August 15, 2011

Looking Up

Life has been a flurry of activity.
First, school ended.
Then there were...
Family commitments.
Birthdays.
Anniversary.
BBQ's.
Home projects.
Not to mention the regular.

The *everyday*.

Meals.
Laundry.
Shopping.
Cleaning.

Once in awhile it is important to
re-evaluate.
Take a step back.

Be still.


As I write this, I do not have everything sorted out.
I do not have everything in its rightful place.
But, I am getting there.
Step by step.
By God's Grace.

Every once in awhile we must get above the clouds.
Step out of the whirlwind.
Take stock.

Am I reaching my goals?
Do I have a proper understanding
of what they ought to be?
Have I sought the LORD on what
HE would have me to do next?

Probing, but necessary questions.

Sometimes life is overwhelming.
We get too busy to even think.
At the end of the day it's all we can do to
fall into bed exhausted.

But.
There is hope.

These are often just seasons.
The LORD never gives us more than we can bear.
Sometimes WE are the ones to
blame when the overload buzzer goes off.

I have been guilty of this.

When that has happened I must examine
myself and my motives.
Have I added things into my calendar
that had no business being there?
Did I ask the LORD what HE would
have me to do before I made those commitments?

Ah, yes.
The litmus test.

These last weeks I have taken a step back.
It's been a blessing to just *be*.
To just live and do the next thing.

Looking Up.

Many Blessings,
Camille


**Photo Credit ~ Calvin

16 comments:

Ann at eightacresofeden said...

What a wonderful post Camille and I know exactly what you speak of for I have been there too. I still having to constantly evaluate all that I do and ask myself in the light of eternity will this really matter? - those silly little things I fret about. I too am guilty of adding in too many things to my calendar. I have a son who loves tennis and to make it even harder he is good at it. He received an invitation to play in two competitions, one was on the day he has skating which meant racing back from the ice rink to be at the tennis court. I said yes to it all but soon realized it was too much so the extra comp had to go. He is still having his lesson and is playing in the comp with the most experienced players and I now have my Saturday afternoon back to be at home (this is when I do major housework and prepare for guests on Sundays). It doesn't take much to overload our schedules - sometimes as I discovered just one extra activity at an awkward time can create a whirlwind out of a breeze!
Thank you for sharing what you have learned and yes it is step by step, by God's grace!

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Dear friend....Crazy/hectic here...Friends living in the basement till they find another home. Their family visiting from out of state (several of those are at a hotel down the road), cooking for 14 instead of 2....Busy...but I don't think I would have it any other way!
It was nice to stop by....I have missed the blogging world:(

In Christ alone,
Cindy

Wanting What I Have said...

So good to read your writing again!!! I have missed you! I am praying for you. With Love!

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Oh Camille...this has been my exact feeling lately.

Life has gotten away since our baby Jace has been born. I have needed to "just be". It's been a great summer....but very crazy. All I seem to do is cook, clean, laundry, cook, clean, laundry.

I'm not complaining as I wouldn't trade this summer for anything. But taking a step back is necessary.

I know that when I just spend quiet time with the Lord...He brings me such a peace....I need this every minute of the day...and it's a peace that only He can give....I am a slow learner.

I have even though about quitting my blog. I waffle back and forth...and change my mind every day. I'm just one tiny person in blogland and nothing I have to say is really that important other than to me...and do I really need to be posting about it? I don't know.

But now I have this new blog...and maybe I new sense of purpose with getting healthy and bringing our budget way down...especially if we are going to be doing our adoption of 2 children.

Anyway, sorry this went on so long. I'm glad you are back...and loved reading this post.

Blessings....and thank you for your comment on my new blog.

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

I have had a wonderful time of rest as well. Stepping back, examining my life and all my roles. Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Am I stressed? Am I anxious? Am I being an excellent wife?

The Lord has spoken to me on so many different levels these past weeks as I pressed in hard. I am finding the balance between social media, blogging and ministering to my family. It is good!

Glad you have come through as well with some new understanding.

Love you!
Stacie

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Great to see you in Blogland, again, Camille! I've hardly been blogging at all. Just too busy with real life and I know that is OK :) You've been a great example to me in that. We actually took one of our mini-vacations off the calendar because it was just too much. We gotta do what we gotta do. There are plenty of things to do around here that don't take as much time or money. I'm sure enjoying our homeschool break and don't think I'll start again until the end of Sept. Josiah is ahead, so that gives me a little breather. I didn't realize how much I needed a break! God did though :) Have a great week! Hugs, Jackie

Unknown said...

