This Crazy, Beautiful Life

It's been a crazy, busy month here in our home! In the past month, I have taken 3 trips out-of-state, leaving my kids (except Avigail) for the first and second times. It has been challenging, but it has been good. Even my trip to Minnesota for my uncle's funeral was a good trip - getting to be there with my family for this difficult time was priceless.

Now that I'm home, we're working on getting back into a routine.  We've restarted school again after a 3-week break.  I'm so thankful that my home was kept in great shape (thanks especially to my wonderful mom-in-law!), but I'm trying to get caught up on the random chores that tend to get neglected when I'm busy.

And on top of all of that, I'm super tired because... I'm pregnant again!  Yep, we'll be welcoming another sweet little one to our family next May.

And I think this is where I want to go for this blog.  I've been trying to figure out what to blog about, because I have had so much on my mind lately that it's been hard to focus it all into a cohesive thought.  But I think that what the Lord has been teaching me has a lot of value, and hopefully you will be able to glean something from it as well.

Finding out that I was pregnant was not just surprising, but rather terrifying.  To be brutally honest, when I saw that second blue line, I sobbed and sobbed - body-racking, uncontrollable sobs.  When I was finally able to stop, it wasn't for long - I cried many times during that first day.

See, way back when Mark and I first had Eliza, we wanted to have five children.  And that has been the case ever since.  But when I was pregnant with Avigail, Mark told me that he was thinking that he really wanted to be done having children with four.  I told him that if the baby was born a girl, I would probably be okay with that, but if it was a boy, I'd want to try again for a girl.  :-)  He sorta-agreed with me, and we left it at that.  It was still very stressful for me.  I didn't feel done having children, didn't feel complete, didn't feel ready to end that season of my life.  Then Avigail was born, and the talks began again.  I actually struggled a lot with depression because of it. Even though I was sorta-okay with the idea, it was like a part of me would have to die.  But I love my husband, and I totally understand that he's exhausted with parenting young children and ready to move on to the next season of life.  And over the next year, I finally came to a place where I agreed with him.  I was ready to move on.  While I knew I'd miss getting to have another baby, I also knew that I'd always wonder what it would be like to have just one more!

Anyway, back to my story.  So, I'd wrestled with all sorts of emotions over the past year in coming to a point where I was excited about being done having children and being ready to move beyond diapers and sleepless nights.  And no sooner had that happened (and we'd decided to take the next step towards that), than this happened.  It was as if God was answering us with a firm "No."  I didn't understand it.  Why?  Why had God caused me to get pregnant when I shouldn't have been able to?  Why didn't He listen to my exhausted husband's heart's desire?  Why did He wait for me to finally come to grips with not having any children, just to yank the rug out from under me with this shocking news?  And why did He pick me (again) instead of one of those couples who can't have children and want so desperately to??  I was angry, hurt, sad, frustrated.  I felt so lost, and walked around all day in a daze.  I called my best friend, my mom, and my mom-in-law - all in tears.  It was a hard, long day.

But in the back of my mind, I knew that I really didn't have an option.  I really didn't have a right to question God, a right to argue with His infinite wisdom and power.  So I had my day-long pity party, and went to bed an emotional mess.

The next morning, I came downstairs for my quiet time.  Thankfully I was up before the kids were, so my quiet time was actually quiet.  Ahh..  I opened up my gratitude journal, as is my habit first thing.  But I couldn't think of a single thing to be thankful for.  My heart was hurting and raw.  I began to cry again.  I sat there on the couch, talking my thoughts out to the Lord.

"Why, God?  I don't understand!"
"I'm SO tired, so very tired."
"Why did you let me finally get to be okay with being done and then put this on me?"
"I can't do this again!"  

And one by one, the Father answered me with His calm, sure words.

"Yes, Judy, you can do it."
"You have learned so much through each of your children, but I have more that I still want to teach you."
"I want you to trust Me.  Trust that I know best.  Trust that I will give you the strength you need."
"You will come out of this stronger, and better equipped for the life I have for you, but you have to trust Me."

As I began to let go of my own worries, He filled me with peace - and even a bit of joy!  I'm not saying there aren't times when I still struggle.  It's been 4 weeks already since I found out, and I'm still not always very joyful about it.  But if I keep my eyes on my Creator, He helps me see the joy and the blessing.  Remember this post? (You Are Joy)  This was my heart's meditation that day, and it still is now. God IS Joy - He IS Peace - He IS Love.  And His ways - they are perfect.

