Sticking close to home has some amazing treasures-- staying in our PJs most of the day, enjoying the new, soft green grass in the backyard, endless laps run around our house and even a few visits to the fire station down the street and the play park at the school next door.
But in an attempt to make our home "more appealing" to the kids (as if the overflowing toy bin and the litter of outdoor toys isn't enough), I have found myself trying to make everything "special" which usually means adding in more sweet treats than usual, bending the rules, or purchasing "fun little" gifts to bring my kids "endless" joy. I realized that I have been trying to "buy" my kids instead of enjoying my kids...like having relationship isn't sweet enough on its own. This is a costly danger in more than one way!
Maybe this is where I have gone wrong in so many of my personal friendships too...expecting great "things" instead of the more simple, more authentic and more beautiful "things"-- conversation and connection.
There is a difference between the occasional surprise or the occasional "I will bend the rules about TV Friday and let you watch a show" kind of allowance but when it becomes a lifestyle, a go-to, it looses its "special-ness" and it truly takes away from the bond between a mother and child, father and child or a friend and friend. There becomes this expectation that, if unmet, leads to dissatisfaction. In truth, God is the only one who can truly satisfy us. No amount of worldly things (or sweet treats) can ever fill the void of longing/acceptance we have except for God.
Am I trying to be "god" to my child by trying to satisfy them in a way that only God can? Am I just pacifying them with treats as a means to just survive the day (trust me, some days this is TOTALLY worth it and okay)? Am I trying to earn their favor by being the "good-guy" through bent rules or exceptions? Whatever the reason, I know that money (or sweet surprises) will never be the solution. I also know that giving gifts as a means of love is a very slippery slope...once you start sliding down it is very difficult to stop. I want to teach our kids to love me (and others) for who I am (they are) not what my children can get from me (others). It is not about what a person can give you but rather who they are...hoping for deep and authentic connections through conversation and shared experiences. Again, don't hear me wrong, it can bring both the giver and receiver great joy in the thoughtfulness of gifts yet it should not be the primary means of expression of love. Really, what is comes down to is the heart motive.
So, where do I go from here? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe by starting to see "special" in our every day traditions like our devotions around the breakfast table or the "special-ness" of our post-dinner walk to feed the chickens across the street. It is about quality time engaging with my children, being present and listening to what interests them and playing into those interests. It is about asking my children for help as we prepare meals or make a grocery list...engaging in the simply everyday tasks and focusing on those things. Bringing life back into focus of the "root-of-family" that binds us together and brings our focus to the Lord, serving Him and serving the others around us. The adage, seek to serve, is one that I wish to teach my children. I want to serve them (and those around me). I desire my children to do that same. To do this, I must stop "buying" them with excessive "special-ness" and bent rules by focusing on just loving them for them...not what I can give them or what they can give to me in return but just love them for them.
Happy Sabbath Summer!
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
Summer Sabbath: Patience & Trust
Last week, June, my 14-month old son had a follow-up appointment with the gastrointestinal department. Up until a few months ago it has been a struggle to get him to eat certain foods due to reflux and to teach him to drink from a bottle/sippy cup (he was born prematurely, with little chance of survival at birth). Due to an overwhelmed schedule we MISSED his scheduled early December appointment. I have NEVER missed any appointment or follow-up.
I received a letter in the mail notifying me of the missed appointment and I was devastated! I was so anxious to have this appointment as well as meet with a dietitian but we some how overlooked it on our busy schedule and could not get rescheduled until last week.
At the time of receiving the letter, I called the office and gladly accepted the June appointment...even more anxious because it was 4-months out and anxious because I was concerned about my son.
Fast forward to the appointment: As I prepared the diaper bag to head out to the medical office, I had a smile on my face. I KNEW that my son no longer needed this service from the gastrointestinal department at the children's hospital. This appointment, which happened to occur during Sabbath Summer, made me realize the lack of patience and trust in my own life towards God and His plans/ways.
