Wednesday, April 11, 2012

When looking back helps today.


An ongoing project for me has been my goal of getting my blog into books to keep - I posted here about the first one I finished here. Then, I finished a second one last summer and a third one just a few weeks ago! I still have 2009, 2010 and 2011 to complete - but at least I'm making progress!

As I was going through posts and editing pictures and text to get this last book finished, I was encouraged, challenged and reminded. It is so easy for me to feel guilt as a mom - I'm not doing enough with my children, not redeeming this precious time that I've been given, it is so easy to focus on perceived failures and guilt.


Looking through encouraged me, though - as I saw all the fun things we've done together and the legacy of memories we've stored up. No, I have not done everything right and I've certainly made mistakes and poor choices at times. But, God was showing me it has been enough because it has been me following Him and responding in obedience and just doing what I know to do in His strength.

And, looking back challenged me - I saw wisdom in some of my posts and wondered where that wisdom has gone as I feel far from wise these days. I don't think I felt wise in the past when I wrote those words - but as I look back at them now I am humbled and also kind of sad that I don't still see that person in me. Yet - I learned from revisiting those thoughts.

Sometimes looking back is harmful - longing for the past or a place we used to be, but in this case it was a huge blessing to me! It is just another way keeping a blog is a blessing to me!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those books look like quite the treasure! What an excellent idea to pass on to your children some day! Thanks for sharing! :-)

~eunice b

Kelly said...

You are an EXTRAORDINARY Mama! So glad you have your blog books to look back on. I feel the same way with my faith... I keep a written life journal (I prefer to cozy up with blanket, tea, paper & pen) I pour my heart out to God the good, bad, & ugly. Occasionally I go back & read parts & am humbled about the wisdom & faith I see the younger me standing on, & that I've forgotten a verse or lesson God revealed to me. I am so thankful for to have my journals. As I'm sure you're thankful for your books...they are FANTASTIC reminders, bring encouragement, and Show God's hand every step of the way!!!

flyonthewall said...

Let me quote a wise woman... "But, God was showing me it has been enough because it has been me following Him and responding in obedience and just doing what I know to do in His strength" - Monica, 2012. Amen! God bless you as you continue to follow and obey Him, and we know that He will continue to provide the strength to do so! Thank you for this encouragement today!

Tim, Allyson, and kids said...

You keeping a blog is a blessing to me, too. I named your blog as one of my Top 10 Favorite Christian Mommy Blogs. There's a button be being featured if you'd like it.

Mom said...

Well done on these books, on your blog posts from the past, and on those of the present! (I was happy to see the photo of the special Mother's Day picnic from a few years ago!) I'm glad you have these reminders of what you've done with your family, what you've learned, and what you've accomplished -- love and miss you, Mom

Anonymous said...

Why don't you publish your blog books?? The Lord has given you do many creative ideas and your reflections are always encouraging! He could bless so many people through those books!

Valerie said...

Loved seeing your stacks of books and I'm so glad that they are an inspiration to you. I know that you are an inspiration to so many of us. When I read today's post, I immediately thought, "Oh no, she can't be serious...she does more than I ever do with my own kiddos in the home!" Keep doing what your doing with God's blessings and graces!

Valerie

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

I love that you've made your blog into (hardback) books.

What a neat blessing to give yourself and to your family.

Carrie said...

*GASP*

I DIDN"T KNOW YOU COULD DO THAT! WHAT COMPANY DO YOU USE?! THAT LOOKS FABULOUS!

(I feel all caps are a necessity for this comment.)

Anonymous said...

That is really cool and special that you have those great books!

*carrie* said...

So true, Monica. Just this afternoon I ordered a book containing all our CB entries, comments, etc.

I think you're very wise. Just yesterday I read something you had written--to the entire MOPS group!

Can't wait to see you soon.