Four Months of Grace, Thanks, Joy

"I run my fingers across the pages of the book. I read it slowly. In the original language, 'He gave thanks' reads 'eucharisteo.' I underline it on the page. The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning 'grace.' Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be gift and gave thanks.

But there is more.  Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, also holds the Greek word chara, meaning 'joy.' I breathe deep, like a sojourner finally coming home. That has always been the goal of the fullest life - joy."     ~Ann Voskamp, Selections From One Thousand Gifts

Two years ago I read a book that moved me deeply.  "One Thousand Gifts", by Ann Voskamp, challenged me to see my life through the constant lens of thankfulness and grace.  I started a gratitude journal - a list of thanks, of blessing, of grace.  It is a discipline, this learning to see grace in all things.  But it has deepened my walk with the Lord and helped me to see through His eyes so much more.  It has brought me more patience, more understanding, more joy.

It has been four months now since we moved to Idaho.  There has never been a doubt in my mind that this is where God wants us to be, yet there are times that it has been very hard.  Settling into a new home is a long process, especially when that includes starting over in the area of relationships.  But we have been blessed to meet some great people and are excited about what the future holds for our family.

As we hit our 4-month anniversary in our new home, I also reached 500 in my gratitude journal.  It's a big mark for me, and as I reached it I took some time to look back and read many of my entries over the past several months.  I was struck by how many of my thanks would not have been possible without the Lord bringing us here.

193. all of our friends who helped us move - working so hard, long, and selflessly
196. laying-on of hands and prayers from cherished friends
199. the sweet surprise of a beautiful drive to get to our new home
200. our new home - beautiful - and on the outskirts of town, in a beautiful setting off a country highway
213. grandparents living close
237. the homeschool freedom we enjoy in Idaho
250. horses down the street, in pastures of wildflowers
257. our first time enjoying our neighborhood pool
274. two generations of brothers, throwing footballs in the backyard
280. joy-filled days spent at the grandparents' house
285. the freedom, space, and safety we enjoy in our new home
294. summer days!
296. family time at the pool
298. mountains in the distance, decorating the horizon
299. grandparents, close enough to babysit
300. renewed vision for the future, with God's calling at the center!

I know that big changes can be so scary.  Even when you know that God is speaking, taking that big step of faith is so hard, so unsettling at times.  We doubt, we wonder, we can't see the future, and it is so, so hard!  But as I'm learning and growing, the Lord is good - always good - only good - and He knows the beginning from the end.  He knows the plans He has for us.  He knows the desires of our hearts.  And His plans for us are bigger than our own!  But in order to get to that place of being used, we must trust.  We must choose to take joy and offer thanks even when it is hard.  It is a discipline, but one with amazing payoff.

311. evening family walks around our neighborhood
367. family time to explore our new town
393. clarity, given by God, about His purposes
396. sunny days - now the norm
399. grandparents around for birthday celebrations
429. making new friends!
440. the sun, red at sunrise and sunset from all the smoke - beauty from the ugly
448. blue sky again after so many days of smoke-haze
458. Avigail's love for the outdoors, and how easy it is for her to access it
480. three kids in a row, all on scooters
501. the multitude of birds in the tree next door, all chirping together in the morning
507. my children's growing comfort in the water
509. the park behind our house
510. a summer of children riding bikes and scooters to their hearts' content

If you've never done it (or if you're just struggling with faith or joy), I highly recommend keeping a gratitude journal.  It will bless you, because it will bring you closer to the One who gives blessing. 

~Judy

Cultivating a Peaceful, Purposeful Home

Home management is something really important to me. I'm pretty sure I would have completely lost my mind by this point if I wouldn't have picked up these tips along the way.  I originally prepared this material for a La Leche League enrichment meeting, knowing how valuable this sort of advice can be, especially for new moms.  I thought I'd share it here in hopes that it will helps some of you!  Enjoy!

Areas of Home Management:

1. Time - Family Activities, Time Spent Together, and Daily Routine

Managing time is the first major aspect of home management that every mom must learn how to do.  There are so many things that we need to fit into each day or week! Developing a method of managing your time is so important. 

