Do You Pray With Your Man?

    "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Matthew 18:19-20 MSG.

     "Chris, we really need to pray."

     "Right now? Its almost midnight. What do you want to pray about?"

     I rolled turned towards him while rolling my eyes, "The kids and for us."

     Silence and then an exasperated sigh, "FINE," he said before he started praying. (Note: My husband would be happier to pray first thing in the morning or right before bed, instead of feeling me toss and turn until I ask him in the middle of the night).

     I’ve heard it said over the course of my short Christian life, 'A couple that prays together, stays together.' Kind of like the best friends in the "Cletus, Take The Reel" parody by Tim Hawkins...Don't know what I'm talking about, watch the video below. HILARIOUS! 

    But praying is so hard especially as a couple. It is one thing to share your thoughts and feelings, but it is a whole new ball game to open up in prayer. Praying is just as intimate as anything else in the bedroom, it lays bare our souls and reveals our vulnerabilities. But when I do pray with my husband it creates a stronger bond between us. It invites God into our lives and into our marriage, uniting us on the spiritual front.

     Do you pray with your husband, do you ask him to pray for you before you start your day? For me, it's still a new practice, sometimes I feel embarrassed going to my husband and saying, "I'm feeling a little crabby this morning and I have so much to get done. Can you pray that I'm not short tempered with the kids?" 
     It's easy to think, "If I could just control myself and have a better mind set, then I can handle the day just fine." But when I bring my shortcomings to my husband, who then takes it before God; it humbles me and invites both my husband and God into my day. On the days when I do take my requests to my husband, it creates peace out of the chaos. The day is still filled with frustrations, but then I'm reminded that God is with me and He is paving the way to do what He intended that day. It connects me to my husband who thinks about me through out the day and is more tender when he gets home.
     It also reminds me of what I model in front of my children. Elijah is the first to point out that I have a crabby attitude, "Mom you didn't pray this morning with Daddy did you? Maybe we should pray for you on the way to school."

     I hate it when my children point out my mistakes and flaws, but then it blesses me to know they understand the power of prayer. They have no problem telling God when they are angry, what they want and what they worry about. As adults, we lose that childlike faith and forget that God isn't some imaginary thing in the sky that we send our thoughts up to. He is real, lives within our spirits and wants to be able to work through our plans, weaknesses, and dreams. 
     How can He strengthen our marriage and faith if we don't first go to Him? Prayer and marriage go hand in hand and I'm thankful my kids are seeing it through my fumbles and shortcomings.

     Do you pray with your man? If not, what holds you back? The power of praying with your husband breaks through our shortcomings and limitations. It strengthens ours bond and creates intimacy that stands through trials. I encourage you to start out small and go to your husband.

Keeping The Marriage Bed Red Hot In Motherhood

     So allow me to really transparent, but before I go ANY further, I'd like to say to my parents and in-laws..."DON'T READ ANY FURTHER, trust me!" 

I feel like this at least twice a week!

     Moms these days are so frazzled and worn out, by the time their dear hubby's come home and hint about heating up the bedroom, the she merely rolls her eyes and directs him to his man cave. Yet, some of us are longing for that passion and romance.  With that said, I've gotten quite a few emails about how Chris and I seem to have it all together. We still act like honeymooners even though we have kids.

This is what real romance is, a commitment to love one another in the midst of toys, stretchmarks, and kids.

     In today's world, our minds ingrained with what we think is romance. What is portrayed on TV, movies, sitcoms and romance novels has NOTHING to do with real romance. That's right mama's. Throw the ideas of your husband looking like Fabio and riding off into the sunset with you carried in his thick brawny arms. It doesn't happen even in the lives of couples who don't have children. In this stage of life, a.k.a. mothering, our worlds revolve our children but we are longing for the romance. So here's a few tips from a mother of three (high strung, high energy, hot tempered kids) and how I keep the romance alive on my marriage.

Turn That Crock Pot On--Early

     My husband and I attended a marriage conference several years ago and I loved how women were described as crock pots. Try not to be insulted but it's the truth. Men are like bottle rockets and can go from 0-60 in a matter of seconds for a steamy night in the bedroom. Women on the other hand are like crock pots, it takes hours for us to simmer up to a romantic night in the bedroom. 
     Crock pots have all the ingredients inside, a dash of this, a bit of spice from that. All we do is put the lid on, crank the on bottom and we know by the end of the day, we have a wonderful meal in store. Marriage and sex is pretty much the same. As we simmer, we think of how wonderful our mate is.

