Enjoying the little things

I could seriously sit and sob right now at the very thought of my children.  A good sob.  A grateful sob.  A really realizing what I've got sob. 

I am SO grateful for these children. They amaze me every day.  It is my JOB as their mama to be the best mama I can be.  For me that means so much - yet it is so very simple.  To do the very best that I can with what I have be given.  To be a good steward of my time and to teach my sweet babies the infinite love of Jesus. My ministry is in my home.  There is pure joy in their touch, their giggle, their smell, their screaming voices and their precious prayers.  Garrett is almost one year old!  Time is going by so fast! I don't want to wait one second of my time with them.

Thank you Jesus for these little hearts that you have trusted me with.  I pray that when I meet you in Heaven that you will say "well done, my good and faithful servant" for teaching your love in my home.

 Garrett, my sweet cowboy.

 Olivia is so proud of her pumpkin

Paigy being silly like only she can!

Teachable Moments

Last night I attended a Women in His Presence event.  It was full of amazing worship and sharing by some pretty fabulous women.  Kourtney (one of my most precious and lifelong best friends) shared of God's grace in using her in ministry and she said something that really spoke to my heart.  I've heard it so many times before but you know how sometimes you just hear it clearer than others.  She reminded me that your ministry can be to your husband or to your children.  You don't have to lead a bible study or teach high schoolers.  Your ministry starts right in your own kitchen.  There was another gal that spoke.  She has 7 children!!  They range in age from 7-22 years old.  She said something else that just seem to bury itself right in my heart.  Look for those moments that are teachable ones.  They are there but they come and go quickly.  Put down your cell phone/work emails, get off of Facebook, and spend time being with my children.  It's ok to be busy but be busy building HIS kingdom. 

This is all stuff I have heard some many times but a nice little reminder is always good!

Deuternomy 6:7-9
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Let's Face It

Ok mamas,  Let's just face it.....being a mom is HARD work and some days it's downright overwhelming.  There is so much to do and so much to remember.  It's like every little responsibility under the sun falls under the list of "things for mom to get done".  There are times when I just want to throw myself on the floor and yell...."WHEN IS IT MY TURN TO TAKE A NAP?!?!???????".  I mean all I really want is to be appreciated for all of my hard work.  Someone to just say "thank you" or "great job" or anything?!?!

OK but wait just a minute.  The bible says to "Rejoice always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

So let me get this straight. 

God wants us to Rejoice always???

Re-Joice
verb

1. to be glad; take delight

 

To be glad always????  To always take delight???

 

Pray continually???  Give thanks???? In ALL circumstances???

 

How am I supposed to do any of this much less all of it?

 

With Jesus.  That's how.

 

I firmly believe that without Jesus in my life.  I am utterly worthless as a mom.  Sure I could get through the motions but would I leave a footprint  of Jesus on the hearts of my children? No chance. 

I know that things that I feel and the moments that I experience are not just happening in my little corner of the world.  I know that there a ga-zillion other moms out there that feel the exact same way that I do!
My prayer is this:  That the Lord would bless each of you in your mom life and beyond in ways that you never dreamed were possible.  And that you would find encouragement and joy in Him so much that it flows over into the lives of your children.

God is good, Always.

Lisa