How’s That Working For You -Part 1 – On Living Intentionally

Here’s a list of things that are a part of my life that ‘work for me’.

Again, my purpose in sharing these things is not to debate, or to show you how right I am and how wrong you are – that’s not it at all. I simply hope to inspire you to evaluate where you stand, and why you’re standing there. I’m going to be brief, and hope to address each of these points more fully in later posts.

1. I believe my health (and that of my family) is in direct relation to what we eat. For this reason, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen to prepare nutrient dense meals from whole ingredients, believing this to be the key to my family’s present and future health.
Result: We are rarely sick, and when we do catch the occasional bug, we recover quickly. My kids have never needed antibiotics or even had an earache. The future benefits remain to be seen, but I’m excited!

2. I believe in breastfeeding my babies. Even when they seem allergic to my milk! I change my diet and tweak what I eat until the elixir God designed for my babies is just what they need. Even if it means giving up chocolate and milk in my diet…
Result: Healthy babies and a whole lot of fulfillment!

3. I believe in parent-directed feeding. It’s a child’s first lesson in the fact that the world doesn’t revolve around them. Studies show that a full, regularly spaced meal is better for a baby than ‘snacking’ whenever they fuss.
Result: Chubby, happy babies who sleep through the night!


4. I thrive on schedules and routine. I schedule computer time, my children’s naps, daily, weekly, and monthly chores and outings. I plan menus, blog posts, and projects sometimes a month out, and I make lists for everything.
Result: Peace and stability in our home, which, ironically, creates a foundation for spontaneity. Productivity and time for the things that are truly important to me.

5. I believe Biblical Womanhood. I believe my place of blessing and fulfillment is in submission and honoring my God given authority, my husband. I reject feminism in all forms.
Result: More satisfaction and joy in my role than I ever imagined.

6. We do not immunize our children. This is one area in which, though I believe very strongly, I’m unable at this time to give an articulate explanation of my stand. I’m committed to going back over the research I have read on this and giving you my reasons in a future post.
Result: My children have never had to suffer the pain and fear of vaccinations, vaccinosis, or other vaccine reactions. In fact, they are rarely sick at all. Hmm – wonder if that’s coincidence?


7. I believe in authenticity and unconditional love in relationships. The people in my life with whom I can be myself are the dearest relationships, and it is my goal to both surround myself with, and to BE a person who loves as Christ loves us.
Result: I often taste of the blessed fellowship, support, and joy that God designed to happen between His children.

8. We believe in spacing our children. Studies and my own personal experience are showing that it essential for the health of the mother and her children to have time between pregnancies for the mother’s body to ‘recharge’ so that she can impart to each little life in her womb everything it needs for optimum health.
Result: the ability to enjoy each of my children as the Lord gives them to me and not feel they are a burden I cannot handle. Children with strong immune systems.

9. I believe I am on this earth to glorify God. I have a personal relationship with Christ, having trusted Him as my savior. I try to live my life in accordance with His word and what the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart.
Result: Focusing on this always helps my perspective and brings me peace.

10. I believe that prayer to the One True God, Jesus Christ, works.  Every time.
Result: I have a hope that extends beyond this temporal world, and many opportunities to see God’s power at work. Just yesterday, in fact, I cried out to God in a moment of weakness, and He delivered me. Tell you about that soon!


11. I believe true fulfillment comes from seeking God’s best for my life.  I had an epiphany regarding this during my first year of motherhood, and hope to share the story with you soon.
Result: I am fulfilled and content with my life.
 
12. I believe natural, homebirth is the best thing for me and my family. Pregnancy is not a disease, and Labor is not an emergency – it was designed by God and I believe the home is the ideal place to experience this miracle. I am not against doctors – I simply choose to reserve their involvement for emergencies.  Result: Peace and Security during labor, actually enjoying the delivery of my children. Priceless memories as we have celebrated the arrival of each child.


So, that’s my list. What’s yours? Are you living intentionally? Are your choices based on what you feel is God’s best for you and your family? 

I sincerely hope so.

Blessings,
Trina

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1. Christmas Baking has begun. I start with Biscotti ’cause it lasts the longest.

2. We got our tree yesterday afternoon after church and are going to decorate it today, which I’m totally excited about because it’s actually the dutch Christmas holiday, “Sinterklauss“, on December 6th.

A quick and easy buffet display before I officially decorate for Christmas.

3. I’ve been craving doughnuts, so I think I’ll make Ollie Bollen for a treat tonight.

4. I’m going red this year – My Christmas wreath will be made of Red Osier, with bells. Have you a wreath yet? You can make your own with this tutorial.

5. I have already lost Christmas presents I bought two days ago. Where did I put them?

6. Snow on Sunlight – I mean, Sunlight on Snow! I love how a snow cover and all the extra, reflected, white light brightens each room of my house.

Jesse’s first Christmas book page. Yes, I am quite proud. Don’t you love Eve’s hair?!

7. This has nothing to do with Christmas, but the other night at dinner, Jesse was giving voice to the roasted chicken we were eating – “Help! They eating me!” and “Ahhh! Tearing off my skin!!!” It was slightly disturbing, but did not ruin my appetite for the crispy, golden skin of that yummy, pastured bird.

8. No need to sample your Christmas tree’s needles. Claire has already tried this year’s growth and they are terrible.

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