     Being a crock pot means your husband needs to start early in the morning or even the night before turning you on to the idea of bedroom bliss. This is something you can do for yourself too. If you know that tonight is going to be the night, think of all the romantic things your husband has done over the years, text him and tell him you cant wait to see him that night. 
    

C-O-M-M-U-N-I-C-A-T-E

     That's right girls, we have to talk about it. Some of us don't have the drive, desire or willingness to turn from Mother Teresa to Hot Mama in the bedroom and that's okay. TALK to your husband about it. You may be drained from rearing your little ones all day. But it shouldn't stop you from being with your husband. 

     Talk to him about what makes your heart flutter and remind him to act on it. When I was visiting my friend Angela, her husband had left her post-it notes for her to find and read. My husband sends me text messages that reminding me of how much he loves me. Maybe, you like holding hands, having him make supper, bring flowers. What ever it is, tell your husband! For women, its the little things that get us simmering and in the mood.

     Sex isn't just an act, it's a relationship and one that our husbands need. I've known some women who had absolutely no desire for intimacy, so much so, they've given their husbands excuses like: 'sex isn't allowed during pregnancy, It's too close for that time of the month, I've got a headache and cramps.'

Listen up ladies, men need it! They need that physical intimacy with us, it's their connection to knowing that you accept them and you love them. When we give them our time and attention, they in turn feel confident in their relationship with us.

Picture of proof to remind myself that date night will come around again. 

Honey Mooning at Home

    Many of us are living on one income. That means every penny counts, but doesn't have to stop date night. We use several options and try to get alone every week, that's right, every week. Here's my list:

• Make Mac N Cheese for your little ones and put them to bed early.
• Create a meal for the two of you, complete with candle light.
• Ask your in-laws to watch your kids and go back home for date night.
• Log on to Ruby Tuesday's for their Buy One Get One Free meal deals.
• Child Swap with another couple. You watch their kids one night and then they watch yours.

     Once a month, my husband cooks an amazing gourmet dinner, puts the kids to bed early, draws me a bath and creates an romantic oasis in our bedroom (sounds exotic, he makes sure its clean and free of kid debris, and puts a scarf over the lamp to create softer lighting). 

He gets annoyed that I have to document every date night with a picture. Can you tell? :-)

 Your Mind Counts

     As women, we have a million things running through our minds at once. "Is the laundry dried, I need to run to target before my coupon expires, Elijah's room is a mess, I have to get three chapters edited, plan for a MOPS event, and prep for parent teacher conferences this week."

So when my husband gives me the look, I want to be prepared. Daily and especially on date night, I pray. I ask God to give me the desire to want to be with my husband, especially when my mind is full of to-do's and mommy matters. I'd much rather want to be with my husband than have the mind set, "Get in and get out already!" that so many women do. 

     Tell me, how do you keep the marriage bed hot? I'd love to hear your thoughts and even more questions of how to get creative, especially when you have kids!

Experiencing Grit, Encountering Grace: A Family Christmas

   

Family United

     “Mom, are you gonna cry again,” Mikey asked in monotone before shuffling off to climb into their black diesel truck. As he climbed up into the back of the cab and closed his door, mom smirked at his words and repeated them to the rest of us within ear shot. We all look at her with a knowing smile and reply,

     “You sure will, let the bawling begin!”

      Another round of hugs were given as our step-dad talked a mile a minute about fishing trips in Yellowstone. All of us Shaw sisters (Minus our Army-solider-Korea-resident-sister, Sarah), were dressed in black and white tanks that mom bought us yesterday on our quick five hour shopping trip.Our husbands were busy comparing which Shaw girl looked better and throwing snow balls at the camper and truck as it left our driveway. It had become the best Christmas we had as a family. No hurt feelings, no yelling, no boundaries were crossed. 

