Moms Giveaway & Upcoming Online Study
Published May 6, 2011A heartfelt welcome to those here after reading my devotion at Proverbs 31 Ministries or on Crosswalk.com. If you haven’t read it yet, click here. Be sure to come back for a giveaway & announcement!
So, have your hats got you frustrated?
Wife, mother, lover, chauffeur, cook, maid, worker, referee, nurse, counselor, and Facebook friend!?!?!
Tired of switching back and forth throughout the day?
Growing weary of the delicate balancing act that nearly topples them all over and sends your emotions crashing too?
Ever want to chuck them all, let your hair down, grab a good novel and head for the beach…..all alone!!
Try these 5 tips for Maxed Out Moms:
~Make your motto “I’ll do what is next, not what is easy.” Too many times we gravitate toward what is easiest rather than what most needs attention.
But activity does not always equal productivity. Determine the next chore that should be tackled. Then, get started on it, even if it is unpleasant. You’ll gain momentum from just getting out of the chutes.
~Plate Scrape. Twenty years of parenting has taught me an important lesson about moms who do too much. We must plate scrape.
Ask yourself why you are doing what you do. Is it to be liked? To appear to be Wonder Woman? To feel needed and included? Because you’ve always done that task or held that position?
Hold your too-full plate up to God, ask His opinion then get a rubber scraper and rid your schedule of what He has not called you to.
~ Don’t Freak Out. Instead, Farm Out or Opt Out. Don’t try to wow your friends and amaze the church ladies with how you “do it all”. It will make you freak out. Realize is okay to farm some things out. And sometimes, to opt out all together!
Whenever someone seems to imply that they don’t know how I “do it all”, I look them straight in the eye and say, “Why honey….I don’t even try!”
Yes, I am a homeschool mom of three. One is grown. The other two have co-op classes taught by other parents as well as me & a weekly math tutor who is worth her weight in dark chocolate. I do what I can do (speak & write) to get money to pay her to do what I can’t (Algebra & Geometry). This, I farm out.
Secondly, I do not scrapbook. When I tried, it was pitiful. My kids’ books? Partially finished. But hey, all my childhood pictures are in an old trunk in my mom’s house and I haven’t needed professional therapy. I love looking at others’ scrapbooks and am in awe at their talent! It just isn’t my gig. On this one, I opt out.
Housework? I don’t clean bathrooms or do laundry. My theory is that if a 12-year-old can work an Xbox controller, they can run the washing machine and fling a toilet brush! These tasks? Farm out to the kiddos.
You see ladies, trying to “do it all” will only do yourself in. Pick what you are gifted at and hire, beg or barter to accomplish the rest. Hey, even the woman in Proverbs 31 had servant girls!
~ Carve out calm. Running at break-neck speed with a frenzy of activity all around makes our spirits restless. Slow down. Get alone. Turn off the noise-making gadgets. Listen to nothingness for a while. God is in the silence.
If you are a mom of young children, find another mother who will partner and swap with you. You take all the kids one morning so she can be alone. The next week swap. This practice saved my sanity when my kids were small & still does now that they are all teens.
~ Don Your Crown First. As I said in the devotion, perhaps the points on our tiaras as daughters of the King keep all the other hats in place. Trying to tuck God in around the edges of our day rarely works.
Time gets away; family fires need to be extinguished; out the window go my best intentions.
My P31 sister Luann Prater recently said in a conference call with our team that when we think of having time alone with just God and our Bibles each day, we must think of the word “non-negotiable”.
Crucial. Mandatory for a successful life. And necessary if we want to keep our hats in balance!
Now, I have two practical take-aways for you today to help you juggle those hats! First, a giveaway!
One gal who comments will receive the following:
~ A copy of Holiday Cooking with Kids by Williams Sonoma.
~ Colorful kitchen gadgets including a rubber spatula, pan scraper and cookie dough ball maker.
~ 2 warm vanilla sugar Bath & BodyWorks melting tarts.
~A signed copy of my book The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized.
~ A fun shirt given to me by a sweet gal at a Hearts at Home conference. The front says “What’s Your Day Look Like?” with the verse Prov. 31:30 on it. The back sports a long list of all the P31 woman did “Get up before dawn. Prepare breakfast. Plant a vineyard. Bring food from afar. Speak kind words. etc….” Size XL
Finally, beginning June 1st, I’ll be hosting a free 4 week online study designed to help busy women get their acts together. What better time to start than at the beginning of summer? Turn those lazy days into an opportunity to finally get your home in order and your time under control!
This will be based on my book The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized. (So if you haven’t got a copy you’ll need to get your hands on one). We’ll have discussions on concepts and ideas in the book (de-junking, time management, handling paper piles, cooking, cleaning, involving kids, etc), giveaways, practical take-aways, a few evening conference calls, guests and goodies all inspiring you to get those hats, and your homes, in order!
