tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post3533941824990633288..comments2024-03-08T13:52:22.224-07:00Comments on LAJOY FAMILY: An Overloaded Mommy's PrayerCindy LaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486626867331586704noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-34340689898125214362009-10-06T11:16:27.912-06:002009-10-06T11:16:27.912-06:00Cindy,
Thank you for sharing your struggles, hurt...Cindy,<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your struggles, hurt, and worries. Don't feel alone. Although we all go through different struggles, we also all feel some of what you have felt at one time or another. Your head and heart are in the right place as you look to God for help. I think I've said this before too, but from what I can tell your family is very lucky to have you. It may be a struggle, but I hope and pray that your girls will realize all the love that your family has to offer them. You are going into the adopt of the girls with your eyes wide open and you are scared, but you know that God will help you. It's just hard (for all of us) to let go and let Him be in control.<br /><br />Hugs!<br />Maureen<br /><br />P.S. -- My church is emailing devotions right now and today's seems appropriate for at least part of what you wrote. I'll forward it to you.Maureennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-4559746427762138322009-10-06T08:38:17.839-06:002009-10-06T08:38:17.839-06:00I just wanted to say "Thank you" to Sher...I just wanted to say "Thank you" to Sherry for her well thought out comment. As a mom who struggles to balance family needs with listening to "God's call" in a completely different area of my life, it is helpful to be reminded that He is the one who gave us our family, and He understands our struggles and desire to serve Him. As Paul says in Corinthians, if we have gifts, and use them without love, we have not succeeded. And love begins in the family.<br /><br />Peggy in VirginiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-91722201241136179882009-10-05T21:23:53.550-06:002009-10-05T21:23:53.550-06:00Dear Cindy,
The others have beautifully covered ma...Dear Cindy,<br />The others have beautifully covered many of your poignant, angst-filled topics, so I will only focus on one. But, I will say that there are seasons to life, and once you have made certain commitments (home school, adoption), they leave little room for other commitments, and that is how it should be. Our pastor once said to "finish strong" in life. You may need to let off your ministry outlet button only occasionally as you focus on the existing commitments. Then, when those are past or under control, the building momentum for ministry will be able to bloom. The bible teaches much about staying free of our overloaded, material world. God would never want your yearning for ministry to be another cross to bear. So, it should have an outlet only when it is easy and joyful time wise (I know it is never easy courage-wise!). I read a book once about how to tell when things from the spirit were really leadings from God, and although I can't remember the title, I do know that the idea was that even perfect Christians sometimes had to check their "God-meter" and question some leadings. Of all the things on your to-do list, this might be the one area where some patience is in order despite your internal eagerness. Similarly, I have to curb my reading time, or novels will usurp my parenting and wife time. Another prominent woman Christian talked about "good, better, and best," saying that when deciding what to do with one's time or to make a decision, it is important to differentiate. Your parenting of the boys and the girls must be your "best" task for quite awhile to come, because that commitment has been made. The stress you are feeling may be God's indication that He wants to use you, but maybe this is a time for baby steps in that direction while you take huge strides in the other directions.<br />Like all advice, this is meant only to give you something to think about, not to criticize what choice you eventually make or the prayer you uttered. In the end, how you proceed will obviously be between you and Him, and I was just trying to suggest that He might go along with some easing of the gas pedal! God bless, SherryOhiomom2121https://www.blogger.com/profile/03512342459339771734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-13554849848653529792009-10-05T14:54:44.592-06:002009-10-05T14:54:44.592-06:00Children, boys AND girls, need warmth, love, affec...Children, boys AND girls, need warmth, love, affection, trust, limits, and more affection and more love. I hate shopping for clothes, and even more for shoes. My daughter loves it! So, sometimes we do it together, even though it isn't "my thing" and sometimes she does it with a close woman friend of the family who does love shopping. Appreciating each other for all of our differences is part of our love. I am not trying to make her over in "my image," and she is learning to accept that mommy is a T-shirt and pants kind of gal, with about 2 seconds attention to hair in the morning.<br /><br />My mom was a "girly girl" and it did nothing to strengthen our love and our relationship. Love is about loving the person for who God made them to be, not having some sort of "perfect parent."<br /><br />I really agree with Teresa and Kelly's posts.<br /><br />Peggy in VirginiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-1212448960557373802009-10-05T11:26:22.927-06:002009-10-05T11:26:22.927-06:00Cindy,
