Recharging

I have many book titles floating in my head.  I love to come up with funny ones and serious ones.  I have a whole list.  I am not saying I will ever be called to write a book, but if the Lord does have this in His will for me, I will be prepared.  One of my titles is "It needs batteries...and so do I".  As a mom of little ones with lots of electronic toys and gadgets, I hear the phrase "it needs batteries" about twenty times a week.  We all need new batteries now and then or even just a good old recharging could suffice 

I love rechargeable batteries.  We have some for our camera.  They just recently stopped working after four years of good use.  We also have battery powered 4-wheelers for both girls.  These batteries have to frequently be recharged, but it is well worth it.  The girls love riding in the yard on those things.  Even our neighbor said this morning it looked like the most fun ever.

What can recharge us besides rest?  I need rest and love Sunday naps.  I was not able to get one yesterday, and while the afternoon was fun, I really missed our family after church nap.

Have you ever thought of praise as a way to recharge?  When you get a pat on the back or a "way to go", do you have a little extra spring in your step?

I will let you know that the ladies banquet went splendidly Saturday night.  My mom, nanny, mother-in-law, and cousin were all able to attend.  We all had fun and our speaker was fantastic.  I felt recharged just after hearing her encouraging words.  When we were leaving I had many visitors come up to me to tell me they enjoyed the skit and the games.  I am not patting my own self on the back, but their words of encouragement and praise meant the world to me.  I left feeling like I was on cloud nine all the way home.  It was hard to even sleep after all the excitement and positive comments.  It was so unexpected and completely recharged my spirit beyond measure.

I know we could all use a little more appreciation in our life, but how much appreciation do we give?  Do we recharge and praise our children on a daily basis?  Or, do we simply always point to the negative things they do?  Do you praise your husband every day?  You know he doesn't do everything right, but he deserves an encouraging word or thank you everyday!  How about God?  I know He does not need recharging, but He does deserve and require our praise.  Do you start your prayers with praise to Him or do you immediately tell Him what you need?

Today's Verses - The whole chapter of Psalms 100
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness:  come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.  For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."  Ps 100: 1-5

The Lord is good, and we are to come to Him in adoration.  We can make our requests known to Him, but we must show Him our love, respect and praise.  In the model prayer in Matthew 6, we know it begins with "Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name".  We are made to praise Him.  We are made to make a joyful noise unto Him.  Read His word; talk to Him daily, and praise Him.  He can recharge us through His word, or He can send someone along in just the right moment to offer us a pat on the back.

So, the next time I hear the words "Mom, it needs batteries" I am going to be reminded to recharge my little ones with a word of praise, and then give my Heavenly Father a BIG THANK YOU for those little ones requesting my assistance and all the blessings He has given us.

When I praise the Lord and thank of all His goodness, it is another way to completely feel recharged!