MMM- Clearing the Clutter in Your Life

Last week I wrote about some of my frustrations....don't get me wrong.  I wouldn't trade my job as a stay at home mommy for all the money in the world.  I LOVE being home with my boys....but like any job, there are going to be times when frustrations rise up, and I have to reevaluate the things we are doing to see if I can key it down just a bit.  With Jacob being sick this week, we've been home more (I love days when I can just be home and not go anywhere), and I've had a bit of time to think and reevaluate and reset some things.  

It's so easy to run the rat race every single day, just scraping through the maze of events, not really "getting it" because of all the clutter taking up our lives.

This week has afforded me some real bonding time with my boys, without the added stressors of having to be somewhere, having to get this, this, and this done for school, and honestly, I don't want it to change.  Jacob and I have played many a rousing game of Battleship and Uno, and he's getting to be quite the champion.  Jaden has had many a game of monster chase the baby games, giggling and laughing the whole way.  So, you ask, how am I going to keep the peace and the tranquility that this week, albeit a hard week for Jacob, has afforded us?  I've really taken a hard look at our schedule, and I took the advice of a friend.  I asked God how He wanted me to work out our homeschool schedule.  How does He want it to be?  Then I moved and shifted some things around...for example, by Friday, we are just dead to school, so I decided to make it a fun day with just an hour of core school and the rest fun stuff like art and music and board games for thinking skills.  Jacob loves board games, so he was thrilled with this idea.

Not only with my kids' schedules, but with my own, I'm keeping my work hours to early, early mornings and naptime....possibly a little bit in the evenings, after they're in bed; it depends on what Dan is doing.  I'm also decluttering my blog.  It doesn't look like it now, I know, but I'm rebuilding my blog on Wordpress right now, making it, hopefully, a place of serenity.  It'll still have all the same subject matter, but I do want to have more homemaking articles and things, and it's going to have a very shabby chic appearance.  

This decluttering in my life has been a necessary thing....it's like when you clean out a closet, and you have a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment afterwards.  Once that closet is cleaned out, you can keep it clutter free because there's a place for everything.  That's like life....once you clear the clutter, you have a place for the important things in your life, for the things that God deems important.  What is stopping you today?  What kind of clutter is hindering you from having the joyous walk that is available to you as a wife and mommy?  Is it spiritual clutter?  Is it physical clutter?  Is it clutter that you've been unwilling to clean out up until now? What are you missing out on because of the clutter that is blocking your path?  Get rid of it!  Rework things, and clean out!  A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away- Ecclesiastes 3:6. 

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace. 

Motivate Me Monday- Ok, Miss Negativity, Be Gone

In Anne of Green Gables, Miss Stacie always had this quote she would say to Anne: Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it. (I have to add one word...."Yet.") It's fresh with no mistakes in it....yet. At least, that's my motto.

Lately, I've had my days where I feel like the most horrible mama in the world. With both homeschooling and working from home, I feel like some days are a blur, they go so fast. I mean, my kids haven't gotten outside for a few days (granted, one's been sick, and it's been cold, cold, cold); my toddler has been watching way more tv than the "experts" think he should watch; and frankly, I've had my moments where the last thing I want to do is sit down and play a round of the infamous Candy Land or the even more infamous Mouse Trap. (Have you ever tried to put Mouse Trap together? Mouse Trap is so not my friend; in fact, when the name is even said, I cringe inside. LOL) I've even had moments, seconds, where I've done the unthinkable....(gasp)....I've yelled, raised my voice, at them....(Hey, I'm just keepin' it real here; I am soooo not perfect).

Does the fact that I have let my toddler watch Sesame Street and Max and Ruby during quite a bit of our homeschool hours lately make me a bad mom? Does the fact that my kids haven't gotten any sunshine for the past week make me a failure? Does the fact that my kids might not have 3-4 organic fruits and veggies on their plate at every meal make me despicable? Does the fact that I occasionally shut myself in the bathroom just to have a second of peace or sneak a bite of chocolate make me a terrible mother? (I just have to say here that the bathroom is not my sanctuary anymore....it's becoming "the place to be," the proverbial gathering place, the feeding trough for my little natives....need I say more?) Does the fact that I totally lost it trying to teach myself and Jacob origami last week make me horrible?

I've been mulling this over the last few days; I really have. You can ask my dear, sweet husband, as he is my ever faithful, listening ear. I may not feel like a good mom some days, but at the end of the day, when I kiss those 2 precious boys and tuck them into bed and hear the words, "Mommy, I love you," I know I've gotta be doing something right. When my oldest asks me if he can help carry the groceries in, maybe my efforts with him on manners/courtesy lately are finally paying off. When my toddler actually listens to me in the store and looks me in the eye and stops his erratic behavior (granted, it took 3 times, but he finally listened), maybe the efforts to stay consistent are working. Maybe I'm being too unrealistic and harsh with myself.

