♪ Oh Soul, Are You Weary and Troubled....♪

Wife-ing.  Mom-ing.  Meal Planning.  Couponing.  Grocery Shopping.  Cooking.  Baking.  Cleaning.  Cleaning.  Cleaning.  Referee-ing.  Teaching.  Studying.  Learning.  Working.  Budgeting.  Paying.  Homeschooling.  Planning.  Field Tripping.  Driving.  Churching.  Taxi-ing.  Churching.  Choir-ing.  Children's, Middle School, and Adult (<--- selfishly).  Serving.  Cooking.  Baking.  Cleaning.  Cleaning.  Cleaning.  Undone household projects.  Waiting.  Waiting.  Waiting  (Grrrrrr). Sewing.  Teaching sewing. Teaching sewing some more.  Bookkeeping. Shopping.  Hair Cutting.  Phone calling.  Emailing.  Networking.  Working.  Sweeping.  Vacuuming.  PET HAIR.  Party planning.  Cleaning.  Cleaning.  Party Attending.  Blogging.  Reading. Working more. Grooming.  Them & myself.  Cooking.  Cleaning.  Sewing.  Sewing.  Sewing.  And more sewing.

"Mom, can you?", "Mom can I?", "Mom, can we?", "Jill, can you?"  "could you?", "would you?".

Sigh.

Ummmmm, Really???

I completely get the idea behind this little catchphrase, but admit I wonder at the person who came up with it. I don't think this person has much in common with me.  ; )  

I also think that this phrase could make some people feel very guilty for being, well.......REAL.  And NORMAL.

Am I blessed?  Without a doubt.

Beyond Measure.

Am I thankful?  Absolutely.

Every day.  

Am I stressed?  Do I sometimes feel so overwhelmed that I can't focus and I think if I don't get a break somewhere, somehow, that the men in white coats will surely come haul me away?

I've instructed my children that if this ever does actually happen, they are required by law to come and visit me.  ; )

I am BLESSED.  In more ways than my tiny little overworked and underpaid ; ) brain can even begin to fathom.  I have the three most incredible children ever created {I know....you think yours are...sorry to burst your bubble ; ) }, I have love, I have awesomely fabulous friends, I have a roof over my head, food to eat, ♥music♥ to sing, ♥homeschooling♥, pets to pet, and work I can do from home using talents that He so graciously gave to me so that I can stay at home.

But to be honest, to be REAL.....with many wonderful blessings come stress.  There are things I do because I want to and things I do because I have to.  I haven't figured out how to let any of those things go at this season of my life, because for the most part.....they are dependent on each other.

And so I strive for balance.  And on those days when I can actually hear the men in white coats coming down the street because balance is nowhere in sight......I realize that in all the busy-ness, in all the chaos of life,  my focus has shifted from the One who gives me the strength to be all He's called me to be in this season to the things He's called me to.

I know I'm not the only one out there juggling so many balls in life right now that they're often tripping all over the ones that have fallen around them.  I know I'm not the only one who gets weary and overwhelmed........and when my eyes are focused on the things, the impossible list of tasks and responsibilities that I cannot fulfill in my own strength, I know that I forgot to give them to the One who gives me the strength in the first place.

Or, more accurately....I did give them to Him, but then I took them back.  Why do I do that?!  Sometimes I wonder why He doesn't stop accepting my apologies and just give up on me....but I'm thankful that He doesn't.

I'm thankful that He never fails to feed my hungry soul in so many ways despite the fact that I don't deserve it. When I seek Him, when I spend time in His Word and in prayer, when I keep the Main Thing the Main Thing,  I find that everything still doesn't get done every day.  The difference is.....I have peace, I have something resembling balance, and I find that all those balls on the floor and the ones still in the air don't seem so overwhelming.

And amazingly enough, He feeds my soul even when I push that time with Him right out of my schedule.  He feeds me with a song I needed to hear at just the right time, with friends who make my day with an unexpected surprise, email or text.  He feeds my soul with hugs and kisses and "You're the best mom ever" (even though I'm not)!  He sends His sustaining love to me in so many ways..............and to you, too.  

You just have to learn to see it. 

In the darkest of the darkest days, in the moments when there seems to be no end and you just have nothing left to give (you've been there, I know you have), turn to Him.  He's been there the whole time.  Lovingly waiting to give your soul what it so desperately needs, and for you to give back to Him whatever it is you keep taking out of His hands.

And unlike us, He can handle it......and begin to show us that we are, in the midst of this crazy, chaotic, stressful  life......

