Are You Filling Your Cup?

Since I am sitting here waiting for cookies to cool, I decided to take a moment to blog. Tomorrow will be insane with Orthodontist visit, hair cuts, the van shuffle, marriage conference and kids to church for Wednesday night activities! And that doesn't account for the diaper changes, 3 meals, a few sibling squabbles, the countless undone chores, and a dog to feed. Oh my...I forgot to buy the dog food! Oh well, add that to tomorrow's list! PTL I decided to cancel school for the week!!!! I am still applauding myself for that decision!

I needed to have a little margin in my life these last couple of weeks. This week I am getting time to think/process all kinds of things. I am filling my cup! From marriage oneness to loving my children. I am soaking things in more than trying to accomplish tons! OH, things are still having to happen and get done. You can't have 8 kids and a husband and not be busy!
But we have tried to streamline anything that didn't need to happen, with Gods help!

*God was gracious to give rain (kinda a lot) and that knocked tennis out of the picture.

*He allowed computers to crash and that took school out.
(hopefully I will still be thankful next week)

*He provided some extra finances that took some pressure off financially this month. (thank you Lord!)

*He has helped the children have a serving attitude (most the time) while mom and dad are running in and out of the house all week.

I can't believe it has been nearly 5 years since we were able to attend any kind of marriage seminar or conference, including a Weekend to Remember! Too long! We have gone through 2 babies, 2 moves, 2 church changes, a state change, a job change, pay adjustments, entered a new stage of life with our children, and we moved away from family! YEP...that is a lot of change and a lot of stress in 5 years!

Barry and I have always made sure on a regular basis we are filling our cups. Or should I say a focused time to remember the things that are before us. We typically on a regular basis will do a marriage conference or seminar, something on parenting and something with finances. If not yearly, we are doing it every other year! We just don't miss those opportunities. We know it is too vital that we keep remembering some key points with each of those areas. BUT...since we have moved to Arkansas I can't say we have been good about filling our cup.

We have allowed a very busy life and finances to interfere with what we know we need to do. It has been a joy to sit and visit with my husband and get to laugh at how God created us. We aren't pointing fingers and laughing at one another. Its the kind of laugh where you are enjoying how God has uniquely designed each of you!

How long has it been since you taken time to focus on your marriage?

What time have you set aside to really evaluate how you are parenting your children?

When was the last time you sat down with your spouse and planned where you are going financially?

This week has been refreshing! I hope you create your time to be refreshed! I can't think of a better way for the world to see HOPE. Than for those of us that know the Lord to lead by example in...

Are we living a life that shows how a marriage can be wonderful even though we are different?

Are we living a life that shows how children can be a blessing not a nuisance?

Are we living a life that is full of hope and freedom from our finances?

If not, take a time out and fill your cup! You won't regret it!