I’m an everyday mama who wrote a book.
When I signed on with the publisher, I was excited—I still am!—to see what God might do through our story. However, not being a professional writer, I did not see everything that was coming. These days, when you write a book, it’s helpful to be an active social media person as well. This can be a good thing, but don’t forget: I’m an everyday mama, not a social media expert.
So came the launch of Together Growing Appetites for God, and with that came a blog and website, Facebook and Twitter, and a number of interviews. This, too, is all good . . . very good. But remember, I’m an everyday mama. I have a huge learning curve and a voice that is more suited for the minivan than for radio.
As a result, I’ve been more anxious and distracted in the last few weeks, concerned about meeting the needs of my family, and saying and doing the right things regarding the book. I’m trying to figure out how to be a wife and mom and keep laundry going . . . and do interviews, blog posts, Facebook updates, and tweets. I wonder if I’m doing any of it well, and when I’m doing one thing my mind is often shifting to another.
You may be thinking of all the things on your to-do list even as you’re reading this blog. I’m certain you have pressures and demands of your own.
I recently read several blog posts written by moms of children with special needs. There is amazing and obvious joy in these moms, but also physical and emotional stress. I have several friends who are newly-married to husbands pursuing post-graduate studies. They are trying to juggle work, making a home, study time, and wondering what the future holds with graduation on the horizon. I know a few single moms trying to work to pay the bills, keep the home, and be the only parent.
There are several women at my church right now in various stages of pregnancy, and while they look beautiful, sometimes you can just see “tired” written on their faces. I have another friend who is transitioning from one job to another. She’s currently doing both jobs and feeling like she’s spread too thin.
We can all feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. Even when the things we are facing are good things, we can get anxious.
A few days ago, just as I was starting to get all revved up inside over my long to-do list (and a few other things), my kids and I sat down and read this:
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Then I read:
Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12, emphasis mine).
Then suddenly it came to my attention . . .
I’m not in control, but the One who is in control cares for me.
He has not forgotten me. He knows.
He knows the number of hairs on my head. Have faith.
He knows me. He knows my needs. And He cares for me!
You may be asking “How can I keep up?” “How are we going to make it?” “How can I possibly do this?” Or you may just be saying, “I’m tired!”
Take a moment to read Luke 12. (I may have to read it again tomorrow.) And remember . . . He knows your needs and He cares for you.
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Comments
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 7:25 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 7:29 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 8:15 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 9:30 am
"Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control--an impossible task and a waste of precious energy. My guidance for each of My children is unique. That's why listening to Me is so vital for your well-being. Let me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don't be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My hand. Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying peace in My presence." (Ps. 5:11; Ps. 63:8; Josh. 1:5; Jude 24-25).
Maybe for this season of time our lives may not be as "tidy and structured" as we would like it to be , but we can still glorify God and enjoy Him, even through the clutter and confusion of busy days and being an
"everyday Mama", which is what He wants us to do!
Blessings,
Arlene
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 9:32 am
Thank you Lord, for providing what I needed.
Ty
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 9:52 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 9:53 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:20 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:47 am
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 11:22 am
I like what my pastor, David Jeremiah, said (quoted at OneCry): "Choose to be encouraged today. Do not allow yourself to become a victim of circumstance." Sometimes those circumstances are wonderful and full of joy, but I can become a victim to them when I choose to believe lies about my circumstances rather than the encouraging truth.
I used to say, "I am so overwhelmed." I try not to say that anymore, because ... how do I deal with "overwhelmed"? It's so intangible. Now, if anything, I say, "I am so time-challenged," or "I have so many things to do today," etc. Those are tangibles I can deal with (my schedule, my to-do list) ~ I can rearrange my calendar or delegate or reschedule or eliminate something. But "overwhelmed"? I can't seem to get my arms around that, so it adds to my frustration and only ramps up anxiety.
Another thing that has helped me is to say, "I'm a multitasking woman, but with a single focus." My focus is to please God this day by keeping my God-given priorities central. It helps for me to see the big picture, and then to zero in on what matters to God in the moment.
I am often reminded of something I learned from Nancy DeMoss ~ Jesus always had time for what the Father asked him to do. I have to regularly look at my calendar and to-do list, pray for wisdom, and discern whether I've added things that God never intended to be there. And if He truly has added things, He will give strength and enable me.
Let me encourage you today, Carrie. God may stretch you a bit and take you out of your comfort zone, but keep your priorities straight (keep asking your hubby to help you do that), admit your needs (don't ever be afraid to ask caring sisters for help), and do your best to please God (an audience of one). And as I'm saying this, I'm reminding myself: "You do this, too, Dawn!"
I am praying Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Version) for you today. God bless and help you as you rest in His presence in the midst of your busy days. You are dearly loved, Sister-Girlfriend.
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 12:57 pm
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Beautiful words, thank you for sharing. It encouraged me to see you share. And Dawn to see you ministering to Carrie's heart. Sweet fellowship.
I thought I'd share this song that is meant for children but encourages me in its simplicity and enthusiasm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aWcsiYo1Fo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I have been playing it first thing in the morning as a quick fuel up, an aid to the joy of living my faith.:)
Hope it encourages anyone today who needs it!!
Peace, love and blessings,
Jenny
PS I prayed for the lady planning a wedding. :) The day is filled with peace and blessings and that you and she both end up having a day of praising the Lord no matter the circumstance. ;)
My cake fell on the floor that day, smashing the top ornament and still today I laugh at how serious it seemed (those 20 minutes)...smashed cake?! You be blessed dear sister!
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 3:42 pm
I meant for that to say: 'I hope that' the day is filled with...
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 4:05 pm
I too am juggling too much...maybe...and am praying to sort out what the Lord wants me to do.
It is so important to seek what God wants and let the rest go. But I wonder if we ever really will have peace "knowing" that we are doing what he wants and not "missing the boat" somehow.
Maybe our "not knowing" is part of what being human means.
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 4:22 pm
In any case, I am excited to read about this book and wish you well in your many endeavors.
Blessings!!!
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 4:23 pm
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 4:50 pm
I heard a famous radio pastor say that one day right after our attorney had said the previous day: no matter what happens in here, your facial expression is that all is as it should be." talk about a wow moment! how the Lord did use those 2 men in my life -- awesome!
I have never forgotten: "all is as it should be. God is in control."
no matter what or when, He is in control.
thank you, Father God.
on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 6:32 pm
on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 2:55 am