Since this will be done on Facebook, you can hop on at your convenience to comment, enter the giveaways, ask questions and share ideas and struggles. There will be a few evening conference calls that are optional. And, although we’ll hit the topics from all the chapters, it won’t be tied to a strict reading plan so you can go at your own pace.
If you’d like more information, head over to the Facebook page where this will be happening by clicking here. Click on the “Like” button and you’ll be set!
Get started reading and mark your calendar for June 1st when we launch the official 4 week study! Oh, I can’t wait!!
Now, don’t forget to leave your comment here to be entered in this moms giveaway! Winner announced Monday (along with the winners of this post, and this one too. You can still enter both!)
And finally, if you have a few minutes and want a good laugh, check out my Hats of a Mom skit here. Have a fabulous Mother’s Day!!!
Happy Hat-Juggling!
306 Responses to Moms Giveaway & Upcoming Online Study
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What a great devotional. Even as a mom whose kids are no longer living at home we still are called upon to wear different hats. Sometimes it’s can you help me with this, will you be able to come to this, do you have any extra time for this. Hats, a great example of how we handle our lives is how we wear our hats. You are so creative. Thanks for sharing this with us. Jean
This was a very timely devotion for me. And a wonderful reminder to put HIM first. Thank you for sharing!
Boy, oh, boy…does this hit home. I’m a single mom of three, with two jobs. One job as a teacher…so sometimes I feel like I have nothing left for my kids after playing caretaker all day long.
Prioritizing is hard at times, but I’m learning how to opt out and farm out. What a good feeling it is to to begin to see more white space on my calendar.
My new manta is: Anyone can teach these kids, our run a vacuum, or sing at church, or serve on this committee. I’ve got to realize I’m the only mama these three kids have! That (and my walk with Christ) comes first…the other stuff comes after.
It’s so important to remember the order of our hats, and to put our true, saving crown on first – Jesus Christ!
Even after hearing and reading NUMEROUS devotions on this, including many words you have to say about it, which are truly ispiring by the way, I STILL struggle with this daily. I really think I must be broken, lol! We move a lot, so not really any friends to get in the way, if that is a way to put the blessing of friends. No Church obligations in a new town yet. New work at home job should make it easier, and it does, most of the time…. I STILL have to do the work….There is basically NOTHING On my plate but God, Hubby, Kiddos, Work, and House, and somehow all of those still get pushed behind work. Even quite time does not always happen because I am up late working and do not get up, even when I pray for help getting up the night before. I REALLY want to know how the P31 woman stayed up late AND got up early…we were created to need sleep, right? I digress, just want to tell you…very appreciated and timely devo, and I am sooooooo excited for the new FB Bible study!
I love it when you said “activity does not equal productivity”. I need to be reminded that the mundane business needs to be relegated to it’s rightful spot – at the end! I work full-time and have 4 kids and a wonderful hubby/boyfriend. After God, hubby is first because when this phase ends, it’s just me and him – just the way it started. After all, it was because of us that this all started int he first place, right? So, God and husband. Then… honestly, work. With all of my kids in school, it’s easy to focus on the job. However, when I forgot about the Teacher Appreciation Week gifts for them to take to school this morning, they were heartbroken and so was I. I have to preach the truth to myself constantly – put God’s priorities first and He will honor my efforts. No matter how much I tell myself this, I continue to struggle. HE IS FAITHFUL – every day! He turns my half-hearted effort into successes even though I continue to doubt and stray. HE IS SO GOOD!
WOW! You’ve been there, done that, (and still are, huh?)! I think I’ve got this “Seek ye first” thing right, and then BAM, He shows me otherwise! Our God is so good!
My oldest is about to graduate high school in only three weeks! My second child is right behind her and will graduate next year! I have a foster child who is 11 and about to enter puberty! My husband is a pastor of a church plant! I teach 3rd grade!
You don’t want to hear all about my hats, sorry. I can go on and on and on and on and on.
Anyway, thank you for reminding me once again to put THE hat on my head that puts our Lord first above everything else!
This devotion touched me so much this morning. I needed to hear it. I am married with a 25 year old daughter, her 28 year old boyfriend, and a going to be 6 year old granddaughter. My husband and I are supporting all of them. I definetly feel the pressure of wearing too many hats. I don’t agree with the situation of living arrangements but deal with it only because if I don’t my granddaughter will suffer. The parents do not take care of her so it falls onto my husband and I. Sometimes I feel like God is so far away and I know it’s because I put my crown on top of all the other hats. I am changing this as I speak. I now spend my time with God in the mornings when I get up and if I can find time during my day I will do so again. I constantly pray in my heart for situations and peace. Sometimes I feel like I am going to just explode with all the stress. Thank you for this devotional about getting my hats in the correct order.