The Dirt

     The dirt and grit that covered our family memories and reputation had given way to grace over the weekend. Everyone had laid their weapons down and bared their hearts for the sake of family and togetherness under the banner of family (minus one hair pulling scuffle between Becky and I; and if my sister posts the video to facebook, I just want to say I didn’t have anything to do with her disappearance).
     Throughout our family history of volatile relationships, we all longed for the deep connections and bonds a family was supposed to have. Because of our broken background and fighting for ourselves, we managed to push each other out of our hearts, thinking that being on our own is best.  After 12 years of seemingly drifting, everyone reunited on the grounds of Christmas time.

Chy, Me, Jenna, Becky.

     It reminded me of how God redeemed mankind with the birth of His Son, in one weekend, God redeemed our family from the brokenness we all felt. Granted, there are still some issues to work out, but what family doesn't have those? Anyway, God softened all our hearts and prepared them for forgiveness.

Grit and Grace

     Grit and grace go hand in hand. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you long to experience the grace that God is waiting to give you. He wants you to lay your past hurts and broken relationships on His alter. Leave them there, let Him pick it up and put the pieces back together—His way—in His time.
    Sometimes before we experience grace, we’ve been smudged with dirt that’s gotten under our shell. Family causes friction for the lack of relationships, disrespect, or the smart words that have been thrown your way. We can either allow the grit to spur us towards God and His way of restoration, or we can allow it to pierce our hearts, leaving a mark that was never intended for any soul to bear. 

     As lonely as holiday gatherings can be, allow God to be on your thoughts this Christmas season, and when your family comes to mind, pray that what is between you, can be broken. Hand it over to God and thank Him for the work He is doing in their hearts, He is moving through the grit, so one day, you can experience grace. 

    

   Never in a million years did I ever imagine that I would be sitting on stage in a church to tell my story (rather God's story) of redemption. Today my husband and I bared our souls, our mistakes, and shared our mess we created for the congregation of New Heights Assembly Church, of York Nebraska. Seven years ago, my life was an absolute mess, I didn't want to live, my marriage was in shambles, and my addictions ran my life. The words of Jeremiah 29:11 resonate deeply in my heart as I reflect on what God has restored. In Him I have so much hope. In Him, I live a life in spite of me. He forgives, redeems, and restores. Below is the link to the site if you would like to watch the message given today. My husband and I were honored to share our mess because it causes hearts to ignite and hope in our awesome, mighty God.  www.nhachurch.com. The key to letting God change your life is to seek Him with all your heart. Let Him be your heart's desire.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

God's Way Or My Way

What dreams have do you have in your heart? Have you been chasing after them and wondering where God is in the big picture? I've been asking the same questions myself lately over a dream that I've had. This month was supposed to be the month for it to happen. So when the answer to my heart's desire was "No," I had to question the answer, and then question God. When God doesn't answer your prayers, it's because He has something else in mind for you. Stop for a moment and look around you. Ask what is He doing in your life, then ask Him to be a part of it. The gifts He's given you and the talents He's created in you are for His purpose and plans. Through His ways, He will full-fill your desires and dreams. It takes faith, obedience, acceptance, and asking to be a part of His plans. 

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord.

'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9.

Gratitude Is The Attitude that Sets the Altitude for Living....

          Going on day two of 'adjusting my attitude' with the bible study from James MacDonald (Lord, Change My Attitude). During class today, he said something profound that hit my heart like a missile looking for its target. "Gratitude is the attitude that sets the altitude for living," try saying that three times fast. Better yet, get alone with God and think about this phrase. We have much to be thankful for, even it's just our very life itself. Though it may not be much, I would rather be thankful for my life than complain over every little thing that hasn't gone my way.
            How many times have I been ungrateful or have I complained about stupid stuff. Here's a few examples, I don't have a flat screen, I don't have Buckle jeans, I wish my kids were more behaved. I hate driving my dented mini van,  I hate the time frame I have in which to shuttle kids for preschool. I wish I had breast implants (vanity issue, I know!), Why can't it be warmer out? I wish groceries weren't so expensive, why can't my laundry fold itself, does my friend have to gossip about everything?

         Now that you know my flaws, please don't hold them against me! I have more serious complaints but I choose not to put those on here for my sanity sake. However when I choose to have this type of attitude, I forget about God's blessings and how His hand has always guided my life, even in the small every day things of being at home. So I propose this for all of you wanting to change your attitude and wanting to remember what God has done for you.

