Friday, October 30, 2009
Who Are You?
"Who are you?" This is a question I frequently ask myself, while lugging my three kids from place to place. The simple answer: I'm a mom and a wife. But, in truth, I'm so much more than those two precious roles. I'm a writer. I'm an athlete. I'm a spiritual woman, who prays over the plethora of concerns filling our neighborhood and the world beyond. I'm a friend and a servant. I'm a sister and an aunt.
As a mom, it's easy to get lost inside your own sink full of dirty dishes. When you do push the pause button and look around your home, it seems like there's always a floor that needs to be mopped, even though you just scrubbed it a few days ago. The laundry also provides a never-ending cycle of madness: clean, fold, put away, repeat, repeat, repeat. The food menu always has to be reworked as well. You know when you're in the middle of cooking dinner and you realize that the previously "low" sour cream is now completely gone? So, you're off in a jiffy to the grocery store to make sure everyone's chili is nice and creamy.
Demands of your time break the laws of gravity. You no longer have twenty-four hour days. Somehow, you add extra time to each new sunrise, stretching it into a twenty-eight hour day instead. Your mommy-time-machine even allows you to jump back in space and time to pick up the pieces of unfinished projects or unpaid bills. You've also gotten good at staging a Christmas picture after the holidays are over to capture the annual family picture.
As a mom, you make the most of what you have, by sewing a lion's tail back on to extend the use of a Halloween costume. And your healing hug steps in with its magical powers after your little one stumbles and scrapes her knee. Band Aids and lollipops have got nothing on you. Also, when your child feels embarrassed after missing his lines in the school play, your "I love you no matter what" saves the day.
Somehow, life always works out, even when it's hard... because of you. Because of your love. Because of your patience. Because of your sacrifice. Because of your optimism. So, don't give up when you feel like quitting. Don't throw in the towel when your personal goals feel put on hold. Your life is meaningful because you give value and purpose to those around you. Keep up the good work moms!
As a mom, it's easy to get lost inside your own sink full of dirty dishes. When you do push the pause button and look around your home, it seems like there's always a floor that needs to be mopped, even though you just scrubbed it a few days ago. The laundry also provides a never-ending cycle of madness: clean, fold, put away, repeat, repeat, repeat. The food menu always has to be reworked as well. You know when you're in the middle of cooking dinner and you realize that the previously "low" sour cream is now completely gone? So, you're off in a jiffy to the grocery store to make sure everyone's chili is nice and creamy.
Demands of your time break the laws of gravity. You no longer have twenty-four hour days. Somehow, you add extra time to each new sunrise, stretching it into a twenty-eight hour day instead. Your mommy-time-machine even allows you to jump back in space and time to pick up the pieces of unfinished projects or unpaid bills. You've also gotten good at staging a Christmas picture after the holidays are over to capture the annual family picture.
As a mom, you make the most of what you have, by sewing a lion's tail back on to extend the use of a Halloween costume. And your healing hug steps in with its magical powers after your little one stumbles and scrapes her knee. Band Aids and lollipops have got nothing on you. Also, when your child feels embarrassed after missing his lines in the school play, your "I love you no matter what" saves the day.
Somehow, life always works out, even when it's hard... because of you. Because of your love. Because of your patience. Because of your sacrifice. Because of your optimism. So, don't give up when you feel like quitting. Don't throw in the towel when your personal goals feel put on hold. Your life is meaningful because you give value and purpose to those around you. Keep up the good work moms!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Going to God?
Going to God, is it really worth it? Or, does it just seem like a waste of time because He might not be listening anyways? Well, here's what King David had to say about it when he walked the Earth.
Psalm 34:4 says, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:15 says, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry."
Psalm 34:17+18 say, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:19+20 say, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all of his bones, not one of them will be broken."
So, if King David had anything to say about it, he'd try to convince you that it's worth it to go to the Lord because He cares for you and answers you. One of the keys seems to be living a righteous life. If you know the Lord and are saved, then you can't ever lose your salvation, but it's clear from Scripture that you can break fellowship with Him because of sinful behavior. So, if you've been sinning lately, just get back on track by telling the Lord you're sorry and that you're thankful for His awesome forgiveness through Jesus' atonement on the cross. Start anew each day.
It's so great that we can approach God freely because of His Son's work on the cross. Take advantage of the fact that you can go to God for help. Some people aren't even aware that they have access to an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, perfect, and gracious God who has their best interest in mind. What a blessing that we know we can approach the throne of GRACE!
