It all came crashing down this morning during my quiet time. A flood of emotions around holding it all together. I know it appears to you as you read that I have it all together and I’m perfectly organized; daily deals, store coupon matchups, cooking days and balancing my family time. To you, I might look like super mom and wife. Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret…I’m not. I have been feeling the Lord nudging me towards rest for several weeks now. I have ignored His call to that.
Now, I have been very disciplined about my daily quiet time with him at 5:30am every day, my prayer life, and depending on Him for our provisions and direction. But, this one area is a place that has been nagging at me, and I ignore it. I have been getting up earlier and staying up later; tired and crabby throughout the day, constantly complaining about what I have on my plate and even adding more to my list. Short tempered and impatient with my sweet children and amazing husband. I like to feel productive, no matter how I feel physically and emotionally. Over the past 3 months we have constantly been sick. I have had the flu twice, my kids have had strep twice, terrible colds, and now I have a major sinus infection and both kiddos have colds that are keeping them up at night.
To put it mildly, I am worn out, not just physically, but also mentally. I am trying to do it all. This morning God so tenderly put a verse to me that is the reason for my pause.
The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live…The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in his Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6, 9b-10
It took me a little while to fully understand what the Lord was trying to tell me. The context of this verse is Moses speaking to the Hebrews and reminding them that when they were ready to return to God, he would be ready to receive them (read Deut 30:1-5 for more). The Lords mercy is unbelievable and exceeds what we can possibly comprehend. Even if they deliberately walked away from the Lord, God would still take them back. He would “circumcise their hearts” – give them inner spiritual renewal.
I feel like God has only allowed the pain and stress of the past few weeks to open my eyes and see what he has been saying to me all along. He wants me to delight in Him, trust in Him, believe His Word – his promise of provision. This morning I have decided to trust and obey Him. Can I tell you what a weight and relief it feels like?
Now, you are reading and thinking, what does that mean for Faithful Provisions? It just means that I am going to take a few days of quiet from the blog to renew my inner spirit and let my body heal. I can bring you so much more and be a much better encourager for you if I am fresh. I want to do that. I know that is what God has called me to do. So, over the next few days I will be putting up posts so you can still get some great deals by directing you to some of my most favorite bloggers and friends.
What are you thinking as you read this? Is the Lord calling you to rest in Him? I would love to hear your thoughts. Be brave, I would love to hear what He is doing in your life, I promise you it will be a great encouragement to others.
Good for you! I know it isn't easy to stop, but it is SO necessary at times. Enjoy your break.
All of us moms out here reading can certainly understand your need for a break! You take all the time you need and we'll be here waiting for you when you are ready. We appreciate all that you share with us!!
And, THIS is why I love you so much! You are an encouragement 🙂
I think it's so great that you are doing this for yourself and your family. I think we can all relate. Enjoy your time of rest. I hope it renews you!
I'm just really getting started with the blogging, twittering, starting a new business for which I design cards, etc. Plus I have a full time job (I'm the major breadwinner), a 12 yr old and hubs. I feel like if I stop for even a day I will lose all the ground I've gained. And the purpose of all this is to feel creative, have fun, be productive. It can be all the opposite if you're not careful. There are many examples of resting in the Bible, but some reason I think I am more virtuous the more I move around. Thanks for the reminder. When I listen to the Spirit, He never turns me wrong!
MAY GOD GRANT YOU THE PEACE AND REST YOU NEED AT THIS TIME. NESTLE INTO HIS ARMS OF REST AND JUST SOAK IN ALL THAT OUR MIGHTY GOD CAN OFFER-IT IS ALWAYS SO MUCH MORE THAN WE ARE ABLE TO EXPECT. THINK ABOUT THE BLESSINGS AND CONSUME THEM LIKE NOURISHMENT FOR YOUR SOUL. BLESS THIS FAMILY DURING THIS TIME. FATHER, SPREAD A BLANKET OF PEACE OVER THE ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD.
