Stability
Thank God for stability! The Memorial Day Weekend was great and all I wanted it to be plus more, yet I'm glad it's over. I'm the kind of woman who likes structure and normalcy. Coming out of a routine is great and needed at times, yet there is nothing like the normalcy of the way your home is usually run - whatever normal is for your family (smile). The boys played and swam all weekend, so I had them in the bed at 8:30 p.m. Their little bodies were crying for rest, so Mama made sure it happened! I was in the bed shortly thereafter to prepare MY body for another week of routine matters. Since I went on vacation from laundry and housework, today is catch-up day, which is not a problem because it felt good taking a break and I feel renewed! Let's get ready to rumble!
Strike Out!
Baseball Season is coming to a close and I give my husband kudos and kisses for teaching the fundamentals of the sport to our boys, although they’ve had their share of striking out when up to bat. I remember one particular game when my youngest struck out and cried. My husband immediately went to the dugout and told him crying wasn’t acceptable. I didn’t hear his exact words, yet I can imagine what his male ego persuaded him to say to our already wounded nine-year old. Daddy didn’t know Mama was in the stands holding back tears also. It’s difficult for a parent to watch a child attempt any endeavor and strike out. It’s even more difficult when you know you’ve taught your child the game of life and they refuse to grasp your teachings. Teaching our children properly and preparing them for the game of life will allow us to relax when they’re up to bat - regardless of the mission. We can have confidence knowing we’ve taught them well - once they’re in the batting box is not the time to begin teaching, yet encouragement goes a long way!
God has given parents precise instruction on teaching children. Each time we correct, discipline, or train our child is an opportunity to pour God’s Word into them. We teach them to tie their shoes, dress, cook, clean, play sports, and especially academics…is not knowing the Word of God most important in the game of life? Our children will have many strikeouts in life, yet if we’ve done our part, the strikeouts aren’t as wounding and also become a teaching/learning opportunity.
Deuteronomy 11:19 (NKJV)
You shall teach them (commandments) to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
God has given parents precise instruction on teaching children. Each time we correct, discipline, or train our child is an opportunity to pour God’s Word into them. We teach them to tie their shoes, dress, cook, clean, play sports, and especially academics…is not knowing the Word of God most important in the game of life? Our children will have many strikeouts in life, yet if we’ve done our part, the strikeouts aren’t as wounding and also become a teaching/learning opportunity.
Deuteronomy 11:19 (NKJV)
You shall teach them (commandments) to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Relaxing Weekend?
I hope and pray to have a relaxing weekend - God knows every mother deserves to relax at least one day out of the week. I may be asking for a bit much for the entire weekend, yet I'm planning to have all laundry and cleaning done by close of business today (whenever that is) . The weekends are sometimes busier for working moms as they use this time to catch up on housework and not to mention extra-curricular activities and sporting events for the children. I remember very well my life and times as a working mother and my heart goes out to you as you juggle (no such thing as balance) the many hats you wear. Be good to yourself and find a minute to put your feet up, read a good book, or just stare into space without someone staring back at you (smile). God bless you and have a Happy day in Motherhood.
High Maintenance Husband
Lord forgive me, yet you gave me a high maintenance husband and I'm tired. I awake and make him breakfast and when it is time for him to leave, he wants me to see him off! I usually do, yet this morning I said goodbye from the bedroom. I told him he was high maintenance and that he just can't get enough. What woman wakes up at 5 a.m. (even though I awake to pray with my prayer partner) to cook breakfast for her husband and sees him out the door every morning? June Cleaver is dead!! I kept my mouth shut because I knew I would say something to start friction and really didn't want to send him off with both of us angry. I prayed and realized I have a high maintenance husband because my marriage has always been my testing ground. We're over the Couples Ministry in our church, sooooo... no test....no testimony. I know the enemy wanted me to say the wrong things and get an attitude. I'm learning to be swift to hear and slow to speak, yet I'm still tired! I guess I'll start going to bed earlier. This may be the reason I'm fussy this particular morning - we stayed up late watching movies and the five o'clock hour came quickly!! I could go on and on and keep complaining, yet I'm going to shut up and praise God that I have a husband who wants to see his wife and kiss her before he leaves for work every morning.
Special Quotes About Mothers
- An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.
Spanish Proverb
- Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.
Oprah Winfrey
- A mother understands what a child does not say.
Jewish Proverb
- When Mothers unite the Nation will change.
laVender williams
Spanish Proverb
- Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.
Oprah Winfrey
- A mother understands what a child does not say.
Jewish Proverb
- When Mothers unite the Nation will change.
laVender williams
Take A Minute
My family can exhaust me of every ounce of energy I have - IF I LET THEM! I don't know if they think I'm a robot, superwoman, or a maid, yet they remind me I have to take a minute for myself and exhale throughout the day. One minute can make a huge difference in my attitude, my disposition, and especially the words I speak to my husband and children. If I'm tired or frustrated, it shows through my actions. Knowing when to step back, take a minute for myself, and realize that I need to renew my mind can make a difference in the day - the whole family benefits from that one minute (smile). Being a Mother can be an enjoyable, rewarding journey, yet if we allow moods, attitudes, and hurt feelings get in the way, we can easily become bitter and resentful with the people we love and that love us the most. Take a minute for yourself today! Exhale and renew your mind! Refresh your thoughts and think of the many blessings right in front of you. We really do have alot to be thankful for - our family is just the beginning.
