A sabbatical of sorts

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

This morning God put these verses on my heart. I am viewing them from the standpoint of a parent needing to discipline my children. It is unpleasant for everyone involved. BUT, it will "produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it"! I want that for my sons!!

My oldest son's attitude seems to slip a little further south every day. It's hard to put a finger on it, but I know that I factor into it [not being self-deprecating]. I feel silly admitting it, but somehow I don't always see clearly when I need to discipline—I can be lulled into a state of dullness—and my natural tendency is to lean more toward the side of grace [in the form of giving a zillion reminders and warnings] when it comes to disobedience... but a four-year-old does not understand the concept of grace... only that he's gotten away with something.

So anyway, I've gotta get focused. I have a big job on my hands. An important one. An eternal one. My kids need more focused training. It's not a "me thing"—where I'm wanting perfection or an easier life, like I mentioned in my last post—it's a "righteousness and peace thing". Somehow even the simplest things distract my thoughts, my mission—even the most basic things. And my time is so limited. The only "me time" I'm really allotted is from 1:00 to 2:00 while my sons are having roomtime—and I am desperately needing that time to realign my focus, my heart with the Lord's.

So I have to choose—how will I use my time? Choosing is hard. But I am determined to fill my head with the Word and prayer as much as I can, so I can be at my best for training and nurturing my kids.

I'm telling you this in case you wonder about my silence! :) I am still here and things are OK, I just won't be on the computer much during the week. On the weekend I should have a little more time to catch up on things, though! I am energized by the fellowship I have with you, my dear fellow bloggers! Your friendships mean more to me than you could ever know! I will be thinking of you during the week, and hoping to make a few connections perhaps in the evenings or on the weekends.

I am comforted by the words of Hebrews 4:15,16...
This High Priest of ours [Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Thank you, Jesus.