Maybe this has happened with you. Do you go through each day, feeling as if you can't get anything right? No matter how hard you try, you just feel like you are failing? Maybe it's time to stop judging yourself so harshly, especially when it comes to comparing yourself with other mamas. So what if you need to turn Sesame Street on for a little bit? (I have that puppy set to record on my DVR.) So what if your child doesn't get his organic peas and carrots at every meal? If your kids are loved by you, and they know it....if your kids are learning and growing more and more each day....if you are doing your best, then you are doing a good job, Mama. Don't overthink this motherhood task. Relax, and enjoy the ride (and we all know it's going to be a long, rollercoaster ride). See yourself through your Heavenly Father's eyes, Who loves you more than you'll ever know. Even when we fall, He is right there to pick us up and dust us off, and kick our rears in motion again. I promise you that when you start seeing yourself in His light....being a faithful, Godly, and consistent mama is only going to get better and better because the judgment is gone. You can finally focus on what's important, your children, not yourself.

So, remember, Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it....yet. Give yourself that margin of error; it's ok.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Setback or Advantage

I posted a status on Facebook last week that basically said that sometimes in homeschooling, we have to take a step back and reevaluate, because who cares about a schedule, if learning isn't taking place.  There's a story behind that status, as there usually is.:)

In our homeschooling adventure, I've caught myself more times than not, wanting to follow a rigorous schedule, not listening to my gut that tells me we need to slow down.  We started a bit late in our history curriculum, so I had it all planned out that we would do so much a week and get "caught up."  Not that we're really behind, because with this particular course, it really doesn't matter when you start, which is nice.  To me, though, it mattered.  Yesterday, though, God really softened my heart and gave me another homeschooling epiphane, and I actually listened this time....I'm so glad I did.  Jacob's struggled in history just a bit lately; he did so good last year, when we took our time, and he just enjoyed every bit of it.  We've been rushing through, though, for about the last 2 months.  He had a sort of breakdown yesterday, after he couldn't remember many things from the last chapter that we had covered.  

It came to me then that, "Melissa, you have got to slow this train down....this boy isn't learning the material; he needs more time, more projects to help him learn, more library books to go along with the course, etc.  It's time to take a step back."  I looked at Jacob, as he sat there crying in frustration, and I told him, "Jacob, it's ok; it's not your fault.  Are we going too fast through the material for you?"  That sparked a small conversation, and the light came back into Jacob's eyes at that moment; the tears stopped flowing; and a bit of mother-son bonding took place, as he realized that it was going to be ok, that I wanted to know his thoughts.  I can't explain the joy that brought to my heart and the peace.  

I tell you my little story because I think sometimes with our kids, we rush around, trying to get this done and that done, especially in homeschooling.  All the while, they're standing there, as if they're in a crowded train station, watching the people and the trains go rushing by.  They're not really learning, and they're not really getting that quality time that they so badly need.  In this case, it's definitely quality and not quantity that matters.  It's taking time, as a parent, to realize that much learning may not take place, unless we let go of our own desires and give those desires over to God, letting Him take control of the situation, letting Him control how much we get done that day.  Even if our children learn one more tidbit of history or math or science than before....if they learned something of value in that time spent, it was well worth it.  

So, my desire today is to encourage you to not worry so much about the little things....concern yourself more with the bigger picture.  Is learning taking place?  Is bonding with your child taking place?  Does your child still have that spark and fuel to keep learning?  If not, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate....

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace. 

Motivate Me Monday- A Dose of Inspiration for Moms

I posted this over on MamaBuzz, and I just felt it was appropriate for this too....hope you enjoy.:)

Today, I just wanted to fill up your cup with verses to help sustain you through this journey we call motherhood....I hope you feel encouraged and inspired to keep trudging on and staying true to the work and the privilege God has set before you as a mother. Don't forget to laugh with your children this week, and maybe even dance.:) (All verses are NKJV.)

He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!- Psalm 113:9.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children- 1 Thessalonians 2:7.

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates- Proverbs 31:10-31.

"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there- 1 Samuel 1:27-28.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward- Psalm 127:3.

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world- John 16:21.

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds- Proverbs 27:23.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering- Colossians 3:12.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God- 1 Corinthians 10:31.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- When It's Hard to Love

A friend and I had talked about this over the phone a few weeks ago, about loving people and how hard it can be sometimes, so in honor of that friend and some recent experiences I've had, I hope this makes you giggle.:)

This is for all the people in Walmart or Price Cutter who jump out into the middle of the aisle as I'm walking down through, trying desperately to get my shopping done with a toddler who's shouting, "Home!  Home!" and a 7 year old who can't leave the toddler alone.  This is for all the people in Walmart who find it fun to stand right in front of me or right in the middle of the aisle, never moving, never saying, "Excuse me," as they walk slowly in front of me, while I'm trying to decide which type of crackers are healthier.  This is for all the people in Walmart who decided to meet up with friends and have a party while some of us were trying to get our shopping done, all the while having to maneuver around you all while you visited together, smack dab in the middle of what seemed like several aisles; were you following me?  This is for all the people who think because they are on a motorized cart, they have the complete right of way no matter what (no, this is not a slam, just an annoyance to me for the simple fact that they seem to sometimes be very pushy).

  

I'm trying very hard to love you all....I am; I know that loving my neighbors is the greatest commandment, so I am desperately trying to love you, even though sometimes you make it so hard.

