Ahhh...Refreshment

Today was a great day!!! I began as I begin all mornings; I do not let my feet touch the floor before I pray. I instructed my children to do their "first chores" the morning ritual of making beds, picking up toys, and putting away laundry folded the night before while I do my morning workout. My husband came home, gave us all hugs and went directly to bed as per usual after a night shift. I made one change in our morning routine and I believe it made all the difference in our day. I moved our Bible lesson and main prayer time from before bed to before breakfast.

There is just something refreshing about beginning the day in the Word and in prayer. It is like setting a force-field of protection around my heart and mind that lasts all day. We were all more relaxed, loving, kind, and patient all day. From there I made another small change; I decided my work could wait until after school when we all do chores and I spent the morning playing with my kids, taking a break to engage in a refreshing and encouraging phone conversation with a friend.

There is just something refreshing about spending time with friends. I have been taking more time to spend with my sisters in Christ lately and I have noticed a direct effect on my mood. God designed us to need each other "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor, for if either of them falls the one will lift up his companion. but woe to the one who falls and there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they can keep warm, but how can one be kept warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecc 4:9-12 (NASB) and to crave His word "Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" 1 Peter 2:2 (NASB)

I have found that when I let the Word guide me, spend more time in heartfelt prayer, and take time with Christian friends I am refreshed, refilled and ready to fill and nurture my family. If I allow myself to get empty I get into trouble because I can't give what I do not have. I have to have the Word of God locked in my heart (Ps 119:11) so I may raise my kids according to the Word, I have to be full of Gods love so that I may pour it out on my children and so fill them up as well.