Large Armor

“I can’t go in these!”  This was David’s reaction when King Saul tried to put his own armor on David before the battle with Goliath (the story from the last post – 1 Samuel 17).  King Saul was just trying to help.  He saw a small kid standing in front him, who insisted he was the one to defeat the giant Goliath.  I can just hear what he was saying to himself, “Well, if this kid really wants to do this, I’m going to do what I can to make him come back in one piece…that is, if he comes back.”  Saul’s heart was in the right place, but David knew it just wasn’t he needed for the battle.  It would not help, but hinder.

How many times do we do this to ourselves as moms?  Or maybe we have someone in our lives that does it for us.  We think, “This is what I need to succeed at this” or “if only I could do this, I’d be a better mom.”  Me?  I do it to myself.  No, I don’t need any help in this department.  My weakness is seeing more tangible talents in others.  Don’t get me wrong, I know I have strengths, but they aren’t as tangible as others.  Sometimes, I find myself dreaming of sewing, knitting, creating, inventing.  Yes, creativity is my “large armor.”  Of course, it’s okay for me to pursue these things, but it isn’t what comes naturally.  I have to work hard at anything remotely creative, and even then it usually isn’t what I’ve envisioned.  However, organization, structure, planning is what comes naturally to me.  Staples is as close to heaven on earth as it gets for me. Sounds great right?  Most of the time, the answer to this is, yes.  But there are times when I think, a truly good wife and mother would do it ALL.  She would organize and create with the best of them.  I should be creating the world’s best filing system with one hand, keeping up with my toddler with the other, and with my feet be working on a craft that would make even Martha Stewart green with envy.

How silly this sounds on paper!  David knew better than to buy into this kind of thinking.  He knew that he had been equipped with what he needed, even though that armor looked like what was missing, it just didn’t fit him.  Natural creativity doesn’t necessarily fit me and isn’t what is vital to who I am as a wife, mother, person.  God has given me all the gifts and talents I need for what he has called me to.  Some of these I know of already and others He is growing in me and others are waiting on me to grow.  I can still stretch myself beyond what I feel comes naturally.  That is a good thing to do.  Don’t shrug off opportunities to grow yourself and your abilities.  The important thing is to be satisfied with what God has equipped you with already and to recognized when something just doesn’t fit and would be more of a hindrance than a help in what He has for you.

Do you struggle with this?  What is your “large armor?”  What has God equipped you with that fits just perfectly?

Simple Objects

In preparing my recent post about the simple gifts that we can find in the craziness of life, I tripped upon another facet of simplicity that I really wanted to share.  Simple objects in our lives are often overlooked and not taken for the potentially powerful thing that it is.  Sometimes we as mothers ask ourselves, “What is it that I possess, physically or spiritually that is actually significant?”  Is all that we do change diapers and wipe snotty noses? 

I was reminded of two stories that will shed light on these and other questions.  The first is the story of David and Goliath.  In this story, found in 1 Samuel 17, David uses simple objects to defeat a foe that was causing the whole nation of Israel to quiver.  David had the task of watching sheep, a shepherd.  He was equipped with a shepherd’s simple weapon, a sling, and five stones that he had picked up.  David had been obedient in serving as a shepherd and God used what David had in that role to claim victory for the Israelites.  

Another story is that of Gideon.  Currently, I can only picture a cucumber in a marching band outfit with a tuba around him.  I know there is a serious story in the Bible, but I was reminded of this because my son loves Veggie Tales and that is what comes to mind.  Besides, the Veggie Tale story is cuter!  Gideon was called to deliver Israel from the Midianites.  He started out with an army that God later reduced to a surprisingly low number.  A small army, pitchers, lamps, and trumpets won the victory over this large strong army.  Gideon was obedient with small and simple and through that God did amazing things.

There are many other examples of this concept that I would love to share.  However, I know that I need to have at least one shorter blog post every once in a while.  Check out the story of Bessie Paget, a woman that offered what she could give, a meal and a place to stay for travelers in England.  Through those simple objects, orphans were given a place to stay, two continents heard the gospel, and so much more.

I know that many times we feel that we are only equipped with a spatula and a tub full of baby wipes.  What we see as simple, God can make mighty.  You have hands ready to heal, arms ready to hold, a heart ready to love.  Give what you have to God and watch what he can do!

Judges 6:14 – “Then the Lord turned to him (Gideon) and said, ‘Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midinanites.  I am sending you!”

Something Worth Sharing

Yesterday, during my local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting we were presented with a selection from a blog.  It seems many of the moms from the group follow this blog and were touched by a recent post entitled "Twirl."  I must say that I was quite struck by it.  The words and thoughts seemed to resound throughout my whole being.  It was apparent that I was not the only one truly warmed by this mother's insight.  Now, I would like to share it with you.  I encourage you to read it, then as we did yesterday, close your eyes and picture yourself twirling before your Heavenly Father as He rejoices over you.

Learn to Twirl

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I'd also like to thank the author of this post, Emily, for sharing such a wonderful piece of encouragement with us.

"Simple Gifts"

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak”- Hans Hoffman

Simplicity is something I think about often.  It is my hope that I find this going through my mind frequently because it is something that is a worthwhile goal instead of trying to make our small budget look more appealing.  In my heart, I feel that it is the former.  I truly love simplicity – in décor, fashion, and life in general.  There is such truth in the above quote – by simplifying, doing away with what is unnecessary, we can let the things that are most important, the necessary, stand in the spotlight where we can admire and cherish it.

