What is God Doing for Me Today?

 

 

There are some great ideas expressed in this simple message, and they're really hitting me today.  I was joking with some wonderful girlfriends last week about patience, because we all know what happens when we ask God for help with it - he provides the opportunity to use it!  Most moms aren't real excited for the opportunity to exercise more patience, but we certainly do need the help.  How often does he send answers through opportunities?  He gives us the opportunity to work, to help others, to become strong, and to resolve problems.  Too bad we often see these opportunities as the troubles and not the solution! 

 

How often do we miss blessings in our lives because we don't see God's answers?  Think about all that God does for you every day.  How many of his answers go completely over your head because you were expecting something different? 

 

We miss out on so much that God has prepared for us because we continue to look at things through the world's glasses.  When we stop and see a situation through God's lenses we can see his provision for us.  Try to see God's opportunities in your situation.  I have a feeling he's sending blessings your way - more than you can imagine! 

Back to School

Today was the official first day of school and I'm bittersweet about it.  I'm not ashamed to say that I look forward to summer vacation each year.  I like having my girls home, sleeping in every morning, and keeping a relaxed schedule.  However, I am ready to get into a regular pattern, especially with my writing.  I find it hard to set aside the time I need to devote to my craft when there are three energetic girls running around the house.  They regard my "working" time the same way they do a phone call - they always have something really important to tell me even though I'm off limits.  It tends to make me just a little irritable and short! 

Do you have the same issue?  Were you both happy and sad when you waved your kids off on the bus?  It's one of the many interesting situations we face as moms.  We're happy to be with our children every minute of every day until we REALLY need a break!  My mother-in-law has mentioned home-schooling to me several times lately and I just have to laugh.  As much as I love my girls I do not think I'm up to the challenge of home-schooling.  Over the summer we did some math review and that was plenty for me to realize that I'm just not cut out to be their teacher! 

These hours that they are in school are my time to work - I'm either doing housework, writing, leading my Bible study, or running various and sundry errands.  I don't find that I get more rest when they're not here; I can just direct my attentions to other things I need to do.  When the girls are home things get compressed.  I can maybe sneak in a couple of hours working on my book or articles, but I feel the need to compensate them with something fun to make up for it.  That usually adds a trip somewhere to our day and takes away from productive tasks I would have done. 

I guess my point today is don't let anyone make you feel guilty that you were just the slightest bit relieved when the bus pulled away this morning.  You're not alone in it!  We all love our children and want the best for them, and sometimes we need some time apart so we can really enjoy them when we get them back!  I know that I am determined not to let someone else dictate to me what my schedule should look like, and neither should you.  Enjoy your back to school day!

Where Am I Pointing My Children?

 

I saw this on Facebook today, posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries' page, and it spoke to me.  It got me thinking - am I pointing my girls to God every day?  How do I accomplish this in the midst of the hustle and bustle and general craziness of life?  I think the answer is staring us right in the face every day.  The question we need to ask ourselves is this: am I living for God every day?  Because if I am I will automatically point my children to him in all that I do.  

 

I don't know about you, but I want to live in such a way that my children see my faith played out in my day-to-day life.  I can show them how God is working in my life when I sit down to write or make food for friends that need it.  What I find is that sometimes it's the small things we do that mean more to the girls than the big ones we think will make an impact. 

 

So take the opportunity today to teach your kids about the important things in life, no matter what you're doing.  You can show them God at soccer, at the dentist, or in the grocery store.  Let them see God working in your life!