Once I get out of my exercise routine, it takes me months to get back into it.  Am I the only one?  My husband knows that I want to exercise and so he asks me about it every once in a while - which is great - but also makes me feel guilty sometimes.  But I need him to continue to remind me that it is important to me.  I usually got up at 4:55 in the morning to do my 30 minute workout before I had to get ready for work.  But that is just too early for me.  So I am trying to think of a new time.  In between seeing my kids, tutoring other children, my daily job - I'm just running out of hours in my day.  It is so hard to get motivated by myself.  Any ideas on how to gear up to exercise??  Any ideas are welcome.

I was sitting alone in the living room watching some TV late at night.  My husband was already sleeping (which NEVER happens) and my kids were in bed.  My daughter is a night owl and was up as usual reading stories to her dolls and reading books.  All of a sudden, I hear Holly praying to Jesus!  She was asking him to help her feet and legs feel better because they were hurting her.  Then she said that she wished that all the other little girls would not have their feet and legs hurt them either.  I almost burst into tears! 

As I was sharing this with my husband today, we were talking about how we hope to raise up our children in the right way and we hope that they learn.  Hearing Holly pray last night was such a blessing to my heart.  I know that we are doing something right.  She knows that when she has something that troubles her, she goes straight to Jesus to pray.  How awesome!

Since I am a working mom, I usually don't enjoy being at home alone or spending even more time away from my children.  Today I was tutoring a student from my house and my husband had to go to a meeting at church.  So he took the kids to have dinner there before his meeting.  His meeting didn't start until 7:00 and my tutoring ended at 6:00.  So, I've had like 2 hours all to myself...AHHHHH!  It was beautiful.  I didn't do laundry, wash the dishes, clean the kids rooms, sweep the floors.  I just sat and watched TV and looked on the computer for some games to play with my students.  I've had a few stressful days at work with all the end-of-year stuff that needs to be done and the quiet was so needed!  It's so nice to have a little time to yourself.  So refreshed!!! :)

I take the bus to work every morning.  I work in Rexland Park - not really the best area in town.  So, I usually have my book along, stay to myself, and just read.  Today, however, was a different morning. 

A former gang member, Renee, started up a conversation with me!  I had my book open ready to start my usual routine.  He asked me if I like to read.  And that is how our conversation began.  We talked about my work, my family, his family (8 children!), being in prison, how he got out of the gang, his brother dying of cancer just 2 months ago. 

But the thing that struck me the most was when he talked of an elderly couple who had seen him working and just started praying for him.  The gentleman came up to Renee and said that he had been praying for him.  This had been going on for 4 months!  Renee was overwhelmed.  He was trying to get off drugs and trying to get a job to provide for his family.  He was sent to prison and when he got out, he had nothing left.  This couple invited him into his home, provided clothing, food, and shelter for Renee.  They also got him going to church. 

He is now trying to work things out with his children's mother, trying to provide for his family and his brother's family.  Working at a car crushing place over by where I work and trying to save money (About $900) to get his schooling and licensing to work in the oil fields. 

It is so amazing how God places people along your path to remind you of how blessed you really are, but also that it is not a bad thing to get out of your comfort zone.  If he had not talked with me, I don't think I would have ever started a conversation with him.  He made a comment that he wished more people would be like that elderly couple.  Showing their love with their actions.  Not looking at the outside of people to make decisions and judgements.  But rather, to give people a chance. 

It reminds me of when Jesus would walk with the people who were hurt or suffering.  Those who needed encouraging and friendship.  Helps me to realize that I can always do something to be just a little more like Jesus.  Maybe we all can.

I now have a new friend on the bus every morning.  I look forward to seeing where God has this relationship lead.

Hy husband and I are adopting (and have been trying for 2 years now).  Our social worker is coming for our review on Sunday.  So, in preparing for this HUGE event, I asked my kids a simple question..."Will you please go and clean your rooms?" 

Now this is something they have done on their own before...I still help out my 3 year old a little bit, but she cleans her own room.  I prefaced it by saying that we need to do this because the lady who is helping us get our "Ileah baby" is coming over.  I also said I needed their help because I had a whole house to clean. 

When it was actually time to clean, all I got was "but Mom", "I'm tired", "I'm thirsty", "You can't make me", "I don't want to", etc.  Some days I think that I have the best kids in the whole world.  The next day, I think..."Where did my kids go?  And who are you?" Sometimes I just don't know how to make them listen.  I cannot do everything - Don't they know that?

As I was standing in my room trying to "cool off", my husband came to remind me that they are cleaning like a 3 year old and a 5 year old.  They are making progress.  So I thought I would go out and try to see for myself.  And, by golly, they were making progress!  Maybe they actually did listen and I just didn't have the patience to wait for them to do the work.  I want immediate results and when I don't get that I'm immediately frustrated. 

I am reminded so often of my shortcomings and how God places things in my life to show me what I need to work on.  Even in the simple things like my children cleaning their rooms. 

My daughter is done cleaning her room and came to sit next to me in my chair.  She told me she had something to tell me.  She whispers in my ear, "Mommy, I love you."  Instantly my heart melts and I am reminded that I am unconditionally loved.  Even when I am mad and frustrated that things don't go my way, I know that my kids listen the way they are created to listen.  Maybe sometimes I just have to change the way that i listen to my children.