Seems I've been MIA for almost a month!! It surely hasn't been there's nothing to blog about, but quite the opposite! However I have been dealing with a 'sick' computer. This has been very frustrating to say the least. Not only have I not been able to blog, but this has effected my ability to get my online banking done; send out invoices for work; send and receive emails; etc. Although, I do admit, with not having the option of jumping on the computer it's been kind of nice! So my computer is now at the Dr. being treated and I hopefully will have it back soon. Fortunately today I was able to pop out to my parent's place and use Mom's laptop to get a few things taken care of. How nice it's been to sit outside on the porch and do so! (Yes, I am behind the times and don't yet have a laptop...someday soon I hope that will happen...until then, I have what I have!)
It's amazing just how fast the summer is flying by...for real!! We have already done quite a few little things here and there, and there are more I'd like to do with the kids before they head back to school. We'll see what else we can manage to get fit in within the next few weeks...more camping is a for sure thing. Perhaps a quick visit to the Zoo will happen as well, who knows! That will be a spur-of-the-moment event if we do!
As fall approaches, I've been contemplating what to do in regards to activities, for myself and for the kids. I mean it's great to be involved in Christ-centered things, but there also comes a point when I think we need to just 'stop'. Be still enough to just hear from God and relish in His speaking to us. I fear sometimes with being so busy (even in 'serving'), we are helping the enemy out by doing his dirty work for him. Having ourselves so occupied with many 'things', it can take the focus off of building our relationship with God and putting the focus on our 'works' instead...not a good combination, contrary to what the enemy may like us to think! So, what if we took a 'season' and invested the time we spent running to 'things' and used it to simply sit at the feet of Jesus?! What would our lives look like then?! Perhaps I (we) should be acting a little more like Mary and a little less like Martha! (I'm not saying being extreame here...I don't believe it has to be either/or, more like both/and...and adequate balance!)
That being said, this is the challenge I am proposing to myself. There will be only one Bible Study I will be attending on a weekly basis, instead of two of them and Kids Club for the children. This I am hoping will eliminate some of the stress of having to get many things done after school before said activities, and reducing the pressure to get the kids into bed at a decent hour for a good nights sleep in preparation for a full day of school the following day. The bonus of the one night I'll be heading out for my study, is that the kids spend that night at their Dad's place...allowing me the time to be gone and not have to worry about getting home to relieve a babysitter. Also, the children get to spend some time with their Dad...a win-win situation for all involved!
The fall study I mentioned is going to be on JOB!! It's a pretty lengthily study by Chuck Swindoll, and I'm told it should take us right up until about Christmas. I've gone through Job myself (just reading it), but I'm so looking forward to actually digging into it and sifting through the complexity of his life, and see how God worked through his life. Surely my life is nothing compared to Job's (although sometimes in the mellow-drama it feels like it, lol!), so if Job was able to get through all he endured and still continue to praise God...then how could I not? My issues are very small in comparison to his, and I can see the strength God has already given me to get through. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord will continue giving me His strength as I walk with Him and lean on Him!! This takes the pressure off of me, and totally excites me to be able to continue watching Almighty Sovereign God work!
What do you feel about your upcoming fall schedule? Are you already feeling overwhelmed with all the running it looks like you'll be doing? If so, maybe this is for you today! Take the time and ask God to reveal to you what He would have you concentrate on. Is this a 'Mary' season for you, or a 'Martha' season?!
I pray this blog finds you all well and enjoying God's beautiful nature this summer!
Until next time,
'K'
