Ok, to begin with, let’s
hang on the word SIMPLE.
This week I want to
begin focusing on us! CRAZY I know, us mommas focusing on ourselves first, but
the truth is, there is one area specifically that we cannot afford to
ignore. Our kids need us first thing in
the morning- it’s like they wake up and immediately there is a need they depend
on us to fulfill; bathing, dressing, breakfast, rides to school etc. Why then would we think it any different in
our own lives? We need our Father first
thing in the morning too! Our time with
or without Him will surely set the pace for the rest of our day. SO- I wanted to call this first Simplifying
tool, ‘Simple Solitudes’
SIMPLE SOLITUDES
This is a time each day where momma
knows her heart and mind are settled enough, to sit and rest with her
Savior. It could be before the kids wake
up, although highly unlikely, or after they are off to school. (If homeschooling,
possibly during an activity/lunch/recess) A time that momma meets with the
Giver of Grace early enough in the day so that she is equipped spiritually
to take on all that her day demands.1. Don’t put the pressure of time on yourself during this solitude moment. This time can be as long or as short as needed, time is not the issue, quality is…
2. Pray.
a.
Thank Him
for this simple time to meet with Him. Just spend some time thanking Him for
anything/everything. Thanks cultivates
JOY!
b.
Ask for a
peaceful mind and a calm heart. Give Him your concerns for your kids, spouse and
family members while trusting Him to instead give you His joy, peace and
strength for the day.
c.
Surrender
your plans for the day, as far as how to get ‘everything’ done, and instead ask
Him His plans and then wait for Him to show you. (We move too quickly sometimes
and never get a chance to see Him work- He will show up, He always does. We
just need to give Him the opportunity to.)
d.
Finally,
ask Him to show you something specifically that He has for YOU in Scripture and
in whatever it is you are using that morning as a study help or devotional aid.
3. As you read His word and/or devotional,
take notes. What is encouraging your heart?
Is there something there that may encourage someone else? Write down
something you feel He is speaking to you about personally, and make a conscious
effort to address this topic with prayer and an action plan.
4. Before you finish this time of
solitude, write a few ways you can encourage your spouse for just that day- a
kind word, note or favorite meal? Also,
finish with words of encouragement for your kids- did they help clean up
breakfast, share something with a sibling, or say something kind that caught
your ears? Bring it back up and tell
them, the fact that you remembered to do so will warm their tiny heart!
SIMPLE
STARTERS
It really
helps in our house when we have some breakfast options available that are
healthy, tasty and super quick to make.
SO I wanted to share a few recipes that you can make on Sunday and
alternate the rest of the week! This way
you can have variety throughout the week AND gain a few extra minutes to find
the lost shoes, backpacks and jackets in the morning! J
I
am giving links to the recipes I found that are either exactly or almost
identical to the ones I use at home!
(and they are OH SO GOOD!)
(Note:
I scramble my eggs and slowly pour them evenly into each cup, rather than crack
an egg into each cup. I think scramby
eggs are more attractive to the kiddos then Sunnyside up ones.)
(Note:
This is made in an 8x8 pan).
The egg cups will be made in a cupcake pan. This makes for 12 servings to be easily divided and packaged- ultimately being super convenient. My hungry husband eats two per breakfast with toast, so I just throw them all in a Tupperware and he fetches em’ out as he likes. However, you can divide them in baggies per tiny person as well! The other recipes are made in either a 8x8 or 9x13 pans and once cooled can be cut and divided just as ‘Simply!’
Ok,
hopefully these first two tools will help alleviate some of what clogs the
usually busy school day morning. Keep an
eye out next Wednesday for ‘Simple Sandwich’ lunch ideas, as well as ‘Simple
Savory’ dinner ideas to add to your go to tools! I hope to have a free worksheet/PDF
download the final week of our Back to School month, that can help the busiest
momma find extra minutes and peace along the way. Enjoy what is left of this beautiful
summer season, although there is a bit of relief when they go back, remember at
some point you will miss them when they're gone! Embrace
the moments you have with the ones you love most! Until next week…
~For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.~ 2 Corinthians 1:12
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