Taking Back My Focus

One of my biggest issues with myself over last year was lack of focus. I know that has a lot to do with all I have going on from kids, homeschooling, working some, house, responsibilities, etc. I forgot things. I didn't get things done I wanted to. I made mistakes. I didn't want to enter this new year with the same sense of being out of control. There is only so much I can really do in this area since I am a mom of 4 little boys, one of whom is special needs (Autism), I have a husband who works practically non-stop and have many responsibilities. However, I knew the Lord could be my rock in this area and show me how to make the most of my time and help me address my weak areas.

I had some very simple things I could start doing to help gain better control of my life. I started going to bed earlier (most nights). That is one reason I have not been blogging. I had been crashing on the couch after getting the kids to bed and staying up too late, virtually sucking the energy out of the following day. So, getting more rest has been helpful. I don't always stick to my plan, but when I do I can tell a difference. I also, cut out game apps on my phone. This was a focus zapper for me and helped create time to do other things. My goal for each day really is to attack the day. In order to get more done I really took on the mindset to make it happen. I won't sit back and let the day get away from me, but get going and be productive. I must say today at the beginning I failed miserably! Part of my issue today was the previous day was jam packed and I was exhausted by the end of the day. But, I think the Lord also calls me to rest up and make time to get recharged. I am grateful He does call us to rest! The afternoon was busy and I got things done, so the day wasn't a total loss. Relating to my last post about making God the center of my life, I am giving my days to the Lord. He has been faithful to help me. I am amazed at His bringing things to my mind to help me not miss deadlines or miss opportunities! He has helped me prioritize and let me know when I need to just chill or make an extra effort. He tells me when I need to say yes and when I need to decline.

I do feel a lot more control over my life, but it has more to do with giving over control of my life each day to Him. It is such a freedom in knowing He has me in His hands and I don't carry the burden of my life!

What I've Been Up To

It has been a little over 2 months since my last post and the first post of 2015. I have been wanting so badly to be back to blogging! I started out 2015 with a lot of goals and have been working hard at making progress on those goals. It has been an exciting time and I have seen the Lord really move in my life and the life of my family! Last year, 2014, was generally a struggle and I felt a sense of frustration and disappointment at the end of the year with myself. I didn't want 2015 to continue those feelings. There are many things in my life as far as circumstances go that I would love to change and pray for on a regular basis for answers and movement in those areas. However, I knew changes in myself could come much quicker and make an immediate difference in my feelings and overall emotional and physical wellbeing. Things I wanted would also impact my family in a positive way and that was a big deal.

I am no where near where I want to be and it is a process and road I am on.

I decided to go ahead and do my blog post after a pretty stressful day on and off. The day involved several car rides which were less than enjoyable, many requests I made resulted in the word no and sometimes a scream, homework with Titus where I had to redirect many more times than I would have liked to, an abrupt grocery store trip with a tantrum and the evening ended in exhaustion begging my child to please get his pajamas on. I am spent!

I just thought I would share that one way I have been making this year count is to really make the Lord my everything. I really wanted to let Him truly impact me in very practical, tangible ways. Just to keep things in perspective that He has this life I am living. I am praying more about everything and little things. I added a prayer app on my phone to remind me of prayers and this has helped me keep up a life of prayer, praying throughout the day. I really take note and celebrate the little things like finding a missing library book or receiving a needed letter in the mail. I have seen Him at work so much and am treasuring His presence and answered prayers so much! I am turning to Him for everything! I am leaning on Him much more and my spirit can tell the difference!

I hope to share more about what God is doing in my life and what He has shown me to work on this year in coming blog posts!