I decided to venture out on Black Friday with all three kids.
Crazy, I know.
My mission was one store, Carter's, to get a cute outfit for my little niece for Christmas. Early bird specials for those who made it before noon, how could I resist? So we went.
It actually went surprisingly well. The girls played happily while I found the perfect outfit and waited in a line 15 people deep. Deal scored. Mission Accomplished.
I decided to reward them with a lunch date at Burger King play place.
Crazy, I know.
What mother in her right mind goes to a play place in the middle of winter? But, we hand sanitizered up and went for it....Burger King crowns and all. We had a great time and were all happy as we jumped in the car to go home.
I was feeling pretty on top of my game as a mother....invincible. I had just successfully navigated my brood through large crowds without losing my mind and was completely fearless about a public germ mine. Pretty impressive.
Then came the ride home.
Not more than 5 minutes passed in the car and Bri was screaming because she had thrown her pacifier and ducky on the floor and wanted them NOW!
As I was playing that dangerous game "reach-as-far-back-behind-you-as-you-possibly-can-while-driving-to-find-the-paci" as so many mothers do, Austyn yelled from the back "mom, my tummy hurts!" Rylie quickly chimed in saying her ear was hurting her too. I figured it was to one-up her sister.
Meanwhile Rylie has been navigating my hand movements, "Mom, the paci is right there, no, to the left, too far! Up, back a little, right there! Mom you missed it!"
Bri, "Waaaaaaaaaa!"
Austyn, "Mom, I think I'm going to throw up! Waaaaaaa!"
Rylie, "Mom my ear is really hurting! I think I have an ear infection....waaaaaaa!"
As I screeched to a halt on the side of the road and watched Austyn dry heave out the window, I thought, "Seriously? It took all of 10 minutes to get sick from the play place. I'm the worst mother ever!"
Then it dawned on me. No. I was the mother everyone hates. I brought the sick kids to the play place.
Ha!
HA HA!
Mwahahahahahahaha. HA!!!! (Insert Mr. Evil laugh from Austin Powers.)
I find this deeply satisfying and I'm not sure why. Paybacks, I guess.
(Unless of course I know you and you were at Burger King on Friday, then I feel really guilty.)
Monday, December 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Gray Days
The home I grew up in had two large glass sliding doors facing the East. In the morning the sun would stream in those doors, warming the house and leaving 2 large rectangle patches of sunlight on the carpet. In the morning, when time would allow, I would lay in those spaces of sunlight, moving with them as they moved. I loved the warmth, coziness, and comfort of those patches of sun and remember feeling disappointed when the sun rose too high in the sky for them to remain. Then I would will myself to get up and move on with my day.
I am revived by the sun. It is life giving. Energy giving. I feel like when the sun is out, I am on top of the world, able to accomplish my tasks before me. I feel like the Lord is near. His face is shining upon me.
But then, there are gray days....like today. The days when the sun refuses to appear. And I feel down. I am down. The Lord feels far away. I cannot accomplish the tasks set before me. I don't want to. My attitude reflects the weather. I hear every whine. I see every speck of dust...every cheerio in the carpet. Time stands still. Ten minutes feels like ten hours. My calling of staying at home weighs heavy upon me.
As I began this rainy day, I felt very weary of what kind of day I was facing. The Lord met me in my down state with these words and they brought a patch of sunlight into my gray day. Maybe they will for you too....
"No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find Joy in My Presence. On some days Joy is generously strewn along your life-path, glistening in the sunlight. On days like that, being content is as simple as breathing the next breath or taking the next step. Other days are overcast and gloomy; you feel the strain of the journey, which seems endless. Dull gray rocks greet your gaze and cause your feet to ache. Yet Joy is still attainable. Search for it as for hidden treasure.
Begin by remembering that I have created this day; it is not a chance occurrence. Recall that I am present with you whether you sense My Presence or not. Then, start talking with Me about whatever is on your mind. Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. As you continue communicating with Me, your mood will gradually lighten. Awareness of My marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the grayest day." - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
I am revived by the sun. It is life giving. Energy giving. I feel like when the sun is out, I am on top of the world, able to accomplish my tasks before me. I feel like the Lord is near. His face is shining upon me.
But then, there are gray days....like today. The days when the sun refuses to appear. And I feel down. I am down. The Lord feels far away. I cannot accomplish the tasks set before me. I don't want to. My attitude reflects the weather. I hear every whine. I see every speck of dust...every cheerio in the carpet. Time stands still. Ten minutes feels like ten hours. My calling of staying at home weighs heavy upon me.
