5 steps to change a day

As a homeschool mom, there are days I'm ready to put a "For Rent" sign on my kids, and park them on the curb...THEN there are days I'm ready to park myself on that curb.

DISCLAIMER...For those who don't know me, I would NEVER give, sell, rent out, or trade my beautiful, amazing daughters...but admit it, we've all thought of some creative way to obtain a break during the stressful moments.

As we've been working ourselves back into a routine, I was confronted with some of the same issues I wanted to forget we had last year.  The discouragement tried to set in.  Then I remembered the power of the Word of God, and The Lord reminded me of the times when I equip myself, HE helps me WIN!!!

One of the enemy's BIGGEST plans is to rob us of our peace.

The Word of God - Weapon of Mass (Enemy) Destruction




When I take the time and feed myself with these & like scriptures, it LITERALLY changes the course of my day and any situation.  I can be confronted with the SAME challenge, but because I've handed it to God, and stood on His Word, no weapon can stop me.

 Here are my 5 powerhouse day-changers...

When I feel worn out, I remember to stop EVERYTHING and spend time with HIM...

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." 
Matthew 11:28-30

As a recovering busy-body, I know first hand the compulsion to "fix" or "keep trudging" when there's chaos somewhere - but in God's economy, "working through" isn't as powerful as stopping, and handing it to HIM - learning the unforced rhythms of grace.

When I want to kick myself over mistakes I've made, I remember...

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. Philippians 3:12-14

As one who reaches to be like Christ in my daily living, sometimes I expect too much from myself.  I love that even Paul said here, he's NOT perfect!!!
 

When I want to do things MY way, I remember...

 But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.  Galatians 5:22-23

I don't want to force my way in life, but permeate holiness - having affection for others, and a willingness to stick with things.

When I need to forgive myself or others, I remember...

If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. I John 1:8-10

So I need NOT punish myself or anyone else who's not perfect.

I AM the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD!!!!!

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  2 Corinthians 5:21

Definition: Righteousness is the state of moral perfection required by God to enter heaven
However, the Bible clearly states that human beings cannot achieve righteousness through their own efforts: "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." (Romans 3:20).

I cannot express into words the peace & freedom that comes to my family, or myself personally when I apply the principles of standing on God's word, believing who I AM in Christ, forgive when needed, not beat myself up, love passionately,  and follow God's leading through my day.