BLESSED.  Abundantly and indescribably so.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

♪ Oh soul are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There's light for a look at the Saviour,

And life more abundant and free.

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, 

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, 

In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion -

For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, 

Look full in His wonderful face, 

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, 

In the light of His Glory and Grace.

His Word shall not fail you - He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well;

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell.

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, 

Look full in His wonderful face, 

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, 

In the light of His Glory and Grace. ♪

Isaiah 40:28-31

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD,       The Creator of the ends of the earth,  Neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable. ²⁹ He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. ³⁰ Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, ³¹ But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles,       They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
















This One's Personal.....

Last week, I posted a new Sweet Diva music tote (and am not linking to it because that's not really what this post is about) and showed several other embroidery options.  I mentioned that I really liked them all and that it was hard to choose which one I would do first.  While there is some truth to that (I did mull over it for several minutes), it actually wasn't that hard.  The one I chose was this:

Have you ever taken a Spiritual Gifts test?  

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in ourministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

Romans 12: 6-8

We all have them, and if you don't know what yours is, I highly encourage you to do some exploration and find out!  

Mine is Mercy.  I have often joked that it sometimes feels like a curse {not really....I am thankful for who I am and how I am.....and how He will be faithful to continually shape and mold me when my heart is willing}.

Spiritual Gift of Mercy Defined

The gift of mercy is the capacity to feel and express unusual compassion and sympathy for those in difficult or crisis situations and provide them with the necessary help and support to see them through tough times.

People with the Gift of Mercy

They have the ability to "walk in another's shoes" and to feel the pain and burdens they carry. They desire to make a difference in the lives of hurting people without being judgmental. They may have a difficult time evaluating the intentions of others and at times appear naïve.

Mercy in Scripture

Jesus taught on mercy (Matt. 5:7; 9:13; 23:23). He is repeatedly described as having compassion (Matt. 9:36; 15:32; 23:37; Luke 7:13) and was so filled with mercy that He sometimes wept (John 11:35). Jesus' mercy included an attentiveness to and concern for children (Matt. 19:14). Dorcas "was always doing good and helping the poor" (Acts 9:36). Also, the good Samaritan is one of the most classic stories ever told on the subject of mercy (Luke 10:30-37).

Do You Have This Gift?

• Do you find yourself being drawn to people who are needy, hurting, sick, disabled, or elderly?
• Do you often think of ways to minister to those who are suffering?
• Do you sense a great deal of compassion for people having personal and emotional problems?
• Do you find that when you visit those who are suffering it brings you joy rather than depressing you?
• Do you find yourself responding to people more out of compassion than judgment?

~borrowed from The Resurgence, because they describe it perfectly!

This gift of Mercy has me in it's grip right now, as I participate in the 40 Days for Life Campaign.  My heart literally aches, my soul hurts......and not just for the smallest lives that are at the mercy of choices made by others, but for the girls, the women, that are making choices that will place a burden on their own souls for the rest of their lives.

I know this is true, and although I know that I would care passionately about this issue anyway, I know that it grips me with a vice-like hold because it's not just an "issue" for me.....it's personal.

Someone that was once close to me made this choice long ago, or perhaps the choice was not really hers.  I was young, and although it's not talked about, I remember.  Because I was young, I think some think I have forgotten.

I have not forgotten, and I have watched from afar as this person that I love dearly has run from God, blamed God, and hurt daily.  Hurt from and for many things I am sure, but I know that this has to be one thing that has never let her go......and I literally ache for her.

As I stood last Friday watching girls walk into a clinic about to make that same choice, I could picture that someone and wanted to stop them, wanted to help them.....wanted to do something.  I wanted to whisk them away to another local clinic, one that could offer the support and help they really need, and find the One that they need the most.

And so I pray.  And I fast.  For 40 Days.  And as my heart aches, it aches for her.  The one that's close to me.  The one I love.  I pray for her, I ache for her.....I cry for her.  I cry and beg the Lord to reach her.......to show her that His Mercy forgives all, that His blood covers all, that His love heals all.

I beg Him to show her that He cares.  And forgives.  And that there's nothing that we can do that is beyond His realm of healing.

 I pray for her to experience this Truth.  This Truth that drowns out all of Satan's lies.  This Truth, this Gift that can reunite her with that precious life one day, if she will only take it.

And if the one I love, I hurt for,  I pray for, and can't stop thinking of  happens to read this...... I want you to know that His Healing is available to you.  I beg you to let go of all that hurts you from the past and take it.

