Sacred

My friend, Donny, recently introduced me to this song. I has hit a nerve in my heart that I constantly struggle with as a mom. Realizing that all the messes, the house, the interruptions and if you know anything about my children - their constant talking - is enough to drive any good mom crazy! However, it is part of our purpose as women, as mothers, as caretakers, as keepers of the home, as a help mate to our spouses, that we carry on through the messes in life, through the day to day routines, chores, laundry, dishes, in a way that is pleasing to our Lord and Savior. Reminding ourselves continually of the purpose of disciplining our young ones, teaching them the way of life, "as you walk in the way, as you rise up, as you lie down...." I all too often will not run to my heavenly Father for refreshment, and because of that I struggle in encouraging my own children. I pray that I will not just endure each day, as I often do. But that I will learn to be alive each day through God's strength and His watering in the spring of my heart.

These are precious moments that all too often I overlook. Thanks Donny, for reminding me that this time is sacred and not to be just endured for the time until the next phase in life.

Sacred

(Caedmon's Call)

This house is a good mess,

It's the proof of life,

No way would I trade jobs,

But it's don't pay overtime.

I'll get to the laundry

I don't know when

Saying a prayer tonight

'Cause tomorrow starts again

Could it be that

Everything is sacred

And all this time

Everything I've dreamed of,

Has been right before my eyes

The children are sleeping

But they are running through my mind

The sun makes them happy

And the music makes them unwind

My cup runneth over, I worry about the stain

Teach me to run to you like

They run to me for every little thing

Everything I've dreamed of has been right before my eyes

When I forget to drink from you, I can feel the banks harden.

Make me like a stream to feed the garden

Wake up little sleeper

The Lord God Almighty

Made your mom a keeper

So rise and shine, rise and shine,

Rise and shine

Cause everything is sacred

And all this time

Everything I've dreamed of has been

Right before my eyes.

Habits

Well, I definitely couldn't say that I am in shape.... however I am doing better with my weight. Since November I have lost 35 pounds, 4 sizes in clothes and 1 shoe size. I am so excited that God has allowed me to persevere in this endeavour. I have found that I am a very slow creature of habit. It takes me a long time to think about changing a habit before I ever do change - that includes the way I eat - how much I eat, etc. I found that it was not so much what I ate - but that I wasn't paying attention to how much I ate. So, getting in shape.... I am doing, slowly but surely....one day at a time.

Habits are very hard to change.... lately I have been trying to form a new habit of listening to people. I usually think people just enjoy listening to me talk and care about my issues. Being a good listener and really caring about what people share with you can be difficult - especially for a selfish person like myself. It helps to be focused on other's needs, to really show you care. I think back to when people have remembered details about my crazy life and followed up later with concern. That meant so much to me that they actually remembered! I hope I can be a blessing to others in that way.

Showing every emotion on my face is a habit that I am not sure I can overcome. That may just be the way God made me. The good thing is, the older I get, the more comfortable with myself I become. I begin to realize that God made me querky, wierd, intense, silly, odd and unique. I have begun to appreciate those qualities about myself and not try to be someone I am not. So as for habits, I'll leave the rest for another day....