Here are a few ideas:

• Create a family calendar (either physical or digital, whichever works best for you), and use it regularly!  Check it every night before going to bed and look it over at the beginning of each week.  Make sure you and your spouse do this together so that you are on the same page about your schedule.
• Create a written routine.  Or a lot of them!  I have a loose daily routine, a weekly cleaning routine, and a list of extra cleaning jobs that aren't weekly.
• Use a timer to help manage your time in chunks.  If you're like me, you may get carried away with one thing, allowing it to take up way too much time.  Or you may feel overwhelmed with a large project, and breaking it into pieces makes if feel lighter.  Egg timers (or your microwave timer) can be so helpful in many cases!
• Incorporate your kids input into your routine.  Allow them to help design your routine, and keep them posted as to what is going on that day and week. (See This Post)
• Assemble a home management binder.  I started doing this a year ago and love it!  It keeps all of my stuff together - calendar, finances, meal planning, routines, projects, etc.  Type in "home management binder" into Google and you'll get all sorts of great ideas!

2. Food - Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping, and Cooking

I tend to go through seasons in my meal planning and cooking life.  Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it.  Sometimes I'm a rock star about planning everything out and never forgetting anything, sometimes I go for a week or two on last-minute throw-togethers ("Is spaghetti okay again, guys?")

Here are a few things that help me:

• Have a weekly meal routine.  Each day is assigned a different "genre" of food - for example: soup/bread day, pasta day, rice day, meal salad day, etc..  This takes so much out of the guesswork of creating a meal plan and helps you to incorporate new ideas easily.
• Keep a list of favorite meals that your family enjoys (with page #s to recipes), that way you can quickly make your list rather than thumbing through your shelf full of cookbooks every week.
• Take advantage of your freezer and slow cooker.  I make certain things in bulk (marinara sauce, marinated meat, ice cream... wait, ice cream doesn't count?!), that way when a day goes differently than I planned, I can throw a freezer bag into a bowl of hot water and thaw it in no time.  And I love my slow cooker (or my cast iron dutch oven) for fall and winter days.  Mmmm...
• Try seasonal eating!  By varying your menu by the season, you will enjoy a variety of foods every year, and not get tired of the same thing over and over.  Certain foods just taste better in their proper season, and bonus - you will save money at the store by buying your food in season!

3. Cleaning - Home, Car, Closets, Purse, etc...

As a mom with 4 young kids who I also homeschool, our home is never spotless.  But, I can also honestly say that if I stay on it, I am able to keep our home regularly clean.  Everyone has different solutions that work well for them, so take what works here and leave the rest!

Ideas to help keep your home clean:

• Get rid of clutter!  Seriously, I think I could (and probably will!) write a whole blog or several about decluttering and keeping a simple home.  For now, I will simply say that the less stuff you have, the less you have to keep clean. 
• Take the time to organize.  Another topic I could talk about for hours.  I'm actually one of those nerdy types that loves organizing, but even if you aren't, I still strongly recommend you give it a try, at least for your most hectic spaces.  Keep it simple, and easy to maintain.
• Have a daily cleaning task that stays the same each week.  For example: Monday is laundry, Tuesday is vacuuming, Wednesday is kitchen thorough-cleaning, Thursday is the car/garage, Friday is laundry again.  Something like that, anyway!
• Do a 15-20 minute "sweep" of your home every day.  We do this in the early evening before Mark gets home from work, and I get the kids involved too.  We usually pump up some Newsboys and make it fun.  
• Teach your kids to take some responsibility for their own stuff.  Help them remember to clean up one activity before taking out another.  Teach them to take care of their own laundry and make their beds.  

4. Self Care - Mom must care for herself in order to be able to care for others!

This is such a big deal in our home!  It's easy to spend every moment of the day cleaning and cooking and maintaining - there's always another thing to do, isn't there?!  But if we don't take good care of ourselves, in the end it will all crumble apart.  We serve our children and husband by taking good care of ourselves.

For me, as a major introvert, I get overwhelmed easily by the constant needs and company of my little brood.  The most vital part of my self care is making sure that I get adequate time alone.  But it has taken me a long time to realize just how important this is and learn how to make it a priority.

Here are some other ideas of ways to take care of yourself.  This post (click here) also has a few ideas on hitting the "reset button" on a rough week.

