Bringing Faith to Life

Normally, I just post pics of my kids, the occasional project and update family, friends and a few blog buds on the everyday life of our little fam. Today I'm blogging on a topic because I love the concept behind Build 'Em Up and am looking forward to sharing in encouragement among the blog-bubble. 

Welcome. 

The timing of this little story goes like this. Our children are 19 months apart (2.5 and a 1 year old on Saturday). I am a stay-at-home mom to my very busy kids and have a very busy husband who is successful in his career and a go-to guy for virtually everyone we know. We truly wouldn't want it any other way.

I try to maintain friendships, worry over family issues, stay connected to other adults and help foster young friendships for my children. 

I pray daily for BIG things-homeless, sick, broken-hearted, those who feel alone, our leaders and armed forces. 

I pray daily for anything anyone asks me to lift up to God. 

I pray daily for my children's future. 

I pray little "pistol prayers" all day long--when I drop Jay at school "Lord, keep him safe, help him to show kindness."--when Lizzy cries out while I've stepped out of the room, "Lord, don't let her be hurt." --when Jay locks the car with the keys AND the baby sister inside, "Jesus, let the spare key be in the drawer I think it is..."

All of these things I prayed for, yet there were mornings when I felt pulled too many directions, was stressed, emotional, frustrated and frayed before the coffee had time to get cold. I realized I had a zillion thoughts running simultaneously and was feeling overwhelmed. 

One recent morning, when life felt hectic (and sleep deprived), I just decided to end the hectic cycle before it got out of control. I picked a cartoon and snacks for the kids, cracked open my Bible and just asked God to give me something to meditate on to ease the feelings of frustration, anxiety, senseless stress and more. Somehow I got to Psalm 121 v 1-2

Thanks, Lord. 

So, I started some new ways to pray--

Lord, thank you for your abiding grace and being the only help I'll ever need. 

Lord, thank you for this day with my family and the life you've given us. 

Lord, thank you for trusting us to be parents. Help us to seek your will and listen to your voice as we    teach them, guide them and love them. 

Father God, I give this day to you. Allow me to serve you through my thoughts, my actions and my service to my family and anyone I meet. 

Lord, I know each day is a gift and a chance to both teach and learn. Thank you for being my teacher and help me teach my children by example and service. 

Lord, I'm probably going to mess up today, help me to ask for forgiveness, forgive myself and get back on track. 

The overall "mood" in our house changed INSTANTLY. I'm not saying we're all rah-rah hunkie-dorie all of the time, but the change is tangible. 

I feel better.

Things are easier.

There is more joy.

The kids are generally happier.

Things are running much more smoothly. 

I am able to focus on the good, right things and let the rest go. 

I truly feel like this IS the way it should be. Yes, we are in the throws of the "terrible twos". Yes, I have a sweet (perhaps too rotten) teething "infant". But I can find the joy, the peace and move past the yuck and stress. The joy is eternal, the yuck is quite temporary. 

I brought my faith to life through prayer. I'll pray the same prayer for all of you. 

I brought my faith to life by printing these two verses and framing them in places I see them 20 times a day. 

I brought my faith to life and am carrying it with me throughout my day. It is making all the difference in our daily lives. 

Thanks Be to God. 

I'm linking up with Build 'Em Up through these blogs. Please visit and share in the encouragement!
Lil' Light O' Mine
Kelly's Korner
Blue Eyed Bride
Life at the Green House


I'll try to continue to post about teaching Jay and Lizzy about faith and the things we're doing to learn and grow as we travel God's path. But just so we're clear this is a tad out of my comfort zone, but I'm sharing it anyway.