Mother Inferior

A Huge Hearts-at-Home Sale :)

Everyone loves a good sale, Right? We'll let me tell you about a great one:

 

It’s a Hearts at Home Black Friday after Black Friday Sale Dec. 7-11

 

Did you sleep in on Black Friday? Did you drag yourself out of bed, but still miss out on some awesome deals because you were standing in line too long at one store? Do you still have shopping to do, but dread the crowds, traffic, and cost? Let Hearts at Home help!

 

Their Black Friday sale has been extended to the week of December 7-11. Shop in the convenience of your own home and receive an unprecedented 25% off all of Hearts books and merchandise. They have great gifts for everyone in your family.

 

Find gifts for friends, teachers, bible study leaders, bus drivers, and everyone else on your list. You may even find something for yourself. This is a great time to stock up on all those Hearts at Home books you’ve been wanting to read.

 

Let your family know how much you would love a Hearts at Home gift certificate so you can use it for your Hearts at Home conference registration and/or Mom’s Night Out tickets.

Go to Heartshoppe.com, choose your gifts, and enter code “HEARTGIFT” upon checkout. You will receive 25% off your total purchase (before tax and shipping).

 

I also want to fill you in on a couple of other great opportunities!

 

Be sure to check out Jill Savage's blog this month (she is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home). She is doing one giveaway A DAY through Christmas. And, if you stop by the Hearts at Home blog December 8 - 11, you will have an opportunity to win a Hearts at Home prayer journal. The prayer journal is a brand new resource from Hearts at Home.

 

Merry Christmas from Hearts at Home!

Is Parenting Our Highest Calling? 9 Parenting Myths Exposed

I recently "met" a wonderful author, a friend of a friend, who emailed and offered to send me her book so I could look over it. And I was blown away. It was so freeing! :)

I've read a lot of parenting books, and this is one of the best--and most biblically-based--I've come across. I'm excited to share it with you. Leslie Leyland Fields is the author, and I spoke to her so she could explain why she believes parenting is NOT our highest calling. :)

Q: What caused you to write this book?

A: This book came out of a deep sense of guilt and failure as a parent.  It felt to me that parenting well, and specifically parenting well as a Christian mother,  had become impossible. There was not only pressure from the culture at large to be a perfect parent, but there was so much pressure from the church. The messages---both implicit and
explicit---were that if you weren’t devoting yourself 150% to your children, if you weren’t having devotions every morning or night with them, homeschooling, taking them to every event at church, etc!! that you weren’t being a godly parent, and your child wouldn’t turn out well. The standards have risen so impossibly high! And if I could just do all those things, I was promised a peaceful, happy home as well. That if I did everything right, my kids would be happy all the time, I’d be completely fulfilled, all that. Those wonderful, sweet, peaceful times do come, but it’s not really an accurate picture of our day to day lives. There’s a lot of heartbreak and hurt in raising children. A lot of sheer perseverance, when very little emotion comes back to you.

One day I had a meltdown after a very hard week with my six children and cried out to God, “God, what do you know about parenting?”  And suddenly the obvious came to me: not only is God our own father who parents us, but He was the father of Israel, whom He calls, “my first born son.” And I thought about that relationship, what God’s parenting life was like, and suddenly I saw it!  The heartache, the hurt, the risk of love, the cost of love . .. . and I thought of the families in the Old Testament, all their struggles.  I realized these cotton-candy versions of the perfect Christian home today are mostly fabrications.  And I realized then that God had so much to say to us about parenting than most of us had realized, through the entire OT.  I suddenly felt like God really did  understand. And I suddenly realized as well that I had absorbed a bunch of myths and misconceptions about parenting that weren’t  biblical at all. Once I began really studying the whole of
Scripture on the topic of family, I was shocked at what I found.

Q: You talk about the 9 parenting myths in the book. Can you elaborate on one or two, just to give my readers an example of what you're talking about?

