I stole the title of this post from a friend's blog. I love the thought behind it. Today was definitely a day where the little things made it all worthwhile.
*A one year old folding her arms for the first time for family prayer.
*Same one year old learning to kiss and screech at the top of her lungs with laughter. - Yeah, gotta tone that one down eventually...
*Seeing siblings laugh together and be respectful to each other - sometimes these moments are not as frequent as I'd like, but I love seeing it when it does happen.
*Lemon for your fish.
*A song that makes you smile.
*A friend who makes you re-evaluate a mindset.
*A prayer answered.
It really is the little things! (A thanks and hug to Lindsay, who we will miss carpooling with very much.)
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
We Seek After These Things
I looked up the definitions of "virtuous, lovely, good report, praiseworthy" tonight. How often I let these things pass me by. Far from 'seeking them out', I seem to miss them entirely unless I make the effort to watch for, or in retrospect, look for them.
My oldest son recently was feeling pretty down - if I remember right, we didn't let him play video games, downright cruelty as far as he's concerned ... Anyway, he listed his problems for me as I tucked him in and I acknowledged his difficulties, then, I asked him to find 5 good things or blessings for every one thing he felt was wrong. It took a little while, but by the time he went to sleep, he was smiling.
I know a lady who smiled at me today and said that yes, her husband might lose his job, but she knew God would take care of them. I believe she counts the blessings in her life. Hope and gratitude seem so deeply tied.
How often do I count my difficulties and forget entirely to count my blessings - or at least only look for them peripherally - enough to see that they couldn't possibly overwhelm the sad state of my life. But, a man once said "We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings" (Jeffery R. Holland) and another man explained why. He said, "The expectation that more is deserved can cause our plate of plenty to appear empty." (Gordon T. Watts) For their special witness and addresses, click on the links.
So, a couple of blessings:
*The dryer was empty when I remembered at bedtime that I had started a load of wash this morning.
*Primary songs - catchy tunes that teach my kids the important lessons of life - like honesty, courage, and faith. (tonight's favorite? "Nephi's Courage")
*A car that runs - (ahem, despite my best efforts, ie. denying it that oil change that I keep swearing I'm going to work into my schedule!)
*Rotisserie chickens from Smiths. We don't do it often, but an easy dinner here and there is a blessing. Not to mention the blessing of being able to survive occasional dips into the food budget - something we couldn't do as 'poor college kids'.
*Wedding ring - I forgot to put it back on after making bread the other day and slept a whole night without it - drove me nuts. I was so glad to get it back on.
*Soft baby skin. I know it's hard for alot of people - alot of people I love actually, who aren't at a point yet where they have been able to have children, but I think God must know I'm not as strong of a person as they are. My whole drive some days is encompassed in those chubby little bodies.
*And of course, talking parenting reminds me of my gratitude for my Savior, who takes my best efforts and amplifies and refines them to be a benefit to my family. This constant purging and renewing influence allows me to open my eyes each morning to another day, abandoning the regrets of the past and preparing me to make all new mistakes - but make them with the best of intentions and, hopefully, some progress.
Yeah, not quite 5 to 1 yet, but I'll keep working on it. By the time my head hits my pillow, I bet I'll be sleeping as sweetly as my six year old.
Good night world - as someone once said (my husband's laughing right now, I'm sure - have I mentioned that I have a memory like a sieve?) it's not so much a matter of how far you've moved, as it is of making sure you're facing the right direction. So, here's to trying again tomorrow. Sleep well.
My oldest son recently was feeling pretty down - if I remember right, we didn't let him play video games, downright cruelty as far as he's concerned ... Anyway, he listed his problems for me as I tucked him in and I acknowledged his difficulties, then, I asked him to find 5 good things or blessings for every one thing he felt was wrong. It took a little while, but by the time he went to sleep, he was smiling.
I know a lady who smiled at me today and said that yes, her husband might lose his job, but she knew God would take care of them. I believe she counts the blessings in her life. Hope and gratitude seem so deeply tied.
How often do I count my difficulties and forget entirely to count my blessings - or at least only look for them peripherally - enough to see that they couldn't possibly overwhelm the sad state of my life. But, a man once said "We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings" (Jeffery R. Holland) and another man explained why. He said, "The expectation that more is deserved can cause our plate of plenty to appear empty." (Gordon T. Watts) For their special witness and addresses, click on the links.
So, a couple of blessings:
*The dryer was empty when I remembered at bedtime that I had started a load of wash this morning.
*Primary songs - catchy tunes that teach my kids the important lessons of life - like honesty, courage, and faith. (tonight's favorite? "Nephi's Courage")
*A car that runs - (ahem, despite my best efforts, ie. denying it that oil change that I keep swearing I'm going to work into my schedule!)
*Rotisserie chickens from Smiths. We don't do it often, but an easy dinner here and there is a blessing. Not to mention the blessing of being able to survive occasional dips into the food budget - something we couldn't do as 'poor college kids'.
*Wedding ring - I forgot to put it back on after making bread the other day and slept a whole night without it - drove me nuts. I was so glad to get it back on.
*Soft baby skin. I know it's hard for alot of people - alot of people I love actually, who aren't at a point yet where they have been able to have children, but I think God must know I'm not as strong of a person as they are. My whole drive some days is encompassed in those chubby little bodies.
