I've been thinking a lot about the comments I have received, and whether I want to continue this blog and if so what changes I want to make. Most moms of young children share similar struggles . . . what to feed our kids, engaging them, developing them spiritually, emotionally, and socially, feelings of guilt because of things we are doing or aren't doing, and the list goes on and on and on. We have to take care of ourselves in order to take proper care of our families. We don't always do a great job of this (okay much of the time we don't), but I'd like to encourage you to stop and think about what it is that truly renews and refreshes you. Not what other people think will refresh you, but what it is for YOU. There is a lot of advice out there, and much of the time too much and it often results in feelings of insecurities, guilt . . .
One of the things that I have really been realizing and coming to an understanding is that as I draw closer to God and spend time talking with him and in his word, I feel better and more at peace with who I am and how he is growing me. The less I do this, the more I see the worst parts of me coming out. But it is sooooo hard to find that time and focus to spend with him. A few things, for me, will make this much more likely to happen - planning (HUGE), and starting the day not by turning on the TV to watch news, but by turning on a Pandora station that is going to get me started in the right direction. Music inspires me and then moves me to spend my time more wisely. For me, I built a station off of Third Day and I love the songs that come on. I often wake up to immediate duties of taking care of children, but if I carry that phone around with me with that music playing, at some point I will have a small break, whether it is while I eat breakfast or later. And if I've been preparing my heart through song, I find myself getting excited to find out what God has to share with me that day.
I am so excited because I am nearing the end of reading through the whole Bible. It took me 2 years, but I have finally accomplished a goal that has been sitting there for a very long time! I have been getting worried that once I finished I will lose my focus and get back into old habits of laziness. I started thinking that now that I have read through the content of the Bible, and been inspired by its word on many occasions, that I might find greater understanding if I read it chronilogically. AND - even better, I have found a friend that is going to do it with me. It is so great if you can find a friend to talk about what you've read with. Things you were inspired by, confused by, and weirded out by. So, I am going to start adding the readings to the blog, and if I feel so inspired, my thoughts on what I've read. Should be fun! I'll add a tab at the top of the blog with what I am reading on a weekly basis. I would be so encouraged if you replied and let me know you want to read with me! The more accountability the better. I went to Lifeway yesterday and bought "The Daily Bible - In Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings NIV". Don't freak out! I am fully aware that I am not going to finish this in a year, but it was the only chronological Bible I could find. I find that if I put too much pressure on myself to do it a certain way or in a certain timeframe that I get discouraged and stop. So I am setting out to continue enjoying his Word and it's never ceasing inspiration, with hopefully a little added insight into the big picture.
Also, I have received several comments about what you would like to see on the blog - thank you for your comments! Food is a common theme, and I am going to spend some time thinking about that. I am already dairy free, and am currently testing a GF diet to see if I feel better (constant headaches), and so meals have become even more of a challenge lately. In a couple of weeks I will have a better feel for whether there is an allergy there, and if so I will overhauling our meal plan. YIKES! Love you guys!
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