A: The first myth in the book is that “Having children will make you happy and fulfilled.”  We do this---we entice couples into having children by promising happiness and fulfillment and blessing. This message comes mostly to women, I think.  But there are a couple of problems with this. God doesn’t promise us this. There’s on ly one verse in the Scriptures that equates children with happiness. (“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full . ..”.)  Children are here not to fulfill our needs and purposes, but to fulfill God’s.  So we can opt out of the mommy wars, which right now are fighting over this very issue of fulfillment.  If you’re feeling fulfilled then, gosh! Parenting is so worth it!! If you’re not feeling fulfilled,” Darn, parenting is so not worth it!”  But the worth and value of parenting has nothing to do with our own fluctuating feelings of fulfillment!

The second myth I’ll mention, the title myth, that “Parenting is your highest calling.”  Scripture makes it clear that our highest calling is to love and serve God first. “You shall have no other gods before me.” We have tended to make our family a god, an idol in this age, I think. Jesus does not mince words but addresses this in a number of places, the
most direct in Mt. 10:37: “Anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”  Wow!! We haven’t paid attention to that at all!  And it’s not a single aberrant verse. Jesus goes out of  his way to redefine, to enlarge the family to the family of God, to the kingdom of God. We’re so focused on the kingdom of our family, we
neglect the kingdom of God.

All of this sounds a little threatening to us at first, but wonderful things happen when we focus on loving God first. We can resist the constant temptation to see our children as extensions of ourselves, which gets us into a lot of trouble! We can resist the temptation to find our identity, significance and purpose through our children instead of through Christ. When we get this order right—loving God first—we have so much more love—the right kind of love!-- to offer our children. We have less pride, more understanding and patience to offer. Our children are freed as well from a burden they weren’t meant to bear. We no longer need to look to them to provide what only God can provide!

Q: I think your book is going to give freedom to a lot of mothers and fathers. How have you found freedom in your own parenting journey?

A: Oh my goodness, where do I start?? I start with getting up in the morning with sense of possibility and hope and freedom, that this parenting work is not all about me, nor is it all about my children. It’s about God and what He’s doing in my little world and in the vast
world beyond the walls of my house. I’m not filled with self-condemnation any more. I ‘m freed from a kind of works-righteousness  I was wrapped up in---trying to work and earn my kids salvation and sanctification rather trusting God with that work. I really thought I had to be Jesus to my children---not understanding that I don’t do the work of Jesus in my children’s lives, I do the work of a parent, which is to point my children to Jesus.  I have a much more biblical understanding of the family and what God is about in the larger
family of God.  I almost can’t describe to you the all the ways these fuller truths from God’s word have changed my life. Most of all, I have been freed from misconceptions that have blinded me to God’s amazing grace for mothers and fathers. It was so much more about me, and now it’s so much more about God.

THANKS, Leslie. And thanks to all of you who read this far. Be sure and check out Leslie's book and grab a copy for yourself--or a mom you know who needs more grace (Jesus!) and less stress and pressure.

How to Write an Offensive Christmas Newsletter

The world is divided into two camps: those who love Christmas newsletters, and those who despise them. I'm in the first group. But the people who hate them have probably been subjected repeatedly to irrirating letters, which are about as fun as a toddler on Red Bull.

So in the spirit of Christmas giving, I'm going to list a few pieces of advice to heed as you're penning your latest end-of-the-year roundup. Follow these tips at your own risk.

