How are you? Are you feeling stressed these days? One of the
facts that came out of the CWM survey was most CWMs don’t
do anything for themselves. I know we are often the last on our
priority list. So, when was the last time you did something purely
for yourself? If you can’t remember do take time this week
to pamper yourself. It doesn’t have to cost money. Maybe
a long bath alone, reading a book uninterrupted, calling a friend,
or many other different things. Mommies are people too and need
some tender, loving care as well.
I need more CWMs who are willing to be interviewed. The interview
is practically painless. Send an email to Kimberly@kimberlychastain.com
with interview in the subject heading and I will email you the
questions. Thanks in advance for your help.
Book Recommendation
Many of you have asked about possible Bible studies for CWM groups.
I’m reading a book right now called Respectable
Sins by Jerry Bridges. The book talks about all the “little”
sins that we ignore or tolerate, for example: anxiety, irritability,
unthankfulness, discontentment, and many more. All those listed
are sins and we tend to not see them as sins. You can order a
study guide and discussion guide as well to lead in a group. Even
if you don’t planning on using it for a group the book is
very convicting and thought provoking. You can read the book for
your own private study.
Prayer Partner Needed
I have a CWM that just emailed me wanting a prayer partner. Virtual
prayer partners are a neat component of the CWM community. You
meet by email and agree to pray and encourage one another. If
you would like a prayer partner, please email me at Kimberly@kimberlychastain.com
and put Prayer partner in the subject heading and I will connect
you with another CWM.
Article – Confessions of a CWM going 90mph to 0mph
Last month I was diagnosed with pneumonia. The doctor’s
advice was to slow down and get bed rest. So, basically I went
from running around with work, kids, and errands to being in the
bed most of the day. Let me tell you it is not easy to go from
90mph to 0mph. I had good little sheriffs at home, my children
and husband, who had a constant refrain of “Mom, go to bed.”
Here are some of the things I learned whether I wanted to or not:
1. My family and house can run just fine without me. Maybe
not the same, but fine. The earth still revolved while I was
in bed. (I know that sounds so egotistical, but I hope you understand
what I mean).
2. My children and husband can step up to the plate and get
things done around the house.
3. I’m not a good patient. It is really hard to come to
a sudden halt and stay in bed all day. Even when it was needed.
4. It was very hard for me to still not try to, even from bed,
make sure everybody was doing what they were supposed to be
doing.
5. I will be honest sometimes it is hard to me to be still and
know that God is in charge. He taught me lessons on being still.
6. I’m learning very slowly (I’m a slow learner)
that when the unexpected comes in my life to learn to ask the
question, “What is God wanting me to learn from this?”
instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?”
7. While I was in bed I could more easily listen to God’s
voice and trust Him even more for every area of my life.
8. I’m also thankful to serve a God who doesn’t
keep “office hours”. When my medicine wouldn’t
let me sleep at night God was there willing to listen and keep
me company.
9. Sometimes we are so busy it is hard to notice the small things,
but God’s calls us to notice all the things around us.
He made the world for us to delight in and enjoy.
10. The most important thing I learned is God is sovereign in
all things. His ways can be trusted in the expected and the
unexpected.
Believe me it is not hard going full speed to a sudden stop,
but I made it and I learned a lot of things. I did learn my
family loves and cares for me, but they were ready to get the
old Mommy back as soon as possible. I guess they do need me?!
Final Thoughts
What ways this week can you let people in your family know that
you appreciate them. How can you even let little ones know what
things you think are extra special about them? Let them know that
God made them the way they are and you think they are wonderful,
because they were made in God’s image.
Till next time,
Kimberly M. Chastain
Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian
Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
She is the author of The Voices of Christian Working Moms, 2 ebooks
and an online Bible study. To find out how to receive coaching
tips by email daily, go to http://www.kimberlychastain.com/cwmtips.htm.
To find out more about her books go to www.christianworkingmom.com.
For a free, initial coaching session send an email to free@kimberlychastain.com.
