Day 222...stay-at-home mom

There are fewer things that will test your pride and performance-driven life like the unseen life of the stay-at-home mother.

If there's a lack of humility, you'll soon discover it.
If there's a need to be seen or rewarded, you'll know.

There will be challenges of all kinds for this unique time in your life. And if it's something you choose, staying at home, be ready for it to rock your world.
It won't be without troubles, but it also won't be without His blessing and Hand. Thank Him for that!

Dear Sadie

Day 221...self-less

There is nothing that feels more right than loving with abandon. Living with less to do about yourself, and more to do about others. This season is about that for me. I'm so grateful that The Lord is simplifying things for me. I sure need it.

Dear Sadie

Day 220...freedom in Christ

I'm so glad we aren't living according to laws and regulations anymore! That was the old covenant. Now we are of the new! God writes his law on our hearts, and His Spirit will let us know what walking in the spirit looks like, what is loving, what is good and right and just. What it means to love your neighbor as yourself. I'm so glad, because the Bible tells us we'd never be able to live according to all of the commandments! Now we have something better!

So the next time you're afraid of falling, or feel like God is looking over your shoulder, waiting for you to mess up, think again. Let your mind be renewed, and live to love God. Then love others.
If you want to live by rules, let these be your guide.

Dear Sadie

Day 219...amazing daddy

Sickness is really the pits. Titus has got a bad, bad cold. And on top of that, I'm caring for Emma, who is one year-old and going through a clingy phase. So guess what, you're having to play by yourself a lot right now. Good thing you are pretty experienced at that and you enjoy your "Sadie Time," but you need me just like the other kids do, it's just that something's gotta give. We squeeze in time together here and there, but I'm thinking some "Girl Time" is in order very soon. I can just see your cup becoming filled as we will laugh and talk and sing and get ice cream on our next date, and whatever else we decide to do together. It'll be fun not just for you, but for me as well, because I love being able to focus all of my attention on you. You are so interesting and I love you!

I was just standing here in my kitchen doing dishes, feeding Emma, when the thought just occurred to me...

I'm so glad that God has time for attending to all of His children, all at once! Isn't He amazing? Aren't you glad that God doesn't say "in a minute?" I just think it is so cool that we have access to our daddy anytime we need Him. We don't have to wait to have our love cup filled; He is always available, ever-ready, continuously without fail.

Dear Sadie.

Day 218...express

Self-expression is an innate need of every human being. God Himself expresses Himself through His Word and creation. We, animals, plants, planets, and on, are all expressions of God, originating in His own mind. Therefore, as God's most prized possession, and special expression, being the only ones to ever be made in His own image and likeness, we have inherited this trait and desire and need for expression. We create all of the time on various forms. Finding the means by which you express yourself best is the fun part, and very important too. We are all designed with different talents and abilities, but never let that idea inhibit your choices, whether or not to explore new methods of creativity and expression. Never let the enemy cut you down in thinking that you have nothing to give. There may not be "anything new under the sun," but we have "the mind of Christ," and if we seek Him, He will show us great and marvelous things that no eye has seen nor ear has heard. So go on, be like your Daddy. He is proud of you and thrilled with your every endeavor that seeks to honor and glorify Him alone. It may be a little intimidating at times, but don't let pesky fear stand in your way.

Dear Sadie.

Day 217...they let me out

It's crazy, you are with your kids all day and desperately need to get out of the house and be recharged a bit, and all you can do is think about how amazing your kids are and how great your life is, even with all the messiness.

Daddy just sent me the sweetest memo of you saying what you live about me, and now I can't wait to get home and hold you again!

I got out of the house tonight because I couldn't remember the last time I had done this, so I thought that was a good time to recharge my battery and get alone with God.

And as much as I knew I needed this, I really didn't want to leave! So I'm at the bookstore for the evening to have some needed separation, but I can't wait to be home again! Thank you, Lord, for sweet dilemmas!

Dear Sadie.

Day 216...live well, love well

Being with tiny people all day with very little big people interaction is something.

When I signed up for this, I really did not think it was going to stretch me so. But it has. More than anything. It feels freeing to admit this.

I am daily humbled through mothering. I lay aside my plans (most of the time) so that I can meet the needs of my little sheep. I go minute-by-minute, drawing strength from My Strength. Without Him, I would have caved in by now. But I keep going because He is with me, speaking to me, giving me peace, satisfying me whenever I set my heart on His, reaffirming me through His Word, comforting me by His presence, letting me know that He sees, even when no one else does.

When I'm being pulled in four different directions, including my own, I have a choice. I can either go crazy, try and fail, or I can depend on Him for my every need. No brainer, but stupidly, I choose my own way or try to check out sometimes, and it always backfires on me. Gently He redirects me.

Ultimately though, I choose to be thankful, and the blessings continue to shower down on me. Never did I know where challenge and joy intersected one another until this season. And I know when it all starts to shift I'm going to cry! I have to live each moment or I will have regrets. And my dear, you need me now, but one day you'll not need me as much anymore. That makes me sad. But also all the more diligent to give my all. My sole desire is to, as if i can summarize this, know God and spread the real love of Jesus. I know you are my chief audience, looking to me for answers and truth, imitating every move I make. (Yikes! :) So I strive to love God well by loving you well. Thanking Him for the grace to do this.

Dear Sadie.