Shake it off!!

Mathew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"

"Don't worry"...If you're like me, then you hear this a lot. This is a big problem for me. I come from a family of worry-ers (my husband will tell you that one), so it’s not easy for me to “just not worry about it” like everyone says. I know that God is in control and I’m not, but sometimes I can’t help but worry about things.

Since my daughter was born 6 months ago, we decided I should stay home with her (which in itself was a big leap of faith). Yes we have enough money, but barely. Which is where the worrying starts. No, we haven’t been so broke we couldn’t afford the necessities. We have had to give up some of the “extra” things like eating out, taking vacations, buying new clothes, and other things like that…but you know what? It hasn’t killed us! Actually, it has been really good for us! We stay home and have more family time or we go visit other family members nearby.

I recently read a book called “Momma’s Guide to Thriving on One Income” by Kimberly Eddy and it discusses the worry issue. I really suggest this book for the mom’s out there, especially if you plan to stay at home! It really helped put into perspective all of the things I have that I take for granted. It was one of the eye-openers that helped me start this blog. It showed me that God doesn’t say anywhere in the Bible that we are going to have an easy life in a big house with a white picket fence (AKA the “American dream”). God doesn’t promise us 2 cars for every family, new clothes, a washing machine, or a dishwasher. He DOES say that he will provide our needs if we just put our faith and trust in him! I’m learning to do that, and so far I’m doing ok! I just tell myself everyday to “shake it off” and leave it to God in prayer.

When I first found out that my step-dad, Ricky, had leukemia I immediately started praying. I knew there was nothing else I could do about it. Oddly enough, when I finished my prayer I wasn’t worried. Well, I was a little worried, but I wasn’t dwelling on it (which is still a HUGE step for me). Every time I start to get worried about it I just say a little prayer and ask God to help me “shake it off”. I’m learning that all I can do is pray and “shake it off” and that’s what I do. I’m not perfect, I still worry about things…but I’m trying and I think that’s all God expects us to do….Just TRY.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and just remember to SHAKE IT OFF!