Sherrie—
Hang in there! God has the answer!
Oh, I’m in! This sounds like a great study!
This was a much needed read this morning… and a repeated message I’m beginning to hear… I hope!! Our pastor spoke about ‘First things First’ and how ‘She Lost Her Focus’ last Sunday… I’m glad God knows me and what I need better than I do… just want to be able to surrender and trust Him completely.
Thanks so much. You truly are a blessing!
Sometimes just reading other comments and seeing that I am not the only one trying to manage an impossible number of hats is such a huge encouragement! Can’t wait for the Bible Study!
Wow, I really needed to hear all of that this morning. Now just to put it into practice! Thank you and I am going to pick up a copy of your book as well!
What a wonderful much needed reminder that our crown will keep the other hats in place! Now if I can just get that through my thick head
Sometimes we moms are so much like our children. I imagine God continually saying to me., “do what is important first and then the other stuff!” which is what I constantly say to my daughter, “get the important stuff done first and then you’ll have time for all that other stuff!”
I’m thankful that one of your hats is to hear God’s wisdom and share it with the rest of us! Thank you and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you beautiful moms.
Ouch! This one hurts…but it was so what I needed to hear. Have you ever noticed that you tend to “hear” things when someone not close to you tells you. You have given me a jolt to get my priorities in line. I am a daughter of the King first and foremost. Often I put that time on the back burner but not anymore. Starting today I will learn that “NO” is not a dirty word. Thank you for sharing with me!
Smiles and Blessings, Robin
Thank Youfor those timely words. I do read your daily devotional but trying to make too many people happy is making be stressed out. I need to do the God test to help me prioritize. Looking forward to the study!
Wow, this morning I heard the whisper from my father, the King, to put him first. I really needed this because life has been crazy. The hats have come off, but my crown remains.
I came to my computer to grab my calendar… hot water is on the stove getting ready for me to make my tea… I had determined that I would FIRST sit down and have my quiet time today while my house is still quiet. (My children are still sleeping – it’s not time to wake my teenagers for school yet!) Of course, e-mail beckoned me as I sat down – and I glanced at the beginning of the devotional that comes each day from Crosswalk (Encouragement for Today).
The verse caught my attention – and as I read the entire devotional my thought was, “How did she know I would be reading this today?” Definitely one of those times when it could have been written “just for me”. So, thank you! Thank you for the reminder that all will fall into the places it all belongs if I just first seek His Kingdom!
I am going to savor my time with my Father, the King…
Blessings to you today,
laurie
i love the comment that if they can play xbox, etc. they can definitely swish a toilet bowl or run a vacuum! thank you for this wonderful devotion! being the mom of three young children, i feel like my lack of organization, putting too much on my plate, and not putting the Lord first before it all has drained me. I look forward to the June study!
Every morning as I read through my emails and play online card games just before the kids get up and the chaos ensues; I think I really should be conversing with God not my computer. But it always seems too hard. I’ve not done it in so long now I’m not even sure where are how to start again. So, this is definitely a reminder that I don’t where my daughter of the King crown first. And what Mom doesn’t have a full list to tackle daily that goes from waking till falling down exhausted way too late at night? And, then the organization thing, all through the day I say it would be easier if things were organized better, but when am I supposed to fit getting that, none to small chore into this already way to crammed full schedule? My pile of hats is toppling on a daily basis and with it goes my sanitiy. So I yell too much and am not fun to be around. So why do it all in the first place when it’s the people in our lives who matter most? This devo definitely hit home. And my “plan” for like the umteenth summer in a row is to get my house downsized and organized so things will go smoother. Since it hasn’t been accomplished yet, I assume I need a little help. Sometimes that is hard to admit. But I am looking forward to the June 1 Bible study and would feel very lucky and encouraged if I won the book to help me.
Thank you for the reality check,
Jessica
This was incredibly written with my name on it! I am a 34 yr old wife of 12 yrs, mother of 4, and assistant principal @ a local elementary school. I have always been a Christian, but lately b/c of all the hats I wear I haven’t had time (or haven’t made the time) for a close walk w/my Savior! What a shame! I have cried almost daily b/c of what this busyness is doing to me and my family emotionally, physically, and most importantly spiritually! It has really taken a toll! I’m torn b/c I feel as though I have a gift in dealing w/children in a school setting and the world needs good educational leaders, but @ what costs to my family should I stay?! Pls consider me for your contest. I need some guidance in this matter. Thanks for your beautiful devotion to Christ! May He bless you today!
