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This is one of those posts that I don’t really know how to write.
I’m a private person, yet honesty is very important to me. Sometimes I struggle to know how to balance those in this blog and my presence on social media. While I try to be personable, I’m not going to share every detail of my life with people I’ve never met. That being said, sometimes God calls me to write about something, and today He’s called me to write about being overwhelmed. I have a lot of experience with “overwhelmed” lately.
“God will never give you more than you can handle.” Do you believe that? I don’t. I recently saw an article about this (I can’t remember where…), and I agree with what the author brought out: God gives us more than we can handle so we have to call upon Him for help.
With that in mind, I don’t think we should resist when God calls us to do things that look impossible. Rather, we should accept them with open arms, telling God, “I’m excited to see how you’re going to get me through this!”
Just make sure it’s God who is calling you to those things – not yourself.
And that’s where I often fail. I feel responsible for more things than I should (this is one of the ways that obsessive compulsive disorder affects my everyday life), and I have a bad habit of over-committing myself to things that might be well and good – but I’m not really called to do them.
Finding the fine line between “this is a worthwhile endeavor” and “I am called to do this” can be difficult, especially if you’re stubborn and proud like I am. The key to knowing the difference between the two comes with a close fellowship with God. You have to be in close communication with Him in order to hear His voice above the clamor of life. Be careful about committing to things on impulse. Instead of immediately saying, “I’ll do it!”, go home and pray about the matter, then give your answer the next day. (All this being said, if you never say “yes” to anything, being spontaneous once in awhile might actually be a good thing.)
Stick to the things you are called by God to do. If you take up the torch for every inspiring project under the sun, you aren’t going to have enough energy to get through any of them; and why should God help you if you weren’t consulting Him before committing to those projects? I’ve gotten myself into this situation more than once in my short life, and I am so thankful that I serve a merciful God. When I’m at the end of my rope, absolutely frazzled (me, not the rope…well, maybe both), I can cry out to God for forgiveness for running ahead of Him. I’ve done that before, and my prayer usually sounds something like this: “Father, I know I got myself into this mess, but will you please forgive me for focusing on myself and my plans and give me the strength to get through? And help me not to make the same mistake again?” He always comes through for me, even though I’m the one who created the mess.
Right now I feel like I’ve kind of gotten myself into a mess again. I have too much going on in my life, and everything seems so important that I’m not sure where to cut back. Hands-down, the most overwhelming thing in my life right now is my cookbook project. Note to self: don’t set deadlines for big projects, especially when you really don’t know what said project is going to entail. Do I really have a deadline for this cookbook? No, but ever since I started last summer when I got back from Ohio, I threw out “fall of 2016” as my target publish date and I’d like to stick with that. I’m disappointed when people announce something, then don’t meet the expectations they caused me to set. I want my word to be trustworthy, so if at all possible, I still want to finish this cookbook in time for the holidays this year. To keep up with my self-imposed deadline, I’m perfecting 10 recipes a week. That, my friends, feels like a lot, especially when I am the only person creating, tweaking, and photographing. I know the work will be worth it in the end, but sometimes I get tired of cooking, and I can’t wait for the day when I only have to come up with 2 recipes per week (for my blog), plus work on an e-book or two. But I will continue by the grace of God, and I’ll be done recipe testing in a few months. Through God’s strength, I have been able to meet my goals so far!
On top of cookbook work, I have blog work like writing posts, editing pictures, interacting and promoting on social media, and answering questions. I have a part-time job 4 mornings a week (I do barn chores for a good friend of mine, and I really don’t want to give that up because it’s part of what keeps me sane. I need some outside time.) and take a voice lesson once a week (practicing on my own at least 5-6 days a week). Voice lessons are an integral part of building a foundation for my favorite hobby, singing. Family is very important to me, and I need time with them. Church is also important to me, and I have some obligations there. I also try to fit social obligations in once in awhile.
I really don’t see many places to cut back, but there are a few. I do have some responsibilities at church right now that I will be done with soon. The all-consuming recipe testing for my cookbook will be done in a few months. Until then, I need to change how I view these things so I don’t become overwhelmed. Are there some things I should do differently in the future? Yes. Through this busy season of life, I have learned not to raise people’s expectations on things like cookbooks until the majority of the work is already done (so I have more flexibility). I’ve learned that when I have a large project going (*ahem* cookbook), I really need to make sure I don’t bite off more than I can chew in other areas of life. I’ve learned things, and hopefully I’ll practice what I’ve learned in the future. But for now, I am still busy, and will be busy for a few more months. During this time, I feel like God is teaching me to trust Him to give me the time and strength to do what needs done. Being overwhelmed isn’t so much about being busy – it’s about feeling out of control because we know we can’t keep up in our human strength. Right now, in the midst of my business, I need to remember that God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
I can’t, but God can. That’s why I don’t need to be overwhelmed.
