The final benefit (although probably the most important) of attending MOPS last night was that one woman at my table finally called me out on an issue I've been saying I need to overcome for quite some time.
Television is a big stumbling block for me. As I've said before, it's not that T.V. is sinful, it just isn't the best use of my time. I could be doing something that would benefit my relationship with God, my husband, my kids, friendships or my household.
Last night one of the discussion questions was "What is one thing you can cut out of your life to make room for God?" The obvious answer that others knew I would respond with was "television".
Kerri Kristoff called me on it. She said, "I'll e-mail you often to find out if you stick to a commitment we make here today. What is it for you?" She's also placed an ante on it. I owe dinner to a few women if I back out of my commitment first.
My commitment is to not watch T.V. from 3-6. Most people would think that is easy because it is such a busy time with dinner and everything. However, since I feel overwhelmed and exhausted at that moment, it's the easiest moment for me to turn on the T.V. and ignore everything else.
Today has been nice not having the T.V. on quite as much. I've even turned it off for the girls just to have the silence. That's been extremely difficult for me because I like the background noise. I have to say that I've enjoyed Jaycie more today than I have in quite some time.
Each of us have something we can cut out to make room for God. What's yours?
Friday, February 8, 2008
Knowledge v. Desperate Desire
The talk last night at MOPS could be a little overwhelming to some. I could see how those not raised to read the Bible consistently or memorize scripture could find their minds spinning with the topic discussed last night.
So, I found myself in a conversation with a friend who was a bit overwhelmed. Here I am listening to her talk about how she'll never be at the level myself or some others seem to be at. Knowing God and knowing scripture. Knowledge. Reading the Bible will tell us what God thinks about knowledge alone.
I told her what was on my mind. She has a desperate desire to know God better. She can honestly say that today, she is closer to God than she was a year ago. Can I say that about myself? To be honest, I'm not so sure.
She challenged me simply through her desire. What good is my knowledge if I don't desperately desire the One the knowledge is about?
To desperately know my Creator. I must desire that if I choose to pass that desire on to my children.
So, I found myself in a conversation with a friend who was a bit overwhelmed. Here I am listening to her talk about how she'll never be at the level myself or some others seem to be at. Knowing God and knowing scripture. Knowledge. Reading the Bible will tell us what God thinks about knowledge alone.
I told her what was on my mind. She has a desperate desire to know God better. She can honestly say that today, she is closer to God than she was a year ago. Can I say that about myself? To be honest, I'm not so sure.
She challenged me simply through her desire. What good is my knowledge if I don't desperately desire the One the knowledge is about?
To desperately know my Creator. I must desire that if I choose to pass that desire on to my children.
An important calling
I was hesitant to go to MOPS last night. I am often asleep by 7:30 which is the start time. Drifting off to sleep last night after 10:00, I know God wanted me there to draw closer to Him.
Keri Wyatt Kent, the author of Breathe was the speaker last night. Much of what she said resounded with me. I'm clinging to one thing she said, in particular. "Your job is not to keep a perfect household. Your job is to raise your children to know they are loved by God and loved by you." That is such a relief! Although I often feel like a failure as a housekeeper, I can definitely achieve the more important calling to teach my children that they are loved. Not only by me and their Daddy but also by their Creator.
God was certainly speaking to me in other ways last night as well. I'll get to those later.
Keri Wyatt Kent, the author of Breathe was the speaker last night. Much of what she said resounded with me. I'm clinging to one thing she said, in particular. "Your job is not to keep a perfect household. Your job is to raise your children to know they are loved by God and loved by you." That is such a relief! Although I often feel like a failure as a housekeeper, I can definitely achieve the more important calling to teach my children that they are loved. Not only by me and their Daddy but also by their Creator.
God was certainly speaking to me in other ways last night as well. I'll get to those later.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sick of it!
On Monday I went off of my anti-nausea medication. I've found that the meds make me completely exhausted and I am unable to think straight.
I was able to think more clearly for a couple of days which was nice. Today, I went back on the meds. It seems that all I've done the last two days is lose whatever I've been eating!
I would love to fast forward through February. My second trimester begins in March. I am so looking forward to being able to function again when this "morning" sickness stops. It went away with the second trimester in my other two pregnancies so I see no reason to believe any different with this one!
It seems like I've tried just about anything suggested to help with this but does anyone have any suggestions?
I was able to think more clearly for a couple of days which was nice. Today, I went back on the meds. It seems that all I've done the last two days is lose whatever I've been eating!
I would love to fast forward through February. My second trimester begins in March. I am so looking forward to being able to function again when this "morning" sickness stops. It went away with the second trimester in my other two pregnancies so I see no reason to believe any different with this one!
It seems like I've tried just about anything suggested to help with this but does anyone have any suggestions?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Football and Marriage
I've always been one to play sports. Basketball was a family sport and we all were involved. As for football, it was never really a sport I understood or chose to play. Then I met Rod. Rod is not really into sports. It was actually a reason I contemplated not marrying him. I just didn't see how that would fit into my athletic family. Thankfully, that silly reason did not interfer with my choice and we are here today. Although Rod enjoys involvement in only a very few sports, he has a passion for football. Football season is the most Rod ever spends in front of the T.V.
Over our 11+ years of marriage, I've learned to enjoy watching football. It's important to Rod and he enjoys when I sit and watch a game with him. We have even been able to attend a few Illini games and a Bears game together. Listening to him as he has explained how the game is played has helped immensely. I think that much of my lack of interest in football was simply due to a lack of education.
Last night, we went to Rod's parents' house to watch the Superbowl. His dad was able to go home from the hospital on Friday and they share the love of football. Although I was feeling lousy, I went with and slept on their couch. I only slept during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the game so I didn't miss the exciting stuff.
I am immensely thrilled that the NY Giants won the game last night. Following the rules is something I am very passionate about. With all the controversy behind the Patriots, it was refreshing to see the underdogs pull this game out. From what I did see, the Giants were well deserving of this win, too. I also think it is nice to see Eli match the accomplishment his brother experienced last year.
With all that said, it's interesting what watching football has done for my marriage. I actually enjoy watching the game and discussing it with my husband now. I've always heard about the importance of sharing similar interests. Since history, computers and science fiction are never something I will really be able to enjoy, football is my way of entering his world. It's rewarding.
Over our 11+ years of marriage, I've learned to enjoy watching football. It's important to Rod and he enjoys when I sit and watch a game with him. We have even been able to attend a few Illini games and a Bears game together. Listening to him as he has explained how the game is played has helped immensely. I think that much of my lack of interest in football was simply due to a lack of education.
Last night, we went to Rod's parents' house to watch the Superbowl. His dad was able to go home from the hospital on Friday and they share the love of football. Although I was feeling lousy, I went with and slept on their couch. I only slept during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the game so I didn't miss the exciting stuff.
I am immensely thrilled that the NY Giants won the game last night. Following the rules is something I am very passionate about. With all the controversy behind the Patriots, it was refreshing to see the underdogs pull this game out. From what I did see, the Giants were well deserving of this win, too. I also think it is nice to see Eli match the accomplishment his brother experienced last year.
With all that said, it's interesting what watching football has done for my marriage. I actually enjoy watching the game and discussing it with my husband now. I've always heard about the importance of sharing similar interests. Since history, computers and science fiction are never something I will really be able to enjoy, football is my way of entering his world. It's rewarding.
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