Years ago I was present in a Sunday morning service where the Pastor was preaching on finding the Lord's ministry for your life. It was very moving and as I stood there I asked the Lord as to what that was for me. I heard Him, in my spirit, say: "Look down".
Now my small children were all around me and that was not what I wanted to hear. I spoke; "No Lord, I know that, but I'm talking about my MINISTRY." "Look down". This took place 3-4 times ( it is obvious that I am a slow learner) but.... MY CHILDREN??? Now that just did not sound glamorous at all!! "Lord! I do that day in and day out.....I'm talking about my MINISTRY!!"
Well, all these years later, one thing I have learned is......Your children ARE your ministry. That 18 (plus or minus) year commitment needs to be done as whole heartedly as any ministry that you feel may be calling your name.
Be careful not to add too much more to your plate during these years.
Truly there will be a day when you will be looking back and you will not regret the time and effort that you spent pouring into your children...You will also be sure to see plenty of instances that you could have done better or differently. But once it's done It's done. This can be good ....This can be bad...
So today dear one... ponder this ministry that the Lord has you involved in. NO ONE can do your job. You hold the keys to your child's heart...use them wisely and with purpose. Each day needs to be used the best way possible as you will never have it back again!
Blessings!
Showing posts with label daily grind. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily grind. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Morning Habits
Even today I am prone to the same daily habits that I have had for years. I know as a busy woman there is a good chance that once I leave my bathroom I will potentially not return for the rest of the day.
It is best when these "habits" are taught early and consistently.
In our home I would wake the kids up and get them eating breakfast. We would then go and get dressed and they would meet me in their bathroom (when they were young) where I would assist them with combing and fixing hair (braiding, ponytails etc), washing faces and brushing teeth.
I always liked to see my children's faces. Thus their hair was short enough so that I could see their eyes and I would take the time to make them "presentable". I tried to have haircuts that were easily manageable.
I don't believe that these habits tend to come naturally. Today when you often see grown women in their pj pants in Walmart, looking like they just got out of bed I think that it is time to address once again the topic of being "presentable".
As the child grows a chart comes in handy as a reminder as to what needs to be done. Isn't it amazing that a child will wet his toothbrush and not bother to brush his teeth! (this will be handled in another blog :)) Teach them to make their beds early. A small child can pull a blanket up. It's all a part of learning. Picking up the dirty clothes and putting the shoes away are all habits.
An important habit for me is having my children leave a room as they found it. I ask that they do not leave dishes, guitars, food etc behind.
We all know the saying "Many hands make light work" Well it's true. Husbands and wives should work together on this.
So whether you are just starting out or things have gotten out of control and there needs to be a family meeting....I suggest beginning the day with your daily habits that will (in my opinion) make the day go smoother .
It is best when these "habits" are taught early and consistently.
In our home I would wake the kids up and get them eating breakfast. We would then go and get dressed and they would meet me in their bathroom (when they were young) where I would assist them with combing and fixing hair (braiding, ponytails etc), washing faces and brushing teeth.
I always liked to see my children's faces. Thus their hair was short enough so that I could see their eyes and I would take the time to make them "presentable". I tried to have haircuts that were easily manageable.
I don't believe that these habits tend to come naturally. Today when you often see grown women in their pj pants in Walmart, looking like they just got out of bed I think that it is time to address once again the topic of being "presentable".
As the child grows a chart comes in handy as a reminder as to what needs to be done. Isn't it amazing that a child will wet his toothbrush and not bother to brush his teeth! (this will be handled in another blog :)) Teach them to make their beds early. A small child can pull a blanket up. It's all a part of learning. Picking up the dirty clothes and putting the shoes away are all habits.
An important habit for me is having my children leave a room as they found it. I ask that they do not leave dishes, guitars, food etc behind.
We all know the saying "Many hands make light work" Well it's true. Husbands and wives should work together on this.
So whether you are just starting out or things have gotten out of control and there needs to be a family meeting....I suggest beginning the day with your daily habits that will (in my opinion) make the day go smoother .
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Start Your Day the Night Before....
It's a busy day. There's a doctor's appointment at 9, then a trip to the grocery store. After that, it is home to put away the groceries , lunch with the kids and then naps.
On the busiest of days do you ever notice that things just go haywire. When you can least afford it the car keys are missing, the babies shoes are nowhere to be found and you have misplaced the prescription. Ugh!
