Still Learning

Not so long ago, before I had children, I had people say things to me such as "You are such a free spirit." Now I thought this was a compliment. You know, I just marched to the beat of my own drummer and was not bound to do what the "mainstream" was doing. I don't think I have ever been afraid to be different. This was all well and good until I became a stay at home, homeschooling mom with 3 children and one on the way. (really it was sooner that this, but I will write about the here and now)

Children require certain things at regular times (like....food...clean clothes.....education) . I quickly came to see that the free spirit thing was not working for me when it came to aspiring to be that
Proverbs 31 woman. Let me just go ahead and say here that what I have learned is not much different than what my Mom has been trying to tell me all along. : )

So I have this little book entitled "The Disciplined Life" by Richard Taylor. The author does not aim to make you feel warm and fuzzy. I wanted to share a couple of my favorite passages. These are the ones that spoke to me loudest. Routine and responsibility are a huge asset.

"Disciplined character never dissipates time and energy by catering to moodiness."

" Or she will make the bed and do the dishes in the morning, rather than allow afternoon hours to find her in tears because of the neglected housework that suddenly stares her in the face"

"prod yourself, kick yourself, it is the only way!"

Wow! Does this man know me? Scary! I have been challenged by this book as well as by other women who strive to make a beautiful home for their family. A haven for my children and an oasis for my hard working husband to come home to. A happy place with order and free from chaos, that is my goal. Now, mind you, I have not arrived and I love romantic ideas, but this is important to me. I want my children to have many wonderful memories of home when they leave to start families of their own. As for now I want them to enjoy being here and not long to escape, like so many children their age. I am so thankful for what the Lord has done in our life. I am thankful that He made me to think outside the box, so to speak. If not,I would have probably never even considered homeschooling, cutting off the cable and I would not be filling their ears with gospel and classical music. I am still learning. I fail much, more than I care to admit. But I am pressing on.

Every wise woman buildeth her house but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10