Midweek Motivation
Start Your Day out Right
Scripture, Short Devotion
If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
Even the darkness is not dark to Thee,
And the night is as bright as the day…Psalm 139:11-12
My computer Bible has a note beside this passage that the word “overwhelm” means, literally, “bruise.” Surely the darkness will bruise me… I know what that feels like. It could be some sin or temptation.
It could be some memory. It could be a harsh word from someone whom I never expected harshness.
Things blindside us and leave us feeling spiritually and emotionally ransacked.
However, God says that He sees the bruises coming, even though we can not. When we are shocked and devastated, He already has it in hand; and even the darkness is not dark to His sight.
Is Your House in Order?
Cleaning, parenting, marriage, organization tips, etcetera.
I’ve been dealing with stress and anxiety for most of my life. So, when I think of organization, the first thing I think is not how to use organization to manage life, but how to manage organization so that it doesn’t rack me out with performance anxiety and perfectionistic expectations. Another thing that extreme organization does, is make me feel incredibly claustrophobic. For me, it’s a balance. Life that’s falling apart makes me miserable, but so does a hyper-scheduled life.
Here’s a taste of the balancing act.
- Days that I can get away without reviewing my day planner, I don’t look at it. Or even whole weeks, if it’s just routine appointments. I keep a month-at-a-glance on top of it so I know when to re-engage my brain.
- Rather than make a to-do list, I major on a priority list. Marriage and family come before any other demands. Writing next, and then the rest of the world. That means my house is not often tidy. It’s also not permanently trashed, because one of our family activities is cleaning up. The main thing is, I’ve given myself permission to do what doesn’t turn me into an insane, rabid critter of the wild.
- I know what helps my husband take a load off, and he knows what helps me. More importantly, we try to keep in tune with each other’s stress cues. Suppressed needs reveal themselves in conversation, in relating to the kids, and even in touch. It’s the little things that are make-or-break – paying attention to them saves a world of trouble.
Afternoon Pick Me Up
Writing inspiration
I’ve heard many experienced authors talk about “the book I really want to write – but I’m not ready to yet.” So, I’m curious to know: Do you have a dream project in your heart? How do you feel about it? Nervous? Inadequate? Excited? Impatient?
Thinking about it a little more, I realize that I’m not writing my “future book” now because there are things I know I need to learn first. Some of it is research. Some of it is writing skills. Some of it has to do with an almost subconscious sense of the pacing of my life and my own maturity as a writer.
Think about what you really, really want to write. Think about why you’re not doing it right now – or if you are, what you’ve waited for. If you’re the list type, make a list of what you need to do or how you
want to grow in order to tackle your dream project. If you’re a meditative meanderer, just sit back and think it over.
Don’t be afraid to feel inadequate. Inadequacy should never be discouraging. It should be the smell of a challenge on the wind. There does not have to be a plan in place for conquering your inadequacies – plans have huge limitations anyway, because people are all unique and circumstances are always changing.
Give yourself permission to love the struggle.
What’s For Dinner?
Quick dinners, crock pots, etcetera. Mom’s Heretical Spaghetti Sauce
I deeply love spaghetti, and my mother always tried to make healthy meals with all four food groups in balance. This one requires the following ingredients:
1-2 pounds of ground beef
Chopped onion, to taste
Garlic, pressed or powdered, to taste
Brown the meat with the onion and garlic. After that, add:
28 fl. oz. tomato paste
28 fl. oz. water
Chopped green pepper
Chopped mushroom
…And now we come to the contentious part. My mother will also throw in chopped celery, grated carrot, and if she’d ever had an eggplant on hand, I wouldn’t put that past her either. I caught her using chili powder and other odd assortments when she lacked oregano and garlic. I bet there was curry in there once or twice. And where the basil went, I just don’t know. It’s simply not right to make spaghetti without it. To some, I suppose, spaghetti is just another form of hash with noodles. (Sigh) Love ya, Mom!
A Restful Night’s Sleep
Scripture for a restful sleep
Because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:16, many Christians tack a firm, if silent, “or else” on the end when they talk about this verse. “You shall be holy – or else.” And it causes them guilt over their failure to measure up. But I didn’t come from church. I came from a life of sheer unholiness. Likewise, I come at this verse from a different direction. I don’t see it as a drill sergeant’s order; I see it as one of God’s promises.
We are never commanded to do something supernatural without it being supplied to us – supplied without reference to our own abilities. I do not have to make this happen in my life. God will make it happen. How? Why? Peter simply says, “Because it is written.” Paul tells Titus that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). God said it, and so He’ll do it.
Thank You God, that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Help me let go of my version of holiness – my filthy rags. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Cathi-Lyn Dyck