      Create a Blessings Jar. Take an old oatmeal can or something fancier to fit your decor. Next as a family, talk about attitudes; "Gratitude is the attitude that sets the altitude for living." Each time that God has provided for your needs, great or small, it's something to be thankful for. So on a slip of paper, write the date and the moment. Not only will it teach your children a heart of thankfulness, it will serve as a reminder just how big our God is, and how much He moves in your daily life. You can pull them out in moments you are feeling discouraged and will serve as memories for both you and your kids.

Let me know how your project went with the family. Post your comments please.

Show Me The Money, Honey!

   

        After nearly wrecking my van today, I learned how perfect God's timing is in providing for my needs.  A loud cracking noise caused me to slam on my brakes and close my eyes while my brother ducked and the kids asked what I did wrong this time! The windshield cracked all the way across in two different areas reminding me of the lines seen during labor contractions on the spools of paper.
           "Great! This is lovely, now I have a ghetto cracked up mini van!" My brother laughed only because he knows how much I hate driving a mini van; but driving a cracked up mini van is a whole other story. I just recently came to terms about not repairing a big dent on the passenger side from a hit and run. Instead my husband and I decided to use the money to remodel our bathroom. With a sigh, I dropped my brother off and headed home with the kids to nap.
      "Alright Lord, I'm trusting You for the needs we have and will try not worry about....okay, okay I won't worry about the appearance my cracked up windshield gives either," I prayed as I felt God prompting me to. Within minutes of arriving home, God took care of business. Chris texted me, "Show me the money honey!" I called him about the rhyming text in which I learned that Chris was reimbursed for spending expenses for a business trip and he received a refunded grant for school!
           God does provide for all our needs, though it may not look how we imagined. When I dreamed of getting married and being a mom, I dreamed of a big new house, new cars, designer clothes, with a barbie doll figure, while Chris worked the perfect 8 to 5 job making at least 80 G's a year. God however had a different plan. I don't have a new big house, my cars are 10 years old, and I buy my clothes at consignment shops or on sale and I really wish I had that barbie doll figure. Chris does work 8 to 5 but is no where near making 80 G's a year, but God is providing for us. It's about being faithful to God. His plan requires us saying from our hearts, "God I know You're up there, I know You see me. Your word says that if we are faithful in believing in who You are, You will provide, so God I'm going to trust that You will meet all my needs." 
           In today's lovely and thriving economy, I'm sure there are plenty of moms out there stuck in my shoes. My words of advice are to not lose trust in God. His plan may look different from yours but He will provide. So with that I leave you with a couple of verses to ponder, Mathew 6:25-34.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
"So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."









              

Repeat the Sounding Joy

 So now that it's minus 3 degrees outside, my kids and daycare kids have gone half nutty within these four walls we call home. Did I mention I have three active children? Granted my oldest is in school, so I make up for her absence with daycare kiddos. Cole and Kailie, sometimes Sam and Bella, and only on Fridays Avery and Aspen. All of them are under the age of 5. Actually Bella is 7 but the rest are 4 and under. My two kiddos Elijah and Tori are 4 and 2. While I was attempting to recuperate from performing in The Gospel According to Scrooge all weekend, my loving husband held down the fort. He kept the kids entertained but somewhere along the way of building forts, surfing down the stairs, and playing the Wii, house rules and chores went out the window.
    While I was busy sorting and putting away 18 loads of laundry, screaming erupted from the kitchen. My ever resourceful 2 year old figured out how to manipulate the fridge lock and was pulling a bag grapes out of the fridge while fighting off Cole and Elijah. After separating everyone into their respective corners and dividing up the grapes; the whining and screaming continued the rest of the day.
"Cole won't play my game."
"Tori is hitting me!"
"Elijah took my toys."
"I don't want to play with his bionicles, I want to play cars."
Of course each sentence proclaimed out the mouth of these babes was elongated with tears and whines. The sound of discontent continued to repeat itself the rest of the day...SIGH...this volume and tone sensitive Mama was literally counting down the minutes to bedtime. And then it came, the daycare kids went home, and two hours later my kiddies were asleep in their beds. The sounds of heavy breathing and snores mixing with the sound of the heater. They were asleep and I was free to lay on the couch and stare at the ceiling listening to the sounds of sleep!
     Any other Mama out there that is dealing with kids trapped inside have any ideas how to keep the peace besides crafts, playdoh, and threats? If so leave a comment or two that could be of use over this very long winter!

