Truly enjoying our new study called gods at war, by Kyle Idleman. It's main focus is on the heart and how there are false gods at war within all of us. The reason that we aren't following Jesus as we should is because we are focused on the little g gods; for example, entertainment, sexual desires, food, work...you name it. If it's taking your focus off of God, then chances are, you have formed it into an idol. Not to say that these things are bad, as God created each of them for our enjoyment. It's just that when we replace God with anything, it takes our focus off of eternal life and puts the spotlight onto wordly things.
After reading half of the book and delving more into scripture, I'm actually quite surprised at how many "idols" I've set up in my home. When reading the Bible, or when hearing someone mention the word idol, images of bronze monkeys with big bellies or statues of two headed women come to mind. But think of it this way...Idleman tells the story of a friend he knew who had visited another country for a mission trip. The family he was staying with (along with most families in that country) had an idol placed on what we would call a mantel. Every piece of furniture was arranged to face (and worship) this idol. When I first read it, I just shook my head and thought "that's horrible...what a sad life". But then as I read farther into the book, Idleman makes a good point...what, in our American homes does our furniture face? TELEVISION!! And then I thought, we don't have just one tv in our home...we have three. :-( And then I started thinking about the amount of time I spend watching pointless shows, feeling bored and how little time I've spent in reading scripture and seeking God's face...and how sad that made me.
This week, I'm making an effort to fast from several things that I've set up as idols in my home. There will be less tv, less junk food, and by far...less computer time. I will spend these hours with my family, enjoying their company and learning/teaching scripture. I am so thankful that the Lord has opened my eyes to my wrong doings of idol worship.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
ABCs and 123s
Can't wait to officially begin preschool with the kiddos next month. :-) I've slowly been building my teaching collection and can't wait to put it to use. I've got workbooks galore, new boxes of crayons and colored pencils, coloring books, flash cards, and bought a bulletin board today. The kids (and ME) are so excited to be learning at home. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with the opportunity and ability to stay at home and teach my children. I'm not saying that every public school is bad, nor do I look down on those who choose public school for their families...I'm just saying this is the right decision for us, based on our thoughts and beliefs. And the cool thing about this is that the majority of my friends will also be homeschooling, so the kids will have the social interaction that's needed for their ages. :-)
Please pray for us as we embark on this new journey. I blinked and Noah Bug turned into a little boy on me, lol. It's hard to believe that our son will be starting Kindergarten next year, but I can't wait to see all that he accomplishes. If anyone has any homeschooling/preschool advice, please send me an email...I'd love to hear from you. My new email address is rljohnston26@outlook.com
Please pray for us as we embark on this new journey. I blinked and Noah Bug turned into a little boy on me, lol. It's hard to believe that our son will be starting Kindergarten next year, but I can't wait to see all that he accomplishes. If anyone has any homeschooling/preschool advice, please send me an email...I'd love to hear from you. My new email address is rljohnston26@outlook.com
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
New Glasses!!!
I got my new glasses in the mail today. I am so thankful I came across the Zenni Optical website because for some majorly expensive glasses, I only paid $40. I'm still kind of bummed my optical condition won't allow me to wear contacts, but at least I have an awesome website to order from that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. :-)
An update on my PMDD...my meds are working out GREAT! This is my first full month back on them and I am so thankful I made the decision to discuss my mood swings with my doctor. I've felt WONDERFUL the last couple of weeks and am back to my old self again. Hubby is super thankful for that since I'm not biting his head off over every little thing these days, lol. I'm currently only taking 50 mg for the first two weeks of my cycle and 75 mg for the luteal phase. If for some reason I revert back to the inability to control my emotions, worst case scenario is we up my dosage. I'm just praising God that I was born in a time where these types of conditions are well known, publicly discussed, and able to be treated.
Off of here now to finish up Season 2 of Pretty Little Liars. My sister in law got me hooked on it and now it's impossible to stop. Sooooo thankful the kiddos are taking their naps today because it's going to be nice to have a small break.
Monday, July 15, 2013
RUBBER DUCKY
Woke up this morning feeling better than I have in WEEKS! Apparently I had a vitamin B deficiency so after taking supplements for a few days, I really do feel great. I've spent this afternoon planning my youngest son's FIRST birthday party. I can't believe almost a year has went by, but time does seem to fly when you're having fun. :-)
I decided on a rubber ducky theme for his party. I've been browsing Pinterest (only my most favorite website these days) and have come across so many adorable ideas. Thoughts of little duckies floating in punch bowls and pitchers decked out with yellow polka dotted ribbons keep going through my mind, haha. Can't wait to celebrate with all of our friends and family. Also, we have decided to rent a bounce house for that day, which should be fun. It's mostly for the older kids but I'm sure Lucabear will have a blast too.
Any who, hope everyone is enjoying their day and will write again when I have a bit more time...which is rarely.
I decided on a rubber ducky theme for his party. I've been browsing Pinterest (only my most favorite website these days) and have come across so many adorable ideas. Thoughts of little duckies floating in punch bowls and pitchers decked out with yellow polka dotted ribbons keep going through my mind, haha. Can't wait to celebrate with all of our friends and family. Also, we have decided to rent a bounce house for that day, which should be fun. It's mostly for the older kids but I'm sure Lucabear will have a blast too.
Any who, hope everyone is enjoying their day and will write again when I have a bit more time...which is rarely.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
EIGHT MONTHS OLD!!
