An Ideal Life
Here is my idea of some ideal life happening…
- No T.V. for the babes except for some special movies sparingly
- Routine days with planned activities
- Bible memory, reading, and singing everyday
- 20 minutes of reading time for me (an actual book!)
- 30 minutes of me reading to the babes everyday
- Planned menu each week
- Healthy snacks planned and prepared
- Once every two weeks people over for dinner (hospitality)
I have done these things before, but I can’t seem to keep consistent.
Today, something clicked for me and I realized that my problem is the word “can’t.”
I can have all those things and I can do them consistently. My block is that I always think they are out of reach. I believe the lie that I won’t ever be able to live out all things I’ve held dear in my heart for so long.
But you know what?
I am healthy (praise God), I am able-bodied, and I have the ability to practice self-discipline.
I can.
What’s holding you back from your “ideal” life?
Oooh, you know what else would be ideal? If you would skip on over here and enter my $400 for charity, $250 for You contest! ;)
Oh, and another thing…do you need a good beach read this summer? Here’s one for you – HOLLA! (ad)
Praise God sister!! The battlefield starts in our minds. If you are defeated in your mind, then you won't even try. I just wrote about the importance of our ministry as wives, mothers, and homemakers. Thanks for posting this encouragement!
.-= Valencia´s last blog post … Ministry of Home =-.
Ditto. Self discipline! I'm working on it though, it always goes back to routine for me.
.-= Angela @ Homegrown Mom´s last blog post … Wednesday Workbox Day {Rainbow Resource Giveaway} =-.
My husband and I are going through something similar lately. We want to run a hospitality house, in Hawaii and we heard God say “GO” so we bought airline tickets in faith that all this will come to be.
I am walking in faith that all this will happen. This is our dream that we have been doing everything else but this. It is our heart and our love to cook and care for people in our house.
It comes to a point where you step back and look at things with a different pair of “glasses” or “eyes” We can do this let’s take steps toward this. Lets make this happen.
Not to say that there will be times where the enemy will try so hard to get in the way of these things, but we as believers stand up against these things and see right through them and know that they are not of God. Walk through them praying that His will is done and its not something to get bummed out about but know that God must be doing something big that the enemy doesn’t want to be done,
I'm struggling with ALL of these things. These are all in my "ideal life", and I just can't make it happen. I feel like I wake up in the morning, already behind, and I'm constantly trying to "clean up" messes, and I never get anything done, and am always telling my kids, "Just a minute, let me get this done first.".
It is such a struggle, and my life is nothing like I thought it would be when I decided to stay at home with my kids. I envisioned a strict schedule with music, reading, crafts, etc. at a specific time each day. It's just a free-for-all, and my kids aren't getting what they need.
I'm sorry, I realize you're struggling too, but I'm desperate, and just want to say that if you go through this process to HAVE this ideal life, I'd love to know what helps. Because I've been trying for almost a year and a half as a stay-at-home mom, and I'm failing miserably. :-(
Angela – we can figure it out together, one step at a time, falling into LOT'S of grace. :)
For me, specifically, it is a matter of self-discipline.
What a question, at the moment I have been thinking about this alot.
.-= Bobbi Janay @When did I go from a kid to a grown up?´s last blog post … When does the lasanga hit me in the face? =-.
It is wise to make a list such as yours! But with that, it is imperative to take an inventory of what your abilities are, what your current context looks like, and what resources are available to you. Yes, you are healthy, and I'm sure have lots of books, healthy food, TIME (and a timer!) It's great you have the eagerness to practice self-discipline.
For myself, I have spent most of my life living under unrealistic expectations (unconsciously) and feeling guilty. I have very high standards of what I'd like to do. But thankfully, living a transient lifestyle has helped me to let many things go and first, just to be conscious of the season I am in (spiritually as well as physically). Practicing self-discipine sometimes involves learning to be graceful, just as God is gracious to us. That's #1 on my list today.
.-= Jen´s last blog post … The Colour Orange and Tulipmania in Holland =-.
Jen – GREAT point! Absolutely! (Make sure read my incourage post this month…keep your eye out for it next week) ;)
The three things that hold me back the most are with me always…ME, MYSELF, and I….Oh, how they complicate things! Always making excuses or even sometimes trying to over-load which makes for burnout to happen too quickly…Me and Myself are not so bad, but 'I' have a real problem with expecting to accomplish far too much…
.-= Kelly Howard´s last blog post … Justa Little Cutie! =-.
Kelly – YES! Same here – that darn me always gets in the way!
