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Author: jamie

By Posted on Posted in healing, rest, Uncategorized 1 Comment

I can’t believe that in the past 30 days, I have been sick 3 times. That’s more than the last year and half combined.  I really NEVER get sick!!

I know what this is about. It’s about a four-letter word that I have neglected. It’s something that I put last on the priority list. Something that I think I can do without.

R-E-S-T.

In the middle of my stomach-flu stupor, I was reminded by my sweet-Colorado-blogging-homeschooling friend Gail… rest is SO important. She asked this question on her blog:

Have you learned what brings you rest?

I need rest!! I need to schedule time to be home alone for an hour or two at least once a week. That is the thing that re-energizes me the most. I also need to go to bed early a couple of times a week and let my hubby bring the baby to me for the last 11:00 pm feeding instead of waiting up. I need to decide at 10:00 am if a nap is on the schedule for the day… and make it happen.

If I don’t… well, we all know what will happen. I don’t want to go there again!! Lord, teach me to rest. I need to learn to rest. I need to learn how to make time to rest.

By Posted on Posted in growth, intimacy with God, motherhood No Comments

I’m no longer concerned about saving money for my children’s college education. What I really need to do is start a therapy fund for them. They are going to need some professional help after being my child for 18 years!

Many things combined to make this week another difficult one. Baby and I were hit with a cold. My hormones are performing one death defying loop-the-loop after another. I am allowing homeschool to present an endless list of to-do’s instead of fun learning experiences.

This morning, I read a timely devotion from Streams in the Desert. Here’s the part that got me:

Left alone. What different emotions these words bring to mind for each of us! To some they mean loneliness and grief, but to others they may mean rest and quiet. To be left alone without God would be too horrible for words, while being left alone with Him would be a taste of heaven!

Our Master (Jesus) set an example for us. Remember how often He went to be alone with God? And there was a powerful purpose behind His command, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray.”  (Matthew 6:6)

Earnestly desire to get alone with God. If we neglect to do so, we not only rob ourselves of a blessing, but rob others as well, since we will have no blessing to pass onto them.

The fact is that when I do not find time daily to be alone with God and allow Him to fill me, I am getting by instead of living. I am surviving instead of thriving.

This week I realized that when I am only surviving, then my kids are doing the same. I want to see them THRIVING, not surviving. They deserve the best! I need to lead by example here…. and I can only do it by getting alone with God!

By Posted on Posted in God's provision, God's word, grace, growth 1 Comment

This week marks a spiritual birthday for me. In 1988, I made a decision to follow Christ on Valentine’s Day. It was a Sunday…just like this year.  A week later, on February 21st, I was baptized. My life changed forever.

I’ve learned so much in that time. I’ve been through so many ups and downs. Seasons when I was thriving, and seasons when I felt barely alive.  I’ve received so many blessings and so many life lessons!

What have I learned, finally, after twenty-two years that I wish I had learned earlier?

God’s grace is REAL. He does forgive. We do get chances upon chances. He loves you the same no matter how you “perform”.

God’s word is ALIVE. He speaks… so “listen” when you read!!

God ALWAYS provides. Always. Period. Just be sure to wait for His provision instead of chasing your own.

God loves ME. Yes, me. And, yes, you too. Close your eyes right now and imagine yourself with Him. Be quiet and let Him speak to your heart!