Before I go any further, let me be clear in saying that I do not believe that a person should not have a large house, a closet full of clothes, a long list of memberships to associations and clubs, or the like.  However, what I am saying with this post is that it shouldn’t distract from being able to enjoy the blessing of plenty of storage space or the satisfaction of a job well done in the organizations of which are a part.  The things in your life should still bring you joy not overwhelming stress.  

In her book, Dr. Denmark Said It! Madia Bowmen speaks to this very issue.  She encourages mothers to “get back to the basics,” which according to Mrs. Bowmen is finding joy in “doing a good job with the basics – clean clothes, a clean house, and nourishing food.”  She basis this on the scripture, Phil. 4:9, which says, “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Bowman, 147). God gives us just what we need and in that we can find satisfaction.  It is when busyness and extracurricular activities invade the simplicity of the basics that feelings of stress and being overwhelmed can creep in and steal contentment.  And it is this contentment that is extremely important to the “tranquility of your home (Bowman, 148). 

How then do we change our attitude?  First, let’s take a cue from those that we can learn from the most, our kids.  In Matthew 18, we are taught a profound truth about how we are to be at heart.  We are to be like children, who are, among other things, simplistic.  They have simple faith and find beauty in the simplest object.  Things aren’t complicated and confused, they are straightforward and simple. 

The apostle Paul later wrote in Philippians 4, that he “learned to be satisfied with the things he had and with everything that happens.”   It is here that we can find the second way to change our attitude by learning to be satisfied.  This doesn’t mean that we become lazy in our approach to things.  For example, taking stands against things we do not agree with or trying to change circumstances we feel is a negative influence on our loved ones.  We can want things to change, but let’s try not to let that make us bitter and unsatisfied.

Lastly, a thought that can help us change our attitude is one highlighted by the author of Mommy Grace.”  In her book, Dr. Sheila Coleman describes a situation that taught her how important it is to be an example in what we care about (p. 108).  She warns us to show our kids, by example, what is important in life because it is what we care about that they will care about as well (p.109).  We have opportunities every day to show how important it is to still find simple beauty amongst the daily rush.  You may not find out what effect this had on your kids until later, but I’m pretty sure that later when they are recalling memories, a few of them will be those times when things weren’t going so well for whatever reason you had everyone stop just to admire something simple.  

Again, I’m not saying that we should not want nice things or strive for success.  What I am saying though is, don’t let it hinder the simple beauty that is life.  Look up from the dishes to see your child smiling as he or she plays.  Look past the fact that right now you live in a home that has less room than you’d like and find relief in the fact that it doesn’t take as long to clean as a bigger house.  Feel the warm, comfort of your grandmother’s voice on the phone instead of being frustrated that your day was interrupted by yet another phone call.  Take a break from the stove to watch your husband play with your kids while you finish up supper.  Forget the fact that you will have to fight ants if you eat outside and take the family on a picnic instead of watching TV.  Try to look through all the clutter that life brings and see the simple beauty that is still there.

 “Simple Gifts” by Joseph White

Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come round right.

                               

Resources:

Bowman, Madia L. Dr. Denmark Said It!: Advice to Mothers from America's Most Experienced Pediatrician. [M. Bowman]: Cumming, Ga., 2001. Print.

Coleman, Sheila Schuller. Mommy Grace: Erasing Your Mommy Guilt. New York: Faith Words, 2009. Print.

What This Is All About

What does it mean to be a mom?  The obvious answer is that it is different for every woman.  This is, of course, very true.  We come in all shapes, ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences.  Some find themselves becoming a mother before they felt they were ready and some become a mom after they thought they had, for the most, part retired from the position.  There are those that have a laid back approach while others are a constant presence.  Certain subjects can become quite controversial because of our differences.  However, it is my belief that we can all agree that motherhood is a journey.  No matter the type of journey, it is one on which we can grow and learn.  It is a journey that can make us stronger and have a tighter grasp on the person we are and perhaps the person we could be.

It is my goal that through this blog is that I can share with others moms my journey and what I learn along the way.  This isn’t to say that mine is a journey that is something special, but it is on my heart to encourage others, because so many times encouragement from other moms has been so important to me.   

My posts won’t always be about how I have figured everything out, but instead, about how my ducks have gotten way out of order.  So many times, all we need to know is that other moms aren’t perfect either. 

You will find that I will not only include my thoughts and words, but those of mentors as well.  I am blessed to have many mentors in my life.  From my own mother to authors whom I greatly admire, I receive advice and guidance from several different sources.  It is my hope that you will also benefit from their wisdom and experience.

Please feel free to get to know me a little more by reading the “About Me” section located on the right hand side of the page.  Now, I want to know more about you.  Tell me what your journey has looked like and where you would like to see it take you.  Tell me what kind of mom you strive to be.  What have you learned so far?  

For those that would like to follow my blog I welcome you. To those that only want to check back every once in a while, I will enjoy having you when you check in.  And to those that have stumbled onto this blog by accident, I hope you can at least find something worthwhile while you’re here.  I excited to begin sharing with all of you!  There’s no telling what we’ll learn from each other!