Reflections of a [temporarily-downsized] mother

The 2 younger girls had a slumber/movie party last night, and they're still zonked!  We miss our 2 big girls, of course, but spending a little more focused time with the younger 2 has been a delight!

We have been playing more, interacting more, doing more crafts, projects, and outings...and working on obedience, consistency, and enjoying a more peaceful home.  And on that note, I just wanted to share some thoughts:

Sometimes we, as parents, (a.k.a. me) are so focused on running a "tight ship" that we forget that they are lambs, and not soldiers.

Sometimes we are so focused on "ironing out" their struggles & weaknesses that we forget that they are often easily moldable and pliable in the gentle hands of grace.

Sometimes we are so focused on accomplishing the plans for each day, that we forget that our children are the 'WHO's filling our days.

Sometimes we get lonely being home and crave adult interaction.  That's natural.  Trust me, a homeschooling mom knows.  BUT when I allow myself to search out that interaction in a way that causes me to neglect my first calling and love (Jesus/Wifehood/Motherhood), then I have forsaken my calling.  Blown it.  Messed up.  It's so not worth it...the guilt sets in, which is just what the Enemy wants.  If we feel like a failure, we will not walk through our days with victory...we may just wallow in the pit of shame.

Unplugged.  I keep thinking about that and hearing about that.  I keep attempting it.  I want to do it...but then I get bored or lonely...don't feel like working on a project...want and need a break.

Is it wrong to engage in social media?  I don't think so...HOWEVER, when it becomes the kind of focus that you cannot or do not get other things done that are within your God-given realm of responsibility and ministry, we have a problem.

I've been tired a lot lately, too...maybe I think that if I'm at the computer, I'm still doing *something* because resting & reading looks like laziness to me.  Is it so different? Hmmm....

Anyway, I'm going to attempt to finish out this week in a whole new way, with His Strength being made perfect in my weakness...

I refuse to be burdened by a yoke of slavery of any type, whether it be media, guilt, or legalism...He knows me too well to be "Sapphira" with Him--He knows I am weak, but thank you, God, that you are Strong!

Galatians 5:1

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Psalm 103:13-14

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.

That's all....Grace and peace to you &  me from the Father.  Amen!