Monday, August 12, 2013

The Splendid and Most Satisfying Life of a Working Mother

This is most mornings:

    Shoot! I pressed that snooze one too many times.
    Jump in the shower--don't wake up kids!
    Brush teeth, makeup, dry hair, sweat, apply more makeup, done.
    Get dressed. Nope, needs to be ironed. Change clothes. Done.
    Read Bible, quick!
    Kids awake. Dress them. Quick!
    Minutes. Counting. Down.
    Pop-tart, drink, school bag, extra shoes, sweater, keys. Keys??
    In car. Did I apply deodorant? Yes. Pray. Go.

Ok ladies, and the few men who may run across this blog, are you ready for this?

I believe that God calls some women to work, even when they are raising small children.

When stating opinions, there are bound to be people that disagree. But, God has different plans for each person, and in the world we live in today, He purposes many women to work. Not at home. Believe me, staying at home is no picnic either.

Unlike the perfect Pinterest world, women in Bible times didn't create pre-school activities out of shaving cream and read books to their children all day. They didn't pre-plan cute octopus snacks (guilty) or take them to the zoo.

You know what they did? They worked. Yep. They spent hours out in the fields and over hot coals, their little ones trailing behind them. The Proverbs 31 woman was even a crafty business dealer.

Now, for the record, I admire many women who stay at home. And at times, I do wish for what they have. However, I know that God has a different plan for me right now.

He has provided everything I need to go work. And here are one hundred more reasons why I work: hurting, needy students. So, as I wake up sometime during that five o'clock hour, I can remember that God has a plan for me and my students, and somehow those plans intersect!

Thank you, Lord, for your provision and direction. May other mothers seek you so they won't be so stressed like I get sometimes. You are truly the only One who keeps me going, keeps me satisfied, and gives me the desires to be where you want me to be.






Wednesday, July 31, 2013

A New Me

Well, about ten months have passed. And here I am again. Finally!

Much has happened since my last post. It's been quite the roller coaster ride. I graduated with my masters and started a doctoral program. My husband took over as pastor of Liberty Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. In December, we received a rather shocking potential diagnosis for Emery which was a huge test of faith. We had to wait an entire month before seeing a neurosurgeon in Baton Rouge. God was constant and faithful, as He always will be, and we received an excellent report. Our little Em, who just begun scooting on her bottom at a year old is now running after her sister. Glory to God.

It's strange how it is easy to be self-focused when I am busy. But I feel Him working in me. God is full of grace because I surely do not deserve to be changed for His glory. I'm trying a new way of living. I want to live small. Odd, I know. I am so tempted to promote myself and gain more notoriety and money. I hate even admitting it...especially on the world wide web. I want my thoughts and the intentions of my heart to be pure and full of love for Jesus, not me.

I'm disgusted at the number of times I look in the mirror and check social networking sites--neither of which are bad--but I do not want to be addicted to myself. I want my heart to be after Jesus. Non-believers who run across this page on the internet will scoff at my words. That's okay. I want to live simply and small.

Small is greatest in the kingdom of God. The little lady that prayed for missionaries without anyone knowing about it will receive just as great, or greater of a reward than people like Billy Graham or Chris Tomlin. What is done is secret will be revealed. I personally think the more glory we receive here on Earth, the lesser reward we receive in heaven.

Be my sufficiency
Be all that I am
More than enough
I have and abound
Though I may be hungry
I may be full
You are my portion
My true reward

Be my sufficiency
Be all that I am
In sorrow and joy
You'll hold my hand
In trials and temptations
You'll lead me through
Jesus, My Friend, I trust in You