This is for all those pushy, road-raging drivers out there on the road these days.  This is for the semi-truck last night, who even though I was going over the speed limit, thought it would be fun to come up behind me (in the sleety weather, I might add) and flash his brights at me, indicating that I needed to go faster or move over.  (Sorry about shining my brights at you over and over as you went around me; I was having a hard time loving you at the moment; I wasn't feeling very Christian-like at that moment in time.)  This is for all the people who talk on their cell phones instead of actually paying attention to what is going on in the road.  This is for the person, who literally, the other day held down his horn for probably 5 minutes as he followed another car (had to be road rage).  This is for all of the people who think that coming onto the highway via an entry ramp means they should enter at 20mph, slowly wedging in to 70mph traffic.  This is for you, Mister (you know who you are), who looked right at me as you slid right into the parking spot I was taking at the grocery store, just slid in right in front of me....

I'm trying very hard to love you too....I am; Jesus wanted me to love my neighbors, and you are my neighbors.  

Loving others can be so hard, can't it?  I think that sometimes we think love has to be a feeling, but actually, love is a choice.  We can choose to curse our fellow shoppers and drivers (which is what we feel like doing), or we can choose to love them (which is the farthest thing from our minds probably).  The choice is ours....and I know it's tough.  I think I've failed at this more often than not, but I think one thing that can help us to make the right choice is to have a mind set towards eternity.  Is it really going to matter that he jumped in front of me in 10 years?  Is it really going to matter that someone at the store was rude to us?  Yeah, it bothers us, but where is that person headed for eternity?  And what matters most, in light of eternity?  Should I be getting angry over this small stuff, or should I let it go and focus on the big picture?  Oh, and even more, what effect do my reactions have on my children?  Ouch!  Just some thoughts to ponder....:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Taboo....No More

Last week I wrote a post called Don't Hide Your Light.  After the week we've had and things that have gone on, there's just more to say on the subject of getting outside our Christian circles; the subject I'm going to write about is pretty much a taboo subject in Christian circles today, but we have got to break free of this taboo mindset and get busy in the work that God has for us.  We have got to break down the taboo if we want to "raze hell."  In the past, I've attended churches where we pretty much stayed in our Christian circles, and when we strayed out of that circle, even for ministry purposes, it was as if we were doing something sinful or wrong.  I don't know how else to put it but just to be majorly blunt throughout this post.  The things I'm going to say have needed to be said for a long time, so if it offends, I'm truly sorry; I don't mean to offend anyone, but I know this is what God has laid on my heart for this post.  Much of this post is from rough experiences that both Dan and I have had together, experiences that threw us for a loop, possibly hardening us somewhat at first, but ultimately bringing us out of bondage into the light.  I praise God for that light....truly.

Just to emphasize here that I am speaking out because of my faith; I am a Christian....a growing Christian who is just seeking to follow God's Word and do whatever it is that He has called me to do.  That being said, here is the situation: This week we learned of a "Christian" ban that is taking place in our old hometown.  I won't go into details, but a certain institution (won't name any names) is being banned because of an openly gay employee.  Now, please let me clear something up before I continue.  I do not believe that being gay is Biblical, and I, in no way, condone or agree with the actions of the gay movement....BUT I do not treat them any differently than I do my mom or my dad or my friends.  I treat them with as much respect as I would anyone, and I look at them as a person with a soul and a heart and someone who God loves very, very much.  After all, God created that person just as He created me; He formed them in the womb and knew them before they were ever born.  He also gave free will.  Jesus died for everyone, not just you and not just me; EVERYONE!  Hatred and bigotry such as this ban do nothing but leave all Christians looking like utter snobs and hypocrites; in fact, I believe that bigotry such as this fuels movements, such as the gay rights movement.  Hatred and bigotry are not the solution....

I don't agree with this ban at all, and I'm going to tell you why.  It all comes back to getting outside of our Christian circles and doing what God has commanded us to do in His Word.  Situations like this make me ashamed to associate myself with the same "Christian" name as these who have banned this institution.  It hurts my heart to think that this person, who may not know Jesus, is being treated in such a way as to potentially turn him away from Christianity at all.  Do these "Christians" not realize that people are dying without a Saviour every single day?  Do they not see that associating only within their comfort zones of approval is going against every fiber of what Jesus taught and lived?  In order to reach this world, we are going to have to get up and go.  We are going to have to get out of our comfort zones and see people, all people, through the eyes of a Saviour Who gave up everything to come to earth for us.  It may mean we lose friends, but to die to self is gain....

Is one sin greater than another? For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all- James 2:10 (NKJV). Did Jesus ban the adulterous woman?  No, this is what He had to say to those judging her: He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first- John 8:7.  Later to the woman, He said, Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more- John 8:11. These verses have gripped my conscience and my heart many times: Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye- Matthew 7:1-5.