These are the thoughts going through my head right now. Just writing it down helps me process it, and I hope that reading it provokes thoughts of your own. Feel free to share your own experiences with being overwhelmed (and what you learned through them) in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!
(Edited to add) Thank you all so much for the words of encouragement – commenting here, commenting on my Facebook page, and messaging me. I really wasn’t sure if this was something I should share or not, but I want everyone to know that I am a real person with real struggles – but I serve a real God who is FAITHFUL and He will be faithful for you too. Blessings to you all as we walk the journey together!
Leighanne says
This may be an older post; however, it has been such a blessing to read. I’ve been so busy this season of life, not self inflicted this time, just busy. Things are winding down and I’m able to catch my breath again. I did something a little different this time, I just gave it to God. Normally I stubbornly attempt to do as much as I can until I have to ask forgiveness for being proud and obstinate. This time, I knew it was far too much for me and God had prepared my heart by showing me with clarity, his will for this season of my life. Have I cried and had moments… absolutely. Have I struggled with doubt… yep! But, in those moments I sought God and prayed scripture, “ Lord I believe, hell thou my unbelief.” Lord, this is too hard for me, but nothing is impossible with you.” “Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Then, I praise Him for His goodness, mercy, and grace. I seek His direction and share my heart and my struggles. God has been such a sweet daddy, friend, comforter, mentor, and so much more. This article reminded me of how important it is to keep a record of all God does so that I may share it throughout the years with my boys. Thank you again for sharing your heart.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for your comment, Leighanne. I loved that. Praise the Lord.
Sue says
This is so right-on, Chelsea. It upsets me when I hear of gals who profess to be the Lord’s neglecting their husbands and children by not preparing nutritious, on-time meals for them. This is quite common these days when mums can sit around socializing on Facebook etc and snacking off and on all day. Jesus even spoke of this, in Matthew 24:45-46.
“Who is the faithful and wise bondman, whom the lord has set over his household, to give them food at the right time ? Blessed is that bondman whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing.” (A wife is bound to her husband in marriage !) Verses 47 through 51speak about what happens to the faithless bondman (woman ?) This is a serious issue. Thanks Briana for giving us more ideas and less excuses when it comes to feeding our families.
Chelsea says
Very wise words. One thought…BUSY. It means Being Under Satan’s Yoke. We could be involved in so many lovely things but if we get so busy we stumble (and of course, like you said, the Lord is graciously with us) but it also makes us poorly effective in other areas that are most important. Our enemy loves us to be ineffective. Example, a mama leading bible study 3 days a week while her littles sit in daycare where dad has to pick them up and get everyone dinner. Her thought is she’s doing Gods work of ministry but loses focus that her first ministry is her family. (I’m not saying ministry is bad or women shouldn’t ever use daycare or dads can’t help with kiddos and cooking) Point is this is an example of a lifestyle of living ‘doing’ good things but the right things are falling to the side. Seek Him to help you prioritize your life and prune the rest. Stop being B-U-S-Y. I know it’s hard if you are like me and always want to say ‘yes’ to everything. I learned to be ok to say ‘that’s not going to work out at this time’. Blessings!!(sorry so long!)
Petra says
Just pray and ask the Lord what does He want you to prioritize right now and focus on later? He’s the one who has the plan for your life and knows where you are suppose to be and what you’re suppose to be doing in this season. Its important to be in God’s will and timing for your life!! He said He knows the thoughts and plans He has for you-thoughts and plans of welfare and PEACE-not of evil-to give you a hope,future and expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God Romans 8:14
Pat says
Reading your blog brought comfort into my life right now. I too am overwhelmed with a decision I will need to make. Realizing that maybe this is more than I can handle was an eye opener. Even though I have prayed and fell I have an answer, I am not sure this isn’t my idea. I guess more time on my knees is needed. I LOVE your recipes – have lost 12 lbs so far – slowly but steady . Thanks so much for the time and effort you put in on our behalf. Thanks so much for sharing a portion of your life and all the best in getting thru this overwhelming time in your life.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for sharing, Pat! Blessings to you as you ask God for wisdom.
Patti says
Briana, I am one of your biggest cheerleaders! As I read this my heart ached for you, and yet again true to Briana fashion, YOU are on the right track! The Bible doesn’t tell us God will never give us more than we can handle, the Bible reassures us that in times of being overwhelmed He will be with us! I will put you on my prayer list, that the Lord would encourage your heart as you trust Him. If He leads you to it, He will lead you through it! Commit your plans to Him, you are LOVED!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers, Patti! They mean so much.