• First, list everything each of your flawless family members accomplished this year. Go heavy on the accolades, adjectives, and aimless chatter. Example: Stacy knitted forty-four caps for homeless veterans, gave her liver to a stranger, and was elected president of every club she's a member of. Oh, and she also played Moonlight Sonata in G at the local nursing home for Aunt Betty's birthday on March 31, to a standing ovation (well, those who could stand, did.)
• Include a paragraph about your or your children's pets--especially their health problems. Example: Our daughter's basset hound, Henry XIII, nearly lost his life to a bad case of pneumonia. Thankfully, our local vet--what a hero!--was able to intubate him in time. We almost lost our precious granddog!
• Speaking of health issues, list in excruciating detail your family's medical history. Example: Don suffered a ruptured colon in January and had to get a colostomy bag. Boy, was I tired of cleaning that thing after a week. Thank God, he's fine now. But Ellen (our college freshman) came down with Swine Flu in September and had to come home for a week. And I must say, her snot was as colorful as her wardrobe--those crazy kids!
• When it comes time to talk about your own comings and goings, really pile it on. And don't forget the false humility. Example: Though I was busy enough with my full-time job at the local non-profit (for which I won the local television station's "Woman of the Year" award--can you believe it?!), I also served as room mom for all three of my children, treated my husband to home-cooked dinners each night, and fired our cleaning lady. Somehow, my daily 5:30 a.m. spinning class at the Y (can you say COFFEE?) has given me the energy of four women. I also started clipping coupons, and the money we're saving on groceries has helped to fund an orphanage in Haiti. But it's all in a day's work, and I feel blessed to have such great kids and a supportive hubby.

And last, but not least:

• Include tons of photos--black and white, color, sepia, and the kids' school pictures (the tiny ones). And ask for pictures and updates from your friends. In fact, insist on it--and threaten to strike them from your Christmas list if they don't comply.

Thankfully, no one in my circle sends me horrible newsletters. In fact, I enjoy (almost) all of them! I love catching up with people--after all, Facebook statuses only go so far. Just remember these tips, because if you don't, you might find your newsletter at the bottom of someone's trashcan. 

And now, I must go take care of my kitten's overactive bladder issue. Happy Holidays!

When You Don't Feel Grateful

I'm a busy working mom who has the same struggles as most. My hubby and I are concerned about paying bills, spending enough time with our kids, and making our marriage work. I also deal with some health problems, so we worry about healthcare, getting older, and what the future holds.

 

My body fails me at times, due to chronic fatigue which stems from an autoimmune disease. It all began with a bout of mono when I was 25. Although I'm much healthier now than I've been in a long time--thanks to a good doc, strict diet, medicine/supplements, exercise, and the like--keeping up with kids and a job and hubby (plus ministry stuff, when God allows) is hard enough during the year.

 

Then around the holidays I get weepy and frustrated because I can't do more...I have to say "no" to a lot of things or let my boys and husband go on without me. Oh, yeah, and there are all the treats I can't have...sigh.

 

So how to give thanks? That's what we're supposed to do tomorrow, right? :) Let's be honest--sometimes giving thanks is difficult. Especially when you've lost your job, a spouse, child, friends, home, or health.

 

But we know it's the right thing to do, and hey--maybe it's contagious. Perhaps we could spread thankfulness instead of the Swine flu. Wouldn't that be great?!

 

I like that thought. Maybe I'll "catch" some gratitude from others. Or maybe someone could catch it from me...hmmmm....so even though I don't "feel" like it, I'll start with the hard stuff. 

 

First, if having a chronic illness has taught me anything, it's empathy and compassion. For that, I'm grateful. And at the end of the day, I have to say that when I look at my life, I see a pretty normal American existence, with normal (often silly) concerns. In a world of turmoil and poverty, that normalcy in itself is worth giving thanks for!

 

There, I'm feeling better already.

 

My faith, family, and friends are also huge blessings. I'm in awe of the ways they feed my spirit and keep me grounded, and I pray I will never take them for granted. Daily, diverse gifts--a hug from my child, an encouraging email from a friend, a Bible passage that speaks right to me--provide me with sustenance and allow me to sleep peacefully. 

 

Last night, our family of four went ice skating. The music, laughter, and fresh air brightened my spirit, which had been heavy. Sometimes, I get melancholy around Thanksgiving because I lost my grandmother (one of my best friends) during this time of year, and I wish she could have known my kiddos. She would have loved them! I miss her infectious laugh, joyful spirit, and creative fearlessness about life.