ITS WONDERFUL TO HEAR THAT WE DONT HAVE TO BE EVERYTHING-GETTING THINGS IN ORDER FOR ME CAN BE NUTS I WORK AT NIGHT SO MY DAY ENDS WHEN EVERYONE ELSES BEGINS LOTS OF TIMES I FEEL IM LEAVING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING OUT-I USUALLY LIKE TO END MY DAY WITH READING THE WORD-BUT OFTEN SLEEP GETS IN THE WAY
Thank you for the devotional today. It really hit home for me. I try to please others, but need to obey and put Jesus first. This world will pass away and I want my life to count for Jesus. Please continue to write the encouraging words to fellow Christians. Thank you for your ministry.
Thanks Karen for a wonderful start to my day.. Loved your hat skit!! And this devotion could not come at a more appropriate time! God always meets me where I am.. and meets my needs. Thank you for allowing Him to work mightily through you!
Thank you for the devotion! I really needed it today as there are so many life pressures on me!
I can’t wait for the online study! I really need help in this area! Thank you Karen!
Oh my! How perfect is this message for me TODAY!!! Looking forward to joining you in June!
You know this speaks to you when you get up and start your devotional and hear EXACTLY what you have been thinking about. It is wonderful to have God speak to you through other people. This is personally one area I need to be reminded in. I am a divorced mother of 2. I am a school teacher and I struggle with being busy and with worrying about how I am going to provide for my children. I am sooo glad I read this devotional today. Thank you for your message.
Thank you so much for the timely devotional. This particular topic is something that I have continually prayed over and just can’t seem to get it right! I have a 3 y/o and a 5 month old and my time always seems to be interrupted by someone … but I know the importance of seeking Him first… oh how I pray to get this through my thick and sleep-deprieved mind!! Thanks for your willingness to be real and share so that the others of us coming up behind you can learn from your life lessons!
Thanks so much for this reminder. Just what I needed to hear today.
thanks for this devotional – it hit the nail right on the head! I desire to get my priorities in order as well – what a great time to start as the homeschool year is winding down. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
After losing an entire day yesterday to a migraine (brought on by stress!), I really needed to hear this. Balancing everything is by far my biggest challenge. Thank you for your encouraging words today!
This is just what I’ve needed. I’m not getting things done and never seem to have the energy needed to accomplish the basics. I’d love to do the study online. I’m going to invite my best friend to join us too. I’ll check your blog for the book.
Karen – thank you for this timely devotional – I found it in my inbox from Proverbs 31. I too am a homeschooling mom (of 4 boys). Our family is in the process of a separation/divorce so along with all the normal plate spinning – I am adding all the chaos of a broken family & responsibilities that used to belong to my husband.
I am so glad to have found your blog. Thanks for the encouraging words. I am anxious for your on-line study!
Wonderful devotional and reminder. Thank you for sharing your crown. You have truly blessed others by reminding us how important it is.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks for the rminder that busyness is such a distraction from God. I struggle with this as I love to help everyone with anything and then sometimes the things God wants me doing I miss out on.
My house is in such chaos!!!! Everyday we try to get a small paortion under control… but I don’t feel like I am getting anwhere. I loved the devotion today!
A gal I know shared your devotion and it was totally awesome. I will definitely take pointers
from it to apply to my life. I’m would like to also follow the study in June. Thanks also for the giveaway.
Thanks for this devotion. I had to laugh at myself because just last night I was stressing over my schedule. My daughter is starting the color guard team next week for the first time. I just learned about four weeks of band camp. I love when the Lord is so clearly trying to tell me something! I am looking forward to the study on June 1st. Thanks!
This is just what I needed to hear this morning. I am really not a faced paced person, but everyone around me is, so I feeel ruushhed every day! I get up early and read Proverbs 31 devotionals every day! It helps!
Thanks!
Thank you for this timely devotion. I definitely struggle with prioritizing. I get distracted so easily!
I am a mom of 3 young boys! I feel as though I am being eaten alive by all of the “stuff” around the house. I am struggling to find ways to organize and simplify! Your book looks amazing. The devotional was spot on!
I love reading your devotions on P31. It’s amazing how often it’s exactly what I need to hear at that moment. Thank you for donning the ‘mentor hat’ for us moms.
I just joined P31. Today is my second day and each devotion has touched my life. I am glad I am not the only person that doesn’t always get her hat on straight. Thank you for your words this morning. I am going to be more concerned about my crown than my busy hats. I am going to learn to opt out on some things.
Awesome skit and I have much to learn. We have the CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome) Must get organized somehow. Thank you for everything!
Such wonderful insight. God is returning to my number one spot. I’m remembering the peace it brings and am blessed with the P31 daily devotionals. I’d love to get and stay organized and look forward to your study in June. Thanks!
Organized what is that after kids? I use to be before kids. I thought being a stay at home mom would allow me more time to get it all done, instead I have more hats now then ever! Enjoyed this devotion very much and would love the opportunity to read your book and do the study.
