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Encouragement for Expectant Moms!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.” John 16:20-21

In talking with a ‘mom of many’, who is in her last weeks of pregnancy, complete with the many discomforts and hormonal mood swings, I listened as she excused the tears that welled so quickly. She explained that hers was not the pain of long-term illness, nor of something that would see no end, so how could she complain? Her ‘end’ was that of a sweet baby to cuddle and care for.

This caused me ponder what I had seen and heard…..

It’s been almost ten years since I was in her shoes, awaiting the last of my ten children, my precious son. In that span of time, I’ve been able to see beyond the weight gain, the backaches, and the other unpleasant physical accompaniments of pregnancy.

Our daughter-in-law is expecting her baby any minute. And as we wait for their phone call, my husband and I remember those expectant and anxious days of waiting and wondering when our little ones would enter the world. The prayers lifted up for safe deliveries and healthy babes. Those are amazing times of humility, patience, and vulnerability – isn’t this right where God wants us!

I’ve gained new perspective as I watch others in the same place where I spent many years. And it is from this place in time that I encourage you expectant moms!

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It’s so easy to think that we moms have to grin and bear our load of suffering simply because we’re ‘just’ moms! That our pain, or our frustrations, or our inadequacies for the job are somehow not as qualified as other’s. Even though you get a reward at the end of your pain, it doesn’t mean the pain is any less. You really are tired and hurting, and it’s okay to be feeling it.

We mothers were given the immense job of bearing and raising the next generation for God’s glory. We offer those “sweet babies” a warm, safe place to develop while our bodies stretch well beyond our comfort zone, losing lots of sleep in the process, and putting on pounds that have to be worked off in the coming months (well, years is more like it!). Then, in the next 18+ years, there comes the awesome, full-time occupation of – giving sustenance, comfort, and security – instruction in the how’s of living – training in righteousness – along with huge amounts of unconditional love thrown in on a 24 hours basis! This is no small task!

But what an honor! What a privilege to watch these little people – these little souls – grow and mature! To watch them turn from:

– sweet, innocent babes,

– to toddling bundles of curiosity,

– to independent troublemakers discovering the limits,

– to young adults ready for their venture into the world,

– and then finally and prayerfully, to competent and skilled adults who now become our friends!

I can’t imagine a more tiring, more stressful, more awesome, more honorable, more amazing job in the entire world than that of being Momma to my children. I pray you feel the same.

So I encourage you to take thought of these days of raising your children – these days of discomfort, questions, joys and confusion – these days of toil – and give them to God. Let God reveal His blessings as you watch the return for your work. It is work. It is hard work.

Now I’m not implying that we should complain and mope :o) – but do give yourself a break! Just because this time and discomfort and exhaustion shall pass, doesn’t make it any less of a trial.

So go ahead –

– Wince a bit when you roll out of bed for the 6^th time tonight for that ‘potty break’!

– Let your hubby bring you tea.

– Don’t feel you have to hide the circles under your eyes.

– Let your children bring you breakfast in bed, or better yet, just do school in bed. Shocking!

For now, you’re a laborer in the vast workforce of co-laborers, who are raising up a mighty generation for our Lord!

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Isaiah 49:15

Becoming A Woman of Worth

By livingabovethenoise

Do you feel undervalued or overwhelmed?

I don’t know about you, but there are times that I feel a bit undervalued and overwhelmed. Too much to do, too much I’m reaching for, and too many people who need me but don’t seem to notice how weary I am! I am again reminded of how, when I feel discouraged, I often try to find my value in my family and home, my skills, my intellect, or my homeschool…. It has taken me so many years and so many grown children to see that those are not ways to find my value.

Oh, do I cringe at all the books I’ve read or lectures I’ve sat through, seeking to become the perfect mom and wife, design the perfect homeschool, or ‘create’ the perfect, future adult! I am so grateful for a God Who has overridden my quest, and given me mercy for all my mistakes.

I am also grateful that He designed me to be a bit of a rebel (a nicer term is ‘independent’) because my family would be off the deep end by now! Fortunately I was given a personality that questions most everything and isn’t easily led astray – and that has been for our family’s benefit. Now, my husband may not always like my independence :o), but he has come to appreciate my perspective and hesitancy in following the crowd.

Where do you find your value?

