Women Living Well Blog

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I Need Help!

Today I'm thinking about the Mom who is frustrated with her home and feels miserable. I turn to Psalm 23 and I think about the inner dialogue of a woman who is hurting...

1 - The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. (want. want. want. I want...)

2. He makes me lie down (lie down...if only I could lie down for just 20 minutes...if only if only if only) in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. (quiet. quiet. quiet...this home is so loud...television, ipods, cell phones, chatter, I can't get a moment of quiet here).

3. He restores my soul (my soul. needs. restored. ...it hurts). He guides me in paths of righteousness. (I am so alone...I have no one who understands...if only I had someone to get me out of this mess. mess. mess. Someone besides me please clean up this mess!).

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (what if. what if. what if. what if I'm not enough?) for you are with me (you are? why are you so silent God?); your rod and your staff they comfort me. (comfort. who needs comfort. I am strong. I will pick myself up and press on. I am not weak.)

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (overflows. overflows. overflows. Dirty dishes overflow, closets overflow, my trash cans overflow, my laundry baskets overflow, my calender overflows...if everything is so full - why do I feel so empty?)

6. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (follow. follow. follow. I feel like difficulties, trials, disappointments, bad relationships and financial problems follow me... goodness? love? follow me?) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (put on fake smile. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever...BUT...I want. I want. I want. if only. if only. if only. my soul hurts. mess. mess. mess. I am weak. no. I am strong. empty. empty. empty.)

Do you hear the self talk? Do you hear what is happening between this woman's two ears? She is saying rotten things to herself about her life, about the people in her life, about her circumstances, and even about God. And then she wonders...why? don't? I? have? peace?

The problem is not out there - it's inside of her. Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Do you want to see a change in your home? It starts in your mind.

The Lord is indeed your Shepherd and you shall not be in want. You must claim these truths. Let him lead you by still waters...are you thirsty? Sit still. Drink a tall glass of his living word! Let him restore your soul. He is with you. He loves you. You will one day dwell in his house forever. You only have one life and living it in the Eeyore state is not living at all!

Are you in a storm? Do you need help? Psalm 121:1 says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

At the core - I am empty, ugly, self-seeking, insecure, questioning myself to death regularly (even cried for about 30 minutes in my husband's office this week over my fears. fears. fears. and failures). I hurt. I struggle. I wrestle. But then - I lift my eyes up to the maker of the heavens and the earth and this world pauses for just a moment and all my ugly thoughts and self talk are washed away by his love, grace and peace. The storms do not disappear but seeing a glimpse of the sunshine that awaits me, lifts me up when I am weak. I am weak. I am weak. He is strong. And so I rest. And he restores.

(If you are discouraged, I pray you will take just 5 minutes to let this song speak truth into your life. Stop the inner dialogue and habits of doubt and negative self talk and fill your mind with truth. truth. truth. You must hear the truth.)

Walk with the King!

I'm linked up here today:

Today is Women Living Well Wednesday! It's a Link-Up Day!!!

Join the fun, do a little blog hopping and don't forget if you join below -please add the Women Living Well Wednesdays button to your post so your readers can find us here! (posts can include the topics of marriage, parenting, homemaking, finances, recipes, organization and more!)

Labels: Women Living Well Wednesdays

40 Comments:

raising4princesses said...: I added your button to my side bar! Thank you for your wonderful testimony!
http://caribbeanmissionarywife.blogspot.com; June 7, 2011 at 9:13 PM
Unknown said...: I love your blog. I also love your YouTube videos. I am in Ohio too and this is the first year I am using ohva with my oldest. Thanks for the encouragement.; June 7, 2011 at 9:28 PM
Terryw said...: Hi Courtney!
Just wanted to tell you that I just read your blog for the first time. I only read the 23rd Psalm entry. I am not a Christian (I *was* however once upon a time, a Presbyterian lay minister), but I respect and honor all faiths. I especially am always interested in hearing the thoughts of the truly faithful, no matter what their path. You have a wonderful light about your writing, and if you don't mind, I'll continue to read!
Blessings!
Terry; June 7, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Sarah said...: I have been working hard to be surrendered to God's will in my life lately. Your post was great to read. I just need to keep going to God for peace and strength. Thank you!; June 7, 2011 at 9:46 PM
Unknown said...: I very much needed to hear that today. Love you blog :); June 7, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Angie Hott said...: Love your post and am voting for your blog as well! Hang in there!
love, a; June 7, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Heather said...: Been voting for you every step of the way :); June 8, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Kara Chupp said...: Thanks for this Courtney...
The Chuppies are honored to be in the Top 25 *barely* with ya.
I mean that.
I needed this Psalm tonight.; June 8, 2011 at 12:44 AM
BeechemBrightSpots said...: Wow! I guess I'm so naive because I never thought there would be all of this controversy. I'm praying for God to work these things for good. It just shows you that Satan is alive & well but God is definitely in control! May God continue to bless you! You are always an inspiration to me!; June 8, 2011 at 1:16 AM
Rachel said...: Sorry Courtney! My link posted twice! When I linked up it said error, so I did it again! Feel free to delete one, its the Budget Bedroom update! Sorry! :); June 8, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Janelle Nehrenz said...: My hand is raised!!!! AMEN! See you tonight! Love ya, Nelle; June 8, 2011 at 8:11 AM
Steph said...: Thank you for being a Godly Christian influence. This post was comforting to me. After stopping by the circle of mom's top 25 faith blogs, I experienced a wave a powerful emotions in response to the huge numbers of followers to specific blogs. I am a young stay at home mom, very established in my faith and readily willing to share with anyone. I like to think I am not naive; I know in my head there are non-Christians in our world. That poll just put into ranking order with numbers which moms are loving more influentially and effectively (even if it is negatively) Living in small town Nebraska I am pretty sheltered from access to those beliefs. But my mission after seeing that is to reach out with an even stronger appeal than any worldly religion.

