Verse of the Day
"No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29
Song of the Day
"Hold Us Together" by Matt Mahrer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-he2DohfwWE
My Thoughts
"This is the first day of the rest of your life." We have heard that a thousand and one times, but what a refreshing thought after those hard to handle days where you feel like you have been impatient and unkind, like I experienced yesterday. God forgives those who seek His forgiveness, and we have the ability to begin afresh the next day or even the same day. And given that fresh start today, I have had a very enjoyable day with my children. I have seen that the real key for me is to stay in the day. When I think of the past, I can become down as I desperately want my mom alive again. I so want to share everything about my life with her and hear her thoughts and opinions about everything. When I think of the future I think of all the sad things that could come my way. But when I stay in today, my life is really quite good. Then I can focus on the tasks at hand whether good or bad. I have these great kids that I really do enjoy, except when Race Car comes out of nowhere to tackle me. He just isn't getting the idea that he has to take it a little easy on his mom. And I have this great husband whose temperment is absolutely perfect for me.
God always knows exactly what we need. Yesterday after my meeting I came home and went to give the kids a kiss. They are usually sound asleep, with the exception of Joke-a-Lot. I was hoping they were up because I wanted to ask their forgiveness for my impatience that day. I was REALLY impatient. As usual Joke-A-Lot was up. She had a poem there waiting for me. I want to share it with you.
Mom's by Joke-A-Lot
"I love my mom. She takes good care of me. She loves me and I love her so much. I couldn't have a better mom than her. Do you have a good mom? I hope you do. I'm glad Jesus made her."
Then in the morning, Artsy gave me her note that she had made for me,
"I love you mom. I love you mom. I love you mom. I love you mom. Love, Artsy"
I felt so unworthy to receive these notes, but it was just enough to invigorate me to do better and try harder, although most importantly to hand these defects of character to God and ask him to remove them just for today.
So, if today was a hard day, turn to God first and ask what He would have you do. I so often turn to human beings first when I really need to turn to God first and human beings second.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010
Verse of the Day
"Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God's grace."
Act 20:24
Song of the Day
Amazing Love by Newsboys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTCLw1L_YFc
My Thoughts
I have noticed that I go through periods of feeling pretty overwhelmed with the amounts of "important projects" that I have running through my head. Then I waver back to the "I am almost caught up" end of the spectrum, although I never quite arrive there. I am definitely on the overwhelmed side of things, hence the reason for my lack of blogs. But I did realize something that I have noticed in the past, but was reaffirmed in today. No matter how hectic the day is, or how many things I say "no" to during the day. All seems well in my soul if I just take a few moments at the end of the day to play a game with the kids. So often I don't and then deal with guilt. I love spending time with my kids, and yet I live in fear of missing the many opportunities I have to really enjoy the kids.
As I contemplate the many different activities I can sign the kids up for this summer, yet another one of the "important projects" that I am putting off, I start thinking what would really be better for the kids: signing them up and hauling them to t-ball two nights a week, or scheduling "family t-ball" in the backyard. I am not saying the kids shouldn't have activities, but the reality is that the time spent running to activities is directly proportional to the lack of time spent at home as a family. Good nor bad, I am really praying about how much to sign the kids up for. I want to find the talents that God gave them and encourage those talents, while not forgoing these awesome years when all my kids still want to hang with me.
"Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God's grace."
Act 20:24
Song of the Day
Amazing Love by Newsboys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTCLw1L_YFc
My Thoughts
I have noticed that I go through periods of feeling pretty overwhelmed with the amounts of "important projects" that I have running through my head. Then I waver back to the "I am almost caught up" end of the spectrum, although I never quite arrive there. I am definitely on the overwhelmed side of things, hence the reason for my lack of blogs. But I did realize something that I have noticed in the past, but was reaffirmed in today. No matter how hectic the day is, or how many things I say "no" to during the day. All seems well in my soul if I just take a few moments at the end of the day to play a game with the kids. So often I don't and then deal with guilt. I love spending time with my kids, and yet I live in fear of missing the many opportunities I have to really enjoy the kids.
