emotions aren't the end

Some days I feel inadequate... as a wife, mother, and friend.
Some days I am furiously frustrated and emotionally drained.
Some days I am so worn-down, tired and weary
that after the kids are in bed, I just want to
crawl into my room, lock the doors, and cry.

Yesterday was one of those days.

I am sorry to admit that my throat was sore last night from yelling at disrespectful, disobedient children.

But you know what?
"Joy comes in the morning."
See Psalm 30, verse 5.

Every morning is a new day and another chance to do better.
I have taught my kids to pray and thank God for "this day", and I love hearing this sentiment echoed back to me in their childish voices... because they may not understand it right now, but the truth is, there aren't any guarantees about tomorrow. 

I am learning that my emotions should not limit me.
And I should not let my frustrations or failures limit God.
My feelings are NOT the same as my circumstances.
Even in my tiredness and weakness, even when I'm at my worst, God is there.
And he is working, in me and those around me. Even when I feel inadequate.

Along with a group of people at church, I am going through a Bible Study called "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. It's been around for quite awhile, but was recently updated. The ideas in this study are not new. They are actually pretty basic and simple. But I love that it has devotional thoughts and questions for each day, and really digs into the heart of God (and, in contrast, the heart of ourselves and our sinful nature). Sometimes I need something that just tells me what to study. Everyday with our homeschool lessons, I'm gleaning from others or making up my own material. It's really nice to have a break from that. It's an excellent study, for beginners, soul seekers, or experienced Christians.

(And no, I don't gain anything from the links above.
No affiliate links here; I'm not cool enough for that.)

Here's to Wednesday... Hoping it's a better day then yesterday.

A family for Noah

My last post was about an orphaned boy named Noah looking for a family to call his own.
Well, I just got some great news - a family has been found for him!
You can read a few more details here:
 http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2013/10/with-joy-i-can-share.html
This means that hopefully he won't be an orphan for much longer.
They have a lot of paperwork and government red-hoops to jump through,
in order to meet the deadline of his birthday in December,
but with God's help and grace it will happen.

Thanks lots to those of you who prayed for this young man.
If you can, please continue to pray for him, that the adoption process would go smoothly.

Noah needs a forever family

Those that know me, know that I have a very special place in my heart for orphans. Sometimes at night when I can't sleep, I'll got to website like adoptuskids.org or ReesesRainbow.org and pray for the children listed there. I've been doing that quite a lot lately. Right now we are not in a financial position to adopt, but we are doing what we can as foster parents to help children in our area who need safe, loving homes.

An adoptive mom and special-needs advocate recently learned about a boy named "Noah" who desperately wants a family. He knows what it feels like to have the love of a family, because he was in a family, but abandoned at the age of six. You can read more of his story here: http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2013/09/urgent-cry-of-young-mans-heart.html

Noah is 13 going on 14, and in his country, when you turn 14, you age-out of the system and cannot be adopted. Ever. No chance of a family. Ever! For Noah, that day will come in December - less than 3 months from now. I don't want him to age-out and be all alone. I am praying that someone will hear God's call and step out in faith to bring him home.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Noah, please go to http://wonderfulwaitingkids.com or contact Annie at "annie.hamlin@lifelinechild.org"
Serious inquiries only, please. Thank you in advance for spreading the word about this young man who wants to be in a family with all his heart.

business ideas

I met with a friend this morning who told me she just signed up as a home-based consultant for a well-known multi-level-marketing company. I wish her all the best, but I know that kind of selling just isn't for me. I've been there, done that, and pretty much I made zero money out of selling some else's products.

However, I'm toying with the idea of starting an Etsy shop. I like crochet, making toys and other crafts, as well as useful things like headbands, potholders, washcloths, etc. I spend a lot of time on it, and it's a really fun hobby. Others have turned it into a business, so why can't I? I even went so far as to pick out a shop name.... but didn't fill in any of the other details yet. I'll need to build up my stash of finished craft projects first, and take some more pictures, before I'm really ready to sell. But stay tuned! You might see my Etsy shop "grand opening" in a few months.

If any of you out there have some tips for selling online/starting your own business, please share them in your comments. I'd love to hear from you :)

Words to remember

"Even if you're not thanked, what you are doing matters."

I REALLY REALLY need to remember this today.

Today is one of those days where most of us in this house (really, all of us but one) woke up "on the wrong side of the bed." It is that-time-of-the-month for me and I am a little extra irritable. And hungry. Allthetime.

The kids are arguing and whining about every little inconsequential thing...
"She looked at me mean!"
"No I didn't!"
"yes you did!"
"did not!"
"Did too!"
etc.

They're being incredibly demanding. And to make it all a little more fun, my husband is working night shift this week, and trying to sleep. In his bedroom. In the same house as four noisy rambuncious kids. I tried to distract them by taking them outside, but within 5 minutes they were all complaining that it was "too hot". Yesterday I officially banned the wored "bored" from our house, but they are continuing to say it, and I can't STAND IT!

But I am not a failure. I am a mom. These kids are safe, healthy, clothed, fed, and relatively happy. That means I've done my job for the day. And even if I screw up, or they mess up, or someone pees on the floor and colors on the wall... there is still grace for them. For me. For all of us. Because Jesus loves us.

Rachel Marie Martin has some more great ideas in her encouraging mom post here.