Journaling January Day 8 - God Moment

Truly I was totally blindsided about today's journal topic. Who knew one could be so inspired whilst cleaning the bathroom. Certainly not me, I hate cleaning the bathroom! 

The weather here is terrible and certainly not summery at all. We are talking wind, rain and dark grey skies! The kids have been having a movie/game day and I have been BORED! 

So after reading an old Life & Leisure mag and seeing other people's pristine houses I thought I would clean the bathroom. (Good idea seeing we have a party here on Sunday ) Worship music blaring and singing at the top of my voice....bathroom acoustics are fantastic, I almost sounded good! 

After being inspired by a daily devotional I started this morning called "My Upmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, I felt realigned, refocused and excited about the path ahead whatever that maybe. 

My new fav of a song is "Dream for You" by Casting Crowns. The words are AMAZING ! "I am stronger than you think I am, I'll take you further than you think I can...... let Me dream for you!" 

God is truly amazing! He uses anything and everything in your life to accomplish great things for His Kingdom and His Glory. You just need to give him permission, then bravely step out in faith and let Him lead you. God will meet you where you are and in whatever you are doing, right now.....including whilst you are cleaning the bathroom! He will make AMAZING happen.

 "God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us." Ephesians 3:20

Whats your favourite song right now?  Do you like to clean?  What did you get up to on this grey and dreary Friday?

Journaling January Day 7 - Quality Time

Quality Time

I never know what might make it on here from day to day. I started thinking I would do one thing until this happened. 

Quality Time with teenage son, make that sick teenage son! Poor boy isn't very well with a chesty cough thing which doesn't let him venture very far from his bed. I left him home today and when I came home he wanted to share this with me.

 I am not in the very least interested in gaming on any level but for him I will feign an interest because he is interested in it. He wanted to show me the "epic " game play video that he uploaded to His YouTube account! Was it epic? I have no idea but apparently x amount of 'likers' and 'followers' do. But I figure if I want more than just a table talk kind of relationship with him then I have to be interested in what he is interested in and take the time to have the intricacies of Black Ops 3 play explain to me. Awesome!

 My life is that much better now. No really, as much as I don't get into gaming at all and really do think time could be better spent elsewhere it's where he is right now so it's where we (him and I) are right now. Also figure if I need him to haul boxes of nappies, cots and mattresses for me he can't say no! Bonus! 

It's all about meeting them where they are, showing respect for where they are, who they are and what they are interested in. So far so good as we are heading into teenage-dom. He makes me laugh every single day and I can even sneak a hug out of him, when no ones looking of course! Now apparently I need to follow him on twitter??? 

What are your children in to that you aren't?  Can you fake it until you make it?

Journaling January Day 6 - Take Aim

This girl.....gives anything her brothers do a really good go. She has been pestering us for ages for a real bow and arrow just like her brothers. 

So this Christmas we found her one. She practices and practices. The difference between her and her brother is that she decks herself out for the part, quiver and wrist guard and all. I love her enthusiasm and her determination. 

These things filter throughout every part of her life. At just eight and three quarters she inspires me daily! 

(Although remind me about that statement when she asserts her determination about staying up late!) Love her to bits! 

Who inspires you? Are you inspired by your children?

Journaling January Day 5 - Relax

Relax 

It's not too often I get to sit down with a coffee and a mag or two with out being jumped on, climbed over or needed by a squealing child who needs a plaster RIGHT NOW! 

Today I stole a snippet of time and just did that....just me, the Sun, the deck, coffee and reading. Ahhhhhh! It was good, so good! Pun intended if you have noticed the title of one of the magazines! 

I just love love love one of the bylines on the front cover - "start dreaming...make amazing happen!" *sigh 

What are you dreaming about right now? What amazing do you want? Let's make it happen!! This year is a year of blank canvases! A year for amazing to happen. As I head into this year I will remain open to what God has planned for me and my family. I will continually seek Him and draw my strength from Him.

Will you trust Him with your year, your life? Go on do it......you will NOT be bored!

Journaling January Day 4 - Walk the Talk

Walk the Talk

God whacked me between the eyes a while back and it left me speechless which for me is quite uncommon. I was a hypocrite! Say whaaaat! Yep a great big fat hypocrite!

After spending like forever trying to get my girls to tidy and keep tidy their room. I tried threatening dire consequences, bribing, yelling, politely requesting, making a game of it etc. You name I probably tried it. After a particularly heated encounter of trying to get them to tidy their room I threw my hands up in the air and walked out.....and into mine. That's when God whacked me with the hypocrisy of it all. My room was a mess much like the picture on top. Here I was having a fit about their and mine was no different. HYPOCRITE! 

So from then on whenever I am being hypocrite about something in my parenting God nudges me. If I yell at the kids for yelling, if I tell them to get off technology and go straight to pick up my phone or say no to them about eating before dinner yet I might snack on the cheese I am grating. Kids know these things, they aren't stupid. So I figure we have to be on game if we expect something of them too. 

They are watching us ALL the time, watching how we do life, watching our faith and what they see is going to have a HUGE impact on how they create their own lives and form their own faith. 

So this afternoon before I made a thing of their messy bedroom I thought I better tidy mine. Only took me half an hour ...So for the life of me I can't understand why I can't keep it tidy!!!!????

Journaling January Day 3 - Family

Family

After yesterdays crazy chaotic noisey rain day we decided that we didnt want a repeat it and so we ventured out and visited with family today! Best decision ever! When I married my husband I married into a giant even crazier family and for a bonus prized was blessed with not only a sister in law but a best friend too. Even our children are the best of friends! 

Our family is unbelievably important to us especially more so as we journey through this beautifulcrazyfaith road. 

These guys ahhhhh when I think of them I tear up ....they have prayed, encouraged, supported, listened and been there every step of the way. Now that's unconditional love right there! Our journey would be so much harder if it wasn't for these guys! One day just one day we might realise our dream of living next door to them where I can pop across the paddock for coffee! Lord willing!!!!!

Journaling January Day 2 : Rain Day

Rain Day 

Ugh! I hate rain days. Especially seeing its suppose to be summer. My brother-in-law will be pleased though as his paddocks will be getting a much needed drink.

 After our long day of traveling yesterday a day of rest is just what was needed but if only if everyone rested quietly. Not a chance....no siree! No its utter chaos! The kids are tired and grumpy. I am tired and grumpy. Not a good combination. Frankie gets cabin fever and will escape outside every chance she gets.

 Today I feel like I too might want to escape.....where would I go I wonder? Where would you go?‪