Kelly, I understand this more than you will ever know. Take care of yourself first and everything else will fall into place. It has taken my health falling apart for me to realize this too. But over the past few years I have learned to manage it all the best way I know how. If this means taking a few days off to recoup some strength spiritually and physically, your readers will be more than understanding. We all need this from time to time. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May the Lord's healing hand touch you today and bring peace to your body and soul.
Kudos to you! Take the time that God is giving you. We can all make it w/o you for a while. Care for yourself first and then your family. All shall be well and all shall be well — Julian of Norwich. Blessings!
I admire you for taking this step. Yes, I feel that often times the Lord wants us to rest and refocus on Him… and me in particular 🙂 I know I need to do this as well. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you so much for sharing this; I am so glad to hear you are taking time for rest. I have often wondered how you do all that you do! If you would like to learn more about health issues/healthy eating, especially when it comes to kids, I found a wonderful site, http://www.broccolicupcake.com, and went to her Women's Wellness Weekend last weekend. Happy rest! Your post was very inspiring!
Amen, Kelly! I'm feeling ya on this one hundred percent 🙂 Thanks for being transparent with us and know that there are many praying for you during this time. Rest and enjoy God's renewing 😉 You still ROCK…even while on break, lol
~Angel
http://www.FaithfulandFrugal.blogspot.com
I've been having several spiritual 'epiphany's' lately, as well…here's one that might help you a bit: http://reneecamacho.blogspot.com/2010/03/just-c…
It's so good to hear that you're not “super woman” and can admit it! My family too has been more sick this year than well, i can ever remember being sick as a kid! It's good to say “no” every now and then and to find Spiritual rest with God. I'm glad you're taking a break, we all need to once in a while! May God fill you up so your cup is overflowing!!
Good for you! We all need a break sometimes. I am taking my first night away from mytwo girls and 13 month old boy tomorrow. I am reluctant, but I need it so badly. Hopefully starting Sunday afternoon, I will be refreshed and a better mommy.
Amen, Sister!!!! God first, nurture you and your family next, and then your ministry. You help is amazing and a blessing, but so are you and your wonderful family. People before goals is a hard thing sometimes. But thank you for being so real. We all need a reminder of this.
Kelly-Thanks for all you do for your devoted readers to make our lives easier…I will be praying for you.
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
-Robin
Kelly,
God took a days rest after his creations.
Honey, we all need a time to heal and re-group. I truley believe everyone needs a day or time to just take care of themselves.
Those of you out there reading my comment…. Will you please say a prayer for Kelly.
Veronica
Stewarts Creek Church of Christ
The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still. Exodus 14:14 Enjoy your weekend.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I too have been sick and your story hit home with me. It seems like I am busy trying to take on so many things plus hold a full time job and I dont even have kids yet. It just seems to wear you down after awhile. I too am going to try and take God’s word serious and rest some. Thank you for your inspirational story.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31b I am finding out more and more that I can't be who God wants me to be or who anyone else wants me to be unless I get some “me” time. I pray God will renew you body, mind, and spirit. Thank you for what you do!
praying for you…that God would give you the desires of your heart…the ones already in your heart (healing, renewal, increased seeking of Him) as well as NEW desires from His heart to yours! God bless your time. <3
I am glad that you are taking what seems like much needed rest and following what God has led you to do! God has used you and your blog to touch my life. Even through this post, God is showing me that it's okay to take a break! Everyone needs rest and can find that rest in Him! Take as much time as you need! May God bless you and keep you and your family!
Thanks for sharing this Kelly! I know that I have been there many times, but often choose to ignore it at the expense of those who live with me. 🙁 Enjoy your time away and I pray that you come back refreshed and feeling better!
It's so hard to take that step … so I'm so proud of you for listening to that nudging… God will honor it… He always does… Thanks for all you do…
May you find the peace, rest and comfort you need these next few days.
The world will continue on–some of us will continue to blog, some to clip and find the best deals. . .But even GOD took a day of rest. You should be reminded of this more often.
