Comments on: Warm Connections {Day 26}: When Your Heart Calls You Home

By: 31 Days of Warm Connections - Reluctant Entertainer I Sandy Coughlin - Lifestyle, Entertaining, Food, Recipes, Hospitality and Gardening

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:11:38 +0000

[…] Know You Care Day 24: Friends Who Build You Up Day 25: Find Your Own Way of Homemaking Day 26: When Your Heart Calls You Home Day 27: Love Through Close Knit Friends Day 28: The Noblest of Neighbors and Fruit Day 29: Fall […]

By: Debbie @ The Hip Hostess

Debbie @ The Hip Hostess — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:37:57 +0000

As women I think we all too often we over commit ourselves and then are so afraid to offend or disappoint by simply saying ” No, I can’t this time.” It’s always been assuring to me to know my friends face the same everyday dilemmas and my tendency to always feel guilty is eased by their true understanding. I think you summed it up for me with these words:
I believe in “you will simplify when you prioritize.”
Wise words, I will try to adhere to, Sandy.

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:54:47 +0000

Good post; great decision!
Your motivation is right and consistent with God’s will for mothers to be keepers at home. Not that they must serve exclusively at home, but that is the priority. It sounds like you listened to the Holy Spirit, though obedience is sometimes difficult. You know, choosing between a good thing and an even better thing.

P. S. Do be careful and discerning when reading Joyce Meyer. (or any author, for that matter.) Test everything in light of scripture. She has been known to twist scripture and take it out of context. “Test everything; hold fast to what is good.” :-)

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:15:31 +0000

You will never regret spending more time with your kids. They are gone before you know it.

By: Flower Patch Farmgirl

Flower Patch Farmgirl — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:01:50 +0000

Well, I was never lined up to speak (ha), but I passed up the chance months ago, for similar reasons. I just had a hunch. Fast forward and we just moved a few weeks ago (had no idea all those months ago that it would happen NOW, of course) and I’m so thankful that I heard God’s voice when it was time to make that call. He is so good to us! (But I’m still a little bummed about missing out. Just a little.) :) Have a great, slow weekend. I’ll be doing the same!

By: Mela Kamin

Mela Kamin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:42:24 +0000

I agree – you will never regret it for a moment – that ministry of motherhood requires flexibility and commitment. God often calls us to say no to even good things, so we can focus on the Greater things He has for us. I’m not going to Relevant either – not because I didn’t want to or didn’t have the opportunity, but because I know it’s what’s best for me & my family in this moment. Reading this right now made so much sense for me, so thank you for sharing. xoxo Hoping we can plan to get together sometime!

By: dayle

dayle — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:52:06 +0000

Yes, absolutely. I think most women/moms/wives probably have at one time or another. And those who haven’t probably have regrets about it. It’s so easy to become encumbered with “God’s work,” that we often forget our families are just that … God’s work. I heard a minister say one time that no matter how often you minister to other people, if you’re neglecting your family to do it God is not pleased. I have to agree with that.

By: Sheila

Sheila — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:45:32 +0000

Yes. I sold my ticket to blogher food last spring. It was so hard. I wanted to be there so so so bad. But I knew that I needed to be home with my kiddos. I have never regretted staying home. It’s where my first and most important job is. There will be other conferences these years with our children are fleeting. Many Blessings to You!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:32:09 +0000

Yes, Sandy…you certainly did the right thing! I have never regretted the times that I have put my family first and even now that they are grown and live away from our home, I still try to put them first as well as my grandchildren….love them all so much and this is one way that they can truly see it. It is the same with my husband….he loves it when I go run errands with him and just hang out. In the world’s eyes I suppose I don’t accomplish much but in our home….it speaks of love. Thanks for your post today.

By: Lauren@SimplyLKJ

Lauren@SimplyLKJ — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:31:31 +0000

‘Anxious people are always trying to live ahead of where they currently are.” -Joyce Meyer

Wow…did that one hit home! Like a major sucker punch, truth be told. I have been running around like a mad woman the past few weeks, mainly because I know what lies in the months ahead (I have one applying to college, one graduating in December from college). Sad thing is, I am missing the here and now, and am stressed to the max. This was just what I needed to hear. It’s time to face each day as it comes, rather than stress about the days ahead.

Sandy, good for you for stopping long enough to listen to your heart! While you won’t be attending the conference, you have made an impact on many just by the choice you made.