I have been very blessed to have my husband stay home with me ever since the new baby was born on 12/14. I woke up this morning dreading this week, why? Because he goes back to work today, reminding myself that he has a 3 day weekend coming up due to New Year's. When my other 3 children were born my mom usually comes & stays with us the 2nd week but she is not able to do so this time. So, I am on my own for the 1st time with FOUR kids 5 & under, plus we are picking back up in our homeschooling - this thought has scared me!!! Am I going to be able to do this, I am so outnumbered!
So I opened my devotional this morning and I am reminded by God's faithfulness. I know this devotional for this day was written for me - what are the chances that it's on fear?
I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Philippians 4:13.God has given us power, Christ. God has given love. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). He also gives us a sound mind or discipline. I need not to be enslaved of these emotions. Today, I say no to my fears and know that God NEVER gives us more than we can handle! Praise God for turning my fear into peace today! I am sure the day will bring struggles and obsticales but God will carry me through them! What an awesome God!
Good luck and you can do it!!!!
ReplyDeleteMay God's blessings and peace be with you, as you resume things solo. I cannot fathom having four small ones under my wing. Three was a bit to handle for me, but now those days have past me by. You will do okay, as you keep your eye upon the One who supplies your every need. Have an awesome week!
ReplyDeleteI have never had much help other than my husband and it is always a scary time when he goes back to work. I will be facing the same scenario in the Spring when our 5th child is born and there are so many uncerainties. What I have learned, though in the past is that IF I embrace it as a time of learning it goes much smoother. One thing that I love is that when I am left on my own with the new baby we really get to know each other unlike any other time. In those first couple of weeks alone with that new little one is when I really become in tune to that little ones patterns and personality. As for the schooling I have to say I am scared out of my mind, but I rest in the FACT that we only have to as much as we want for the academic portion and the school age kiddos will be learning things they can't learn behind a desk. Now is the time to embrace the chance to teach them to be big helpers and learn new household tasks (no matter how small) that can help.... that is when they are not destroying the house. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou CAN do it and I am going to be praying for you everyday as well. We start back to homeschooling today also. Just remember, God is with you every step of the way and those 4 sweet blessings won't know if you don't get it all done perfectly either. :)
ReplyDeleteYour little baby is sooooooo adorable! People ask me, "How do you do it with 5 boys?" - especially when I was homeschooling and teaching 2 classes at the university. I just told them, "One child at at time." Kind of like how your skin gives you room for one more pound (sadly so), so does your ability to do this with a new baby. My 3rd son was born March the first year I homeschooled my oldest son (3rd grade). Just one day at a time! Yeah, you might shift around your schedule until the right schedule clicks. Don't pressure yourself - just one step, one day, one more child at a time:)
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my prayers. I only have 1 child, and while I look forward to the day when we have another, it also scares me a little. One of my mommy friends who has 4 kids once told me that the transition from 1 to 2 was the hardest, but after that, going from 2 to 3 or 3 to 4 is so much easier. I hope that is true for you!
ReplyDeletePraying for a smooth day! You are brave to take on homeschooling this week too! When #3 was born I think we were off from formal homeschooling for at least 6 weeks!!! With #4 due in July, I'm thinking that won't be possible this time. Just remember to be flexible and you probably won't get "it all" done but keep the main thing the main thing and that's all that matters! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new little one. I'm sure you will be fine with it. Don't worry if a lot of things don't get done. Just relax and enjoy being a mom. Videos can be very educational. Try something like the letter factory videos. Also, snuggling with a book while you are nursing can be school time as well.
ReplyDeleteKathi Sewing, Knitting, Candle Making, Homeschooling Mama
Your little one is precious, congrats! I hope this week goes well. I'm constantly amazed by my older children and how they help with the youngest!
ReplyDeleteAwww!!! You poor thing!!! :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone is right- it's OK to not get ALL the schooling done. In the long run, it won't matter 1 bit :)
And, I found 2 to 3 to be HARD- of course, I STARTED with 2 and I haven't added number 4, yet so... :)
I'll be praying for you! Keep in the Word and you will be fine!
Tiffany
Many years ago, a wise woman said that she didn't do much schoolwork after having a new baby because, after all, the baby IS the lesson. I thought that was cool and never forgot it.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you, though! When my 3rd was born, I only had two others and they were 9 and 4. My 9 year old was a huge help. My husband had a lot of time off work after our 3rd was born and I was so thankful for that!
I remember that it seemed like the little guy would wake up and cry EVERY SINGLE TIME that I left him sleeping - with the 9 year old watching over him - to take a shower. He was definitely my crybaby! I hope Baby Squeekers is a happy little guy! LOL!
Blessings and HUGS,
Cara
Thanks for the reminder of peace with a new baby. I've been terrified this week of how I will handle with my homeschooled kindergartner and our toddler when our new baby is born in April.
ReplyDeleteHope your days are filled with peace and joy!
Thanks for sharing these verses. I think "taking every thought captive to Christ" is so important! I'm glad you were able to do it and find peace . . .
ReplyDelete