Kathy says
Just breathe!!! I am over 60 years old and have just learned that taking 5 minutes and breathing strengthens and refreshes. I close my eyes and breathe and say ” I love you Lord” It is amazing. How those minutes have changed my life. You are so appreciated. I want you to know that your sharing your gifts and talents have encouraged and enriched my life. I am not a great cook. I am a business woman who works full time. I would not have been able to stay with THM without your help and encouragement. You provide me with what I cannot get done for myself. Thank you and know you are a blessing. Take care of yourself remember “Balance in all things.”
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for the encouragement, Kathy!
sue says
here’s some more encouragement ‘cuz after reading all these you might be tired & overwhelmed!! maybe you just need NEW encouragement like we need new mercy every morning. YOU”RE OCD???? i might qualify TOO!! i think the world/YOUR world needs a “happy” brianna more than it needs another cookbook – as WONDERFUL as that cookbook will be – the WHOLE package of you is MUCH better – especially when it’s WHOLE & not frazzled.
SOOOO if out of “naivete” & inexperience you picked a due date that was maybe too early – you’re forgiven! take a rest/walk/ride; go sing & then sing some more; cuddle a baby for a few hours; have a bowl of one of those yummy looking ‘ice creams’ – a small one; read the Psalms; listen to some of those purty choral tunes you post!!! the posts/blogs/recipes/book/family/church will be ALL the better for it! AND we’ll all know it’s GOD holding you together so the ends don’t fray & unravel.
Briana Thomas says
Aw, thank you, Sue! You’re very sweet. I enjoyed reading your comment. 🙂
Johnna says
Briana, I am praying for you right now.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much, Johnna!
Penny says
Briana,
Do you ever just look up, know the Father is looking back, and begin to laugh at the ridiculousness of what you’ve bitten off? I sure have, and find that the release in laughter puts things into a clearer focus and brings relief from the lurking oppression (we) OCD types bump into from time to time. Or should I say feel like might sink into . . .
That looking up, as you share, is just it. That we sometimes are given more than we can handle, or sometimes do take on more than we can handle, is the big uh-oh moment. And lovely Jesus sees, knows, and is there. Always! Thank-you for this delightful and honest blog entry. and I look forward to the cookbook *whenever* it’s ready :))
Briana Thomas says
Yes. 🙂 Thankfully we serve a merciful, loving God!
Dawn says
Brianna, what you do for so many of us is a huge blessing. You feel like a sweet friend. My commitments overwhelm me at times too. Just the other morning in my Bible reading, I felt like God spoke to me in the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the good part. I tend to let “Martha” run my life. My heart is to be a “Mary” though. If you don’t ever get the cook book out, we will all survive. Your blog is a blessing. Choose the good part. Much thanks for all you do for us ( and the people in your world)! Love, Dawn
Briana Thomas says
Yes, that is the perfect example and a good reminder! Let’s sit at the feet of Jesus this week!
April says
You’re not alone, I feel like that too! GOD is our strength and we will continue to trust Him for the outcomes. I await the cookbook whenever it arrives. You do an excellent job on your recipes! Thanks for being real?
Tamara Farson says
🙂 That would be neat! Take care!
Dona Phillips says
Hi Briana, just take a step back sometimes and just breathe. Really breathe. It works wonders. If you need someone to test recipes, just let me know. I can do that for you. Don’t be afraid to delegate. Love you.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for your encouragement!
Sue says
Thank you Briana (and all followers on here) for sharing your heart. Thinking about it, I wonder if we ‘Western’ women are more prone to overcommit than impoverished ladies who live a simple village life. WE have so many things we COULD do – being enabled to keep up a hectic lifestyle by having a car, a computer, plenty of energy from the nutritious food we eat (?!), and a sense that as ‘Christians’ and ‘nice people’ we should jump in, without prayer, and commit to every need as soon as we hear about it.
NO ! Jesus said He did nothing generated from His own self. Only what His (perfect) heavenly Father led Him to do. That’s what I’m aiming at, as it’s too exhausting trying to s-t-r-e-t-c-h myself, in my own strength, right across the world to meet needs here, there, and everywhere.
But this new way (for me) of operating, takes settling my spirit before the Lord first, in order that I may be able to hear His gentle voice.
The transparency of you and all makes me know I am not alone with this issue. Thank you Briana – again !
Briana Thomas says
Very true, Sue. Thank you for sharing.
Tamara Farson says
Dear Briana, Praying for you! I appreciate all you do for us with helping with THM! I am going through the same thing right now with already feeling overwhelmed and my time with the Lord suffering, as well as finding just a little time for me and the things I like ~ I don’t even know what I would do first if someone gave me just 1/2 hr. down time a day; and yet people are coming to me to voltunteer for more! I would just like to spend more time on THM and understanding it so it comes 2nd had to me! I think it is a tool of satan’s, and am trying to pray more and spend more time with God, and kindly turn people down, but, be honest with them and tell them I can’t do any more. I’ve finally reached the place where I have had to do this to a couple people, and it felt awful at the time, but, I do tell them I will be praying for them and have. I am praying for you also, and understand!! 🙂 Thank you for all you do! And get the cookbook done when it works out for you!! 🙂 God Bless!!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for sharing, Tammy! It’s nice to hear from other people who are in the middle of the same thing. Blessings to you as we both rest in God! (PS – I still remember meeting you in Ohio…that was so neat!)
