It's not uncommon for 4 little people to need me all at once these days. If not simultaneously, then one after another ... often all day long (sometimes all night long, too). I'm okay with that. I am so thankful to be home loving and serving my 4 closest neighbors. But something has to give, and it's my house. It's not up to my previous standard, that's for sure. Sometimes the fact that we haven't tackled our chore for the day or that our routine fell apart can really bother me ... and in vain. God provides what I need for each day to care for these little people and hubby. Let me share what I've read on the topic recently (excerpts are taken from the link in bold above ... no, I didn't write this awesome stuff!): Because Homemaking Does (and Doesn't) Matter...Toast crumbs, dust bunnies, and all, it is the beauty of real life, and that makes it far more important and lovely than the transient charm of a Martha Stewart photo-spread. ...Our efforts to serve our families through the crucial work of giving them a home is not another dose of Law. It is liberty: an opportunity and gift from our good and gracious God. The work of a homemaker does not matter, and yet it is so very crucial. The One Thing Needful in an Age of Distractions ....That is why the wise woman builds her house, not in the ways that the current age offers of staying busy and getting things done, but firmly upon the Rock. Pinterest offers us ideas, but it can’t stabilize our priorities. Routines can ease the chaos, but they can’t take away sin in the world or the inevitable hardship that comes along with it. We can make our lists of what needs to get done, but in the end, worry doesn’t work because worry doesn’t work. Instead, let us sit for a moment. Put away all idleness, foolishness, pride, and iPhones. Let us take the lesson learned in Bethany and come with the courage and humility to the feet of our Creator. Jesus bids us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain wisdom, knowledge, mercy, and peace of heart. If it is help a woman needs, then it is help she has. For her help comes from the Lord, the maker of home, and of heaven, and earth. Jealous of Grace .... It's because God is allowing them that grace. How could I be jealous of that? God has looked at each of us and said, here little daughter, this is what I have for you. And here is the grace to get it done. When "Me-Time" Gets Swallowed Up by Babies
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I've run across a number of articles recently that I think are worth sharing with fellow moms that are in the thick of raising little ones. They have been a great blessing to me, as has this extra time with hubby as he recovers from his shoulder surgery. To say that the last 3 years have been tough - with moving, the house project, babies and all - would be an understatement. It has been a time of trial and extremely humbling, but God is faithful and is giving us time to step back and process all that has happened, and some long overdue family time. On top of it all, we have been surprised with a few meals from family and friends, which I have never appreciated more. I hope some of this information might encourage you if you are in the midst of (or recovering from) a wearisome season: - A Tidbit of Advice from a Seasoned Mom - Support for Moms with a Colicky Baby - On Slowing Down and Seasons of Motherhood - Blessed by the Children of My Youth - She Who Hoped in God This excerpt from the book Ladylike: Living Biblically: ""God may give us more than we can handle physically, emotionally, or intellectually. But the crosses Jesus told us we would bear do not amount to a personal resilience contest. He tells us forthrightly, 'In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world' (John 16:33b). Our suffering is a personal call to repentance, trust and hope. He has provided the way of escape through His own life, death, and resurrection, and He has endured every temptation we face. He sympathizes with us in our weakness, He hears our prayers, and He absolves us of every sin we confess, including those occasioned by suffering. To believe this is to "handle" whatever life hands us" (p 185). This Guy. He constantly points me back to God's promises, such as: "God is our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 And here are some of my favorites that have been mainstays during past trials: "Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted, |
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