For All Mothers!

Whether you're a new, old, or expecting mother...it'll be the hardest work we'll ever do! But don't get discouraged...it comes with many blessings! I was so encouraged by my devotional this morning. 


It says," Raising kids can be an uphill battle. I know that from experience! Although we love them dearly, they aren't always the little angels we wish they'd be. When we don't feel very loving does that mean we're being bad mothers? No! We're human...and God knows that. A godly mother loves God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. And she passionately and consistently teaches her children to do the same. No one has more potential for godly influence on your children than you and your husband. Pray every day for these little ones and pour God's Word in to their lives. Ask God to give you wisdom as you show your kids you love them. Amid the joy of raising children will be some of the hardest life work you'll ever do. And it's one of God's highest callings. Hang in there! 


These words were what I needed to read! Even as I write this as quickly as my fingers will let me...my son screams for all and any demands possible. You do really learn patience, unconditional love, up and downs, life lessons, and is the hardest thing to do. I do feel so blessed to be given such a task! 


Lord, please guide and give me the strength I need each and every day to raise my son (and future children). I do at times feel like a bad mother when I try to ignore his sometimes never ending screaming at me...but you've shown me I'm not! It's just part of the 'growing' process for both of us. May you continue to give me unconditional love for family. Thank you for giving me your encouraging words!     Amen

Daily Gossip...

It's so easy to get caught up in everyone's daily gossip. There's so many available avenues for us: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogger, News media, etc,...and the list goes on doesn't it? I was reading in my devotional this morning about Gossip. The goal for the devotional was...No More Gossip! What a challenge and admirable goal for anyone! In Philippians 4:8 says, "whatever things are true...noble...just...pure...meditate on these things." In other words, think positive, good, and godly thought about others. It's a very tough task to do...but well worth it. I would hate to find out negative and horrible things that were said about me...and I'm sure you'd feel the same way...so why do we do it? Well, just wanted to give you some "food for thought." Remember to do unto others that you would want to be done unto you. 


Lord, thank you for this beautiful day. I pray that you will help me look at others through Your eyes. May You help me see the best in everyone. I don't want people to Gossip about me, so I choose not to Gossip about them.    Amen 

"MaryJanesFarm" 5 Ways to go "OFF the Grid"

In a recent MaryJanesFarm magazine, there was this wonderful and refreshing article on allowing yourself to become "OFF the Grid." You don't have to permanently 'off the grid'...just enough time to refresh your mind and spirit. I did during vacation and a few days after upon arriving home to the 'busy grind'. Here are the 5 wonderful steps at accomplishing time for "OFF the Grid":


1) Admit that you need a break. Signs of overload include headaches, crankiness, anxiety, and a sense that you're alone even though you're constantly communicating electronically. 
2) Start slowly. At first, try avoiding e-mail and switching off your cell phone for 20, 15, even 10 minutes a day-and marvel at how the world continues to turn while you're disconnected. (From personal trial...actually turn your phone OFF not just on vibrate.) 
3) Be assertive. You have a choice when it comes to communicating with the rest of the world. Most of us are not obligated to be available at all hours of the day and night. Designate certain times when you will respond to e-mails and accept phone calls and remind them you might not get to theirs. 
4) Write a task list each day. It may not be as cut-and-dried as Ma Ingalls' list, but a reasonable daily to-do list (with an attainable end) will help boost your productivity and allow you to guiltlessly call it quits when you've checked off each item. (I do this everyday to help keep me focused on each task at hand. I can't do anything else until those items are all done.)
5) Take time-outs from technology. Prioritize at least a few minutes of downtime in your day-to-day schedule. Remember, watching TV or playing video games fuel the same stress as computers and cell phones, so it's important to unplug all the way. Take a short walk outside. Tend to a windowsill flower garden. Practice your crochet, or weave a basket. Seriously. Just a smidgen of simple pleasures amid the buzz of our everyday workload can help us stay calm, centered, and focused. 


I'm trying these great simple steps daily...and it is very centering and refreshing! I hope these steps help you as well.