Psalm 34:4 says, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:15 says, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry."
Psalm 34:17+18 say, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:19+20 say, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all of his bones, not one of them will be broken."
So, if King David had anything to say about it, he'd try to convince you that it's worth it to go to the Lord because He cares for you and answers you. One of the keys seems to be living a righteous life. If you know the Lord and are saved, then you can't ever lose your salvation, but it's clear from Scripture that you can break fellowship with Him because of sinful behavior. So, if you've been sinning lately, just get back on track by telling the Lord you're sorry and that you're thankful for His awesome forgiveness through Jesus' atonement on the cross. Start anew each day.
It's so great that we can approach God freely because of His Son's work on the cross. Take advantage of the fact that you can go to God for help. Some people aren't even aware that they have access to an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, perfect, and gracious God who has their best interest in mind. What a blessing that we know we can approach the throne of GRACE!
Labels: Bible, God, King David
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Brave Knight
A brave knight, named Henry, was walking along the road when he came upon a shy frog. The brave knight asked her why she was so timid. She responded that she was fearful she was going to get squashed or eaten. So, out of compassion, the knight offered his protection and allowed her to ride on his shoulder. She enjoyed traveling with him on his quest to find a princess. Henry explained to her how he sought to share his kingdom with someone who was beautiful, fun, and smart.
The next day, he came upon a dazzling young maiden named Clara. But, after a few short days in her village, he realized that although she was picturesque, she was not much fun to be around. So, he traveled on. The following week, he heard a heavenly voice coming from a nearby rose garden along their path. Eva had long golden hair and could sing like a blue-jay, but she was not very smart. So, he traveled on. His third stop was at a watering well, so that he could quench his thirst for himself, his horses, and his frog. As he was pulling up the bucket for a drink, the frog told him to be careful because she had a bad feeling about the water. She advised him to smell the water first in case it was poisoned. The thoughtful knight took her warning and discovered that the water indeed was carrying a deadly scent.
As he peeked into the reflection of the water, he saw a woman's gentle glance staring into his. She looked lovely, playful, and wise. But, when he glanced away from the water, he could no longer see her golden face. He spoke to his frog and asked, "Do you see the face of a woman, for I can not find her except in my dreams." The frog announced that she was the woman of whom he spoke. She explained how she could not be brought out of the evil spell unless a brave knight would free her with his gentle kiss. The knight felt a bit silly at the thought of kissing a frog, but he desperately desired to see the angelic woman again.
So, he placed the frog in his hands and puckered his lips. As their lips touched, a magic was felt between the two. Within seconds, Henry's arms fell quickly toward the ground, for he was now carrying a delicate maiden instead of a green frog. The knight had broken the terrible spell that had held Angel hostage. She was abundantly thankful for his kindness, protection, and his bravery. The knight expressed his honor in serving her and asked her to be his wife. She readily accepted and they returned to his majestic castle where they lived happily ever after.
Do not judge a book by its cover. There is frequently more to someone's character than what immediately meets the eye. A brave man may only appear so because of his outward image of strength, while someone smaller in statue may possess great fortitude because of his tenacious belief in his pursuit. A beautiful gem may possess only that, beauty that fades, while another one more plain may provide the best company of all the maidens. And though someone's voice may speak sweet promises, she may not possess steadfastness for the journey ahead. Think twice before you judge appearances.
The next day, he came upon a dazzling young maiden named Clara. But, after a few short days in her village, he realized that although she was picturesque, she was not much fun to be around. So, he traveled on. The following week, he heard a heavenly voice coming from a nearby rose garden along their path. Eva had long golden hair and could sing like a blue-jay, but she was not very smart. So, he traveled on. His third stop was at a watering well, so that he could quench his thirst for himself, his horses, and his frog. As he was pulling up the bucket for a drink, the frog told him to be careful because she had a bad feeling about the water. She advised him to smell the water first in case it was poisoned. The thoughtful knight took her warning and discovered that the water indeed was carrying a deadly scent.
As he peeked into the reflection of the water, he saw a woman's gentle glance staring into his. She looked lovely, playful, and wise. But, when he glanced away from the water, he could no longer see her golden face. He spoke to his frog and asked, "Do you see the face of a woman, for I can not find her except in my dreams." The frog announced that she was the woman of whom he spoke. She explained how she could not be brought out of the evil spell unless a brave knight would free her with his gentle kiss. The knight felt a bit silly at the thought of kissing a frog, but he desperately desired to see the angelic woman again.
