for such a time as this...

Another day, another challenge, another victory.

This has been a tough week. Lincoln has been somewhat sick, so his last few nights have not been good. Declan is still not sleeping well at night, so combine these two and mom is only getting naps at night. I was certain this would sabotage my determination to provide a nice home and meals for my family (and to an extent it has), but thankfully my grocery list is basically already made for me, so even though I hadn't planned what we would eat on each particular day, I knew what was in my cupboard and fridge ready for the week. My house is not as spotless as I would like and although clothes are clean and folded my laundry hasn't been put away. (I sometimes wish the kids' closet was not in their room so I could put laundry away during their naptime.)

I am seeing some victories and improvements now that I am both physically and mentally home full-time. Just today DeLaney asked me what she could do to help me. She really wanted to help do dishes (put them in the dishwasher and start it), but I had just finished that task. When I gave her another task (pick up the blocks she had been playing with) her initial reaction was not great and I thought she would refuse. Since it had been a request, not an order, I did not press her to do it, I simply said, "Picking up your blocks would really help mommy." She walked right down the stairs and picked up all the blocks without arguing or grumbling. When she was done I gave her a big hug and thanked her for helping me. Oh if only every moment could be so blissful!

This did make me think of myself and my service. So often I have an idea of what I would like to do to help God or help others...if that particular service is needed I jump to it whole-heartedly, but if that need is fulfilled I am often slow to be willing to fill a request that wasn't my idea or doesn't seem fun or doesn't fit in my plan. I know the Lord is using my children to teach me many things about being His child. I hope I do not sleep through too many of the lessons.

We started the Beth Moore bible study today over the book of Esther. I am excited about it (Beth Moore is like that!). I have yet to complete a Beth Moore study...life seems to always get in the way somehow. My prayer is for a deepening desire to be in the Word on a daily basis, and grace for when life doesn't go as I plan. I truly hope to learn more about who I am in the Lord and how He has equipped me for his purpose. I was just reminded a couple different ways this week to live without regrets. My head knowledge would tell me that the only true way to do this is to "walk in the Spirit", but I admit it is often hard to let go of self and walk whole-HEARTedly in the Spirit.

Lord, I know you have placed me here in this family, church, town, & neighborhood "for such a time as this"...teach me to see where you are at work and join in!