PATIENCE - an 8 letter word which is hard to do
I remember a sign in my mom's kitchen growing up that stated "God grant me patience - BUT I want it right now!" As I have been going along in this parenting journey, I am really starting to understand this. Part of me wonders if God is really trying to teach me patience right now, or if I am truly that bad with patience that I need lessons on patience. So, below is some lessons on patience I have had the past few weeks...
First off, I have been exhibiting patience (among other things) while waiting for my next OB appointment. Usually, at this stage in the game, baby appointments are about 4 weeks apart, give or take a few days. Well, the span between my last appointment and my next one is 6 weeks! The first 4 weeks went by very well - I wasn't anticipating anything. This week and I am sure next week, are just dragging on. There are periods of time during the day that I wonder if the babies are ok, if they are growing properly, etc. This has also been a test of faith - I give the babies to God every morning and know that He is in control of them and my life. Some days are easier than others, but it is a work in progress - a testing of patience!
Secondly, I have been working on exhibiting patience with my oldest daughter. I don't know if it is her age or her personality or a combination of both, but she has truly been challenging me these past few weeks. I have had to take a step back, retake "control," and exhibit patience while disciplining her. Sometimes I wonder if I expect too much of her, while other times I know I don't expect enough of her. I really think it is one of those things that is a give and take. However, I will say, that I have made amazing strides the past 2 weeks. So much that now my dear husband is almost to the point that I was 2 weeks ago (a parenting breakdown). We had a chat last night, after he battled our oldest going to bed, about how our daughter knows what to do and how to do it to get daddy beyond the point of frustration and without patience. We talked about the importance of not showing our frustrations and exhibiting calmness and extreme patience while disciplining. I have found that it makes the biggest difference! So, yes, a test of my patience - one that I am passing almost 90% of the time. The last 10%, usually in the evenings, I am still working on - a work in progress!
Thirdly, patience in the awaiting of Spring. If there was a sign about Spring similar to the patience sign, I could have it right now. I enjoy every season - which is part of the reason we live in the middle of Iowa instead of Arizona - but at the end of winter, it is a challenge of patience. I am ready for the Spring flowers to start poking through the ground - for blossoms to start blooming - for grass to turn green and need mowed - for warmth and not drowned ground so my children can play outside - for sunshine - for the ability to go on picnics and not freeze - etc. I think you get the idea....I am in the process of making a fresh fruit pizza to remind me of Spring. This past week I have made several "summer" meals for supper including grilled stuffed pork chops, sauted zucchini, steaks, baked potatos, etc. It truly has helped to lift the mood and has helped me to have more patience while awaiting Old Man Winter to go away!
Finally, I think just patience to get things accomplished overall. It is amazing how extremely tired I have been this pregnancy - more so than with my other two. I have periods during the day where I can accomplish things and periods where I have no energy and need to lie down. Needless to say, only about half of what I want to accomplish during the day actually gets done. This is a test of patience for me - remembering what is important and knowing that the rest can wait until tomorrow or the next day or the next day...
So, God truly is teaching me patience, in many ways. But, I still want it right now! :-)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Encouraged
The past three weeks have been a challenge as I have been focused on the "what ifs" and the "future". This has been so overwhelming as I wonder several things including how are we going to manage two babies, am I going to have enough love for two babies, and the big question "how are we going to afford two babies at once". Of course, many more thoughts pass through my mind including what happens if I go on bed rest, how am I going to handle my other two children, what will I do if I go into labor, and the crazy ones like I wonder how big I will get, I wonder if I will be able to walk or get our of a chair, etc. All of these thoughts were weighing me down and causing me to worry and fret.
Besides beginning to read the book, Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George, for women's sunday school class, I have been faithful in praying and giving all my worries and struggles over to God. While being faithful and obedient in handing over todays worries and preparing for the future worries, I have realized how truly blessed we are and have been. I have been really encouraged by things that have been taking place. I wanted to share some of these blessings, not because I want to brag, but because I want to have them written down where I can look back and see them in relationship to this current journey and as a reminder on those tough days.
So, I hope you are encouraged as much as I have been with this list of blessings...(in no particular order)
*A good friend purchased a box and a bag of pampers swaddler newborn diapers to "get us started" in collecting diapers
*A good friend has started collecting duplicate items for me including allowing us to use her infant car seat, her swing, her bouncer, and a second boppy pillow plus she is still looking for other items
*A good friend is allowing me to borrow a large tote of maternity clothes which are already being put to good use!