Since birth I have been concerned about my son's eating and digestion. I kept detailed charts and logs of medications, formula in-takes, solid foods consumed. Throughout his 14-months of life, doctors told me that our son would eventually grow out of many of these digestive issues and his three medications. Was it that I didn't want to believe them? Was it that I wanted to rush the process? I wanted answers then and there. I wanted our son to be "fixed" NOW! I was (still am) an exhausted, sleep deprived mother of three, stretched thin by my marriage, kids, full-time work, church involvement, friends... (the list goes on). I confess, I wanted it...him...to be fixed so that I could "move on" to other things. (I confess my pride here too!).
Now our son is a growing, healthy boy who is eating anything and everything without any restrictions (except for the size of his finger foods). I know that perspective is always 20/20 but this experience made me realize my lack of trust in God's ability to take care of our son (and us!).
It was a very good revelation that God showed me...that God is good even when we can't see it. He is working things out in His timing and in His way. He requires us to patiently endure in long-suffering and steadfastness in Him...even when we don't know the outcome or the path is not yet made clear. This is the same "skill" required for developing deepened relationships--steadfastness and patiently enduring the good and hard in relationships.
This experience also revealed to me that we cannot force God's hand. Outside His will, we might be able to force a solution, an outcome or control the situation in some way yet the results are unsatisfying, challenging and often times end up creating more stress and anxiety. Some situations just require TIME and PATIENCE. No matter how badly I wanted my son to be "fixed" or how many appointments I forcefully scheduled nothing would change the fact that God required TIME for my son to outgrow the struggles he as enduring which required me to patiently accept where our son was. Instead of wanting him to be at the end of this, to enjoy the PROCESS of reaching the end...pressing deeper into God rejoicing in His favor and embracing the discipline of patience.
Moving forward in this Sabbath Summer, I wish to adopt this discipline of patience: with God, with my husband, with my kids, with my friendships, with communication, with purchasing, with everything. I will attempt to see God moving before I predetermine my will verses God's will and His way. I will practice patience which will also help me practice trust.
I received a letter in the mail notifying me of the missed appointment and I was devastated! I was so anxious to have this appointment as well as meet with a dietitian but we some how overlooked it on our busy schedule and could not get rescheduled until last week.
At the time of receiving the letter, I called the office and gladly accepted the June appointment...even more anxious because it was 4-months out and anxious because I was concerned about my son.
Fast forward to the appointment: As I prepared the diaper bag to head out to the medical office, I had a smile on my face. I KNEW that my son no longer needed this service from the gastrointestinal department at the children's hospital. This appointment, which happened to occur during Sabbath Summer, made me realize the lack of patience and trust in my own life towards God and His plans/ways.
Since birth I have been concerned about my son's eating and digestion. I kept detailed charts and logs of medications, formula in-takes, solid foods consumed. Throughout his 14-months of life, doctors told me that our son would eventually grow out of many of these digestive issues and his three medications. Was it that I didn't want to believe them? Was it that I wanted to rush the process? I wanted answers then and there. I wanted our son to be "fixed" NOW! I was (still am) an exhausted, sleep deprived mother of three, stretched thin by my marriage, kids, full-time work, church involvement, friends... (the list goes on). I confess, I wanted it...him...to be fixed so that I could "move on" to other things. (I confess my pride here too!).
Now our son is a growing, healthy boy who is eating anything and everything without any restrictions (except for the size of his finger foods). I know that perspective is always 20/20 but this experience made me realize my lack of trust in God's ability to take care of our son (and us!).
It was a very good revelation that God showed me...that God is good even when we can't see it. He is working things out in His timing and in His way. He requires us to patiently endure in long-suffering and steadfastness in Him...even when we don't know the outcome or the path is not yet made clear. This is the same "skill" required for developing deepened relationships--steadfastness and patiently enduring the good and hard in relationships.