 

However, my sweet husband told me today that I'm carrying on the things I love about her. For that I'm supremely grateful.

 

And even as I recognize that for me--and many others--this time of year has its challenges and can result in intense grief, I don't want to forget that the holidays also offer great surprises and deep meaning. The babe in the manger came to give us hope, and the pilgrims ventured into the unknown to worship that same babe in freedom. What sacrifice and bravery they showed!

Luci Swindoll wrote in You Bring the Confetti: "A grateful heart is not only the greatest virtue, it is the seedbed of every other virtue." I do long for a virtuous life, and pray for the same for my children.

 

So in the spirit of simplicity and wonder, this year on November 26, I will whisper an appropriate prayer as I climb into a warm bed: thanks. Thanks for my country, family, friends, memories, Saviour--and yes, even my weaknesses and struggles.

Just...thanks.

FREE music from Joshua Bell and Thanksgiving recipes from Sandra Lee!

Boy, have I got some holiday treats for you! First, you can click on the following link to here Joshua Bell's (the Grammy-Award winning virtuoso violinist) entire new album in streaming form: Pop Up Audio

At Home with Friends features duets with Josh Groban, Sting, Regina Spektor, Kristin Chenoweth and many others. It's the perfect album to listen to while you're wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, or cooking. And speaking of cooking, as a working mom, I love quick, easy cooking with minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients. The queen of that genre is Food Network star, Sandra Lee. Below are several holiday dishes, Sandra Lee-style. Enjoy!

Savory bread pudding - Appetizer

Prep 25 minutes Bake 35 minutes Makes 12 mini bread puddings

o-stick cooking spray, Pam®

8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, Johnsonville®

1 package (8-ounce) sliced fresh mushrooms

1 tablespoon canola oil, Wesson®

1 teaspoon bottled crushed garlic

2 cups milk

4 eggs

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, McCormick®

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1⁄2 loaf country-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1.   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Coat twleve 2¹⁄2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray; set aside.

2.   In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking up lumps. Remove sausage from skillet. Add mushrooms, oil, and garlic to skillet. Cook and stir until mushrooms are lightly browned. Remove from heat and stir in sausage. Let cool.

3.   In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cubed bread and sausage mixture to egg mixture; press bread with back of a large spoon to submerge into milk mixture. Let stand for 10 minutes or until bread absorbs milk mixture. Ladle bread pudding mixture into prepared muffin cups and place in a large rimmed baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the baking pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until top is golden brown and bread pudding puffs. Serve warm.

Excerpted from the book, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time, by Sandra Lee

Copyright © 2009 SLSH Enterprises, Inc. www.sandralee.com

Fig and Port Tartlets - Appetizer

Prep 15 minutes Cook 6 minutes Makes 15 tartlets

1 jar (12-ounce) royal fig preserves, St. Dalfour®

1⁄4 cup port

2 cups whipping cream

3 tablespoons granulated sugar, Domino®/C&H®

1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon extract, McCormick®

1 package (2.1-ounce) baked miniature phyllo dough shells, Athens®

round cinnamon, McCormick®

Powdered sugar, Domino®/C&H®

1.   In a saucepan, over medium heat, heat preserves and port, about 6 minutes or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; set aside.

2.   In a chilled mixing bowl, beat whipping cream, sugar, and cinnamon extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer whipped cream mixture to a large resealable plastic bag. Snip 1⁄2 inch off one corner of the bag. Fill each shell with about 1 tablespoon of fig mixture. Pipe whipped cream on top. Garnish with a dusting of ground cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Excerpted from the book, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time, by Sandra Lee

Copyright © 2009 SLSH Enterprises, Inc. www.sandralee.com

Pork Roast and Cranberry Dressing - Entree

Prep 15 minutes Cook 5 to 6 hours (Low) Stand 15 minutes Makes 6 servings

1 1⁄2 cups frozen chopped onions

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 3-pound boneless pork shoulder roast

2 tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning

1 can (16-ounce) whole cranberry sauce

1⁄2 cup dry white wine

1 cup vegetable broth

1⁄4 cup butter

1 box (6-ounce) pork stuffing mix

3⁄4 cup sweetened dried cranberries

1.   In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine onions and celery. Sprinkle roast with steak seasoning; place on vegetables in slow cooker. In a medium bowl, stir together cranberry sauce and wine until combined. Spoon over roast in slow cooker.

