Embracing this season...

I know some of you new mommas go through the struggle of letting go, for now the things you burn for.  I can speak from experience, and I know how it feels, BUT I also know that the Lord is faithful and that JOY does spring up during this point in life when you have to set aside many areas in your life, to give your 100% to your children.  And, for me, the call still remains, as it's here, the opportunity to sing in the prayer room once again, they even offer childcare for free now & the team I have always hoped to join is now going to be on the perfect time schedule that works for me, AND I would get to join IHOP staff!! It all sounds so awesome, and o how my heart longs to sing again.  It has been over 2 yrs since I have sang in the prayer room, or sang at all. ( really sang)

BUT....

Why does my heart tell me it is not time? and when will the time finally come?!?  One thing I can say, is that though at the moment I don't feel released to step on a team just yet, I am ok with that.  I know the time is slowly approaching, and I also know, my heart is here, in my house, with my babies.  Not to say I cant do both, but I feel the Lord calling me to give my 100%  to my children, husband and home.  It took A LONG time in these last couple of yrs to be OK with sitting on the side, with laying down something I am really passionate about, something I know He has called me to do,  to EMBRACE this season of motherhood..I know this time wont last forever. 

So I will continue to labor, to EMBRACE, to diligently give my heart and serve my family to the best of my ability!!! and now, I can say, from the bottom of my heart, that I find PLEASURE & JOY, in this season.  However long it may be....

Toddler devotional time...

Over the past yr, I have been trying to figure out different ways to have a fun, interactive devotional time with Grace.  It has been a challenge, there have been times when I have expected to much out of her.  I had it in my head that she would enjoy sitting down, having a thorough time of prayer, and reading the word.....I mean, what in the world was I thinking?!? After all Grace is only a toddler!!!

My goal, is to make daily time with Jesus a part of my children's lives.  So daily devotional time in the mornings is a must in our house.  I feel that if I set the foundation now, it will play a big part in their lives in the future.  I have come up with some tips on how to have a successful ( for the most part) lol, fun, interactive devotional time with your toddler. 

1. Mornings is best:  From personal experience, I have found that when I start devotional time right after breakfast, I have more of my kids attention.  They are ready to do something fun, and their mind is nice and clear.

2. Stick to the same music:  We use the same praise song and CD every morning for a long period of time before changing it up.  Once I turn the music on and Grace hears her favorite praise song, she knows its time to get her instruments, and dance ;)

3. Use instruments:  Instruments are so much fun.  Grace loves to beat the drum and shake her shakers, it adds to the enjoyment of praising Jesus.

4.  Use paint & crayons:  This one of the best ways to keep your toddler engaged.  I normally pick a scripture, and draw it out, then share the picture with her.  She loves it, and it is a good way to teach them scripture.

5. Pick a scripture:  Every morning, I have a verse  picked out.  I read the verse, ask Grace a question, and draw it for her. You can even stick with a theme! like creation!

7. Worship extravagantly:  Give Jesus your ALL..sing with all that you have, and dance your heart out.  Teach your children how to worship, show them the enjoyment that is found in worshiping God. 

6. Keep it short and simple:  I try to keep devotional time to 30 min.  Sometimes we even go less, depending on how Grace is doing.

Well that is all! I hope this helps....;) What are some of the things you do with your children during devotional??? 

Understanding the blessedness of motherood

I have been reading on Mary, and her reaction to the news that she would conceive of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God.  Not only was she a virgin, young, but she was CHOSEN by the almighty God, to take part in this big master plan of bringing His Son down to earth.  Did she run? Did she deny Him?  Was she not willing to ruin her reputation?.......She said YES to the call of motherhood, she set aside her own personal circumstances and said " Let it be unto me according to your word."

She was to become the mother of GOD himself.  wow! In her acceptance, she showed her willingness, her surrender, her servanthood, her obedience, her selflessness, and her love for God. 

O that we would rejoice with Mary, that we would understand and accept that motherhood is a blessing, that we would sing and rejoice, and thank the Lord for making us mommas.  No matter that circumstance that may stand in our way, whether finances, or space, whatever it may be, lets sing the song of Mary, the song of rejoicing, and lets magnify the Lord, being forever grateful for considering us as mothers and for CHOOSING us to nurture and raise the children He ordained for us.

The song of Mary: Luke 1:46-56

" My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.  for He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.  For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And Holy is His name.  And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.  He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.  he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to this seed forever."

LORD, I REJOICE AND FIND JOY, THAT YOU HAVE REGARDED ME, AND HAVE FOUND ME WORTHY ENOUGH TO BE THE MOTHER OF GRACE & JOSHUA AND TO RAISE THEM FOR YOU! FOR THAT I AM SO GRATEFUL!