Good morning!  It is nice to be up and about at a decent time in the morning for a change.  The Lord reminded me today of a verse I learned back in high school, and needed to consider again.  Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  I know that life with Christ is not meant to be easy or trouble-free.  In fact, there is much to learn as He guides us through difficulties and struggles and trials.  I'm so grateful that we do not walk through those times alone!  That said, I realize that I have allowed my mind to just give in or give up too easily of late.  The verse reminds me to stand firm, in His strength, by His grace, and resist the things to which the evil one would have me give in.  Lately, it's been discouragement and self-pity.  I realize now that I have been listening to lies.  And my Father has told me not to LET MYSELF be burdened again by a yoke of slavery!  So...I'm praying, that by His grace, He'll enable me to take each thought captive to Christ and live in the freedom that He has already given to me.

Okay...that was a bit windy, but hey...this is my blog, so I guess I'm allowed.  ;-)  Today's focus for the haven is making it inviting and giving.  This is neat, to see how the Lord orchestrates even the smallest details of our lives.  Feeling as poorly as I have for some time now, I've not been inviting many into my home, because I can barely manage to take care of myself and my kids!  However, yesterday we had five friends over for most of the day, and today I'm helping my neighbor out by watching her daughter after school as she's in a pinch with another commitment.  God has already given me the opportunities this week to invite others into our homes, and give something of ourselves to others by using our time and our home.  Thanks for that, Lord!

My plan for today, in addition to watching my neighbor and a child's Dr. appointment, is as follows:

1.  Keep the music playing!

2.  Try to finish the bedroom and closet, make more progress in the school room.

3.  Keep catching up on laundry.

This may be beyond me today, as there is still a LOT to do to reach a tidy/clean status in these areas!  However...I'm just wanting to make more and more progress.  Yesterday I did not accomplish much, as we hosted our friends for most of the day.  Hopefully today will be a bit different.  As for dinner?  I'm thinking we may just put in a frozen pizza.  I've really been feeling my worst around that time of day lately, and so I'm going to try to go easy on meals for a few days and see if that helps.

Lord, would You please guide us through this day?  Protect us from the evil one, give us self-control, help us to see things as You would want us to see them and live accordingly?  How we long to be a constant source of joy and blessing to each other and give glory to You with our daily lives!  We cannot do it apart from Your work of grace in our hearts.  We thank You that You love us enough to continue to do that work.  To YOU be the glory!!!