My brain and life has been on overload lately. I'm taking this week to reel it all back in to a normal level! Great post! Tell Calvin I LOVE his photo!

Jill said...

Camille,

Lovely post! I have been juggling things throughout the summer and finding I have posted less. After the girls start school I hope to get even more in order. The days are passing so quickly and family of course is my first priority. Always wishing I had more hours in the day.

It was great to hear from you! Thank you for your sweet comment! Glad all is well with you.

Blessings,
Jill

Camille said...

Dear Ann ~ How wonderful it is to really take a break and *regroup* and *refocus*...what a blessing that the LORD is leading us so gently along...don't you think?!! May HE continue to guide you in the days ahead...for HIS glory. :)

Dear Cindy ~ How MUCH you have on my friend! Hang in there...I know you are being a blessing to those friends of yours. :)

Dear Jennifer ~ Thank you so much for your prayers...they are a blessing to me! May the LORD indeed give you HIS continued peace...HE is so good, isn't HE? :)

Dear Connie ~ I am sorry you are having such a time of it...hang in there! The LORD gives grace for all HE gives us to do...continue to look to HIM for strength to just *do the next thing*...HE is faithful! You are doing a noble thing in your home day after day...live for HIM and HE will be glorified through you. How wonderful it is to know that we are in HIS care. :)

Dear Stacie ~ How precious it is that the LORD is teaching you so many things these days too...how Precious HE is!! What a blessing to learn that you are finding that balance in your life my friend...keep on pressing on! :)

Dear Jackie ~ How wonderful that *real* life is being embraced by you...it's encouraging to know that the LORD is giving you peace in these things...precious! Have a lovely break from school...enjoy these fleeting days with your young ones...cherish the moments! :)

Dear Jenn ~ Thank you for the encouragement to Calvin...I will be sure to tell him! :) Have a wonderful week *off* my friend...enjoy!!

Dear Jill ~ What a blessing to have these special days with your girls....they are precious times! Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Have a lovely week! :)

Many blessings to you each one!
In HIS Love,
Camille

Hopes Handcrafts said...

It's great to "see" you again, Camille..you have been missed!

My kids and I have all been unwell..a nasty winter virus...but on the mend PTL! and looking forward to spring :-)

Blessings,
Julia

Terri said...

Have dearly missed you, friend! :)

Camille said...

Dear Julia ~ So sorry you have had sickness in the house...yucky! :( I always find it interesting to think that you are winter while we are in summer...spring will be quite welcomed I am sure! :)

Dear Terri ~ How sweet you are! :)

In HIS Love,
Camille

Heather@Cultivated Lives said...

What a beautiful post. It's been 'one of those weeks' where life is hectic and I'm overwhelmed... As always you make me sit, ponder and take stock.

His bondservant said...

Camille,

Glad to see you are back. Love this post. I know so much of what you speak of here. It is important to pray and always ask God what we should be involved in so that we do not get too busy for the Lord and not spend time with the Lord. Thank you for the reminder.

Blessings,
Jackie

The Adventures of a Simple Life said...

Caaaaaaammmmmmile! I am glad you are back! I have taken a break myself from blogland to devote my time to my family and God more and when I came to do a quick check...you are here!

I thank the Lord He has evidently worked in you and the lives, including mine, of those on this blog. He is ever so faithful to continue to grow, convict, teach and humble His sheep. I am ever so thankful He has chosen me to be a child of His! Aren't you?!?!?!

I have been praying for you and will continue to do so!

Look forward to reading more of your encouraging posts...and tasty ones!!!

Love,
Christine

Camille said...

Dear Heather in AZ ~ So sorry you have had a week like that! I know how it can be...hang in there and look to the LORD...HE is Faithful!! I will pray for you tonight. See Jeremiah 29:11-14a and Isaiah 40:31...so encouraging. :)

Dear Jackie ~ Thank you my friend...it is lovely to hear from you. :) The LORD is so important and we must continually refocus our attention on living for HIM moment by moment. I appreciate your encouraging words.

Dear Christine ~ What a sweet encourager you are....thank you for stopping by and leaving such kind words...and thank you for praying. I will pray for you tonight my friend. :)

Many blessings,
Camille