I can't believe it but as of yesterday, the littlest Johnston turned 8 months old. Little Lucas is full of himself these days and about to drive his Mama crazy. He is by far the bravest out of my three and isn't scared to try anything; eating anything and everything he finds, climbing down our stairs, rolling off the couch etc. Praise the Lord we've been keeping such close eyes on him or I'd hate to think about the trouble he'd get himself into, lol. He has already tried walking on his own, although fell after 2 steps and has been scared to try again; I'm secretly thankful because I am just not ready to have another toddler in the house yet. It's amazing to me the amount of baby proofing I have to do again...seems like yesterday we were going through our checklist of things to keep out of Haleigh's grasp. :-) I couldn't ask God for a sweeter baby, though. Luca Bear is always smiling unless he is hungry and raises everyone's spirits with just one look. Poor thing is always the victim of cheek pinching, though, as he was blessed with his Mama's chubby face, haha. After vacation, we will begin planning his first birthday party in which I will probably cry like a baby.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Diagnosis...
What an absolutely crazy night we had, lol. Apparently, the full moon sent my kids into super hyper mode, as none of them wanted to go to sleep. Noah was the first out but only after screaming (and I mean top of the lungs belting) for half an hour. Hales kept sneaking out of her room and would yell and cry if we closed it (thus waking up Lucas). Needless to say, it was a fairly difficult night but Hubby and I managed to giggle about it, Praise the Lord!! And the kiddos were all asleep by a little after 11pm so, not TOO bad.
Last week was rough for me, emotionally. Under the advice of my OB/GYN I tapered off my Zoloft around two and a half months ago. Things went well for the first couple of weeks until about a week before my period. And then, it was like a switch flipped and I was just not myself. Anger like I've never felt before surged through me and I couldn't stop crying. The kids just kept saying "I'm sorry you're sad Mommy" which really broke my heart. I thought it still might have something to do with pregnancy related hormones so I chose not to call my doctor, and it ended up lasting until about the 3rd day of my cycle (so a week total). Everything went pretty well, up until early last week, yet again, about a week before my period. And then the anger, severe mood swings, crying etc. started back up, except way worse than last month. I talked with Caleb and told him I knew something wasn't right. We have fought more in the last couple of months than we ever have in our entire relationship, so that should have been a red flag. It was just so hard to think when all of this was going on with my body. Anyways, after a long chat with Hubby, I decided to set up an appointment with my OB. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with PMDD. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's a severe form of PMS, basically. If you want to read more about it, here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premenstrual_dysphoric_disorder
I was also diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, which apparently is closely linked to people who suffer from PMDD. Anyways, that's basically that the seasons effect my moods, which I guess I've noticed but always thought was normal. Like, during the winter I always feel really bored and down, but it's because I have cabin fever. With three little ones, it's impossible to go outdoors too often because at such young ages, one of them is bound to get sick. So yeah, last week was a little rough for me.
Now I'm left with how to deal with this news. At first, I was really upset about having to go back on my meds (I'm back on the Zoloft for now) and just felt guilty, like I was letting my family down. I HATE being dependent on any medication but after a phone call to my best friend, she reassured me that I was doing the right thing. And, after a week of finally feeling stable again, Caleb and I are back to getting along. He has been so supportive and kind throughout all of this. I know it was putting my family through hell and I am so thankful I made the decision to go ahead and speak with my doctor. I have a follow up appointment in July to discuss things further so please be praying that the visit will go well.
I am so thankful that Sunday we will be leaving for our vacation. After everything that's been going on, not just with me, but other issues, too, I can't wait to lay back on the sand and soak up some sun. Just being able to spend uninterrupted time with my family is awesome...and be on the lookout for a TON of pictures when we get back. :-) Hope each of you is having a wonderful, blessed Monday.
Last week was rough for me, emotionally. Under the advice of my OB/GYN I tapered off my Zoloft around two and a half months ago. Things went well for the first couple of weeks until about a week before my period. And then, it was like a switch flipped and I was just not myself. Anger like I've never felt before surged through me and I couldn't stop crying. The kids just kept saying "I'm sorry you're sad Mommy" which really broke my heart. I thought it still might have something to do with pregnancy related hormones so I chose not to call my doctor, and it ended up lasting until about the 3rd day of my cycle (so a week total). Everything went pretty well, up until early last week, yet again, about a week before my period. And then the anger, severe mood swings, crying etc. started back up, except way worse than last month. I talked with Caleb and told him I knew something wasn't right. We have fought more in the last couple of months than we ever have in our entire relationship, so that should have been a red flag. It was just so hard to think when all of this was going on with my body. Anyways, after a long chat with Hubby, I decided to set up an appointment with my OB. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with PMDD. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's a severe form of PMS, basically. If you want to read more about it, here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premenstrual_dysphoric_disorder
I was also diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, which apparently is closely linked to people who suffer from PMDD. Anyways, that's basically that the seasons effect my moods, which I guess I've noticed but always thought was normal. Like, during the winter I always feel really bored and down, but it's because I have cabin fever. With three little ones, it's impossible to go outdoors too often because at such young ages, one of them is bound to get sick. So yeah, last week was a little rough for me.
Now I'm left with how to deal with this news. At first, I was really upset about having to go back on my meds (I'm back on the Zoloft for now) and just felt guilty, like I was letting my family down. I HATE being dependent on any medication but after a phone call to my best friend, she reassured me that I was doing the right thing. And, after a week of finally feeling stable again, Caleb and I are back to getting along. He has been so supportive and kind throughout all of this. I know it was putting my family through hell and I am so thankful I made the decision to go ahead and speak with my doctor. I have a follow up appointment in July to discuss things further so please be praying that the visit will go well.
I am so thankful that Sunday we will be leaving for our vacation. After everything that's been going on, not just with me, but other issues, too, I can't wait to lay back on the sand and soak up some sun. Just being able to spend uninterrupted time with my family is awesome...and be on the lookout for a TON of pictures when we get back. :-) Hope each of you is having a wonderful, blessed Monday.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
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