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We talked last week about the necessity of rest and of inserting a daily pause into our days as Moms. This week, I’ve offered more specific suggestions over at Lindsay’s space :: a part two to compliment the encouragements outlined last time. Lindsay also speaks to practical tips for Moms with several little ones {just how to you get them to nap together so you can rest?} Prayerfully, you’ll find some tidbits to apply to your days — add any thoughts of your own as well!
So, I wrote the BIG LIST and then haven’t said much since… but I’ve been working through my 40 Things To Do While I’m 40 List. Several readers have written in to comment, ask questions and to offer suggestions on this little quest of mine — thank you! I welcome your thoughts or ideas. The last two months were filled with holiday celebrating and extra family togetherness, which gave opportunity to attempt more of my ‘thinking’ items on the list, though a few ‘to-dos’ filled time as well. Here’s what was accomplished:
I’ve also tried my hand at a few practicals:
So overall, progress has been made! A few more are being worked on and I’ll report again. May you find joy in all of your planning as well…
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We chose to marry on the same date we met — three years after our initial introduction. It fell on a Saturday, in the middle of winter, in the northern part of our country. All these years later, I still wonder what we would have done if it had snowed. The potential existed for sure :: and that year turned out to be record high for wintry weather, major storms blanketing our wedding day on weekends before and after. But it didn’t snow that day. All guests and wedding party friends made the trek from several states and even countries to celebrate :: to witness the union of one man and one woman for life. And now…. Now, those guests may have forgotten words spoken on a warmer-than-normal winter day {temperatures rose to above 50 degrees!}, but I remember the day still. I remember promises made and commitments sealed before God and man. And in 2012, I choose to PURSUE them all the more.
to support him in all of his gifts and abilities to celebrate the Spirit’s work in this man of mine and to follow him wherever God-opportunities lead. to laugh with him, cry with him, pray for him and encourage him to dream big : imagine : seek more :: together to make this life with one another a top priority 2012 brings a greater commitment to love him to be his friend, to sacrifice for his sake and to forgive him when he fails. to make sure he knows there is always, always GRACE.
I’m far from a perfect wife :: I often fail miserably, neglecting and forgetting my words of promise. But I am committed to him, and God is committed to us. With this, I move onward!
other post in the series: 2012 pursue :: a mothering manifesto
I’m so thrilled and excited to announce to you about a project that’s been in the works! Sisters in Bloom, a community of sisterhood for women. First of all, I’ve had little to do with the actual website building, design and overall vision :: that’s the brain-child of Denise Thompson and her fabulous team. But I’ve been praying for and speaking LIFE over this idea since being invited to participate. A group of Christian blogging-writing women gathering together to encourage the hearts of other daughters of the King? Yes and Amen!
The doors open officially with posts on February 1st — hop on over to the site and make yourself comfortable before then! Oh, I celebrate with my friend Denise! When we step out onto the waters, sometimes all we hear are the wind and waves, you know what I mean? So I’ve prayed she and each of the women participating would hear JESUS calling; and that His voice would rise above any other. You too. I pray you hear His voice today. Grace…
Alright, I know what you’re thinking. Maybe you’re even laughing. Listen to the…quiet? And you’re wondering just where this post is going. We could probably agree that a daily spa moment of sorts is helpful to our well-being. But just how to make this happen may seem a mystery. So, hear me out and offer your thoughts as well? I know Mama. I know. A household full of little ones, homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, ministry, training, teaching, being a wife, a friend, a sister — where in the world does a daily pause fit in!? May I suggest today that it naturally doesn’t? At least not all on its own. This time will not just happen…it must be created.
{Read the rest of this post over at Passionate Homemaking and offer your thoughts as well! Do you take a daily pause and establish some quiet moments? Come, hear just why we should.}
This week I saw ugly words slapped around on the web… in one Mom’s world, simply one woman attempting to live according to principles right for her family… she was belittled and accused of offering her child less than best. Oh wow, how this shook me up. I’ve always held deep empathy for people suffering on any level. As a teen {and even still as grown-up}, there was difficulty reading the paper or watching the news; all stories easily become my stories and I pray, think upon and remember these people who suffer. So my heart broke as this mother explained and answered comments. I realized too that I still struggle. Still needing to release to Christ this fear, this strong tendency of mine to erect walls of protection from such ugliness. There have been days when I ponder this word PURSUE and how God is moving, the doors He’s opening…and I want to shrink back. To withhold sharing talents or gifts for fear of being misunderstood, rejected. God, grant me grace. May your love and truth always protect me (Psalm 40:11). The Voice of Truth speaks a different story than smaller voices around. Mark Twain offers words of wisdom in the above quote. But, not as good as my God. I cling to a promise poured over me numerous occasions, words of LIFE:
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
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