My biggest secret to a happy home and family is a happy mommy. I know this is sometimes the hardest thing to change, and I have had many days that I failed miserably with it. So here are some tips I have found along the way that have greatly helped me while trying to be a happy mommy. 😉
One thing that I have already shared with you is scheduling. (see my “Family Scheduling” post here: https://www.bethanysfamilysecrets.com/2019/01/31/family-scheduling/) Scheduling creates some predictability and therefore reduces the amount of stress that comes with things just flying at you.
Another thing that comes to mind is having a more organized home. I know not every one is like me in this way, but if there are items in my home strewn across every surface and as I open my cupboards a waterfall of stuff falls out it makes me stressed. And I think we all know that a stressed mama is a grumpy one!
There are probably many other things that I could touch on, but one stands out in my mind over all the rest. This one thing is my time with Jesus in the morning. I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and Jesus means so much to me. In fact, the more I get to know Him the more I learn to love Him and the more I realize that I truly need Him.
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Yesterday started out horribly. I decided to make breakfast before my time with Jesus. I heard that little voice in my head reminding me that I needed Him first, but I told myself that I would just make breakfast quick, and while it was cooking I would spend time with Him. Well, while I flipped pancakes my daughter and husband came out. My little one was ready for my attention, and my husband needed to shower. I didn’t immediately remember that I had missed my time with Jesus, but I felt so frustrated and aggravated! The dog was so crazy – running everywhere and eating everything she saw. The baby was so fussy and clingy, and I just felt like I was going to snap. I was getting scared. To already feel like this at 6:45 am was unusual for me, and I didn’t know how I’d make it through the day!
I made it to nap time, barely, and then sank down on the couch and cried out to God. “I need your help! Please be with me.” I knew I couldn’t make it without Him any longer, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to relax and think enough to find my way back to peace in Him before my daughter woke or the dog annoyed me again. Suddenly, I remembered a Bible verse I had put to memory using song a year or two before. It played in my head over and over again. “…My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest.” Ex. 33:14 KJV Wow! I was blown away by the care I have from God. And my heart cry was “Yes Lord, I need and want your presence. Please be with me today and give my troubled heart rest.”
My day did go much smoother after this, and I was able to have joy in my heart, knowing that the Lord really was with me. How precious He is, and how personal He is with us, if we will only take the time to really connect with Him.
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Have you ever had an experience like this before? I couldn’t do this mommy thing without Jesus, and He is just as willing to be your friend and helper as He is to be mine.
I would love to hear any similar experiences that you have had! Please leave them in the comments. 🙂
I don’t own the rights to this picture. Here is the link: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/196891814944949522/