So, he placed the frog in his hands and puckered his lips. As their lips touched, a magic was felt between the two. Within seconds, Henry's arms fell quickly toward the ground, for he was now carrying a delicate maiden instead of a green frog. The knight had broken the terrible spell that had held Angel hostage. She was abundantly thankful for his kindness, protection, and his bravery. The knight expressed his honor in serving her and asked her to be his wife. She readily accepted and they returned to his majestic castle where they lived happily ever after.
Do not judge a book by its cover. There is frequently more to someone's character than what immediately meets the eye. A brave man may only appear so because of his outward image of strength, while someone smaller in statue may possess great fortitude because of his tenacious belief in his pursuit. A beautiful gem may possess only that, beauty that fades, while another one more plain may provide the best company of all the maidens. And though someone's voice may speak sweet promises, she may not possess steadfastness for the journey ahead. Think twice before you judge appearances.
Labels: brave knight, story
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Do these five things:
1. Go on a brisk walk with a friend.
2. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it.
3. Drink or eat some antioxidant-rich foods.
4. Trust the Lord for a battle that isn't yet won.
5. Go through the car-wash or wash your car yourself.
2. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it.
3. Drink or eat some antioxidant-rich foods.
4. Trust the Lord for a battle that isn't yet won.
5. Go through the car-wash or wash your car yourself.
Labels: five things
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
God's Children
Romans chapter eight tells us, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" (verses 15 + 16).
So many times, we ourselves are clueless about our own identity. Even when we know the Truth, our vision can become clouded. I'm a mom, an author, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and an aunt. And though I am certain of my plethora of roles to be carried out, I am frequently afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid of exhaustion. Afraid of my own sinful nature. Afraid of who I'm not. Afraid even of the dark, at times.
But, Paul encourages the believer by reminding her that she does NOT need to be afraid because she is God's child. Failures will still come your way. Fatigue and despair will charge at you like a ton of bricks. Sin will sneak its way in and a temper will be lost or a thought will overtake you. You may not become all that you thought you were supposed to be in this short lifetime. And the night will always come as the sun's rays fade away.
But, there is hope! Paul goes on to say, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (v17). How cool is that? Co-heirs with Christ! We may suffer now, but we will take part in the fiesta later...the glory that is to come. Verse 21 says, "...the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."
Don't give up today my awesome sister in the Lord! You know who you are! Walk in that knowledge and surrender your fears. Rest in your claimed spirit of daughter-ship. Remember too that "...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (v 28).
Share some of your victories here. I'd love to hear how God is shaping you.
So many times, we ourselves are clueless about our own identity. Even when we know the Truth, our vision can become clouded. I'm a mom, an author, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and an aunt. And though I am certain of my plethora of roles to be carried out, I am frequently afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid of exhaustion. Afraid of my own sinful nature. Afraid of who I'm not. Afraid even of the dark, at times.
But, Paul encourages the believer by reminding her that she does NOT need to be afraid because she is God's child. Failures will still come your way. Fatigue and despair will charge at you like a ton of bricks. Sin will sneak its way in and a temper will be lost or a thought will overtake you. You may not become all that you thought you were supposed to be in this short lifetime. And the night will always come as the sun's rays fade away.
But, there is hope! Paul goes on to say, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (v17). How cool is that? Co-heirs with Christ! We may suffer now, but we will take part in the fiesta later...the glory that is to come. Verse 21 says, "...the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."
Don't give up today my awesome sister in the Lord! You know who you are! Walk in that knowledge and surrender your fears. Rest in your claimed spirit of daughter-ship. Remember too that "...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (v 28).
Share some of your victories here. I'd love to hear how God is shaping you.
Labels: Bible, daughter-ship, women of faith
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rule-breakers
Some rules were made to be broken. You've got to break the rules every once in awhile so that you know you're alive. If your manner of walking through life models a zombie that awaits death because it's so boring, then it's time to mix it up a bit. Here are five rule-breakers to get you started. And note, I didn't admonish you to break any laws, just a few rules. If it makes you feel better, you can just "bend" a few instead.
Rule-breaker number one: Eat dessert before dinner. Who says you have to eat dessert after the main course? You can start with the ice cream sundae and eat some chicken enchiladas afterward. You could even skip dinner altogether and just go for a second helping of ice cream with a brownie instead. Eat dessert for breakfast for that matter; add some chocolate chips to those pancakes or some whipped cream to that French toast. As long as you eat a metered portion and you don't indulge too often, this can be a fun and cheap way to get a little bit crazy! I love the Java Chip Frap at Starbucks (splitting a Venti with my hubby shrinks the somewhat higher price); the hot fudge sundae at McDonald's is great as well (for just a buck).