Thanks so much for these words of encouragement. I’m thinking of myself at work with a beautiful shiny crown on now rather than all the hats I try to balance every moment. I am amazed at how often the God of the universe takes time to remind me that He is my one and only. I love you, too, Lord. I pray each time you ladies look in the mirror today, that you see your twinkling crown.
Thanks for these lovely and useful tips! Remembering to do them consistently is the key. With age, experience, and a bit more wisdom, it is getting easier to say, “I can’t at this time.” Yet I still struggle and think, “Why can’t I do this? Don’t I have my act together by now?!” Again, such a timely devotion that I’ve sent to a few of my friends.
Of all days, today I needed to see this the most. I headed over here after reading the devotion on P31 for the day. And it hit closer to home then I would like to admit. I am a young mom to 3 young kids, married for 4 years (yesterday actually) and work in the Church. Sadly, as much as I love my church, it is very time demanding and has started taking place of my top 3 priorities, God, Husband and kids. It is so important to remember that we have to be His daughter first and then everything else WILL fall into place. Thank you so much for writing about this. I will definatly be joining in that bible study coming up!
It is so hard to balance the many requirements of a woman/mother/wife today. I pray God will bless us each with simplicity and quiet so we can feel His presence in our lives.
This is so me! at the end of the day I’m so exhausted that I don’t have time for me and I ach all over from the stress of not getting it all done! I am so looking forward to all you have planned! I want to get MY act together!
thank you
Katherine
This hit home for me. I am reading the book of Matthew right now and P31 today was in the book of Matthew chapter 6 and I had just finished up chapter 5 this morning before reading P31. It always amazes me how God works daily in our lives if only we will seek him. I stay at home with 2 year old twins and my oldest (11) is in school. My day to say the least is always an adventure. Thank you for the hat method of looking at things in my daily life. WOW!!! I need to work harder at my list and get some organization done. Thank you.
“Trying to tuck God in around the edges of our day rarely works.” OH SO TRUE! I’m so thankful for the mornings I’ve managed to get time alone with God in before my kids wake up. I know how much I need and desire it and how much it helps to shape my day and how I handle things that I’ve found myself setting my alarm earlier and earlier to try to get it in. I think some dark curtains in the kids room would help too!
Thank you for a great post!! 
Thanks for this reminder to delegate. I tend to try to do it all myself and my husband gets frustrated when he sees me obviously drowning and trying to throw me a life line. I push it away and say I can do it myself. I am trying to change that and not see it as a sign of weakness but of working together as a team.
I am struck by the absolute truth in your message today. “BUSY” is what our society lives by and I feel judged if I am not running 6 different places every day with my kids and community activities. I have recommitted myself to my faith journey and your comments are of great help and support. We have an awesome God!
You know it took me losing a son at the age of 22 to finally understand what it meant to arise each morning and place that crown on my head and really know what is important to God in my life. That was eight years ago and I praise God each and every day for showing me what a privilege it is for me to be called a daughter of the King!
I so needed to hear *read* this today. I will be leaving today for a 2 night retreat with my church and feeling guilt because, the house is as clean as I would like it, laundry isn’t done. its just too much sometimes.
Cant wait for the online bible study!
blessings.
suzi
I am such an organizer that I find myself organizing to the point of not getting other things done. It is so hard to find balance and I love being reminded to put God first and everything will be balanced.
Lorri
Love the reminder – needed now and especially for Mother’s Day. I just realized this morning that to meet my deadlines, I’ll be working on Sunday. It seems I’m almost always working on Mother’s Day due to the juggling of several part-time jobs. Sometimes I just want a day OFF! Besides all the “usual” hats I wear, I wear three different job hats as well. It can be grueling, but we do what we have to do for the family. I’m looking forward to the online study! Thank you for doing this!
These simple steps are so insightful!! I needed to hear about your book today as a light in the storm. I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree in the next couple of weeks, have a 5 & 2 y.o., and you know what the rest of my list looks like, I’m sure! =) I’ve gotten extremely lazy about my time with God. I talk to Him all the time, but I’m either sleepy or frantic it seems and I need to do exactly what you said…make my time with him non-negotiable! Thank you for putting it in such a way as to speak volumes to my heart this morning!!! Have a wonderful day enjoying God’s amazing glory all around us!!!
Matthew 6 is my life verse. I’m a mother of grown daughters and now very much hands on grandchildren, (2nd parenting) As to encourage young moms and moms of teenagers and older to put Christ first and your time with HIM is freeing. One that leaves not regret! Follow the Master Teacher, Terri
Thanks so much for this post! I really need this. I have already like your page on facebook, commented and am really looking forward to this!!! Being a wife, mom of 5, working full-time and a full array of everything else we ladies have to juggle… I really need to be constantly reminded to keep my priorities in line and take time for God and Me first! Did I mention that I’m a Children’s Pastor as well… I know these things. Sometimes it is just so hard to do it. I love what your sister said about it being non-negotiable!!!