Scripture tells us that we are not to find our value in whether: we look like June Cleaver; cook like Julia Childs; keep our homes like Martha Stewart; homeschool by the MOTH schedule, or function in our marriage like the Duggars! Each person, family, marriage, and home will look entirely different on the outside. Why? Because it’s the inside that matters! It’s the purpose that all those things are done for that counts, and it’s the attitude they are done with that glorifies our Father. God cares about our heart. He desires obedience rather than sacrifice. Our obedience is to Him and not someone else’s style, schedule or curriculum choices! And the only way we will find Him and His ways is in His Word and through prayer.

It’s so easy for us to look on the outside and think one family is doing great, or that another family is failing. Isn’t it so easy to think that if we just do ‘this’ or ‘that’, we’ll be fine, too? Or to define ‘failing’ by an activity or lack thereof? In homeschooling, don’t we often feel that if we just give up ‘this activity’ or add ‘that subject’ to our schedule, then we’ll be okay? So, we pour over the lastest homeschool magazine or attend another seminar to find that ‘perfect’ curriculum that will change our children’s attitudes about learning! Or we’ll find the perfect plan or schedule to make our family become oh, so perfect.

Now, I’m not saying that seminars or magazines are wrong! As a matter of fact, I just got finished reading an article in my favorite homeschool magazine, Home Educating Family. And there are many brave warriors who have gone before us and can point the way to a better and more effective home and family. I have learned numerous tips from seminars – but – if we think we’ll find our Utopian Homeschool, and if we get that giddy feeling that this year, because we’re doing what ‘so and so’ is doing, then we’ll have that perfect family, with straight ‘A’ students, and not lose our kids like ‘so and so’ did, we’re in for trouble!

Seek God’s outcome and not your own!

So when you’re feeling down, learn that the first thing to do is run to God! He wants a heart given to Him and His ways, living for His outcome and not our own or that of someone else we admire. He wants us to seek His Word for truth, not trying to find it in a seminar or textbook. He wants us to seek Him in prayer, truly asking for His ways and not our own or another’s. He wants us to look to Jesus as our example of righteousness and character, not to the person who’s standing at a podium or has written a book. This is where we will rightly find our true worth as a wife and mom – as a woman!

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

A Quintessential View of Value

By livingabovethenoise

In my last post, you’ll read how being valued by others can encourage and energize us. This inspires me to show others their value, which in turn, gives them encouragement. Our job as Christians is to impress on others their need for the Savior; how they are uniquely created by our Heavenly Father to do great things for His Kingdom. This starts small with those who don’t know the Father, but as we take time to reveal their value to us, they can begin to know their origin and worth. Then they can acknowledge they have a Creator and thus, a Savior sent by that Creator.

Value grows as we see ourselves as a creation. Created – not by mistake or happenstance. And as a person sees their value they begin to see their lack. They can now compare their value with what they’re missing or doing that hurts others or God. Sin is measured in the light of personal value. If a person doesn’t know their value, how can they possibly care about their sin? It’s a full circle.

God, our Creator. We, His valuable creation. Our sin, now seen in light of our value to Him and in light of our great God. Jesus, sacrificed by His Father to take on the punishment of that sin. Jesus, now realized as our ultimate value as we are forgiven of that sin. Now that’s full circle!

We extend that circle when we show value to others – as we imitate Jesus, our ultimate example of One who reveals value to us. When we act as ambassadors for Christ, the world as a whole, benefits. It’s a beautiful way God uses His children to show value to His created beings!

I guess my real intent in writing on this topic is to realize a deep need in our world. And if we, as Christians, can be like Jesus, the real Value-Giver, it will change our world! Just look around. The tattoos, the clownish outfits of the modern man, the piercings, the immodest clothing of the women, the lack of caring about anything but self….. these are all indicative of a culture without value. People who don’t know they are worth anything and so they don’t care about their bodies, their minds, or their souls. And they don’t care about God! The only way they will want to know our great God is if we share with them the value that God has shown us. Show them that He loves them enough to give them life, new life, and the lessons that grow them into the person He desires us to be, all to His glory! Our God has the quintessential view of value!

Simple ways I can reveal value to others –

* I can love my husband and let him know how much I appreciate his hard work, which allows me to stay home and teach our children. Rather than see his differences in a negative light, I can let him know the ways he adds to my life.

