Well life has been happening, like it always does and here I have went way too long without a blog again. Some awesome things have happened, like me quitting my job to be a stay at home mommy again, Finding a church home, and deciding to have a home birth for our 3rd child (due in September) but as always, nothing is perfect and there are things I need to work on in my life.
I have come to the conclusion that I have not been REALLY living a life for God. Sure, I believe in God, I love Jesus, I pray, etc. But to say that I am where I should be is no where near true. I guess if you are really living for God you will never be where you should be, because you are always striving to do better no matter how good it may be. Anyway, I would like to fix that... and while I am not sure exactly what to do I think there are some ways that can not only help me to live intentionally and truly encounter God again, but just make life better overall.
SO HERE IT IS, things I plan to do... like yesterday:
I will read the bible more. Or at all, let's be honest- I have never been good at this. Anyway, I think I should at least be able to do a little bit a day. Maybe no plan, just random but good.
I will spend more time in prayer, not just before bed or when something is needed. Not just with the kids, or my husband. I am talking- one on one time with just me and God. Maybe during nap time in the middle of the day!
Everything I do, I will to do to my very best. Being a wife, a mother, even doing laundry. I want to be a better friend, better sister, etc. I can be the most irritable person ever with my husband and that is not a Godly way to be. Sometimes, I don't give my children the attention they deserve or I ignore things they would like for me. Why shouldn't I keep the computer off while they are awake and spend time building block towers, and playing with baby dolls? Facebook will be there tomorrow. In fact, it is probably never going away. But my husband and I's relationship will dwindle if I don't foster it, and my kids will grow up before my eyes. I want them to remember an active, loving mommy. Not a mommy that was too busy to really spend time with them. I still have to do housework, but there is no reason I can't incorporate my kiddos, even if it does take longer to do. They deserve to be included.
I will volunteer. I don't know what exactly- but I feel like I need to do this, and regularly.
I will take better care of my body. God gave it to me and I shouldn't demolish it for the fun of it. This means walking and exercising more, and eating less crap.
I will be in church more. Like all the time. We found a home church we love and the holy spirit is flowing in that place more than any place I have been in my entire life. I want that in me, and I want to learn everything they have to teach. Going on Sundays only is not enough any more. Yes it may be hard to get ready several nights / days a week... but I don't think God would be opposed to more time spent learning his word and worshiping, and I know it would do me some good spiritually, and emotionally as well.
I will relax more. Getting worked up over little stuff, holding grudges, starting fights, stressing over money, people, etc. That stuff is for the birds! I am done with it. What is important is that I am doing the right thing by God and by our family, and as long as I do nothing else really matters too much.
I will intentionally do what we can to cut costs in all areas of our lives, with the end goal of being 100% debt free (no car or house payments either!). HOWEVER- I will not let this hold higher importance than using money to further God's kingdom. We will still tithe, and give in whatever ways we feel led by God to do, no matter what the financial circumstance may be. We will be faithful.
In all I do, I will question "Is this what God would want me to do right now?" and live accordingly.