I will never agree with bans like these.  They are shameful to the Christian faith, and I can't name one point in Jesus' life where He banned any person from coming to Him.  Even when He was about to be taken away to die, He had no hatred or anger towards the one who had betrayed Him.  He is willing that none should perish, but that all should come to Him.  He is faithful and just to forgive those who turn from their sin and follow His ways, cleansing them from all unrighteousness.  These words are more than words; they are actions that we need to instill into our very core; we need to go out into the world, and we need to show Christ's love to ALL people, not just the person who never offended us.  Do I hold a grudge against those who have formed this ban?  No, I don't....but I do feel sorry for them, only because I know the state that their minds are in....I know what it's like to be trapped in that feeling of continual bondage.  I still struggle with it myself at times.  Since I left home, and especially since I married Dan and we went through some situations together, I have had to almost rewrap my mind and heart around Who God is.  I have a hard time seeing Him as my loving Heavenly Father vs. what consumed my mind before, images of an angry God, a Judge waiting to punish me.  I still struggle with that mindset.  

I must say, though, that I am ashamed to be lumped in with the same name as these banning "Christians."  It's not about me, though; it's about this person who needs to know that God loves him.  It's about reaching out when it might be uncomfortable for us to do so.  It's about going where God tells us to go, no matter what discomfort or pressure we may feel from those who won't go with us....it's about dying to self, and living to God.   

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Don't Hide Your Light

Do you remember the childhood song, "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy?"  Remember the verse, "Hide it under a bushel, NO!  I'm gonna let it shine!"?  I was reminded of this while reading to Jacob this week.  We're reading Bartholomew's Passage (Yes, I know it's an Advent book, but we started it before Christmas and can't put it down until we're done....).  Anyway, we read a section this week about the Essenes:

The Essenes thought that if they followed all their rules carefully, hid from the rest of the world, and spent their days in prayer and study, they would sit at the banquet table of Jehovah someday....

Yes, as Nathan has decided for himself, it is a very good thing to spend much time praying, and seeking God, and studying His Word.  But Jesus told us to be a part of this world without allowing its temptations to lead us into selfishness.  And why would he say that?  Why not just separate ourselves and live godly lives apart from the rest of our community?  

So that we can tell everyone else that God loves them, too!

That just brought to mind so many things....things that I've heard and seen in so many Christian circles.  Why is it that Jesus could go eat with the tax collectors and visit with unbelievers, but we feel we have to shelter ourselves away from anything or anyone who could "taint" our religion?  Seriously....this just gets me upset when I think about it.  I've witnessed so many Christians in their tight knit circles, who are not willing to budge on any of their traditions, not willing to give the time of day to someone who might be slightly different from them, not willing to let anyone else in because they don't want to have an ungodly influence within their midst.  But how is that Christian?  It's more hurtful than anything.  I've often been puzzled by this.  How can we reach them if we don't go out of our circles, out into the thick of it all, out into the world?  How can we truly be like Jesus if we can't do this?  Worst of all, how will our children perceive Jesus and Christianity, if we don't teach them through example?  If we shelter them and stifle them away from everything that is seemingly ungodly, how is this world ever going to be reached for Christ?  I'm not saying we need to needlessly expose our children to harmful things, but I'm saying we shouldn't be afraid to reach out to our unbelieving neighbors and people we come in contact with, even people we might have to go out of our way to be a light to.   

I recently heard a story about a woman who goes around to stripclubs, witnessing to the women who work there.  Now I'm not saying that everyone should run to their nearest stripjoint, but she has a real ministry working with these women, and she has helped to bring many of them out of this lifestyle into true freedom.  What a light she has in a very dark world....honestly, I had to search my heart to ask myself, "Could I be that strong of a light?  Am I willing to go anywhere He asks me to go?" 

I guess what I'm trying to say is to let God use you.  Let him speak to your heart.  Don't be so shut off by your traditions and maybe even the circles you associate with.  Get out there, and be a light to those who desperately need to see that light.  Don't stifle the light that God has given you by refusing to go out into the world.  Don't push people away by the way you view them.  Walk confidently out into that big, ugly, sometimes scary world, and get ready to put up a fight with the dark side.  Be a light to those who desperately need Him.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- A Helpless, Waiting Mama

Do you ever feel helpless, truly helpless; as if there's something that you surely ought to be able to do in a situation, but you just can't find a darn thing to do?  That's how I've been feeling with this whole situation in Haiti.  My heart bleeds for these people, and if I had a way, I'd be on the next plane there....but really, is that feasible for me, and is it what God would have me do right now?  Just jump on a plane, leaving my family behind to fend for themselves for who knows how long?  Don't get me wrong, I would give my eye teeth right now to go, and I just can't help feeling that there's something He wants me to do....

It might be what God wants, and if He were to call me to it and provide a way, I would be there....but sometimes our heart's desires can get ahead of God's desires for us.  I'm saying all of this to myself right now, as my heart has been breaking, trying to figure out ways I can help.  I don't have a passport, so it's not like I can just get on a plane anyway.  But I just feel like God wants more from me in life.  This whole earthquake disaster has really brought Haiti a lot closer to my heart, and I just want to share my heart with you.  

