I just came across my blog again today! Ha!
My last post was in October…a mere 3 months ago. (sarcasm) Chris hasn’t been out of town, until yesterday. He’s only in Phoenix til tonite. He hasn’t had much work, so he took the opportunity to make some money, unfortunately he had to go to Phoenix to do it. But, at least he has the opportunity to do so!
So I’ve just spent a little time reading through some other blogs, and wow – some people can really be inspiring! That IS what I desire. To be able to truly inspire others…to live life for Jesus, fully surrendered to Him. To be a joy to those around them. To enjoy the life they have been given. As I write this, I feel my shoulders slump. Instead of inspiring others, I feel like I’ve allowed my stress, anxiety, or just plain fatigue were off on them. Ugh.
I was challenged tonite as I laid in bed with 4 of my children for prayers. Blah, blah, blah the complaining and grumbling ringing in my head. And then I thought…is this what I sound like to them?
Well, maybe I could blame it on a poor night’s sleep…or maybe I can blame it on not getting up early enough to have that SO NEEDED quiet time sitting with Jesus. Either way, I am challenged and encouraged to get up first thing!
Over the last month in particular, I have been so much more “regular” and disciplined about getting up before the kids. All 5 of them, and yes, indeed, this is a challenge! I feel like they hear my bed squeak and they think it’s time to get up. It makes no difference to them if it’s 5am or 8am! But, very stealthily, I have been able to get up before them, and spend some true time in prayer, reading God’s Word, being still before Him. I feel almost ashamed to say it, but I haven’t had this kind of devotional time for about 7 or 8 years. It’s been a little here, a little there – whenever I could squeeze it in. But this IS different. It’s truly refreshing. It’s good to sit with Jesus. He is so good to me.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10
a place to remember and refresh
Stir Us Up 
So glad to see you are back, I have missed your musings. I have been checking to see if you’ve found any time to write in the mist of your crazy busy life. So I am happy to see that you have, I pray you will be blessed as you make the time to spend with Jesus. I love you child of mine, more than you will ever know, thank you for the way you bless others. I love you XOX
This is such an encouragement to me Tara! Lately I’ve been thinking about a convo we had about homeshooling and making sure the Word is taught each day. I’ve been trying to be more intentional w/ my boys to sit w/ them and tach them~I often don’t have my own time in the Word though..so I’m running on empty. Thanx for being an example for me! God bless!!