2.   Cover and cook on Low heat setting for 5 to 6 hours.

3.   Transfer roast to a cutting board; let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

4.   Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over high heat, bring vegetable broth and butter to a boil. Stir pork stuffing mix and dried cranberries into pan. Cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

5.   To serve, mound some stuffing on center of plate. Spoon a portion of celery, onions, cranberries, and accumulated juices from slow cooker over stuffing. Top with sliced roast.

Excerpted from the book, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money Saving Slow Cooking, by Sandra Lee

Copyright © 2009 SLSH Enterprises, Inc. www.sandralee.com

 

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake  - Dessert

Prep 30 minutes Cook 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours (High) + 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours (Low) Chill 4 hours Makes 8 servings

Canola oil cooking spray

1 box (18.3-ounce) fudge brownie mix

4 eggs

2⁄3 cup canola oil

1⁄4 cup espresso-and-cream coffee drink

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese

1⁄3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cake flour

Pinch salt

3 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.   Coat an 8 1⁄2-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap foil around the bottom of cake pan. Crumple additional aluminum foil to create a “ring base” about 5 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Set aside.

2.   In a large bowl, stir together brownie mix, two of the eggs, the oil, and coffee drink until combined. Pour into prepared pan.

3.   Place foil ring in bottom of slow cooker; pour 1⁄2 inch of hot water into bottom of slow cooker. Using 2 long strips of foil, make an “X” over foil ring and bring it up along the sides of slow cooker to assist removing pan from slow cooker. Place springform pan on top of ring and the “X” in slow cooker. Stack 6 paper towels; place over top of slow cooker bowl. Secure with lid.

4.   Cook on High heat setting for 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours. (Do not lift lid for the first 1 hour of cooking.)

5.   Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Add sugar, flour, and salt; beat until smooth. Add the remaining two eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add cream and vanilla; beat until combined. Pour over brownie mixture in slow cooker.

6.   Cover and cook for 1 1⁄2 hours more. Turn slow cooker to Low heat setting. Cook for 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours or until cheesecake is set with a wet-looking center. Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for 30 minutes.

7.   Use foil strips to lift springform pan from slow cooker. Place pan on wire rack; let cool to room temperature. Chill in pan for at least 4 hours. Just before serving, remove cake from pan.

Excerpted from the book, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money Saving Slow Cooking, by Sandra Lee

Copyright © 2009 SLSH Enterprises, Inc. www.sandralee.com

Sandra says, “Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring everyone together to celebrate a year of blessings. Serve savory and decadent dishes on an inviting table, filled with rich colors and seasonal textures. Simple, time-saving shortcuts to create a meaningful feast can be found in my new book Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time."

Works for Me Wednesday: Christmas Gift Delivery Night (in our PJ's!)

Our family of four (me, my hubby, and two boys ages 5 and 11) has come up with a fun, inexpensive, and simple holiday tradition that we all look forward to. It takes just a little bit of preparation and one or two weeknights, which we clear ahead of time on our calendar. First, we buy the materials to create a handmade gift in a jar--a spiced cider mix or sand art cookies, for example--for friends, family members and neighbors. After we assemble the gifts (or on a different night), we get on our pajamas, make some hot cocoa to sip on, load up in our van with our presents and drinks, pop in some Christmas music on the CD player, and head out to spread Christmas cheer. At some houses, we find the recipients gone so we leave our gift at the door. Other times, they'll invite us in for a minute, and we get to see their delight at a homemade gift. We love our family Christmas gift delivery night--it's fun to look at all the Christmas lights, listen to seasonal music, and enjoy our friends' company. It helps put all the excess of Christmas in perspective and remember that often, the simple things in life are the most meaningful. (Last year, it even started snowing as we finished our deliveries…and in Texas, that qualifies as a Christmas miracle!)

