No Place Like Home

My firstborn wasn't feeling well last night, which means today I'll be trying to help him fight off whatever germ is trying to attack his body. We won't be going anywhere today and I'm so happy! Since I've started the cake business, it's been almost a month since we've had a day to stay home all day and I miss it; I'm sure they miss it also. It's a shame someone had to get sick in order for us to stay put for a day, yet I'll take it however it comes! Yippeeee! I hate that my son isn't feeling well, yet I'm soooo grateful that I don't have to hop in the car to go anywhere nor do I have to bake any cakes. Ahhhhh...there is no place like home....there is no place like home. I'm convinced; I'm a true home body and being 'JUST' a Mother is fiiiiine with me!

Take the Time

My oldest won a box of magic tricks at a recent party he attended and now every 15 minutes he is showing someone in the house a trick. Yes, the tricks are cute, yet good grief...he seems to pick the most inopportune times to put on a magic show (lol). I'm so thankful he can't read my mind because I can be in the middle of something important, yet obviously not so important to him and he wants me to STOP and watch his magic trick. What do I do? I watch his magic trick. I look at his long legs getting longer. I listen to his voice getting deeper. I look at his smooth skin beginning to grow hair. My time with my babies is short and before I know it, they'll be men. Take the time to spend some time enjoying what is important to your chidren today.

Be Still

I was trying hard to prevent busyness in my life this wonderful month of December, yet it isn’t working. It’s funny how December calls for more of our time and attention. I become irritable when I’m swamped with the stuff of life because my main concern is making sure everything I do is ordered by God. I attempt to avoid my plate being full of self served actions and events, yet I’m not always successful. The weekend was so busy for me I felt like I was running ahead of Jesus and waiting for Him to catch up with me. I couldn’t wait to get in the presence of God this morning to just sit and listen. It was time to be still. No television, no radio, and no people in my ear…I only wanted to hear the voice of my Heavenly Father. I need Him to order my steps, guide me, lead me, and help me to stay focused on Him as I prepare for another week. This time of being still and listening helped to renew my mind and review my priorities. I feel refreshed and empowered to do what I’m called to do as a wife, mother, and every other hat I wear. It’s easy to forget who is in control as we schedule meetings and plan activities. Thank God for the mind to stop, be still, and know God is in control of my life today and everyday!

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Perfect Peace!

I baked three cakes this morning and each one of them stuck to the pan when I tried to remove them. I didn't have any Pam Cooking Spray and didn't want to rush to the store at 6 a.m. this morning, so I went back to the old school way and greased and floured the pans. Hmmm...it didn't work for me. It's ironic that the name of the cake is Perfect Peace and yes, even in the midst of my cake mess this morning, I had perfect peace! Was I angry and disappointed? Of course I was, yet after a minute of feeling bad, I had to remember that ALL things work together and it's alright!! It WILL BE OKAY. It doesn't matter what my mess is or how great or small it is, I choose to believe in the promised perfect peace of God. I also choose Pam Spray over the old fashioned way! Perfect Peace to you today and the rest of the weekend.

The Deliverer

The Couples' Bible Study Class was awesome last night! The topic was Deliverance and every one of us needs The Deliverer at some time or another. It doesn't matter what we're going through in our marriage or what our spouse may be dealing with - we have The Deliverer to deliver us! Addictions, strongholds, our past, and everyday situations are light afflictions in the eyes of God and He has the power- ALL POWER! We can unleash that power through prayer. No prayer - no power! If you're dealing with a situation in your marriage and it seems like there is no hope - be encouraged! God is able and I'm a witness. Don't look at the situation; keep your eyes on God. GOD DELIVERS! Keep praying!

Don't Forget to Pray!

With the many extra things calling for my attention these days, my prayer life is definitely more than active. Praying without ceasing has a new meaning to me! A distracted Mother can become so absorbed in other tasks, that we forget to keep our children, our husband, and our home covered in prayer. Busyness is truly a trick. Yes, I pray at the beginning of my day, yet I also pray ALL DAY! A praying spirit is a Mother's secret weapon. The forces of this world never stop tugging at us, so a Mother must never stop praying. Our family is our first priority and we must stay focused and keep them covered in prayer. Don't forget to pray!

The Prince of Peace

Saturday morning as I sat in my car waiting for my sons’ flag football games to begin, I observed a mother of four completely stressed out, drinking coffee, and smoking cigarettes. She was doing all she could to keep her young children in order and was doing a great job at it. I have difficult moments with my two children and can’t imagine having four; I began praying for her. It was only eight in the morning and she had the whole day ahead of her. Lord, have mercy. Although observing her was like watching an action packed movie, it was probably second nature for her. I wanted to help her, yet remembered I had three football games ahead of me and was in no position to help anyone else, so I didn’t. Christmas came to mind and how appropriate it would be to share the Prince of Peace with the many hurried and frazzled Mothers I’ll come in contact with. So many Mothers are counting pennies to buy presents, looking for part-time jobs for the holidays, over decorating, and splurge spending. The seasoned Mothers who have gone through these early Motherhood moments should share words of wisdom and I should have shared with the Mother of four I observed. I’m sure I’ll see her again on the field and when I do, I will. Who wouldn’t benefit from hearing comforting words about the Prince of Peace? Who doesn’t want peace in their life? What Mother doesn’t want her peace of mind? Because this beautiful season can be hidden with the busyness of the season, we can easily miss the priceless gift of peace. Let’s give the gift of peace this Christmas – the Prince of Peace.

Friendly Reminder!

I can't help stressing the importance of exercise ESPECIALLY during the hype of the holiday season. We can forget ourselves in the midst of the shopping, decorating, and entertaining and before you know it, we're sluggish and irritable. This is just a reminder to move something each day to get the blood flowing and to keep your peace of mind!