Journey to a Gracious Woman

I have been doing a lot of thinking and have overall just been dissatisfied with the way things are run in my home. I get forgetful about things I want to implement or things I should implement. Precious moments with my children slip by because I’m not organized enough and seem to constantly be playing “catch up” on housework that gets left undone.

I am also not as organized or as disciplined in my home school as I would like. I don’t pray for it because I seriously forget to! (There is always so much to pray for!) Most days I feel like I have no direction for us…no goals, so I don’t know where I’m headed. I have no philosophy of education, no mission for our family. I need to see an ongoing goal to reach; that prize to strive for, like the Bible talks about.

Philippians 3:14 (NASB77)
¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NASB77)
²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

This is one reason I like running…it trains me in the physical and helps me better understand the spiritual. It disciplines my body which in turn could help me discipline my flesh/spirit, with God. But I have failed at both of these.

My life goal at this point has been to live as comfortably as possible. I do not like discomfort (who does?), and I tend to avoid it at all costs. If I get a bit tired from cleaning, instead of pushing through it, I find myself plopping down at the computer for a “quick” break, which quickly turns into an hour.

My walk with God has become complacent somehow. And I expect everything to be “fixed” quickly, instead of going through a process of purging, discomfort, small victories, and even some defeats. Unfortunately, I get defeated rather easily. I give up on things easily. I gave up on trying to learn guitar, I gave up on running (and I’m trying hard to pick it up again), I gave up on trying to make new friends, I gave up dozens of books I started. I give up on anything that got too challenging and takes me out of my comfort zone.

Friends, I don’t want to live like this anymore. I can’t live like this anymore, because it’s eating me alive. I want to do something great with what God has given me and I don’t just want to get by each day. I want to thrive and live by design, not by default. I want to create the days rather then take them as they come.

Last night I simplified my cleaning lists so that I can look at them at a glance from a kitchen cabinet, rather then putting them in a binder that frequently gets forgotten because it’s not in plain view. I broke everything down by daily and weekly so I can easily look at Monday and know exactly what needs to be done.

I am also working on goals for myself and goals for my children to accomplish for the remainder of the year. I am very excited because being able to see them laid out gives me clear direction and helps me plan a bit better.

It’s a vision, and the Bible says

Proverbs 29:18 (NASB77)
¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

I’m purging out the things that are not walking toward this vision and focusing more on things that are. No more  seeking comfort. Instead, I’m going to further seek God, which usually results in some discomfort as He confronts me and refines me in the fire.

For breakfasts we plan to rotate muffins, cereal, oatmeal, bagels, eggs/pancakes/french toast throughout the week.

For lunches, we’ll rotate corn dogs, grilled cheese, sandwiches, chicken nuggets and bean burritos

Dinners include:

Monday – salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls

Tuesday -chicken hash

Wednesday -Hamburger Rice Skillet

Thursday – Hobo dinner

Friday – Grilled chicken sandwich, chips

Saturday – tacos, spanish rice, corn

Sunday – CrockpotRoast, mashed potatoes, veggies

Snacks include: fruit, veggies, cheese & crackers, muffins, yogurt, egg salad w/crackers

For 400+ menus, visit I’m an Organizing Junkie!

I’ve been keeping myself pretty busy here getting things on the home front in order and trying to prioritize some things. Currently I am right in the middle of setting goals for each of my kids, including character training, habit training, academics, and physical training. More will be added as I think and pray on them, but under each of these headings are specific goals for them to reach.

Here is my chart below (unfinished, mind you).

There is not necessarily a time frame to meet these. They are here to remind me what direction to head in and as they are accomplished, they will be removed and replaced with new goals. The chart I made in Word is color-coded for each child. Here I colored the text to give you an idea.

This, of course, is still in the works, but it’s partially what I’ve been up to. I’m such a planner! I feel lost without some kind of direction! I have GOT to plan. I am going to share some of my planning strategies and tips with you in the coming weeks. As a mother of four who home schools, it is essential to make the most of our time and our days. Subscribe so you’ll be sure to visit back if you need this strategies and tips!

This is one of those verses many of us have seen or read over and over again, but do we really grasp it’s power? Do we really “get” what it’s saying?

The words on the very pages of this precious book known as the Bible has instructions in it for daily living. Not only does it show us how to live the best life possible, it tells us how we can train our children as well. It shows us where to go and in turn we can show them where to go.

It lights that straight and narrow path.

Let’s open the Word today in search of how we can stay on this path and teach our children the same. Everything from Old Testament stories and Proverbs to New Testament parables and letters. We will never be in want when we know where to look for the answers.

For more Word-Filled Wednesdays, visit Amydeane @ The160AcreWoods!

A couple weeks ago Sarah Mae and I did a series together on child training and discipline. We talked broadly about some major issues we as mother’s need to address, including whining, bad attitudes, sibling rivalry, and discipline/training as a whole.