Ugh! I know exactly how you feel. Our family is trying to be more disciplined in our daily routine, so we set up goals (kind of like the ones you listed) to start living by. It is amazing how discipline (usually thought of as a restrictive thing) actually brings peace and joy to a home. Our first major goal was to establish our morning and evening routines together. For the past two weeks we have been able to get up do our personal devotions, get ready, eat breakfast together, then read a psalm together and pray before hubby leaves for work. It has been wonderful!!!! My day is completely different. Now that we are getting this to be a habbit and creating a routine for the night time, I need to buckle down and attack the day's doings!!!!! There are so many things I want to make happen during the day. It is hard to learn that if I don't make it happen…. it just won't happen…. and I want it to happen, if you know what I mean!
Jessalyn, yes, we certainly have to PURPOSE to make them happen! That's hard!
This one really spoke to me! I struggle with the same "can't" mentality. I figure I have too much going on so I CAN"T do those things that I long to do…
I never realized it was because of my 'can't' attitude… Huh.
Things are gonna be changing around here! :)
Thanks for sharing! Have a super great day!!
.-= Anna Sophia´s last blog post … Giveaway for Chocoholics::Current and New! =-.
I read an article that said replace "I can't" with "I am able to"…..God doesn't believe we can't do anything. He believes his children are able!
I am able to read the bible every day
I am able to read to my children every day
I am able to be hospitable each week
I am able to respect my husband each day
I am able to menu plan each week
I am able to….. This has helped me because some times I feel so defeated with the I can'ts of my illness so I now focus on the I am able to's……..
.-= Karen´s last blog post … Wordless Wednesday – Ssshhh, Don't Tell Anyone I Had Fun With My Little Brother =-.
Karen – I like that!
Oh wow. I didn't even know that I needed to read this today, but I did. (God knew it) Self discipline. I need to practice temperance – everything in moderation. I have so many good things in my life, but maybe I am trying to do too many. Does that make sense. I think I need to re-prioritize and cut out some of the good for God's best for me. Right now that includes keeping my home, being a blessing to my husband and children and training my sweet children. I struggle with perfectionsism – if I cannot do something 100% why even bother? So I give up, but I need self-discipline to stick to it.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I think God wants me to know that I can never, ever have this "ideal life", this ABUNDANT life without Him.
Thanks SarahMae for posting this.
.-= Tiffany´s last blog post … .The Thrill of Thrifting a Vlog. =-.
Sarah,
I really needed to read this today. Every day I think "I wish I was a better homemaker, better wife, better mom." I need to stop believing the lies that I'll probably fail.
I am so encouraged by this, thank you!
~Heather
I know this feeling…it became especially apparent when my older girls asked if we could go back to prayer and reading time like we used to do before the baby was born…..uh yes, we can do that – out of the mouths of babes!
.-= Jessica´s last blog post … Homemade Peanut Butter Cups =-.
Hi Sarah
Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy following your blog and have given you an award! Please check out my blog – http://threelittlearrows.blogspot.com/
Blessings! Kathi
I'm SO with you! I was praying this exact same thing during my jog this morning – I feel I need more self discipline and self control for sure – I know I can't do it on my own – when I try to do it my self in my own strength I get tired out, discouraged and just get to feeling pitiful. I suppose that's why these actions are largely 'fruits of the spirit' evidence of the Holy Spirit in my life, so, essentially I need more JESUS. ;)
.-= heidi @ wonder woman wannabe´s last blog post … Fill My Cup and Let it Overflow! =-.
I struggle with self-discipline EVERY DAY.
That's why I'm reading your blog right now and not taking care of my home. But now I know why I needed to read it.
I made a list today and I CAN get it all done.
XOXO
.-= Erin´s last blog post … Wordless Wednesday: 10 for 400 =-.
I think when it comes to things such as you listed (for me it would be things like reading books for reviews, doing work for a counseling course, getting household duties done, writing) I probably get in my own way by compromising time on the computer "surfing" rather than sticking to a routine or schedule. I do think it's important, however, to be realistic in our personal routines and also make sure we leave ourselves the ability to be flexible. Otherwise we end up mired in a lot of guilt or self-recrimination and that's not terribly helpful to anyone.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog post … Sharing Pearls =-.
Kristine – yes, for me too much time playing and not enough time working…yes also to the guilt thing – we have to know when we are being foolish with our time and when we need to let go of false guilt!
Amen, I so understand this …it's me that's holding ME back.
.-= Alyssa´s last blog post … Wordless Wednesday: My Babydoll =-.
I so needed this today. smoochies for posting it.
But honestly? It's TIME. An hour commute each way, 9 hours in the office, a six-month old, a growing business. So time, priorities…aka ME. I'm the problem, but Me as the problem could be easily fixed with a 34-hour day ;)
.-= Blair´s last blog post … When people stop being nice, & start being real. You know, with food. Not Brooklyn. =-.
