Deception vs Devotion

So JDub's out of town this week... not ALL week... just for a few days. Usually I dread when he leaves... but I've been feeling pretty good lately :) And what I mean by that is I've been kinda feeling like a great mom. I know.... I shouldn't brag... but I have to say my temper has been under control... I've been trying to say "yes" more instead of just "no" like I usually do... I make an attempt to stop what I'm doing and play at times even when all I really want to do is clean up, check my email, look at Pinterest... etc!! But yea... I know its NOT all me right.... obviously.... it's God. It's because I know I have people praying for me... me included! It's because JDub reminded me just the other week about how I need to lay off the yelling! Believe you, me..... I need those reminders sometimes! Sure it ticked me off at the time... I wanted to punch him in the face?! Don't we all? haha but here's what's annoying.....

So I was thinking to myself today... ya know... you're doing a great job at remaining calm through everything. Through Ceej waking up at 6:00 am... through him pooping 5 minutes after you just changed his diaper.... through Bubba's tantrum b/c he didn't want to stop watching cartoons to eat breakfast.... Good job handling your temper while Ceej threw his oatmeal bowl across the room and messed up the kitchen floor you JUST cleaned.... Oh wait... duh you're not the reason you're doing so well... you should thank God.

And so I did..... I'm literally in the middle of saying a little prayer of thanks for the patience I've had... for the ability to listen and play and nurture my children.... and while I'm saying that prayer it all goes out the window! Bubba's just sitting there....... NOT eating, (for the millionth time) slapping his brother...... Ceej then starts squealing at the top of his lungs while I ask him to please stop...... when he finally stops squealing Bubba starts in... and then they both squeal while I ask again several times for them to stop and eat....... and finally it gets to me and I scream! Then I wonder to myself...... why is it the second I am praising and thanking God for everything... it all goes wrong?! Why is it that I can't get a break?! Why... and then I think oh yea... its Satan... being a jerk... he hears/sees me all happy and content and thinks here's a challenge........ or maybe not even a challenge but an opportunity.....

I came across this bible study regarding 2 Corinthians 11:3. I really enjoyed it...
Deception vs devotion

2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

In conclusion I got my temper under control... and my focus back to thanking God. Sure there are some bumps in the road... but its a good thing God's love is unfailing!!

Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.