We Interrupt This Life...

It’s such a blessing to be surrounded by family when I visit my parents’ home for the holidays, but it’s very difficult to find a quiet place to renew my mind. Saturday morning, I awoke very early to exercise and thought I succeeded at finding a minute alone until my father walked into the room. He said he was going to stop me from exercising because he needed to say something. Daddy, are you kidding me?

My father began his conversation by stating why he didn’t have a problem stopping me from my cardio workout. He and my mother were preparing to leave the house and I would be gone when they returned, so he was taking advantage of the present moment. I admired my father for this although Miss Flesh wanted me to get irritated because he interrupted me.
I can be veeery selfish

After daddy shared his words of wisdom, which I always welcome, I continued my exercise, yet instead of focusing on my cardio system, I thought about how irritated I get when I’m interrupted. Whether I’m on the computer, reading a book, writing, relaxing, or even using the bathroom, my first response with any interruption is annoyance.

Wives and mothers will continually be interrupted – we’re called for, called on, needed, required, wanted, requested, and claimed by our family to meet their wants, needs, and desires. Is it possible to welcome these interruptions?

My Life Lesson for LaVender didn’t end with thoughts of myself, but thoughts of a family friend who was interrupted on Thanksgiving Day. His life was interrupted – by death.

I will forever look at interruptions by loved ones differently because one minute being interrupted can’t compare to a life being interrupted by death. Each moment – interrupted or not is one to be thankful for. Yes, alone time is important, but I’ll get plenty of that when my life is interrupted by death.

James 4:14 (New Living Translation)

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Nothing to be Thankful For?

Although it's the season of Thanksgiving, many are finding it hard to be thankful due to the many challenges of life, financial stresses, and relationship struggles. Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to find the good in our circumstances, but today I choose to be thankful!

- Hubby and I know quite a few people who have lost their jobs recently. Although hubby has been sent home many times because of lack of work, he still has a job. For this, I am thankful.

- I only have a few dollars in my checking account, but I'm thankful for that!

- We have bills past due, but I'm thankful we are able to keep our lights and water on.

- The trash didn't get taken out last night, but this morning that same trash reminded me we had to have something in order to make trash. I'm thankful!

- I awoke to dirty dishes in the sink, but we had food to eat and dishes to eat on. For this, I'm thankful.

- My to-do list is pretty packed, but I have my life, strength, and energy to do what needs to be done. For this, I'm thankful!

- Every room in my home needs cleaning, but I'm thankful to have a home for shelter.

- Being a wife and mother can be exhausting, but I thank God for realizing nothing can take the place of a loving family! For this, I'm thankful!

There are so many things I could complain about, but recognizing the good in my life allows peace and contentment to surface.

Someone would love to be in my shoes right now - someone would love to HAVE my shoes!

Regardless of our current circumstances, let's be thankful for our life, our family, and for the ability to simply BE.

Have a joyful Thanksgiving!

The Other Woman

I'm fully aware of the other woman in my husband's life. I've seen her on countless occasions and I can usually tell exactly what day she decides to surface. She's the most bold woman I have ever known.

I know it's strange reading this here, but writing is healing for me. Yes, it's time for me to be transparent about even this.

How can I remain so calm? Well, I'm not calm about it at all and her periodic visits with hubby upset me, but what can I do? Sometimes it scares me that she would actually try to take my place so close to the holidays, but I must be true to myself. I must remember the children hubby and I have together, and I must also remember that he chose to marry me - not this other woman. I try so hard to show love in spite of this other woman, but it's so difficult.

Do I blame hubby? Not at all. This other woman has pushed her way into his life and he has tried to avoid her, but she is extremely persistent. I've tried to find ways and even pray about this other woman, but I've finally accepted, after so many years, this is God's plan for my life - my marriage.

She's moody, mean, and to put it plainly - she's a b----. Thank God she only comes around once a month and her visits are short because although hubby loves her, I know he also loves to see her leave. Hubby and I aren't intimate when she comes around and hubby knows he better not touch me until she leaves. I might as well tell you her name. Yes, I know her that well. Her name is Flo - as in Aunt Flo.

