Words of wisdom...

One of the best things we can do for each other is letting each other know that you are being thought of, prayed for.

Thanks, Elise.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Image from here

Priorities

It's funny what having five children will do to you: life speeds up quite a bit, things are way more hectic, and the workload has more than doubled. But, on the inside, there comes a quiet peace--a realization of what is truly important in our lives....forcing me to slow down and treasure what really matters.

It is with this knowledge that I would like to share some of my own personal priorities. I say my "own, personal priorities" because *your* priorities might look entirely different. I think it's important to say that my priorities have only come about through deep searching with the Lord, and hearing His voice speak to me through moments of quiet reflection and prayer. That is essentially what I am urging you to do: seek Him. My list follows as merely a framework as to what your own personal priorities could look like.

So, herewith my list:

1. my relationship with God. I have worked really hard over the past year to learn to trust the Lord better. As I have mentioned before, I suffered deep "burnout" last summer, and can attribute it to not trusting the Lord, first and foremost. I work really hard to relinquish my days to Him, moment by moment and day by day. Often my days look nothing like I planned. It is here where I find His burden is easy and light. I try to make sure that my number one priority in my life is my relationship with the Lord.

2. Me. It seems odd to say that I come next. I struggle with this. For years and years I put myself last. The needs of my family came before my own. I now see this is a recipe for disaster. (For me.) When all is said and done, I have to make time for *me*, because with five children it will never just *happen*. What do I mean by time for me? Well, as I said earlier, this is something I personally consulted the Lord about and truly feel He revealed to me what I need to do to take care of myself:

~sleep. I need to sleep. So I go to bed as early as I can, and try to take a rest in the middle of the day.

~quiet/time to think. This is essential for me. God made me this way, personally. If it is missing in my life, then I do not function at optimum. So I try to make time for this every day.

~eating well/drinking water/taking vitamins. This is also essential. When I am stressed or busy, I do not eat. This is not healthy. I often have to ask myself during the day: "Andrea, have you eaten?" If I have not, I drop everything to take care of that.

~Outdoors/simple exercise. 

3. my husband and I. My relationship with my husband comes before my children. I say this because it could easily get swept under the rug with the varied and urgent needs of my children.

For this reason, we have started going out on regular dates once a week. We have made an effort to actually *leave the house* and it makes all the difference! My relationship with my husband is precious. I want to make sure I let him know that.

4. Last but certainly not least--my children. It makes me feel uncomfortable that my children are at the bottom of my list. It seems....counter intuitive to me as a mother. But I am confident that if all the other priorities are taken care of then their needs will be met. Of course just because they are at the bottom of the list does not mean they are ignored....it's all about balance. My priority list is merely a framework of how my days should go.

Again, this is something that has come about through much prayer and listening to God. Your priority list might look very different. (And it should!) I wanted to merely share what the Lord has done in my life, in case someone is struggling and needs a place to start.

For me, my priorities are in the end about *relationship*. 

It's been awhile since I've made a Sabbath meal for my family.

I'm just now feeling like I am starting my "new normal" after having a baby.

I forgot what a gift it is to prepare the family Sabbath dinner.

I am so blessed to be able to do it. I missed it.

I am blessed to have a content baby, children playing outside, husband making a fire, and yummy food to be enjoyed.

Menu:

Roasted Chicken

French Style Green Beans

Roasted Potatoes

Mixed Green Salad with Celery, Pears, Cranberries and Walnuts

Bread Rolls

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. ~Ephesians 3:20

Sacrificial giving...

...is there any other way?

I'm reminded of the story of the widow who gives only a little bit of money in the temple, but in the Lord's eyes, that is much. Jesus argues that the widow has given the most because the rich may have given from their surplus, and have not sacrificed anything, yet the widow has sacrificed greatly. She has given "even all her living", suggesting that she may not have money for food.

I could sit back and say, "I have a lot on my plate now. I have to focus on my family." Etc. Etc. Ad Nauseam. Me Me Me. This might be true, and yes, it has its place. But giving when I sacrifice something? Is much greater in the Lord's eyes. He appreciates me giving when it is convenient for me, or when it doesn't take that much sacrifice or energy. But when it takes all I've got? To the point when it seems impossible? It is greater in His eyes.

Grace

My almost 4 year old wrote the letter "S".

It was pretty good, if I say so myself. Looked like a "5".

"Aww man, it looks like a '5' " he said.

"No, that's good, honey, 'S's' are hard to do!" I said.

Which made me think: I need to give myself more grace.

For my almost four-year-old son to write the letter "S" is pretty darn good, if I say so myself.

To do what I've done the past three months with a new baby is pretty darn good if I say so myself.

Grace.

We don't know where people are in their lives. What they are thinking, what they are feeling. What they are going through, what challenges they face.

We need to extend mercy and grace and forgiveness and love....always.

But mostly us mamas? We need to extend grace to ourselves.

Give yourself a pat on the back, mamas. You're doing so well!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Slowing....

The story of the Good Samaritan was one that always stuck with me in childhood. How could someone leave a hurting man on the side of the road? And of course: I would never do that.

But as I get older, I realize that I am just as guilty of leaving people in need on the side of the road. How easy it is to get caught up in busy schedules, to where we are oblivious to those in need. I am guilty of putting "good things" before "great things". I bristle at interruptions. I bristle at the person God puts on my heart to minister to. I have a busy life myself.  I am guilty of putting priorities in the wrong place. Nothing on our agenda is reason enough to ignore the voice of God when He tells us to stop and help. 

This week many bloggers are encouraging us to slow down, inspired by Ann Kroeker's book Not So Fast: Slow Down Solutions for Busy Families. Here, too.

What is the purpose of slowing down? For me, it is what Aimee shared:

Real, meaningful, nurturing relationships. 

Slowing down enough to see what the Lord wants from us, because "His burden is light."

How can you "slow"? So that you can hear that "still, small voice"? So that you can be led appropriately? So you do not ignore that what the Lord has called you to do?

More on the introvert

Remember my post: My name is Andrea and I am an introvert ?

This is a wonderful addition to my thoughts--if you're interested.