Last Monday, instead of easing into the 2015, I felt like a big-fat bully pushed me into the deep end of a pool.

It was surprise after surprise – (don’t you just love surprises!)  Deadline after deadline.  Missing deadline after deadline…  Clients waiting. Staff frustrated.

I’m a home school mom this year.  In addition to surprises and the missed deadlines – I also realized, I had dropped the ball on TWO really BIG assignments for my son’s co-op:  a science fair project and ordering his books for the second semester.  (How did I forget something as basic as ordering books?  I totally forgot over Christmas.  He went to class Monday without books and without the science project.

NOT one of my finer moments.  Feeling like at any time someone was going to rush out and award me with “Worst Mom of the Year,” feelings of failure and doubt began to creep in.  I was on the verge of being overwhelmed.

On Wednesday, I learned that I’d need four, no, let me say it again, FOUR major dental surgeries in the coming year.  The first of which is in February.   By God’s grace, my husband didn’t freak when he heard the cost.

On Thursday morning, when it was 8 degrees outside, I woke up cold – very cold.  Needless to say, when I went to turn up the heat, I realized the upstairs heating unit decided it was overwhelmed and quit!

This made me want to quit.   But I couldn’t.  I was already too far behind.  The Luncheon invitation had not even gone out – it was 2 days late.

So when I went to send the invitation, it WOULD NOT send.   I spent over an hour on the phone trying to get it remedied only to learn it would be back up “in the next week.”  The server was down.

PERFECT!  (Still hasn’t gone out – see below!)

Finally, over the weekend, my frustration peaked when a bad word came out of my mouth aimed directly at both of my teenage children!  (If you’re appalled at this confession, you’re reading the wrong woman’s blog – you’ll have to find Ms. Perfect elsewhere.)

Immediately, I felt like that mom.  You know, the worst version of yourself and the mom you swore you would never be.  I felt horrible.  In the midst of this, the enemy reminded me that “I am the leader of a Women’s MINISTRY!  You’re not able to do ANYTHING well.”  I heard in my ear.

I was totally overwhelmed.  Tears began to quietly fall.   I don’t think my husband knew what to do with me.  I was at a loss for words when he sweetly asked.

Despite these totally overwhelming feelings, I knew the remedy.  And it wasn’t the chocolate I’ve all but given up to lose the added “warmth” I acquired during the holidays.

I NEEDED MORE of JESUS.

I share all of this to say, you TOO may feel overwhelmed as we start the New Year.  

If you are, then you’re not going to want to miss this week’s posts.  (Maybe even next.)  We’re going to fix our eyes on the ONE Who is ABLE to make all grace abound to us.  

As I’ve sat with the Lord, re-studying His promises, I’m already different.   My heart has lifted; I’m not sinking in condemnation.   I know God’s grace is sufficient.   I know HE will provide the wisdom, the energy and focus I need ONE DAY at a time.  He’ll do it for you too.

Tomorrow:  God is Able

If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, download this song – listen throughout the day!
Madisa, Overcomer
It’s fun, it’s filled with great truth and you’ll love the beat!

New Year, New You

• renew priorities and goals;
• find freedom from our past;
• focus on the finish line.

• You will have gleaned fresh ideas for your own time with God. 
• You will lose the condemnation when you miss a day or two or three:)
• You’ll be eager to open the Bible and start hearing from God personally about the details of your own life! 

Hope to see you there!