Large Family Logistics

I'm not a big reader. Maybe its because I'm not really into fiction. Maybe its because I've already read everything we own and I'm bad about buying new books. Maybe its because I'm comparing myself to my husband who, if he could, would go about his entire day with kindle in one hand. Maybe its because I spend so much time reading "Llama llama red pajama," "The house that jack built," and books about Apple Tree Farm. (Little shout out to my fellow Usborne fans there.)

Regardless of why, I just don't read much. But I really want to. So for Christmas I decided I needed to ask for books. The books on my list: A love that multiples by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (stop laughing), a couple of Mary Ostyn I found on Amazon, The sane woman's guide to raising a large family and Family feasts for $75 a week. "Raising a family and saving money. That's what I want to read about," I thought.

But a friend of mine... no make that one of the coolest moms I know and would love to be more like!!!... had just told me about a book she read and said I really needed to read it. So I added it to my list. I started reading it first and now...

I think its safe to say this book is changing my life.

This has been a total eye opener for me. Super convicting but in a way I badly needed to be convicted. To explain to you each concept that has impressed upon me would take several blog posts, not just this one.

~~~

I've been stuck in what my friends and I refer to as "phase one" for a very long time now. What is phase one you ask? Its a season. A season of parenting. It is diapers, baby food, dreft, cleaning up small toys off the floor because if you don't they WILL be swallowed, sleepless nights, separation anxiety, tantrums, bottles and sippy cups, snotty noses and weird rashes, potty training, playgroups and trips to the park to save your sanity. This is phase one.

"Phase Two" is early elementary. Backpacks and homework, spelling words and reading logs, birthday parties and sleepovers. Its breaking up arguments and comforting hurt feelings. Phase two is fixing their own snack, brushing their own teeth and cleaning their own room. Its choir, ballet, and playing outside with the neighbors.

I'm not sure when phase three starts, but right now I've got two kids in phase one, two kids in phase two, and two kids who are the ages of phase two but the development of phase one... and that makes me tired just saying it.

All of that to say this: When you are in phase one, its hard to come up for air. And every time I feel like I'm catching my footing again, another baby comes and phase one starts all over. If even Michelle Duggar says that its difficult for her when she doesn't have the help of her teenagers, then how am I supposed to do it???

The only way I knew to keep my head above water was to take it one day at a time.

But the Lord is saying that His way for me is different.

In this book the author quotes Anne Ortlund (whom I love as well), "Yet if at any stage of life you feel you're 'flying by the seat of your pants,' taking each day as it comes without having anticipated it, planned for it, shaped it, and prayed over it, then take time off and get back to poring over your goals. Then you will control your days, instead of letting them control you."  There's some good wisdom there. (I just need to figure out, what is this mystery she calls "time off"??? :) Just kidding. Kind of.)

Am I shaping my days? Am I raising my children with purpose and planning? What are my goals and am I reaching them?

Stop and evaluate, Amy. Its something the Lord has been trying to tell me since we settled into this house. The timing of this book has just been icing on the cake. Confirmation. In this book are some awesome tools to help me rise above phase 1, 2 or any other phase!! Tools to help me focus on the big picture and be purposeful with my days.

In the first chapter she outlines the Excellent Wife of Proverbs 31. (I could camp on that for weeks.) The rest of the book has thoughts, tips, tricks and principals for everything from when to take a shower, to instilling scripture in your children. How to raise children who love the Lord, work hard, and are prepared to "keep" their own homes. Making your home a place of refuge and refueling for your husband. Reaching out to the community, having friends, setting goals, homeschooling *sigh*, and staying fit. Preparing for days before they come. All things I needed to hear. Things I think all moms need to be encouraged in.

Its so refreshing.

Thank you, Lord for your direction and constant nudging. Keep my heart open to hear your voice and eyes open to see where you're leading. Give me the strength and wisdom to raise these half dozen little children, keep my home running smoothly and be an excellent helpmate to my husband. Mold me into a wife who's value is far above rubies.

I'm not sure when I'm going to tackle the other books. First I'm going to re-read this one.
A few dozen times.