Fixing my Focus...again😁

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel and they arrayed themselves against the Arameans. But the remainder of the people he placed in the hand of Abshai his brother; and they arrayed themselves against the sons of Ammon. He said, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight."
1 Chronicles 19:10‭-‬13 NASB

Oh how thankful I am for fellow believers that I can trust to fight with me.  Life is tough!  We get busy, overwhelmed, discouraged and sometimes feel defeated.  There are times when the battle before seems too hard, and we need to know back up is there.  God in His loving grace gave us friends who are willing to fight with us, and who are willing to watch out for us and help us if we fall.

Mom Friend, please know that the battle set before you today is not one you face alone.  First, God is with you, His thoughts are on you.  He loves and equips you for this day and all of its struggles.  Secondly, you have fellow friends who have been, are, or will be right where you are today.  Let them encourage, pray for, and fight with you today.  You don't have to have it all together!  You don't have to have all the answers!  You don't have to battle alone!

Sometimes we get discouraged and so focused on the mundane that we miss the marvelous.  Yes life is getting up early  or staying up late...sometimes both , cleaning, laundry, cooking,laundry, grocery shopping, laundry, driving, laundry, baking, with the occasional load of laundry😁.   But life is also filled with grace, and strength to accomplish those task.  Don't let the task drown out the ones who benefit from those task.  We are so blessed with children and our husbands.  Time will pass quickly, live with as few regrets as possible, stay focused on what is important.  Release yourself from any guilt that the enemy tries to put on you, because you didn't  __________, or because you aren't _________.  Find a fellow mom today and say to her, hey I'm here for you and if you fall I will help you up.  I've got your back!  Pray for each other and be real with each other.  Our enemy wants us to think we are alone, but we are not!

  Forgive yourself for yesterday's blunders, after all they are covered by grace, and release yourself to walk in freedom of  this new mercy filled day.  Start your day with The Lord, read His word, and pray all throughout your day.  He doesn't call us without equipping us.  Take a deep breathe, and one step.  Repeat.  This is a new and beautiful day, don't let the enemy steal your peace and joy today.  It isn't his.....it is your gift from your loving Father who has set this day before you as an opportunity to walk more closely with Him.

I am NOT perfect!

I'd like to take a few minutes to share my heart with you.  I am NOT perfect...and this might shock you......neither are you.  AND THAT'S OK!!!  

This is a current picture of my couch.  If I'm being completely honest , it usually looks like this.  I could give you  more picture of the imperfections in my cleaning abilities, however that's not what this post is about.  This post is about learning to live a life smothered in grace and overflowing with peace.  Please know that chaos makes me absolutely crazy.  I can't really think or function in chaos.   I am a perfectionist, but I'm not very good at it😱.  For years this has been a source of great discouragement for me.  I always feel just a tad bit inadequate as I measure myself against other women God placed in my life.  I take their best attributes and make a super woman that I measure myself against.  Here, let me show ya how this works......

My sister Alisha is amazing at organization and if you ever have the pleasure of being a guest in her home she will make you feel like royalty

My sister Cammie is the kindest, most gentle person I know.  If you have the blessing of knowing her, you feel loved and completely wanted.

My sister Amy, can just roll with the flow!  Nothing and I mean nothing ruffles her feathers!

My sister Lori sees beauty and joy in all things.  She is quick to laugh and you must join her....she just pulls you in!

My sister Amanda is amazing at making her home beautiful and welcoming.  She's the person who can take blue, orange, and green objects and make a room fit for a magazine cover.  She is a great problem solver...she can just see a clear solution.

My sister Kara is a very determined lady.  She is strong and confident.  She sees what she wants and makes it happen.

My other sister Amanda is so incredible thoughtful!  She is generous and loving and so sweet, she is great at making others in her life feel loved.

NOW THESE ARE JUST A FEW LADIES IN MY LIFE and I didn't ask any if them before I included them ....but they have to forgive me because they're family and stuck with me😁

I have seen each of these precious ladies in very difficult circumstances.  I have seen them not at their best and I still completely believe I am better and blessed for having them in my life.  Here's something I have come to realize.  I would NEVER focus on or share things about my sisters that would caused you to think poorly of them.  I know they are not perfect... And so do they.  They don't need me to point out their flaws.  They see them clearly I'm sure.   

So back to how I build my super woman model.  I take all these true things about my sisters and make a list of my short comings and the comparing begins....

I'm not very organized...like Alisha,  I focus of task instead of people too often...Cammie doesn't ,  I often get upset when things get hard...not like Amy,  I let the mess destract me from the beauty...unlike Lori, my home is usually a mess...not like Amanda, I am rarely focused...unlike Kara, I forget birthdays and anniversaries...not like Amanda.  Compared to my super model I never measure up!  I fall short each time!  I allow the enemy to convince me that I am not enough, and never will be.

Soooooooooo, I feel defeated and discouraged because of this way of thinking.  So I've made a decision, I'm not keeping my imperfection secret anymore.

I DONT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER, I AM A MESS SOMETIMES, MY HOME IS OFTEN LESS THAN SPOTLESS, AND I'M FORGETFUL!

BUT.....

IM ALSO A MOM OF FOUR SWEET BLESSINGS, A WIFE TO ONE TERRIFIC GUY,   A LOVED SISTER, DAUGHTER, COUSIN AND FRIEND, I AM A TEACHER, AND A DAUGHTER OF the KING OF kings AND LORD OF lords.

And.....I believe being real and transparent is a blessing to those I have in my life.