Drink from the Deep

I just wanted to let you know that I have finally started a new blog (YES - another one!) that I have felt like I was supposed to start for awhile. It's called "Drink from the Deep". God has been telling me to "say what I tell you to say Lori". So I am. I'm not sure what all will be on the site . . . just whatever God wants me to put there. :)
He's also been expanding the visions that He has been giving me lately . . . . not just for my family, or for my church . . . . but for the nation. I'm not exactly sure what He's doing or planning on doing with (in and through) me . . . but I know it's something good! :) I know He wants me to "speak" and say what He's telling and showing me . . . but I'm not sure exactly where or how He wants me to share the "bigger" visions. I guess He'll show me. :) Who knows . . .there may yet be another blog in my future. :)

God bless you guys!

House Maintenance

What a week!

Normally I look forward to when my husband has a business trip. . . . . . . now, that didn't sound right! :) Let me explain . . .

I have 5 kids - ages 4 through 13 - I have 1 husband - and thankfully we are down to just 3 pets. :) I am on the Steering Team for our church's MOPS group, on the board of an adoption group, have my hand in and eye on several other things, and generally tend to go above and beyond in waaay too many things that interest me (and there are waaaay too many things that interest me . . . I need a few lifetimes to do them all!)! Let's just say - I am way too busy!

So, when my husband says he is going away for a few days, it's not that I won't miss him or don't want him to go or don't love him . . . . it just opens up a couple hours each day where I can be by myself. I am an introvert by nature. . . . .bmeaning - I get reenergized by being alone! So with a house full of people and pets (and chores and messes, and unfinished projects, and projects I WANT to start - but know I probably won't finish . . . .) - those few hours in the week to myself can be quite energizing and refreshing.

Not this week.

I didn't really see those hours. Where did they go? I know I had them somewhere . . . maybe. But they are definitely dwindling down with my oldest (now a teenager) staying up later and later (he has his parent's "night owl" gene) and feeling quite chatty during that time.

This was just a rough week - emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally and more. I won't bore you with all the details - but suffice it to say I have felt our house being under attack (spiritaully) all week. And without my husband here to support me and "fight" in this battle (I'm sure he was from his hotel room . . . I hope) - I stayed pretty weary and drained all week.

Today I was laying on my bed - half trying to take a nap this morning (as I've had about 5-6 hours sleep a night - while ususally waking up 2-4 times during those few hours) - and half trying to talk with God.

"How am I supposed to handle this all? What am I supposed to do about (these certain issues)? Did I miss your will/leading in something? Should we change what we are doing? . . . . . God - I am exhausted and all I REALLY want to do each day is to spend hours with you! But if I did that - then nothing would get done around here!"

"Yes it would" I heard God say. And I knew . . . I knew what He meant.

It wasn't the cooking, cleaning, chores, MOPS agendas, projects, etc that would get done . . . . it was the "house cleaning and maintenance" that needed to be done within my family - spiritually, relationally, emotionally, etc. It was the spiritual battles that would be fought and won, and the promised land that would be taken as promised. THAT is what really is so much more important!

I know that. I do. I know it deep down in my core. Then why do I chose to clean up the house instead of spend that precious time "cleaning up my house" spiritually?!

I did throw up alot of prayers this week. It's not like I didn't pray or spend some time with God. It's that I didn't really send time resting/soaking in His presence - being rejuvenated and refreshed . . . strengthened. I didn't fully listen (I guess) to this great military strategist on how to fight the battles that came (and will still come). I said alot of "HELP ME LORD!" and "Forgive me God" prayers this week. Those are good - and they do work. But in a week like this - that was not enough and not what I (or my family) really needed.

I am sorry Lord. I DO want to spend time each day - cleaning and maintaining my "house". Help me to not only do that every day - but to do it effectively . . . with power, strength, peace and love!

PSALM 127

Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat-
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

They speak with other tongues

OK - Here's another book I just read from cover to cover. If you don't know me that well - that's pretty amazing! I rarely read any book in it's entirety - or even half of the book. And I never (ok - VERY rarely) read any fiction books. Too much to do than to sit around and read fiction. :)
So - I just had to share this book with you . . . .

"They speak with other tongues" by John L. Sherrill is an older book (wasn't at the library - so I just ordered a cheaper copy at www.half.com).

It was a bestseller in it's time, and it will really open your eyes and help those of you that struggle with the whole concept of speaking in tongues (or other manifestations of the Holy Spirit - or even the baptism of the H.S.). It can even help those of you that currently are baptized in the HS and do speak in tongues, to be able to help and explain to others what it's all about and why it's beneficial. It is a super-easy book to read as it is in a story format - but full of great history of the Pentecostal movement, etc. The author takes you along on his own journey of trying to figure out just what this strange phenomenon is and if it's of God (and if he should be a part of it).

I highly encourage you all to read it!

Adventures in Mothering

I sent this to my fellow MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group, and thought I would share it with you!
Bring on the Adventures!
Lori :)

Are you guys ready for more adventures in mothering? . . . . well . . . you better be (if you still have kids!). Everyday holds the opportunity for all kinds of adventures . . . some are not so pleasant, but they leave you with a funny or great story to tell your toddler one day (preferably when they are teenagers!) . . . and some adventures are just absolutely amazing - you wouldn't trade them for the world!

Motherhood is full of surprises, and if you came into this "job" thinking it would be easy, or that if you followed all the "rules" that everything would work out the same for each child . . . . HA! . . . think again. :) I know you all know what I mean! :)

This fall, we are going to be celebrating "Adventures in Mothering". I, for one, LOVE a good adventure - even if it comes in the form of things not going just as I had planned. :) That's what an adventure is . . . expecting the unexpected to happen, and enjoying it when it does!

MOPS International has a great website, dedicated to you Mothers of Preschooolers. If you haven't checked it out yet - I encourage you to. Go to www.mops.org. Not only will you will find great information about MOPS International, but there are forums to ask questions or discuss things that affect us a moms of little ones, great articles to read, contests to enter, and even MOPS University - a place to take online courses (FREE!!) about the Bible, your Christian walk, moving out into ministry and more. I am excited to explore the courses offered through the university website myself! For many of us we cannot afford, or do not have the time (or babysitters) to be able to go and take college classes (or even some classes at church) - and this is a great way to learn and grow right from your own home! I encourage you all to check it out. I know there are many more great websites with some free (and some pay) classes, courses, or articles to help you learn. I encourage you to seek the Lord this month (since it's the month of prayer!) and ask Him what HE would like to teach you this fall or what you should learn more about. He has a great plan for each and every one of you - and part of that plan is to be a great mom, friend, sister, daughter, and above all - a lover of Jesus!

Keep doing what you are doing moms. You are doing a great job - even when it doesn't feel like it many days! As our Women's Ministry leader at church always says . . . we are in "leadership development". We are training and developing the leaders of the next generation. What an awesome "job" we have?!! Our goal at MOPS is to help you develop your own leadership training capabilities . . . through encouragement, fun, fellowship, prayer and mentoring.

I look forward to seeing you all again soon! Let the "Adventures" continue (I know they have already begun!)!

Blessings today!