• Develop a morning ritual.  Mine is tea, my gratitude journal, my Bible, and a book (for personal/spiritual growth, not entertainment).  Yours can be whatever helps you most.
• Exercise.  Make sure you don't care for everyone else while neglecting your own body.  This will eventually catch up with you!
• Eat well.  I know, we all fall into the habit of eating whatever we can scrape together in the middle of everything else we're doing.  But with just a bit of planning, you can feed your body what it needs to thrive instead of simply exist.
• Get out!  Go to a mom's night out or even playgroups where the moms can hang out while the kids play.  Both are valuable. Try to go on a date with your husband on a regular basis.  Have tea with a friend at night after the little ones have gone to sleep.  Get up early and hit up a nearby coffee shop before your family arises. 

I hope this post helps you!  Below are a list of links to resources that have really helped me.  I hope they help you as well!  Please leave a comment with any great tips that have helped you to better manage your home!

~ Judy

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Resource List:

Websites:

http://zenhabits.net

http://organizedhome.com

http://simplemom.net

Books:

Smart Organizing, by Sandra Felton

Organized Simplicity, by Tsh Oxenreider

Binder Helps:

http://simplemom.net/downloads/

http://organizedhome.com/household-notebook

Attachment Parenting... and the Bible, Part 1

Today I am going to start an 8-part series on attachment parenting and the Bible. I haven't directly referenced attachment parenting on this blog before now, partly because I don't want it to be the focus of this blog, and partly because I don't like labeling myself as one "type" of parent.  But, nonetheless, attachment-style parenting is really important to me. It has laid a strong loving and godly foundation for our family.

"Wait, godly?" You might be wondering about that claim. Attachment parenting has a reputation for being humanistic and indulgent, not at all things that the Bible supports. But while AP can be applied that way, it isn't that by nature. In fact, the "founder" of attachment parenting, Dr. William Sears, is a Christian father of 8. His books established AP as a legitimate, fact-based parenting method and offered parents some practical ideas for what that meant.  Since then, much more research and many more books have been written about the subject, and an international organization, Attachment Parenting International, has been formed.

In this series, I am going to go through each of Attachment Parenting International's 8 Principles of Parenting and present some biblical support for each, as well as share some of our story. I hope this is a blessing to you!

Principle #1: Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting

"Become emotionally and physically prepared for pregnancy and birth. Research available options for healthcare providers and birthing environments, and become informed about routine newborn care. Continuously educate yourself about developmental stages of childhood, setting realistic expectations and remaining flexible."

There is so much wisdom in this principle. Scripture has a lot to say about gaining understanding, in fact, most of the book of Proverbs is dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."
                                    - Proverbs 1:5

I believe that an important part of being a good steward is educating yourself about what you are stewarding. Remember the parable of the talents? The man who was praised for making more money with his talent needed to first know how to best invest that talent in order for that to happen. We are entrusted with something far more valuable than money - we are entrusted with life! How much more, then, should we study and learn!

God has given us 9 months to prepare for our new babies, and I would challenge you to make the most of that time. Learn about birth options. Learn about infant development. Learn about breastfeeding. And discuss things with your spouse too - learning together is a great way to strengthen your relationship!

For me, this part has always been pretty easy. I'm already a bookworm, and I love learning about babies! But it has been so beneficial for me, especially in the areas of natural birth and infant development. We decided to have unmedicated home births after reading about the dangers and ramifications of managed, hospital births. Learning all we could gave us peace of mind and faith in the body that God has given me.  And learning about infant and child development has helped us to have realistic expectations of what our children are capable of and how their brains best develop.

When studying these things, especially development, you will probably come across books written from a secular worldview.  One of my favorite books is called "The Science of Parenting", and is written from an evolutionary viewpoint.  From what I've seen, sometimes Christians write off these kind of books as non-relevant because they come from a different worldview.  But while we do have to read with more caution, there is usually a huge depth of information in those books - just without the knowledge of God.  Part of being mature as believers means being able to sift through these materials and gain valuable knowledge while skipping over the stuff that doesn't fit your worldview.


I hope that you found this post to be thought-provoking and interesting!  Stay tuned for Part 2: Feed With Love & Respect!

~ Judy

*For a practical list of things to prepare for and read about when getting ready for a baby, please click here: API Principle #1.

My Baby is One!

Watermelon instead of cake for this baby!

