Living God’s Word One Step at a Time
The book includes tips on:
—how to create focus themes for your family
—how to prioritize your schedule
—how to utilize your job so it also benefits your kids
—how to keep yourself out of the comparison game
—how to make working at home work for you
—and much more!
I wrote the book Balanced, yet I love how God is able to use my own words to help and inspire myself! As I’ve written blogs based on the book, it’s given me a chance to rethink some of the concepts. Every season of life is different, and I’m even in a new season since the nine months when I wrote the book! These are things I was reminded of—important thoughts that transformed my schedule.
On my current Fail! and Yeah! List I identified that while I was giving a lot of attention to my little kids, it was easy to ignore the older ones. It worked out that I was able to go on a road trip to Nashville, and my nineteen-year-old went with me. We chatted on the drive. We went to a concert, and we enjoyed being together! If I hadn’t stopped to ponder where I was falling short, I would have missed out on the memories I was able to make with Nathan. When I think about where I’m falling short, I can make plans to succeed.
I’d had been slacking on working with my children concerning chores. I knew it would be a lot of work. IT IS! Yet they are so excited to help and to be part of a team. If I hadn’t done this challenge I probably would have let my little kids slide for while longer (months? a year?). Yet when I was reminded of the importance of building a family team, I made creating a chore time schedule a priority. When I think in terms of “teamwork” it changes how I/we work around the home.
When my to-do list gets too full, it gets easy to want to give up. When I pick the “most important thing” and do that, it’s amazing what can get done. When I think about “what’s most important,” I understand my next steps.
I love God but so many times I forget to thank Him for ALL things. My husband is traveling this week, which means life is harder for this momma. Yet when I praise God for the kids, the mess, and even the weariness, I’m reminded that God sustains me. When I think about God, it makes it easier to ask Him for help throughout the day.
What about you? How do your thoughts transform your schedule?
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know my thoughts are like the wind that moves the sail of my actions. When my thoughts blow in a positive direction, I steer in the right direction. Lord, help me control my thoughts today in a way that will positively impact my life and my family!
In Jesus’ name, amen.
GrATTITUDE: Practicing Contagious Optimism for Positive Change
Jesus Calling
My Utmost for His Highest
Last Sunday I had a dilemma. We were a few minutes late for church, and we took a seat behind the children. In our church, pre-K through sixth-grade kids sit in the sanctuary during worship and then are released after worship to go to their children’s program. We were barely seated when one of the sixth-grade girls jumped from her seat and rushed to John. “Would you be our teacher today? Our teacher isn’t here.”
It turns out there was a miscommunication between the children’s director and the teacher, but that still meant someone was needed to help with the sixth-grade boys and girls. My husband was quick to respond and another woman was too. And I just sat there. I forced myself not to follow. Why?
I knew I could get up to help. I was physically and mentally able to come up with a lesson on the fly. But deep down I knew I couldn’t. I have three children under the age of six. I homeschool. I write and blog. I lead our teen mom support group. I didn’t have one ounce of “extra” in me to give.
It’s hard saying no. Really hard. The only easy way to do it is by understanding what we were called to say yes to.
In Balanced I encourage readers to narrow down their “life themes” to eight. Why eight? None of us are just about one thing . . . and eight is enough to manage, believe me!
My husband loves children’s church. It’s his passion, and he took a break from it when we adopted our two new kids, mostly because the adjustment was huge. If he were to create a list of his eight life themes, children’s church would be on that list.
Because I love John and enjoy children, I’ve supported him in this. Before adopting our new kids, I spent most Sundays working by his side, but in this season of life I just can’t do it. I need Sundays to get filled up so I can pour out the rest of the week.
Eight life themes are the things that come from the core of us. Yet during different seasons of life they may look different. These are my eight priorities in this season of life. These are the things I choose to say yes to:
It’s a big list. It’s enough. I also have a passion for leading mission trips, and a time may come when I start helping John in children’s ministry again. But now is not that time. And I’m OK with that. I know Jesus has created me for a purpose in THIS day. In THIS season.
How about you? If you’re like me there is a lot you CAN do. But what is God asking you to do in this season? What are your eight priorities?
Dear Lord Jesus,
I thank you for all that you’ve given me. Lord, sometimes it seems too much. Help me to focus on the priorities that YOU have given me in this season. Also, Lord, help me to say “no” to other things, no matter how wonderful they seem.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where do you go for inspiration? Sometimes I sit down with my journal. Other times I take a walk or take a bath. Today I found inspiration from Facebook and hymns. Honestly!
Facebook is always interesting, but when I read through my feed today I noticed a few things:
Death, loss, and moms struggling with anxiety. I saw needs . . . lots of needs. I saw friends and acquaintances who need a fresh dose of encouragement and hope!
Inspiration means “breath of God.” Sometimes when inspiration hits I’m able to do fun work. I’m able to write a moving chapter in my novel or pen a short story for a magazine. But sometimes God’s breath takes me to harder places where I feel others’ hurt deep in my chest.