As I contemplate the many different activities I can sign the kids up for this summer, yet another one of the "important projects" that I am putting off, I start thinking what would really be better for the kids: signing them up and hauling them to t-ball two nights a week, or scheduling "family t-ball" in the backyard. I am not saying the kids shouldn't have activities, but the reality is that the time spent running to activities is directly proportional to the lack of time spent at home as a family. Good nor bad, I am really praying about how much to sign the kids up for. I want to find the talents that God gave them and encourage those talents, while not forgoing these awesome years when all my kids still want to hang with me.
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010
Verse of the Day
"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
John 16:33
Song of the Day
"Give me your Eyes" by Brandon Heath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWIpQuGwSyQ
My Thoughts
I spend way too much time trying "to fit" into whatever situation I am in. And, I typically feel as if I don't "fit". Yet, such a kind soul, helped me to view the world in a completely different way. She said to open my eyes wide and take off the parameters that I have set for myself. She explained that there are so many good people out there with so much love to give, but we tend to continue looking within the same groups. Instead she said to be open to friendships from people in all different circles of life, of all different ages and backgrounds.
I also wonder if the Lord allows each of us to wander in a period of desert in order that we might come out of the dessert with different eyes, eyes open to seeing the broken-hearted (hence the song choice), eyes fixed on bringing God's love to others instead of worrying about our self and how we will fit into a situation. Instead, we seek to see how we could be of love and service to others.
"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
John 16:33
Song of the Day
"Give me your Eyes" by Brandon Heath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWIpQuGwSyQ
My Thoughts
I spend way too much time trying "to fit" into whatever situation I am in. And, I typically feel as if I don't "fit". Yet, such a kind soul, helped me to view the world in a completely different way. She said to open my eyes wide and take off the parameters that I have set for myself. She explained that there are so many good people out there with so much love to give, but we tend to continue looking within the same groups. Instead she said to be open to friendships from people in all different circles of life, of all different ages and backgrounds.
I also wonder if the Lord allows each of us to wander in a period of desert in order that we might come out of the dessert with different eyes, eyes open to seeing the broken-hearted (hence the song choice), eyes fixed on bringing God's love to others instead of worrying about our self and how we will fit into a situation. Instead, we seek to see how we could be of love and service to others.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May 12, 2010
Verse of the Day
"To you I raise my eyes, to you enthroned in heaven."
Psalm 123:1
Song of the Day
"I Will Lift my Eyes" by Bebo Norman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhSqJQ9jngs
My Thoughts
My children, as most, usually have a single track going in their mind. Today their track was Jesus' second coming. Lots of questions, hoping I answered them right. But they continually made their desires known that they hope the second coming is soon. "We can all be together in Heaven with all our friends and Grandpa and Grandma". I just kept reminding them that we have a mission to fulfill here on earth and we need to be ready for the second coming while we work on our mission. And they respond with "But I really want to see Jesus."
And on a side note, I can only hope that my children are blessed with such wonderful friends as I have been blessed with. You gals know who you are. In fact, I am saying a novena to St. Therese currently that each of my children would have just a couple really great friends (rather than a whole host of surface friends) who would help them on their journey to Heaven. I am also praying to be relieved from the unnecessary worry and fear that clutters my brain constantly. I would appreciate any prayers as well. Know that I pray for you my blog readers as well.
"To you I raise my eyes, to you enthroned in heaven."
Psalm 123:1
Song of the Day
"I Will Lift my Eyes" by Bebo Norman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhSqJQ9jngs
My Thoughts
My children, as most, usually have a single track going in their mind. Today their track was Jesus' second coming. Lots of questions, hoping I answered them right. But they continually made their desires known that they hope the second coming is soon. "We can all be together in Heaven with all our friends and Grandpa and Grandma". I just kept reminding them that we have a mission to fulfill here on earth and we need to be ready for the second coming while we work on our mission. And they respond with "But I really want to see Jesus."
