Finding Balance

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. Today I'm going to be talking about finding balance in your life. Someone had asked the question about how I balance everything in my life. I'm a mother of six, I homeschool, my husband and I both work in ministry, and now I have added blogs, podcasts, and an online business to my plate. It can all definitely be overwhelming at times, but God gives me the strength I need to make it through.

I set reminders on my phone for just about everything. I remind myself about appointments, phone calls, shopping lists, you name it. It seems like most appointments end up being scheduled at or around the same time. Honestly, I prefer it that way, so that I'm not going somewhere every week for every month of the year. Eye appointments, dental appointments, and well check ups I usually take two at a time if possible. Sometimes I may end up taking two one day, then someone else a different day that same week. Then a week or two later, I end up taking two or three different children to appointments. Usually what happens is, one month is jam packed with appointments, then the next month is thankfully quiet. Our summer was pretty much like this. June and July were very busy especially since we took the children to swimming lessons as well. Then August and September have been much calmer.

If appointments and other events start to become too much at one time, I just reschedule the less important appointments for a less busy time. I have learned that when life seems like it's a little too busy and we need a break, just go ahead and take a break. It really isn't that big of a deal to push back a routine check up by a couple of weeks if everything is going fine.

Probably the hardest thing to balance is ministry. Sometimes there's so many different services and events going on at the same time, that it's hard to keep up. My husband is more obligated than I am, so again, if life starts getting too complicated I talk with my husband and ask if he minds going to some things without the children and me. I'm a firm believer that as a mother, it's my responsibility to look out for the well being of the children as well as my own. They can get just as worn out as I can, and it isn't right to overload them with too many things. Sometimes I think our expectations for children can be a little too high. We have to remember that they ARE CHILDREN. They aren't going to sit or behave like adults. So, I really try to keep these things in mind.

As far as homeschooling goes, I just take it day by day. For instance, today was a little more challenging. It's Monday, so obviously it was a little harder for everyone to focus. No one was really that interested in doing their work, the baby kept climbing on the table, and throwing things down the stairs. It was just "one of those days". We got through it, though. Usually on the days that seem to get too crazy, we just simply hit the pause button and wait until the next day.

Everything else gets worked in wherever and whenever I can get to it. I will admit that I am pretty good at multitasking. So, I've been able to keep up with housework pretty well. In fact, the other day while I was running bath water to start on the baths, my husband walked in and started laughing at me because I was cleaning everything else in the bathroom other than the tub! I figured I would make good use of my time while I was waiting on the bath water. Fortunately, I inherited some wonderful cleaning skills from my mother, and I'm very thankful for that! (haha)

I work on schoolwork anytime of day or night when I can get to it. Blogs and podcasts are done whenever I can sneak downstairs for a few minutes. Typically I do them on the weekend when my husband is home, but if our busy schedule doesn't allow for me to squeeze them in on weekends, they are done at night.

I work on our new business in between everything else. Which, I strongly encourage you to check out our website at www.perfectafamily.store if you haven't already. We just got in some amazing new items! I believe just about everyone can find something that they love.

All in all, I get through life by the grace of God. I have learned that you really have to put God first and foremost every single day. I try very hard to teach our children that. If you can find some time early in the morning t o read your Bible, do a daily devotional, pray, or meditate, it really helps to get your day off to a better start.

Proverbs 16:3 says"

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Another good and very familiar scripture is Matthew 6:33:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His 

righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

There really isn't any other specific advise that I can give about finding balance in your life, other than seek God. God is the One that can help you prioritize your life. He can show you how to organize everything in your life to make it work a little smoother. Your life won't be flawless, but at least if God is directing your life, you can't go wrong.

Some days you simply have to just breathe. Accept that everyday isn't going to be perfect. Life will seem very hectic at times, but as long as you have God, you have everything you need. God said He would never leave us, nor forsake us. He will give us peace in the midst of our storms. So when life gets to be overwhelming, seek Him. Ask Him how to arrange your days, and your time. He has the answers for everything we need.

The most important advise I can give is put God first, and seek Him for everything else. Let Him show you how to balance out your life. Be willing to live by His plans, and not your own.

I appreciate your comments or questions. If anyone has any specific topic that you would like for me to cover, don't hesitate to ask. I hope I have said something today that was of some encouragement.

Have a blessed week!