Prayer for Help!
Heavenly Father,
Thank you a new day, a new Monday, a new week. I ask for your help as I begin my day. Help me to be Christ-controlled in my thoughts, actions, and especially my words. Help me to keep my focus on you as I go about my business with my many responsibilities and tasks to complete. Help me to remember my first priority - my first ministry - my home. Help me to be the woman, wife, and mother you created me to be. Hide me from myself, so others may see my light and be drawn to you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thank you a new day, a new Monday, a new week. I ask for your help as I begin my day. Help me to be Christ-controlled in my thoughts, actions, and especially my words. Help me to keep my focus on you as I go about my business with my many responsibilities and tasks to complete. Help me to remember my first priority - my first ministry - my home. Help me to be the woman, wife, and mother you created me to be. Hide me from myself, so others may see my light and be drawn to you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
"I Do"
My husband and I would be divorced if Grace and Mercy had not walked by our side for the past 13 years. We recently facilitated a class on Biblical Marriage and I’ve been challenged to realign my role (as a wife) with God’s Word - not just scripture I’m comfortable with, yet all scripture regarding marriage. I had a tendency to pick and choose when I wanted to be a Godly wife. I tip toed over scripture when it wasn’t convenient for me. Pride, pity, and a pompous attitude got in the way of loving my husband with the love of God. While I wondered why my marriage wasn’t alive, God wondered why I was dead to obedience in the areas of sex, submission, my tongue, and every other area I tried to control. I realized I was working harder towards aspirations outside my marriage and overlooking my first ministry - my home…my marriage. I thank God for using my marriage to bless others in spite of our trivial matrimony matters; all we've gone through and will go through are to strengthen another couple. I thank God for another chance to enjoy marriage - God's way. For those of you contemplating marriage, I strongly encourage you to seek counsel and fully understand what God says about marriage and the role of the wife. For those of you in a fading marriage or if you’re considering leaving, try God’s way - to say it won't work in your marriage is saying God is a liar. Don't worry about your husband - align yourself with God's Word and God will handle your groom. I’m a witness! Following God’s blueprint for marriage will restore your marriage beyond what you can imagine; yet you must be willing to be obedient. Saying "I do" is also saying "I do" to God’s Word.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
The Gift
Don’t you think for one minute that Mother’s Day is over. Yes, the once a year man-made celebration with all the cheesy advertisements is over, yet God celebrates His Mothers everyday and holds us in the highest esteem throughout the year. Did you help someone off to school or work this morning? Do you have a load of laundry somewhere waiting to be washed, folded, or put away? Is there a meal that needs to be prepared by you today? I told you! Mother’s Day is hardly over - everyday is our day and I’m sure someone will remind you they need you before the day ends.
Maybe we didn't receive the treatment we thought we deserved or maybe we didn’t receive the gift we wanted or no gift at all, yet there isn’t a gift on Earth that can compare to a Mother’s value, which may be the reason many mothers feel neglected or short-changed on Mother’s Day. A gift? WE ARE THE GIFT! We are the gift to our husband and children. We are the gift to our family to keep them strong. We are the gift that makes everything okay. A Mother is an irreplaceable gift, a priceless gift, and a gift from God! A Mother’s Day gift is almost redundant. I believe we set ourselves up each year by looking for acknowledgement and appreciation that no one is quite capable of giving. Our families can’t possibly give us or speak to us words that would measure our worth. You can keep looking for that special gift and royal treatment each year, yet this year I’ve realized my family can only attempt to do the impossible because The Mother is THE GIFT.
I've stopped trying to measure up to the Proverbs 31 Woman (read about her if you haven't) because my days aren't long enough to do everything she did, so I use her as an inspiration and to learn from her. Her husband and children called her blessed and I'll be satisfied if I can obtain that - anything extra they give me is just that - extra.
MOMSWEB has several things planned in the upcoming months to help us celebrate ourselves throughout the year, so stay tuned and pass the word! In the meantime, visit our new web page for Single Mothers and our latest edition of Raising Mothers at www.momsweb.net
MOMSWEB has several things planned in the upcoming months to help us celebrate ourselves throughout the year, so stay tuned and pass the word! In the meantime, visit our new web page for Single Mothers and our latest edition of Raising Mothers at www.momsweb.net
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
What's Wrong With Me?
I am either full of dysfunction or I have absolutely no time management skills. It's almost noon and I feel as if I haven't accomplished a thing besides getting my son's studies complete - I guess that should be my only concern since this is the reason I'm home anyway huh? Having a home business at home just doesn't work - I don't know how moms do it, yet I have very little time to work a business except when everyone is asleep - when do I sleep? Who has time for a home business? I don't have time to take care of business at home!! I know what's wrong - I haven't had breakfast yet and I can't think straight! Friday is the day the boys cook their own breakfast, so no wonder I feel crazy! It's time to stop and take care of ME, so I can be of good to my family. When will I learn to put me first?! Time to eat breakfast (lunch now) and start my day over the right way!
