As I get back into the swing of the home/work and now the virtual online homeschool routine with the kids, I have to acknowledge and assess where I am.
I know this is a struggle area for me— juggling multiple things, keeping organized, staying consistent with a routine, not getting overwhelmed, and not having the ability to be in control.
With this awareness, there are things I can do to make sure I’m not growing weary in the doing and that I am continuing to remain peaceful, kind, patient, all while possessing self- control.
Here are some tips I know to be true:
Realize it starts with the mind
Bring forth any struggle area to God in prayer
Acknowledge what you can control and what you can’t & choose to be ok with that
Set a schedule / routine and keep up with it as much as possible
Speak up when you need help / support
Give yourself grace and extend that grace with others (hubbys, kids, teachers, co-workers ect.)
Feed your mind, body and soul with God‘s word, devotionals and other inspirational tools and make healthy food choices
Commit to some form of self care (a nice warm bath, an outdoor walk, a quiet drive alone)
Get adequate rest
Create as much balance as possible (one-on-one time w/ the kids, work time, self time ect.)
What a nice list right?
But, here’s the catch, knowing these things is one thing and implementing is another!
I am reminding myself as I encourage you, of great tips that if we put in action can assist us with this new way of living however, as the saying goes “easier said than done.”
Today, as I reflect, I realize and give myself grace to be human. I realize that everyday will require a choice;
“will I fight through the challenges of the day or will I allow the challenges of the day to beat me up?“
Today, I was in the ring for the entire 12 rounds!!! And I can’t say I got a knockout....however, I can’t say I loss either!
I realize that I am on assignment! God has a purpose and plan for my life (and yours too) and as you walk in that purpose, the enemy is walking and roaming around too.
So we are to:
“be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
So just as we are on assignment, so is he. He is here to kill, steal and destroy! It’s us against him.
One thing my mother always said was “if you want to learn anything from the enemy, learn his persistence and you be just as persistent in God”. Man was she right! The enemy doesn’t let up; he has no chill.
In realizing this, I know for sure that he is not gonna quit and I also know that I am not gonna quit therefore let me just get my spiritual weight up and keep my boxing gloves on and stay ready!
Biblically this translates to:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
So tonight, I usher in the fruits of the spirit
(love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentlenes, self-control, goodness, faithfulness) and I send us off with this prayer;
Father God I come before you thanking you for this day you have allowed us all to see. I realize that this is the day you have made and therefore I should rejoice in it and be glad! God forgive me for anything I have decided to allow to control me and get my focus off you you.
Forgive me for being moved by what I see and not using the faith I know I have to fight off the temptations of the day. God I thank you for your grace, your love and your everlasting forgiveness. I ask in Jesus name that your spirit will rest on every soul reading this prayer.
I pray that your angels of protection will guard our homes and will surround and protect every mother, wife, husband, child, teacher, grandparent, uncle, aunt, cousin, niece, nephew, Godchild, sibling, friend and every single loved one in our lives.
As we humble ourselves before you, may you continue to fill us with YOU! Satan, I re-position you and send you back to the pit of hell where you belong!!! You are defeated and underneath our feet! The mighty blood of Jesus is against you and we will win!! I declare us more than conquerers in Christ Jesus! In Jesus name! Amen
As I write to encourage you, I write to encourage myself.