*A family from church has "adopted one of our babies bums" as they put it, meaning they are going to try to keep up with diapers for one of our babies for the first year
*A member from our church approached me and stated that he/she had been prompted before Christmas to reach out to us, but didn't obey for awhile, and finally decided that she had better. She gave us an envelope with a significant amount of money in it. We will not have to worry about gas for the van for approximately a month (depending on the amount of travel we have to do)
*Another member of the church e-mailed and wants to help by providing a date night for my husband and I and possibly some cleaning time (she offered meals but I am actually managing in that area)
*The former renters of where we lived felt prompted by God and provided my way to go to a woman's retreat on February 5 and 6 in Ames and my husband watched the children so I could be recharged
*A local mother of twins and a church member who has twins has offered words of encouragement and support
*I called a church member to check in and make sure she was doing well and she encouraged me more than I feel I encouraged her
*All the snow we have gotten has been pushed away and our driveway is driveable
*My dear husband is switching positions where he works and is receiving a significant pay raise and more time here at home with working 4 10 hour days instead of 5 8 hour days
I am sure there are many others, but these are the ones that have happened in the last couple of weeks that really stick out in my mind.
It truly is amazing how God works and how when I am feeling challenged in my faith and questioning things, He finds a way to show me "who is boss." It doesn't always take big blessings like these to make me see "who is boss." Sometimes it is just a prompt to read a bible passage or the ability to bless someone else and see their reaction. Sometimes it is just getting on my knees. However, this time God knew what I needed for encouragement and provided. I have given Him my worries and know that twins is a part of his big plan and purpose. Is it still overwhelming, oh yes, but manageable and not so burdening. God is good!!!
Be encouraged, I am!
Besides beginning to read the book, Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George, for women's sunday school class, I have been faithful in praying and giving all my worries and struggles over to God. While being faithful and obedient in handing over todays worries and preparing for the future worries, I have realized how truly blessed we are and have been. I have been really encouraged by things that have been taking place. I wanted to share some of these blessings, not because I want to brag, but because I want to have them written down where I can look back and see them in relationship to this current journey and as a reminder on those tough days.
So, I hope you are encouraged as much as I have been with this list of blessings...(in no particular order)
*A good friend purchased a box and a bag of pampers swaddler newborn diapers to "get us started" in collecting diapers
*A good friend has started collecting duplicate items for me including allowing us to use her infant car seat, her swing, her bouncer, and a second boppy pillow plus she is still looking for other items
*A good friend is allowing me to borrow a large tote of maternity clothes which are already being put to good use!
*A family from church has "adopted one of our babies bums" as they put it, meaning they are going to try to keep up with diapers for one of our babies for the first year
*A member from our church approached me and stated that he/she had been prompted before Christmas to reach out to us, but didn't obey for awhile, and finally decided that she had better. She gave us an envelope with a significant amount of money in it. We will not have to worry about gas for the van for approximately a month (depending on the amount of travel we have to do)
*Another member of the church e-mailed and wants to help by providing a date night for my husband and I and possibly some cleaning time (she offered meals but I am actually managing in that area)
*The former renters of where we lived felt prompted by God and provided my way to go to a woman's retreat on February 5 and 6 in Ames and my husband watched the children so I could be recharged
*A local mother of twins and a church member who has twins has offered words of encouragement and support
*I called a church member to check in and make sure she was doing well and she encouraged me more than I feel I encouraged her
*All the snow we have gotten has been pushed away and our driveway is driveable
*My dear husband is switching positions where he works and is receiving a significant pay raise and more time here at home with working 4 10 hour days instead of 5 8 hour days
I am sure there are many others, but these are the ones that have happened in the last couple of weeks that really stick out in my mind.
It truly is amazing how God works and how when I am feeling challenged in my faith and questioning things, He finds a way to show me "who is boss." It doesn't always take big blessings like these to make me see "who is boss." Sometimes it is just a prompt to read a bible passage or the ability to bless someone else and see their reaction. Sometimes it is just getting on my knees. However, this time God knew what I needed for encouragement and provided. I have given Him my worries and know that twins is a part of his big plan and purpose. Is it still overwhelming, oh yes, but manageable and not so burdening. God is good!!!