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! I could not help but...Cindy,<br /><br />YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! I could not help but cry as I read this heartfelt prayer - not because I felt sorry for you, but because I "saw" in the words that you wrote, a beauty that I had always wanted in my own mother. Sure, every woman worries about her appearance - unfortunately, that's just how we're programmed to think - but I agree with the previous comment made by Teresa. Growing up, I had a mother who was the complete opposite of you - beauty was everything, appearances and how people perceived us was all that mattered, she was never there for me. How I longed for a mother who made ME a priority in her life. My mother was so wrapped up in her own life and expending so much energy on keeping up appearances, that I resented her for a very long time. You are such an inspiration! When I read your blog, I'm like a sponge - absorbing all kinds mental notes that I didn't get as a child learning from her mother's example. Throughout my childhood, I would have much rather had a Mom who was emotionally and physically there for me. The real beauty that you can teach your girls is how to have a beautiful heart, how to be a warm, genuine, kind, and gracious woman. Your words alone exude that. They are so freakin lucky to have a mom like you! Some of us would have given anything to have a mom half as devoted, compassionate, accepting, progressive, intelligent, insightful, and BEAUTIFUL as you! Keeping up appearances is a LOT of work and a lot of money! With all the wonderful things that you do to occupy your time, thoughts, energy on, you have no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed. I've been struggling with a similar situation as we began really pushing to save even more money to pay for our treatments & adoption. I've had to do without the "fluff" to keep up appearances. No more stylish haircuts, no more amazing beauty products, no more high-end make-up to make, no more facials, chemical peels & microderm procedures, no more teeth whitening treatments, no more regular manicures & pedicures, no more personal trainer for me. None of that stuff anymore. Why? Because I want to sacrifice that for something greater - my future children! It's not easy to look the way we believe we should look. But, I tell you what, kids are very perceptive these days (even I was back in the day), they will SEE the real beauty in you, because even though we don't always see it in ourselves, that real beauty shines through and *IS* visible even when we don't see it! When I see your pictures, I really do see a beautiful and blessed woman. I promise they will see it, too, Cindy! They will be sooooo thankful for you and being a part of your amazing family!<br /><br />Big Hugs,<br /><br />Kelly B-A ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-42430116142437379022009-10-05T11:24:35.331-06:002009-10-05T11:24:35.331-06:00Cindy, I will tell you what... when you are going ...Cindy, I will tell you what... when you are going to bed, we are getting up, when we are going to bed, you are getting up... That means that since I know you are praying for My big family and you know that We are praying for your Big family...Try relaxing and knowing that while you are sleeping, we will lift up the burdon before him... kind of like a <br />marathon... Run your race to the best of your ability, then have a good sleep knowing that we are running for you.... <br /><br />By the way, your comment was very uplifting ... thankyou ....I think I am ok now... just allowed myself to get a little overwhelmed...it happens...<br /><br /><br />Blessings JohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-88306841175053554672009-10-05T07:21:51.421-06:002009-10-05T07:21:51.421-06:00Oh Cindy,
My family didn't make it to church y...Oh Cindy,<br />My family didn't make it to church yesterday and somehow I feel as if I have gotten the most God-touched message from just reading your blog entry! What a beautiful, beautiful prayer. You are a wonderful mother and that's what all of your kids will remember and hold fast to as they grow up. They will realize (though maybe not in their teen years!:) ) what they have in you and how much of a blessing He has given them through you and Dominick. Parenting is just plain challenging--and you are giving your all to it. You are only human so of course it will exhaust you, and at times leave you feeling inept. Boy, are you ever not alone in feeling everything you typed! The difference is that you are braver than most of us and willing to throw it out there for the world to see. Hang in there--I have no doubt He will hear you and bring you some much-needed peace and fortitude. --KaraKarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05774031520623785902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-71802312083326783732009-10-05T00:34:07.916-06:002009-10-05T00:34:07.916-06:00Hi Cindy,
Parenting girls is not different to par...Hi Cindy,<br /><br />Parenting girls is not different to parenting boys, they see the person, the whole person just like the boys.<br />Anyway even if you are not BARBIE, that's not what they need.<br />A nice, confortable chubby lap is much better than a barbie who's not in touch with herself and is unable to truly love.<br />They need hugs and pacience and nurture, all those things you have more than enough.<br />Also having parents who are not perfect will help them come to terms with their own imperfections.<br />They need a real mom who can help them to improve their self asteem, who can tell right from wrong and support them becoming happy women.<br />Let go of those insecurities, a pretty mom is not necessarily a good muom.<br />I have 3 girls, I'm not pretty, nor thin, I'm there for them. I have people crawling into our bed everynight, haven't had a full night sleep on the last 7 years, but they are first and they know it.<br />I wear a ponytail and take care of them and our house and our lives, when I can, I'll go on a diet, start using makeup (maybe not) and will take better care of myself, at this point, I can't. Don't have the time, if I did I couldn't be here for them the way I am.<br />They need me, the real mum.<br />And all of them are very girly girls even though I'm not.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />TeresaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com