Ordering Our Day

In light of one of my most recent posts about preparing our mind for action in our day to day tasks I found this wonderfully inspirational post. Go HERE to read it.

Not only can we use the order and preparation we put into our day to glorify the Lord, it also teaches the next generation how they can do it too.

Mother's Day Pictures

Thank you Lord for the gift of being a mother and for the blessing of my mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.

Prepare your Mind

The Lord is so good!  When I take the time to dive into scripture and hear from Him he always teaches me exactly what I need to know.  Last night was no exception.

I was reading in 1 Peter 1:13.  I was going to read through the end of the chapter but God kept me on verse 13.  It says, "Therefore, prepare you minds for action, be self controlled."

So, I began to think through what preparing my mind looks like as a mother of three young children.  Here is what I came up with:

1.  Daily read God's Word.

2.  Memorize and recite scripture often so that it is imprinted in my mind and on my heart.

3.  Pray to start the day.  Pray that God would help prepare my mind for action today.  He knows what's coming so why not call on Him for His help before the day even begins.

4.  Anticipate the problems that may occur that day and decide in advance how I am going to handle those situations.  For example...there WILL be whining in my day.  How will I react? How will I react the 25th time I hear whining as I am making dinner?  What's the plan?  If we are on the go all day, how will I handle battles in the car?  How can I minimize stress for my kids so they don't freak out?

5.  Remind myself throughout the day to view things in light of eternity, not the moment.

6.  If I get frustrated and overwhelmed call on God to renew my mind.

and then be SELF-CONTROLLED.  I can only respond with control if my mind is prepared in advance.  

Today was not perfect but I do think my parenting and the kids behavior was improved as a result of the lesson that God taught me last night.  I hope it can encourage and help some of you as well.

Happy Mothers Day

This last week I was listening to the radio and heard about one woman's favorite mother in the Bible.  It wasn't Hannah or Mary or Elizabeth.  In fact she is not named.  I admire many mother's in the Bible but sometimes their lofty roles leave me wondering if I can relate and if my daily, motherly duties are as important.

The unnamed mother made her child lunch.  Hmmm, now that sounds familiar.  Making my family meals is certainly part of our daily routine.  

The unnamed mother knew her child would need some food to sustain him while he listened to Jesus all day long.  So, she packed some fish and bread for him.

Jesus, used that lunch to miraculously feed 5,000 people!  

What an encouragement to me.  Who knows how God will use the mundane, routine and predictable motherly acts that I perform each day for his glory!

I love being a mommy!  The indescribable and abundant love that fills my heart because I am blessed to have three dear children call me mommy is one of life's greatest joys.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommy's out there...now go make lunch!

Hallie's Sweet Heart

Tonight Hallie and Ryan replaced the screen on our laptop computer. Let me give a shout out to my amazing husband who saved us over $900 by doing it himself, with patience, with his 6 year old daughter assisting him AND it works!!

During the project Hallie tipped over the small plastic container that was holding 6 microscopic (so I exaggerate, but they really were tiny) screws. My wonderful husband did not get upset and the two of them quickly found all the screws.

This was Hallie's response...

"Oh, thank you God that we did not lose those screws!"

A smile graced my face as I then thanked Jesus for being in her heart and on her mind. I am so thankful that somehow and someway God has used us and others to teach Hallie to thank Him in all things! Oh, the precious moments in this life when I get to see God working on and in my children's hearts. Oh, the joy to see the Lord growing thankfulness in my children and an awareness of His constant presence in their lives.

Cute Zac Stuff

The other night Zac was the seeker in an intense game of hide-n-seek with friends. Just before running off to find the other kids he stopped briefly to tell Ryan, myself and his friends parents, "I am a good looker!"

Before bed, leaving for work, waking in the morning I frequently ask Zac is he has any hugs or smoochers. His repsonse is so cute (writing it down doesn't do it justice). He puts a finger to his chin, taps away and after 20 seconds or so says slowly, "Well, I have...2 smoochers and....2 hugs. If you are good I will give you one." I, of course, say I will be good and he proceeds to plow me over with a huge smoocher right on the lips followed by a bear hug. It's great!

Encouraging Word...

An encouragement to mommy's from God's Word.

Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

We have a loving Father who gently guides us in our day to day efforts to parent our children. I am so grateful He helps me.