Blair…even if we had 34 hours we would say it's not enough – I know I would! ;)
I have a lot of trouble with consistency too. I feel so much better when I'm on top of things, but then I start letting them slide little by little until I'm overwhelmed again.
.-= Deana Birks´s last blog post … Learn to like it soggy =-.
Such simple, godly goals, Sarah. I think if we could all aim at simplifying our lives, then we would miss the mark a lot less.
So what gets in the way even when we do? I know for me it is a busy and easily distracted mind that always keeps telling me I need to be doing something else!
.-= Michelle´s last blog post … 50th Blog Post and Winners! =-.
Hi Sarah Mae,
You've got a lot going on here! Nice to meet you! Visiting you from the Internet Cafe.
Blessings,
e-Mom @ Susannah's {Kitchen} Aprons & Chrysalis http://susannahsaprons.blogspot.com http://chrysaliscom.blogspot.com
.-= e-Mom´s last blog post … GREEN Medicine: Is it Safe for Christians? =-.
Oooo…that's me. There's so much I want to do, but also so much that "has to be done" that I don't feel like I'll catch up or get ahead. A different attitude may be in order.
.-= Jessica´s last blog post … Wordless Wednesday: Uh-oh =-.
I'm not a wife or a mother, so my life looks much different than yours. That said, the root struggles are the same…I need to work on being self-disciplined. By leaning on the Holy Spirit, I can do everything that God has asked me to do (and that looks different than everything that I selfishly want to do!).
.-= Ronnica´s last blog post … Turning My Focus Outwards =-.
Just making the choice to be obedient. We are reading The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges.
I highly recommend it.
Love and Hugs,
Traci
.-= Traci´s last blog post … Homemade Laundry Soap and Natural Beauty Recipes I Can't Wait To Try! =-.
I can very much relate with you! In fact, you inspired this post: http://hannahbraboy.com/2010/04/an-ideal-life/. We *can* do this!
Just ran across your site… what a gorgeous layout you have. And love the content… I'm looking forward to following.
Sometimes I feel like med school is holding me back from my ideal life (just because of the time constraints)… but I realize that it's all in my attitude…. I CAN choose to view it like it's helping step TOWARD my ideal life… which is what I need to focus on…
Hope you're having a great day!
.-= Veggielady4life´s last blog post … Arugula Salad with Kidney Beans, Almonds & Goat Cheese =-.
Learning to live a disciplined life – it's a life long pursuit! We will never master the flesh but with effort we can build habits that last a lifetime – or so I've been told lol!!! That's what all the books say!!!!!
Love ya,
Courtney http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com
.-= Courtney (Women Living Well)´s last blog post … Help Your Husband Be A Man of Influence =-.
That was a little stab of conviction right there! ouch, but thanks!
so good. I just wrote about this askign the question "Am I a Good Mother?" http://www.littlellamas.com/2010/04/confessions.h…
I think we can do all those things and it's not legalistic or rigid. The problem is with me, and my lack of self control and lack of discipline.
One application– I have been keeping my computer on the dining room table— easy to hop on in between kitchen tasks, while we are snacking, etc. I say it will be a quick check—but it turns into 20 minutes+. Been wanting to move computer to basement playroom/den…but selfishly I don't want to.
.-= Mama Llama´s last blog post … Can you guess? =-.
Is being pregnant with twins and having an almost 2 year old excuse enough?
OK, so it's really a lot of me just wasting time!! I've been improving, but find myself sometimes getting sucked back into those distractions that make me waste time…the phone ringing, answering e-mails, just wanting to watch the news for a few minutes (which turns into 45 minutes!).
Have you ever read the book "A woman after God's own heart" by, Elizabeth George? She has some good time keeping tips. For example, no phone calls at the 5 o'clock hour. Another one I like is that she is ok with tv, but doing something else at the same time. I read someone else once say that she records her couple shows, and then after the kids are in bed, she and her husband fold them and watch the show while putting away the clothes.
Really and truly. Right now for me it's just being tired from pregnancy and feeling lazy!
.-= Sarah A´s last blog post … When the Wisteria blooms… =-.
Great reminder! It's all about attitude! "I can." do the things that I desire. I too have these ideals that I just don't seem to ever do, I busy myself with so many other things. But it's up to us to make the choice and then just do it!
I like how your goals are simple and doable. It's when our ideals are beyond reach that we have problems. You'll be surprised how much you can stay 'on course' if you keep at it. When your kids are little, you develop a 'culture' in your home that you build on later on. You build it "line upon line, precept upon precept …" It happens.
Good goals!! Blessings in Christ.
.-= Debi ´s last blog post … What Blogging has Taught Me =-.
Mine is almost like that!
enough resources for my family and help others, that include time, money and love.
thanks for sharing.