Rule-breaker number two: Ignore certain warning signs in order to see nature's beauty. While out looking for whales above the cliffs in the Pacific Palisades, my hubby and I ignored a sign that announced "DANGER." The steep trail of questionable safety had to be explored, for the unspoiled tide-pools awaited us thirty feet below. Other than a few rogue fishermen, the quarter mile beach was completely secluded. The risky hike down was totally worth it because we found an amazing starfish, one of the biggest crabs I've ever seen, and several fun sea anemones. The added bonus was the simple thrill of doing something fairly freaky and coming out unscathed.
Rule-breaker number three: Let your kids skip school every once in awhile just because. Why do they have to be sick to get a break once in awhile? I feel bad for those few kids who never even get a sneeze or a cough. That's basically unfair discrimination against healthy children. A special trip to Disneyland or to Legoland lifts everyone's tired spirit. A fun trip to the beach or an unexpected visit to Grandma's house for some milk and homemade cookies is a special treat as well. Life is short, so you can't always have your face in a book (you even need the occasional break from updating your Facebook profile online). When I was in high school, my sister and I were straight-A students, so our mom always let us play hookie a few times a year. We had a blast creating fun memories together.
Rule-breaker number four: Lie about your age or your name once in awhile. Like, if you're filling out a survey, you don't have to put that you're in the 40-49 year-old category. Why not keep yourself in the 30-39 category a little bit longer? Or, if you're at Starbucks ordering your latte and you've always wanted to be called Victoria, but you got stuck with a more common name like "Dianne," you should spice it up a bit and fib on your name, just for fun. This is more difficult if you're not paying with cash, but you can work out the details on your own. My middle daughter loves to be called different names once in awhile as well, like King Peter or Queen Lucy from The Chronicles of Narnia. She's really good at reminding me that life is an adventure.
Rule-breaker number five: When life gets you down and you feel like throwing in the towel, resist the urge to get depressed! It's not that you don't deserve a pity party sometimes, but it wastes so much energy. Why not go and get your nails done instead? Or, you could go for a refreshing hillside jog. Increasing the O2 clears the mind and gives you more energy too. If all else fails, stop by your favorite frozen yogurt joint with a carefree girlfriend to chat about some lighthearted travel dreams or a movie you can't wait to see (like New Moon on November 20th). Something fun instead of something depressing, why not? We tend to feel like we owe it to our feelings to cave in to their every whim, but it's just not true. Turn that silly rule on its head and just try to get through your most recent drama-disaster sequence without all the sadness. Smile instead!
Share one of your rule-breaker stories here. We'd love to hear from you!
Rule-breaker number one: Eat dessert before dinner. Who says you have to eat dessert after the main course? You can start with the ice cream sundae and eat some chicken enchiladas afterward. You could even skip dinner altogether and just go for a second helping of ice cream with a brownie instead. Eat dessert for breakfast for that matter; add some chocolate chips to those pancakes or some whipped cream to that French toast. As long as you eat a metered portion and you don't indulge too often, this can be a fun and cheap way to get a little bit crazy! I love the Java Chip Frap at Starbucks (splitting a Venti with my hubby shrinks the somewhat higher price); the hot fudge sundae at McDonald's is great as well (for just a buck).
Rule-breaker number two: Ignore certain warning signs in order to see nature's beauty. While out looking for whales above the cliffs in the Pacific Palisades, my hubby and I ignored a sign that announced "DANGER." The steep trail of questionable safety had to be explored, for the unspoiled tide-pools awaited us thirty feet below. Other than a few rogue fishermen, the quarter mile beach was completely secluded. The risky hike down was totally worth it because we found an amazing starfish, one of the biggest crabs I've ever seen, and several fun sea anemones. The added bonus was the simple thrill of doing something fairly freaky and coming out unscathed.
Rule-breaker number three: Let your kids skip school every once in awhile just because. Why do they have to be sick to get a break once in awhile? I feel bad for those few kids who never even get a sneeze or a cough. That's basically unfair discrimination against healthy children. A special trip to Disneyland or to Legoland lifts everyone's tired spirit. A fun trip to the beach or an unexpected visit to Grandma's house for some milk and homemade cookies is a special treat as well. Life is short, so you can't always have your face in a book (you even need the occasional break from updating your Facebook profile online). When I was in high school, my sister and I were straight-A students, so our mom always let us play hookie a few times a year. We had a blast creating fun memories together.