And on a side note, I can only hope that my children are blessed with such wonderful friends as I have been blessed with. You gals know who you are. In fact, I am saying a novena to St. Therese currently that each of my children would have just a couple really great friends (rather than a whole host of surface friends) who would help them on their journey to Heaven. I am also praying to be relieved from the unnecessary worry and fear that clutters my brain constantly. I would appreciate any prayers as well. Know that I pray for you my blog readers as well.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May 11, 2010
Verse of the Day
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
Song of the Day
"Where I am Going" by Glen Campbell
http://new.music.yahoo.com/glen-campbell/tracks/where-i-am-going--54656899
My Thoughts
My thoughts are kind of running away in my head today, so that is why I need to have a gratitude pow-wow.
I am grateful that . . .
- I got to read a whole huge stack of books with Race Car and Curly.
- Joke-A-Lot and Artsy got to enjoy their sewing and art classes.
- we finished all our school.
- Mr. Fix-It found a nicer bus route home from work.
- I got to play Uno and Go Fish with the three older kids.
- I "caught" Joke-A-Lot doing a Novena to St. Therese all on her own initiative.
- since it was a rainy day, we turned on Oliver Twist and made some popcorn.
- despite the fact that the world can be hard and cruel, my children will always have a loving home to come home to where they will be loved and accepted exactly as they are.
- I made a decent dinner tonight.
- I don't remember yelling at all today.
- Curly was "dry" all day.
- Mr. Fix-it has a nice job with insurance.
- I got to sing Wheels on the Bus with Curly before he went to bed. He had the cutest smile.
- I can get old Matlock episodes from the library for free.
- we are all healthy.
- we have a nice home, bed, clothes, food, etc.
- I have such a wonderful husband.
- we are surrounded by wonderful family both near and far.
- I can stay home and homeschool our children.
- I have a loving God who cares about every detail of my family's lives.
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
Song of the Day
"Where I am Going" by Glen Campbell
http://new.music.yahoo.com/glen-campbell/tracks/where-i-am-going--54656899
My Thoughts
My thoughts are kind of running away in my head today, so that is why I need to have a gratitude pow-wow.
I am grateful that . . .
- I got to read a whole huge stack of books with Race Car and Curly.
- Joke-A-Lot and Artsy got to enjoy their sewing and art classes.
- we finished all our school.
- Mr. Fix-It found a nicer bus route home from work.
- I got to play Uno and Go Fish with the three older kids.
- I "caught" Joke-A-Lot doing a Novena to St. Therese all on her own initiative.
- since it was a rainy day, we turned on Oliver Twist and made some popcorn.
- despite the fact that the world can be hard and cruel, my children will always have a loving home to come home to where they will be loved and accepted exactly as they are.
- I made a decent dinner tonight.
- I don't remember yelling at all today.
- Curly was "dry" all day.
- Mr. Fix-it has a nice job with insurance.
- I got to sing Wheels on the Bus with Curly before he went to bed. He had the cutest smile.
- I can get old Matlock episodes from the library for free.
- we are all healthy.
- we have a nice home, bed, clothes, food, etc.
- I have such a wonderful husband.
- we are surrounded by wonderful family both near and far.
- I can stay home and homeschool our children.
- I have a loving God who cares about every detail of my family's lives.
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10, 2010
Verse of the Day
"But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living god, the pillar and foundation of truth."
1 Timothy 15
Song of the Day
"Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH-snsXw1as
My Thoughts
Are you having difficulty figuring out what God wants you to do in a certain situation? Fr. Jacques has some great thoughts. Of course, we need to take time if possible to consider all things and try peacefully to allow God to bring us a solution. "We need to pray for the light of the Holy Spirit and the grace to act in conformity with the will of God and, if necessary, to ask the advice of people who can enlighten us relative to this decision." (page 70, Searching for and Maintaining Peace). But then, when we just feel like we don't know what God's will is, what are we to do? He listed a beautiful prayer to pray in these situations. I thought I would share.