*And of course, talking parenting reminds me of my gratitude for my Savior, who takes my best efforts and amplifies and refines them to be a benefit to my family. This constant purging and renewing influence allows me to open my eyes each morning to another day, abandoning the regrets of the past and preparing me to make all new mistakes - but make them with the best of intentions and, hopefully, some progress.
Yeah, not quite 5 to 1 yet, but I'll keep working on it. By the time my head hits my pillow, I bet I'll be sleeping as sweetly as my six year old.
Good night world - as someone once said (my husband's laughing right now, I'm sure - have I mentioned that I have a memory like a sieve?) it's not so much a matter of how far you've moved, as it is of making sure you're facing the right direction. So, here's to trying again tomorrow. Sleep well.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Kitchen blessing
I have been married for over 10 years now and am just now finding the joy (and actually attaining success) in managing my home. I never knew before, first, how much work it is to actually keep a home in good order day to day, and second, that it is actually possible. Any child who is reared in such a home and learns the habits of work and care for one's own living area has a wonderful blessing.
Current schedule? Sure, here it is:
7a-make kids a whole-foods breakfast while they get themselves ready and lunches made (again, as healthy as I can get - still learning about healthy eating) and Ryan does Rebecca's AM treatment.
7:30a-Breakfast, then last minute clean-up/getting out the door.
9a-Start cleaning. Everyday things like dishes and laundry first, then checking over/cleaning surfaces and floors with my four year old working right there beside me.
11a-Work on my inbox. (To Do lists/calendar items, etc...)
12p-Make lunch
1p-Put my 1 year old and 4 year old down for 'nap' and 'quiet time' respectively. Depending on if I slept, take a nap. Getting sufficient sleep is an absolute necessity with fibromyalgia. Additional 'to-do' items.
3p-Pick up the kids and start the evening schedule (which varies day to day and is still needing some tweaking.)
Other things like exercise, also a must with fibro, homework, yard work, scripture study, prayer, time to fulfill callings, etc. are also getting worked in, but aren't set in stone yet - well, prayer is, it's as soon as I get up. Scripture reading too - but not scripture study - which I consider very different. Dr.'s appointments - which we have a lot of lately with all four kids having CF, and one so far having ADHD and going through further testing for some other things, and grocery shopping/other shopping are morning items that will have to move daily cleaning to the next day. I am learning that I just can't do it all, or at least do it all 'today' - and that's okay.
Now, today I read the following, and in conjunction with some of the lessons I am learning right now, I was extremely touched by it. It was part of a post found here by Sharon Kaufman, a fellow blogger and follower of Christ. Like so many I appreciate and learn from, she is not 'of my faith', but our faith shares the same focus. The context of the original post is fantastic and ends with this thought: "Nourishing others with physical food from our kitchens opens to us the opportunity to nourish them spiritually as well. And that, my dear sisters, is what our kitchens are all about."
A kitchen blessing:
Current schedule? Sure, here it is:
7a-make kids a whole-foods breakfast while they get themselves ready and lunches made (again, as healthy as I can get - still learning about healthy eating) and Ryan does Rebecca's AM treatment.
7:30a-Breakfast, then last minute clean-up/getting out the door.
9a-Start cleaning. Everyday things like dishes and laundry first, then checking over/cleaning surfaces and floors with my four year old working right there beside me.
11a-Work on my inbox. (To Do lists/calendar items, etc...)
12p-Make lunch
1p-Put my 1 year old and 4 year old down for 'nap' and 'quiet time' respectively. Depending on if I slept, take a nap. Getting sufficient sleep is an absolute necessity with fibromyalgia. Additional 'to-do' items.
3p-Pick up the kids and start the evening schedule (which varies day to day and is still needing some tweaking.)
Other things like exercise, also a must with fibro, homework, yard work, scripture study, prayer, time to fulfill callings, etc. are also getting worked in, but aren't set in stone yet - well, prayer is, it's as soon as I get up. Scripture reading too - but not scripture study - which I consider very different. Dr.'s appointments - which we have a lot of lately with all four kids having CF, and one so far having ADHD and going through further testing for some other things, and grocery shopping/other shopping are morning items that will have to move daily cleaning to the next day. I am learning that I just can't do it all, or at least do it all 'today' - and that's okay.
Now, today I read the following, and in conjunction with some of the lessons I am learning right now, I was extremely touched by it. It was part of a post found here by Sharon Kaufman, a fellow blogger and follower of Christ. Like so many I appreciate and learn from, she is not 'of my faith', but our faith shares the same focus. The context of the original post is fantastic and ends with this thought: "Nourishing others with physical food from our kitchens opens to us the opportunity to nourish them spiritually as well. And that, my dear sisters, is what our kitchens are all about."
A kitchen blessing:
Feeding Others
Bless my little kitchen, Lord;
I love its every nook.
And bless me as I do my work,
Wash pots and pans and cook.
May the meals that I prepare
Be seasoned from above
With Your blessing and Your grace,
But most of all Your love.
As we partake of earthly food
The table You have spread,
We'll not forget to thank You, Lord,
For all our daily bread.
