review & preview

While I find it ironic that I've procrastinated with dreaming up my New Years' resolutions, I am getting around to it....but first, here's 2011 in review: Now, for a preview of my resolution randomness: I heard of this amazing idea to take one day per week for each kid, spend some focused time with them, and also have that be the day to pray more in-depth for them. And since I have a bad habit of sargeant-mothering at times (attempting to enforce crowd control), I think this will be a great solution for some 1-on-1 time that will give them the attention they need. I also hope to start up regular piano lessons with Cami again, sit with Calvin for him to practice reading, and spend more time reading to Jude & Jada as well. Other pursuits-- It seems my main homemaking focus the last few years has been time management. I've aways had the work-before-play mentality (thank you, Mom & Dad), but as a stay-at-home mom, it seems you can pursue an infinite number of worthwhile things--healthy cooking/baking, working out, keeping a clean house (of course that one is theoretical in my case), investing in time with the kids, etc. Since my busyness has increased exponentially along with the size of our family, I can't keep up with everything...I'll go through a phase where the house gets out of shape, and so I try to do a better job at that for awhile. But too much time/focus cleaning can mean neglected kids...so my priorities shift around from month to month, depending on the need. I struggle with maintaining my day-to-day focus, but my overall life focus, work and effort should have the singular goal of pleasing my Lord and Savior. 1 Corinthians 3 says that no one can lay a foundation other than Jesus Christ. He is the only way to heaven. Scripture also says that we have a finite amount of time on earth, and what we do with it matters for eternity. This is why time is infinitely more valuable than money. All that to say, I try to keep these things in mind when I'm pursuing different things. Time in the Word & prayer is a must. Feeding little tiny mouths and doing laundry, among other things are also necessities...and all my homemaking pursuits don't have to be 'lost time' in light of eternity if I do them with the right heart attitude. (I should maybe apologize for getting on a soapbox here, but writing all this out helps me to organize my scattered thoughts.) And for 2012, I hope to keep that most important thing in mind in the midst of all the busies. I'm not sure if that was a list of resolutions, or an essay on my random thoughts...but either way, I'll wrap it up with this hymn: I am resolved no longer to linger Charmed by the world's delight Things that are higher, things that are nobler These have allured my sight I will hasten to Him, hasten to glad and free Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee