope to find some way to limit my time using it.  In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing what all I get accomplished next week!

Do you have something that takes away from your priorities?  Have you already overcome it? 

Now the question of - Do I post this blog link to Facebook???  ;)