Why’s it so hard?
by Alyssa Avant on August 21, 2008
in Just Me
Welcome back!
Why is life so hard? I tell you. I’m usually not one to get down and out over things. Normally, I try to be chipper, optimistic, generally looking on the bright side, but between the economy, which results in a poor state of a checking account, specifically mine, a child who is just determined to not mind me, a house that seems to never stay clean and a few days of gloomy, rainy weather I guess I’ve just got the blues. Wow and an incredibly long, run on looking sentence I just composed.
So, I’m trying desperately to be cheerful and find something good that I can learn from this, and I’ve been reading this ebook, “Thriving on One Income” which is chocked full of encouragement and Scripture and Godly advice. I started reading it yesterday afternoon after I had worried and mulled over the sad state of my budget for most of the day and I must say it convicted me deeply, which may be another reason I’m in this here mood I’m in.
I will say, I am going to spend some time in prayer over this, and if you are in the same boat is me I encourage you to do so as well, if you’re not and have some encouragement for me, I’d appreciate it.
Updated to add the link to the ebook I mentioned:
Oh how I remember what it was like adding a second, and then a third child to the mix, and then boom my house feels like it is never clean. I have learned to let that one go first and foremost, I do the best I can and it’s going to have to be good enough.
Think about what matters to God and if how you are spending your time is in line with that. God cares about YOU, your husband, your children, and your family. If that is where your time is going, then in my opinion the house can wait.
Kids…well I am struggling there too. I have a 10 year old that is a bit of a handful and I know it is hard to live life AND raise kids especially if they are making things so hard. Sometimes it is best to just slow down and make your day about addressing whatever the issue may be surrounding your little one’s behavior to hopefully stop it from escalating further.
Finances are always so tricky. I have tried hard not to let my moods fluctuate with the ups and downs of a full then empty pocket book.
I still end up doing it, but I try to remind myself that God is in control and it will all work out, and it always does. I think we all have financial difficulties whether you are a doctor or a housewife, I think the key is to stay positive and always trust in God. God has taken care of you up till now, He will continue to take care of you.
You are in my prayers as well. I know how stressful everything can be, but try not to be TOO hard on yourself.
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Do you have a link for that ebook, it sounds really good.
Hang in there girl!
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Also, please don’t forget, you are launching new ventures and probably seeking new schedules. All that is incredibly stressful. I know!
Just keep reading James 1:12, which I’m sure you already do.
Somewhere I read once that we shouldn’t try to do all the things God has called us to do during our season of raising children. I copied that down and posted it in my room near where I am *supposed* to have my quiet time. That perspective helps me when I am feeling overwhelmed, which is so much of the time.
Thank you for posting with such honesty.
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Found you on writer interupted…and while reading your blog I couldn’t help but laugh. Should I be saying this? Actually, I was kind of feeling the same way and reading yours made me put mine into perspective, which made me feel better!
Maybe if you read mine then it would work for you too, I don’t know. Any hoo, thanks for sharing, it sure helped me! 
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I tried to start a reply this morning, before leaving to bring my daughter, (middle child) to college, but ran out of time, and am not going to be able to do it now, either. I remember those days when there were “just not enough hours in the day”, and now there still seems to not be, and my daughter even says that. I know people, including my husband, who say God gave us all 24 hours, and,. . .blah, blah, blah . . .about time management.
First, thank you Alyssa, once again, for your wonderful writing and your authenticity.
Second, I am praying for you, that God will give you His peace.
Third, just do what you can, and take one day at a time.
and last, but not least, remember, Mary and Martha, and the One Important Thing, and also to always ENJOY YOUR FAMILY
Today’s devotion from Journey said, “Entertaining focuses on things and is to impress.
Hospitality focuse on people, and is to serve.”
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Ooooh…thanks for the recommendation. As a family that does live on one income I could use this!
Beautiful blog by the way!
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I totally hear you on this one. I have just started blogging more about our new commitment to simplicity and frugality. The economy has made it mandatory to start thinking about it whatever stage of life you are in.
I have been living like we still had two incomes (after quitting last December), thinking I would find the right fit before now to supplement our income. I haven’t and now we really have to cover some serious lost ground. The best part is that there are major savings to be had with some research and discipline which will be a great lesson to have learned even after I find work. AND, I really love being at home so if we save enough, maybe I never will have to work full-time which would be totally awesome too.
The most important reason for all this is for us to learn that all things come from God and that as His creations we are to respect all things we are given. It is a great lesson and one I am learning more and more every day.
God bless and thanks for your honest thoughts,
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