Stay-at-Home? prayers

The other day my Sohl-sister had most of a day off from work, which coincidentally is an infrequent occurrence, and a cause to praise God. As we were talking, she let me know that she was having a difficult time coming up with things to fill her time, and had wondered how I, or other stay-at-home-moms, filled my time. She said she'd already cleaned up, paid bills, and watched TV, and had run out of things to do. Let's pray that she continues to have time to attend to her own interests and to fulfill her dreams as she discovers them, while completing God's work as He reveals His plan in His timing.

God blesses stay at home moms, or more specifically this stay at home mom with plenty of things to do. Thankfully so many things that I can push off the cleaning, bill paying, and other less desirable tasks. ;)

Today we enjoyed our first swim lesson with two of my Sohl son's friends. Thank you God for the blessings these two have shown me, as they've each in their own way helped me to appreciate my son for his own gifts and abilities. Thank you God, too, for helping me realize I'm not the only one who again won't win the "Mom of the Year" award, and for reminding me that that's o.k., too.

We then ventured to a craft store to locate some cutters and a few supplies for a new diaper cake order, and then stopped by Payless to pick up three new pairs of shoes (water shoes, flipflops, and sandals)for my Sohl son. While I did see some cute new flops for me, I resisted the temptation and was rewarded by a surprise sale on two of the three pairs! Sweet! I love surprise sales. Thank you God for cute new boy shoes, for flipflops and sandals, and for surprise sales at just the right time.

While at the store I learned some sad news about a couple we're close to, and would like to ask that you pray for peace to reign down over the couple, who we'll call the Smiths. Please ask God to bless them and help them in the ways he knows they need, and pray for their support systems to rev up and surround them completely in His love.

We came home, and while the kids "rested" (which was intended to be naptime, but was really just play in their rooms for some alone time for me), I completed my online bible study. I am really enjoying this study, and look forward to my quiet time as I find it. Thank you God for quiet time, for alone time, and for time to reflect with You.

Once my angels woke up, we went back to the park we visited yesterday (today we cheated and drove there). We played for a while, and I enjoyed another nice chat with my son about his friends, playdates he'd like to have, and the importance of bugs, drinking copious amounts of water, and dirt. Thank you God for protecting my son as he fell from the equipment today. Thank you for the blessings he shows me at random times, reminding me God loves him and that Jesus loves me. Thank you for his sweet sister who smiles at him regardless of what he's doing, reminding me of your unfailing love for us.

This evening we had dinner with friends who welcomed us into the Navy. They've sold their home here, and are moving to San Antonio this week. We pray they find a home to meet their needs there, in the school district where their children will thrive. We pray that they are able to rediscover You through the help of an amazing church You've chosen for them, and that you'll surround them with new friends and neighbors who will support and encourage them as he begins a new and exciting position.