LOVING WHERE YOU'RE AT MONDAY

My son stayed the night over his Grandma and Grandpa's house last night. I know that this morning he woke up and was loving where he was at. I miss him like crazy when he is gone....Like CRAZY! As we drove off I imagined his delight when he woke up to find that He was still at Grandma and Grandpa's house. No, It's not a dream son, live it up, because soon the day will be over and Mommy will be back to collect you and cover you with kisses and clobber you in hugs, whether you like it or not!

Friends, do you wake up loving where you're at? I'll admit I don't always, sometimes I wake up and already feel the weight of the day or the aftermath of yesterday on my shoulders. I think about the time that is already spoken for, wake up kids, feed everyone, clean, get kids dressed, get myself dressed, naps, play time, cooking, grocery shopping, and so on and so on. Sometimes it feels like pulling the blankets over my head would just be easier. Every month Steve and I tithe, we give joyfully and faithfully and God has never let us down and he has always taken care of us financially. We understand that there is nothing that we have that God has not given us or graced us with. He gives to us in ways we could never imagine. So then I imagine, since he is such a faithful God, then when I give my time to him, will he not give that back to me faithfully? Will he not take care of me and help me to accomplish everything else needed in the day? What if I woke up each morning like my son does when he stays at grandma and grandpa's? With joy and excitement.  Good Morning Lord! What will we do today Lord?

Unfortunately I don't start my morning out like this, instead I try to somehow weave time into my day for God. I feel this pulling, this tugging, this need for change. I need to stop treating God like he is just another thing on the 'To-Do' list. I need to put him first and let him prioritize my day. I need to wake up each morning 'loving where I'm at' because I know that I am in his presence seeking him and being rejuvenated my him.

Today's Reflection:
I know this is sometimes easier said than done, but Lord I am committing my time to you. I am taking you off of the 'To-Do' List, you will be a priority in my days.

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."
-Psalm 27:4

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."
-Matthew 6:33-34

FIGURING IT OUT

I always wanted a family.  I dreamed of my children, their little hands their little feet, how they would say 'I love you mommy' and give me sweet little kisses. I knew, from the moment they were placed in my arms at the Hospital that my life would be changed forever. CHANGED FOREVER! I adore and love my children, but did you know that in addition to all the cuteness and hugs and kisses, they would also embarrass you terribly?  in public?

 Steve does not cope as well as I do in these situations...

 but he's learning to roll with the punches or in this case a two year old who just has a little too much spunk for the seat and wants everyone to know it!

You know, a lot of things that come with parenting catch us off guard. Our son is very good for the most part, but every now and then we have 'situations'. With each day we have we are figuring it out. We're not perfect and we make a lot of parenting mistakes, but we try to work together and stay united.  We try our hardest to discipline and not laugh anytime he acts a fool (sure we crack a smile every now and then, we're not statues!) We don't give up on our kids because we know this is just the beginning and challenges will come, but so will joy! Besides, if I could, I'd probably dance and stand on my seat too!

Today's Reflection:

In life, there will always be 'situations' I'm not prepared for. Sometimes it's hard to know what the right thing to do is. I ask myself, am I doing the right thing, am I going down the right path? I trust in you, Lord, I trust in your word, and your truths.

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

-Psalm 37: 23-24