I don't know if you remember or not, but a couple weeks ago, I shared on here about the dreams I have every so often, more like nightmares really.  I told about a specific dream I'd had that seemed like it was some sort of genocide or something in a third world country; I wasn't sure if it was Africa or Central America....and you may think I'm crazy, but the sights I saw and the horrors I witnessed in that dream were similar to the earthquake coverage I've been seeing on tv, late at night when I'm watching CNN or other news because I can't get it out of my mind enough to go to sleep.....I'm seriously not crazy, but I do believe that God was trying to get me to start praying, and I have to say that for that first few days after my dream, I prayed, but I failed to continue praying.  I share all of this because God's really been speaking to my heart....I don't know what He wants right now; I don't even know what I can do to help.  I truly feel totally helpless, but I'm asking God to use me however He can.....whether it's through prayer and intercession, whether it's through fundraising, or whether He's dealing with me and Dan, possibly calling us to service, I don't know.  

Dan and I talked the other night, and we have so many dreams of becoming completely debt-free, which is so very feasible in the near future....dreams of taking off when disaster strikes in different parts of the world, putting our gifts and talents to work to help in any situation that we can....dreams of adopting or even starting an orphanage or teen exchange program for poor nations.....we've talked over so many different ideas.  I think God's working on our hearts, and I think He has great things in store, but in the meantime, what do we do?

I think we have to do whatever we can.  So, as my heart breaks, and I want to just GO, I have to let my heart rest in His plan for me....after all, His plan may involve prayer, it may involve fundraising, it may involve loving and enjoying my children (never taking a moment with them for granted, as I tearfully watch babies suffering in Haiti), it may involve just being ready to go when it's His time....hoping this can encourage some of you waiting Mamas out there today.:)  One more note: Dream big, Mamas!  Don't ever let doubt keep you from doing what you know God wants you to do.  Even if the task at hand seems daunting, dream big....God has planted that dream/desire for a reason, and what He has called you to do, He will provide the way for.  After all, how have other organizations started?  I have a hunch they started with a dream in someone's heart....think about it, but don't discount it.

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises- Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV).

God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer- Mother Teresa.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

 

Motivate Me Monday: Three Simple Words

Three simple words: "How are you?"  Yet three profound words that can make a difference in someone else's day.  I've been asked this by someone recently who truly meant the words....and it showed care and concern.  Have you ever been asked that by someone, though, who didn't really care to hear the answer and just kept on walking before you could even blurt out, "Good"?  It doesn't always mean the same thing, does it?  These three words can either make a positive impact in someone's day or a negative impact.  What am I getting at?

I challenge you to look around you this week, whether it be in your own home with your husband, asking him how his day was....or whether you ask your friend from church....or whether you ask the grocery clerk in Walmart.  Just say those 3 words, and really mean them; not only that, but stick around to hear the answer.:)  "How are you?"  You never know; you may start a life-changing conversation.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- I Dare You

This weekend, I've seen so many statuses of parents anxious for their children to go back to school, so they can have a break....I'm not here to judge, believe me (every parent needs quiet time once in a while)....but this week, I dare you to....

I dare you to go out and make snow angels with your kids, if you have snow.  Who cares what the neighbors think?  Your children will remember this for years to come.  Get that sled out, and take them on the ride of their lives, whooping and hollering the whole way (ok, not too loud, because you might just embarrass them; maybe it's payback time for all the Walmart tantrums, though.) LOL

If it's warm where you live and rainy, put on the rainboots and go out and puddle splash with your kids....

I dare you to get down on the floor with your toddler and play cars with him, or take the time to read a story to her.

I dare you to talk to your kids about their dreams this week; even if their dreams constitute being a jedi in outer space or a princess in a huge castle, just listen....play dress-up with them, and make their dreams partly come true.

I dare you to create something with your kids; whether it be a cotton ball snowman or a playdough bowl of spaghetti, create away!

I dare you to take your teens out to lunch, to wherever they want to go; then maybe pick up some munchies, and have a movie night with them.

I dare you to be a kid again!  Remember, it's the simple things that really make our kids' days.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

The Invisible Woman

Wow, this just says it all....let it encourage you today.

Motivate Me Monday- Be a Friend

Some friends come and go, but then there are friends who are there with you through thick and thin.  These particular friends might live close to you, or they may live far away.  Whatever the case, knowing who your true friends are is nothing short of a blessing.  

These true friends may be as close as sisters to you.  They may be the ones, who when you were sick back in college, held your hair back while you puked.  They may be the ones whom you shared your most secret thoughts with.  They may know all your flaws, but they still love you anyway.  Friends may be the ones you lean on when the hard times come.....

But have you ever stopped to think, "What kind of friend am I?  Would I hold her hair back while she puked?  Do I pray for her daily?  Do I truly take the time to just sit back and listen without speaking?  Do I refrain from voicing my concerns/worries/opinions, just to open my ears and heart to her needs?"  I've been asking myself this a lot lately....

Lately, I've been angry at God, and I can't explain fully right now, but He just keeps working on me, even when I fail over and over.  Believe me, sometimes I feel like a genuine fraud on here.  I strive so hard to let everything I say and do be "real."  But I realized something this weekend.  I may not have a lot of friends, but the friends that I do have are true, and they are ones that God has sent into my life.  It's like I can feel a fresh breeze from Him when talking with them or writing back and forth.  It's as if He is right there, speaking to me through them.  This probably doesn't make any sense at all, but it does to me.  I'm learning what it means to not just have friends, but to be a friend.  Are you a true friend?