For being a huge influence and breath of fresh air, THANK YOU!!; June 8, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Stacey Westbrook said...: Did you step into my mind and write this? :) Such a common battle for so many of us women...(I have a friend specifically that I need to share this with, I think she has forgotten to look up! Thanks for sharing your gift to write! I am fairly new to blogging community, but am really stepping out (as I feel God has called me to do)
Please feel free to visit..
mymultipurposemom.blogspot.com
Thanks again!
In Christ!
Stacey; June 8, 2011 at 10:14 AM
KrisMrsBBradley said...: Hi Courtney!

It looks like it might be down to a photo-finish in this contest! I'd just like to take a moment to quickly say a couple of things. First off, congratulations! No matter which of us ends up with the first place finish, it's a huge accomplishment for us both. We've obviously been blessed with many friends and supporters who know the "true" us and like what they see and hear. No small accomplishment, that.

Secondly, I'd like to extend my thanks to you, for running such a clean "campaign". There are many in the competition who have been less than gracious about having non-Christian bloggers included. I've seen none of that on your blog, no matter your beliefs on the subject.

There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about the faith that I follow. I hope that the silver lining behind all the hoo-ha over this blog popularity contest is that many people have been able to see another side to other religions, or even their own.

Good luck in these last final hours, and many blessings to you and yours.; June 8, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Let'sMakeADifference said...: Thanks for hosting!!! Bonni from
http://www.mombyexample.com; June 8, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Courtney (Women Living Well) said...: Mrs. B~

Thank you so much for your gracious words. I am humbled to have made the top 25 - I owe my readers a kidney I think lol!

I appreciate that you took your time to stop by here and comment!

May God Bless you and your family and please come back again sometime!!!
Lots of Love,
Courtney; June 8, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Sarah said...: Wanted to say, HI! This is my first visit and link-up for Living Well Wednesday. :-); June 8, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Lizzie1293 said...: Courtney,

It seems that God is using you to teach me. Over the last month or so, God has really been teaching me about my attitude and how negative I can be a majority of the time. The post today is just another example of that. I have realized that I talk to myself negatively all the time. This post helped me realize that I need to change what goes into my ears in order to change what I say to myself. Sorry this comment is so long, but I just want you to know that God is definitely using you to help me!

Elizabeth; June 8, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Brian said...: Just found your blog and voted you up for top 25 faith blogs as well, good luck!; June 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Charlotte said...: thank you for writing & posting this. I sooooooo needed to hear this today. I am right in the middle of this battle, too, at the moment. I feel like you were speaking directly to me :)
As hard as it may be at the moment, I will try hard to keep lifting my eyes unto the hills and wait with expectation, however long it make take for my help to come. God bless you and your ministry.; June 8, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Anonymous said...: I just recently found your blog and have become a fan on Facebook. This post today spoke to me in so many ways. I am in the place that you described and am struggling a lot at the moment. The negative self-talk you listed were the exact words that I said to myself last night and this morning. I just felt like running away from everything. Thank you for such a wonderful reminder of who I am in Christ and that I am not meant to do it all in my own strength.; June 8, 2011 at 11:59 AM
heidi said...: Such a timely post Courtney!! I needed to hear this. Thank you. You're a blessing no matter who comes in first.; June 8, 2011 at 12:07 PM
LeAnn said...: I enjoyed reading your insightful thoughts today. I read a book that touch me deeply entitiled; Definded By Christ by Toni Sorenson
You captured many of these thoughts today.
Blessings to you!; June 8, 2011 at 12:20 PM
TobyBo said...: Courtney, this is off subject but I am having a problem with your blog. For about a week now, I only see the photos and buttons and labels... not the text itself... unless I highlight it all.

I am on a Mac if that makes any difference. I was assuming it is something on my end but now that I see you are being hassled, wonder if there is possibly something from your end.

Thanks for your encouraging work.; June 8, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Candice Brevard said...: I have read this post from you before, very encouraging! Thank you by the way for carrying yourself in such a graceful and dignified way that even the pagan bloggers see you glow with His light.

I have grabbed your button and I am linked up!; June 8, 2011 at 1:04 PM
Nydia said...: Courtney,

Please take my friend's Mrs. B.'s words as mine. I'm glad to find that ther are still people mature and kind enough to go through such contest without being mean. Conrgatulations, no matter who wins!

