About a week and half ago, I was telling Ethan how much easier I felt like life has been…I had finally gotten into the swing of raising two kids, working (very) part-time, blogging, housework, etc.
Don’t I look like I have it all together? Peaceful, make-up and hair done, big smile.
I had just gotten to the point were I was enjoying crafting and blogging without feeling completely overwhelmed. It only took 18 months – since Lucy was born. haha
Then, last week, life got a little crazy!
I felt like Lucy looks in this picture – a little panicked, a lot sad, and even more crazy – in a world that seems to have it all together.
Funny how just as I thought I had complete control, I was reminded that I have none. It was a good reminder. And good reminder of my priorities.
As a result, last week, The Better Half was strangely quiet. I hopped on Facebook and Pinterest here and there, but didn’t have the time or emotional energy to post. Normally, I would feel overwhelmed with guilt to not meet the number of expected posts, the expectations that I put upon myself.
While I missed connecting with you fabulous readers, it was good for me to take a step back and remember that my value is not caught up in how many posts I write, or comments I get, or Facebook fans we have. It was a good reminder that I don’t have to be good enough, or Super Mom, or Wonder Blogger.
In was a good moment for my faith – that I am good enough only in Christ, and I don’t have to be anything more or anything less.
I recently had a conversation with a reader, the same conversation I have had with some friends. The reader asked how I could blog and raise kids – where is the time?
She seemed shocked when I told her that it is a constant struggle within myself. Where is my time most needed? How do I make my kids and their upbringing a priority while still getting my blog work done?
Most of the time, I feel inadequate and unable to keep up. My new friend was shocked because, since having kids, she also struggles to find time to do the crafts and stuff that used to be easy. I’m so glad I’m not alone in feeling this way!
I often get my priorities wrong – checking Facebook on my phone instead of listening to my daughter when she wants to tell me something that is important to her. Or sitting at my computer at night rather than having a meaningful conversation with Ethan. Or wishing I could be one of those Wonder Bloggers who put out an amazing project every day.
I would like to say I will always get my priorities right from now on, but I won’t. I’m sad that I know I don’t have to ability to get it right, that I’m going to keep on messing up. But I’m so glad God has given me a family and friends who remind me of the right stuff and forgive me when I get it wrong.
So this is the best picture I could find that probably shows the me I would like to be all the time – goofy, no make-up, and doesn’t care what I look like, and still a bit crazy. And while not the best picture, its one of my favs.
Thank you guys for listening and for often encouraging us through your comments. I know this is a strange deviation from my typical DIY, how-to posts, and I appreciate being able to share the real and deeper stuff with you!
To you blogger friends out there, thanks so much for your inspiration and kindness. When The Better Half was created, it felt pretty lonely but I have so much valued the encouragement and friendship that has been offered to me.
Last craziness of last week has subsided and I will be back to posting this week and am excited to share with you some of the projects I have been working on. Our Before and After link party is still up and running – don’t forget to submit your projects. You can submit as many as you want, but you can only win once. Good luck!
As Always, thanks for reading!
Jocie, thanks for opening your heart! Many of us share that struggle — even your dad! When the nagging voice of achievement discouragement speaks, listen to the voice that tells you, “You are precious! Special, loved, and worth more than anything in the world!”
ILY, Dad!
“…that I am good enough only in Christ, and I don’t have to be anything more or anything less.” It’s so easy to get discouraged when we forget where our true value is found. Thanks for the reminder.
Needed the reminder myself. 🙂 Thanks for reading, Jeff!
Thanks for sharing this. I missed the posts last week, but sometimes you just need to take a break!
Thanks for reading, Reuben!
Technology really takes up a lot of our times. Remember when that wasn’t an issue some days I wish life were like that because it was all so simple then.
Thats the truth! 🙂
Love this, Jocie! It’s encouraging to know there are other moms out there who have days just like me. Thanks for your honesty and a reminder that there is no “perfect” representation of life on blogs, facebook, pinterest, etc. And sometimes we all need a make-up free day 🙂
Hey Carol,
Glad it was encouraging, I will probably need to re-read it next week (or later today) to remind myself again. lol! Happy belated birthday by the way!
Wow Jocie! When it rains it pours! This past week we experienced some heavy rains here in Las Vegas. Our church specifically was met with a very large trial to help us remember we are not in control, but He is. Take a gander at this video from the church. The first couple minutes recaps the event:
Wow, that is one unbelievable flood! fromt he video it sounded like you church was the hardest hit in the area? How is your church doing now with the recovery from it?!?
The church is doing well, We were the hardest hit for sure, just a rogue cell right where our church happens to be. The folks really came together to get the place cleaned up. However there is a lot more work to be done. Since we live in the desert the church has no flood insurance. The rough estimate of damage is around $500,000. There will be plenty of projects getting us closer for sure!
WOW, its good that God can do great things! 🙂 Enjoy the projects and let us know how things go!
Beautiful post Jocie. Honest and beautiful.
Very honest post; much appreciated.
Being newer here, I didn’t know your beliefs. I’m really encouraged to read what you wrote because I love Jesus too.
Hey Trebor, Thanks for reading and your encouragement!
:0)
I love your honesty! Thank you for sharing. Also, thank you for the visit and sweet comment at The Dedicated House. It means the world. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-12.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thanks for visiting, and I just linked up! 🙂
Breaks are important. Take the time to enjoy those sweet girls! 🙂
I appreciate your honesty and your openness about your faith. So refreshing!
Jocie, I was a Mom, for the most part, before the internet. By the time we were online at home our children were eleven and thirteen and well, there wasn’t allot on here back then. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for young Mom’s of today, many having to work outside the home and also keeping up with all the sites online because “that’s what everybody does”.
As a Grammy now with our grandson here quite often I understand how important it is to turn away from the computer and enjoy those precious times God gives us with our little ones. Never feel bad on my account for taking time with your family. I only worked outside the home after our children started school full time and was always home when they were. I’ve never regretted it.
The internet and your viewers will be here when you’re here, but when you feel the need for a break or a shorter post, that’s okay too.
Godspeed,
~Becky <
Cannot wait to see what you have in store for us this week. The pics of your little girls are priceless. (I would pay to have hair that red)
Great post! I think everyone who reads this blog understands the pressures of life, and although I really enjoy the articles on here, it’s definitely more important that family gets the attention it deserves. Thanks so much for writing.