Mama's doing something...

How many times have you heard yourself say that? Or something very similar. Daddy has to go to work, just a minute, give me a second, after this, in five minutes...It is a bummer but sometimes we can't stop what we're doing and our kids have to wait.

It's a tough call. I feel guilty sometimes-especially the times that I am not really doing anything important. But there are other times when I'm doing something I don't want to stop-like eating a warm meal (notice I didn't say hot!). And then there are actually times where I am doing something I can't stop-like going to the restroom! It seems like they always need you when you are busy.

There are also the even tougher times when you have to decide which child to take care of first. Like yesterday, when one child was closing the garage door with the back hatch of my car open and another child was crying because her brother slammed her finger in the door! Well, maybe that's slightly different... But you know what I mean. The hurt one had to wait for sympathy and loving while I rescued my car.

So, we just do our best. They will survive, right? I am just starting to read a book called "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian. She suggests we pray for our kids-the concerns of the moment, for the future AND against the effects of past events. I like that. I think it's comforting to know that god can and will protect our children-even if it's protecting against our own actions.


Here's a Bible passage that might help.

O LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief. Psalm 143:1

Here's another prayer that might help.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Here's a song that might help.

Jesus loves the little children-all the children of the world...

The New Year

Happy New Year! It's 2010!

What a great time to think about the year ahead! What do you want to accomplish this year? What changes would you like to make in yourself? What would you like your life to look like? In what area of your life would you like to grow? It can be overwhelming. Don't get discouraged already!

I am not making any resolutions but I sure would like to make some changes. I am hoping I can take small steps, with God's help, of course, in becoming more of what Jesus wants me to be.

1. Love my neighbor as myself-so I want to love myself more so I can love my neighbor more
2. Forgive so that I may be forgiven-forgive myself so that I can forgive others more easily
3. Do God's will-when I do my will it RARELY works out
4. Be grateful-remember to thank God for all that I have
5. Accept help-ask for help and LET others help

And then there are the littler things...

1. Get organized! Here is where it gets overwhelming-papers, papers, papers...
2. Get healthy-exercise more and eat less sugar
3. Be a better housekeeper-need I say more?
4. Use my time more wisely-less video games, more action

I kind of don't like putting it all down because it looks a little daunting but if I remember I don't have to do it all right this second it's more manageable.

I wish you a happy, healthy, peaceful New Year. May you feel God's presence in all you do.