This is a test. Only a test.

I am so glad that God humors us sometimes.

I really needed humoring this week.

There is a lot on my mind, most of which I can't really talk about at this point, but all of which is open for prayers!!

On Sunday night, my friend P called me and said she was coming to pick me up for coffee and discussion.

On Monday night, my friend Golda and I went for coffee and a leisurely stroll through Target AND Wal-Mart. Because we could!

Last night, the kids went to bed with relative ease.

Today, my kids spent 2 1/2 hours at a friend's house playing with her kids who are the same age! Seriously! Yesterday, I got an email relatively out of the blue asking if the kids could come over to play this week.

WHILE I GO DO SOMETHING ON MY OWN!!

The kids had a grand time playing and we have decided to start doing this by switching houses every Wednesday.

Tonight, I have a meeting at the kids' school then I have to go get my CPR renewed. This is a short version by a friend of the renewal process, thank goodness!

And right now, as I type, my kids are on the clock for an hour (or more I hope!) for their "Room Time". I stole this from someone and thought it was worth a shot. I am weary from fighting the nap time battles and am trying this instead. Every afternoon (or whenever you choose), the kids have to spend alone time in their own room. They can play quietly with toys you disgenate, read, rest, listen to music, or actually sleep. They must do this alone in their own room.

Honestly, I tried it on Monday and it was a bust. Partially because I got distracted on the phone and didn't reinforce it. But today, after a little whining, BOTH kids are in their rooms. Luke is playing. And Anysa ACTUALLY SAID that she wanted to take a nap. (Luke has come out a few times to "show u somfin", but has easily returned upon my request.)

SHOCKED!

Also, I have decided to really get our household life organized. Basically, I am tired of doing it all. Really tired! I am taking ideas from various places and adapting to fit our family. I will share once I am finished!

I will leave you with this:

The Power of Obedience

Today's Scripture

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the Land” (Isaiah 1:19, NIV)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Is there something in your life that you know God is asking you to do, but you just haven’t done it yet? Maybe He’s asking you to let go of an addiction in your life. Or maybe a relationship that isn’t healthy for you. Maybe He’s asking you to make a commitment that you just haven’t gotten around to yet. You may not fully understand why, but know this: God is out for your good. He longs to give you the best of the Land. He longs to pour out His blessing upon you. But you have to do your part. You have to open your heart and choose to be willing and obedient. Ask the Lord today to give you an obedient heart. Ask Him to show you what adjustments to make in your life so that everything you do is pleasing to Him. As you choose to be obedient in every area of your life, you will experience God’s best and live the abundant life He’s promised you!

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for your promises and blessings today. I know that obedience opens the door for you to work in my life. I choose to obey you today and invite you to fill every area of my life. I honor you and give you glory in all I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

And this:

Psalm 139 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 139:8 Hebrew Sheol
b. Psalm 139:17 Or concerning

I needed to be reminded of these things. I hope they help you as well!

Stacey