Inspiration isn’t always light and fluffy. (Don’t we wish it was!) And sometimes creativity comes so that we can offer just the right words, messages, or images to a hurting friends.
I don’t know who is going to see this graphic. I don’t know how these words will speak to hurting hearts. All I know is that God inspired me this morning, and creativity flowed. From the stirring that I feel deep within, I imagine it’ll keep flowing. That’s how creativity works, isn’t it? Once you prime the pump, it’s amazing what comes out!
What about you? How do you get inspired? How many God-messages has He given you lately to share?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the creativity and inspiration you give us. I pray that you would continue to inspire me daily so that I can breathe your messages to those around me in need.
In Jesus name, amen.
The Creative Life
Scribbling in the Sand
A Million Little Ways
Want to have an amazing day? Who would say “no” to that?
I’ve been a mom since 1989, and I’ve had more hard days than amazing ones. The hard days come when I look at the long to-do lists, when I focus on my weaknesses instead of my strengths, and when I get overwhelmed with all the needs of my kids! Can you relate?
But lately I’ve had many amazing days. Why? It all started with me the word of the year that I felt God placing on my heart: Rejoice! To me it’s “putting joy” into the day and being thankful for all God’s done.
When I change my attitude, it’s amazing how everything else changes. Thankfulness, playfulness, and generosity go a long way, and all of these are great examples for our kids!
In fact, our example is the best example. I love this quote by A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh: “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” I think you’ll find the same to be true of your children. Even though their hearts are small in size they can overflow with gratitude when they see you (us!) showing them how it’s done.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that my example as a parent is what matters most to my kids. Help me to see each day as an opportunity for thankfulness, drawing close to my family, and connecting with my community. May you speak through my example.
In Jesus name, amen.
My First Gratitude Journal
Growing Grateful Kids
Outlive Your Life
I don’t have hours a day to clean . . . although since I have a college-aged son, a husband, a grandma, and three kids six-years-old and under at home, I wish I did!
Instead, I’ve developed the habit of using random minutes throughout the day to clean. Here’s what I’ve done in the last week:
It’s amazing how these little things add up! And when I see a straightened pantry (done while I was waiting for pasta to boil) it makes me want to tackle the crumbs on the counters. It’s amazing how the little things add up!
How about you? How do you use those random minutes throughout the day to clean?
Dear Lord, thank you for the random moments throughout my day. Help me to make the most of them and to recognize them for what they are: little blessings.
Easy Green Living
Home Cleaning Made Easy
The Naturally Clean Home
I have a best friend I connect with every day. I check in with her, and she gives me guidance. I need lots of guidance.
OK, it’s not really a “she” but an “it.” It’s my calendar, and I give her/it a lot of attention. How?
I give her space. She likes air. She likes not to be crowded.
I give her priority. She likes to know that what’s she’s doing is important. Time is precious and should not be wasted. She knows how quickly her pages flip and insists what’s most important must come first.
I give her flexibility. She knows that life doesn’t always go how it’s planned. She knows that when she is rigid she will break easily. I give her room to bend.
I give her form. She knows that evenings are for family dinners, except for Teen MOPS night and AWANAs night. She knows Sundays are for church and rest. She knows mornings are for homeschool and writing is for the afternoon. (My oldest homeschooler is in kindergarten, so two hours of dedicated learning plus various activities during the day is enough.)
Because I have “formed” first, the “filling” becomes easier. I can say no to evening activities or early morning requests because I’ve already set my priorities.
I’ve also given up a lot:
Of course I’m willing to give up these things because I’m so satisfied on what I choose to do. Many people see their calendar as an enemy, and there’s only conflict. I choose to treat my calendar like my best friend, and she is.
It’s important you see, because when you take care of your calendar, your calendar takes care of you. I’m busy, yes, but I’m at peace. I’ve chosen what I want to fill my life and time with, and I go to sleep at night knowing that I can look forward to the next day because I’ve chosen how to spend it.
Dear Lord, thank you for all the opportunities my family and I have to take part in. Please give me clarity as I prioritize and schedule those into my calendar, and help me to leave room for you.
Women Living Well
There’s No Place Like Working from Home
Organizing from the Inside Out
For the last twenty years I’ve balanced many things: being a writing, homeschooling my kids, and working with a crisis pregnancy center/teen mom support group. For most of the years I thought THOSE THINGS were my “ministry.” After all, those were the things that impacted others, drew them to Christ, and made a difference.
But in the last few years (since the 2012 Allume conference), I’ve wondered if what God has called me to do goes to even a deeper level than that. Yes, God has called me to all of those things, but maybe His greater plan is to use me for a model for other women. Maybe He wants to use me to say:
And it’s funny that God has placed all of this on my heart now, because just a few hours ago I came across this verse:
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)
Or as it says in The Message version of the Bible:
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
I love to write. I love to raise my kids. I love homeschooling and serving teenage moms, but maybe the overarching call for my life just may be to be a voice, urging other women to “understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
How do I know this is my call?