This experience also revealed to me that we cannot force God's hand. Outside His will, we might be able to force a solution, an outcome or control the situation in some way yet the results are unsatisfying, challenging and often times end up creating more stress and anxiety. Some situations just require TIME and PATIENCE. No matter how badly I wanted my son to be "fixed" or how many appointments I forcefully scheduled nothing would change the fact that God required TIME for my son to outgrow the struggles he as enduring which required me to patiently accept where our son was. Instead of wanting him to be at the end of this, to enjoy the PROCESS of reaching the end...pressing deeper into God rejoicing in His favor and embracing the discipline of patience.
Moving forward in this Sabbath Summer, I wish to adopt this discipline of patience: with God, with my husband, with my kids, with my friendships, with communication, with purchasing, with everything. I will attempt to see God moving before I predetermine my will verses God's will and His way. I will practice patience which will also help me practice trust.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Sabbath Summer: Resisting the Rush
Rest has always been a difficult thing for me to "accomplish." (See, even there I am driven). I desire to keep moving, keep going, plan the next meal, next party, next activity. It seems almost unnatural for me to stop, pause, breath and rest.
Summer Sabbath is teaching me to rest. I need to rest!
Since first establishing "SS" I have taken a different perspective to my world. I have noticed how I strive to clean even while I am playing with my children. I always find something to put away instead of just sitting on the floor to play dolls. When guests come over I fight the urge to clean up the meal while we are still in conversation. Going out, I rush my children to "get to the (car/play-park/store/etc.)" instead of enjoying the process and marveling at what they are discovering--what they are seeing wonder in. (Although I do believe that sometime YOU JUST NEED TO GET TO THE CAR! or put shoes on).
Oh, how much have I missed by my drive and desire to be busy and rushed.
I am thankful God is revealing this heart of mine so that I can surrender and be more present with those I am in the presence of. For me, this is a battle--- a literal battle---that takes mental and physical constraint. It takes capturing every thought unto the Lord and trusting that all of the important things that need to be accomplished WILL get accomplished (perhaps in a different pace). It is teaching me that it is okay to have dishes piled in the sink and unfolded laundry in baskets lining the wall in my living room. Because, after all, my children are only this young once in their lifetime.
SS is teaching me to savor the little but big movements: my first son's stamina to run...even at 2 1/2, my youngest son learning to drink from a sippy cup, my daughter's excitement when she wakes up with a dry pull-up (SO close to no more pull-ups!!). One child praying for the other. When my children clear their own meal dishes. When manners are used without prompting. When toys are shared generously. These are the moments I am savoring in this season of rest.
My eyes have been opened to see the good in my children--not just the areas that need re-directing or discipline. It is wonderful to see and know how precious each one is to God the Father and how I get to enjoy them for just a little time on this earth.
So, in this SS I am practicing rest--resistance to rush. Savoring the little moments. It has been a joy and I am excited to see what else God will reveal---although it might create more work. :)
Summer Sabbath is teaching me to rest. I need to rest!
Since first establishing "SS" I have taken a different perspective to my world. I have noticed how I strive to clean even while I am playing with my children. I always find something to put away instead of just sitting on the floor to play dolls. When guests come over I fight the urge to clean up the meal while we are still in conversation. Going out, I rush my children to "get to the (car/play-park/store/etc.)" instead of enjoying the process and marveling at what they are discovering--what they are seeing wonder in. (Although I do believe that sometime YOU JUST NEED TO GET TO THE CAR! or put shoes on).
Oh, how much have I missed by my drive and desire to be busy and rushed.
I am thankful God is revealing this heart of mine so that I can surrender and be more present with those I am in the presence of. For me, this is a battle--- a literal battle---that takes mental and physical constraint. It takes capturing every thought unto the Lord and trusting that all of the important things that need to be accomplished WILL get accomplished (perhaps in a different pace). It is teaching me that it is okay to have dishes piled in the sink and unfolded laundry in baskets lining the wall in my living room. Because, after all, my children are only this young once in their lifetime.