Now that I’m older, I am a bit wiser; but still need to be reminded- some hats I don’t have to wear everyday, all day long. And because I do not have little ones underfoot, I have a tendency to still put too much on my plate. Periodically, I have to scrape my plate. Thank you for reminding me, again, to first put on the crown- then judge all other hats by the crown.
Your devotion was right on point today. I have made a habit of starting my day with quite time, prayer and bible study because of chaos that was in my home. but as a result, it has allowed me to give God my undivided attention before my day starts. It allows God to guide everything starting at the beginning of the Day.
I feel more at peace, and when everything on my near Type A list doesn’t get done, I thank God that he has prioritized my day and that the important things were taken care of.
What a great way to start the day each morning and how refreshing it is to know that the demands we place on ourselves are without merit if we haven’t consulted God about how our steps should be ordered on a daily basis!
I love the part about grabbing a book and running to the beach! That is exactly where I am right now! Every year me and my girlfriends come to the beach to “get away” from all the everyday stuff. Two days of doing nothing but relaxing can really put your priorities in perspective. It also refreshes my spirit and my attitude for when I return home. I would advise all ladies to take a little time for themselves once in a while, even if it’s just a quick trip to the park (alone) to read a book, or take a walk.
Great devotion Karen….as always. Looking forward to your online study. I need all the help i can find on being better organized. Thanks for doing this. Have a happy Mothers day.
I needed this message! I am a mother of 4 children, ages 16, 12, 10 & 6. I work a full time job in addition to part time as the church secretary. My husband is the pastor of a small church which still hold the mentality that everything should be done be the pastor and his family. I have had to take on leading ministries that I am not good at and do not have a heart for. I have been very burdened for the past month or so by the fact that been so overwhelmed by the busyness and I feel that my family is catching the left overs if there are any of my time. I am praying that God will help my wear the tiara He has given me first. I am praying that He will help me focus on Him and He will fill in the gaps that I have been feeling so pressured to fill in at the church and them I can focus on the ministry I feel called to. I have been trying to find more time to rest in Him, but I fear you put it perfectly for me when you mention how we try to tuck God in around the edges of our day. Pray that I will be able to put God first in my day. I am striving to wake up early and start my day with God instead of fitting Him in! Thank you for this Message!
Wow, you really do need that scraper, sister. I was once doing an overwhelming load of church activities, girl scout activities, school parent volunteer activities. “Volunteering” was my job. A wise friend at church told me that she had learned that sometimes God allowed us to get to that point so that in making others aware of what needed doing, we could step down and allow God to call someone else to serve Him. I pray the members of your church feel the call to help you and your family.
Thank you Karen– just the reminders I needed on this busy morning!
Oh, I love your comment about the Xbox and the toilet brush. I believe in putting kids to work , but sometimes feel guilty doing it. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with my idea of what I need to get done.
I am trying to remember to focus on the people I’m with, not the task I have to accomplish. That always goes better when I start off my day focusing on the lord and his word.
I,m planning to take your advise to heart as I prepare for a busy summer. I work at a summer camp with the teen volunteers.
Thanks for your encouragement.
This article really hit home to me this week as I wore many hats juggling work, kids activities, and some family issues. Thanks for helping me see that I am not alone. I am blessed to have a family, kids, and a job in this economy and I have God to thank for all of them. God Bless you and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms wearing many hats!!!!!
With 7 children, work and a hobby farm…putting “my hat” on is the last thing on my list!! Thank you for the reminder that putting my hat on first will help me do better with the rest of my hats to be worn that day!!
Thank you so much, Karen, for these words of wisdom. I have learned and worked on this topic a lot in the past year or two. I am a homeschooling mom of 2 elementary age kids and have an almost 1 yr old. It was hard to figure out what the most important things were at first, but I did it because I turned it over to God and he led me. So what if there is dust on the TV stand or fingerprints on the windows! That makes no difference in eternity. I love your response to others who think you “do it all” and I may borrow it!
Blessings,
Katherine
Karen you had some really great ideas today. I know at times I try to juggle too many plates or wear too many hats. I have trouble saying no especially when it’s a good cause or something for church or school.
Also the study your planning sounds great. I can’t wait.
