Every Stock Photo
Yesterday I put up a Facebook post asking readers what they would most like to see me post on Faithful Provisions. The very first question was the one that made me realize that you see me so differently than what is reality.
“How in the world do you find time to do it all?” ~ Stephanie
I need to first off apologize if I have given my readers the impression that I am able to “do it all”. As a reader, you must know that you only see what I show you. You would laugh if you saw my house right now, with the loads of laundry half-done, the messy kitchen sink and the pink rings sometimes in my toilet –just to name a few! You only see what I allow you to see, so I am going to be as transparent as possible in order to encourage you and not see me as something I am not. The last thing I want to do is be a stumbling block for my readers. There is nothing more discouraging than to feel inadequate or lacking in any way.
I don’t do it all.
I have lots of help. I have a husband who works from home with me full-time. We have the unique flexibility of owning our own business, which gives me someone to help when things get tight on time or resources. He is happy to pitch in with my part of the load to do dishes, help me finish (or do) the laundry, and even make an amazing dinner! So know that I have an extra set of hands at almost all times, which most mothers do not, especially if they have husbands who travel or work long hours outside the home.
There are two amazing women who help me run Faithful Provisions and Nashville Provisions — Sherry and Jennifer. Without them I would be buried and get nothing done. Their vision in organizing and planning content, plus their desire to share with you deals we find is one that I couldn’t have crafted better if I had been able to construct the perfect business partners myself. God was very good to me when he put us together, and I feel with every fiber of my being that they are a gift from God! Thank you Sherry and Jennifer for all you do!
Lastly, I would accomplish absolutely nothing if it weren’t for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am a broken, sinful, mess, who wouldn’t be able to do this at all if it weren’t for the equipping He has given me. He is the only reason I am able to do anything. I am not good at memorization, but when God put before me Philippians 4:13, it was for a very good reason. To constantly remind me to look to him each and every day.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
As hard as it is, I get up as early as I can each morning to give the Lord my first fruits. My day is just not the same without Him. He not only equips and blesses the work He sets before me, but I have come to know a joy like no other in the midst of this chaos called life. I have never been so joyful and excited for the future, and it is all because he carrys my burdens.
So, how about you, how do you do it all? Do you give the Lord your burdens, or are you trying to still do it all yourself?
Kelly – what a wonderful post. reminds me of a converstation I had with a neighbor the other day. She said she had gotten up and had devotions in the morning without putting it off and she had such a productive day. Thanks!
Leslie – I usually have so much on my to do list for the day and I get up early and think, “But I just need to get a few things done first before my quiet time”. I usually never get around to it. I have learned that the Enemy’s greatest tool is distraction. I try not to give that to him, especially in the morning when I am at my best during coffee! LOL
Completely, know what you mean. I do my devotions during naptime and it is easy to get destracted or say “oh, I will do it after this…” then before I know it my daughter is up again.
Great Reply, Kelly! When I was in my late 20’s a very wise person told me–“There is NO ‘Super-Mom’! and if she looks like she is, just know there is probably something you don’t see that is not getting done. Regardless, you MUST put your relationship with God as a priority in each day. ” I had 4 young children and was married to a farmer. I canned/froze almost everything we ate and made a majority of our clothes yet always felt like I couldn’t get enough done. Now as I’ve gotten older–quite a bit–and married to the VP of a Robotics company–the farmer moved to town & I came with him:o>–I can see the advice was true. Put your time with God as a first priority in the day and He will bless the rest of the day.
Wonderful post!! We realize that you can’t do it all, but we really appreciate all you do! Thank you for answering God’s calling for you in this ministry. I am sure that I speak for many readers when I say that you have GREATLY blessed my family!
Thank you for your honesty and transparency. So often we women beat ourselves up for not being the perfect Martha Stewart image with the picture perfect house! Thank you for helping us realize that we are all truly human and need to rely on God for every detail of our life! Blessings ~
I appreciate this article so much for I believe that it is His strength that empowers us to fulfill all our duties and He always provides someone to be our wings in times we are not capable of fulfilling.