SS is teaching me to savor the little but big movements: my first son's stamina to run...even at 2 1/2, my youngest son learning to drink from a sippy cup, my daughter's excitement when she wakes up with a dry pull-up (SO close to no more pull-ups!!). One child praying for the other. When my children clear their own meal dishes. When manners are used without prompting. When toys are shared generously. These are the moments I am savoring in this season of rest.
My eyes have been opened to see the good in my children--not just the areas that need re-directing or discipline. It is wonderful to see and know how precious each one is to God the Father and how I get to enjoy them for just a little time on this earth.
So, in this SS I am practicing rest--resistance to rush. Savoring the little moments. It has been a joy and I am excited to see what else God will reveal---although it might create more work. :)
Monday, June 11, 2018
Growing a Family: Our Sabbath Summer
This summer we declare a Sabbath Summer. By definition Sabbath means rest as to set apart as holy. I might not fully understand all of the complexities of what Sabbath means biblically, but what I do know is that Scripture calls us to "cease strive and know that I [God] am God." Psalm 46:10 (See a Full definition of Sabbath here).
So, our family is going to try this--- resting in God's provision. The rule of Summer Sabbath is simple: Trust God.
In practical terms this means sticking close-ish to home, not pre-planning our summer activities or daily outings. It means being obedient to where and when God calls us to go somewhere or do something. It means limiting the stresses of this chaotic season of life (and one of these stresses is taking my 1, 2, and 3 year olds anywhere by motor-vehicle by myself). It means focusing on the simple yet difficult command in Mark 12:30-31:
We start this summer with loose boundaries of staying close to home, surrendering our friendships to the Lord and taking joy in celebrating God's Gift of Love through reading scripture and through service. Our goal is to get back to a more simple, clutter-free, media-reduced life, hoping that through this-- more authentic interactions will grow into long established friendships and serving others would become second nature.
If you know anything about me and my extroverted nature, this will be difficult. It is certainly a disciple that will influence (positively) many other area of my life... marriage, relationships with my kids, friendships and service to the church body and community. I pray that through this discipline of Sabbath Summer God will change the way I think and value the people and things around me. I am excited and slightly apprehensive at how this will all play out but after pondering it more I realized....
In those terms, it could also be called a "reset" summer. Whatever it is called, I pray that it brings Glory to God and refocuses our family to what really matters. So...here is to a summer full of the unexpected. A summer of trusting God. A summer of hopeful simplicity. And a summer of authenticity, openness and sharing the Gospel through lifestyle.
In Joy---
Maranatha
So, our family is going to try this--- resting in God's provision. The rule of Summer Sabbath is simple: Trust God.
In practical terms this means sticking close-ish to home, not pre-planning our summer activities or daily outings. It means being obedient to where and when God calls us to go somewhere or do something. It means limiting the stresses of this chaotic season of life (and one of these stresses is taking my 1, 2, and 3 year olds anywhere by motor-vehicle by myself). It means focusing on the simple yet difficult command in Mark 12:30-31:
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”
We start this summer with loose boundaries of staying close to home, surrendering our friendships to the Lord and taking joy in celebrating God's Gift of Love through reading scripture and through service. Our goal is to get back to a more simple, clutter-free, media-reduced life, hoping that through this-- more authentic interactions will grow into long established friendships and serving others would become second nature.
If you know anything about me and my extroverted nature, this will be difficult. It is certainly a disciple that will influence (positively) many other area of my life... marriage, relationships with my kids, friendships and service to the church body and community. I pray that through this discipline of Sabbath Summer God will change the way I think and value the people and things around me. I am excited and slightly apprehensive at how this will all play out but after pondering it more I realized....
Isn't this how I should be living anyway?!!?
In those terms, it could also be called a "reset" summer. Whatever it is called, I pray that it brings Glory to God and refocuses our family to what really matters. So...here is to a summer full of the unexpected. A summer of trusting God. A summer of hopeful simplicity. And a summer of authenticity, openness and sharing the Gospel through lifestyle.