Before you go to bed at night do an overview of the coming day (in your head or on paper). Map it out, make your lists, put the library books on the table along with the grocery list, dry cleaning and car keys. Have the children's clothes picked out with shoes and socks present. Speak to your husband to see if he needs you to do anything for him.
Your morning/day will go so much better!/ The kids will notice the lack of stress and your assurance will follow you throughout the day. Take charge...don't be caught unprepared. Your time is much too precious to waste!
Blessings!
On the busiest of days do you ever notice that things just go haywire. When you can least afford it the car keys are missing, the babies shoes are nowhere to be found and you have misplaced the prescription. Ugh!
Before you go to bed at night do an overview of the coming day (in your head or on paper). Map it out, make your lists, put the library books on the table along with the grocery list, dry cleaning and car keys. Have the children's clothes picked out with shoes and socks present. Speak to your husband to see if he needs you to do anything for him.
Your morning/day will go so much better!/ The kids will notice the lack of stress and your assurance will follow you throughout the day. Take charge...don't be caught unprepared. Your time is much too precious to waste!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
One More L O N G Day
Does this title speak a thousand words or what? Even though it may be made up of different things for different people..we ALL know what it means and the dread that it sometimes can conjure up.
When my children were small (my first 8 came in 8 years) I remember sitting on the side of my bed and saying under my breath to God "Please don't make me go out there!I just don't think that I can do it another day...." My husband ran a tree service and I would think about how he and his crew could take a tree down, rake it up and drive away ..never to have it reappear. Moms and homemakers ~ HA!! ..the same dishes AGAIN... the laundry AGAIN ... the meals AGAIN... the toys AGAIN... the cleaning, the mopping, the runny noses.. etc etc etc. (I surely hope I have not put any of you over the edge seeing this in writing!) I used to think that a somewhat trained ape could accomplish the "mounds of mundane" that I faced daily.
LADIES or (Mr Moms) ~ It is NOT TRUE! Every little detail is being noted by Someone. None of it is going to waste. Your energies, your diligence, your loyalty to life and your family in making an immense impact on those within your home. You are erecting a foundation that your family will build on for their whole lives.
Don't give up! Don't despair! This IS a season and things WILL change.
So I give to you the words that the Lord whispered to me that morning. "Marnie, just start..."
Yes, just begin. Do what you find to do. Follow through, stay involved and interested. I beg you, don't check out thinking the commitment it too long. It will be just long enough.
Words from the scriptures became dear to me at that time in my life:
" In your weakness HE will be your strength" "His grace is sufficient for you" He will make a way where there seems to be no way" "Nothing is too difficult for God"
Hold on ... wait on Him, trust, and spring will come. The season will change. The time of singing birds is near.
Bless you all.
When my children were small (my first 8 came in 8 years) I remember sitting on the side of my bed and saying under my breath to God "Please don't make me go out there!I just don't think that I can do it another day...." My husband ran a tree service and I would think about how he and his crew could take a tree down, rake it up and drive away ..never to have it reappear. Moms and homemakers ~ HA!! ..the same dishes AGAIN... the laundry AGAIN ... the meals AGAIN... the toys AGAIN... the cleaning, the mopping, the runny noses.. etc etc etc. (I surely hope I have not put any of you over the edge seeing this in writing!) I used to think that a somewhat trained ape could accomplish the "mounds of mundane" that I faced daily.
LADIES or (Mr Moms) ~ It is NOT TRUE! Every little detail is being noted by Someone. None of it is going to waste. Your energies, your diligence, your loyalty to life and your family in making an immense impact on those within your home. You are erecting a foundation that your family will build on for their whole lives.
Don't give up! Don't despair! This IS a season and things WILL change.
So I give to you the words that the Lord whispered to me that morning. "Marnie, just start..."
Yes, just begin. Do what you find to do. Follow through, stay involved and interested. I beg you, don't check out thinking the commitment it too long. It will be just long enough.
Words from the scriptures became dear to me at that time in my life:
" In your weakness HE will be your strength" "His grace is sufficient for you" He will make a way where there seems to be no way" "Nothing is too difficult for God"
Hold on ... wait on Him, trust, and spring will come. The season will change. The time of singing birds is near.
Bless you all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)