created beautiful

Wow! I've posted 2 days in a row! Our Women's Bible Study started back last night after a summer break. This session we will be focusing on how we as women are created beautiful by God. Last night we played a game in which we had to give ourselves a point for each "mindless" thing we've done. Such as locking ouselves out of the house, the car, leaving the iron on, forgot an appointment...and so on. There were 18 items and the winner had only ever done 9 of those things. In fact, most of us were up around 14 or 15. This just goes to show that we are all human. We make mistakes and it is only by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Make Every Effort

I read a devotional that said: "scripture tells us 8 times in the New Testament to 'make every effort'. This means that we have to do what takes effort even when we don't feel like it."

I don't know about you, but that spoke to me. I sometimes don't feel like doing something (i.e. folding laundry, cleaning, etc.) so it just doesn't get done. However, God has been teaching me that doing these little, mundane tasks blesses my family. I try to tell myself that, if I can keep up with them, and not procrasinate, it does make the task a little easier. (i.e. if I go ahead and fold that laundry it won't sit in the basket for 2 weeks waiting to be ironed.)

Some things I (try to) do to stay ahead:

Empty the clean dishwasher first thing in the morning, dirty dishes get rinsed and go straight into the dishwasher

On nights before evenings out (Tuesday night before church on Wednesday) when packing my daughters lunch, I double up. Pack 2 sandwich bags of chips, 2 containers of fruit,... so all I need to do on a busier night is pack the sandwich and the lunch bag.

plan my menu for the week on monday, making one grocery list. I only go to the store 1 time during the week.

In the morning

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to he ned of our lives - Psalm 90:14

Things have been busy, and I've been struggling to get back into a routine. Our usual school year routine has had a major shake-up My oldest started Kindergarten and I am responsible for getting her on and off the bus at a designated time. My hours and job location changed (even though I am still part time). I am now working 10:45:2:30, which is great in that I can get aforementioned kindergartner on and off the bus, but I no longer have that 1 1/2 hour nap/rest time to catch up on stuff and my brain is dead by the time we get the kids in bed at 8:00. I was getting a little down, and even let my quiet time with God slip through the cracks a few mornings. I should know from experience that's not a good idea So this week I set my alarm a little earlier so I could have longer uninterrupted times with my best friend (God) before the craziness of life came upon me. I can't say my to do list is any shorter, but I have a peace in my heart that only comes from time with my Lord. I subscribe to online devotions through Proverbs 31, and many times will read the blogs of the wonderful ladies who write them, This morning I was encouraged by the September 1st (yes, I know I'm a little behind) post of Renee Swope. Check it out http://reneeswope.blogspot.com/