Late For Work

I was running a little late for work this morning. I was up early as usual, yet tried to fit a little more into less time. I hate to be late for work because I waste more time playing catch up. Yes, I homeschool two sons and run a home business, but I treat my role and responsibilities as if I had a job outside the house.

It's easy to fall into complacency and laziness when no one is holding you accountable for performance. Well, thank God for Jesus! He's my boss, so I do my best to be on time and keep good work ethics. Timeliness is a character trait I struggle with. I probably have more done by 7 a.m. than a lot of people, but only if I rise early and use God's time wisely. Keeping a schedule hardly ever works, but respecting my role as if I had an outside job helps so much. Even answering the phone can put a wrench in the day, so personal calls are monitored and kept to a minimum as if I were sitting at a desk. I wouldn't watch television on my job, so it doesn't come on until well in the afternoon.

Respecting my role also helps others respect my role - especially those who consider me to be 'just' a Mother. Don't hate...I'm just doing what I've been called to do! I'd love to chat more, but I have a job to do!

And the Winner is....

Words can't express how happy I am for Monica and her family for winning the Extreme Home Makeover. I feel as if I've won a home makeover myself! Yippeeee!

View the story and pictures to the left and share the joy! It's so different when you actually know the person.

Monica is from my hometown and neighborhood in Montgomery, Alabama and is a supporter of MOMSWEB. She was also a guest speaker at the MW Revival of Interest held in Montgomery in 2004.

Congratulations, Monica!

Hear My Prayer!

At ages thirteen and ten, I still awake up in the middle of the night to check on my sons. At 2 a.m. this morning, I watched them both peacefully breathe. I noticed first-born's feet meeting the end of the bed and second-born isn't far behind. My mind traveled back to their crib days. Where are my baby boys? What happened to the time? As I stood there, God led me to pray. As a mother, prayer is my most precious tool; I'd be lost without it. When my boys get tired of me talking, I can always talk to Jesus. When they don't follow my guidance, God gives me new direction. When I'm tired of being tried, God shows me mercy. Being a Mother is my greatest joy, yet it is also my greatest challenge. The many stages and seasons children go through have the ability to wear me down, but prayer has the ability to hold me up! I know my days are numbered with my children; our relationship is temporary. My trying times and melt-down moments will pass, but so will the good times. Knowing this, each day I try to create a joyful memory, a lasting lesson, and have purposeful prayer. As I walked back to bed, I remembered the boys will soon wake up and the house won't be as peaceful as it was at 2 a.m., but with prayer, this Mama will have perfect peace within and another marvelous Monday in Motherhood!

Psalm 143:1 (NIV)
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

How Do You Do It?

I'm often asked how I manage to do everything I do. I don't even think about it until I'm asked; I just go with the flow from day to day and... do what I do. I don't think the list of hats I wear is any longer than the next mother's list. We are all mothers. Most of us are wives. Many of us have a business (or two) on the side. We all have a hobby or interests we enjoy. Many of us have siblings, and some of us have living parents. Those of us who are church-goers probably have more than one ministry we're involved in or even lead. Besides those necessity hats, we occasionally don a few others.

I must admit, there are days I'm amazed at what God allows me to accomplish. It's only through His grace that I have the mental and physical capability to do what I do. Whenever I awake and hit the floor running without plugging into my true power source, my day goes right down the drain - leaving me physically and emotionally drained, but when I allow Him to order my steps, my days are unbelievably productive - not perfect, but productive. This year, I made a decision to be fruitful instead of busy. I know only what I do for Christ will last, so why waste my time on things that will not flourish and benefit God's kingdom?

A raggedy temple cannot perform at it's optimum level, so I try to keep my physical body conditioned for my many callings. I try to exercise daily and drink lots of water. Green tea, apples, and my soy shakes are my secret weapons to fight fatigue. God has entrusted me with this body, so I must do my part. Regardless of what I do, I dare not take any credit for the productivity in my life. When God puts his super on our well-kept natural, there is no stopping us as women, wives, and mothers. He is waiting to fill us with his creative spirit, wisdom, and knowledge to complete only what He has called us to do!

Exodus 31:3 (NIV)

...and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-

Poured Out

My morning devotion referred to my life being 'poured out' and used sacrificially for the ministry and faith of others. I related this to my home - my family, which is my first ministry. I often allow loads of laundry and piles of dishes to distract me of what's important - nurturing my children and teaching them the character of Christ. How can I teach the character of Christ while I'm silently mumbling about household duties? I thank God for my morning 'life lessons' with Him. I thank God for loving me enough to pull me back in line when I stray. I thank God for reminding me of just how important my role as a Mother is. Every day is a new day and a new opportunity to be better than yesterday.

Question of the day - Am I able to do menial work while maintaining a saintly attitude?

Do You Teach?

I believe a mother is a child's first teacher and regardless of the child's age, the day is full of life lesson opportunities. Although I try to take advantage of each one, there are many missed moments. If I did take advantage of them, I'd be talking all day! I came across the below quote, which is a great teaching tool.

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."

William Arthur Ward

I guess a combination of them all would equal to a Mother!

The Good Parent

My pastor made a comment yesterday about ‘good’ parenting which led me to evaluate my parenting skills. He made his comment after one of the High School Seniors gave a brief presentation during service. This student is very talented, smart, and respectful. While my pastor acknowledged the parents of this young man, a few questions came to mind. What is ‘good’ parenting and who sets the standard for it? Which parents would I choose to emulate? Where do I stand on the ‘good’ parenting scale? I later thought of some of the other students in my church family and the love and time their parents have obviously poured into them. It’s ironic that my husband and I were recently talking about this very subject. ‘Good’ parents? I’m not sure if we fit the mold, but we are parents that love God and the children He has entrusted in our care. If our boys have any qualities resulting from ‘good’ parenting, it’s definitely because of God’s grace – not us. I guess I answered my own questions. Good parenting is Godly parenting and God has set the standard – He is my example. Where do I stand? God is my judge and I will have to stand before Him and give account for my role as a parent. Motherhood is my first ministry - everything else is secondary.

This first Monday of February, I have a fresh anointing. I will embrace the privilege and honor of being a parent for two of God’s children. Yes, I will continue to have challenging and trying days, but knowing God is in control lightens my load. I am just a vessel allowing God to raise His children through me. Yes, I speak with confidence and boldness - the boys are still sleeping (smile). When they awake, I plan to have a marvelous Monday in Motherhood. Let us all have a joyful day in Motherhood!

Psalm 127:3 (NKJV)

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

When I Grow Up...

My ten-year old baked his first cake tonight. It was dessert for our family's Super Bowl Party and he was so proud of himself. He loves to cook and has been saying he's going to be a chef and own his own restaurant one day.

My desire is for him to sing; he has a powerful voice he refuses to share in public. I'm sure his Father wants him to excel in sports, but what we want for his life doesn't matter. God's will shall be done and our job as his parents is to nurture him in the Lord, so he will one day know to seek God for direction for his life.

Hmmm...so far, he's wanted to be a fisherman, a musician, a chef, and he enjoys sports. Hey, how about a singing chef? Okay, okay...have your way, Lord!

By the way, the cake was delicious! It was chocolate, which is my favorite and although the party was family only, it's half gone!