God's Provision

You have to read today's girlfriend devotional!

It is so cool! I love it when God does things like that.

Bringing out the Best in Our Children

What a great devotional, today!

I'm so guilty of this.

I'm reminded, too, of the verse that says, "Fathers don't exasperate your children."

Are we encouraging or badgering? I know I try to be encouraging with my 13-year-old because I know he stresses easily and his heart breaks easily.

But, I also know that he's smart and knows better - which is extremely frustrating.

I was saying to someone the other day how my 13-year-old requires more care than my baby because the things my 13-year-old is capable of doing himself, he doesn't do - or at least not right away - and I end up hounding him and reminding him to get it done, which can sometimes take a whole day, or end up doing it myself. If it's one of those things I don't have time to get to (helping him tidy his room, dishes) it becomes even more frustrating because it's usually left undone.

At least with my baby there are no expectations other than him learning to walk at this moment.

Anyway...

I thought this morning's devotional was very appropriate to me. What a great reminder!

Dar

Intermission

I was quite excited, this past week, when I received two of Sharon Jaynes' books in the mail. One of them her devotional, Extraordinary Moments with God.

Today's Girlfriends in God devotional is a snippet from this book. I found this message so encouraging I knew I had to share it.

If you think you've come to the end of God's purpose for you, just wait. It may be just an intermission. A grand finale awaits you at the end.

You are NOT a Failure

I love today's girlfriend devotional. So often we can berate ourselves for what we see as our failures, but when we see us as God has created us it should change our perspective--I know it does mine. I don't always feel like a great mother. I look at the other mothers, young and old. Those with many children and those with a couple. Those that are SAHM and those that work outside the home. Those that keep a tidier house or who can bake at the drop of a hat...Sometimes, many times, I wish I could be more like them. Have the perfect at home job, making what I would make in an office, with a tidy, well-kept house, kids that obey me without question; instead of struggling to make a living, even though I know what I'm doing is right, a messy, cluttered house with unfinished jobs surrounding me and mocking me, and a 13-year-old whom I've been struggling with all year getting him out of bed on time and getting him to adhere to a schedule (which heaps coals on my head because I know he had a schedule before I went to work full-time and in a sense I feel like I abandoned him and now I'm paying for it with a son who would otherwise have kept to that schedule and my mornings would be less stressed).

Well, I feel like I have the perfect job, not sure that I have managed to successfully find a balance between job and home, yet, though.

Anyway. If you have another second jump on over to the Proverbs 31 Ministries devotional, which is by Glynnis Whitwer, today. An amazing vision. I once felt the hands of Jesus on my shoulders during a time of despair. And just thinking of Jesus sitting beside me as she describes gave me shivers. May we give Him all the praise and honor, today.

Worth the Climb

Please check out Renee's blog this morning. A very encouraging devotional.

I'm climbing up a hill myself at the moment! (I think I can. I think I can. Going down the other side will be a blast!)

Visit Micca's Site

Today's Girlfriend Devotional is Micca's blog post from yesterday, but she always has something that drives to the heart of how I want my relationship to be with God. She is always encouraging and insightful.

If you haven't already, purchase a copy of her book "An Untroubled Heart". I just received my copies yesterday. Yes, I said "copies". I bought one for myself and had originally purchased another for the church library, but a friend of mine is going through a tough time so I thought I might give it to her instead.

Anyway, check out the blog and the book! You won't be disappointed.

You are a Masterpiece

Take a look at today's Proverbs 31 Devotional. Since I already posted a blog post from Micca Campbell in today's girlfriend devotional, I thought I would post this here.

I know I get down on myself...I was doing just that only half an hour ago. I get discouraged when I see dust bunnies growing on the stairs, bits of kleenex that the dog leaves everywhere, dishes that aren't washed, piles of laundry that aren't folded...a desk that is full paper.

But this reading provided me with inspiration for a product for my new business...more on that when I get the website launched!

But, whatever you do, today, remember that you are God's masterpiece and you are a piece of the master!

No condemnation

I love today's girlfriend devotional. (see the sidebar or click on the title)

I love how devotionals come at just the right time to teach me what I need to know about what's going on in my life right now. This devotional came just after a day where I had chastised myself. I was tired of the struggle of looking after a household where I was the only one interested in cleaning. I'm not the greatest of housekeepers and dustbunnies and mountains of laundry mock me and are constant reminders of all the things that I still haven't done, and how much of a failure I am at the basics of wifehood and motherhood.

My husband and I had just had a rather tumultuous couple of weeks bickering over money and other things. I know I said some not-so-nice things to him. I look back on it now and wonder how I could let myself go, like that. What kind of an example was I setting for my husband?

But, then came this devotional--after my husband and I made up and are no longer wallowing in our anger and frustration. I still needed the reminder because I know a time will come again where the Evil One will use these situations to tell me I'm no good and am worth nothing and that my life is terrible...when in reality--at least from God's perspective--I'm worthy enough for him to have sent his Son to re-establish his connection with me (and if it had been only me, here, he would have still done it). In God's eyes, I am valuable and loved.

There is no condemnation from God because my sins have been forgiven. So, why should I let anyone else--including myself--decide differently?

Appreciating my Husband

Today's Girlfriend Devotional by Micca Campbell really brought home how lucky I am to have Kevin (my husband). He may drive me nuts, but he works hard and is a good father. I know I couldn't keep up with maintaining all the yard, handy-man and car repairs that he takes care of.

Six months ago Kevin was my rock as we made the decisions around which delivery method we wanted for our son. (My MIL was great, too...she took Chris and even dropped him off at day camp that week!)

I can't imagine going through what Micca went through. It's one of my worst fears. I've been terrified of fire since I was very little.

Anyway...Gotta get going!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what I have to be grateful for.