In Joy---
Maranatha
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Growing a Boy: just a "simple" x-ray
In less than a week our house will be ransacked by a one year old, two year old and three 1/2 year old. To say we are busy is an understatement. Our almost 1-year old learned how to crawl this week (using the splits... of all ways to learn how to crawl. It is HILARIOUS!). Our two year old learned how to climb out of his crib this week too, resulting in the crib bolted to the wall and the mattress placed directly on the floor. Our three and 1/2 year old is growing which means she is never full and is sleeping a lot (or just a little cranky when she doesn't get enough sleep). Yet-- our hearts are full. We are BLESSED beyond all measures.
Around this time a year ago, I was admitted to the hospital with the unknown condition of our third child. At 32 weeks gestation, the medical world could not determine what was causing all of my medical complications. It was a scary time. We are so thankful to my parents who took our oldest two without a blink so that I could be hospitalized. In the last few weeks of the month of March, the memories of this time often flood back into my mind (without permission!) and take me back to the physical pain I felt as well as the emotional stress.
Fast-forward to present, our world is much different. Our "little" preemie is now 25 pounds and moving like crazy. He is not yet meeting ANY of his adjusted-age milestone (according to the medical world) but to me HE IS PERFECT! To be honest, he really is acting like an 8-month old...something most people don't understand. I feel like I have to constantly justify why my 12-month old can't feed himself, why he can't figure out a sippy cup or why his is not yet pulling to a stand or starting to practice walking. It is a tough world that, thankfully, most people have never had to deal with.
Today marks another milestone: his one-year surgical follow-up and x-ray. For some reason, tears just flooded my eyes as I typed that. This appointment will determine if the tumor that was in his right lung at birth has grown back or is (hopefully) gone forever. There have been many times this past year I have cried, worried and wondered if there is a tumor growing in my sweet precious Ollie...again something, thankfully, most people have never had to deal with. In a matter of hours we will hop into our car and make the dreaded 45-minutes North to the hospital where our son spent his first 16-days of life. It is all too clear---that unknown time of "Will our son live or will our son die?" We will walk in today, stroll past the check-in desk, past the Starbucks (where we found a little reprieve during his stay), towards the elevators that will take us to the NICU floor...where we said goodbye to our son on a few different occasions. Yet today instead of the NICU we will visit radiology for an x-ray and then wait to see the surgeon face-to-face to hear him speak the words that will determine the next steps for our son.
Today has many implications.
I am more emotional than I thought I would be. Regardless, today WILL be a good day! I am thankful that Jesus walks before us in all things as well as walks with us! So...please join us today in great anticipation of such a simple x-ray that could change the medical treatment of our son.
Around this time a year ago, I was admitted to the hospital with the unknown condition of our third child. At 32 weeks gestation, the medical world could not determine what was causing all of my medical complications. It was a scary time. We are so thankful to my parents who took our oldest two without a blink so that I could be hospitalized. In the last few weeks of the month of March, the memories of this time often flood back into my mind (without permission!) and take me back to the physical pain I felt as well as the emotional stress.
Fast-forward to present, our world is much different. Our "little" preemie is now 25 pounds and moving like crazy. He is not yet meeting ANY of his adjusted-age milestone (according to the medical world) but to me HE IS PERFECT! To be honest, he really is acting like an 8-month old...something most people don't understand. I feel like I have to constantly justify why my 12-month old can't feed himself, why he can't figure out a sippy cup or why his is not yet pulling to a stand or starting to practice walking. It is a tough world that, thankfully, most people have never had to deal with.
