The Difference
I think I'm figuring out some things about my life. Like when I exercise. Yesterday, after a telling visit to the chiropractor, I did my ball workout and today I went for a walk with the kids to IGA. And I was able, first of all, to function fairly cheerfully and peacefully in a very messy kitchen. And then, tonight, I was able to set some limits on computer time and uncover my table so that I can see the beautiful flowers my friends brought me...PLUS have underwear for Jacob and I to wear tomorrow.
I have been struggling so much lately with low energy and motivation and getting meals ready on time etc. etc. It's true that my nights have been terrible with kids being sick and going to bed late on top of that. I know an extra lack of sleep always sets me back. But I'm just starting to see that exercise combats much of what sleep deprivation and mild depression bring into my life.
And then there's my quiet time. That makes an enormous difference on my outlook on life, the way I respond to stress and chaos, and the amount of patience and love I have. Not only do I need the time spiritually to connect with God, but I need the space for my emotional health as well. That's how I recharge.
A while back, God gave me the motto: "First things first...the rest will follow". I'm thinkin' that exercise and quiet time are a couple of building blocks that will allow for a strong, stable, sustainable way of life. Those are not just extras or luxuries for those with more time on their hands. They are for me. (And if I keep omitting them from my life, my chiropractor won't be the only one who notices). Everyone suffers, and that includes me (do you detect a pattern of neglect here?). So I'm looking forward to continuing this experiment, because I already enjoy the difference a little exercise and time with God are making in my life.
Thursday
Ten Things on My Mind
A friend had this on her blog and I thought it was a cool idea.
1. How I will ever get into a routine again.
2. How sweet and smart my baby girl is.
3. Breathe
4. Sleep...need more sleep
5. Bottles, breastfeeding, and letting babies cry (a.k.a. what ideals can be safely let go of?)
6. How I can get more support and get more alone time
7. How to be truthful and loving at the same time
8. Christmas gifts and trip to Fairmont
9. If we will ever get our vacation plans made for our anniversary.
10. If we will ever get rid of our mice.
A friend had this on her blog and I thought it was a cool idea.
1. How I will ever get into a routine again.
2. How sweet and smart my baby girl is.
3. Breathe
4. Sleep...need more sleep
5. Bottles, breastfeeding, and letting babies cry (a.k.a. what ideals can be safely let go of?)
6. How I can get more support and get more alone time
7. How to be truthful and loving at the same time
8. Christmas gifts and trip to Fairmont
9. If we will ever get our vacation plans made for our anniversary.
10. If we will ever get rid of our mice.
Wednesday
Still in a Slump
Ahhhh....will my kitchen ever be clean again? I just get close and then it's messy again! It seemed so easy when I was in the groove. I thought to myself, "Why has this been so hard?" But I forget how hard everything is when I'm tired and on the depressed side.
Had the most wonderful little God-time today. Got home from a meeting and both kids were asleep. Put the seat back in the car, kept the tunes going and just had a bit of a breather. Sweet!
Jacob's doing great without his diapers. We're learning together a few things to avoid and otherwise are having great success! He's still quite freaked out by sounds in particular and currently struggles with fears of storms, wind, thunder etc. Unfortunately, some of his Bob the Builder episodes seem to build on this.
Had a great prayer time with a friend. Two things really stuck out that she prayed for: for the beauty of the Lord in my encounters with Him to overflow into my home, life, kids and husband, and for stillness (Be still and know that I am God).
Listened to Steve Bell's audio magazine on "Can God be Trusted" today. Some powerful stories. What most stood out for me was what a Jewish theologian was quoted as saying: that we have translated God's name "I am who I am" in a distorted way and that the Hebrew was saying something more like "I shall be there". So no matter what happens in our lives, God's name is "I shall be there". I like that. God shall be there and that shall be enough.
Ahhhh....will my kitchen ever be clean again? I just get close and then it's messy again! It seemed so easy when I was in the groove. I thought to myself, "Why has this been so hard?" But I forget how hard everything is when I'm tired and on the depressed side.
Had the most wonderful little God-time today. Got home from a meeting and both kids were asleep. Put the seat back in the car, kept the tunes going and just had a bit of a breather. Sweet!
Jacob's doing great without his diapers. We're learning together a few things to avoid and otherwise are having great success! He's still quite freaked out by sounds in particular and currently struggles with fears of storms, wind, thunder etc. Unfortunately, some of his Bob the Builder episodes seem to build on this.
Had a great prayer time with a friend. Two things really stuck out that she prayed for: for the beauty of the Lord in my encounters with Him to overflow into my home, life, kids and husband, and for stillness (Be still and know that I am God).
Listened to Steve Bell's audio magazine on "Can God be Trusted" today. Some powerful stories. What most stood out for me was what a Jewish theologian was quoted as saying: that we have translated God's name "I am who I am" in a distorted way and that the Hebrew was saying something more like "I shall be there". So no matter what happens in our lives, God's name is "I shall be there". I like that. God shall be there and that shall be enough.
Saturday
October?!
I went through this entire day not realizing it was October 1st. These last few weeks have been a bit like that. Kind of fell off the routine wagon. Just more extra things going on: like three birthdays in eight days (one of them Rod's), toilet-training, painting...
Yes, yesterday was P-day at our house. We did an intensive training session. At first, it was disastrous and very discouraging with one accident after another. Then, suddenly it clicked in and he was going of his own volition. Today, there were two accidents: one of each. But they were new situations, and partly due to my being a little over-confident of his ability. So we all learn together.
We also had some wonderful friends over to help us prime our veranda. Hopefully, we can get some help to finish the other coat, get the floor done, and clean up the windows. I really would like it to be a nice place for once.
Speaking of nice, hasn't the weather been gorgeous? I love warm fall days. There's nothing like 'em! Speaking of fall, October means my baby turns one in less than two weeks! Where did the time go? (By the way, isn't she cute?)
Well, I really should be going before this computer eats up all my personal time. TTFN (ta ta for now).
I went through this entire day not realizing it was October 1st. These last few weeks have been a bit like that. Kind of fell off the routine wagon. Just more extra things going on: like three birthdays in eight days (one of them Rod's), toilet-training, painting...
Yes, yesterday was P-day at our house. We did an intensive training session. At first, it was disastrous and very discouraging with one accident after another. Then, suddenly it clicked in and he was going of his own volition. Today, there were two accidents: one of each. But they were new situations, and partly due to my being a little over-confident of his ability. So we all learn together.
We also had some wonderful friends over to help us prime our veranda. Hopefully, we can get some help to finish the other coat, get the floor done, and clean up the windows. I really would like it to be a nice place for once.
Speaking of nice, hasn't the weather been gorgeous? I love warm fall days. There's nothing like 'em! Speaking of fall, October means my baby turns one in less than two weeks! Where did the time go? (By the way, isn't she cute?)
Well, I really should be going before this computer eats up all my personal time. TTFN (ta ta for now).
