A bit down
Joni: I’ve been going through one of those times where I feel disheartened about myself and the way I am. I’ve never felt so much that I haven’t really done anything very well. I know that sounds very negative but that’s the way I’ve felt recently. I think some of the intensity of the feelings also comes from being pregnant, a time when everything seems so “big.” It seems I do a little bit of a lot of things, but sometimes I wonder how well or completely I’m doing any of them and I feel I have not much to show for them. Of course I’m always encouraged as I know that raising children is a big job in itself and one that is worth every bit of effort, but these past few weeks I’ve even gotten discouraged about that, thinking that I don’t even do that very well. Ok, so I know the enemy of our souls likes to discourage us more than anything, and I’m sure that’s what’s happening, but sometimes it’s hard to fight when it all looks so “true.” But fight I must and like I said in my post about this sickness we’ve been having, I’m learning how to use a praiseful attitude to defeat negative feelings that don’t do us any good and in fact make us less likely to succeed or to change those things that need to be changed. All around, praise and positive thinking make our lives better. So this is what I see as the positive aspect of my negative feelings about myself—I’m learning how to praise and be positive, to make it a habit that needless to say will be very useful to me throughout my life and the difficulties that it brings. Honestly though, I have had a wonderful life and have so much to be thankful for–my husband and 5 beautiful healthy children among some of the most wonderful things!
April 5th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Joni, been following your blog, and think your a wonderful mother. Praying for you during this time, esp. praying for extra grace each day!! (I met you once, but not sure if you remember me, your family was visiting at Activated in Cali, when my son had his 2nd birthday, in 2003).
April 5th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Jess, thank you so much! And I’ve visited your blog and think you’re a wonderful mother too and so committed to your children. God bless you for your faithfulness with them! It’s all worth it! Yes, of course I remember you and the birthday party. xoxo I’ll pray for you too!
April 5th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Oops, that last comment was from me! Just forgot to put my name there.
April 6th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Joni, You’re great! Hearing that couldn’t make me look up to you more, I’ve felt like that a lot and know exactly what you’re saying. I admire you so so much. Congratulations on your pregnancy and number six, I’ll be praying for you. I was so happy to see you at the SGA Seminar. Much Love, Becca
April 7th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Becca, thank you! These comments mean so much to me! I loved talking with you at the seminar!
April 8th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
GBY! Praying for you Joni! You might not remember me, but we briefly lived in the same home in India ‘85 maybe. At that time I was the sometimes discouraged mother with 5 kids, ha!Hold on, it’s worth it all! My number 4 was Jonathan of Lisa (who played with you, Vas, in the Sealed,) and I’m surely thankful for him and for all the rest of the kids the Lord gave me. You are a wonderful sample! much much love Angela
April 9th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Joni, I think you are a great and patient mom!… and the Lord must agree too or he wouldn’t keep on giving you little beautiful treasures to care for. And as far as talent goes, I think you are very talented…being able to do a little bit of everything is a priceless talent and not something everyone can do, but, speaking from expirience pregnancy is a good lesson learning time, so GBU for being willing to go through it … you’ll be all the much better for it in the end. Much love, ALi