This week: making the most of my time, childhood is vital, beach days, trusting

How is it possible that another week has passed!? The busier I get the faster time seems to fly. I remember when there were days that I would pray would speed up, but now I pray the opposite. Since my time is so valuable I have to be really careful with how I spend it and manage it the best I can. I hate wasting time. I get frustrated when I go on the computer with a specific purpose and find I have spent 20 minutes perusing facebook or pinterest. Or when I go into a store (usually target) and totally forget to buy what I came in for and come out with 10 things I didn't know I needed.

The bigger my family has become the more I have had to prioritize where I put my time and effort. Seeking God first and being faithful with what He has given me is my utmost priority. I often fail in this area but I am so thankful for his grace and mercy. God has given me so many blessings. By being faithful to my family I believe I am being faithful to him. I never want to neglect my family. They are my everything. They challenge me, teach me, refine me, motivate me and inspire me. 

There are so many distractions today that can easily deter us from what matters most. I feel like I have to daily fight off all the shiny and sparkly things(phones, computer, t.v.) that would steal my time and affection. Sometimes I feel like the dogs on UP...squirrel...squirrel! Just as I have to make boundaries for the kids I have had to make boundaries for myself. I try to not get on the computer until I have most of my house work done, no one is in need of my immediate attention and it's not taking away from my time with my husband. Of course there is always going to be something else to do and someone that will interrupt or need me. Instead of ignoring the person in front of me I try to stop what I am doing and come back to it later if I need to. That is what I love about blogging. I can do it when I can. It can wait. My peoples can't.

 Summer officially started this week, though we are going to still be doing some school through the summer we had an end of school party with the kid's cousins.  They had an epic water balloon fight. The kids have about 15 cousins that live close by. They are their best friends! I love watching them play and seeing them have such a fun childhood. I had a great childhood but I have to admit I am sometimes jealous of theirs. I wonder sometimes if they are spoiled but I think it's okay to be spoiled in the areas they are. Every child deserves to have a great childhood. Right now all the stress and worry they have is about doing their school and chores.  I am so thankful that is the extent of their little troubles. Whenever they complain I remind them that school and chores are their jobs as children.

No matter what else happens in your life, your childhood is so vital in shaping your character and outlook on life. I have gone through some really hard times but I am so thankful that I have great memories to look back on in my childhood. I cherish and hold on to them. So when I see my kids laughing and playing without fear or worry, I thank God and for this great blessing and don't take it for granted.

We had a beach day yesterday and we are all feeling the effects of being out in the summer sun for too long. Even though I slather everyone in sunscreen, parts of us always get more sun then I think we will. I could seriously stay out in the sun all day. I love it; as long as I can cool off in the water.  But some of my very fair children can not handle it so we try not to stay out too long. For some reason the beach has a way of making time go by very fast. I always feel like we have only been out for a short time when it has really been a couple of hours.

When I go to the beach by myself with all the kids, people give me some crazy looks, but I have gotten used to it. I would never do anything if I used my kids as an excuse. Of course I am picky about where I take them. I know my limits and avoid places that I know will stress me out. Though at the beach I do feel like I am scanning the water the whole time. Thank God for life jackets! I have to say one of the best parts of going to the beach is how it relaxes everyone. Usually half the kids are asleep when we get home. The downside is that everyone is covered in sand and a fight breaks out over who gets to have a shower first.

"Trust me." That is what God keeps impressing on my heart. It's easy to say I trust God and pray that God will help me to trust him but God is continually calling me to just trust him in my heart. To do it. I guess this is a continual theme in my life as I am sure in yours also. God has been constantly showing me aspects of his steadfast love. I on the other hand feel like a roller coaster at times, up one minute down the next. But even when I am a mess, have no reason not to trust him and don't do what I know I should; there he is... constant and steadfast once again, showering me with his love and giving me his grace and strength to live for him and die to myself.

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

"I trust in the steadfast love of the Lord forever and ever." Psalm 52:8

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

How do you make boundaries for yourself so you don't waste time and prioritize what matters most?

Do enjoy seeing your kids play and have fun also?

What do you enjoy doing together with your kids during the summer? Are you afraid to go certain places with them?

What has God been impressing on your heart lately?

Linking up with these great link parties: The Homeschool Mother's Journal, Mama Moments Mondays, Mom2Mom,Tuesday Talk, Hearts for Home, Missional Woman