Yesterday, my baby girl turned one year old. It is a bittersweet day for me. I am so ecstatically happy that the Lord gave us Avigail - she is such a gift! Her sweet smile and gentle snuggles melt our hearts. Her love for her siblings brings a smile to my face on a constant basis. But her first year has completely flown by, and I am struggling to come to grips with that.  I am finding myself clinging desperately to her babyhood, wishing I could slow time.

She just realized that we're singing to HER!

As parents to small children, it can be very overwhelming at times.  Their needs are intense, and there are so many of them!  Mark and I have often caught ourselves lamenting our lack of freedom, and looking forward (maybe too much) to the days when our children will be able to take care of themselves a bit more.  It has become difficult to appreciate this stage of life for what it is.  But is the problem really the crazy intensity that is our life?  Or is the problem our attitude about it?

She loves it!

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Over the past few months, as we have settled in here and I have had more time to ponder our home and family life, there are some things about this stage that the Lord has really pressed upon me.

First of all, I need to accept each day for what it is, and consider it a blessing.  Every single day, I start my day by writing a few entries into my gratitude journal. By starting out this way, I have found it easier to return to it when I'm struggling later on.  There is so much power in thankfulness!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" - I Thessalonians 5:18

Second, I need to have realistic expectations for my children.  They are supposed to act like young children - that is what they are!  If the Lord wanted kids to be born mature, He would've created them that way.  But instead, He gives them to us completely dependent - dependent on us to help them walk through the stages of life, to grow and develop.

Third, I need to remember that our children are like plants in a garden - given the right environment, they will grow.  My job is not to try to force growth and maturity on my kids, my job is to foster an environment where growth is encouraged.  That means that I have to be a mature person, and model those character traits that I'd like to see developed in my children.  Of course, those things that they struggle with so much also tend to be the same things that I struggle with, making this step so hard but so necessary!

Lastly, I need to remember that God has given me children to bring me closer to Him.  These daily struggles that I have with how I choose to approach my relationship with my children have the power to deeply change me.  I have blogged about this a bit before (click), but it's such a powerful truth to embrace that I want to mention it again today.  Through our relationships with our children, the Lord can work through sin and struggles in our own lives, bringing us into a closer relationship with Him!

- - -

So, as I embark on my baby's second year of life, it is with a renewed conviction and determination to embrace life as it happens!  I want to soak in every moment of her remaining baby/toddlerhood (ouch, it hurts to see that word "toddler" on the page!), and not just for her, but for each of my children. I want to cherish my children, to enjoy them, to truly love them in a deep way - thankful for the blessings that they are in my life!

With you on the journey,
~ Judy

Getting Through the Dry Times

Internet has a funny way of altering reality, doesn't it?  I enjoy the outlets of social media such as Facebook and blogging, especially now that we've moved and I'm physically away from most of my friends.  It's great being able to stay connected online. But we all have a tendency to present only the best part of ourselves online, don't we?  It's really not reality.  I mean, when is the last time one of your friends posted a photo of their child throwing a tantrum, or of herself crying at the end of a hard day?  This whitewashed view of people's lives around us can cause us to judge our own lives wrongly, and can make us feel inadequate and incapable.  And I am not immune.

This morning, after my quiet time, I sat on the couch trying to figure out what to blog about.  I've been quiet on my blog for a week or so now, and for the past few days I've been thinking about different ideas that I've had for possible posts.  I even posted about my dilemma on Facebook.  And a dear friend gave me some great advice: Just be real.  This morning, as I was pondering my different blog ideas and my friend's advice, I realized that to blog about any other than what I'm about to write would not be real.  So here it goes!

As I was saying, I am not immune to the nuances of internet communication.  I both struggle with judging myself based on other people's cute haircuts, happy kid pictures, and awesome dinners, as well as the temptation to always present myself as put-together, with a happy family.  So today, I want to share about my week - my real week.

Things have been kind of challenging this week, and many evenings I wanted nothing more than to get into Mark's car and drive away for a long time.  We have struggled with a nasty cycle - you know, the one where your children have had a rough week, which makes you feel inadequate and cranky, which makes them feel & behave worse!  Yeah, that's been our week.  For some reason, my 6-year-old, who is normally mature and able to reason very well for her age, has been struggling with a lot of anger and has had several tantrums - one of which was in the grocery store.  Ugh.  My boys have been fighting and hitting/pinching a lot.  And my babe is cutting 4 teeth, and hasn't been sleeping well, leaving both of us extra tired all day long.

