The reality: can't find the: keys, book, phone, remote, scissors, tape (you name it- we'll misplace it at times)
The remedy: call a "Family Search" which includes everyone and goes until item is located. Offer reward if necessary. Of course, this depends on the importance of the item. If these measures are not warranted then just forget it...it will turn up eventually, probably when we clean the house :)
The aim: To always have an orderly and clean house especially BEFORE company arrives or hubby gets home from work.
The reality: Not quite as stated above and they're pulling into the driveway.
The remedy: Laundry baskets! They hold so much and can be stacked in the laundry room with the door shut until the time comes to deal with them. Later they can be carried from room to room during the relocation process. If you have older daughters be careful that they do not see you doing this one!
The aim: To have and stay on a schedule
The reality: Unplanned for late bedtimes,sleeping in later than planned, late start, not feeling quite well etc...
The remedy: Remember to stay flexible so that you don't get bent out of shape! Start somewhere, skip something or just completely change the plan into something else like: packing a picnic, visiting an old person, going for a hike, doing art projects or???
The aim: To have cheerful, obedient children, who come when they are called, work without complaining and remember everything you've ever taught them:)
The reality: Self-centered, disobedient, forgetful children who seem to pick up more of your bad habits than your good intentions and at all times test the limits.
The remedy: Pray for wisdom and patience. Apologize to the children for allowing them to become (lazy, disrespectful, defiant), owning that it really is your fault for failing to properly train them. Resolve to be more like Jesus who gets our attention with His "still small voice". Determine to be consistent- not letting any word you say be ignored and no disobedience nor defiance go unpunished. Humble yourself, show lots of love and a "we're in this together" attitude.
The aim: To be lovely and cheerful, singing and smiling and blessing your husband, children and all who enter; never letting fatigue, bad news, achiness, or hormones sway your pleasant graces.
The reality: Becoming irritable, snappy, whining, complaining and mean resulting in hurting others and becoming a far cry from the godly example you long to be.
The remedy: Go to God again and repent. Acknowledge your weakness and let His strength be perfected in you. Apologize to your family, receive forgiveness then go and sin no more! For a quick makeover...put on a happy face. I've noticed that I look so much better when I'm smiling, don't you?
The aim: I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14
The reality: ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 I'm using this verse, not as an excuse but to show that we all sin which means to 'miss the mark'.
The remedy: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