Please bless my little kitchen, Lord
And those who enter here;
May they find Your joy and peace,
Through Christ the Savior dear
For what I offer on each plate
Can only gratify
The temporary need one has -
T'will never satisfy.
But Jesus is the Bread of Life;In a day when women everywhere are pressured to find fulfillment outside of the home, the emphasis on the importance of the work in the home is refreshing and so worthwhile!
It is the soul He feeds.
He gives to every hungering heart
Himself, to meet the need.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A few thoughts
Life changes are exciting once you embrace them and allow creativity.
*I can see Rebecca's treatment times turning out to be my favorite times of the day. She can't go far because of, first, the nebulizer, then the percussion vest, but I can think of a few fun things to keep her entertained while having to sit still - blocks, counters, coloring, books (of course), banging on pots and pans with spoons, singing ...
*I am playing with cooking and baking more than ever trying to find whole-food alternatives that our family really enjoys. Hunting for things like "lecthin granules" and "powdered ascorbic acid" in the stores is fun in an almost "scavenger-hunt" sort of way.
My focus in these life changes are two things I feel I learned in our most recent General Conference: (Where the current head of our church, our prophet, speaks along with his counselors and other church leaders, on topics relevant to our times and circumstances.)
1. Kindness is a sign of greatness. I need to be kind - starting with my family.
2. Service. I need to serve - beginning in my home.
I know that as I do these two things in my home, all of my other responsibilities will have a greater chance of being accomplished in the way God wants them to be.
*I can see Rebecca's treatment times turning out to be my favorite times of the day. She can't go far because of, first, the nebulizer, then the percussion vest, but I can think of a few fun things to keep her entertained while having to sit still - blocks, counters, coloring, books (of course), banging on pots and pans with spoons, singing ...
*I am playing with cooking and baking more than ever trying to find whole-food alternatives that our family really enjoys. Hunting for things like "lecthin granules" and "powdered ascorbic acid" in the stores is fun in an almost "scavenger-hunt" sort of way.
My focus in these life changes are two things I feel I learned in our most recent General Conference: (Where the current head of our church, our prophet, speaks along with his counselors and other church leaders, on topics relevant to our times and circumstances.)
1. Kindness is a sign of greatness. I need to be kind - starting with my family.
2. Service. I need to serve - beginning in my home.
I know that as I do these two things in my home, all of my other responsibilities will have a greater chance of being accomplished in the way God wants them to be.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Life Changes
By this, I mean that life changes ... and also that I've been experiencing some life-changes. I am amazed at how much I think I know, only to find out later that I really knew so little.
"The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth." D&C 93:36
"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior." Elder Boyd K. Packer in Oct. 1986 General Conference. (Not available yet on lds.org)
But, I don't have alot of time to put my thoughts in paragraph form, so I just want to jot down a list of the things that are on the top of my mind - with a record of my gratitude for the intelligence that is gained by seeing every experience through an eye of faith. I feel elevated. Almost giddy with a perspective that is miles higher than my own. My heart begins to race and I am tempted to give in to the stress of living and then I remember that a power greater than my own has forseen and prepared the way for me. My troubles truly seem to shrink and pile at my feet as pebbles, an apt metaphor made by, I believe it was President James E. Faust.
*My house is a disaster - but it's okay because I am finally prioritizing so that my family comes first. And, yes, I realize that keeping a house in order is also taking care of my family - but it falls below other health needs that are currently pressing. I am also finding that by taking the little time I have with my kids to focus on them instead of the house, we usually end up doing some housework together anyway.
*We have changed our diet. Not that we were on a diet - unless there's a mac'n cheese and corn dog diet out there somewhere. Because of my daughter's difficulties and what looks like high marks for ADD and ADHD (other testing pending), I have been focused on changing the things we eat to try to cut out preservatives, other chemicals, and lessen our sugar intake. I have been hoping that this change to 'whole-foods' would help in my daughter's academics as well as behavior and social difficulties. My husband is not a fan of this style of health-food eating and I am so grateful for the preparation that occurred to make it so it was a change he could support. (beanland.wordpress.com, by the way, is a fantastic source for healthy eating info. and recipes.) I'm still working on making things that taste good, but with the support of my family, I know it's doable and will be so much better for all of us. An example of this support? One experimental dish was tasted by my very tactful 6 year old and then, when asked what he thought, he kindly replied "Well mom, you tried your best." My less-tactful 9 year old said, "Mom, don't worry, I'm sure it's the store's fault."
*We took 3 of my 4 kids to their Cystic Fibrosis clinic yesterday. I was excited for my 9 and 4 year old to be seen, as it was their first clinic and I was sure that they would take one look at them and send us on our way for 6 months. They are both tall for their age and very exuberant. It was difficult to come home instead with 5 prescriptions, 3 new routines, 4 lab slips, 2 specialist referrals and news that my oldest already has some lung damage - probably from surgery on a collapsed lung when she was about 3. They believe the damage is reversible, it's just not what I was expecting, certainly not what I was hoping. This is going to create a life-change for us. Up until now, the kids' CF, being very mild, has been hardly an intrusion on our life, now we are beginning treatments that are twice a day. I was grateful for the experience a month before when they had all been sick and for the first time in my life I found I was able to administer all medications to all children perfectly without having to keep a detailed written schedule. I know God gave me that experience to look back on to recognize that additional wisdom and order could be supplied to help me keep track of everything. As I left, another reminder of my blessings was presented at the door when, in reply to my frustrations at having the visit be less positive than I'd hoped, the clinic coordinator kindly said she understood, but then, looking very sad, reminded me that most of those she sees daily are those who are very very sick. I can't even imagine.