And as a result of this, I have been feeling very overwhelmed and inadequate.  I'm having a hard time connecting with them (and therefore not able to give them what they really need to work through these issues).  I've been testy with my dear husband.  It's just been an "Ugh" week that I've been looking forward to seeing the end of.  So, here I am at the end of it.  I'm very thankful for a husband who understands my need for alone time, and has graciously given me an hour this morning to read, pray, think, and hopefully reset.

Now that I've done that, I can honestly say that I feel a lot better, a lot more capable of being the mother that I want and my children need me to be.  I'm giving myself some grace, replenishing my cup with God's word and the encouraging words of a great author, drinking a yummy cup of tea, and taking a deep breath.  My job as a mommy is the highest calling I have.  HaShem has entrusted me with these 4 little lives, and He chose me to be their mother!

Maybe you've had a week like mine, and can relate.  I want to wrap up this post by listing out some things that I can think of to help you in your attempt to reset:

• Give yourself some grace. Remember that ups and downs are normal and even beneficial.  Those down times can teach us a lot too!

• Be thankful.  Keeping a gratitude journal has really helped my maintain a healthy focus and perspective.  I highly recommend it!

• Take some time out.  Go out to coffee by yourself or with a good friend.  Go for a walk/drive.  

• Talk to God.  Be real with Him about how you feel and your thoughts.  He knows them anyway and it can feel really good to voice them!

• Enjoy something beautiful.  Music, art, and poetry have a powerful way of working in us.  You may enjoy creating something as well.

• Find some alone time with each of your children and talk to them.  Apologize.  Apologies are powerful for restoring relationships, and it sets a godly example. Encourage them with things you appreciate about them, and how God wants to see them grow and develop.  

• Go on a date with your husband, and talk things through with him.  Sometimes husbands can be a great source of encouragement and healthy perspective.

• Do something physical.  Sometimes we need to release stress in a physical way, whether that be going for a run, doing some gardening, or lifting weights.

Do you have another way that you reset from a hard week?  Share in the comments!  And now, I'm off to nurse my teething babe!

~ Judy

Being a Servant Mother

Yesterday I wrote a quick note about the challenge that the Lord had placed before me yesterday. I didn't realize it at the time, but the next chapter in "The Mission of Motherhood" is entitled, "The Servant Mother."  This morning, after my prayer and Bible study, I opened up my book to this next chapter and was deeply moved.  I believe that HaShem showed me that little snippet yesterday to prepare my spirit to receive what He wanted to teach me today - so if you haven't read yesterday's post yet, please do that really quick! (Link)

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Today's reading brought tears to my eyes.  As a mom, completely immersed in the routine - and often mundane - tasks of motherhood, I tend to think a lot about the future.  "Someday, my kids will be able to cook/do laundry/clean house for themselves," and "I can't wait until I get to sleep through the night/go out for more than 2 hours alone again" are thoughts I have on a daily basis.  And I will admit, I struggle with resenting all of the time and energy that my children consume with minimal gratitude in return. 

In this all-consuming calling of motherhood, it is vital that we remember why we are doing all of this! 

"When we choose to graciously overlook our children's messes and accidents, we are teaching them to be patient and forgiving with the mistakes of others.  When we react sensitively, thoughtfully, and patiently to them, we are helping to instill these qualities in their lives.  As they benefit from our unconditional love, they learn to extend it to to others as well.  As they watch us extend hospitality, care for others, and pray for them, they learn to make service a part of life.  And as they observe us searching Scripture, spending time with the Lord, and making faith-based decisions, they learn these things as well.  Modeling loving service to our children gives them something to emulate in their own lives."  -Mission of Motherhood, p.66

Just as our Lord, Yeshua served His disciples and followers, we are called to serve the children that He has given to us to disciple!  And this calling is one of infinite importance! But how do we do that?