Today I want to give you a glimpse into the relationship with my 7-year old daughter and I. There are times when we really clash, though most of it is seen under the surface. But there are times things seep to the top, which of course clues me in to the things going on under the surface. This is something that must be addressed, otherwise there will be a continued strained relationship that will most likely get worse as she enters the teen years.

My daughter’s frustrations with me stem from me. They are not so much a fault of hers. It is me who needs to change first. I need to address my daughter more lovingly and stop reacting to situations based on my emotions. I also need to show her more affection so she knows she is loved.

Recently, my husband and I agreed that a once a month date with just her and I would help build this relationship, doing something we both love: rollerskating.

I am going to work on praising more and critisizing less and changing my bad attitude.

Do you have a child whom who “clash” with? I really want to encourage you to work seriously on building that relationship. Write down the way the two of you relate. Mother to child and child to mother. Is there bitterness? Lack of communication? Lack of affection? Tension? How do you relate? Write everything down and it will help you see what you need to work on. This exercise was developed by the authors of Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes.

Pray for your relationship and for wisdom. Share tips here if you have gone through a strained relationship with a child and what you did to strengthen it.

chicken hash in the works

I wanted to share my menu this week, just to give meal ideas for anyone who needs them. I know I’ve spent my share of time browsing the ‘net for meal ideas myself!

Monday

Breakfast – oatmeal, fruit
Lunch – chicken nuggets/sandwiches, baby carrots
Dinner – Spaghetti, rolls, salad
Snack – cheese & crackers, fruit

Tuesday

Breakfast – homemade bagels, fruit
Lunch – hot dogs, salad/baby carrots
Dinner – Breaded Tilapia, pasta, mixed veggies, [homemade] crusty bread
Snack – fruit or raw veggies

Wednesday

Breakfast – banana muffins, yogurt
Lunch – Sandwiches/fruit
Dinner – Chicken Caesar pitas, fruit
Snack – raw veggies or muffins

Thursday

Breakfast – pancakes, fruit
Lunch – bean burritos, fruit/veggies
Dinner – Beef and Rice Skillet, rolls, salad
Snack – cheese and crackers or yogurt

Friday

Breakfast – bagels & fruit
Lunch – sandwiches, fruit/veggies
Dinner – Chicken Hash, rolls
Snack- hard-boiled eggs or muffins

Saturday

Breakfast – french toast, eggs, sausage, toast
Lunch – grilled cheese, fruit
Dinner – Sloppy Joe’s, salad
Snack – muffins

Sunday

Breakfast – cereal or omelette’s, depending on how the morning goes
Lunch – sandwiches/fruit
Dinner – breakfast for dinner
Snack – Cheerios or Life Cereal

Visit I’m an Organizing Junkie for 400+ menus!

Yes, look carefully folks. As my kids and I were taking our daily walk, we came across this.

The sign reads, “25 cents OBO” (or best offer). Yep…

Ok, seriously, what’s the point of marking it at 25 cents. I seriously think they were just being funny.

Later that same day I saw a truck drive down our street with this same stove in the bed of it. Ha!

That’s my funny for the week.

Visit Kim @ Homesteader’s Heart for more Friday Funnies!

This is what we did last night. This little “camp” lasts for 3 sessions, once a month. Last night they learned about stretching, finding the right shoes for your feet, and did a short run.  We are teaching our children about the importance of fitness and healthy eating. We thought this would be fun for them, and since it’s a Running Fit event, we get sponsored by a car company who does advertising (and pays big money to help Running Fit). So, we don’t even have to pay! Here are some pictures.

This first pic (below) is them stretching. The one in the red and the girl in front of him with the hearts on her pockets are mine! Jeremiah (2) and Gabriella (7)

Here is my husband (in black and white) with Gabriella and Benjamin (blue shirt)

Here is Gabriella after her first 1/4 mile run.

Here is my husband with Benjamin after his 1/4 mile run. He stopped after that.

Third 1/4 mile run (for a total of 3/4 mile run).

Gabriella receiving her medal

Daddy and Gabriella

Benjamin and Daddy

The three of them.

This morning, as I was reading through a Bible study I have done in the past, I was awed by what I found.
This is one reason I love journalizing so. It is a great way to keep records of God’s glory and testimonies of our lives and how He has woven Himself throughout them.

The first very important detail in this entry is the date.

The next important detail is not just the prayer alone, but the exact words chosen in it.

Lord, please use my body this day to bear a child for your kingdom.

June 14 was the day my first child was born, a year after this entry. God used my body this day to bear a child. Bear literally means to “give birth”.

I am just in awe of how my amazing God works. This is why I love journalizing, even the smallest of details. My God does not fail to pay attention to details. He answered my prayer exactly as I prayed it.

Friends, that’s the power of prayer. Don’t underestimate the power of your words.  Prayer works!

Photo by me

For me, in this season of my life, I tend to do a lot of talking to God, and not enough listening. I seem to always have a laundry list of things I need, but hardly sit at His feet long enough for Him to tell me How to meet them.

I want to learn to be silent and receive, in the stationary morn.

Lord, what would you have for your servant today? I am listening…

Visit Extravagent Grace for more Word-Filled Wednesdays.