The ensemble I serve in sang this song this past Sunday.  I sang it for you.  There is nothing that can keep you from His love, if you will only receive it and seek His song of Salvation......there is little that would bring me more joy than to see you stand by His Grace.

 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

~ Romans 8:37-38



40 Days for Life

Sept. 28 - Nov. 6

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 

~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

I've been trying to slowly get back on schedule with my blog posts (really, I have!) for several weeks, and get back on schedule with two of my favorite link-ups at Mom's Mustard Seeds and Faith Barista.  The fall-out of being involved in so many activities, taking trips right before our school year began, school actually beginning, trying to put ideas for Sweet Diva (blog, store, classes) into action and schedule new sewing classes among scheduling my own children's extra-curricular activities has made my brain feel like the ball being thrown furiously about in a pinball machine!

I heard about the 40 Days for Life organization a while back and have been wanting to participate in the next campaign since.  I almost missed it, but thankfully, through a friend's Facebook post, I didn't. =)

There are few issues that I feel as passionately about than abortion and the sanctity of human life.  So passionately, in fact, that I find it hard to discuss or debate about in person because my emotions get the better of me and I end up sounding like a bumbling idiot! ; ) I think I might sound like a bumbling idiot more often than just on passionate issues =), but there's something about writing that allows me to express myself in the way I intend....and find that it has become an outlet that helps the quiet, shy side of myself ~ who is often intimidated at putting myself in the spotlight ~ find my voice.

Today, I begin participating in a commitment to prayer and fasting ~ taking action for those who cannot defend themselves, taking action Biblically and peacefully to make a difference in the fight for LIFE.  What better issue to bring me out of my fog and get my blog back on track?

I have always been passionate about this fight, but once God took me from a young woman who wasn't sure she would have children (fear and insecurity over my abilities be a good mother) to a calling that has so blessed and consumed my heart and soul, the fight became even more personal.  I love being a Mom, I love children......and what our society & culture is doing breaks my heart.

As I begin this 40 day journey, I am prepared for a closer walk with my Lord and call on His name for change and protection for His weakest, most fragile little ones that are at the mercy of those whose actions can take their precious lives.  It's not too late to join me, even if you're reading this after the official journey has begun......jump in when you can.  The sincere efforts and prayers of God's people are not limited to our program dates and times and will not return void.  

Let me know if you do join our vigil.  I'd love to encourage you!



Is Anybody Still With Me????

I know......I disappeared.

I've been tired (exhausted).  Sick.  Tired.  Busy.  Tired.  Overwhelmed.  Tired.

Do you see a trend here? ; )

I've logged on to Blogger many times.  And stared at the screen wanting to post, but what do you post when the words won't come?

You don't.  Or, I don't.

You stare at the screen, you read some posts from your favorite blogs, and you stare at that blank screen some more.......and then, you log off.  Because you can't bring yourself to post when there's no inspiration ~~ or, maybe there is, but it's behind a closed door......waiting for healing, for a rested and rejuvenated spirit, for the fog to lift so that the words that are there can find their way to your fingertips again.

Perhaps the fog is clearing a little, because here I am.  Perhaps the door has been unlocked, but it's not completely open.

Today, we're headed for a day in the country.  Or, as close as we can get.  A day ahead to spend with the ♥sweetest♥ kind of ♥friends♥........my favorite ones.  The ones that just "get" you without even trying, the ones that you don't have to explain yourself to because their hearts are so much like yours.  A day of fresh air, sunshine, laughter and fun.  A day of breathing deeply & enjoying wide, open spaces......of watching my kids hang out with their favorite friends, too, and delighting in their freedom to run, play, and be loud and rambunctious without fear of disturbing neighbors whose houses are too close and ears too sensitive to the noise that healthy kids make.

A cake is baked.  Picnic packed.  And three kids whom I adore are anxiously asking, "Mom, can we leave soon?!  We don't want to be late!!"

Mom doesn't want to be late, either.

Just wanted to slip you a note under that door......to let you know I didn't disappear for good. ; )

Claiming this verse this week, because I know the promises in His Word to be true, and rest my weary soul in the rejuvenating comfort of His love and grace:

"For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every languishing and sorrowful soul.” 

Jeremiah 36:25

Radical Faith - Luke 9:23

"Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. "

~ Luke 9:23

As you read this, I am counseling (and having lots of fun) with our Middle Schoolers from my church at our annual summer camp.  This "Radical Faith" event is why you may have noticed less activity (posting) here at Sweet Diva the past two weeks as I've been preparing for my cabin of 12 girls!!