Okay, as I sat here and read this today it was as if you knew the story of what had been going on in my life lately. I am above all a child of God, but I am also a wife, a mother, a full time worker, an active member in my church with several things I try to do there. I am a volunteer firefighter and first responder at my local fire department where I was serving as captain and training officer. I was also responsible for planning all events and get-to-gethers that we had. I also am half way through completing my college degree. That has had to take a back burner lately because of everything else. Now without MY GOD I would have never been able to do any of these things in the first place, BUT I felt like I was going in so many different directions that I wasnt focusing enough on that was really important… that being a closeness with God, time with my family, and taking time to notice and be thankful for God’s everyday blessings. In the last month or so I have taken a break from some of the activities that while important in their own way were not directly relating to glorifying God. I now notice that I have more time to do the things for my church that need to be done, I have more time to witness to people at abouts Grace and Mercy, more time for my family, and more time to just sit on my porch with my coffee and thank God for the beautiful scenery.
followed you link from Proverbs 31 and it really hit home. I am forwarding to some friends who could use the encouragement. Have a blessed Mothers Day!
Ya know…I kinda work behind the scenes with these devotions so I saw yours a bit ago. It touched me then and I needed to hear it again today! I am now holding my full plate up to God and asking Him to scrape off and redirect me. It seems to be a constant battle! Thanks for the encouragement and I can’t wait to participate in the study in June — my home needs a lot of care!
This is just what I needed to hear! Thanks for making a tough morning into one that has made me stop in the chaos, look at the sunshine and thank the father.
This is me! I am a people pleaser and I hate to say no, but I am learning that no must be part of my vocabulary. I cannot do everything and I am learning to prioritize.
A much needed devotion today!
I struggle so much with my hats! And every day that I put my crown on first…well, I’d love to say that those days go perfectly, but they don’t. But they do seem less crazy. I try to remember that I don’t have to do everything, just one thing. When that one thing is done, then I can do the next! Love your thoughts today!
Thank you so much for this insightful article. I am a homeschooling mother of four and a “babe” in Christ. Your reminder today helps me to stay focused on what’s most important! God bless.
We have 5 kids, own 2 businesses, very active in church and I have a part time job on top of this. This is just the top few things we are doing everyday. Ther are sports schedules, graduation schedules, plays, friends and family to include in there too. Sometimes, no many times it is so overwhelming that I find myself escaping by reading or playing computer games because it all overwhelms me and then the guilt hits because I play the avoidance game and then I stress out because I have to hurry now and get this all done. I am working everyday to fix this and rearrange this to be closer in my relationship with God, being a good wife and mother. That is what I want and sometimes it is just so hard. Your post today was good for me to read and to think and apply. Thank you!!
Wow! Love how God works! I’ll be sharing this devotional with a group of friends that I get together with once a month. This devotional is exactly what we need! Thank you so much!!! God is good!!!!!!!
Sometimes I forget that I can’t do it all and that really, in all honesty, nobody, other than ME, expects me to. I need to focus more on what God expects of me and less on what everybody on Earth expects. Thank you for your sweet perspective!
I love this Karen. I will need to put some of this into practice when I start homeschooling in the fall. I told the boys they will be assigned different jobs to do to help clean the house. Looking forward to putting those changes in place and having things a little less chaotic.
I know this battle (overloaded plate) and trying to keep organized(to-do lists etc.) No, I’m not a young mom with children at home. I am an early retiree (budget cut-back), and still struggle with too many directions.
My daughter has two preschool age girls and I hear her frustration and struggles too. If my name is drawn, I will give her the kit.
I appreciate this additional source of devotions.
I am so glad I saw this today. I think a woman wears so many hats, she completely forgets who she is. It gets to the point where I’m known as either Paul’s wife or Levi’s mom or Landon’s mom, not Stephanie. As the wife of a police detective (on-call 24/7), mother of two active boys and with a full-time job outside of the house, I’m no different than anyone else. A different set of circumstances with the same results. Thank you for your post and I look forward to more!
Whoo Hoooo! Soooo timely for me! God always is right on time! I struggle so much with working, organizing, keeping my house just livable and finding clean clothes needed on a daily basis. Sad, but true! I desire to break these strongholds that hinder me now! I want to break this “generational curse” before it effects my children any more than it already has. It is my desire to glorify my heavenly father, my husband and my children. Have not been able to locate your book at my local book stores.
Sounds like a great bible study!
Thank you for this reminder! It came at a great time for me. I’m a wife & mom of 5 who is working part-time, volunteering at my children’s school AND getting ready to begin a graduate degree program. My classes don’t begin for a month and yet I’m already feeling the stress of being too busy!
Last night around 10:00pm I got in my car with out saying anying to anybody and just drove around by myself. I just had to get a way for about 10 minuets. I came home and found out that my children were actually worried about me. They had called my mom to see if I had gone over to her house. My mom called to see if I was home yet and that gave me a chance to vent. to someone. It felt good. I woke up this morning and looked for a devotion to read online and came across your! It ws just what I needed. I know why I feel neglected and unappreciated from my family; it is because I am wearing my hats on wrong and they keep falling off. Thank you for helping me get my priorities back! Now I will be more able to cope with the stress of being a wife, mom, teacher, housecleaner, etc.
