Torn

Recently I have had decisions to make or been in a situation where I see two sides. My most recent "big" decision was to quit working. I was very torn when trying to decide what was best. In the next few weeks all three of my kids will be starting school, all in different schools, all in different parts of town. The days before the first day of school are filled with teacher meetings, orientation, school pictures etc. All of these require me to get my kids to school and back. I wasn't sure how I would do this with me working. Sam will be starting a sport in August and I wasn't quite sure if I'd be around to take him to practices or games since my schedule is always different. Finally I decided that is wasn't fair to me, the kids or my work for me to be asking off so many days, or to be working while I should be "being a mom". So, I am officially done working....for now. Thank you, Jesus, for putting road blocks in my way to help me make the right decision....I was stubborn and not listening, but I finally heard You.

At other times, there really isn't a decision to be made, but you are an outsider looking at a situation, which does affect you or someone you love in some way. Things are happening that are just not fair to you or your loved ones. Some days it really bothers me and makes me feel torn, and some days, I just realize it's life and God is the judge and if they are doing wrong or treating people unfairly, He will take care of it. I can't imagine living life without a Savior. Life is too hard to do alone. Knowing that He walks with me in ALL circumstances, trials and joys, makes me smile and love Him even more.

Romans 12:12 ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

James 1:12 ESV
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

John 16:33 ESV
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Cleaning out

I first began this blog when I had decided to unclutter my house, and my life. Well, that lasted about a month. I eventually started back to work and slowly my house and my life started to get re-cluttered. There are days I wish I lived a simpler life, with less to do. But I don't.

With lots of thought and coaxing from friends and family, I have decided to stop working for a while. I have three kids starting school (all at different schools) in about two weeks and have put off lots of things that I want/need to do just because my schedule just didn't have room in it for these things. From spending more "summer" time with my kids to making doctor appointments that I have been neglecting.

It's funny, when you decide in her mind and your heart that it's time to "de-clutter" all of your life, things just start rolling and the more you realize how much you have in your life that just doesn't need to be there.

Our family had never lived anywhere for more than 4 years for the past 16 years. Which always meant, cleaning out and throwing away things we weren't using when it was time to pack up and move on. We have now lived in the house we are in for almost 6 years. Needless to say, closets are stuffed full of expired meds, ragged towels, etc. Old paper work that we'd been saving needs shredded, carpets need shampooed, dust bunnies are mating under the bed (and you know what they say about bunnies and mating!), and the list goes one!

But what I am slowly learing, is that when your life on the outside is cluttered and "murkey" your mind and body get that way also. I have been neglecting ME! I know, to some this may sound selfish. But God created ME and I haven't been taking care of what He created. I can't even remember the last time I truly relaxed and had time to do some things I enjoy. Sure, I went and scrapbooked with some friends, but the whole time I was watching the clock and having to run here or there in the middle of scrapbooking. I took a trip to Nebraska to visit family, but our days were so full of trying to "fit it all in" that I didn't get to take a breath and just enjoy our time.

So, from this day forward (not sure how long this stint will last) join me on this journey as I clean out the junk in my life!

Keep your hands and feet in at all times and enjoy the ride!