Kisses from Nydia, a Brazilian witchy mom.; June 8, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Ashlie said...: Courtney -

Loved your breakdown of Psalm 23! So encouraging! Praise the Lord for His amazing Word!

Also wanted to say I love how you've handled things through the Circle of Moms competition. Your humility and grace is an example to be followed!

I love your blog and pray women continue to be touched through it. It encourages me to see you reach out to others with Christ's and inspires me to do the same. :)

Love,
ashlie
http://onesmalltowngirl.com; June 8, 2011 at 2:40 PM
Lisa Maria said...: Courtney

Whatever happens in the contest.. you're number one with me! Thank you for all that you do and for being a source of inspiration. I know in my heart that God has used this opportunity for His glory. God Bless you and your blog

Love & Blessings; June 8, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Rue McDowell said...: I JUST VOTED AND TWEETED YOU..GOD BLESS YOU..AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING.; June 8, 2011 at 5:41 PM
janette said...: I am so sorry for you that you have such bad thoughts about yourself. I am also sorry that you want witches voted out of the circle of moms competition. I can tell you that the Goddess doesn't judge, and doesn't make her worshipers feel ugly or inadequate, or sinful.

I am glad that you enjoy laughing, and you seem to be a positive person. Such a shame that you chose to follow such a judgmental and vindictive god, instead of one that would help you to feel good about yourself...; June 8, 2011 at 7:23 PM
Our family said...: Thank you for posting this today!!!! God speaks through you. I am more than discouraged today ... we are broken ... grieving ... and clinging to Jesus.

Thank you ~ Heather; June 8, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Midwest Nature Lover said...: "(watch your step - all faiths are represented there so don't be alarmed)"

Really? You need to warn your readers because ALL faiths are represented? Why? Will their little blinder-laden heads explode if they encounter a religion other than Christianity?

I noted that one of your commenters just had to go the Satan route, too.

Sigh.

You will not hear small-minded, bigoted comments such as these from nature loving Pagans.; June 8, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Patti Kennedy said...: Courtney, Words cannot express how your blog has helped me as a SAHM of 3 (5 & under). There are days when I wonder what I was thinking staying at home with my kids - but I'm seeing that the pay off is so worth it. And with your posts of encouragement, I feel like God is speaking to me through you. So, thank you for that.
I have a question - do you have a routine, or a schedule that you follow with your kids during the summer? I'd love to know it what it is! LOL!; June 9, 2011 at 6:11 AM
Linda said...: I just wanted you to know how much I love the song Blessings by Laura Story. Our family has been walking in obedience to God's leading and it hasn't always been an easy journey - always good, but not always easy. I discovered this song in April and I can't tell you how much it spoke to my need at the time (and still does). He is good to give us what we need when we need it and this song has certainly met needs in my life. Thank you for choosing to add it to your post.; June 9, 2011 at 7:20 AM
Anonymous said...: Hello! I just wanted to extend Congratulations to you on the Circle Of Moms Contest :); June 9, 2011 at 8:30 AM
Kristen Thornburg said...: Thanks for the encouragement! I am a young mom and it's always nice to hear encouraging words!; June 9, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Rebecca said...: Beautiful post! Laura Story attends and is on staff at my church. Her story...her testimony...about her life and how it changed after marriage....and personal things since...give this song so much meaning. If you don't know her story...research it, then, listen to the story...then, imagine...sitting in a women's retreat. She is on stage alone....singing it. She keeps looking up and grinning, then, tears, redness of face....she stops singing, stops playing and you know...who she's looking at. he's there, in the back of the room, cheering her on. Her sweet husband...who will never be 100%. He knows he is the reason for the tears, yet what a way their ministry and testimony reaches out. She sweetly asks him to stop....she smiles at him, wipes away the tears and continues. When my days are difficult, I read my Bible and I find one of Laura's cds and sit and listen...and hear the love of Christ!!!!; June 9, 2011 at 10:51 AM
April Sullivan said...: Thank you for this Courtney! I've been reading and enjoying your blog for a few weeks now, but this post spoke to me. I needed to hear it. Thank you.; June 9, 2011 at 6:34 PM
Annalisa@Gracie'sGarden said...: THANK YOU. I just needed to read this this evening. God bless you.; June 14, 2011 at 4:42 AM
Essay Writing said...: Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.Excellent posting from specialist and it will be a great know how to us and say thanks a lot for giving this valuable details with us.; June 15, 2011 at 7:46 AM

Women Living Well Blog

: Name: Courtney (Women Living Well); Location: Ohio, United States

I am a stay-at-home home schooling mom of 2, a son (age 8) and a daughter (6). I have been married to Keith, my high school sweet heart, for 13 years. My passion to know God and share him with others led me to the Moody Bible Institute where I graduated with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. Last year, I appeared on the Rachael Ray Show as a 1950's Housewife. To learn more about me visit my "About Me" page.

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Women Living Well Blog

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I Need Help!

40 Comments:

Women Living Well Blog

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