Works for Me: Finding "Me Time" in a Hectic Schedule

Here a few ways I find time alone (super-important, since I'm an introvert at heart):

--I actually enjoy doing dishes. I know, I'm weird! :) After the family has helped bring dishes to the sink and my oldest has cleaned the table, everyone scatters and I have a few moments to pray and think, listen to worship music, etc. while I'm scrubbing away. (The best part is that my hubby cooks, so I feel privileged to be the cleanup gal. It's a great arrangement!)

--After the boys are in bed, my husband likes to check his email and surf the web. This is "my" time...and I enjoy it to the fullest. I curl up with a cup of hot tea, a good book or magazine, or the remote and a Food Network of home decorating show. I read or "veg" to my hearts' content for half an hour or an hour. It's even better if there's a fire in the fireplace, but that's not necessary.

--When my 5 y-o was a preschoolers and I had been in too much and get cabin fever, and it was too cold to go to the park, I'd drive around and look at the cute houses in our charming town while my little one sat in his carseat and listened to music (I put a CD of his tunes in and set the speakers so he hears it and I don't). Sometimes we'd stop and get a soda at Sonic. It's fun for both of us.

 

I thought I'd let you know how this mom keeps her sanity! What about you? How do you find time alone as a busy mom?

Cut the Cord

Cut the cord

Cry

Nurse

Cuddle 

Burp

Bathe 

Clothe

Comfort

Read 

Guide

Tuck 

Wake

Wash  

Dry

Brush

Scold

Listen

Pray

Play 

Stay

Laugh

Love

Lose

Find

Applaud

Ignore

Plead

Wait up

Swear

Warn

Advise

Pack

Cry

 

Cut the Cord

Do I Have to Deal with My Past AGAIN?!

It all started with a pain in my right hand and arm. A sharp, stinging pain, to be exact. Then my hand and arm started going numb. Not good--especially since I use my arm all the time to write, either by hand or on the computer.

I made an appointment with my chiropracter, who had just given me an adjustment. And I saw my general physician, too. They both agreed it wasn't a pinched nerve and probably wasn't carpal tunnel, because of the way the pain was radiating. It could be an irrirated nerve, my doc said, and gave me anti-inflammatories. She said to call back in a few days if it wasn't better and she would do an X-ray. (I'm in those few days right now, and it's better, though not totally.)

No big deal, right? Except I started really freaking out. As in my mind going crazy places (is this the beginning stages of something awful? Is it my autoimmune disease going awry?) and fear overtaking me, until I could only cry.

I prayed, and tried to rest in God's goodness and sovereignty. I meditated on scripture, too, but I still had no peace, and couldn't figure out what was going on.

And then I remembered.

I was my oldest son's age when my mom began having weird symptoms like tingling arms and hands, bad headaches, etc. For years, she was in and out of doctors' offices, and she was often in bed. She had every kind of test, and most of the doctors concluded she probably (but not certainly) had MS.

It was a devastating time, but we didn't talk about it much at all. We just lived, and tried to pretend everything was normal. As a teen, I did much of the cleaning, cooking, and shopping when Mom was ill. I never knew if she would be fine or in a wheelchair. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to her symptoms.

And though I was scared that she was going to get worse and worse and eventually die, I didn't share that with anyone. I kept everything inside and got good grades, pleased my parents and teachers, and prayed. I was a good girl, because I felt I had to be perfect, almost as if by doing so I could "hold everything together."

Years later when I was in college, Mom was diagnosed with conversion disorder, a rare disease which was common in Victorian times. Mom never learned to talk about or process her feelings, and so her body shut down, little by little. Once she had a diagnosis, everything changed. She went to an inpatient Christian counseling center for a week, and she learned how to express her emotions. At different times, the rest of my family through counseling, too. We're all very different people now.

