Thursday, November 13, 2008

Homeschool Memoirs "Mom" Help!

THEME:
This week I’d like to invite you to share what YOUR “Mom” help is. Some drink coffee, soda, or chia-tea. Others check email or read their favourite blogs. Some talk a walk…. what do you do when you need to clear your head and take a breather?

I find there are a number of things that bring balance to my life. One of my favorites is going walking, running or to the gym, either by myself or with a friend. Of course, with three small children such activities generally have to be planned in advance, when someone else (usually Daddy) can watch the kids. I miss the days when I could put one or two babies in a stroller and go for a long walk while I let my mind wander.
When I need more moment-by-moment encouragement, I turn to music and especially to my favorite hymns. Whether I sing, play the piano, or listen to a recording, I find encouragement and comfort in sacred song. Here is one of my favorites.

Count Your Blessings
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

4 comments:

MaryAnne said...

I just started really trying to focus on my kids' faces when I start to feel discouraged. It makes me feel more grateful for the privilege of being the mother of such wonderful children.

Maile said...

I also enjoy running. Getting out in fresh air and having time to think on my own has been invaluable to my emotional well-being.

Kelley said...

I have started using the idea of counting my blessings when I'm feeling overwhelmed, and it really seems to be helping.

3 for school said...

When my eldest two were babies, I often sang that song to them. Later I realized I'd had the "baby blues" pretty strongly.

Another song I sing a lot is Come, Come Ye Saints.