Rule-breaker number four: Lie about your age or your name once in awhile. Like, if you're filling out a survey, you don't have to put that you're in the 40-49 year-old category. Why not keep yourself in the 30-39 category a little bit longer? Or, if you're at Starbucks ordering your latte and you've always wanted to be called Victoria, but you got stuck with a more common name like "Dianne," you should spice it up a bit and fib on your name, just for fun. This is more difficult if you're not paying with cash, but you can work out the details on your own. My middle daughter loves to be called different names once in awhile as well, like King Peter or Queen Lucy from The Chronicles of Narnia. She's really good at reminding me that life is an adventure.
Rule-breaker number five: When life gets you down and you feel like throwing in the towel, resist the urge to get depressed! It's not that you don't deserve a pity party sometimes, but it wastes so much energy. Why not go and get your nails done instead? Or, you could go for a refreshing hillside jog. Increasing the O2 clears the mind and gives you more energy too. If all else fails, stop by your favorite frozen yogurt joint with a carefree girlfriend to chat about some lighthearted travel dreams or a movie you can't wait to see (like New Moon on November 20th). Something fun instead of something depressing, why not? We tend to feel like we owe it to our feelings to cave in to their every whim, but it's just not true. Turn that silly rule on its head and just try to get through your most recent drama-disaster sequence without all the sadness. Smile instead!
Share one of your rule-breaker stories here. We'd love to hear from you!
Labels: kids, parents, rule-breakers
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Moms Rally
Moms are tough. They don't give up. Even when they're too tired to keep on going, they keep on going. Somehow, they find the strength to clean one more bathroom, to cook one more meal, or to fold one more load of never-ending laundry. When the checkbook's low at the end of the month, moms are especially clever at keeping the boat above water, even with the foggy forecast. Pancakes for dinner anyone? Moms possess a special super-gene that allows them to exhibit tenacity and perseverance even when giving up would be easier.
While at the Wild Animal Park yesterday with my sister, we walked about ten miles with my fully-loaded double stroller. When we took the back-way from the zip-line to the tigers and up to the elephants, I sort of ignored the sign that announced, "Steep slope, not intended for strollers or wheelchairs." We were already so far into our path to see the adorable baby elephants; this Herculean hike up the graveled pathway had to be worth it. My sister couldn't believe I actually made it up the steep incline. You know when you have to lock your elbows to your side and dig for the power in your biceps and calves? You just keep breathing and taking one step at a time. It's the kind of hill where jogging actually makes it easier because it gives you the much needed momentum. You reach the top and you're like "How the he-l did I make it to the top?" The simple answer: Because you totally rock!
But this is the same stubborn personality that allows you and myself to stay up late at night with a sick kid or a sick hubby. It's the same spirit that helps us to suit up and slap on a smile when we actually feel like taking a sick day and staying in bed all morning instead. We're troopers and we're awesome at what we do. Moms hold the weight of the world on their shoulders and then they say "Pass me the salt and pepper" while cooking dinner, paying the bills, helping the kids with their homework, and responding to emails.
If you're a mom, I just want to remind you that you're doing a terrific job. No-one is perfect, so you can't be either. Just remember to pat yourself on the back once in awhile and go for the extra topping on your ice cream sundae or the massage certificate over the holidays. You work so hard and you need to reflect on your awesome accomplishments. You always rally and that makes you a winner! Life is really really really hard. Just the fact that you're reading this blog post means that you're up and charging the day. Keep it up!
Share some of your super-mom accomplishments here. We'd love to celebrate with you!
While at the Wild Animal Park yesterday with my sister, we walked about ten miles with my fully-loaded double stroller. When we took the back-way from the zip-line to the tigers and up to the elephants, I sort of ignored the sign that announced, "Steep slope, not intended for strollers or wheelchairs." We were already so far into our path to see the adorable baby elephants; this Herculean hike up the graveled pathway had to be worth it. My sister couldn't believe I actually made it up the steep incline. You know when you have to lock your elbows to your side and dig for the power in your biceps and calves? You just keep breathing and taking one step at a time. It's the kind of hill where jogging actually makes it easier because it gives you the much needed momentum. You reach the top and you're like "How the he-l did I make it to the top?" The simple answer: Because you totally rock!
