31 Days of Life: God’s Love. I realized this weekend I have become too progress oriented in life – part of my difficulty in dealing with life lately. I’m not seeing enough results for the day in and day out life that has been going.

I didn’t end up sewing yesterday, but I did get misc little puttering, putting away clutter, cleaning done. Then I got to have my niece all.to.my.self! For an hour and a half. Vince went to the high school youth group retreat (gone Fri afternoon – Sun afternoon) and Christine went to a friend’s house for a few hours. it was weird. really weird. Both of my parents were gone too – it really was just totally me, by myself here at the house.

Throughout the process of the day I realized how difficult of a time I had with not really getting anything specific done. But I couldn’t really muster up the energy to care. I didn’t even realize how badly I needed the mental break from all I’ve been trying to figure out. I pretty much mentally shut down. Spent time in tears. Plus, I’ve been reading Grace for the Good Girl….ugh! she so totally describes me and I’m so guilty of thinking my doing things right is somehow better or more righteous. {sigh} I know I say it often, but it’s so true – I’m so indescribably thankful for a Heavenly Father who freely forgives and extends grace over. and over. and over again.

To prove it, my bro & sis-in-law asked if I was available to watch Ali for them to go out on a date – I jumped on the chance to have Ali all to me. I wasn’t sure how she would take it – she normally/totally interacts with Vince; and if he’s not here, it’s all Christine. I don’t usually get more than a hug when she comes & leaves. But.it.was.wonderful! She sat in my lap & we did a sticker book (Fancy Nancy, of course) for an hour!!! My love tank went from parched to feeling full. {So.so.so. Love having littles around. So, totally, and completely just what I needed.} Christine came home while Ali & I were eating dinner, she played with Christine a bit, got jammies on; then she sat in my lap for another hour while we watched (she watched, I dozed on/off) Peter Rabbit. Again, blissful for this auntie. Who was so aching for some little arms/body in my lap.

So, we’ve been going through the book of Jude at church. It has been really good – of course. Today was Jude 17-23. Here are just a few of the many notes I jotted down.

I want to remember to choose to live by this knowledge.

This morning totally went with the needed reset on my thinking – I can’t do enough to make anything with ‘my’ life in the Lord better.  He already did it all. On the cross. My God, my Heavenly Father, gave His Son, Jesus, to die (in my place, for my sins) on the cross, then raised Him up so I could have eternal salvation. I need to quit stressing about everything and enjoy the life He has given. This is what I heard for me this morning, I hope and pray it can help someone else as well.

God’s love is all the good His heart desires for me. Specific to me. It may not look the same for me as for another. We can walk away, but it’s best if we don’t. Stay where He wants us, in the safe harbor of His love. Our experiences will be different, but He’s provided the safety for us to use.

Then, a little later, as our Pastor was describing praying, he said it was a lot like riding a bike. No matter how much reading you do, you have to feel the balance to keep the bike up and going. No one can do it for you. It is a different experience for each.

Then, a little later yet – how best to keep up communication with our Heavenly Father:

1. Scripture – Spend time in the Scriptures, reading them consistently. daily.
2. Speak – preferably out loud while praying. This keeps us on task, reminds us we are praying. Otherwise our praying tends to become more wishful thinking or worrying. Neither of those are praying, communing with our Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name.
3. Time – slow down, allow the necessary time to pray. Again, pray slower. saying the words out loud.  or in a whisper. or just moving your lips. but NOT just thinking our prayers.

So, ya…pretty much hit with the 2×4 to slow down. Rest in His love for me. His provision. His protection. His plan. His will. Enjoy life. Quit worrying about getting it all right the first time. How about you? Do you struggle with the un-ending to-do list getting the better of you or your attitude? What do you find is the best way to make yourself slow down, but not lose momentum? 

Eye candy: This from June 2011, and this beautiful tree is in Steamboat, Colorado.  This is from the amazing trip we had last summer, we were at my cousin’s magazine photo shoot! AWESOME!!!  It was such an amazing day – warm. went to a Botanical Garden. kids got to be in an outdoor swimming pool [for hours] while my uncle supervised. then mom & I got to go see the ending of a for-real-life-magazine-photo-shoot in an over-the-top-amazing house. The photo was taken with my point-and-shoot Sony that is w.o.r.n out… so glad I didn’t have my ‘new’ camera (which I can soon change out!)….