Be encouraged, I am!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Pregnancy lay-out
I have decided to document various portions of this pregnancy. Many reasons exist, the main one being so I can look back and see God's provision and blessing through out. The mere fact that we are having twins is challenging my faith - but in a good way. I truly believe that God has a plan and a purpose, it is just a matter of him revealing that to us!
I had my first "official" OB appointment today. I was actually able to have a wonderful conversation with my doctor. She just has a way of easing my mind and reassuring me that things will be ok. Even when I was sobbing in her office before our 2nd was born because our baby was breech and I was unable to do a VBAC, she calmed my mind and eased my fears. I am so thankful to God for doctors like that.
So, the lay of the pregnancy, so to speak. The doctor did what she had to and we had a conversation of truly how high risk of a pregnancy is this. Since I have had 2 previous C-sections and have an abundance of scar tissue (anybody want some?), she said it is not completely high risk, but not a normal pregnancy either, due to having twins. She said she would be more concerned if this was my 4th, 5th, or 6th c-section. However, she did say that there is a risk. So, the plan is as follows:
Normal routine blood tests, glucose screenings, etc. will occur just like with a singleton pregnancy. The difference is going to come in how closely they monitor the babies and my body. I will have an ultrasound the next 3 visits, including a check of my cervix to determine how high of a risk I am for preterm labor. I laughed at the doctor and told her I have never gone into labor with my other two kids....she laughed at me and said God has a way of making things happen. Anyway, she said if everything looks good, then we can all relax a little.
The next visit is actually not until March 17. At this time, I will be 16w6d along. The ultrasound tech requested a little longer time between this visit and the next so she could get better pictures of development. After that, I will probably go back to normal 4 week visits. It definitely seems like an eternity - another faith test from God!
So, the doctor said then, that once I get to 30 weeks, we will do an ultrasound every 2 weeks. At around 34 weeks, she will start doing non-stress tests either weekly or bi-weekly depending on how I am feeling and doing. She said that this is just precaution on her end to make sure that the babies are both doing well in the womb. She also said that ultrasounds will be done as needed if the tests show any abnormal results.
Finally, we discussed a delivery date, pending everything goes as planned. She told most twins are delivered between 36 and 38 weeks. However, if the mom is doing well, she likes to go closer to 39 weeks. I immediately told her that I wanted to wait until August as my other two precious daughters have July birthdays. She laughed and said no problem. So, the projected delivery date will be August 17, 2010. Just typing that excites me! God truly is already working on my heart to prepare me for the arrival of my two little miracles.
God is also working on my heart to just help me to trust Him more and not worry or fret about the future. I have to lean on Him on a daily basis and take one day at a time. God is good! Like I said, there is a plan and a purpose for my life and my families life. How exciting to walk through it. How scary at the same time! :-)
Finally, I had an ultrasound today as well to check for heartbeats. The doctor couldn't find them with the doppler, which she warned me about before trying. So, baby A's heartbeat is 150 and baby B's heartbeat is 158. So, they are closer together now!
Well, look for more updates in the future. I can't wait to see how God continues to prepare my heart and the hearts of my family! God is so good!
I had my first "official" OB appointment today. I was actually able to have a wonderful conversation with my doctor. She just has a way of easing my mind and reassuring me that things will be ok. Even when I was sobbing in her office before our 2nd was born because our baby was breech and I was unable to do a VBAC, she calmed my mind and eased my fears. I am so thankful to God for doctors like that.
So, the lay of the pregnancy, so to speak. The doctor did what she had to and we had a conversation of truly how high risk of a pregnancy is this. Since I have had 2 previous C-sections and have an abundance of scar tissue (anybody want some?), she said it is not completely high risk, but not a normal pregnancy either, due to having twins. She said she would be more concerned if this was my 4th, 5th, or 6th c-section. However, she did say that there is a risk. So, the plan is as follows:
Normal routine blood tests, glucose screenings, etc. will occur just like with a singleton pregnancy. The difference is going to come in how closely they monitor the babies and my body. I will have an ultrasound the next 3 visits, including a check of my cervix to determine how high of a risk I am for preterm labor. I laughed at the doctor and told her I have never gone into labor with my other two kids....she laughed at me and said God has a way of making things happen. Anyway, she said if everything looks good, then we can all relax a little.
