A Gift of God

“I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 TNIV

In less than three weeks my children will start back to school. This time of year is always hectic for my family because we are getting ready to go back to school, planning a birthday party for my daughter (her birthday is on the first day of school this year) and somehow trying to fit in an anniversary celebration for my husband and me. Now, this year I have the added “bonus” of working outside the home where my job is also very busy during August.

Instead of throwing my hands up and telling God that I can’t possibly get everything done, I am pulling out some of my old tricks to keep me on track. I know I’ve written on time management before, but it never hurts to be reminded of some useful tips.

First, I’m going to write down on two separate lists all the things that need to be done at home and at work. I list everything from normal daily activities such as laundry to the occasional bigger tasks like removing outgrown clothes from my children’s closets.

Second, I will pray over these lists and ask God to show me if there are any tasks that can be deleted if they are not necessary or delegated to someone else who may be able to handle the task better. I pray that God will show me what’s most important.

Next, I follow God’s command and delete and delegate.

Finally, I schedule each task that is left on days that I know I will have enough time to complete them.

Our verse for today reminds us that finding satisfaction in our work is a gift of God. I pray that you will allow God to help you if you are burdened by too much to do. Accept His gift and be satisfied.

Shining Lights

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Last week on vacation we visited the Gateway Arch in the Jefferson Memorial National Expansion Park in St. Louis. While we were waiting to get in line to go up to the top of the Arch, we decided to explore the gift shop and museum that were at the base of the Arch. I noticed a sign at the information desk that said kids could sign up to be a Junior Ranger. Since we had some time to spare, I went to the desk to inquire what the program was about. The ranger gave me an activity book and pencil for both of my kids. If they completed the activities in the book and brought it back, they would become Junior Rangers.

My daughter took this assignment to heart and immediately set out to finish the activities. When she turned in her completed book, the park ranger gave her a certificate and Junior Ranger badge. Before he presented her these items he admonished her to be a good example to other kids. Since she was wearing a Junior Ranger badge other kids would be looking at her and following her example. He encouraged her to not touch the exhibits or play on the display ropes. My daughter solemnly agreed to this charge. (She’s only 6.) She was mindful the rest of the day that other people were looking at how she acted.

Our focus verse today reminds us that God gives us the same admonition. He wants us to live in such a way that He may be glorified. We don’t have a Junior Ranger badge to identify us as Christians. All we have is the example of our lifestyle. Let us be careful in how we live so that we may bring glory and honor to God.

Father, forgive me for the times when my light does not shine for you. Open my eyes to lifestyle choices I’ve made that may not be pleasing to you.

Hearts at Home

One of the things I love about blogging is the exchange of ideas that takes place; after all, what mom can't use a new idea every now and then!

If you are interested in a blog that brings a group of mommy bloggers all to one place, stop by and visit the Hearts at Home blog.

Hearts at Home's contributing bloggers write about motherhood, each with a unique perspective, reflecting on the spiritual, emotional and downright funny aspects of motherhood. Their group of bloggers range from professional speakers to authors to stay-at-home moms, all who share a passion for the profession of motherhood.

The Hearts at Home blog covers a variety of topics, such as practical mom tips, recipes, book reviews, and advice for tackling tough mommy issues.

Take a peek at this great resource and connect with real moms sharing real stories today!

Fireworks

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23

My family went to our local Minor League baseball team’s game to celebrate the 4th of July. After the game, all the attendees were invited to stay to watch the fireworks put on by our city. As I was sitting there watching the beautiful bursts of light, I was reminded of God’s love and mercies.

The cascading glow of the fireworks represented God pouring out His love and mercies upon us. Sometimes we recognize His outpouring because it is so vast and cannot be missed much like the huge fireworks that explode with a big BOOM. Other times we may miss what He has given us because it is not so flashy. It may be He provides us with a blessing that is small that thrills us for a moment like a sparkler and then is over because life interrupts and we must focus on something else.

Today I challenge you to review what has taken place in your life this week. Identify instances where God may have been pouring out His love and mercies on you but you were too busy to notice. Praise Him for what He has done in your life.

Making Memories

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT

I am addicted to scrapbooking. I have always loved looking at pictures and making albums out of them. I feel so blessed that I was introduced to scrapbooking when my husband and I were dating. I have albums from our dating years through our wedding and first years together. When we had kids, scrapbooking took on a whole new dimension. I wanted my kids to know all about their years growing up even when they could not remember events from those years anymore. To me scrapbooking is a priceless way to pass down not only family memories but your spiritual heritage.

This summer has been different than any other for our family. This is the first summer that we’ve not had a vacation planned before summer started. It is also the first summer I’ve had a job where the kids have had to stay with Nanny and Papa a few days each week. Now that we’re almost half way through I am asking myself “What do I want the kids to remember about this summer?”

I hope they remember that Mom tried her best to make her days off fun and not just days to catch up on housework. Maybe they’ll remember the days we went to the pool and put off chores for the day. Or maybe they’ll remember impromptu piano lessons, meals out to eat at a “sit down” restaurant or making cupcakes.

When summer is over and the kids are back in school, I will write down our memories and give the kids a summer scrapbook. I will write them notes about how much I love them and all the fun memories we created. If you have children or grandchildren, I challenge you to make memories with them this summer. Don’t forget to write them down so that they may be passed down to future generations.

Father, help us to never forget the precious memories you’ve entrusted to us. May we always be faithful to pass down our stories of your faithfulness to the next generation.