*seeking Peace in a storm

I have been so very tired lately. The busiest part of the year for me seems to be over, but I'm in such a mode of busy-ness (is that a word?), that even though things have slowed down a bit, I walk through my house after the kids have gone to bed and I look for things to do. I can't seem to sit still for long. My husband is working in TX for 2 weeks and so it's just the kids and I right now. Yesterday, I left work at 4:30, stopped by the grocery store for some grapefruit, bread, apples, and flour, then picked the kids up by 5:15. When we pulled in the driveway, the "I'm hungry"'s began and so afternoon snacks were given. I decided that we were not going to church last night-it's a 20 minute drive one way and by the time we get home it is normally 8:30 or later and I still had to go clean the revenue office...blah... So I cooked dinner and then went out back to sit on the deck for a few minutes of peace. I sat back in my chair outside and looked ar...

I've been busy...and by 'busy' I don't mean a couple of things here and there, I mean, every single day, overloaded with to-do lists or meetings or appointments, blah blah blah! And with my husband going off to work 9 hours from home for 2 weeks at a time, I'm learning that this Super-Mom business can be handled with more grace, both for myself and for my family (and others). You see I am a 'DO-er', if that makes any sense to anyone. Normally, when I set out to do something, it gets finished. The task is completed and more often than not, it is done ahead of schedule! But not lately! Example #1: I started a Bible study prior to vacation in July. Started strong. I even stayed up to date while on vacation, which is a feat in and of itself! But then I got home...back to work (which had piled up while I was away), and reality and exhaustion set in (probably stemming from the longest 30 hours I have ever spent in a car, driving from California to home in ...

It's that time of the year again! This is such an exciting time to me and always has been. I remember as a child that I couldn't wait for school shopping- I love school supplies, new pens and paper, crayons, markers and notebooks. But when I was a kid I did not like shopping for school clothes.  I grew up in a family of 6; I was child #2 of 4, with an older sister and a younger sister and brother. My parents did not have a lot of money, so they mainly focused on making sure we had all of our school supplies and then two, maybe three new outfits and a new pair of shoes. And of course, the three sisters shared clothes when possible. I dreaded going into the department stores and watching my parents flinch at the check-out register, both because of the high total and the fact that such a high amount bought so little for 4 growing kids. I remember one year in particular: 7th grade. You know that awkward age-nowadays we call them 'Tweens'. It was a very tig...

I need to SIMPLIFY! I am beginning to see how much I complicate and muddy things up in my little life here on Earth. For one, I try to control EVERYTHING! And for two, I try to be EVERYTHING! I really just want to be SIMPLE...to live SIMPLE... I got my first taste of simplicity when I made my own homemade laundry detergent! (Silly, I know) Now I need SIMPLICITY to spill into other areas of my life. I don't think simplicity always means to make easier...sometimes, simplicity takes a little work on the front end. Kind of like two things that my family is going to take a try at... I LOVE these two ideas...but I have complicated them into failure in the past...and the hubby, well, he does not like to embrace organization...he is the kind that flies by the seat of his pants... BUDGET & MEAL PLAN Being a full-time working mom and wife is tough...so in my mind, these two things are lifesavers...but when I get home, I am tired and just want to relax, so I have ne...

I have always heard the word "lent" and never thought much of it. I heard it was a time of fasting for Catholics, and honestly, that is about it. Until today: I got the urge to Google "Lent" and even "Lent for Baptists" (because I grew up Baptist and my home church is Baptist). I came across some very interesting information...very convicting...very stimulating...very challenging! My first question was, what exactly is Lent? Lent is a Christian Festival. In the past it was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up all rich food. Lent is the time when Christians prepare for the greatest of the Christian festivals known as Easter, by thinking of things they have done wrong. It was a time for spring-cleaning lives, as well as homes. I like that thought: SPRING-CLEANING LIVES  Lent began this year on February 22nd, which was Ash Wednesday and it will end on Easter, April 8th. Lent lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays. 40 days; like Jesus spe...

I like lists; something about bullet points or numbered lines that I enjoy.  I like outlines, plans, planners, calendars, etc. In previous posts I think I have admitted to being somewhat of a control freak, and so lists and plans fall under that category.  Now, as much as I enjoy them and think they will help and look awesome, I have rarely ever stuck to one.  I long for order and organization, but can't seem to follow through or succeed in completing my lists/plans.  SO, today, I wanted to make a list of things that I need to begin-and not give up on or leave unfinished: 1. Let Go so that God can organize and control my life!   2. Make it a point to NOT hit snooze!  3. Begin my morning with prayer, followed by a short work-out and quiet time. And end my day early in the evening, with prayer and the Word of God on my heart, mind and lips.  4. Eat dinner at home, with my family, at the table at least 5 times per week! ...

Good morning all! Luke 10:38-42 New International Version (NIV) At the Home of Martha and Mary   38  As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  39  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  40  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”     41  “Martha, Martha,”  the Lord answered,  “you are worried and upset about many things,   42  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. [ a ]  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” I did not get up when I should have this morning. My goal is to be up by 4:30 a.m. so that I have time to get a workout and quiet time in before my shower, hair/makeup rou...