She is so calm

I’m guilty of throwing myself little pity parties just like everyone else. If you say that you have never had that experience, then I’ll just assume to put you on the same shelf as those who claim that they don’t judge people. There is a big difference between the words ‘won’t’ and ‘don’t’. We all are tempted. Sometimes we cave in, sometimes we don’t.

Contentment is something to be learned; it doesn’t happen overnight.  

Scripture says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”   Philippians 4:11 (Emphasis mine)

I think the problem that we run into is that we try to be content in our own steam. We think, “What is wrong with me?”

Lets look at the whole verse now:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Phillippians 4:11-13

See the difference? I know that I need to be reminded that I don’t lean on myself or depend on me for joy in the storm.

An enjoyable blog to read: Little Jenny Wren

An informative blog: Large Family Mothering

It is only 10:30 am and the day has already been rough.

Reasons for the difficulty:

1. I started the children on the newly tweaked schedule.

2. My attitude stinks.

3. There is an insane amount of housework awaiting me once again (after the weekend).

4. It has been raining a lot, so the children are experiencing cabin fever.

5. There is a pile of ‘just discovered’ potty trainer poop on our living room floor that everyone stepped on and tracked up the stairs.

6. The one year old has been crying since yesterday. At the moment he is calm because he is chewing on a spoon. He’s teething again.

7. I am still finding traces of the previously described bowl movement on everyones feet-including my own.

8. My attitude stinks today. Yes, I know I wrote that twice.

It is really a prayer matter. Life goes on and on and on whether I complain or dig in my heels…whether I nag or scream. I can stay on the rollercoaster quietly even if I don’t enjoy it; waiting for the the loop to be finished…or I can scream, “I want to get off!” at the top of my lungs to no avail. I can go on strike or ask for some perspective from God. I have the choice at this moment to turn everything around. I may have no control over the events of the day, but I can skip out on the temptation to throw a pity party. I throw those parties because of pride anyway-It is a self centered emotion.

“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9

It is pretty important to pin down your personal style when it comes to home decorating. If you look through magazines or any of the various online websites like Better Homes and Gardens, you will often find styles that you like. When you look at the pages containing styles you like, notice the common themes/items and decide what you like and don’t like about them.

For example: I like pictures of certain kitchens. I have all these pictures in front of me. I notice that the thing they all have in common is white painted cabinets and cottage style decorating. Something I don’t like-I see that they contrasted the white with pastel colors on the wall. Not enough contrast for me. I’d like a bolder color to wake up my kitchen.

Another example: There are three pictures of bathrooms that I have finally settled on. The common theme that ties all three photos together (after looking closley at them) is lilac colored paint on the walls and framed floral prints. I don’t like the contemporary steel fixtures and the contemporary bath. That’s not me.

If you pinpoint your style, you are less likely to make impulse buys. If you are less likely to make impulse buys, you will save money-which makes everybody happy!

We had a long weekend. There is a large mess awaiting me this morning strung all over the house. I feel like my brain is on overload!

The bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What does this mean? It is not as obvious as it seems. It means that I can do all that God would have me to do…and that he will give me strength for it.

Take (for instance) a steam enginge. If a steam engine keeps going without ever filling up with water, the machine will stop moving. Let’s hope that the engine doesn’t stop on a hill!

I know too well what it is like to run out of steam. I do things on my own agenda. I do things in my own strength. I run out of water. I don’t refill my engine.

Jesus promised us ‘living water’ that will never run out. What a blessing it is to know this in a world of instant gratification and dashed hopes. God offers us the right measure of strength for each job he calls us to. We can rely on that…even when we have a kitchen full of  dirty dishes.

Some shade loving flowers ready for planting!

“Look mom! Bus drive in dirt!” My two year old exclaimed.

Today was a day that was both short and long . I got a lot done, which made the day feel long…but now that everyone is in bed and the lights are turned down I reflect on how short the day seemed. Ever have a day like that?

We had another day where most of the time was spent outdoors. The boys have been so restless lately; just the opposite of what I’d expect with so much outdoor play going on. This has made homeschooling very interesting. Not bad, just interesting 

Our indoor floors have been so muddy. I think that I forgot what springtime cleaning entailed! I just stocked up this weekend on a whole load of my favorite cleaning supplies.  I switched to Mrs. Meyers Clean Day  products.  These cleaners have eased the sneezing/sore throat/throat closing and skin rashes associated with all the other stuff we’ve used in the past. The scents are natural and fresh…an added plus.

Well…I better get peanut settled into bed. He dozed off on daddy and is ready to snuggle in under his little blanket. I’m going to miss these days!