Tarred

Tarred is southern for I can barely keep my eyes open.

All day I have been asking myself the same question. 

"How the heck am I supposed to be getting it all done?!"  Maybe not even getting it "all" done, but just getting anything at all done.

Today has been kicking my tail.  Tale?  Phtail with a silent ph?

I'm tarred.  I feel impatient.  The kids are extra loud.  I've heard my name (Mama) called a gazillion times.  Every time I sit down to attempt a lesson an interruption comes.  I did sign up for this, no?

We've been inching our way through the day, one interruption at a time.  I keep reminding myself to be kind, smile, and respond with a gentle tone, even though on the inside I'd maybe like to be sitting at Panera all by myself with a book and something good to drink.  Since that wasn't really a viable option for today, I did enjoy my bowl of Fruit Loops on the patio this morning by myself.

And we just ate cake together.  And right now I'm taking a blogging break.  And later this afternoon I'm taking a nap.

It's good to be good to yourself, especially on the hard days.

I also just got the most encouraging text from a dear friend.

"Hey girl! Take it easy with school and adjusting to baby.  You don't have to do it all.  XOXOXO"

Ahhhh.  Can I get an Amen for friends with perspective whose words are wrapped in grace?!

Encouraged Me...

Sometimes it is easier to nag, worry, or completely give up hope for change than it is to remember to ask God for help. 

This week I've been meditating on Psalm 107 and it has been so encouraging to me.  For the time being, I've put my reading through the Bible plan on hold, and am choosing short passages to read through and meditate on. 

This Bible reading format works so well, especially in seasons where you want to go deeper but maybe only have shorter spurts to devote to reading.  Camp out in a passage every day for a week.  Every time you read and re-read it, new things will stand out.  Today I wanted to share with you some things that have encouraged my heart this week.

This week I've been thinking about the promises of God and wandering if I know them so that I can believe them and apply them to my life.  What are the promises of God?  There is one phrase that has come to mind as I've asked the question, "What are the promises of God?"   I will never leave you or forsake you and I will not leave you as orphans.

There is a Psalm I've been meditating on this week.  As I've read and re-read, I've been searching for threads of promise.

His lovingkindness is everlasting.  I love the NASB version because it doesn't just says "kindness", it attaches the word "loving" in front.  Lovingkindess. 

This Psalm, Psalm 107, is filled with stories of people in trouble and needing help.  Multiple times the passage says the people cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their trouble.  It was not worrying or nagging that delivered them.  It was crying out to the Lord in their frustration.  Maybe even a half-hearted cry for help because the bigger parts of them did not believe change was possible.

His lovingkindess hears.

His lovingkindess moves Him to action on our behalf.

We can be wandering in a wilderness.  Not even just a wilderness, but a desert wilderness where there is no food or water or life around.  We can be lost and not know the way that will put our feet on the right path toward life.  In our hunger and thirst, we can call out to God and He can deliver us.

His lovingkindness can put our feet on a straight path that will lead us to where we need to go.

His lovingkindness can satisfy the thirsty soul and fill the hungry with what is good.

During the times when we are dwelling in darkness and in the shadow of death.  When the same struggle feels like a prison.  If we will call, He will hear and save.

His lovingkindness brings us out of darkness and brakes the chains.

It does not matter how strong the chains are.  His lovingkindness shatters gates of bronze and cuts bars of iron. 

His lovingkindness can save us out of distress.

He sends His Word and heals us.

His lovingkindness can change a wilderness into a pool of water.  It can change a dry land into a spring of water, and He can put us there to dwell in that place.  It is in that place, that He establishes an inhabited city.  A place filled with life.  Fields, vineyards, fruitful harvests, blessing, growth, newness. 

His lovingkindness sets the needy securely on high away from affliction.

His lovingkindness makes his families like a flock.

Consider the lovingkindness of the Lord.

These have been encouraging truths for me this week.  It does not matter what is going on, His lovingkindness is near and available.  He can brake any chain and deliver us out of any circumstance.  I don't know if you have a problem you've been dealing with.  Maybe something that has been causing you frustration.  An area where you want to see change, but have lost hope over.

These words are an encouragement to keep crying out to God because He hears.  Trade in the worry and striving for some talking to God time.  The worry and strife will only wear you out.  Talking to God about it is what will set our feet on the right path and start producing the change and fruit we are desiring.

God hears us when we cry out to Him, and He saves us out of our troubles and distresses.  I like those promises a lot.

Psalm 107

Week Two

Today I am embarking on week two of trying to figure out our new normal.  Last week I got really sick with some postpartum stuff and was in bed a few days running fever and in bad shape.  After several days on antibiotics, however, I am a NEW woman!  The kind that even remembers how to put on make-up and jewelry!

Let me start by saying oh my heavens!  We are LOVING our newest addition to the family.  She is such a sweetheart and has really completed us.  When she wakes up her hair is all fuzzy and crazy and adorable.  She loves to be held and with five of us passing her around, she gets held a lot.

This morning I have made some plans to start slowly heading toward routine and normal.  That being said, most of my plans the last nine months have been traded for more time on the couch with the hubs and kids.  I think you'd be proud of the fingerprints on the glass and the layer of dust on the picture frames.  God has done a huge thing in my life by letting me be able to tolerate {a little more, anyway} some of the things that drive me crazy...so that I can just rest or be with my family.

Here's what I started working on this morning {which, so far, has turned out to be a big fat flop}.

Today I've been trying to gently move the baby toward a routine.  The last two weeks my goal has been to get her to eat full feedings.  Newborns are so sleepy and it is hard to keep 'em awake to eat.  Heading into week three with her I'm trying to steer us toward some consistent routine.

We start back with school today which is a great feeling.  I thought I'd be up and running last week, but my sickness took me down to China town.

Since I was up for two straight hours last night with Sleeping Beauty I am hoping my afternoon reward will be a little {or big} nap.

It's Monday so that means the washing machine is whirling away behind me.  It is Living Room week at Flylady, so if I have time later today I may feather dust and run a quick vacuum.  The mission today is to put out a hot spot in the living room.  We have a small table with books piled in a big jumble.  Here's hoping that by the end of the day the books are lined up nice and neat.

I'm off to reheat my cup of coffee for the 5th time and teach an English lesson and add fabric softener to the laundry and try to settle the baby who is crying again.  I love my life!

Introducing...

Today I wanted to introduce you to the sweetest new little addition to our family.  She is almost two weeks old and is such a sweet little doll baby.  We are all five completely head over heels in love with her squishy little self.

Today is my first day of flying solo with all four kiddos, and it has gone great.  This has been the smoothest delivery and recovery, and I have been so thankful.  My body still hurts from time to time, mostly achy flu-like feeling stuff, but that always happens after surgery with me.  She is a dream baby.  She just likes to eat and sleep {like her Mama}.

Our family and friends have been such a huge blessing and support to our family over the last two weeks.  It is amazing when the Body of Christ reaches out to bless with prayers, texts, visits, meals, phone calls, the list could go on...

And my husband has been the greatest.  He is so loving and servant hearted, always making sure our needs are taken care of and never complaining even though I know he is just as tired as I am.

(all photos courtesy of Lulu Photography)

 

It is crazy how nine months can fly by so quickly.  It feels so good to be home and settling in to a new routine.  The boys are adjusting so fantastic.  They are completely smitten with their new little sis.  Heck, we're all just googly eyed around here.

 

I just keep thanking God over and over for the blessing of our sweet daughter.  She is the best gift ever!