It's not going to be easy, but I have no complaints. It is a relief though, to acknowledge that for me, this is not going to be easy. But I can do hard things.
It doesn't lessen my hard things that I know others have things that are so much harder to deal with. It makes me grateful. It makes me prayerful. It makes me feel like serving. But to not acknowledge this difficulty exists would be to not acknowledge God's blessings through it.
We each have a tailor-made set of difficulties given to us. Oh that I may "[become] as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [me], even as a child doth submit to his father." Mosiah 3:19
And, of course, as I do, 2 Nephi 2:2 comes into play - "...thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
"Preachy post"? Perhaps. I did, after all, cite what I believe is scripture. =) But it is preaching to no one but myself. I am weak and following and relying on God has blessed me beyond my own capabilities. It has blessed my family. It has given me hope and brought me from a dark, selfish place to a place of warmth and light and peace.
For me, it has been the answer to everything.
"The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth." D&C 93:36
"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior." Elder Boyd K. Packer in Oct. 1986 General Conference. (Not available yet on lds.org)
But, I don't have alot of time to put my thoughts in paragraph form, so I just want to jot down a list of the things that are on the top of my mind - with a record of my gratitude for the intelligence that is gained by seeing every experience through an eye of faith. I feel elevated. Almost giddy with a perspective that is miles higher than my own. My heart begins to race and I am tempted to give in to the stress of living and then I remember that a power greater than my own has forseen and prepared the way for me. My troubles truly seem to shrink and pile at my feet as pebbles, an apt metaphor made by, I believe it was President James E. Faust.
*My house is a disaster - but it's okay because I am finally prioritizing so that my family comes first. And, yes, I realize that keeping a house in order is also taking care of my family - but it falls below other health needs that are currently pressing. I am also finding that by taking the little time I have with my kids to focus on them instead of the house, we usually end up doing some housework together anyway.
*We have changed our diet. Not that we were on a diet - unless there's a mac'n cheese and corn dog diet out there somewhere. Because of my daughter's difficulties and what looks like high marks for ADD and ADHD (other testing pending), I have been focused on changing the things we eat to try to cut out preservatives, other chemicals, and lessen our sugar intake. I have been hoping that this change to 'whole-foods' would help in my daughter's academics as well as behavior and social difficulties. My husband is not a fan of this style of health-food eating and I am so grateful for the preparation that occurred to make it so it was a change he could support. (beanland.wordpress.com, by the way, is a fantastic source for healthy eating info. and recipes.) I'm still working on making things that taste good, but with the support of my family, I know it's doable and will be so much better for all of us. An example of this support? One experimental dish was tasted by my very tactful 6 year old and then, when asked what he thought, he kindly replied "Well mom, you tried your best." My less-tactful 9 year old said, "Mom, don't worry, I'm sure it's the store's fault."
*We took 3 of my 4 kids to their Cystic Fibrosis clinic yesterday. I was excited for my 9 and 4 year old to be seen, as it was their first clinic and I was sure that they would take one look at them and send us on our way for 6 months. They are both tall for their age and very exuberant. It was difficult to come home instead with 5 prescriptions, 3 new routines, 4 lab slips, 2 specialist referrals and news that my oldest already has some lung damage - probably from surgery on a collapsed lung when she was about 3. They believe the damage is reversible, it's just not what I was expecting, certainly not what I was hoping. This is going to create a life-change for us. Up until now, the kids' CF, being very mild, has been hardly an intrusion on our life, now we are beginning treatments that are twice a day. I was grateful for the experience a month before when they had all been sick and for the first time in my life I found I was able to administer all medications to all children perfectly without having to keep a detailed written schedule. I know God gave me that experience to look back on to recognize that additional wisdom and order could be supplied to help me keep track of everything. As I left, another reminder of my blessings was presented at the door when, in reply to my frustrations at having the visit be less positive than I'd hoped, the clinic coordinator kindly said she understood, but then, looking very sad, reminded me that most of those she sees daily are those who are very very sick. I can't even imagine.
It's not going to be easy, but I have no complaints. It is a relief though, to acknowledge that for me, this is not going to be easy. But I can do hard things.
It doesn't lessen my hard things that I know others have things that are so much harder to deal with. It makes me grateful. It makes me prayerful. It makes me feel like serving. But to not acknowledge this difficulty exists would be to not acknowledge God's blessings through it.
We each have a tailor-made set of difficulties given to us. Oh that I may "[become] as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [me], even as a child doth submit to his father." Mosiah 3:19
And, of course, as I do, 2 Nephi 2:2 comes into play - "...thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
"Preachy post"? Perhaps. I did, after all, cite what I believe is scripture. =) But it is preaching to no one but myself. I am weak and following and relying on God has blessed me beyond my own capabilities. It has blessed my family. It has given me hope and brought me from a dark, selfish place to a place of warmth and light and peace.
