We mothers are called by God to
- love our husbands and children,
- be self-controlled and pure,
- be busy at home,
- be kind, and
- be subject to our husbands,
so that no one will malign the word of God because of us. (Titus 2:3-5)
That last line shows the incredible importance of our calling, for by not doing these things we could cause others to think and speak negatively about God’s word! All that has implications for our lives and service, huge, practical implications. It also puts us at odds with the world, even, often, with the Christian world.
I have a husband and five children, four of whom live at home, two of whom are still being homeschooled. I have an extended family and a church family as well as health issues that eat into my time and energy. And I have a blog. In God’s priority system, that blog comes last, even though from a different point of view it may seem to be the only permanent, significant thing I’m doing.
It has been difficult to give up blogging for this past half year. Perhaps I was too invested in it and had to let go of an idol. Who knows? I don’t but God does and, really, that is enough. All I needed to know was that my family needed me and that I desperately needed the extra rest.
But now it seems I am able to write again. I am so thankful for that! When I think of you, dear friends, and the encouragement you have given me over the years and especially the last while, I am so grateful to start blogging regularly again, Lord willing! My prayer is that I will be able to encourage you (and myself) in our daily calling and to point us to the Lord who loves us, saves us, and gives meaning to everything we do.
May God bless us all. May he help us understand how to serve him and give us the ability to do so. May he hold us by the hand (Psalm 73:23) and lead us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:2).
I’m so glad to hear from you again! You have set a good example in considering your priorities as a mother.
Thank you, Nelleke!
Welcome back Annie Kate! I was excited to find this post this afternoon. I hope you are feeling better!
Yes, thank you, Sunshine, I’m doing better. A bit more stamina, significantly less dizziness, and even less sleepiness. Thank you for your encouragement! It means a lot to me.
I am so glad to hear your online voice again!! I do know the tax this is on a busy mom and wife. Yes, those idols of our hearts are sneaky things… they masquerade as lovely and lofty endeavours sometimes…. like good, useful and appreciated blogs, I suppose? Please know, although we wait with bated breath for your posts, we can all wait a little longer, until the season for writing returns…
Thanks and blessings your way, Kathleen
Thank you, Kathleen. Yes, you understand exactly what I was trying to say about those idols. Sometimes it is so difficult to know what is the right thing to do!
Perhaps we’ll see you at the ARPA presentation tonight?
It’s great to hear from you again! I was surprised when I saw your post on my blog feed. Glad you had a restful time away. 🙂
So pleased that you are able to write again. I missed your posts.
Thanks, JoAnn and SarahElisabeth. It is so good to be back!
Yes, it is good to see you blogging again as everyone else has said. I admire you all the more for letting go of the good and going after the best. May the Lord bless your blog & your influence. X
Thank you, Carol! I am grateful that God has forced me to consider what is good and what is best, although it has not been an easy journey. Thank you for the encouragement and the blessing.
I am so thankful to know you are well enough to write again! I so enjoy your blog and sweet comments on my blog. Your words here are really important. Priorities are important. God bless you, friend!
Thank you so much, Jenn. You are such an encouragement!