Praying for those sweet girls as well as all the others who will attend, the counselors and all others involved.....but especially for the girl who may attend with more brokenness and hurt inside than her friends would ever guess.  Praying that she will hear His call to her and accept the salvation He offers.....that she will open her heart to Him, let His love be a salve to her wounds, and let the Master Potter mold and shape her into a Masterpiece of His making,  displaying His Amazing Grace.

Because 23 years ago, that girl was ME. 

I was the girl struggling with things no one would suspect, a heart dangerously close to choosing a path that would have led to destruction.  I was the girl certain she was worthless, filled with brokenness and anger at a family out of control......who still seeks healing for hurts and scars that very few know about. 

And I know first-hand what He can do for a heart that cries out to Him.  I know firsthand how healing His love really is, how He overcomes statistics and gives a life so full and blessed, so much more than I deserve, when a heart seeks Him daily with faith that is radical and extreme......not because I'm so spiritual, so good, so holier-than-thou.........but because I need Him.  His love is my One constant in a world and in relationships that are anything but.  I will never cease to be thankful for what He has done for me.  ♥


♫ He touched me, Oh He touched me, And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole. Since I met this blessed Savior, Since He cleansed and made me whole, I will never cease to praise Him, I'll shout it while eternity rolls. He touched me, Oh He touched me, And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened and now I know He touched me and made me whole.

Please pray with me for our camp.....and the lives that can be changed forever ~ for His Glory. ♥



Multitude Monday......on Wednesday: Gifts 321 - 334

If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get.  ~Frank A. Clark

321.  Another room completed....almost =)

322.  A very clean house....if I tie my children to the dining room chairs and my husband to his "throne" in front of the TV, do you think I can make it last more than a day ????

323.  A very organized utility/laundry room....I thought of painting it, too, in the hopes that making it prettier would inspire my family to stop treating it as the-room-we-can-throw-everything-into-any-which-way-it-lands-because-no-one-but-us-ever-sees-it, but decided all other rooms have priority.  If these people who live with me don't respect my hard work and effort this time , I may consider selling them on ebay. { <--------- totally kidding, please do not call the authorities}

324.  My little house on the cul-de-sac packed with loud, hyper kids and ♥sweet friends♥....

325. ......to help us celebrate the 4th of July.....

326. the fireworks show on the Riverwalk.....although, I have to admit I often enjoy watching the kids' reactions more than the fireworks =)

327.  Wisdom to make more potato salad, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob, and banana pudding than we needed.....so that last night all I had to do was marinate & prepare.....

328.  Some amazing chicken on the grill!!

329.  Planned leftovers = easy night for the chef  ; )

330.  Our land of liberty, which allows us to....

331.  Live freely,

332.  Love freely,

333. and WORSHIP freely

334. under the provision of the God that I trust....regardless of circumstances, regardless of the unknown to come, regardless of anything... ♥

Praying for my country today, it's leaders, and it's future.....

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 

~ 2 Chronicles 7:14



Multitude Monday......on Wednesday: Gifts 307 - 320

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.  

~Aldous Huxley

307.  Extra-strength pain reliever

308.  When what should be a really simple project that turns into a nightmare is finally finished and I don't have to look at it again!!!

Embroidering a monogram for a little girl onto  this little bag should be a quick & easy task.....unless, however, your machine/threads jam up while stitching ~ and, while struggling to separate the bag from the precious machine, it rips a small hole in it!!! =(  The only way to salvage it was to make an applique instead.  My children all ♥sweetly♥ said they like it better this way anyway....I now forgive them for almost making me lose my mind while trying to shop with them yesterday.
Terrible picture....I was aggravated, frustrated and completely disgusted at the time!!

309.  Tweezers ~ a quite useful little tool for many things

310.  Seam rippers

311.  Chocolate-flavored coffee creamer

312.  Text msgs. that make me laugh at just the right time

313.  Stubbornness ~ there are times when it serves me well ; )

314.  Nintendo DS ~ I sometimes regret saying yes to these devices, and other times they offer me a much needed moment's peace!

this pic is from this past winter, but the scene has been replayed recently  ;)

315.  Homemade cinnamon rolls!

316.  The willpower not to eat them all ;)

317.  My children's friends that I actually enjoy being around ;)

318.  "Mom, our house is looking so classy.....you know how to make everything look good!"

319.  Walking into the kitchen after leaving dinner dishes everywhere on my way to Taekwondo, and discovering that HE took care of them ♥

320. One more day with those that I love......even if I do need #307 to help me get through it ;)

My Mustard Seed Planting verse today:

"And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: For my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 

~2 Corinthians 12:9