For me, it has been the answer to everything.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Worthwhiles part IV
Really needing to look at the positives today. So:
*I have a full box of baby diapers! For all the times that I have run short, this is really a sign of stability for me.
*There are baby toys all over the house, which means that I am blessed enough to have a baby in the house.
*There is a fabulous "Happy Birthday" balloon floating above me from my youngest's 1 year birthday party this last weekend. It is obscenely happy and determined to be just that. I would love to mimic it's blatantly optimistic style, but I am loathe to cover myself with anything that sports variously colored and sized polka dots.
*I have a husband who comes home to me every night. I am realizing again what a blessing this is. Marriages that are performed in temples with the understanding that they continue beyond this mortal life may not always be perfect, but they can not help but foster deeper, more devoted relationships.
*God's comfort. It is accessible to all of mankind, but an especially poignant blessing when a more constant presence in a person's life.
*Wipems. There has got to be about 110 uses for those things.
*Exercise. I have exercised two out of the last three days. I have had energy two out of the last three days. I'll let you guess which days go with which.
*Experience. Is it a poem I once read? I am reminded of something I once heard somewhere about pain or experience carving out troughs in our hearts to increase our capacity to love. Doesn't sound as poetic as I remember it being, but the thought is essentially as I remember it. When another's pains carve into your heart it seems to do the same thing, I am finding.
And now, scriptures and goodnight. Sleep well and soundly world. May you be comforted.
*I have a full box of baby diapers! For all the times that I have run short, this is really a sign of stability for me.
*There are baby toys all over the house, which means that I am blessed enough to have a baby in the house.
*There is a fabulous "Happy Birthday" balloon floating above me from my youngest's 1 year birthday party this last weekend. It is obscenely happy and determined to be just that. I would love to mimic it's blatantly optimistic style, but I am loathe to cover myself with anything that sports variously colored and sized polka dots.
*I have a husband who comes home to me every night. I am realizing again what a blessing this is. Marriages that are performed in temples with the understanding that they continue beyond this mortal life may not always be perfect, but they can not help but foster deeper, more devoted relationships.
*God's comfort. It is accessible to all of mankind, but an especially poignant blessing when a more constant presence in a person's life.
*Wipems. There has got to be about 110 uses for those things.
*Exercise. I have exercised two out of the last three days. I have had energy two out of the last three days. I'll let you guess which days go with which.
*Experience. Is it a poem I once read? I am reminded of something I once heard somewhere about pain or experience carving out troughs in our hearts to increase our capacity to love. Doesn't sound as poetic as I remember it being, but the thought is essentially as I remember it. When another's pains carve into your heart it seems to do the same thing, I am finding.
And now, scriptures and goodnight. Sleep well and soundly world. May you be comforted.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Four lessons
I have learned four things the last two days. In my mother's and grandmother's estimations, that means that I can go to bed, as it only required one thing per day to earn that distinction as far as I ever heard them talk.
*I went to the store the other day and bought bananas. Apparently my one year old was hungry enough and the peel itself was not an obstacle too great to prevent her from trying to chew through to the banana while we were trying to check out. Needless to say, we ate bananas in the car on the way home.
Where did the garbage go? In the grocery sack I have hung between the two front seats of course.
Later that day I have people in my car and I realize that the banana peels are still there. I assure them that they are a new addition to the car and in embarrassment, promise myself that I will take the garbage out at the earliest opportunity.
Two days later. I get in the car and smell the faint smell of bananas. Hmm, nice air freshener. I think to myself, I don't think Ryan would have gone and bought a banana air freshener for my car. . . Takes me a moment to realize that I STILL have rotting banana peels in my car. *sigh*
Lesson? Banana peels can make a good car air freshener, but not recommended for more than two days.
*Next. My oldest just had surgery to get tubes in her ears and had an adnoidectomy. The surgery itself goes well, but she does not come out of it too well. It turns into a very long day. Physically exhausted and mentally drained, I sit down to read and to attempt to get lost in a book. I still feel dissatisfied. When my husband gets home I find myself, in tears, telling him how I feel I need to get away from the stress of the house.
As I am saying this I find the idea of having to leave my home to find peace disturbing. I then realize that what I really want is for my home to be my haven. Something clicks and I suddenly feel a desire to do dishes. In working on the dishes I feel satisfied. At last. I am still as tired, but I feel joy in improving my surroundings and serving my family.
I have desired to feel this way for so long, I don't know why my prayer was answered that evening, but I do know that I have more focus to make my home the 'getaway' for myself and all who enter. The work seems lighter and gives me a satisfaction that running away only to return to the same messes would never give. I have a feeling it is one of those lessons I will have to learn more than once, but I am so grateful. Maybe I'll be able to sing "Love At Home" with a little less resentment now. (Yeah, it's never been my favorite song ... in fact, I even went so far as to make up alternate words to it, something about 'There is crying all around when there's dirty diapers at home ...')
*Third, this one is pretty simple. It's one I've heard before and it's sinking deeper into my understanding. When I yell - which I have been known to do now and then ... maybe more, I am simply throwing my own adult-sized tantrum. It is immaturity. It is me getting so frustrated that what I really want to do is throw myself on the floor and pound my hands and feet against it, mad at the world that things aren't fair. It is me being tired and needing a nap, or maybe a time-out.