How do you know your call?
So, what do you think? What is the call God has placed on your life?
Dear Lord, please help me to recognize the call you’ve placed on my life. Give me the courage to pursue it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Buy the Field: Find, Follow, and Finish God’s Call for Your Life
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
I’ve had kids in the home for twenty-four years. I’ve been writing (working) from home for twenty years. So everything I’ve accomplished as an author has been with kids at home. My kids help me in with my work—they really do.
The important thing isn’t the amount of help that your kids actually do, but instead that they feel as if they’re a part of it. Because someday, when they get older, their ideas, work, and help will be valuable!
Just thinking about this makes me think about ways I can do a better job at involving them:
With my older three kids they grew up understanding that servicing others through work and service was something we all did together. I’m excited to teach my younger kids the same!
How about you? How do you involve your kids in your work?
Dear Lord, help me to look at each opportunity as a chance to involve my kids in my work and my day. Help them to learn from me, and help me to be a good example to my children. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Mom’s Ultimate Family Organizer
I’m a Work-at-Home Mommy—You Can Too!
What’s Your Lane?
Over the years I’ve put a lot of thought, sacrifice, and even money into figuring how to make working from home work. Just yesterday I was telling a friend, “How amazing is it that I get to do what I love [write] while also getting to spend a large portion of my day with my children?”
I’m here when my kids wake up in the morning. I’m the first person they see when they come downstairs. I take them for walks. We homeschool and play board games. I fold their little T-shirts from the dryer and set dinner before them every night. I tuck them in bed.
This doesn’t come without challenges. With a six-year-old and two three-year-olds there is a lot of noise and a lot of mess. It’s sometimes hard to concentrate, and I’ve resorted to hiring outside help.
None of this has happened overnight. I’ve sought out help in small ways, and I’ve built up over time. I’ve taken each step once my income has been able to sustain it. And the truth is knowing that I have others counting on me paying them has helped me be diligent about my work, too. I can’t play around on Facebook or computer games all day. I need money coming in to support those who make it possible for me to do what I do.
The one tool I depend on is my handy-dandy calendar. I use iCal on my Mac to keep track of where I need to be when. I don’t schedule anything unless I consult this first. I set up blocks when I knew the babysitter’s coming (or when my wonderful husband will have the kids), and then I schedule my work into those slots.
Things don’t always go as planned, but at least I have a plan that propels me in the right direction!
Whenever I start feeling anxious or worried, I go back to Ecclesiastes 4:6, “Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” Yes, there are many additional ways I can give and serve, but one handful is enough, thank you very much.
How about you? Do you have a calendar that helps you keep track of your life and goals? I’d love to hear about it!
Dear Lord, I thank you that you have given me the desire and the potential to make my work matter. I thank you that I’m also able to be home and love and support my family. I can only take steps to success with You leading and guiding. Please lead me today.
Women Living Well
There’s No Place Like Working from Home
Organizing from the Inside Out
It’s so easy to get stuck in each day. To think about today’s laundry (piles!), today’s dinner (no idea!), and today’s to-do list (too long!). In my book Balanced, I encouraged parents to sit down and discuss their family goals. I’ve done this often in the past, and I know it’s something I need to do at least once a year. My family grows and changes, and my work opportunities also grow and change. It only makes sense to spend time with God and re-clarify family goals, too.
Think about your family ten years from now. Where do you want to be?
My kids are currently ages twenty-four, twenty-one, nineteen, six, three, and three. Ten years from now I might have more grandkids, and my two single, older kids might be married. This reminds me to enjoy the time I have with them now!
My younger kids will be sixteen, thirteen, and thirteen. My plan is to still be homeschooling, to still be involved in our church, and to be discovering my kids’ gifts and talents.
In my career I hope to be writing . . . although maybe not as much. I’d like to travel with our family. John and I love road trips! I’d also like to expose my kids to the needs of the world, and hopefully we’ll be doing mission trips.
Basically, this shows me to stay on the path that I’m on with homeschooling, writing, and travel, but it’s the term “mission trips” that stood out to me most. Through Awana my little kids are learning Scripture, and I need to be joining them. Also, it’ll be important to start now to open up the world to them, and I’ve already thought of some “mission-minded” children’s books I’m going to pull off of my bookshelf to read. And the truth is . . . I also thought of a few book ideas I want to write concerning missionaries!
Considering ten years from now reminds me of things I need to do to prepare my children to impact the world for Christ must start today! And the things I need to do to prepare myself!
How about you? How would you answer that question?
Dear Lord, thank you for the ability to plan and dream for your glory. Thank you for the reminder that what I do today will shape tomorrow. And finally, thank you for the reminder that any plans you have for me and my family include plans for your WORLD!
In Jesus name,
Amen
Around the World Coloring Book
Children Around the World
I Heard Good News Today
You can Change the World Today