Blessings
Rest well and we will look forward to seeing you when you “get back” from your journey. When my children were younger, I would sit back in amazement at how God was working in my life. Sometimes He would have to practically bop me on the head to get my attention to slow down and let God. I always learned so much at those times….just spending a few days taking care of myself…and I learned to treasure those moments.
Thank you for such an honest and gripping post. I plan to do somewhat the same over the weekend. Forcing myself away from my blog, social networking sites, email, etc. And. Just. Rest.
You go girl! A woman needs spiritual renewing and most days we are too stubborn to hear what he is saying. You get well and take care of yourself and your family. You are a blessing to all of us-the icing on the cake! Good luck and God Bless!
You take care of yourself first, then everything else will fall in line. It reminds me of when I was pregnant with my first daughter and kept having complication after complication. When I told my doctor that I had things to do and didn't have time for all this, he said, “Just like the Lord said, 'Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)'” It struck a chord with me and it made me put it all in perspective. We forget to “be still” and know that God is in control, not us. I keep reminding myself of that as I waddle through my 8th month of pregnancy with daughter #2. We are not to do it all ourselves. That's why we have a Father.
I would love to help you take some off of your plate by helping a little with the blog. I need the practice. If you want some help you can call on me.
Kelly,
We appreciate everything you do for us! Enjoy your rest and look to God for all your needs. We will miss you, but will be right here when you get back! 🙂 Thanks for all you do!
Kelly, your post hit me head on today. After years of focusing solely on my precious boys, wonderful husband, and household responsibilites, and a side decorating job, I lost track of me. What started with a simple UTI that spread into my kidneys made me finally get a physical to find other issues that were had been progressing in my body. At 39, I learned I have osteopernia which is only 15 years from full blown osteoporosis. All treatable and not life threatening, I still have made a decision as of yesterday to pay attention to my health and eat and exercise and rest like a responsible mother should. I have recently lost some weight which has pushed me to be healthier but had no idea of other issues osteopernia and anemia were lurking. All that to say, please encourage moms and yourself to not feel guilty for taking care of yourself. You have to be able to pull down the oxygen mask to save your child in the seat next to you or else THEY won’t survive. I don’t think God meant for women to put themselves in the position of ignoring the cries for some relief and care in their bodies and become an exhausted, strung-out, depleted mother and wife. What you do is beautiful and exhausting. Take care of you so you can take care of your precious family with a smile. I love what you do! Thanks and I apologize for being on my soapbox.
Sorry all of you have been so ill not fun when the endless cycle never seems to end. Thank you for all that you provide for us and may your time away be as peaceful as it can be with everyone sick. Take all the time you need we will still be here 😉
I am so proud of your for hearing and listening to God! The static in my life is so loud I miss out on Him quite often. Thanks for the fabulous posts you provide and please enjoy your rest. God bless!
Good for you, Kelly! Let me know if you need anything. My mentor has always said: Blessing lie on the other side of obedience!
Bless your heart!! I hope you get all the rest that you truly deserve on your spiritual break! Thank you for all that you do for us moms out here!
Thank you for being so honest and humble. You describe what I'm sure many of us feel from time to time but may be too proud to admit it. Thank you for showing us all that we ARE human and it's okay! Glad God spoke to you, and that you shared that with us all. Thanks for the inspiration! Hope you receive physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional rejuvenation soon!
That was the second time this week that I have read someone sharing how the Lord is calling them to trust in Him, in all things. I do believe God has used it to speak to me.
My family has been suffering greatly due to my husband's lengthy unemployment. We have lost so much material things. We have also been sick more this year than last. But through it all God has richly blessed us. We had nothing to give our children for Christmas and people just showered them with love and gifts. Some anonymous, some not. God has provide various opportunities to earn money at just the right time. From my husband getting a small tile job and it pays the electric or selling our van that didn't run and being able to pay another bill. It is always just enough, at just the right time. When we don't see any way to get through the trials, God shines amazingly. Sometimes I lose sight of that and He reminds me again. I am finally starting to see more clearly that I can, and need to, fully trust in Him with ALL things.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I stumbled upon your blog through other discount sites. As I read your post, I thought to myself… “How refreshing.” It is refreshing to see someone seeking the Lord, stopping to listen to His conviction, and sharing those convictions and your response to them with others.