Today marks another milestone: his one-year surgical follow-up and x-ray. For some reason, tears just flooded my eyes as I typed that. This appointment will determine if the tumor that was in his right lung at birth has grown back or is (hopefully) gone forever. There have been many times this past year I have cried, worried and wondered if there is a tumor growing in my sweet precious Ollie...again something, thankfully, most people have never had to deal with. In a matter of hours we will hop into our car and make the dreaded 45-minutes North to the hospital where our son spent his first 16-days of life. It is all too clear---that unknown time of "Will our son live or will our son die?" We will walk in today, stroll past the check-in desk, past the Starbucks (where we found a little reprieve during his stay), towards the elevators that will take us to the NICU floor...where we said goodbye to our son on a few different occasions. Yet today instead of the NICU we will visit radiology for an x-ray and then wait to see the surgeon face-to-face to hear him speak the words that will determine the next steps for our son.
Today has many implications.
I am more emotional than I thought I would be. Regardless, today WILL be a good day! I am thankful that Jesus walks before us in all things as well as walks with us! So...please join us today in great anticipation of such a simple x-ray that could change the medical treatment of our son.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Growing a boy: Hearing the Word "NICU"
My miracle baby is almost 10-months old yet at the sound of the word "NICU" I am taken back to some of the toughest moments of my life and begin to cry.
The word send me back...to the smells, the sounds, the stress, the dry hands from the hospital soap, the labor-intensive pumping sessions, the overnight stays at the hospital, the hospital food, the desire to hold my newborn or dress him or hear him cry, the shuffling of our older two kids to make arrangements to be in Seattle.
It reminds me of the stress being back in the Tacoma hospital and the frustrations of trying to nurse...of the painful recovery from a c-section, the sight of volunteer "rockers" rocking my crying preemie because I could not be there all of the time.
The word "NICU" reminds me of the dozens and dozens of people who served not only our son but us as well...their love, compassion, hugs and tissues.
I am reminded of the community that supported us so well by providing meals and practical acts of service.
I remember standing in our son's nursery at home, crying because my son was not home, in his crib, where I imagined him to be.
My mind wanders to the trip back to the hospital once he was initially released...back to the hospital after the victory of the initial discharge was celebrated...watching him stop breathing at home--turning slightly blue, the addition of medication, learning my breastmilk which contained milk could be part of the cause, the addition of rice cereal into his formula.
The word NICU reminds me of all the other struggling parents I encountered whose babies were sicker than mine...those sweet precious ones that passes away from being born too early or had too many medical complications. My heart and mind go there.
I cry thinking about the support from Seattle Children...not knowing how to grasp their level of support and love and care....using every resource possible to save our son.
Maybe I am experiencing post-traumatic stress from these occurrences. But a day does not go by that I don't think about some aspect of our son's journey.
We will celebrate his first birthday in just a few short months and I am beside myself. It is an incredible journey! It is a party of celebration and a thank-you party for all of those who have joined us in this battle! We seriously can never thank you enough.
The word send me back...to the smells, the sounds, the stress, the dry hands from the hospital soap, the labor-intensive pumping sessions, the overnight stays at the hospital, the hospital food, the desire to hold my newborn or dress him or hear him cry, the shuffling of our older two kids to make arrangements to be in Seattle.
It reminds me of the stress being back in the Tacoma hospital and the frustrations of trying to nurse...of the painful recovery from a c-section, the sight of volunteer "rockers" rocking my crying preemie because I could not be there all of the time.
The word "NICU" reminds me of the dozens and dozens of people who served not only our son but us as well...their love, compassion, hugs and tissues.
I am reminded of the community that supported us so well by providing meals and practical acts of service.
I remember standing in our son's nursery at home, crying because my son was not home, in his crib, where I imagined him to be.
My mind wanders to the trip back to the hospital once he was initially released...back to the hospital after the victory of the initial discharge was celebrated...watching him stop breathing at home--turning slightly blue, the addition of medication, learning my breastmilk which contained milk could be part of the cause, the addition of rice cereal into his formula.
The word NICU reminds me of all the other struggling parents I encountered whose babies were sicker than mine...those sweet precious ones that passes away from being born too early or had too many medical complications. My heart and mind go there.