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Merry Christmas

Wow, Christmas is this week; I just can't believe it's already here.  Honestly, I feel like Christmas goes throughout the whole month of December.  I guess it's just the spirit of the holiday.

The last couple weeks have been rather stressful around the Lockcuff house.  I've really been struggling with a lot of things, personally, and although I won't go into detail here, I will say this.  If your family is having a hard time this holiday season, whether financially, physically, or however, don't give up on the magic of this holiday.  Don't lose out on the memories that can still be made together.  Even though you may feel like there's no hope in sight, or maybe you've lost touch with the One Who is the reason for this holiday, don't give up.  Believe me, I've been ready to just throw my hands up in the air and totally give up in the last couple of weeks; I've even had a few meltdowns.  If you've seen a crazy woman crying hysterically in her car, that was probably me.  Dan and I have both been really discouraged.  But from me to you, one mama to another, don't give up.  Make the most of what you have, and make memories....after all, it's the memories that will last, not all the hooplah and giftwrap.  Hug your kids, and cover them in kisses. 

Merry Christmas!

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Happy Mom

This is going to be a quickie today....I have friends who have struggled with infertility, and this is a verse I found this week that I shared with another friend and thought I'd share it with all of you.  I love this verse; it's a promise from God....

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  Praise the LORD- Psalm 113: 9 (NIV).

I hope this encourages someone today and motivates all mothers, no matter if you struggle with infertility or not, to hang in there.  We all go through rough patches (as I've been going through a bit of one myself lately, not with infertility....other things), but God can give us happiness.  This Psalm is just centered all around praise and how big and strong and good He is; I think sometimes we have to praise Him, and through praising Him, we'll see the blessings in any situation....just something He's trying to teach me....Love you all.:)

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- The Faces I See

This is a really personal post, and it's not easy for me to write this....I don't want anyone to think I'm weird or "out there."  I'm truly not, I promise....but if this can help another woman who is having the same issues, then I hope it can be a blessing.  For about 8 years now, ever since I was pregnant with our first child, I've had dreams....not just your average dreams, though.  I believe I had these as a child too because I can remember waking up sobbing, but the ones in the last 8 years have been the most vivid and have really stuck with me.  These dreams will only come every so often, usually when something big is about to happen, and I don't know it yet, or when something big has already happened.  At first, I counted them as nightmares, and I still think of them as that, because usually, they involve deep emotions, horrific/awful sights, possibly friends/family at times, and the haunting faces of those I don't even know.  Often I'll wake up crying or sobbing from the dreams, and I can't get them out of my head for days, even weeks. 

Last week, I had another one.  It's been a while since I've actually experienced one of them, but this one topped them all.  It involved two children, one whose face I can still see.  I thought, in my dream, that I was in Africa, but I'm not so sure now....the children looked like they could have been from El Salvador or even the Philippines, somewhere like that.  There was a genocide going on, though, and I won't even begin to describe the utterly horrid things I saw in the dream; they just make me sick to think about.  The children were what grabbed at my heart, though.  They had noone; they were so alone in their little world, just trying to survive in such an awful situation.  Their parents, I guess, had been killed.  I was determined to bring them home with me and take care of them; their faces haunted me, the utter look of hopelessness.  The two caseworkers I was with, though, sat me down and told me absolutely not; one was even laughing that I would consider such a preposterous thing; they had survived this long, let them survive here.  As I was arguing with them most vehemently, getting more and more angry, I woke up.  It was one of those times that I didn't wake up crying, but I tried to go back to sleep, just so I could finish out the dream and get my way in bringing those children back with me.  For all of that day and the next, I could not get those faces out of my head. 

I ended up talking to a very good friend about it, and she had learned something long ago, that honestly, I had never thought about before.....she actually told me this a few months ago, but she refreshed it in my heart and mind again.  She told me that she really believes God is calling me to intercessory prayer for those children.  Those children may represent someone out there in the world right now who is going through a similar situation.  I need to use that emotion that I feel, and I just need to pray it out to God.....surrender the whole dream and whatever it means over to Him and seriously get on my knees for the people/situations that I dream about. 

At first, my dreams really scared me, and they still do.  I know other members of my family do the same thing that I do....I honestly didn't know what to think when I'd dream about someone or something, and then something big with that person or situation would happen; I've actually had to pick my mouth up off the floor.....but I do believe my friend is right.  God knows all; He knows what happened yesterday, what will happen today, and what will happen tomorrow.  If He is calling me to prayer, then I don't want to fail Him, and I don't want to fail the ones He has called me to pray for.  Maybe you have the same kinds of dreams, or maybe you have faces that still haunt you....say a prayer today.  In fact, say many prayers. We must move from asking God to take care of the things that are breaking our hearts, to praying about the things that are breaking His heart. ~Margaret Gibb 

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Contentment

This weekend, we've been having a Road to Avonlea marathon, since Jaden has been quite sick, and he's just needed time to get over this horrible cough/ear infection.  As I watched one episode this afternoon, Aunt Janet was telling Mrs. Blaine how much she just loved baking, how she'd get up in the morning and stick the rising loaves in the warmer, fix a cup of coffee, and look out the window and over the meadow to see the sun rise.  It struck me how content she seemed (even though she was just acting, because, of course, this was just a movie). In her role as a homemaker, though, Aunt Janet was content, truly content.  It made me almost wish for simpler times....