Does your husband have another woman in his life?

600th Post Giveaway!

Home business, blogging, scrapbooking, reading, or just relaxing in peace.

If you're doing what needs to be done as a mother, it's often challenging to find time to do things you enjoy. I love to write and if I don't wake early to do it, I'm trying to fit it in somewhere between cooking, homeschooling, laundry, running errands, and meeting the needs of hubby. I even check my email between tasks.

There is no such thing as sitting down doing something I enjoy (for an hour) without being disturbed. Even with a teen and tween, when I sit down at the computer, they all of a sudden want to talk. What's is this about? Are they trying to make me feel guilty? I think children just hate to see mama doing anything that doesn't concern them.

Hmmm...if mothers have a difficult time finding free time to do things we enjoy, maybe we shouldn't be doing these things at all. If your baby or toddler is crying and tugging at your skirt while you're at the computer, it's time to get up! If you jump up from the computer or quickly end a phone conversation when hubby comes in the door, maybe you were supposed to be doing something else anyway.

Actually, it's all about time management. We all have 24 hours in the day and it's how we use those hours that will free up a little extra time for our own interest.

Speaking of free time, this post is my 600th post! I obviously found some time somewhere to blog 600 times! To celebrate this occasion, I'm giving away a prize. The winner will have the choice of the newly released "We Snap in Silence" or a $20 gift card from your choice of Walmart or Target.

You have five ways to increase your chances to win

1. Follow this blog

2. Invite someone to follow (let me know who you invited)

3. Add Mom's Peace Bites to your blogroll

4. Leave a comment on how you find time to blog

5. Follow me on Twitter although I rarely tweet.

Contest will close November 29th

Monday Meditation - May I Help You?

It was 8:30 P.M. last night, and I had nothing left to give – no energy, no patience, no compassion, no - thing.

I was about to retire for the evening and Hubby, in the room next to me, asked me to print a copy of his resume. I was so tired, after I printed it, I asked if he wanted me to get one of the boys to bring him the resume or if he was coming to get it. He asked me to bring it to him because he needed to ask me a question. Sigh…Is he kidding me? I’m tired!

I had helped and served my family all day and had the nerve to jump rope for exercise; my attitude was quickly headed south. I knew I should have been in the bed, but ignored my fatigued body and allowed Miss Flesh to surface. Big mistake!

Secondborn, my eleven year old, walked by with his comforting smile and the Lord reminded me of this sweet boy’s gift of helping. I always call him the Jesus in our home because he displays a true servant-minded spirit. He is always asking if we need any help and is constantly looking for ways to serve us. Saturday morning, he awoke early and cooked breakfast for the family while we slept. Hmmm...Did I give birth to this child?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the pleasure of simply reaping the benefits of Secondborn’s serving spirit, but God uses him as a constant reminder of how I should be or at least strive to be. I’m pretty good about asking hubby if he needs anything – when I feel like helping. If I’m tired, I try to disappear. Thank goodness we have a God who never tires of helping us!

Anyway, I survived the resume ordeal and the rest of the evening. The family had evening prayer on our knees and when the prayer was complete, Secondborn says, “Do you need help getting up?” Good grief boy, do you ever stop?

Needless to say, I was blessed with this ever so helpful child because this mama needed a live in Life Lesson for LaVender on being servant-minded. It’s overwhelming to think I have to serve 24/7, but there is comfort in knowing I have a never-tiring God to help me help my family!

Psalm 30:10 (NKJV)
"Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper!”

Mama's Hearse...What the....?

I have never believed in coincidence, but this is definitely one time I want to say, "It's just a coincidence."

For several mornings while taking Firstborn to school, I see the above white hearse. Hmmm...
Firstborn and I would just look at each other after it happened more than a few times because it seemed too coincidental. Spooky to me.

It didn't matter if we left five minutes earlier or ten minutes later, the white hearse showed up. What the...?

