Summer Strife

Are you ready for your kids to go back to school? Is the summer fun over? Do you need a vacation by yourself? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be experiencing Summer Strife. It can be defined as "when children bicker and argue over silly, insignificant things that causes their mother to want to pull her hair out!"

If your kids are anything like mine, they can often get on each other's nerves. My daughter came in this morning, fell face down on my bed and stated, "Mom, I can't take her anymore!" (Like we can get rid of her!)

As I was reading this afternoon in Colossians, I came across this scripture and thought what an appropriate verse to memorize for our family.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

The reality is that we "can't take" each other at times, but isn't it wonderful to realize that God chooses us all the time, and therefore He will equip us to love each other!

Summer Run-Away

Last week was a little piece of heaven. We ran-away from daily life. Thanks to my travel savvy husband we headed out of town for an inexpensive vacation. The kids were ours, and we were theirs. There was no opportunity to ask, "Can a friend come over?" because there were no friends around (not that we don't like our friends!!) We had no internet in our rooms, so daddy and I (and our bewildered teen) weren't clamoring for time on the web.


We needed it. Our family had been going in running 10 different directions as the school year ended. It was time that we ran away. Sometimes I feel like 9 of those different directions are mine! I say that "we" needed the time away, but I was desperate for it. I had to slow down and just be. And in stopping to enjoy my family, I realized that I like being with them! In fact, I loved it.


I also had a chance to spend quality time with God. I like Him, too. What a blessing to be loved by Him not because I'm so lovable, but because He is loving. (See The Love Dare - Day 8 or 9).


After coming back to the real world, I'm more aware of my family and of my relationship with God...and how precious both are.


Maybe you can't run away from home this summer, but, why not try a day or 2 of vacation at home? It takes some planning, but you can create a haven in the heat of summer to bring your hearts back home. Game night, movie night, a baking day, water sprinklers in the back yard...


My prayer for our time was, "Lord, please help us enjoy the time away as much as we'll enjoy the memories later." He certainly answered that prayer for us. I hope that as you take your moments and run with them this summer, He will do the same for you!

Lighten Your Load...an Irresistable Offer

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28

I've loved this verse for years. It's comforted me when I was tired and exhausted. But, on Sunday, it hit me in a whole new way.

Who in this world wants you to come when you're worn out? Maybe your mom, but nobody else. Your family constantly has you on the go and needs your best. If you work outside the home, you need to be alert and looking good. Friends don't tolerate weariness for long. Even at church we often hide the fatigue and put our best foot forward.

But, God says, come when you're beat or overwhelmed and He will give us rest. He wants us when we feel unloved or unloveable. His arms are open when we feel like a failure. They are open when we don't feel like a failure, too, but He knows that at our wits end, we are honest and vulnerable. It's at that point that we realize we can't do it on our own so we're teachable and ready to accept His strength and help. Why wouldn't we come? We certainly won't find a better offer anywhere else.

He goes on to say, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." We aren't free from burdens and chores, but when the routines of life are run through His hands, they are lighter and easier because we face them with His strength.

I am humbled that my sweet saviour who has already done so much for me wants to do more. He wants me to drag my tired self to Him so He can show me His faithfulness, love and kindness. He wants to do the same for you!

Carrying a lighter load...

Sharon