"Lord, I have thought about it and prayed to know Your will. I do not see it clearly, but I am not going to trouble myself any further. I am not going to spend hours racking my brain. I am deciding such and such a thing because, all things carefully considered, it seems to me the best thing to do. And I leave everything in Your hands. I know well that, even if I am mistaken, You will not be displeased with me, for I have acted with good intentions. And if I have made a mistake, I know that You are able to draw good from this error. It will be for me a source of humility and I will learn something from it!" Then we can remain at peace.
"But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living god, the pillar and foundation of truth."
1 Timothy 15
Song of the Day
"Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH-snsXw1as
My Thoughts
Are you having difficulty figuring out what God wants you to do in a certain situation? Fr. Jacques has some great thoughts. Of course, we need to take time if possible to consider all things and try peacefully to allow God to bring us a solution. "We need to pray for the light of the Holy Spirit and the grace to act in conformity with the will of God and, if necessary, to ask the advice of people who can enlighten us relative to this decision." (page 70, Searching for and Maintaining Peace). But then, when we just feel like we don't know what God's will is, what are we to do? He listed a beautiful prayer to pray in these situations. I thought I would share.
"Lord, I have thought about it and prayed to know Your will. I do not see it clearly, but I am not going to trouble myself any further. I am not going to spend hours racking my brain. I am deciding such and such a thing because, all things carefully considered, it seems to me the best thing to do. And I leave everything in Your hands. I know well that, even if I am mistaken, You will not be displeased with me, for I have acted with good intentions. And if I have made a mistake, I know that You are able to draw good from this error. It will be for me a source of humility and I will learn something from it!" Then we can remain at peace.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 8, 2010
Verse of the Day
"Perfectionism doesn't have much to do with sanctity."
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Song of the Day
"When God Ran" by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY2f95eDV3A&feature=related
My Thoughts
Legos. Legos. Legos. This is what my mind is thinking about today. They are fascinating little pieces of plastic. All four kids can be completely engrossed in manipulating and formulating them into just the item them they want to make, whether it be a car, truck, church, store, person, house, etc. But all of this bliss can turn on a dime. There just never seems to be enough wheels, windows, doors, or people to go around.
But isn't that the way we are as humans. We can be ticking along just fine until we get blown out of shape because we don't have enough of something. Like right now, I didn't have enough battery left, so I had to leave my comfortable couch to go sit in the cold mudroom. When making a recipe, there is always one ingredient that there isn't enough of. Money, well, we all know there never seems to be enough of that. I never seem to have enough time and I know I am not the only one. And my grand prize winner of "never having enough of it" is
. . . PATIENCE. Some of these things are quick annoyances, but others are chronic concerns.
What do we teach our children when there just aren't enough doors, wheels, windows and people to go around? Make it work! So, I leave you with that thought. Whatever you don't seem to have enough of today, make it work! God is there to help you. Just ask and trust. I know "Easier said than done".
"Perfectionism doesn't have much to do with sanctity."
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Song of the Day
"When God Ran" by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY2f95eDV3A&feature=related
My Thoughts
Legos. Legos. Legos. This is what my mind is thinking about today. They are fascinating little pieces of plastic. All four kids can be completely engrossed in manipulating and formulating them into just the item them they want to make, whether it be a car, truck, church, store, person, house, etc. But all of this bliss can turn on a dime. There just never seems to be enough wheels, windows, doors, or people to go around.
But isn't that the way we are as humans. We can be ticking along just fine until we get blown out of shape because we don't have enough of something. Like right now, I didn't have enough battery left, so I had to leave my comfortable couch to go sit in the cold mudroom. When making a recipe, there is always one ingredient that there isn't enough of. Money, well, we all know there never seems to be enough of that. I never seem to have enough time and I know I am not the only one. And my grand prize winner of "never having enough of it" is
. . . PATIENCE. Some of these things are quick annoyances, but others are chronic concerns.
What do we teach our children when there just aren't enough doors, wheels, windows and people to go around? Make it work! So, I leave you with that thought. Whatever you don't seem to have enough of today, make it work! God is there to help you. Just ask and trust. I know "Easier said than done".
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