Feeling Convicted...

Lately, as the sun comes out and I want to open all the windows and enjoy the sunshine, I've been feeling convicted. When I open the windows and let in the light, I see DUST! Everywhere! I start to look around, and that's when I notice all the little things out of place. There are piles of junk mail on the table, empty wrappers on the coffee table, old drinking  glasses scattered throughout the house... Not to mention the laundry that has somehow taken over our bedroom again (I just spent a good 4hrs cleaning our bedroom about 3wks ago!). Don't get me wrong, I vaccuum on a regular basis and keep things clean... It's just that I've let go of the "a place for everything, and everything in its place" idea.


I get so frazzled sometimes. How does this happen?! How do I let it get like this time, and time again??

I grew up with an exceptionally clean mom- and very organized too! We had schedules for our chores and if they weren't done up to the set standard, we did them again. She'd say "It's my job as mom to prepare you for when you're a wife and homemaker." I'm so glad my mom raised me this way, and I so greatly appreciate her attention to detail! But it seemed like as I got older, my bedroom was always a disaster. There is something about a "lived-in" space that I find kind of comforting! I don't have to worry if I sit on the bed and mess the covers up, because, it's already messy! I think having a super tidy mom made my pendulum swing too far the opposite way. It's easy to let that happen in life, but finding balance is so very important.

Now as I'm sitting in my living room surrounded by mess, I've realized that- yes, I'm saying it- MOM WAS RIGHT. I hated doing the chores and more often than not, I ended up doing them more than once. But she was preparing me. She was preparing me for adulthood, for responsibility, for taking care of a home and husband- and eventually children! My husband works so that we can live comfortably, and I should at the very least be able to keep a clean home for him to live in. I think of it as a respect thing :)

I'm feeling convicted to have more respect for my husband by doing my part, to show better stewardship of the precious things God has blessed me with, and to strive to be a Proverbs 31 hardworking woman (I still don't think I'll be rising with the sun, however).

How do you all do in this area? Any tips on staying organized or motivated? Please share!

Confessions about the Dentist

Let me start by saying, anyone who knows me how much I loathe going to the dentist. I mean seriously… how could anyone not mind someone scraping and scratching at their teeth? Their TEETH?! Oh my gosh I get nauseous thinking about it. Not only that, but this will be my first time at the new dentist since getting married. Now that you know that fact about me…

I went to the dentist today. I was so sick last night thinking about it, I had to trick myself into thinking it wasn’t tomorrow so I could actually fall asleep. Wah! 

But now comes the confession… I think I might love my new dentist.

Say, whaaat?!

Yes. You heard right. I love her. She’s the sweetest dentist I’ve ever met! She made me so super not nervous, and I even let her touch my teeth! She was checking my wisdom teeth for me since they’ve been making me absolutely crazy! I’m going back for a cleaning next week, and I’m not nervous at all now. Whew… Glad that is all over now!

Motherhood

I’ve been thinking about motherhood a lot lately. I’m not necessarily ready to be a mother myself, but I’m a girl! I just can’t help it :) Sometimes I’m anxious to be a mother- to bring a life into this world can be a scary thing! I’m scared to be responsible for someone’s life and have them be completely and entirely dependent on me. Which is also the reason I want to be a mother. I have this nurturing side of me that is feeling a little unfulfilled. I’m not at home with my younger siblings, and I don’t have any pets! So the baby bug has been growing…

A and I have spent a lot of time talking about kids… what our expectations are going to be of our children, and what kind of parents we want to be. I know that talking about parenting styles doesn’t mean we have it all figured out. The real test will come with the kids themselves!

I decided to get my baby fix by spending time with A’s sis and her family. We had such a sweet day! While big sissy was taking a nap, and the men were grocery shopping, Ash and I just got to spend some time talking and laughing together. Ash and her husband are wonderful parents, and I love gleaning wisdom from my conversations with her! We spent a good part of the afternoon laying on her bed with the baby, chatting about things she’s learned between parenting her daughter and her son. I feel so lucky to (now) have an older sister and friend- it’s so nice to have someone closer to the same place in life that I am (and I’m excited to have these times with my little sisters as they grow up!).

I loved watching the precious bond between mother and child- every time she kissed him, he nuzzled in closer! What a blessing the love they share is- it’s amazing how we were created as women to love and nurture, and that’s what babies need to grow and develop properly! As scary as it can be, I know my life will never be complete without the wonder and joy of a little life to treasure, and raise up!