The next visit is actually not until March 17. At this time, I will be 16w6d along. The ultrasound tech requested a little longer time between this visit and the next so she could get better pictures of development. After that, I will probably go back to normal 4 week visits. It definitely seems like an eternity - another faith test from God!
So, the doctor said then, that once I get to 30 weeks, we will do an ultrasound every 2 weeks. At around 34 weeks, she will start doing non-stress tests either weekly or bi-weekly depending on how I am feeling and doing. She said that this is just precaution on her end to make sure that the babies are both doing well in the womb. She also said that ultrasounds will be done as needed if the tests show any abnormal results.
Finally, we discussed a delivery date, pending everything goes as planned. She told most twins are delivered between 36 and 38 weeks. However, if the mom is doing well, she likes to go closer to 39 weeks. I immediately told her that I wanted to wait until August as my other two precious daughters have July birthdays. She laughed and said no problem. So, the projected delivery date will be August 17, 2010. Just typing that excites me! God truly is already working on my heart to prepare me for the arrival of my two little miracles.
God is also working on my heart to just help me to trust Him more and not worry or fret about the future. I have to lean on Him on a daily basis and take one day at a time. God is good! Like I said, there is a plan and a purpose for my life and my families life. How exciting to walk through it. How scary at the same time! :-)
Finally, I had an ultrasound today as well to check for heartbeats. The doctor couldn't find them with the doppler, which she warned me about before trying. So, baby A's heartbeat is 150 and baby B's heartbeat is 158. So, they are closer together now!
Well, look for more updates in the future. I can't wait to see how God continues to prepare my heart and the hearts of my family! God is so good!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The ultrasound shows...
TWINS!
Yes, you read that right, twins! There were two fetuses, two placentas, and two amniotic fluid sacs. My doctor told me that that is the best case scenerio for someone with my OB history. That was music to my ears.
Baby A and Baby B, as the doctor's office refers to them, both have heartbeats as well! Baby A's heartbeat is 154 and Baby B's heartbeat is 186. So, if the old wives' tale is correct, we could be looking at a boy and a girl.
We know that God is in control of everything and are just leaning on him for strength. We are both feeling a little overwhelmed and a little apprehensive at the same time. I am doing my best to hold what is true and what is right up to God's standard and as a result some of the following bible verses are running through my mind on a constant basis.
6 So be truly glad.[a] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 1 Peter 1:6 (This is helping with the sickness I have been and still am enduring.)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (This is helping me to remember that God knows what he is doing.)
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2 (Helping me to continue praising Him who creates.)
God will provide. In some ways I think that this may be a way God is testing me to see how much faith that I have. I am standing firm in His word and know that He provides all! TWINS! What a double blessing!!!
Yes, you read that right, twins! There were two fetuses, two placentas, and two amniotic fluid sacs. My doctor told me that that is the best case scenerio for someone with my OB history. That was music to my ears.
Baby A and Baby B, as the doctor's office refers to them, both have heartbeats as well! Baby A's heartbeat is 154 and Baby B's heartbeat is 186. So, if the old wives' tale is correct, we could be looking at a boy and a girl.
We know that God is in control of everything and are just leaning on him for strength. We are both feeling a little overwhelmed and a little apprehensive at the same time. I am doing my best to hold what is true and what is right up to God's standard and as a result some of the following bible verses are running through my mind on a constant basis.
6 So be truly glad.[a] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 1 Peter 1:6 (This is helping with the sickness I have been and still am enduring.)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (This is helping me to remember that God knows what he is doing.)
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2 (Helping me to continue praising Him who creates.)
God will provide. In some ways I think that this may be a way God is testing me to see how much faith that I have. I am standing firm in His word and know that He provides all! TWINS! What a double blessing!!!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Happier things (pictures)
So, I thought I would post a few pictures of our precious girls. It has been awhile and as I have been looking back through pictures, I can't believe how much they have grown! They definitely grow too fast!
The daily grind
The Christmas season is behind us. We are starting a New Year. The daily grind is beginning - or is it?
