All Tangled Up

Perhaps you know the feeling. Something is worrying you and your mind is constantly getting tangled up in those thoughts, making you "unavailable" to everyone around you. I frequently find myself zoning out in conversations or too wound up to sleep at night because I'm fretting over some random "what if", that will probably never actually happen. Someone recently reminded me that even if we do not verbalize our worries, our children often discern the fear on our faces. Rolling my burdens onto the Lord (and leaving them there) is a consistent struggle for me but lately I have been reminded how important it is. Not only does needless worry rob me of peace and joy, it robs my family of my attention and affection. I don't want to miss precious teachable moments because my own mind is tangled up with worry. The enemy knows my weak spots and aims with precision. I'm trying to learn to spit out the lies (and fears) that he feeds me, tell him I know it's trash, and feast on the Word to replace those thoughts.

Proverbs 31:25 & 26

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Nurture: Visit the new feature, "naturals and organics for baby..." and explore a more gentle approach to caring for your little bundle. The list of natural and organic resources may be updated several times a week so check this section frequently for fresh finds. If you have a tip you'd like to submit please send it to notesfrommynest@gmail.com.

Prepare: Let your kids help out in the kitchen with these tips from Better Homes & Gardens.

Today's sweet shoppe...

The Walrus & the Carpenter

More sweet shoppes....

Making Time

Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

A few months before our daughter was born, I read A Mother's Heart, by Jean Fleming and was introduced to this poem by Irene Foster. Needless to say I can't recite it but the message has come back to me many times since her birth as I try to juggle my daily "to-do list".

Time Is of the Essence

Now is the time to get things done,
wade in the water,
sit in the sun,
squish my toes
in the mud by the door,
explore the world in a boy just four.

Now is the time to study books,
flowers,
snails,
how a cloud looks;
to ponder "up",
where God sleeps at nights,
why mosquitoes take such big bites.

Later there'll be time
to sew and clean,
paint the hall
that soft new green,
to make new drapes,
refinish the floor -
Later on...when he's not just four.

"Time is Of the Essence" by Irene Foster, page 51 from A Mother's Heart, by Jean Fleming, NavPress, 1982.

Share: Explore the ministry of The Home Foundation and get involved. You can also help exploited women and children through World Vision.

Create: Make an online scrapbook to share with Scrapblog (According to their FAQ's it's FREE!)

Today's sweet shoppe...

One Unique Baby Boutique. Baby Gifts for

Newborns, Infants, Toddlers and New Mothers.

Bubbling Over With What?

It's been one of those days, or maybe I should say one of those weeks, at our house. Lots of fussing...not a lot of sleeping. This is our third attempt at a nap today. She's wailing as I type. I'm feeling very worn down and couldn't help but laugh when I read these words...

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing (through the experience of your faith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope... Romans 15:13

I've been on the verge of bubbling over today, but not with hope. I don't get a "do-over" when the sun goes down on this day so I guess I better check my attitude.

Connect: Are your words to your spouse positive or negative? (an article from Christianity Today)

Save on movies with Peerflix

Today's sweet shoppe...

Unique baby and kids boutique, Little Giraffe, Oopsy Daisy, euro-baby, Sweet pea, Pedoodles, Little Squeaky Feet, baby star, elegant baby, Mudpie, Message in a baba, clothing, blankets, accessories, handmade items, gifts and more for the hip momma and baby.

March 25th

Today's Sweet Shoppe...

**A few housekeeping notes...

Beginning this week, the daily content will vary a bit, breaking down the daily finds into more manageable bites for busy moms. (Honey, you were right!)

My Favorite Question
I recently overheard a mother and her preschooler in the store having that all too familiar conversation. He would ask a question and regardless of her answer, he always countered with a genuine sounding "WHY?" At first I laughed but was quickly sobered by the realization that soon it will be my turn. The longer I listened the more I was touched by her endless patience. She never even flustered. I have to admit that I identified with the little boy rather than the mother. When it comes to the mysteries of life (particularly the seemingly unfair ones), I bombard my Father with "why".

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgements (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths!) For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has (ever) been His counselor? Or who has first given God anything that he might be paid back or that he could claim a recompense? Romans 11:33-35

I'm a slow learner but I think He's starting to get through on this one.

Move: Will you have access to a pool this Summer? Check out these pool workouts for beginning, intermediate and advanced exercisers from Fitness Magazine.

Manage: Rid your house of financial clutter. Use this helpful list from Suze Orman to get you started.