But this is the same stubborn personality that allows you and myself to stay up late at night with a sick kid or a sick hubby. It's the same spirit that helps us to suit up and slap on a smile when we actually feel like taking a sick day and staying in bed all morning instead. We're troopers and we're awesome at what we do. Moms hold the weight of the world on their shoulders and then they say "Pass me the salt and pepper" while cooking dinner, paying the bills, helping the kids with their homework, and responding to emails.
If you're a mom, I just want to remind you that you're doing a terrific job. No-one is perfect, so you can't be either. Just remember to pat yourself on the back once in awhile and go for the extra topping on your ice cream sundae or the massage certificate over the holidays. You work so hard and you need to reflect on your awesome accomplishments. You always rally and that makes you a winner! Life is really really really hard. Just the fact that you're reading this blog post means that you're up and charging the day. Keep it up!
Share some of your super-mom accomplishments here. We'd love to celebrate with you!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
One Day at a Time!
You just have to take it one day at a time. Not one week at a time or one month at a time or one year at a time, just one day at a time. When my six-year-old son gets stressed about something about "tomorrow" I say, "But,we're just going to worry about today." I also remind him of my sister's favorite Bible verse that says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).
Isn't that the truth? Who has time to start freaking about tomorrow when there's already way too much crud just to get through today? But, we all do it. Somehow, even with a full-load of concerns for today, we start stressing over the "What Ifs" and the "What Abouts" of tomorrow. And the silly thing is that it doesn't even help. It actually harms us to fill our hearts with anxiety about the things that are out of our control anyways.
Many of you have heard the old adage, "Let Go and Let God!" The Christian-eze of some sayings drives me nuts because when you're in the midst of a struggle, you mainly just want a hug, not a slogan. But, this one's pretty good. For all of its goodness, I readily admit my "badness" about "letting go and letting God." I find it especially hard to trust God for my three kids. I feel like they're mine so I have to care for every part of their lives at every minute. The truth is that they're actually HIS. That means, HE will care for every part of their lives at every minute.
As moms, we frequently worry about our kids, but we also stress over lots of other stuff: money for groceries, bills, car problems, relationships, disputes, our family's health, and even how well we're doing as parents. We truly need to do our best at resolving the things that can be resolved. Maybe a phone call helps reduce an interest rate and takes some pressure off. Maybe a teacher/parent conference takes the edge off of some school concerns. Perhaps a prayer with another mom helps you feel more peaceful over a conflictual situation.
As you take it one day at a time, you have to be willing to chill out. Once you've made the calls, organized the calendar, and given everyone their vitamins, you have to take a mental break. As you relax from the intensity of it all, remember to pray for the things you can't really control anyways. Sometimes, you might even have to take it one minute at a time, and that's okay. God understands. Ultimately, even though it's tricky to do, you need to "LET GO AND LET GOD!" Whatever it is, whenever it is...just let go!
Isn't that the truth? Who has time to start freaking about tomorrow when there's already way too much crud just to get through today? But, we all do it. Somehow, even with a full-load of concerns for today, we start stressing over the "What Ifs" and the "What Abouts" of tomorrow. And the silly thing is that it doesn't even help. It actually harms us to fill our hearts with anxiety about the things that are out of our control anyways.
Many of you have heard the old adage, "Let Go and Let God!" The Christian-eze of some sayings drives me nuts because when you're in the midst of a struggle, you mainly just want a hug, not a slogan. But, this one's pretty good. For all of its goodness, I readily admit my "badness" about "letting go and letting God." I find it especially hard to trust God for my three kids. I feel like they're mine so I have to care for every part of their lives at every minute. The truth is that they're actually HIS. That means, HE will care for every part of their lives at every minute.
As moms, we frequently worry about our kids, but we also stress over lots of other stuff: money for groceries, bills, car problems, relationships, disputes, our family's health, and even how well we're doing as parents. We truly need to do our best at resolving the things that can be resolved. Maybe a phone call helps reduce an interest rate and takes some pressure off. Maybe a teacher/parent conference takes the edge off of some school concerns. Perhaps a prayer with another mom helps you feel more peaceful over a conflictual situation.
As you take it one day at a time, you have to be willing to chill out. Once you've made the calls, organized the calendar, and given everyone their vitamins, you have to take a mental break. As you relax from the intensity of it all, remember to pray for the things you can't really control anyways. Sometimes, you might even have to take it one minute at a time, and that's okay. God understands. Ultimately, even though it's tricky to do, you need to "LET GO AND LET GOD!" Whatever it is, whenever it is...just let go!
Labels: God, kids, let go, parents
