There are days, and weeks, and months, when our hearts are weary and we feel so overwhelmed. We wonder if we’re doing the right thing for our kids and our families. Some days I’m the one in position and need to reach out to a friend for support and encouragement. And Jesus.

Because you all – if there is one thing I know, I would be nowhere without HIM.

The last few days have been a huge reminder to me that every single one of us go through times where we need encouragement. Wednesday I traveled to Nashville to speak at Teach Them Diligently. One of the BEST parts of blogging is having the opportunity to step out beyond this site and share my heart in person at conferences. Although I have notes and an outline for each session, each time there are different tangents that I tend to wander down – and often those tangents are as much for me as they may be to speak to one of the hearts sitting in the room with me.

This past weekend was one of those times. Before one of my last sessions I felt the need to go off ‘script,’ share a bit more of my heart with those attending, and share my scattered thoughts and what God had put on my heart.

A song had been replaying in my head the few days prior to speaking (a few weeks ago I shared a video clip of our our kids singing it), and the second verse of that song was what spoke to me the most:

I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word

That then brought up a memory of a very difficult day with one of our kids many years ago. The morning consisted of two hours of seemingly endless crying and whining. I was at the end of my proverbial rope. Up until that point I had tried every thing that I could think of: holding, diverting, ignoring. Nothing was working. I left the room for a moment, stopped and prayed, and immediately felt that I should put worship music on.

Within seconds of that music starting, the demeanor of that child changed completely. The crying stopped. Smiles came out. Singing started.

It made me pause and realize. For TWO HOURS I had tried everything on my own to make the situation stop. When I finally took a moment to stop and pray, the solution to the problem was there.

The first thing we should do – before we text a friend, scroll through Facebook, or retreat into feeling the weight of what seems impossible – is ask for help from someone who has the answers for us.  But sadly, we often take my relationship with Him for granted. It’s easier to turn to what is familiar, what we know, look for a ‘quick fix’ solution on our own and we forget to stop, pray and ask for help from the one who knows our needs before we even ask.

Today, can I encourage you (as I’ve been encouraged and reminded myself) to ask for help from the One who is so very willing to help and provide answers for you? And if you are in a place today where you need prayers, I would be more than happy to pray along with you! You can either leave a comment or email me. I would truly be honored, especially because I know how much God cares for each and every one of our needs.

Hugs today friends as you start a new day and a new week!

Monday has dawned VERY bright an early. I may not exactly be a fan of daylight savings time, especially on the heels of a late night out with the kids. On the other hand, the few days after the time change are the rare occasions when the kids sleep well past 7 am. Today is going to be a slow starting day.

This past weekend the kids all the opportunity to help out at The Roadshow Tour. They are all huge fans of the Newsboys and many of the other groups performing (Phil Wickham BLEW us away), but our family also has a heart for sharing the work of Compassion International. While the kids were definitely excited to hear some of their favorite bands, my heart was so full seeing their faces when they were handed a completed child sponsorship form – and knew that person was making a difference in the life of a child. (Learn more about child sponsorship here.)

The rest of our weekend has been packed with lots of prep – finishing up Powerpoints and transferring files so I am ready for Teach Them Diligently in Nashville at the end of the week. You all – it is such an honor and JOY to be able to share my heart at this conference and get to meet many of you!! This year I’ll be sharing on balancing home and school, meal planning, and strategies for a successful homeschool year – I hope to see you there!

At home though – well, the family needs to be fed, so the kids and I sat down and planned out meals for the next two weeks, so I can rest when I get home next Sunday. Can I tell you how much I am really loving the weekly meal planner? Lots and lots.

Yesterday I spent some time shopping because my wardrobe (for the main part) consists primarily of t-shirts in solid colors and the same pair of jeans (I may or may not own three of the exact same pair of jeans because I love them and they are familiar). My idea of shopping is dash in and grab because I HATE SHOPPING. Picking out clothes is akin to torture for me, but wearing something other than blah is also lovely as well. The above is the result of taking a friend along for moral support – and I may or may not be proud that I branched out into two patterns and pops of color to go along. Apparently many of you are not fans of shopping either. Of course we’re talking books – well, that may be another story.

This week I’ll be sharing more on what the kids have been up to the past few weeks, but until then – have a GREAT week!! Me – I’m going to curl up in bed and enjoy the quiet this morning with a cup of coffee and a book until the kids finally wake up!