Good news is brimming around here. We are going to have another baby! About 3 weeks ago I had to take a 2 hour trip heading north of where we live to "interview" for a contract position. The girls rode with me and on the way home (as it was noon) we grabbed McDonalds. We ate and when I finished I immediately felt nauseated. Suddenly, it hit me. I am pregnant. Sure enough, the test that day was a faint positive and the one 3 days later was an immediate positive. So, the daily grind begins...
What is the daily grind? Well, before conceiving, it was seeing my husband off to work, daily bible studies, laundry caught up and maintained, the house picked up and clean (most of the time), meals planned and prepared for the family, grocery shopping done with by myself with the children, paperwork taken care of, things kept in order, etc. Things were moving along nicely and we had definitely hit a routine that was working for us. My dear husband was spoiled beyond belief, but he should be. He sacrifices every day for his girls by leaving the house and going to work. He leaves the security of a home and goes into the field to minister constantly.
Now what is the daily grind? Well, it consists of me spending several hours flat on my back trying not to run to the bathroom or grab the bucket. It consists of laundry mostly being washed and dried but not folded or put away. It consists of dishes piling up until I can't stand it any longer and unload then reload the dishwasher. It consists of a constant messy house. It consists of me maybe cooking something - but mostly trying to get my husband to cook. It consists of several times of vomiting and barely feeling as if my children are taken care of.
I am extremely ill when I am pregnant and having been in this daily grind for 3 weeks, am really burning out and starting to tire. The feelings of worthlessness, uselessness, uncaring, etc. are sneaking into my thinking. The questioning of myself is beginning with questions such as "Why did I want to do this again?" or "Why can't I be "normal"?" or just plain "Why God? Why does this have to be so miserable?" Even though there is an end in sight (33 weeks) it still seems like an eternity until the end.
So, the daily grind is grinding down, pushing out, and stretching me in so many ways. It is truly making me look to Jesus for strength, encouragement, and the motivation to keep on keeping on. Some days it requires just taking a deep breath and tackling something even though I know I will vomit before, during, after or all 3 times.
In the end, I will cherish the little miracle that finally arrives. In my mind, each of my children are miracles because of what I have to endure to have children.
Give your children extra love today and thank God for healthy pregnancies and the ability to continue with "the daily grind."
Good news is brimming around here. We are going to have another baby! About 3 weeks ago I had to take a 2 hour trip heading north of where we live to "interview" for a contract position. The girls rode with me and on the way home (as it was noon) we grabbed McDonalds. We ate and when I finished I immediately felt nauseated. Suddenly, it hit me. I am pregnant. Sure enough, the test that day was a faint positive and the one 3 days later was an immediate positive. So, the daily grind begins...
What is the daily grind? Well, before conceiving, it was seeing my husband off to work, daily bible studies, laundry caught up and maintained, the house picked up and clean (most of the time), meals planned and prepared for the family, grocery shopping done with by myself with the children, paperwork taken care of, things kept in order, etc. Things were moving along nicely and we had definitely hit a routine that was working for us. My dear husband was spoiled beyond belief, but he should be. He sacrifices every day for his girls by leaving the house and going to work. He leaves the security of a home and goes into the field to minister constantly.
Now what is the daily grind? Well, it consists of me spending several hours flat on my back trying not to run to the bathroom or grab the bucket. It consists of laundry mostly being washed and dried but not folded or put away. It consists of dishes piling up until I can't stand it any longer and unload then reload the dishwasher. It consists of a constant messy house. It consists of me maybe cooking something - but mostly trying to get my husband to cook. It consists of several times of vomiting and barely feeling as if my children are taken care of.
I am extremely ill when I am pregnant and having been in this daily grind for 3 weeks, am really burning out and starting to tire. The feelings of worthlessness, uselessness, uncaring, etc. are sneaking into my thinking. The questioning of myself is beginning with questions such as "Why did I want to do this again?" or "Why can't I be "normal"?" or just plain "Why God? Why does this have to be so miserable?" Even though there is an end in sight (33 weeks) it still seems like an eternity until the end.
So, the daily grind is grinding down, pushing out, and stretching me in so many ways. It is truly making me look to Jesus for strength, encouragement, and the motivation to keep on keeping on. Some days it requires just taking a deep breath and tackling something even though I know I will vomit before, during, after or all 3 times.
In the end, I will cherish the little miracle that finally arrives. In my mind, each of my children are miracles because of what I have to endure to have children.
