The last few days I have felt very overwhelmed. There are so many, many things that I need to get accomplished before the baby is born. I am about seven weeks from my due date, yes, SEVEN weeks! When I think about that, I think about all the stuff that is not done and ready for Lily's arrival.
The Lord has been speaking to my heart. He is teaching me that I don't need to focus on all the things that haven't been done. Instead I need to take one day at a time, focus on what I can do each day, and trust Him to give me the grace and strength to accomplish each task. And if something doesn't get done before Lily gets here, then it will be ok!
These are the verses I am claiming for the next few weeks. Psalm 61:2-3,
"When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou has been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy."
The enemy could be any number of things. For me, the enemy is stress. What precious promises are here: He will lead me, He is my rock, He is a shelter for me, He is my strong tower. There is no way I can be stressed out when I am meditating on these verses. I am going to write them on 3x5 cards and put them around the house where I will see them often.
So here is a list of some of the things I want/need to get done in the next 7 weeks:
- Buy and wrap Christmas presents for our immediate family (at least 14 people)
- Wash, sort, and fold baby clothes (my Mom has offered to help with this)
- Finish the nursery!
- Go through all our baby gifts and stuff we've been given and see what else we're going to need
- Finish the new church directory
- Prepare for and teach 2 coupon classes with my sister
- Clean my always cluttered kitchen counter and table
- Make jar mixes for extended family's Christmas gifts
- Finish making several Christmas gifts
- Clean the bathroom (it is seriously nasty!)
- Make Christmas cookies and labels for goody bags for Jacob's 3 youth orchestras and all his students
- Stock the freezer with about 20 meals to use after Lily is born
- Finish writing thank you notes
- Get Christmas photo cards printed and mailed
Happy Friday Ya'll!
Wow! I feel overwhelmed FOR you :) But I totally understand. I will be praying for you. I know without a doubt that you will get done everything He wants done ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, you are busy! Take it easy - and I wish I could attend your coupon class!!
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time! I often find when I have a lot to do I tend to get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing because its just so hard to face it all. So take a look at your list and just go down it, one at a time. And be sure to hang it some where so you can celebrate the accomplishments as you cross things off your list!
ReplyDeleteI remember that feeling! In fact, I still often feel that way even now that Lily is a year old!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many options we have as to how we spend our time -- you are right, take it one day at a time and let GOD lead you as you choose which things take priority.
Praying for you!
P.S. The freezer meals -- definitely a good idea!! :)
My friend, if I lived closer, I'd be over right now to help. But, from afar, I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the verse you've pressed into your mind -- those note cards will be such a great visual reminder. Thank you for sharing.
You can do this. Praying for ya.
ReplyDeleteGirl, take it one day at a time! Use the help people offer, it's hard to do, but really, do it! You can get it done, and if not, oh well, you will have a beautiful baby girl in your arms!
ReplyDeleteI love you Kelly! Enjoy every minute of these special days! I hope stress isn't allowed to steal the joy away! Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteYou ARE busy! Hang in there. Lily won't notice if something is quite crossed off the list!
ReplyDeleteSometimes making the list helps me realize that God is bigger than my list. If not, there's
ReplyDeletePsalm 5:3 "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice: in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
Thank you for such a fantastic reminder of the One who holds the furture. Life can get busy and overwhelming especially at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteDont worry, if something doesnt get done, its ok... and doing a little bit every day should help you not feel overhelmed.
ReplyDeleteSis, I totally understand about feeling overwhelmed! :) It plagues me daily. But like you, I have to be led to that higher Rock.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to do whatever I can to help you work through your list!
Love you!
Ok, take a deep breath..it will be okay! Just keep saying that beautiful verse over and over again, and that will remind you that God IS your strong tower, He IS your refuge.
ReplyDeleteAnd give yourself a big cookie (or whatever you're really craving) after you have checked something off of your list.
I'm so proud of you! :)
((hugs & blessings))
Sarah*
I know how that list never seems to show progress - especially when you are adding to it! Ask for help!! Feeling unprepared for Little Miss. Lily Grace is not going to be fun :(
ReplyDeleteSo many things on your list are the kindness and compassion of others, You're so sweet!
I hope you will feel less whelmed :) soon so that you can RELAX in your last week or so before the Big Arrival!
HUGS
I'm sure it will all come together in the end! :) 7 weeks will fly by, though!!
ReplyDeleteTHanks for stopping by on Friday and leaving such an encouraging comment! You're sweet!:)
You've got a nice list going but you can do it!!
ReplyDeleteI've been exactly where you're at. With my second I did just step back and was okay with not having everything done - which for me is hard because it's completely against my organized and planning nature. But, I was amazed at how it didn't make much of a difference.
ReplyDeleteI think if you do take it day by day without getting stressed (not always easy) and spend time with God daily, you'll accomplish your whole list in time.
I'm so excited for you that it's so close. What is your due date?