For all the excuses there are out there for yelling (some of which are still acceptable as far as I'm concerned "Don't go in that street young man!" being an example.) I'd say most of them fall into this category of, as we call it at our house, "throwing a fit".
Now, along with this, I have learned a joint lesson in it, which makes me grateful. God didn't just look at me and say, realize you're throwing a tantrum and stop. He walked me through why I have had such difficulty in raising my small children. Why I have felt that things have been so unfair - although I didn't realize that is what I was feeling at the time.
I found that my discontent seems to have grown from the following: I have always thought that you could only feel the spirit and listen to it's promptings when things were quiet and reverent. In fact, it is A way to feel the spirit, and maybe the best, but I got so discouraged with the constant chaos that small children bring, that I had finally fallen into hopelessness of ever having a quiet, reverent house and maybe not feeling the spirit again until all the children had moved out. The fact is, scripturally, direction has been given and the spirit felt when the individual sought God and was peaceful enough to hear the response, not necessarily when all around them was calm and at peace. I think of times of war and times of dissension when, surely, leaders have needed the guidance of the spirit. In fact, it is very rare that we can completely control our outward environment, and sometimes we can not leave to find a more peaceful setting. I have learned that if within myself I can be at peace, then I can feel the spirit - and more inspiring to me still, that I don't have to be perfect to be able to hear it's sweet call.
*Last, and a much needed relief - our dishwasher has been leaving our dishes dirty. Switching mind-frames in the middle of other things going on, to now needing to hand-wash dishes didn't go so well and the dishes started to pile up. A wonderful friend came over and casually made the comment, run vinegar through it!
I did.
It washes dishes again and now I make it a point to put vinegar in as a rinse aid for every load.
Little blessings, constant learning, and most of all, faith in my Savior now and in his love, and hope for eternal happiness. These constitute some of the best things in my life right now. Still so much to learn and so much growing to do. No wonder we are told to judge on intention, rather than actions. I hope I can be judged with such mercy. Heaven knows I need it.
*I went to the store the other day and bought bananas. Apparently my one year old was hungry enough and the peel itself was not an obstacle too great to prevent her from trying to chew through to the banana while we were trying to check out. Needless to say, we ate bananas in the car on the way home.
Where did the garbage go? In the grocery sack I have hung between the two front seats of course.
Later that day I have people in my car and I realize that the banana peels are still there. I assure them that they are a new addition to the car and in embarrassment, promise myself that I will take the garbage out at the earliest opportunity.
Two days later. I get in the car and smell the faint smell of bananas. Hmm, nice air freshener. I think to myself, I don't think Ryan would have gone and bought a banana air freshener for my car. . . Takes me a moment to realize that I STILL have rotting banana peels in my car. *sigh*
Lesson? Banana peels can make a good car air freshener, but not recommended for more than two days.
*Next. My oldest just had surgery to get tubes in her ears and had an adnoidectomy. The surgery itself goes well, but she does not come out of it too well. It turns into a very long day. Physically exhausted and mentally drained, I sit down to read and to attempt to get lost in a book. I still feel dissatisfied. When my husband gets home I find myself, in tears, telling him how I feel I need to get away from the stress of the house.
As I am saying this I find the idea of having to leave my home to find peace disturbing. I then realize that what I really want is for my home to be my haven. Something clicks and I suddenly feel a desire to do dishes. In working on the dishes I feel satisfied. At last. I am still as tired, but I feel joy in improving my surroundings and serving my family.
I have desired to feel this way for so long, I don't know why my prayer was answered that evening, but I do know that I have more focus to make my home the 'getaway' for myself and all who enter. The work seems lighter and gives me a satisfaction that running away only to return to the same messes would never give. I have a feeling it is one of those lessons I will have to learn more than once, but I am so grateful. Maybe I'll be able to sing "Love At Home" with a little less resentment now. (Yeah, it's never been my favorite song ... in fact, I even went so far as to make up alternate words to it, something about 'There is crying all around when there's dirty diapers at home ...')
*Third, this one is pretty simple. It's one I've heard before and it's sinking deeper into my understanding. When I yell - which I have been known to do now and then ... maybe more, I am simply throwing my own adult-sized tantrum. It is immaturity. It is me getting so frustrated that what I really want to do is throw myself on the floor and pound my hands and feet against it, mad at the world that things aren't fair. It is me being tired and needing a nap, or maybe a time-out.
For all the excuses there are out there for yelling (some of which are still acceptable as far as I'm concerned "Don't go in that street young man!" being an example.) I'd say most of them fall into this category of, as we call it at our house, "throwing a fit".
Now, along with this, I have learned a joint lesson in it, which makes me grateful. God didn't just look at me and say, realize you're throwing a tantrum and stop. He walked me through why I have had such difficulty in raising my small children. Why I have felt that things have been so unfair - although I didn't realize that is what I was feeling at the time.
