Nibble.

Nibble. Random title for a random post.

I'm sitting at my table just having finished my eggs and toast and assessing the day. I have finally come to terms with that I just need to do things that need to be done and not try to live up to some random ideal that I just pulled out of nowhere. For example, I make myself breakfast but I tend to think hmmm, I shouldn't eat breakfast until the table is clear or the dishes are done, etc. And then I find I don't eat breakfast, I get more tired than ever, and I have no energy to accomplish what needs to be done in the day. But today... I pushed aside the cheerios and the crayons and coloring books, the trucks, etc. and sat down with my meal.

I'm waiting for my tea to cool a bit so I can take a sip.

My e-mail is too busy right now. Literally, I tried to check my mail for the day and it said the server was processing too many requests. I laughed out loud. How ironic. If the computer is too busy.... what does that say for the rest of us...

I'm reading some good books right now... a lot of good books.

I'm reading Dr. Kevin Leman (who I'm a huge fan of) The Birth Order Book:Why You Are the Way You Are... it's fantastic. I highly recommend it. Especially if you need help figuring out yourself, or your parents or your siblings or your friends. I learned a little bit more about what makes me tick and about how others function differently from me (gasp!).

Another book I am enjoying is Mayo Clinic's Healthy Weight for Everybody. It's a GREAT book on health and eating and lifestyle. I'm really working on managing my health. I'm trying to focus on eating well and have made a commitment to myself that I literally read out loud to myself every day. No the book doesn't make you do that... it was my practical self-talk speech that I made up. I want a healthier body, mind, soul, and spirit so I can serve the Lord and my family better. By taking care of myself in practical ways I am better able to care for those I love. I want to show my children that it's okay for them to take care of themselves... and how can they learn that if I show them you can only care for others and it's wrong to care of yourself.

Another book I just picked up recently is Carolyn Catleberry's book It's About Time! 10 Smart Strategies to Avoid Time Traps and Invest Yourself Where It Matters. I think the book title speaks for itself. I'm enjoying learning how to manage my time better and to really focus on where my priorities are: my husband and children...
The best one I'm reading on marriage right now is called Just How Married Do You Want to Be? by Jim and Sarah Sumner. This is probably the most unique book I've read on marriage in a LONG time. It's different from everything else I've read. a lot of books are kind of repeats of other books. This one's not.... I HIGHLY recommend it!
10 Minute Clutter Control Room by Room: Hundreds of Easy Effective Tips for Every Room in the House by Skye Alexander. This is a fun one. It's the kind you keep next to the cammode to flip through and be inspired. It has great ideas and suggestions...
Another book I'm reading is called Absolutely Organized: A Mom's Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home by Debbie Lillard. It's a great read. Now obviously I realize that my life isn't going to completely stress free and clutter free... but I want to move closer to honoring the Lord with my life.


I also recognize my limitations. There is no way that one human can do all the things I'm "Supposed" to be doing. It's not possible. But I do want to be sure that for the most part the main things are happening. The kids are getting their meds, to the specialists, being taken care of in general. That there is clean clothes to wear and food to eat. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake. My problem is I don't just long for the perfect "cake" but the perfect "party". I long for things to be all in order.... from the "streamers, banners, balloons, appetizers, music, etc." But let's be real... what does God want?

Micah 6:1-8
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with [1] thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, [2]
and to walk humbly with your God?

For Women's Group tonight we were to listen to a message by Terry Virgo on Grace. It was amazing. It was so encouraging. It was life-giving. It was such a perfect reminder. That the things I'm doing are not being or making me righteous. My righteousness comes from Christ. He is my righteousness. Nothing else. Not my quiet times. Not my faithfulness. Not my praying. Not my being a good steward of time, home, money, etc. These are all good things but they are NOT my righteousness... it is from Him!

I'm reading so many other books right now... but there's a little slice of my reading life.

Well, off to storm the castle...

Oh wait, important news! Pray for me as I have an IEP with Samuel's pre-school teacher tomorrow... and Michael went to the ENT and he WILL be having surgery to get tubes in at the same time as his cleft palate repair. So YAY! April 30th... two birds with one stone! We are so thankful for that.

Also, please be praying for Mike as he is trying to finish up his studies and is swamped with final exams, papers, etc. He is under so much stress and pressure and is still under the weather and is trying to work. We are still trying to figure out what to do about getting another car...