Kelly,
Thanks so much for sharing. I know many of us can relate to what you're experiencing. It is difficult to try to do it all. I know what it's like when the mind can't rest and you're constantly thinking of everything that needs to be done. Relax, renew, and know we're behind you.
I think it's amazing when we listen to the Holly Ghost. When I went to your couponing class I was touched by how spiritually and out spoken about faith you were, you know in this politically correct world we live in…thanks for all you do for us. Get well 🙂
Kelly- I feel like God had you write that just for me! I'm told my husband yesterday morning after my own quiet time that I feel like God is calling us to very intentional about balancing our life-nutrition, sleep, exercise, quiet time…I even feel very specifically that He wants us to do this for 30 days rigidly. Of course this is AFTER I get over the latest sickness that I too have had more of than I can take lately-also some nasty sinus junk! Of course in the next 3 weeks we will be moving (probably twice), celebrating 3 of the 4 children's birthdays and going on a week long Disney spring break vacation(which will actually be pretty fantastic since it's just me,Josh and our 2 girls..AND ending in a 3 night cruise-WOOHOO!).
Anyway, as I told you last week at Chick-fil-a, I so deeply respect you for remaining true to God's ministry through you. He will bless you abundantly and I will be praying for you!
Now, off to bed before midnight for the first time in quite a while!
Much love,
Aimie
I understand exactly how you feel. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you enjoy this quiet time!
Kelly, awesome!
I sure hope your rest is renewing and rejuvenating. I loved spending time with you last night and getting to know you a bit better.
Blessings to you and yours!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of you! I am a newbie. I was at the class last Tuesday in Clarksville! I even prayed for you that the Lord would give you some time of rest as I thought about your stocked freezer and Thursday cooking days. I thought “she doesn't even get a chance to enjoy the blessing”! I am bad at this as well, but something I have learned is to schedule in rest! Write it in your calendar. Mark off free time and don't allow yourself to fill it! Hope you and Jesus had a great party this weekend!
Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I understand and really needed to hear that. You are such a blessing! I pray that God will heal you completely, rephresh you, and draw you even closer to him. God bless you!
Praying for you and your family. Thanks for ALL you do for me and my family!
You know, as a young mom with 2 little boys, my time is quite a valuable commodity. I have realized that I need to set limits on myself, and even though there are so many GOOD things I could do with my time to benefit my family, I simply can't do it all. Lately I have felt the need to make sure I'm choosing not only good things, but the BEST things to fill my schedule and my life.
I hope you and your family feel better soon! And thanks for all you do.
You writing this blog was the confirmation I needed. Thank you soooo much. Enjoy your break!
I completely understand. You are amazing for what you do and I will be praying for you. God bless.
Well for some time now the Lord keep telling me to wake up early and talk to Him and always the time that come to my mind is 5:30 a.m., but I just pretend that I don't hear Him or that is not for me, but just reading your post it was like God telling me again what He want from me. So I better obey =)
I have been convicted lately of having my priorities upside down, so I have narrowed down my comittments- most of them church things. Don't get me wrong- they are all good and I was blessed immensly by them. But God kept telling me in many different ways that I needed to get my priorities straight. And the thing about God- if you ignore him when he's speaking to you, he will continue to try to get your attention, sometimes in a very painful way. Good for you! So glad you listened!!!! God bless your time of rest and restoration!
God Bless. Keep this in mind…even Christ needed alone time. Take care and be blessed!
Kelly- Another blog I read had a really great post on finding Mercy through Burnout.
You might enjoy reading it.
http://evlogia.typepad.com/evlogia/2010/03/burn…