And yet. Just when I think I'm "past" my past, something crops up and my emotions and fears overtake me. I moaned to my husband the other night, "Why can't healing be once and for all? I think I'm over this stuff, but it keeps coming up. It's like a circle that never ends!"

He held me and let me cry about how scared I was as a child, and how hard it was to never know if your mom was going to be okay or not. He listened as I admitted that I still struggle with letting go (in many areas) because I feel like I have to hold everything together. He let me vent my fears that our kids would have the same kind of struggles, because I don't know what the future holds (though I do try to take care of myself and be proactive about my health). And he encouraged me to keep turning to our Heavenly Father with my sadness and grief.

I have a good guy, y'all! :)

So that's what I've been doing...talking to God about the grief I still feel sometimes about a lost, lonely, sad childhood. I'm asking Him to teach me to let go, so that I can live by faith and not fear. I'm also talking to my kids and letting them know what's happening. I want them to be able to ask me anything and discuss their fears and concerns with us, no matter how hard that might be.

And today, God whispered to me that healing isn't a circle at all. It's a spiral. If I keep my eyes on God (because He's big enough to handle my pain), each time I grieve, even if it's over the same things, I get a little closer to His heart. He whispers His truth to me, replacing the lies I've held onto. He counsels, comforts, and loves me. He never tires of listening, and he places all my tears in a bottle. Someday, His word promises, they'll be jewels in my heavenly crown.

Just now, He spoke to my heart that though my past may affect my present, it doesn't determine my future.

I'm counting on that.

Are You Cut Out to Work from Home?

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

Introducing The Work at Home Girls Let's face it: a lot of people want (and in some cases need) to set their own hours and work from home. Are you one of those people? What's stopping you? If you're serious about making money from home, you'll do what it takes - including investing in your own learning-either to get your company off to a strong start or to help you move to the next level more quickly. Work at Home Girls is designed to help you.

The Work at Home Girls is the brainchild of Jill Hart and Mary Byers, two successful work at home moms and authors. They've teamed up to offer help, ideas, challenges and mentorship from for women that work at home. Jill and Mary have over 20 years combined experience running a business from home. One is a techie (Jill, founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and author of So You Want to be a Work-at-Home Mom) and the other is a wordsmith (Mary, freelance editor and author of five books, including Making Work at Home Work).They've teamed up to share what they wish mentors had shared with them when they started their businesses over a decade ago. The Work at Home Girls share their Simple Secrets to make your business a SUCCESS -

Traits of Successful Work-at-Home Business Owners By Mary Byers and Jill Hart

While many people like the idea of working in their pajamas and having a minute-commute down the hallway, not everyone is cut out to work from home. Those who do so successfully have the following traits: Passion. It’s essential to love what you do and do what you love when working from home. Passion will keep you going even when the going gets tough, as it does in even the best of jobs. Self-Motivation. It’s important that you’re a self-starter, especially when you are your own boss. There’s no one to motivate you other than yourself when you are self-employed. Resourcefulness. Work -at-home CEOs aren’t just the head of the company, they ARE the company. That means being the janitor, the technology guru, the marketing manager, and the brains behind the operation. Often, this requires skills you don’t possess. But when you’re resourceful, you’ll be able to find the knowledge you need to keep your business moving forward. Confidence. It takes guts to run your own enterprise and confidence to manage it effectively. Though there will be times you experience self-doubt, overall you need to have the confidence that you can, and will, figure things out when you run into obstacles. Like this? Want more? Join the most recent teleseminars! * Making Your Business Work for You: How to Choose, Launch and Run a Winner (available soon as a download) * Realistic Expectations: What You Need to Know About Working from Home Successfully (available soon as a download) * Marketing Your Business Online (October 26) * The Business of Business: Rev Up Your Profit! (November 2) Work at Home Girls give you specifics, examples and personal business experience that you won't find anywhere else! Check them out today!