What! The dictionary must be wrong!

Well after being home for 15 years I have ventured back into the work force working about 24 hours a week.  I am learning the "key" to my sanity is prep, prep & more preparation.

So when I was gathering my thoughts to blog I decided to look at the definition for "preparation", I was shocked.  It is listed as a noun! A noun!!  It really should be a verb!!!  Preparation takes work, time, it's action oriented!

prep·a·ra·tion

\ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən\

noun

• 1 : the action or process of makingsomething ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion,test, or duty
• 2 : a state of being prepared
• 3 : a preparatory act or measure
• 4 : something that is prepared;specifically : a medicinal substancemade ready for use

For me to be "prepared". I lay out my clothes the night before (just like I have my kids do!). I make a menu for the week.  I've planned crock pot recipes or casseroles that are put together ready to bake for the days I work.  I set my alarm really early so I have time to do my quiet time & eat breakfast, then get around and leave in time where I don't have to rush to get to work.  Peace is key to me enjoying my little job.   

It's been a change, but one I enjoy.  I think as long as I prep and keep it stress free it will be something I really enjoy!   

Self Esteem

Self-esteem: 

• 1 : a confidence and satisfaction inoneself : self-respect
• 2 : self-conceit

We have all known people that have high self esteem, good self esteem, and low self-esteem.   Self-esteem I have learned has nothing to do with how you look on the outside.  

It's odd, I have meet some really beautiful women who have the lowest self esteem.  Then I've meet some ladies, who the world would not classify as beauty's yet their self esteem us good. 

I think part of it is personality type, and Zi think part of it is "what you value" about yourself.  If you "value" is based on "your" looks & "your" deeds.  I think we might all struggle with low self-esteem at times.  However, if we find our value & base our "value" o. Who God says we are. Well then I think we will have healthy  self-esteem.

As a mom of 3 daughters I am constantly reminding them "who they are" in Christ, and what the bible says about them.  Yet in the teen years, and with hormone fluctuations good self esteem tends at time to come and go.  I pray that my girls would not have to struggle so hard with knowing their value.  

Any mom's of girls out there that have any advice? Or seen their own daughter's struggle with this issue? 

Yet, I know as a women it hard to keep good self-esteem being barraged day after day, with what the world says is pretty, competent, and what others say about us.  

Please leave any advice, comment on how you deal with this issue personally or as a parent! 

First times

I've gone back to work part time and that has meant some changes for my family and myself!  In the past, my husband has got up & gone to work & I have got up and got my kids around and took them to school.  Now that I work 3 days, which my starting time is the same time that the girls need to be dropped off.  My husband is taking over those responsibilities on those days.   

Today is the first day of school & it's the first time I have not taken them to school.    Which makes me a little sad.  However, my youngest & myself have had large battles of the will to get her ready in time.  She however does not tend to pull those stunts on her dad.  So, I'm thinking this may be a good thing in the long run.  Here's to first!! 

It's about Him

I have learned so much through "the women of the bible" study through #shereadstruth I've learned it's not about "who" God uses, it's about "Who God is!".  So if you know God, remember "its not about us, it's all about Him!! The bible says: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIVUK)

Legacy

Legacy Webster's dictionary defines it as: 

2 : something transmitted by orreceived from an ancestor orpredecessor or from the past <thelegacy of the ancient philosophers

I had the opportunity to spend time with my sweet grandma this last weekend, as well as time with my mom and Aunt.  What sweet time.  I looked around the table and thought about my grandmothers legacy.  Her love for God that she passed on to her children.  Then looking at my Mom and my Aunt and seeing them loving God and loving their families and those around them.  Sharing with others about God.  I pray I am leaving a legacy of loving God to my children.  After all, what else really matters! 

New job

I started a new part time job this week after being home with my kids for 15 years.  In starting this new job I am learning new things, meeting new people, encountering people in different stages & seasons of life.  It is fun to brush shoulders with so many different types of people.  

The main change is that I have decided that I have way under use my crockpot in the past.  It is now my best friend!  I will post some of my favorite recipes in upcoming post.  Hope that everyone is having a good week!

Writing

I love pens, colored pencils, new journals, postcards etc..  It makes my heart skip a beat & my mind thinks of all the things I could write, doodle & create. I have always enjoyed the thrill of the written word.  I confess I have notes that are 20 years old that my husband wrote me when we were dating. 

I have been surprised in some ways that God has opened up a letter writing ministry for me.  However, in other ways looking back it seems like such an inevitable path for me. One I enjoy, adds to my prayer life, and God is teaching me about mercy through it.  Seeking justice is another lesson I am learning.  I find it curious that God would soften my heart and give my eyes a softer vision for mercy, before he fired my heart for justice.  I guess you can't really know what is justice or what is revenge if your not seeing it through the lens of mercy.

That is all I am comfortable sharing about such a service really done for God's eyes.  The verse/word for this year 2013 was "mercy" and my verse was:

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIVUK)

God is so good at making beautiful quilts of our lives, when we give it to Him to sew, piece and finally bind it all together 

With an eternally binding.  Thank you Jesus! 

She Reads Truth 1 Year Anniversary Congrats!!!

My first "vlog" & I get caught with my mouth open....I guess I can't hide it, yes it's true I'm a talker!!!   

Happy Anniversary to all the ladies of #shereadstruth!!!