I can honestly say that right now, I am more content than I have ever been.  Sure, I still feel that restless spirit, driving me on to do more, in the way of ministry/adoption/etc., and I still feel that desire to have a place of our own, possibly even a small place in the country, so our kids can have a few animals; BUT in my role as a wife and as a mommy and as a writer, I am content.  Sure, we have our iffy days, but I wouldn't trade my job for anything.  I think right now, my struggle is finding that balance.  How do I find balance between my jobs with homeschooling and stuff around the house and church/outside activities, along with my writing work?  I've tried so many different tactics, and it all boils down to just really letting go and letting God head up my day.  If things get done, great!  If they don't get done, well, then I did my best.  That's all I can humanly do.  

Then comes the guilt, though.  If I can't be everything and do everything that needs to be done, whether it's for my business or for my kids....in comes that guilt, threatening to stifle my joy.  If I end up having to push back that deadline, or if I end up not being able to take my kids to the park....that guilt steals in.  Maybe I might put a movie on for the kids because I have to meet a deadline, or maybe I can't volunteer with a specific ministry at church.  The guilt comes with it.  All that guilt really does, though, is rob me of my joy and take my focus off what's important.  There's no way I'll ever be perfect.  There's no way I can ever live up to all of the expectations that others place on me or the ones that I place on myself.  God can give me that contented spirit, though.  If I just let Him have it all, have control of it all, He can balance everything out in His way, His time.  So, maybe instead of wishing for simpler times when things were easier or instead of down deep wishing that I could be perfect in being everything for everyone.....maybe I just need to switch my focus off finding the balance to finding the awareness.  Meaning, I need to be aware that not everything is going to get done, and that's ok.  I might have to say "no" to some things, but it's going to be ok.  Meaning that I need to switch my focus off of myself (where the guilt truly originated from) and onto the task at hand.  

So, this week, instead of seeking for balance in your life, seek for contentment that only He can give.  Once we learn to let go and let Him steer the course of our days, the balance will come.  With contentment will come balance....

For more Motivate Me Monday, link up with Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.   

Motivate Me Monday- What Is Your Passion?

As I was working at Step Into Africa last week a couple of days, I had the opportunity to talk to quite a few people, including the ones I was working with.  The first night that I worked, we got to talking about how it's so sad that more people won't open up and listen and really see and hear what is going on in the world....as if ignorance truly is their bliss.  Through that, we got to talking about passion, and my co-volunteer was mentioning how different people have different passions about certain places of ministry/opportunities/places to serve.  Through that, my brain automatically started thinking of post material.  LOL  I'm such a blogger.....good grief.  Anyway.....my question to you today is, "What is your passion?  What moves you?  What truly makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up?  What is it that moves you to action?  What is it that truly makes you wonder and question and draws you in like a magnet?"  

Discovering our passion is something that, a lot of times, we can push to the back of our minds, sort of procrastinate on.  We think that we just don't have time for it; there are too many other things going on around us.  Whether we have children at home all day and are focusing on them, or whether we're trying to hold down a job and serve the people we come in contact with each and every day....discovering our passion can take a place on the back burner.  As Helen said the other night, though, if we all acted on our passions, just think of what a different world we would have....just think of how much different this world would be, possibly a better world because of it.  If we stopped arguing useless and senseless arguments and focused and acted on our passions....oh, I just can't imagine what kind of work would be done and how God could use us.

Some people feel passionately about serving here in the United States....some people feel strongly about ministries overseas....some feel strongly about both.  Some people feel moved by children starving or struggling and suffering through life; some are moved at the thought of human trafficking.  Some people are moved by the homeless lady pushing her cart down the street.  Some people are moved by the act of abortion.  Some people are moved by the lady at the grocery store who has to put that gallon of milk back because she can't afford to buy it this week.  Some people are moved by music and the well of joy and blessings it brings forth in their life, as well as the lives of countless others.  Some people are passionate about teaching their children.

What is your passion today?  What is your moving force....something that drives you?  What is that one thing that, when you think about it, you say to yourself, "Man, I wish I could do something about that....I want to do something about that.....please use me, God, to make a difference in that area."  What is it that you love to do that could be turned into an opportunity for service?  God doesn't want us to lead a passionless life.  In fact, I really believe He wants our lives to be full of passion and fervor for Him.  He gives us all unique and different gifts to be used for His glory and His glory alone.  He has created us with those unique gifts, so that our passion may drive those gifts to be used to make a difference in the life He has chosen for us.  I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12 sometime this week.  Break it up into manageable chunks, just so that you drink in every word.  Think about what God has placed on your heart lately.  Don't think about what your neighbor's gifts are; think about how God can use you....about what passion and desires and gifts He has given you.  Discover your passion....again, in the paraphrased words of Helen, "If we all acted on our individual passions, think of what a world of difference that would make in the world today."  

