tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post8420325872190953120..comments2024-03-29T01:05:17.952-05:00Comments on Making Home: Soul Care #1: Meeting Our Needs, Nurturing Our SoulsJess Connellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00372282510182101716noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-56950452120934687372011-08-18T07:18:43.563-05:002011-08-18T07:18:43.563-05:00A challenge:
There is so much fulfillment and sati...A challenge:<br />There is so much fulfillment and satisfaction to be had in ministering to the spiritual needs of others - when speaking to the disciples after His meeting with the woman at the well, Jesus described the refreshment He derived from reaching out to the woman in need. His meat was to do the will of the One who sent Him. His need for food and His weariness did not control Him - He had hidden resources they did not understand and sources of satisfaction beyond anything they could have ever imagined. We can have that too!<br /><br />There is so much hidden truth in Scripture - the Lord's utter forgetfulness of Himself and readiness to sacrifice Himself because of His concern for you and for me results in great joy when His intercession on our behalf bears fruit. He is our Example; He alone is our Source, our Living Water.Annettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14945077071698180116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-42193758241043673952011-08-18T07:01:46.865-05:002011-08-18T07:01:46.865-05:00Ahh, this is a great subject! As a wife and mother...Ahh, this is a great subject! As a wife and mother of 12 this has been a biggie for me! Being a stay at home mom definitely has its challenges. I firmly believe that "soul care" begins with daily times of fellowship with the Lord and drawing on His strength. It is so easy to get wrapped up in life and let that our quiet time with Him slide. Instead of living and walking in the Spirit we are working through our own power, falling short, and failing.<br /><br />Something practical:<br />At times I tend to struggle with disillusionment (living in my own little world and not able to see the full picture) and it really helps me to be able to get out and around other adults. My husband encouraged me to start working a couple of days a month (I have a nursing license and get shifts through a staffing service). My oldest children are 16,18, and 19 so my working 2-3 evenings a month is very doable for our family. It helps me maintain a realistic perspective and renews my resolve at home. I think every woman should have something of her own - I enjoy learning and have a desire to use my nursing skills as a way to minister to others. So for me, working through a distance learning program to earn a nursing degree is helping me to be stronger and a more well-rounded. Being able to give and interact with others is very fulfilling for me.<br /><br />Something spiritual:<br />This year I have been reading through a wonderful (big) book by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones titled Living Water, on John 4, the story of the woman at the well. I am learning so much about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, living victoriously through His power, and finding satisfaction in doing the will of God, whether it be trusting Him in difficult circumstances, developing relationships with others, or replacing my own tendency to look out for myself with love, forgiveness, and grace.<br />~AnnetteAnnettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14945077071698180116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-82974477400213388972011-08-17T18:29:33.522-05:002011-08-17T18:29:33.522-05:00I really enjoyed this thought-provoking post. I am...I really enjoyed this thought-provoking post. I am in the state of just putting one foot in front of the other and plodding through my day most of the time and struggle to find a balance between my needs and those of my family. I want to honor God and do His will with my life, but I feel distant from Him, and as a result, I find myself pushing away my family, too. I think engaging in the practice of "soul care" is something I really do need to focus on...and perhaps reading the book you referenced along with my daily Bible chapter would be a great place to start! :)Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08933444348029061497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-81824645265818979002011-08-17T09:26:34.502-05:002011-08-17T09:26:34.502-05:00Hi Jess! YES! I'm right there with you. I o...Hi Jess! YES! I'm right there with you. I often use your blog as a source of recommendation of my next good read and this is no exception. I definitely feel this, right now more than ever...after a spring of cancer scares (no cancer!) and surgeries and taking the summer off to relax (which didn't really work) we started back to homeschool a week ago and I am already exhausted! I KNOW that I need to make more of an effort to take care of myself, but how does a person find the time with four little ones (two school-age and twin preschoolers)? Looking forward to reading this book! And always enjoy your blog!<br /><br />ErinErinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03423605221414583669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-10325359882279623862011-08-17T08:47:31.329-05:002011-08-17T08:47:31.329-05:00Oh goodness!! I think all women have felt like thi...Oh goodness!! I think all women have felt like this! <br /><br />About 2 1/2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus. I was literally EXHAUSTED 24/7, hair falling out, joint pain, etc. However, even through that I felt like I had to ignore it to "keep up" with others. In my opinion, I really do think society plays a huge role in this...they really focus on what one is (or should be) doing...how fast...and to what extent...all while looking amazing ;) I've recently truly felt in my heart that I have to slow down...it doesn't matter what others think - only what God thinks. Right now, my calling is to be a mom - and I can only do that if I am a well rested and healthy mom :)Brittanyhttp://clarke-family.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444916.post-55731126729155518632011-08-17T08:26:57.615-05:002011-08-17T08:26:57.615-05:00This past winter with the birth of my second chil...This past winter with the birth of my second child I went through a lot of hard things like health problems, my MIL dying within 2 months of his birth, my 2 year old going through a lot of challenges and my husband travelling a lot for work. I wasn't relying on God and I was so discouraged. It was such a dark time in my life. I was hours away from my home town and friends and my family was far as well. God allowed the hard time but this Spring I said enough is enough and went to a Biblical Counselor who is a very godly lady. She helped so much. She was able to show me that a lot of the things I was thinking like "I'm overwelemd" and I'm a "Bad mom" "I don't love my kids" are lies from the evil one. It made all the difference learning I have to fight a battle hourly to believe the truth. I have joy now and am closer to Christ than ever. Getting professional help or help from a Christian lay counselor shouldn't be overlooked for those struggling. I'm so thankful I was able to get help.Jessicahttp://journeytowardhim.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.com