And Breathe...

I've been reading a lot of blog posts lately about time management, about being successful at getting stuff done, about multi-tasking in a "controlled way". And what I've discovered in all of them is the reminder to take time to breathe. So this has brought up the question of, "Am I remembering to breathe?" Am I really taking time to just sit and enjoy God's presence in the midst of all of the stuff I "have to" get done?

Just this morning I found myself trying to do 3 things all at once and by the time I was done I was frazzled and feeling overwhelmed. Why? Because I was trying to do too much. Now I'm not saying that multi-tasking doesn't work. It definitely does and helps productivity - but only to a point. If I'm so caught up in doing laundry while cooking dinner while packing lunches for the next day that I fail to look up when my toddler discovers a new word or my husband wants to tell me about his day or my Savior is calling me to His Word, then there's a problem. Because its in those moments that I believe God can shine the brightest and show us his glory.

So let's challenge ourselves to breathe. To not be overwhelmed by the worries of tomorrow and focus on what's in store for us today. And at the end of the day, if there are a few dishes in the sink, it won't kill us because what's most important is that we were able to have those moments with our LORD because we remembered to breathe.

Getting Back Into It...

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has a tendency to struggle with blog posting...You know, really wondering why it is that I blog. I've actually considered closing this chapter of my blogging life...starting afresh...anew...a...something.

I always enjoy starting a new journal or sketchbook. Opening that cover, skipping over the first page (because some pages should be left blank), creasing down the crisp, white gutter of a new page and then beginning with whatever new thoughts come to mind...

Journals represent seasons of life. I occasionally pull out my collection of journals from high school and college and am overwhelmed by what's inside...the silliness, the raw emotion, the doodles, the relationships. I find myself getting caught up in memories (good and bad) of those past days that are so far away, but seem so near when I read each page.

That's how I feel when I browse through this "journal." I look through old posts. Browse my blogroll to see what all of you lovely people have been up to while I've been absent...

Bear with me as I get a bit transparent...
I've found myself wanting to quit doing the things I most enjoy these past few months. Starting new projects kind of makes my stomach turn because there's the always looming thought of "will I actually finish it?" Now, I do understand that life is different with our Little One in the house and priorities have definitely shifted. I enjoy soaking up the special moments of each day as I watch our Little Man grow and I do not regret pausing and embracing each of these moments. But does that mean I shouldn't go after the other things in life that bring me joy? I know God has placed the desire to craft and create in my heart. I feel it every time I look at bolt of fabric, a beautifully crafted font, a photograph that warms my heart. I feel it every time I look at what He's created...my son, my husband, the world around us. The ultimate Creator has put that desire of "creativity" in each one of us because we were made in His image.

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Let us make human beings in our image... [Genesis 1:26]
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But I've turned it into more a chore. Taking a picture with my camera (not my phone) means I have to open it on my computer, edit it if necessary and then post it. By the time I've done all that, I don't even want to follow through with the original task I set out to do...document a special moment in life...But my heart is changing...

And so, with God's help, I will climb out of this valley up to the mountain top. I will let Him burn that passion back in my life. Because we all need Him to help us follow the plans He has for us. And I need it more than ever right now.

My posts may still be sporadic, but I hope you will still follow me as I take this new path - not for my glory - but for the Glory of the One who truly is worthy of all Glory and Honor.