I found that my discontent seems to have grown from the following: I have always thought that you could only feel the spirit and listen to it's promptings when things were quiet and reverent. In fact, it is A way to feel the spirit, and maybe the best, but I got so discouraged with the constant chaos that small children bring, that I had finally fallen into hopelessness of ever having a quiet, reverent house and maybe not feeling the spirit again until all the children had moved out. The fact is, scripturally, direction has been given and the spirit felt when the individual sought God and was peaceful enough to hear the response, not necessarily when all around them was calm and at peace. I think of times of war and times of dissension when, surely, leaders have needed the guidance of the spirit. In fact, it is very rare that we can completely control our outward environment, and sometimes we can not leave to find a more peaceful setting. I have learned that if within myself I can be at peace, then I can feel the spirit - and more inspiring to me still, that I don't have to be perfect to be able to hear it's sweet call.
*Last, and a much needed relief - our dishwasher has been leaving our dishes dirty. Switching mind-frames in the middle of other things going on, to now needing to hand-wash dishes didn't go so well and the dishes started to pile up. A wonderful friend came over and casually made the comment, run vinegar through it!
I did.
It washes dishes again and now I make it a point to put vinegar in as a rinse aid for every load.
Little blessings, constant learning, and most of all, faith in my Savior now and in his love, and hope for eternal happiness. These constitute some of the best things in my life right now. Still so much to learn and so much growing to do. No wonder we are told to judge on intention, rather than actions. I hope I can be judged with such mercy. Heaven knows I need it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Finding something positive
Life goes on.
Positives for today:
*Cleaned house!
*Got to hang and talk music with the Jen-meister.
*Had lunch with some ladies whom I admire. (And had some killer home-made french bread - yay for new recipes!)
*Beautiful sunset.
Sad that some things that I can not control are not going well, but trying to lay that aside and just count blessings. There is a power in positive thinking. Our perspective truly is our reality.
Positives for today:
*Cleaned house!
*Got to hang and talk music with the Jen-meister.
*Had lunch with some ladies whom I admire. (And had some killer home-made french bread - yay for new recipes!)
*Beautiful sunset.
Sad that some things that I can not control are not going well, but trying to lay that aside and just count blessings. There is a power in positive thinking. Our perspective truly is our reality.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Today's Worthwhiles
Just a list of today's worthwhiles:
*Scriptures - I'm slowing down on my reading and need to ramp it up again.
*sleep - actually, didn't get much last night - boy up with an earache, but what I got I was so grateful for today. Funny thing, before I went to bed last night I set my alarm for 5:30a. I've been slowly feeling like I am getting my feet back under me, so I thought I'd take a stab at my 'used-to-be-normal' early wake-up time. Being in that mindset made getting up three times during the night much easier to handle. I was actually really amazed that I didn't feel at all upset or groggy as I wandered around the darkened house fetching warm-packs, tylenol, drinks, and thermometers.
*the testimony of Rachel Barkey, who, even though she passed away from cancer in 2009 was able to remind me that the most important thing is my relationship with my Savior and to live my life 'serving with joy'.
*A wonderful, patient husband. As I'm typing this I hear him at the table working with our daughter on school concepts. I know that he realizes that he needs to get up at 4:30a to teach, but there he is still, so focused on helping our daughter to understand.
*Wind. Representation of the presence of God.
*Scriptures - I'm slowing down on my reading and need to ramp it up again.
*sleep - actually, didn't get much last night - boy up with an earache, but what I got I was so grateful for today. Funny thing, before I went to bed last night I set my alarm for 5:30a. I've been slowly feeling like I am getting my feet back under me, so I thought I'd take a stab at my 'used-to-be-normal' early wake-up time. Being in that mindset made getting up three times during the night much easier to handle. I was actually really amazed that I didn't feel at all upset or groggy as I wandered around the darkened house fetching warm-packs, tylenol, drinks, and thermometers.
*the testimony of Rachel Barkey, who, even though she passed away from cancer in 2009 was able to remind me that the most important thing is my relationship with my Savior and to live my life 'serving with joy'.
*A wonderful, patient husband. As I'm typing this I hear him at the table working with our daughter on school concepts. I know that he realizes that he needs to get up at 4:30a to teach, but there he is still, so focused on helping our daughter to understand.
*Wind. Representation of the presence of God.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Stay close
I went to COSTCO today with all 4 kids. As we left with our over-filled cart, my children started acting in the oddest ways. They are usually so good about looking before going in the street, but my 4 year old especially just wasn't getting it today. The only thing that went through my mind was 'Stay close!'. I knew that no matter how distracted they were being, if they just stayed close they would be okay - especially if I could get them to hold to the side of the basket.
It has been made very apparent to me today with reading some talks, specifically Julie B. Beck's October conference talk for the RS meeting as well as Barbara Thompson's, that God is constantly warning us to 'stay close'. Vital and simple things like reading scriptures and saying prayers are so easily neglected, when, even if other parts of our lives aren't in order, they are the things that will keep us safe. The very strength each of us seek to address daily concerns, temptations, and personal tragedies comes from staying close to the Savior. He stands taller than us. He sees beyond our sight. Best of all, He loves us and wants us to be safe, to have peace, to be happy.
Someone I love very much once said, "Pray, because it brings you back to God, read your scriptures because they are the answer to your prayers, and smile, because you know what's going on."