As I began this rainy day, I felt very weary of what kind of day I was facing. The Lord met me in my down state with these words and they brought a patch of sunlight into my gray day. Maybe they will for you too....
"No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find Joy in My Presence. On some days Joy is generously strewn along your life-path, glistening in the sunlight. On days like that, being content is as simple as breathing the next breath or taking the next step. Other days are overcast and gloomy; you feel the strain of the journey, which seems endless. Dull gray rocks greet your gaze and cause your feet to ache. Yet Joy is still attainable. Search for it as for hidden treasure.
Begin by remembering that I have created this day; it is not a chance occurrence. Recall that I am present with you whether you sense My Presence or not. Then, start talking with Me about whatever is on your mind. Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly, and I know exactly what you are experiencing. As you continue communicating with Me, your mood will gradually lighten. Awareness of My marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the grayest day." - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Thursday, August 22, 2013
It will be Okay
Today is the first day of 2nd Grade for my girl.
She's so grown up.
As I'm sure many moms are feeling today...I have a mixture of anxiety, fear, loneliness, helplessness, and a little joy too :). It's one of those days that is a good reminder who is really in control here.
And it's not me.
And Rylie's not really mine.
She's His.
As a mother, my very favorite verse is Isaiah 40:11 and today it brings me comfort.
I know the prophet Isaiah is speaking about God's love for the people of Jerusalem here, especially those (lambs) who are weak in the faith or newborn souls. But I have those very same defenseless lambs who live under my roof and this verse paints a picture of unsurpassed beauty to this mother. And I hope it does for you too.
These words bring me peace that passes all understanding. And a promise. It will be okay.
She's in great arms.
She's so grown up.
As I'm sure many moms are feeling today...I have a mixture of anxiety, fear, loneliness, helplessness, and a little joy too :). It's one of those days that is a good reminder who is really in control here.
And it's not me.
And Rylie's not really mine.
She's His.
As a mother, my very favorite verse is Isaiah 40:11 and today it brings me comfort.
He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
These words bring me peace that passes all understanding. And a promise. It will be okay.
She's in great arms.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Just Breathe
Life has gotten in the way of my blog over the past several months and to be honest, many of my days are focused on just trying to catch my breath.
Okay, Bri just dumped a bottle of shampoo on the carpet. Try not to get angry.
Just Breathe.
What? Austyn wants a snack and we just finished lunch 10 minutes ago. Try not to get annoyed.
Just Breathe.
Rylie's begging to go to the pool again, but bringing a 1 year old with to the pool isn't my idea of fun. Try not to be exhausted already.
Just Breathe.
While much of my breathing focuses on trying to get a handle on myself so I don't go off the deep end, today I read about a different breathing technique. This one is powerful...a life-changer. It's breathing in the Holy Spirit.
In his book Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman shares about a spiritual breathing exercise he learned that helps him to always keep in step with the Spirit. I love good solid advice, especially spiritually speaking, so I thought I would share his words today. (Side note: One of my pet peeves is reading a self-help type book telling you everything you should be doing without any practical advice on how to actually get it done!!) Here is Idleman's advice...
"The teaching of Bill Bright helped me learn to become a follower who is filled with the Spirit. He teaches a spiritual exercise called "Spiritual Breathing." The basic idea is that you live with a moment by moment awareness of the Spirit until walking in the Spirit becomes as natural - as habitual - as breathing. It's just part of who you are. Here's how it works; the moment you become aware of sin in your life you exhale. When you exhale, you breathe out and repent of your sin. Repentance becomes a natural response and clears out space in our hearts for the Spirit to fill us. So the moment you are prideful, jealous, lustful, harsh, selfish, impatient, you exhale and repent of your sin....
And then you inhale. When you inhale you breathe in and pray to be filled with the Spirit and you surrender control over to him. As you practice this spiritual breathing it teaches you to keep in step with the Spirit. Followers live with a continual awareness of the Spirit's presence and a constant prayer to be filled with his power."
I'm thinking if I focus on this breathing technique instead of deep breathing to cool off my temper, I might actually get somewhere :).
Okay, Bri just dumped a bottle of shampoo on the carpet. Try not to get angry.
Just Breathe.
What? Austyn wants a snack and we just finished lunch 10 minutes ago. Try not to get annoyed.
Just Breathe.
Rylie's begging to go to the pool again, but bringing a 1 year old with to the pool isn't my idea of fun. Try not to be exhausted already.
Just Breathe.