Daddy's Girl

One of my deepest desires was to have a Dad. I had a Dad, but because of his issues and addictions, I haven't seen much of him since I was 12. He came to see me at graduation, then I visited him in Arizona when I was 22, and then I saw him again a few years ago for my sisters wedding. Each visit was less than an hour spent with him because of his drinking issues. However things are now different! There is much to be thankful for during the season of Thanksgiving. One of my prayers for many years has been that God would restore and redeem my family. Although there are a few strained relationships, God has answered the deepest desires of my heart. For the first time since I was 12, I get to spend time with my Dad. Not only do I get to spend time with him, I get to be Daddy's girl.


This prayer has been answered because my father surrendered to God and allowed Christ to be the center of his heart. Gone are the days of addictions and self centered. It's be replaced by a passionate fire for our Almighty God. My brother and I picked up my Dad from the airport last night. As nervous as I was, there was peace. Peace because I knew that my Dad had changed. Peace because I knew I wouldn't have to walk on eggshells. Peace because our time won't be ruined with the need of alcohol or other recreational drugs.

It may seem small or insignificant to those of you who have fathers or don't have a desire for the love of your family; for me it's one of the greatest gifts of all time that both my Father God and my Dad can give me. Finally at the age of 29, I get to begin a relationship with my Dad. Together we get to share moments with my children and my kids get to call him Grandpa... So let the season of thanksgiving begin! With these thoughts, I leave you with one of my favorite songs that encompasses prayer and lifts your mood!

Anonymous Part II

    
 Many of my friends are not Christ followers, while they say they are Christians and believe there is a God, they do not follow the life He intends for us to live. They merely believe in coincidence, luck, and happy thoughts. So for those of you who aren't Christ centered church folks, this post is for you.

     One of God's names is The Lord Who Provides. The Bible has hundreds of stories where God stepped in and provided the need. Everything from sparing a child's life to providing food, rain, shelter and more. Though it may seem selfish or petty, my need is my dream. My dream of having my book published. This dream isn't just my dream, God laid it on my heart. It's a testament of His faith, provision, redemption, and deep love He has for me. It's a window into the love He is longing to give to you.

    I turned down a contract with a publishing company because it was not what God wanted. In hindsight, it kept me from a shady deal where I would have paid thousands of dollars for a poorly edited and promoted book deal. Though I yielded to what I was sensing from God, I was downhearted. The idea of paying my editor on my own was difficult. As a SAHM, the income I receive for providing childcare is meager; but again it's also where God has called me to be in this season of motherhood. I laughed at my friend Audra who commented, "Be faithful, don't you think if God called you to write it and wants it published, He will also provide a way? In His checkbook, it's pocket change!"

     She was right. God didn't use supernatural means like giving me a winning lottery ticket, or a fair god-mother. In this day and age, He is more covert. He uses His body of people to work out His will. He is always right on time, and uses exact change. He provided through the hands of Anonymous $1,200.00. It's the amount I needed to have my book edited.

     Here's a tip, when you receive an unexpected extravagant gift, be sure you have a chauffeur to drive you home. Your vision tends to be blocked with masses amounts of tears and mascara; not to mention you really aren't in the right state of mind to be driving. My kids and daycare kids wanted to know why I had black streaks on my face and why 'that man' at church made me cry, all I could say "Because Jesus really loves me." So here's hoping Anonymous reads this. I'd really like to track you down, tackle you, and give you a HUGE bear hug. May God bless you for your gift and thank you.


I Call Him by Name: Love Notes for Moms, will be available April of 2011.

Intentional Steps: How Mamma Got Grounded

              How many times have you just said to yourself or to your girlfriends in conversation, “Well that's just the way life goes...”   or "I just don't understand how I let that happen..." Or “I just learn to roll with the punches.” What about, “When I get my schedule organized...” “After I get that promotion...”  I don't know how many times I said those things to myself as my plate began piling higher and higher with pleasing people, meeting deadlines, turning in papers for school, working extra shifts for someone else, apologizing profusely for missing school concerts, or canceling dates with my husband before I realized I wasn't living life intentionally. I was merely drifting in the ocean of busy-ness. I hadn't realized how overwhelmed, overworked, and unbalanced my life had become until certain armed authorities decided to put me in a much needed Time Out. I landed in a mental health hospital for a reprieve from the snow ball effect my schedule had on my life. I remember staring out the door listening to the administrator tell me about my options. I could either sign myself in willingly for a 48 hour stay; or she would use the state statute of 'Emergency Precautionary Care' and have the nice police officers escort me back into the building in handcuffs if I so much as set one foot outside the entrance. My stay would then be a mandatory 72 hours.