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- Organized Chaos

Today I decided to step out and be brave....I'm serious here. Today I'm going to show you a picture of my desk....shield yourself, or something might jump up out of the mess and grab you....believe me, you should be afraid....be very afraid!:)  You know it's bad when you can't even type on your keyboard because you can't rest your elbows down, for the piles of stuff, or you can't even find your keyboard.:)

No, seriously, my desk is a huge mess right now. My husband says that I have "organized chaos." He says that if I need something, I know right where to go for it. I beg to differ after searching for a particular library book for what seemed like forever the other day. Come to find out, it was actually in Jacob's room, fallen down behind his bed. Now, I know what you're thinking....if my desk is this messy, then the rest of my house must be a disaster. Nope! It's not, I promise. Oh, it can get disastrous, living with three guys, but we do a pretty good job of clean-up. It's just that I get to working on so many projects at one time (at my desk); between homeschooling, writing, blogging, reviews, etc., my desk is a huge, heaping mess!

So, my motivation for you today is to take a look at your desk. Are all those piles really necessary? Do you really need all that stuff right there at your fingertips, or can you find a way to organize it and clean it up? Believe me, if I can clean up this mess (albeit, not perfectly, but better), then you can too, busy Mama!

Which brings me to my second point....sometimes our lives can get to be just as jumbled up inside as our desks. Our hearts can begin to be overcrowded with "stuff." Is "stuff" taking over your heart, threatening your relationship with your Father, threatening your relationship with your husband, or threatening your relationship with your children? What "stuff" is taking over, leading you down a road of exhaustion? Maybe it's time to give that "stuff" over to God, and let Him lead you.  Maybe it's time to say the word, "No." (Gasp!) Easier said than done, I know....but maybe it's just time for you to surrender it all in prayer.  Instead of eating cake when I'm stressed (I had an epiphane today; don't fault me!), I need to get on my knees, and maybe you do too.  After all, our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows- Luke 12:6-7 (NKJV).  With everything I am trying to do right now (being here for my husband/children, homeschooling, blogging/working with MamaBuzz/blogging with the Crew, church activities, writing the first chapter of my first book so my instructor can sift through it, truly trying not to extend the deadline on it this time,  etc.), I tend to get overwhelmed as soon as I get up in the mornings and look at my schedule/to do list for that day.  The thing I have to remember, though, is that the work is always going to be here....I just need to give my day over to God, let Him clear all that "stuff" away.  I think I'm writing this post more to myself than to anyone else....He knows my failures, and He knows all the "stuff" that is in my life.  

So, let's clear out that "stuff" that is squishing our joy levels down.  Let's start this day fresh, anew.  Let's give all that "stuff and clutter" over to God, and watch Him work.  Ok, maybe now it's time to clean off my desk, so I can think straight; plus, I need to find my camera.:)LOL  Have a wonderful Monday!

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah over at The Fifth Street Palace.

Motivate Me Monday- The Focus of Our Frustrations

With wife and motherhood come great joy.....joy like I've never had before, joy like no other.  Wife and motherhood also bring frustration at times, though.....frustration like no other.:)  When you wake up and the kids are already off the wall at 4:30 in the morning.....or when you oversleep and don't get that extra time in the morning and it throws you behind all day.....or when you step on those oh so sharp little cars and legos (Ouch!)....etc., etc.  Where is the frustration truly from, though?

I heard another mom recently saying how sometimes when she's already frustrated with circumstances, that frustration can easily lead to frustration with her husband or children....and then that frustration is taken out on her husband and children.  I could so relate.  So many times, I will have something else on my mind, something that is completely unrelated to what they are doing, but that frustration will lead to me snapping at them for something that really isn't that big of a deal.  If I would just take the frustration I am dealing with and realize where the root of it lies, then I could deal with the actual problem and not create more problems by hindering my relationships with my family.  I hope this makes sense. 

I think realizing where the focus of your frustration should really lie truly takes diligence and thoughfulness on your part, as well as soaking your day in prayer.  Since I've realized this lately, I've really tried to think before I snap...."what am I really frustrated about?"  I have to ask myself that.  Yes, sometimes I still snap at them, but if I really think about it, I realize that they are sometimes not the focus of my frustration.  (Now, we all know that we can be frustrated with them, so I say sometimes.:))  When I think about what I'm really arguing about with my husband, sometimes I realize that I'm arguing for no clear reason; it's just because I'm frustrated about something else.  The other problem that has led you to be frustrated might be stress due to work, money, health problems, etc.  We all have these problems, but we all deal with them in different ways. 

I think one other aspect of this that the Lord has been dealing with me on lately, that I'd like to blog more about later on, is disciplining my kids.  When I discipline them, am I disciplining them for the right reasons?  Am I doing it out of love, or am I doing it out of anger & frustration?  If discipline is not out of love, then it will do nothing but tear down relationships and trust; discipline, not done out of love, could crush their spirit....not only that, but your children can read through you.....children just have a way of seeing through us, don't they?  They know what is truly going on; I really believe that.  Sometimes discipline just takes consistency; it's not necessarily the quantity of discipline (for example, how many things you take away or ground them from), but it's the consistency and the motives that lie behind it.....

I think all of these things are related.  One verse that has stuck out in my mind lately, and I know I truly need to listen to it, especially on those days when I'm struggling with frustration, is this verse: And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord- Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV).  I hope that this encourages all of you mothers out there today.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.