Enjoy the Journey
Being a Mother calls for many routine responsibilities and tasks. Day in and day out it seems to be the same thing over and over - Cook and clean, cook and clean. If we look at Motherhood this way, there are many miserable days ahead of us. We HAVE to learn to enjoy the journey because this is it! The laundry will never go away, the family must eat every day, dust bunnies will always visit, and our name will forever be Mama! It really is a blessing to be needed by everyone for everything, yet at the same time it can push us over the edge. Imagine your home without you - scary huh? The Mother is the glue that keeps the family together. The Mother sets the tone in the home. Having a bad attitude only makes our load heavier. Joy in laundry? At least we have laundry! At least we don't have to wash it by hand! At least we are physically able to wash it! Whatever it takes, try to enjoy the journey and every task along the way. Finding the good in all we do will make our load lighter!
A Fresh Anointing
When I tried to open my mailbox with the car alarm on my key chain, I knew it was time to get away!! I needed a break, so I spent the weekend in New Orleans with my older sister. Although the trip was business for her, it was pure pleasure for me. As we drove away from the city, I began to feel incomplete without my two little shadows. I had no small voices in my ear with questions and requests - I was alone. It didn’t take long to get over this strange feeling and the further I traveled, the less I thought about them. I was alone!
The entire weekend was relaxing and stress free. There were no needs to be fulfilled, no tasks to complete, and no appointments to make. My mind was de-cluttered of stuff - household stuff, church stuff, children stuff, husband stuff, sports stuff, and life stuff in general. The Spirit of God was allowed to flow freely through me as I received a fresh anointing to be the Godly woman, wife, and mother I was created to be. I realize I need to get away more often and not wait until I’m running ragged or about to snap. Even Jesus got away from the crowds to renew his mind! Every mother may not be afforded the opportunity to get away on a trip and single mothers definitely don’t have the freedom to get up and go, yet a walk to clear your mind, or a visit to the park can also be refreshing. New scenery other than the home environs works wonders! I thank God for the time away from my family, and I looked forward to returning home - there is no place like home! I missed my family and convinced myself that it isn’t selfish of me to take time for myself, yet it is more selfish to not take time for myself - this makes me a better wife, a better mother, and a better me - and the entire family benefits!
Luke 5:16 (NKJV)
So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
The entire weekend was relaxing and stress free. There were no needs to be fulfilled, no tasks to complete, and no appointments to make. My mind was de-cluttered of stuff - household stuff, church stuff, children stuff, husband stuff, sports stuff, and life stuff in general. The Spirit of God was allowed to flow freely through me as I received a fresh anointing to be the Godly woman, wife, and mother I was created to be. I realize I need to get away more often and not wait until I’m running ragged or about to snap. Even Jesus got away from the crowds to renew his mind! Every mother may not be afforded the opportunity to get away on a trip and single mothers definitely don’t have the freedom to get up and go, yet a walk to clear your mind, or a visit to the park can also be refreshing. New scenery other than the home environs works wonders! I thank God for the time away from my family, and I looked forward to returning home - there is no place like home! I missed my family and convinced myself that it isn’t selfish of me to take time for myself, yet it is more selfish to not take time for myself - this makes me a better wife, a better mother, and a better me - and the entire family benefits!
Luke 5:16 (NKJV)
So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
Just A Reminder!
Good Morning!
This is just a reminder!! Many of us begin our day with a cup of coffee or juice, maybe a little exercise, or maybe a cigarette for some - whatever your routine is, don't forget to begin your day with prayer. It's so easy to put our feet on the floor and immediately get busy, yet our Heavenly Father needs to be acknowledged for waking us and starting us on our way. If we have a busy day, how can we afford NOT to spend some time in prayer? Prayer is our only communication and connection to our true power source, Jesus. We don't have the ability or sense to do anything on our own. Thank God my eyes have been opened and what a difference it makes in my day when I spend time with Jesus FIRST. We sure don't deserve a new day, so let's stop and thank God for His grace and mercy and for allowing us to see another day to nurture the children He entrusted in our care and help and support the husband he placed in our life.
This is just a reminder!! Many of us begin our day with a cup of coffee or juice, maybe a little exercise, or maybe a cigarette for some - whatever your routine is, don't forget to begin your day with prayer. It's so easy to put our feet on the floor and immediately get busy, yet our Heavenly Father needs to be acknowledged for waking us and starting us on our way. If we have a busy day, how can we afford NOT to spend some time in prayer? Prayer is our only communication and connection to our true power source, Jesus. We don't have the ability or sense to do anything on our own. Thank God my eyes have been opened and what a difference it makes in my day when I spend time with Jesus FIRST. We sure don't deserve a new day, so let's stop and thank God for His grace and mercy and for allowing us to see another day to nurture the children He entrusted in our care and help and support the husband he placed in our life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)