While much of my breathing focuses on trying to get a handle on myself so I don't go off the deep end, today I read about a different breathing technique. This one is powerful...a life-changer. It's breathing in the Holy Spirit.
In his book Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman shares about a spiritual breathing exercise he learned that helps him to always keep in step with the Spirit. I love good solid advice, especially spiritually speaking, so I thought I would share his words today. (Side note: One of my pet peeves is reading a self-help type book telling you everything you should be doing without any practical advice on how to actually get it done!!) Here is Idleman's advice...
"The teaching of Bill Bright helped me learn to become a follower who is filled with the Spirit. He teaches a spiritual exercise called "Spiritual Breathing." The basic idea is that you live with a moment by moment awareness of the Spirit until walking in the Spirit becomes as natural - as habitual - as breathing. It's just part of who you are. Here's how it works; the moment you become aware of sin in your life you exhale. When you exhale, you breathe out and repent of your sin. Repentance becomes a natural response and clears out space in our hearts for the Spirit to fill us. So the moment you are prideful, jealous, lustful, harsh, selfish, impatient, you exhale and repent of your sin....
And then you inhale. When you inhale you breathe in and pray to be filled with the Spirit and you surrender control over to him. As you practice this spiritual breathing it teaches you to keep in step with the Spirit. Followers live with a continual awareness of the Spirit's presence and a constant prayer to be filled with his power."
I'm thinking if I focus on this breathing technique instead of deep breathing to cool off my temper, I might actually get somewhere :).
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Something I Love
I thought I would every-so-often write about a few things that I use often or that I can't live without. Some will be frivolous while others are lasting. I'll start with one that's lasting.
For Christmas, my mom and dad got me the devotional Jesus Calling. I have come to cherish the moments that I get to sit down and soak in the words that the Lord has for me each day through this small book.
There is rarely a day when I read that I don't feel God's very voice speaking to me through it. And today was no exception.
Today is Sunday. I look forward to Sunday mornings because I get to be among friends and worship with my fellow believers. Sunday's revive me. It's a set aside time to worship the Lord and talk with others about what you're learning from him. And as a mom of young kids, to have a time carved out to do this is priceless.
Well, unfortunately we've had a lot of sickness this winter in our family. Often times I find myself sitting at home on Sundays (and many other days). And today is one of those days. Brianna is cranky and sick. I was annoyed and disappointed. And thoughts like this started to creep in...
Why am I the one who always has to stay home? I'm always home!
I always have to miss out on things because of the kids being sick.
Why do I even try to make plans!
My life sucks!
Yes, my thought life becomes a bit dramatic...So, after I got the baby down for a nap, I made a conscious decision (even though my house was a mess and I desperately wanted to clean it) to sit down and spend some time with the Lord. I opened Jesus Calling and this is what I read...
Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don't even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on the way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.
...When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me. Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.
For Christmas, my mom and dad got me the devotional Jesus Calling. I have come to cherish the moments that I get to sit down and soak in the words that the Lord has for me each day through this small book.
There is rarely a day when I read that I don't feel God's very voice speaking to me through it. And today was no exception.
Today is Sunday. I look forward to Sunday mornings because I get to be among friends and worship with my fellow believers. Sunday's revive me. It's a set aside time to worship the Lord and talk with others about what you're learning from him. And as a mom of young kids, to have a time carved out to do this is priceless.
Well, unfortunately we've had a lot of sickness this winter in our family. Often times I find myself sitting at home on Sundays (and many other days). And today is one of those days. Brianna is cranky and sick. I was annoyed and disappointed. And thoughts like this started to creep in...
Why am I the one who always has to stay home? I'm always home!
I always have to miss out on things because of the kids being sick.
Why do I even try to make plans!
My life sucks!
Yes, my thought life becomes a bit dramatic...So, after I got the baby down for a nap, I made a conscious decision (even though my house was a mess and I desperately wanted to clean it) to sit down and spend some time with the Lord. I opened Jesus Calling and this is what I read...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don't even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on the way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.
...When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me. Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross...Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Motherhood takes endurance. Lots of it. And there are days when I am very, very weary of it. But, I want to run this race of motherhood with perseverance and without living in the pit of self-pity. I spend way too much time in that pit. The Lord has marked out this race that's set before me. I want to honor and praise him and thank Him for it, even when I think I can't run anymore.
Lord thank you for this quiet morning that I got to spend with you. I praise you that I got to rock my baby and spend time with her without interruption. Thank you that she's sleeping now. And thank you for your gentle words of reprimand that were intended to mold me and shape me into the woman you want me to be. Your woman. Help me to run this race you set before me with a thankful heart.
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