* I can share with my children all the ways their uniqueness enriches my day and helps our family function. They will see their value before God as they see their value to us. Not just their value to us as workers in our homes or good students, but to us as we stand amazed at this uniquely created being designed by God to be used for His glory! Teach them their value before Him and they will serve Him all the days of their lives.

* I can let my parents know the ways they have enriched my life, and my children’s life. I can include them in our family’s activities, allowing them to share their talents and skills with us.

* I can show value to my church family by learning about their lives, work, or family. I can value their wisdom and experience in the many areas I am lacking.

* I can build relationships with my neighbors, valuing them for their knowledge, skill, or simply their ability to keep their lawn mown!

* I can talk with my cashier or receptionist, asking them about their day and telling them when they do a good job. Often they light up when they see someone interested in their day!

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Running into the New Year – Review and Plan for a Great Year!

By livingabovethenoise

“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes.” Miss Stacey in Anne of Green Gables

Here’s a replay from my last post…….”What a great time of year! You know that feeling – one of amazement (and a bit of disappointment) that another….year has come and gone, and yet, there’s the anticipation and excitement that things just might be different in this new year”

Now, can you hear the music, as if on an old record player beginning to wind down, then coming to a groaning stop! Are you catching my drift?

Those lines from my last post are so true, but then the weeks pass by and reality hits. The reality that I’m still the same person I was last year! And my family has the same issues they had last year, and my home is still in need of major organizing and a schedule. Ouch!

Don’t worry – there’s hope! With God all things really are possible. We are made in His image, and so, we are capable to do what He calls us to do! We are called to be: helpmeets and lovers of our husbands; mommas to our children; managers of our homes, and friend to the friendless.

Just like the recent holiday season and the past year, this year to come is super-filled with activities and expectations. And so it makes sense we spend time finding ways to be more efficient with our time; be more financially responsible; be more home and family-centered – so our family will be strong and faithful.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 1 Corinthians 9:19

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7

Start At The Very Beginning

Each year we get to “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start” (yes, I’m humming Do-Re-Mi from the Sound of Music). We get new beginnings all the time — January — Monday — the first step out of bed! If you’re not feeling quite like Maria in the Sound of Music, not to worry! Not all of us love new beginnings. ;)

The start of the new year is like a mega-Monday!

And for those of us who aren’t Monday lovers, this can be a challenge! I’m a mix. It’s a love-hate relationship for me and Monday! I’m not crazy about giving up the freedom the weekend offered, and yet, I’m ready to dig in and be proactive. I am still flesh and, although my spirit is willing, my flesh can be quite weak! This is where prayer and time with God come in. He usually lets me know what’s important, even though I don’t always want to hear it.

After time with God, asking Him what He wants me to do today, this week, this year, it’s time to review. The end of something is always a great time to review. It’s the perfect time while it’s fresh in our minds. The W’s and H’s of good writing come in here.

– Who did we serve, bless, influence? Who wasted our time, our thoughts, our energy? (Yes, not everyone is good for us!)

– What did we do with our time, our energy, our thoughts? What wasted our time, our energy, our thoughts? What was accomplished? What worked, what didn’t? What improved our home life, our relationships? What hindered them? What would you change in your daily schedule, the running of your homeschool, or in your daily routine?

– When did we feel successful in our goals, our schedule, our relationships – or not?

– Where are we in our plans and dreams? Where would we like to be in a year? Where did I put last year’s plan? (just making sure you’re still reading!)

– Why did we do what we did? Were our ‘why’s’ real or did we find they were based on someone else’s ideas? Was our main ‘why’ to accomplish much for the glory of God?

– How did we get things accomplished, or how did we get sidetracked? How would we like life, family, schedules, and relationships to look this year? How’s our marriage? How’s our relationship with our children?

I encourage you to take time. Time alone, time with your hubby, and time with family – remembering this past year. Review, ask, and answer questions. Consider the line from the song, Do-Re-Mi – “When you know the notes to sing, You can sing most anything!” Things really can be different this year!

So let’s get excited about this new year! We each have a new year to run into. And yes, I said run! I can slink into it, avoiding the responsibility of managing my home and family, or I can run, considering all the things I hope to accomplish and see changed. Let’s encourage one another in our quest to live orderly and productive lives, lived for the glory of God. He gave us this one life. I choose to give it to Him. Will you? What a great time of year!

Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body….yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Romans 4:19-21

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