In a nutshell - I guess my goal for my life really is to 'stay close'. I pray my children will do the same. "Keep the commandments, keep the commandments, in this there is safety, in this there is peace..." (Hymn 303)
It has been made very apparent to me today with reading some talks, specifically Julie B. Beck's October conference talk for the RS meeting as well as Barbara Thompson's, that God is constantly warning us to 'stay close'. Vital and simple things like reading scriptures and saying prayers are so easily neglected, when, even if other parts of our lives aren't in order, they are the things that will keep us safe. The very strength each of us seek to address daily concerns, temptations, and personal tragedies comes from staying close to the Savior. He stands taller than us. He sees beyond our sight. Best of all, He loves us and wants us to be safe, to have peace, to be happy.
Someone I love very much once said, "Pray, because it brings you back to God, read your scriptures because they are the answer to your prayers, and smile, because you know what's going on."
In a nutshell - I guess my goal for my life really is to 'stay close'. I pray my children will do the same. "Keep the commandments, keep the commandments, in this there is safety, in this there is peace..." (Hymn 303)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Worthwhiles part III
My list of worthwhiles for the day:
*Early morning walks, increased heart-rates, and weight-loss. (k, maybe only in ounces, but I'm counting it anyway. - Now if I can just keep away from Ryan's seminary candy.)
*Pea plants.
*radio.lds.org
*yldsr.com
*top ramen - not nutritionally worthwhile, but convenience worthwhile. ;)
*increased strength and energy
*increased capacity to listen to my children
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Of Hospitals and Hairties
We have found out that all four of our children have the two mutations necessary to be considered as having cystic fibrosis or, 'CF'. Our oldest daughter is beginning testing for ADD/ADHD, and we have scheduled a surgery for this same oldest daughter to get tubes in her ears. Can I say I felt a little overwhelmed?
Until I called a friend of mine.
A mother of five with more real strength than I could boast in a lifetime. She was at the hospital, she told me, where she had been for the last two days since taking her 8 year old in to their pediatrician for a fever and finding out that she has leukemia. They were admitted to the hospital that same day where her daughter underwent surgery to place a port, extract bone marrow, and perform a spinal tap. By the time I got there on Monday - armed with as much pink fuzziness as I could acquire - she had been throwing up all morning and was just ready to try a piece of lettuce. They gave her a double dosage of morphine and her mother said that was the first time she had been out of pain in three days.
My heart ached for her.
Looking to do something helpful, I offered to braid the little girl's hair. Now, with my own daughter, I am usually in a rush and am more concerned with perfection in the lines of the braid than the comfort going into it. If I hit a tangle, it is usually with some impatience that I try to divide the tangle and get the part where I want it. As I did this braid though, I realized that I was much more concerned with not causing any more pain. I wondered at my lack of compassion for my own protesting daughter and vowed to do better. The braid was lovely and I felt a singular pride at having been able to accomplish it with (hardly) any yelps of protest.
I spent that day and the next overwhelmed for the welfare of my friend. I still am thinking and praying for her. Perhaps it was meant to be that I was in a mood to be compassionate toward my daughter, because then today happened.
Maybe when the pain has lessened a little I can share today's events. A wonderful friend helped me to realize that I wasn't the first to go through it, but man. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. It is not leukemia, but it caused an acute pain of another sort. Motherhood is not for wimps, that's for sure. I think though, if we hold to hope, and seek and acknowledge that which is 'virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy' in our lives, then we overcome.
I have so much to learn.
A favorite poem that captures some of my feelings right now:
Until I called a friend of mine.
A mother of five with more real strength than I could boast in a lifetime. She was at the hospital, she told me, where she had been for the last two days since taking her 8 year old in to their pediatrician for a fever and finding out that she has leukemia. They were admitted to the hospital that same day where her daughter underwent surgery to place a port, extract bone marrow, and perform a spinal tap. By the time I got there on Monday - armed with as much pink fuzziness as I could acquire - she had been throwing up all morning and was just ready to try a piece of lettuce. They gave her a double dosage of morphine and her mother said that was the first time she had been out of pain in three days.
My heart ached for her.
Looking to do something helpful, I offered to braid the little girl's hair. Now, with my own daughter, I am usually in a rush and am more concerned with perfection in the lines of the braid than the comfort going into it. If I hit a tangle, it is usually with some impatience that I try to divide the tangle and get the part where I want it. As I did this braid though, I realized that I was much more concerned with not causing any more pain. I wondered at my lack of compassion for my own protesting daughter and vowed to do better. The braid was lovely and I felt a singular pride at having been able to accomplish it with (hardly) any yelps of protest.
I spent that day and the next overwhelmed for the welfare of my friend. I still am thinking and praying for her. Perhaps it was meant to be that I was in a mood to be compassionate toward my daughter, because then today happened.
Maybe when the pain has lessened a little I can share today's events. A wonderful friend helped me to realize that I wasn't the first to go through it, but man. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. It is not leukemia, but it caused an acute pain of another sort. Motherhood is not for wimps, that's for sure. I think though, if we hold to hope, and seek and acknowledge that which is 'virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy' in our lives, then we overcome.
I have so much to learn.
A favorite poem that captures some of my feelings right now:
Isn't it strange
that princes and kings,
and clowns that caper
in sawdust rings,
and common people
like you and me
are builders for eternity!
Each is given a bag of tools,
a shapeless mass
and a book of rules,
and each must make-
ere life is flown-
a stumbling block
or a stepping stone.
-Author Unknown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)