Thanks so much for the 5 tips. I need to be reminded what is priority, that I truly can give things up and my world won’t fall apart. My husband told me 10 years ago he really didn’t care if the house was perfect he just wanted to spend time with me. Every now and then I need to be reminded of that so I will not climb back on that train. I have printed the 5 tips off and hope to keep them in site. Thanks for all you do. ~ Leigh Ann
Wow! I have stuggled with organization and priorities for years! I’m a self proclaimed procrastinator…..always say I’ll do it and the hours, days, weeks, and years escape me. I’m excited for your bible study! My calendar is marked! I really needed your reminder today about priorities! When I start my day with God, the day DOES have more JOY!
Thank you so much for todays devotional. I felt like you were talking to me! I am a mom of three, work full time, pastors wife, on worship team and although i love all of it, it is so hard to keep up with it. looking forward to the online study group. thanks!
Thank you to Paige for being honest enough to say that you play the “adviodance game” I am right there with you. My hats have all tumbled to the ground and I am so overwhelmed that I don’t know which one to pick up first and so I am not picking any of them up. Needless to say my world feels like it is spinning faster and faster out of control. The thing is, I am paralyzed and feel too numb to do anything about it. I am taking this to my Papa God and I know He will help. Thanks for reminding me to be His daughter first.
Thank you also Karen for saying that you don’t scrapbook!!! I don’t either and I end up feeling guilty because it seems like everyone else on the planet does!!!!
Thank you so much for this. I am so looking forward to the study. Trying to do it all has been wearing me out! I’ve learned that setting aside my “crown time” is the most important part of my day. Cleaning, laundry, dusting, etc. can wait. If I don’t start and end my days with prayer and devotion, I find myself out of sorts and feeling very lost throughout the day. I’ve learned to take it to the Lord and ask for his help and guidance on those days when I’m feeling especially overwhelmed. So grateful for you and all of the other ladies at Proverbs 31 Ministries. You have helped me so much. Funny how the Lord works…seems that the devotions always address issues that I’m having at that particular time. God Bless you ALL!
Thank you as always Karen!!! I would love to win–I am an X-large too!!! (which I am not to sure many of your other gal pals are!!!) I hope you have a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!! Many blessings,Barb
Yes, yes, and yes. I have spent so much time early in my marriage and motherhood trying to get everything right and yes, it does leave me empty and exhausted to the point that I have no choice but to run desperately after the Father for strength and peace.
I am slowly learning how to walk to Him first and then deal with the leftovers but still not entirely balanced in that area. I have always been particular about cleaning and convinced myself deep down inside that the signs of a good mother and wife is an immaculately clean house, a warm homecooked meal, children who haven’t spent a good majority of time in front of the tv so you could get your housework done, folded laundry as soon as it comes out of the dryer etc etc.
Jesus is breaking that mentality in me though. I sense a deliberate season of weakness, physical and emotional, so that I just don’t have the energy to keep up with my unrealistic standards. And my only choice is to adjust and try to develop new standards.
I don’t have fb but will pray for God’s provision to buy your book so I can have some help in developing those new, realistic standards that won’t steal my peace and joy.
Love you, sister!
It’s good to know that I am not the only mom that has struggled and got frustrated with the many hats that I have to wear. I’ve been wearing myself out and stressing to the point that my health is being affected. I denfinately have to be adamant about my personal time and mandate my time daily. I have four children, two 10 years holds, 7 year old, and a very active two year old. I like that your advise were simple words of wisdom. Thank you so much for sharing, I do intend to apply it all to my life….
As a widow with two teenage boys I was so blessed by this. Thank you for encouraging me to do what God has already been telling me – slow down and focus on Him and He will help me take care of the rest. I especially appreciated that there are others in the world who are overhwhelmed with scrapbooking. I’ve never even tried because I knew I would be terrible at it but have always felt guilty that I coudn’t do that too. I have been reminded lately that “comparison is a joy-robber”. I am trying to no longer compare myself to others who seem to do everything and have it all together. Thanks for the wonderful encouragement!
Yes to every single thing you said! I am planning a wedding for my oldest daughter, trying to finish out a school year, as an employee, have two children in college, different colleges, one in high school with all the disappointments and challenges of high school
, my husband and I have both been notified of immediate furlough days and a 10% salary cut. SOOOOO, I am clinging to your verse in today Proverbs 31 devotional, thank you for reminding us of the promises of our LORD.
Trying to make the time to fit it all in is hard. I have gotten much better about saying no and spending time with God daily. (Love this font!)