Do you ever have moments when life seems to be more than you can handle? So many things pulling for your attention, so many messes or problems to deal with, that you don’t even know where to begin? I have felt that way often, in fact, just today! I feel sure that it is the devil trying to distract me or discourage me, so that I will be useless in the Lord’s work. Sadly, sometimes he wins. I wallow in defeat and self-pity and accomplish nothing for my Lord. Other times, I cry out to the Lord and win the victory.

Today, I awoke feeling overwhelmed. We are in the middle of a revival meeting. My youngest just had outpatient surgery. I am 34 weeks pregnant. It is 200 degrees outside – okay, not really, but it feels like it to my swollen body. I have floors to mop, laundry to do, bathrooms to clean, children to care for, food to cook and then church every night this week. 

I hit the ground running – or trying to – this morning. I didn’t get very far. I’m physically and emotionally wiped out. I sat down and just sighed. My husband said that I looked like I felt bad. Boy, was he right! I felt like I needed to stop everything and spend time with the Lord, which had gotten pushed out of its usual spot in my schedule. But how? I have four children who are very young. I have a house that needs constant attention. How could I squeeze it in now? The Lord reminded me of Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. I needed that “one thing” desperately. I didn’t want it to get moved or displaced, but it did. I decided that maybe my husband could take the kids outside or somewhere for a while so that I might have some much needed quiet time. However, I didn’t have the time to even mention my idea before the Lord provided a way for me Himself! 

The phone rang and Terry answered it. It was our special speaker for the week, Bro. Eddie Kelso. He asked if he and his wife could take our kids to a local state park to walk around and play. They even wanted to feed them lunch! Terry had to run a few errands, so he took our youngest with him. This was it. The Lord had given me about 30 minutes quiet time. I got into His word, and wept at His feet. Just as I was finishing, my hubby and Laci returned. I felt renewed and refreshed. The Lord had given me peace, because I was dwelling on Him, and leaving my cares with Him.

It was a good thing that I ended up getting my priorities back in order. A few minutes after I finished up my quiet time, I went to unload the dryer. To my horror, I found most of my white clothing splattered with blue ink. 😦 Apparently, I missed a blue ink pen that someone had in their pocket. I’m sure I was able to handle this mishap much better after spending time with the Lord than I would have before!

In the Bible study I’ve been working through, the author suggests writing helpful verses on 3×5 cards and placing them throughout the house. I have read this idea and done it in the past, but it’s been a while. I enjoyed finding relevant verses and writing them out on the cards. I read them before I fall asleep at night, and sleep is usually instant, because thoughts of my Savior are peaceful, comforting thoughts.

Resting in His arms,