Give your children extra love today and thank God for healthy pregnancies and the ability to continue with "the daily grind."
Monday, November 16, 2009
Simple acts of LOVE
It is a Monday morning (and I am not a morning person???). I have had a long weekend with butchering chickens until midnight on Friday night, and then butchering more chickens on Saturday. Together Tall One and I worked on our patio (which was our father's and mother's day gifts). It is getting close to being finished. Then, we spent time with our dear children and off to bed. However, neither one of us could sleep. Crazy after a busy day! Sunday was filled with worship at church, then a meeting at church followed by a potluck lunch. After that, my dear husband and the children headed home to prepare for company. I stayed at church and worked with the individuals involved with the Christmas cantata before heading home. I arrived home, finished cleaning and preparing for company to come for dinner. However, they cancelled at the last minute which was a blessing in disguise! :-) We had our family worship time followed by putting the children to bed. My dear husband was up taking care of a few things around the house as I was preparing for a week of preschool.
Why do I tell you all that. By getting up this morning at 5:50 am to spend some time with my husband, I showed him that I truly loved him. Yes, I would have rather been cuddled up in my nice warm bed with my pillows surrounding me and .... However, I woke up and came downstairs (we have a 2 story house). My husband immediately smiled and said, "Good morning dear." I proceeded to go work in the kitchen (which I did not get completely cleaned up last night) while he went out and took care of the 47 chickens we have remaining. While he was out, I managed to get the dishes all gathered and ready to be washed, his lunch packed (with a dessert), his breakfast prepared (nothing special - a whole grain granola bar and yogurt), his medications set out, and his work bag gathered around. His carpool friends arrived and he was off - but not without a kiss and a hug and an "I love you and have a good day" at the door.
Now, what does that mean. To me it is becoming a part of my daily routine. To my dear husband, it is so much more. I am encouraging him before he sets foot out into the mission field called the world to go provide for our family. I am taking some stress from his morning and allowing him to sit and relax and enjoy breakfast before he goes. He leaves with a kiss and a hug - which lasts him until he gets home. Not only that, but I am energized as well to accomplish things before the dear children start their day. My husband is shown love and encouragement in a simple act of love.
Yes, it is a sacrifice for me. But, what did Christ sacrifice for me. My sacrifice is little compared to Him dying on the cross to save me. Finally, by climbing out of bed early, before the children are up, I have been able to do daily bible studies. This time of digging into the Word of God is refreshing, encouraging, and oh so helpful when Satan attacks or the children are trying. I am showing Christ a simple act of love by spending time with Him as well - something I would not get accomplished if I were still in bed.
So, wake up, show love, and have a blessed day!
Why do I tell you all that. By getting up this morning at 5:50 am to spend some time with my husband, I showed him that I truly loved him. Yes, I would have rather been cuddled up in my nice warm bed with my pillows surrounding me and .... However, I woke up and came downstairs (we have a 2 story house). My husband immediately smiled and said, "Good morning dear." I proceeded to go work in the kitchen (which I did not get completely cleaned up last night) while he went out and took care of the 47 chickens we have remaining. While he was out, I managed to get the dishes all gathered and ready to be washed, his lunch packed (with a dessert), his breakfast prepared (nothing special - a whole grain granola bar and yogurt), his medications set out, and his work bag gathered around. His carpool friends arrived and he was off - but not without a kiss and a hug and an "I love you and have a good day" at the door.
Now, what does that mean. To me it is becoming a part of my daily routine. To my dear husband, it is so much more. I am encouraging him before he sets foot out into the mission field called the world to go provide for our family. I am taking some stress from his morning and allowing him to sit and relax and enjoy breakfast before he goes. He leaves with a kiss and a hug - which lasts him until he gets home. Not only that, but I am energized as well to accomplish things before the dear children start their day. My husband is shown love and encouragement in a simple act of love.
Yes, it is a sacrifice for me. But, what did Christ sacrifice for me. My sacrifice is little compared to Him dying on the cross to save me. Finally, by climbing out of bed early, before the children are up, I have been able to do daily bible studies. This time of digging into the Word of God is refreshing, encouraging, and oh so helpful when Satan attacks or the children are trying. I am showing Christ a simple act of love by spending time with Him as well - something I would not get accomplished if I were still in bed.
So, wake up, show love, and have a blessed day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)