"What does it mean to practice servant leadership as a mother? I believe it starts out with a choice.  I have to choose to serve Christ by giving my time and energy to my children - not just when I feel like it but when they need me. This means I often must sacrifice my own needs and desires for the purpose of giving my children what they need and modeling for them the depths of Christ's love... Choosing to be a servant-mother means willingly giving up myself, my expectations, and my time to the task of mothering - and choosing to believe that doing so is the best use of my time at that moment.  It means that, by faith, I have already made a decision to make myself available in the routine tasks and myriad interruptions of daily life because I believe it is God's will for me to serve my family through them." -Mission of Motherhood, p.66-67

I love how she says, "...and choosing to believe that doing so is the best use of my time at that moment."  That's what it's really all about, isn't it?  We struggle with resentment because we wish we were doing something else.  Because we don't embrace that serving our children really is the best thing we could possibly do at any given time.  So hard.  So important.  So life-giving.

Today, this will be my meditation.  As I go about my daily tasks and care for my kiddos, I am going to work to remember that serving them IS the best use of my time at any moment.  Serving them is serving my Lord.

~Judy

A Little Challenge for Today

A short but intensely-powerful challenge for you today:

I like to read inspiring and challenging book as part of my quiet time every morning.  Currently I am re-reading "The Mission of Motherhood" in preparation for the MomHeart group I hope to be starting up soon.  I read chapter three today, entitled "The Undivided Heart," and was reminded of something very important.

When we are mothering our children, we are not only serving them, but we are serving Yeshua!  By being gentle to my children, by being compassionate and empathetic to their needs, and by being present with them throughout their daily trials, I am serving my Lord. At the same time, I am setting an example to them of how the Lord wants us to treat each other, and demonstrating His love for us!  What a powerful act of service!

~ Judy

Character - Deepened By Motherhood

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how much the Lord has changed me and developed my character through each of my children. When I think about how many character flaws on my life have been exposed through the constant companionship of my kids, I am humbled and (dare I admit it?) embarrassed.

Before we get married, we all have someone tell us about how our spouse will expose things in us that we didn't know were there, and that if handled well, it will strengthen our character. The same thing is true of our children, and even more so! I know for me at least, my kids are with me pretty much 24/7 except for occasional times of solitude. I sleep next to my youngest, educate my 2 oldest, run errands with then in tow - they are my constant companions!  Anyway, that also means they have the constant ability to grate my nerves, test my patience and resolve, and push my buttons! 

But through them, I have wrestled through many personal issues, and I believe, come out on the other side with deepened character and integrity. And it's still an ongoing act of refining - every day I must choose to allow the Lord to use these interactions with my children to change me and mold me into a better likeness of Him.

My challenge to you today is this: next time your child(ren) is pushing your buttons or grating on your nerves, take a moment to breathe and allow the Lord to grow in you patience, sympathy, gentleness, mercy, self-control, empathy, or whatever it is that you are struggling with. And then, thank Him for the blessing of the opportunity for growth that your children bring you!

Blessings on your journey,
~ Judy

Mom Heart Group - Coming Soon!

One of the biggest things that I believe HaShem is calling me to is to start a Bible study for like-minded moms in my area.  I have been blessed beyond words by the ministry of Clay and Sally Clarkson, and am so very happy to be starting a local Mom Heart group here in the Treasure Valley!  Mom Heart was started by Sally as a way to help mothers "to restore moms’ hearts to God’s heart for motherhood."

My desire is to build a community of support for Christian mothers from around the area who have a passion for Biblical, heartfelt, gentle mothering. We will be non-denominational and open to mothers of children of all ages. Our meetings will include prayer, book & Bible study, and fellowship!

The first book we study will be The Mission of Motherhood, by Sally Clarkson (available in print and Kindle).

"Today's culture minimizes the vital importance of a mother's role. By catching a vision of God's original design and allowing it to shape their lives, mothers can rediscover the joy and fulfilment to be found in the strategic role to which God has called them - for a purpose far greater than they can imagine.

In The Mission of Motherhood, author, speaker, and mother Sally Clarkson closely examines this God-ordained plan for mothers, introduced in the book of Genesis and upheld throughout his Word. Using practical examples, her own personal anecdotes, a challenging vision, and sound scriptural support, Clarkson upholds the traditional, biblical view of God's plan for motherhood - giving mothers exactly the support they need to persevere in cultivating and sharing their hearts for God, for their children, and for their homes." (from book cover)

If you are in the Boise area, and are interested in joining Mom Heart, please click on this link for a few more details and my contact info! (Mom Heart Page)

If you are not in the area, I would covet your prayers that I would be a vessel worthy and able to be a blessing to the women HaShem brings into my life!

~Judy