Since the boys were little, I've always talked to them about death - especially my death. Mama won't always be around. One day, they will have to say goodbye to me. Because of what we believe, I let them know that this day of death will be something Mama has lived for and it should be a happy day. I realize you can't prepare anyone for the death of a loved one, but at least they are aware it will happen.

I was relieved when I didn't see the hearse for a few days, but yesterday while at a stop light, the white hearse drove by me. What the....? Yes, I grabbed the camera and took a picture.

In my mind, I pictured the driver driving by, smiling, and waving at me. I know...I'm crazy, but doesn't this seem just a little odd? Is it okay for me to think this is a coincidence, or should I take heed and listen for my number to be called? You know, if we keep on living, our number will be called. There is a hearse out there with our name on it and just as sure as we are living today - we will die one day - this is the reality of life. Are you ready?

Airing My Dirty Laundry

I'm so thankful our washer and dryer is outside in the garage. We also keep our dirty clothes baskets in the garage. I live with three males, and the stench of dirty socks, underwear, and musty clothes is not something I want to smell everyday.

Firstborn and Secondborn wash their own clothes. This is a wonderful thing, but I'm reminded daily that they wash ONLY when they have to.

This morning, Secondborn says, "I need to wash clothes." Excuse me? Son, you needed to wash two weeks ago!

The large overflowing basket below is Secondborn's, the small one next to it is Firstborn's. I can't imagine having this in my house. It's right where it belongs - outside...airing!

Is the red towel supposed to hide the large mound and make it look neat or something? LOL!

Monday Meditation - Taboo Topic - Sex, Sex, Sex

The older woman is charged with teaching the younger woman, but I don't recall having anyone talk to me about how to physically please my husband. I'm not talking details, but just sharing the importance of sex in marriage and the power of prayer in this regards. Sex is right up there with the topic of money in marriage, but we obviously feel more comfortable talking about money than sex.

I've been talked to about encouraging my husband, supporting him, helping him, stroking him, and loving him, but I've never had anyone tell me about sexually satisfying him. Is this subject taboo or is it just too personal to bring up?

Last night as I held my husband, I began praying for him as I always do, and something came to mind that has never come to my mind before. If God created sex and disapproves of sex outside of marriage, hubby should be completely satisfied and desire only me, right?

I know men battle with temptations of the flesh in ways a woman will never understand, but I believe if God created sex to bring pleasure to a husband and wife, it should be more than our human minds can comprehend. We should have a WOW attitude instead of a 'not tonight' attitude.

My prayers turned to asking God to teach me how to fulfill hubby's sexual desires, wants, and needs. I also asked God to guard hubby's mind from the sexual tactics and snares the enemy has planned to tempt hubby outside our marriage - outside doesn't have to go far - it can be a commercial! I closed my prayer by asking for more energy and an increase in my desire to please hubby. Women easily get caught up in meeting the needs of the children forgetting the husband comes first.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be a sex crazed freak in the bed every night. Hubby would love this. I simply want lovemaking in my marriage to be of God. I want to experience sex God's way, not my way or hubby's way.

I thank God for this enlightenment after 15 years of marriage. I've always been concerned with pleasing my husband, but it's time to take it to another level. It's also time to share more openly with the younger woman. Sex is not a bad word! SEX, SEX, SEX! God created sex - the same God that created the world! If we look upon God's creation with amazement, we should look upon sex, talk about sex, and enjoy sex with the same level of amazement - in marriage of course.

Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Mothers and Chippendales - Can We Look?

What do Mothers have in common with the Chippendales? Well, we're both human and that's what this post is about.

The Black Chippendales are coming to my city and I actually had a thought of going to see them - relax, it was just a thought. I don't care if the Chippendales are white, black, yellow, or green, Chippendale Men are....well, Chippendale Men.

One of the local radio stations are giving away free tickets. Dare I try to win a ticket? Would someone see me? Can I disguise myself? Why am I even thinking about going to see these men who do nothing but seduce, tease, and excite women? Well, because I'm human. Some call this "entertainment" while others call it sin.

