Today has been a busy, but blessed, day. My mother in law has been here, so I’ve been able to get quite a bit done. I planted about twenty seedlings and grown plants, started four flats of herbs and flowers, picked hundreds of Japanese Beetles off of my trees, and planted pole beans. I also worried about a fungal infection in my tomatoes and watered my garden for about an hour. Oh friends, I am so tired! I am still determined to give my garden my all this year, but I have been busy.

I have done my best to integrate my children into my gardening efforts, because I want to be around them and I think gardening is a wonderful skill for them to learn. But goodness…I thought I was busy before, and now I realize I didn’t exactly know what I was talking about. I could only imagine how tired my great grandparents were at the end of the day!

And what a blessing it has been. Being more active both outside and in the kitchen has pushed me in a way that I didn’t even know I needed. It is rewarding to see all of the homesteading things begin to take shape around here.

I’ve also realized that now more than ever, I need to make sure that I am not forgetting to spend time with the Lord. While growing things in my garden is a form of worship, it would not be smart to neglect my time in the Word or in prayer. (While I must say, some of my best prayer time is in my garden!)

There have been other seasons of life like this for me. Perhaps I’ve just had a baby, or I am in the midst of a very busy homemaking/homeschooling season. The Lord still desires to fellowship with me, and I shouldn’t neglect it.

Time with the Lord shouldn’t be an afterthought, but the first thing we do each day. He desires all of us, friends.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

Psalm 119:10

I’ve pondered on this verse today. Am I seeking God with my whole heart? I can seek Him with all that I do. While I go about my busy day, I can keep my mind focused on Him. He is the giver of everything good in my life! He deserves my attention at all times.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

Am I constantly renewing my mind to God’s truth while I’m going about my day, or am I thinking about my “busy-ness” instead? Renewing our mind will transform us! And once our minds are renewed, presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice will come naturally.

I hope you are encouraged to keep your mind focused on Him today, friends. Believe me when I say that I always need this reminder as well. The Lord is so good to meet us where we are and lead us along gently.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. I hope you have a lovely week!