I cry thinking about the support from Seattle Children...not knowing how to grasp their level of support and love and care....using every resource possible to save our son.
Maybe I am experiencing post-traumatic stress from these occurrences. But a day does not go by that I don't think about some aspect of our son's journey.
We will celebrate his first birthday in just a few short months and I am beside myself. It is an incredible journey! It is a party of celebration and a thank-you party for all of those who have joined us in this battle! We seriously can never thank you enough.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
2018: My "reset" year
10 days into the New Year...I have made some pretty loft resolutions.
As I reflect backwards on the year before, I also dream about the year ahead.
My "backwards" year sure was eventful... discovered I was pregnant, took two trips to Canada and one road trip to Idaho, dealt with a house flood, birthed a baby who was born unexpectedly early with hours and days spent in and out of the hospital (not knowing if he would live or die), potty trained, my oldest starting preschool, attended two professional ballets, turned 35 and adjusted to being a family of 5 while both my husband and I work full-time. (And these are just a "few" highlights of 2017).
It was probably the toughest year I have endured to-date. EVERY WEEK offered a new challenge which allowed us to press deeper into God and sacrifice so much of ourselves to serve others and take care of the "things" (material and relational) God has gifted us with.
In 2018, my resolutions are big... focusing first on God. Trying to live more radically for Him by getting rid of the excessive physical clutter to make room to mentally focus on relationships. My desire is to be more intentional about serving those around (my husband and kids included) by a willingness to be "inconvenienced" to obey the calling/directing of the Holy Spirit. It is a big resolution that can only be fulfilled IN Him.
My other "big" resolution is to take just a little better care of myself. It might seem silly to you but I realized I sacrifice so much for my family that I forget to take care of my basic needs... so at the risk of TMI, here are my other 2018 goals: washing my face every night; brushing and flossing TWICE per day instead of just once; being more active (I have been walking laps around my backyard as the kids jump on the trampoline...not exactly how I pictured working out but at least it is exercise); drinking more water and less coffee; and shaving my legs more (silly, I know).
So, here is to a "reset" year. Striving more fiercely towards God and taking better care of myself to being more intentional. It feels good to write these things down, to remember where God has taken me and where He wants me to go.
What about you? What are your big (and small) resolutions in 2018?
As I reflect backwards on the year before, I also dream about the year ahead.
My "backwards" year sure was eventful... discovered I was pregnant, took two trips to Canada and one road trip to Idaho, dealt with a house flood, birthed a baby who was born unexpectedly early with hours and days spent in and out of the hospital (not knowing if he would live or die), potty trained, my oldest starting preschool, attended two professional ballets, turned 35 and adjusted to being a family of 5 while both my husband and I work full-time. (And these are just a "few" highlights of 2017).
It was probably the toughest year I have endured to-date. EVERY WEEK offered a new challenge which allowed us to press deeper into God and sacrifice so much of ourselves to serve others and take care of the "things" (material and relational) God has gifted us with.
In 2018, my resolutions are big... focusing first on God. Trying to live more radically for Him by getting rid of the excessive physical clutter to make room to mentally focus on relationships. My desire is to be more intentional about serving those around (my husband and kids included) by a willingness to be "inconvenienced" to obey the calling/directing of the Holy Spirit. It is a big resolution that can only be fulfilled IN Him.
My other "big" resolution is to take just a little better care of myself. It might seem silly to you but I realized I sacrifice so much for my family that I forget to take care of my basic needs... so at the risk of TMI, here are my other 2018 goals: washing my face every night; brushing and flossing TWICE per day instead of just once; being more active (I have been walking laps around my backyard as the kids jump on the trampoline...not exactly how I pictured working out but at least it is exercise); drinking more water and less coffee; and shaving my legs more (silly, I know).
So, here is to a "reset" year. Striving more fiercely towards God and taking better care of myself to being more intentional. It feels good to write these things down, to remember where God has taken me and where He wants me to go.
What about you? What are your big (and small) resolutions in 2018?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)