Two Words...

I MOPPED.

(waiting in silence for the applause)

Sad as it is - mopping just doesn't happen much at my house. Not that there's no need. Trust me - my floors are GROSS - but it's the one household task I hate to do (ok - it's one of the ones).

So today as I mopped I was thinking about how silly it is that I procrastinate so much with my floors. I mean, seriously, it takes a total of 10 minutes to get them sparkly clean and smelling fresh. And you should see my husband's face when he walks in the door after I've mopped. He inhales deeply and smiles in sheer delight. If for no other reason, I should do it more often just for that!!

I also heard the words spoken softly in my mind "Deny yourself. Take up your cross and follow me." I just read a devo this morning that related to this verse, but God was making this one personal to me.

There are so many opportunities for us to deny ourselves as moms. When I don't want to mop: deny yourself. When I want to sleep in: deny yourself. When I'm working on something that I want to do and my kids ask me to play: deny yourself. When I know what my husband wants tonight and it doesn't involve going right to sleep: deny yourself.

Denying yourself doesn't happen by accident. It happens by choice. And do you know what I imagine each time I make the choice to "deny myself": the smile of Jesus, the applause of heaven, a little bit more of me looking a little bit more like Him.

It's worth in. Every time. How can you deny yourself today???

***ok, I'm laughing. While I am writing this Haley comes down stairs to get a snack and says, "Wo mom - did you just mop or something?". Then a few minutes later Rylie comes down and says the exact same words. Seriously - now you know how seldom I mop. That is funny!!

Back up again

Hi!
Well - we made it through another week!! Thanks for those of you who shared ideas. After a great week of VBS, we'll be hitting the pool again and going to Hawaiian Falls for the first time. Water, water and more water!!

I think I've made it over my summer slump. I wish I could say that I won't slump again but the truth is - it happens from time to time. I think a dark cloud must roll in and settle directly over my head because that's what I feels like......and I hate it.

Most of you know me as a pretty up beat kind of person - crazy at times and excitable often -but what you probably don't know is that I am also familiar with a little gloom and doom. Pre-marriage (but while dating Erik - bless him) I experienced a season of depression and it rocked my world. My symptoms could have been read straight out of a text book. I was in a "bad way" as one of my friends put it.

I am about 10 years on the other side but still acquainted with that "feeling" of falling under every now and again. Is that Satan trying to drag me down? One of his tactics to get my eyes off the goodness of God and back on "poor, pitiful me"? Or is it just a gentle reminder from God that I desperately need him every second of every day? I honestly don't know. But what I do know is that God is "over and in and through it all"....and in that I will safely rest.

Ever been there?

I'm praying for you all right now - that God would show himself to you in a sweet, personal way today! Be looking for it - God never misses out on an opportunity to love on His beloved!!