“Describe exactly what you mean by one foot,” I heard myself say as she handed me over the paperwork, glaring at me over my sarcastic responses. After being escorted to my lovely room of speckled linoleum, a twin sized hospital bed and bare furnishings, I dropped onto the bed and tried to ignore the voices screaming in my head about how badly I had dropped the ball.


“How did you miss the warning signs? What were you thinking? What is everyone going to think? How is Chris going to handle this? What about Cheyenne, how are you going to explain to your baby girl that you got grounded in the loony bin? What is the purpose of all this? How did I drift out of control?” (As you can tell, my mind races constantly.)


      Women these days have so many choices. Between career, family, church, and the community, it's easy to get lost and pulled into a thousand directions. And that's what happened to me. I was too busy pleasing everyone with what was expected of a woman in this new millennium. I didn't hear that still small voice who loved me exactly as I was and had a clear cut purpose for me. Instead, I listened to voices that were telling me I ought to get a four year degree and climb the corporate ladder. I also was supposed to balance pouring every effort, moment, and experience into my daughter. Let's not forget that because I wanted a family that I also felt pressured to contribute to half the income. Then there was gaining ground in the community with volunteering time and skills I didn't have. And working in areas that were not my passion in my church because I wanted to be included, to feel as if I fit in. Before I knew it, one thing or another was being added to my daily list of to-do's that it was no surprise I fell flat on my face when I fell into a deep depression having lost myself in the daily madness of it all.
Overwhelmed, exhausted, worried, stressed, and utterly alone was how I felt at that moment and I came  realized I had felt this way for more than four years. It was time for God to get my attention and because I tend to learn lessons the hard way, He took drastic measures!


     My friend Tricia who is currently planning a women's retreat found just the right scripture for living life intentionally.  Ephesians 5:17 says “ Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Be sure you understand what the Master wants.” God didn't say that I needed to get a degree, nor did he tell me I needed to be on every committee in the tri-city area. He also didn't tell me that I needed to make every moment a big moment with my child. Instead, He simply asked me to follow Him. We humans feel the need to make situations and life more complex for it to be meaningful. Somehow in the madness of it all, I left myself unprotected and lost all the armor needed to ward off the enemy's attacks, hence the lovely two night stay in a mental health hospital. I spent those two days realizing that in order not to have another mid life crisis, I needed to begin living life intentionally.


Upon arriving home, I set to work on focusing on where I felt I was called to be. I then looked at my schedule and saw what areas were causing stress and made all the calls needed to cancel out those activities and commitments. Finally, I laid my life in His hands and asked for the wisdom and guidance needed to chose His will, and His plans over mine. It was time to become intentional in knowing what the Master wanted.  The next few months became sweeter with each passing moment after I chose to clarify each step in serving the Master. I woke up one day noticing that I was smiling and joyful. I had said goodbye to the working world, tossed out all time wasting activities, reduced my commitments and centered my schedule around my children and husband. I found that the more focused and intentional I became about each day, the less stress I had, and I discovered out new interesting aspects about myself.


As I transitioned into this new sense of self, I realized that the only thing that mattered was people. Relationships. Clean floors and laundry suddenly fell to the bottom of my list. I made sure I was taking care of three areas that helped  me keep my focus and my sanity for that matter. Did I spend time with God today? Did I spend time with my children and husband? Did I reach out to a friend or two to stay connected outside of my family?


Maybe you were like me and you are in need of a time out. While I do suggest getting away from the demands and stresses of daily life, I don't recommend a suite in the hospital ward. In this day and age, it's so easy to lose our sense of self and be carried out into the current of busy-ness. Living intentionally for God with His goals in mind is a life long process. It's a step I recommend if you're feeling like your list of to-do's and schedule is a mile long with no end in sight. I invite you to come as you are and partner up with the Master. He will indeed guide you through.