Hmmm... can a woman striving to be a Christ-controlled loving wife and influential mother have thoughts of seeing the Chippendales? Of course! I was a woman before I became a wife and mother. I'm STILL a woman and I'm very much human. The day I don't admire a handsome hunk of a man is the day I'll be worried. As a matter of fact, the day hubby isn't attracted to a beautiful woman is another day to be worried. We're human! Uh oh...I just realized someone else in the house is human...Firstborn will be 14 this month and he isn't striving to be Christ controlled, but he is definitely hormone controlled. Yikes!!

I took my just a thought of seeing the Chippendales a step further by calling a friend and asking her if she wanted to go. She laughed and I pray her laugh was because she knows my character. No, I'm not going to see the Chippendales and to be completely honest, I don't really have a desire to go...it was just a thought in the mind of Miss Flesh. I had to hold that thought captive! Maybe I'll tell hubby to "entertain" me tonight; he puts on a darn good show and I can do more than look!

So, dear, sweet, loving, faithful, wives and mothers, how about you? If you could be invisible and attend a Chippendale's Show with a guarantee that nobody would see you, would you go?

Marriage and Money - Joint Account, Separate Account, or Secret Stash

In our early years of marriage, hubby and I had a joint account. It worked out fine because we were newly married, basking in oneness, and covered in a blanket of blissful matrimony. We both were working and pulled our incomes together to pay the bills. We were a team!

Well, things changed when I retired from the Navy. Hubby has always kept the books in our home, but when I stopped working outside the house, I didn't feel comfortable having to give account for every penny I spent. I have never been a shopper, so he didn't have to worry about that, but if I wanted to do something just for me (rarely), I didn't see why I had to report to the Chief Financial Officer.

Why did I have to ask if we had money to get my hair done? When I had hair

Why did I have to ask for money to go to lunch with a friend? I worked for 20 years, why can't I spend $20 of my money?

I know I know...it's OUR money. Actually, it's God's money!

Why did I have to turn in receipts at the end of the day? I know...to keep the books accurate.

Although I had access to the money just as he did, something in me just didn't like asking and reporting for 5, 10, or even 30 dollars. Good grief, I'm a grown woman! Why didn't hubby have to ask or report? I know...I've got waaay too much independence to be married.

Money may be an issue in every marriage to some degree, and our marriage sure wasn't an exception. Needless to say, this wife had to get her own account. It gave me a sense of freedom and completeness, which is hard to explain.

This may be petty to some, but I'm well aware that money is a major issue in many marriages. This is one reason so many wives seek home based businesses and part-time jobs - to have their own money. Other women are sneaking shopping bags in the back door or keeping goods in the trunk of the car. Others have a secret stash hidden away.

Well, this marriage no longer has an issue with money. I no longer report to the Chief Financial Officer and if we come up short at the end of the month, guess who comes through? Yep, I've got my stash and there is nothing secret about it.

Does Your Husband Need Holding?

One day last week, Hubby came home from work and went straight into the backyard to cut the grass. Secondborn said, "Aren't you tired?" Of course Hubby's answer was yes, but there was work to be done.

After the yard was perfectly manicured, hubby came in to eat; his plate was in the refrigerator waiting on him. As he stood near the microwave waiting for his meal to warm, I came up behind him and wrapped my arms around him. Hubby said to me, "If you're going to hold me, hold me up." I chuckled because I knew he was tired, but thought for a minute about his comment. Yes, I took it to another level.

Men have a lot on their shoulders as the head of the household, the priest, the protector, and the provider. A woman is needed not only to a helper, but to hold our men up in prayer and to be a vessel to pour courage into their hearts (encourage). Men may be the stronger vessel, yet they need our loving power to hold them up - they need our emotional stroking to hold them up - they need the strength of our spirituality to hold them up and they need our powerful words (not nagging) to keep them up.

All I did was give hubby a hug and I received a wonderful Life Lesson for LaVender in holding my husband up! It doesn't matter if it's finances, a career move, spiritual growth, life changes, or their personal tribulations. let's help our men be the man they were created to be. Let's be that strong woman they need behind them to hold them up and thank God for Jesus holding us up!

Proverbs 31:28 (AMP Bible)
...and her husband boasts of and praises her...