Tamara Farson says
You remembered! Yest it was neat! 🙂 If you want to hear something that will make you laugh, while I’ve been in the midst of being overwhelmed, I see people who seem like they are getting so much done, like you, and I was asking God why I couldn’t be more organized and get more accomplished! But, you are one of the people I was seeing on FB that made me think that!! 🙂 So, I take it you won’t be in OH helping out your grandparents this summer as in last ~ you sound like you will be busy!! 🙂
Briana Thomas says
Yep, I actually think of you and your family and your awesome t-shirts often when I see you commenting on my stuff on FB. 🙂 And what you mentioned, about me appearing to get a lot of things done, is precisely why I felt I should post this. I hope it helps people see the other side of the story too. I won’t be going to OH this year. I’ll be entering the publishing stage of my cookbook around that time, and I have a few music things going on this summer. I’ll miss being up there, but it’ll also be nice to be at home with my family during the summer for once. 🙂
Tamara Farson says
🙂 Ha Ha!! I forgot about our t-shirts!! (My daughter wondered if you’d remember us!) 🙂 Me and my shyness and excitement at meeting you!! I’ve seen that as one of the things to beware of on FB ~ it’s a wonderful tool, but, we shouldn’t compare ourselves with how wonderful we “think” things are going for others!! They are human too! It has been definitely used to help me see the other side of the story too!!! 🙂 Well I’m so glad I got to meet you when I did, and wish you a wonderful, fun, relaxed summer!! I totally understand ~ I hope it’s a refreshing time at home with your family!! 🙂
Briana Thomas says
Thank you Tammy! Hopefully we can meet again someday (I’m thinking a THM conference of some sort would be so cool!).
Shelly G says
I completely understand this post. I have been feeling quite overwhelmed myself for a while now and often it is my inability, like you said, to bite off more than I can chew. Usually all great things but just too much. I am working through what to say yes to and what to cut out as well. I tend to like to commit first and pray later. So thanks for putting into words what I am thinking. Ten recipes a week! Very ambitious! Love all your recipes and that you use such affordable ingredients! I had commented that I made your Strawberry cake yesterday. Delicious! God has definitely gifted you in cooking. He will see you through!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for sharing, Shelly! God bless.
Kate says
This past year after giving birth to my 6th child, (all are under the age of 8) I herniated a disc in my lower back which prevented me to be able to walk or move. After being in the hospital for a week I had surgery and was sent home. The recovery took six months. We home school year round, raise chickens, garden and can the veggies, and my husband is the senior pastor of a growing church (around 100 ppl) in the midst of a building project. My health issues led me THM last year, then to you. What a blessing and answer to prayer you both have been! Anyway, I share all of that to simply say I understand being overwhelmed 🙂 Many many days last year I found myself crying out to God, not to be able to do great things, just simple things, like being able to clean my floors or to be able to be in a church service. He used that to show me how utterly dependent on am on Him for every breath, every step, every thing accomplished that day. If it wasn’t accomplished, then I simply had to learn to leave it at His feet and trust Him with the results. His Word became my anchor! 2 Corinthians 9:8 was one of them. “And God is able to make ALL grace ABOUND toward you; that ye ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in ALL things, may abound to EVERY good work.” Thank you for a great post today. Such a good reminder to stay close to Him! I will be praying that you will know His grace and will for you. And will promise to wait patiently for the new cookbook 😉
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for speaking for experience, Kate. It’s encouraging to hear your joyful attitude after having experienced being overwhelmed!
evy says
Praying the Lord grants you the wisdom to choose well….and to be content and free to finish the Cookbook in whatever timing HE allows and deems best 🙂 🙂
Briana Thomas says
Thank you, Evy!
Sheila says
I like the way I heard that Scripture this week. “God doesn’t give us more than He can handle”. Loved your post. Hang in there with God and you,ll finish well
Briana Thomas says
Thank you, Sheila!
Justy says
Thank you so much for sharing! This came at a perfect time as last night I broke down and cried because of my overwhelming obligations. My husband is on a 12-15 week missions trip and I am on my own to take care of our business and our home. I was driving to a meeting and I cried out “I can’t do this anymore!” and then I felt God tell me “I am here.” Are my tasks still there? Yes. Do I feel confident in my ability to do them? No. But God is here with me, and He will help me.
Briana Thomas says
Blessings to you as we both learn to rest in God!
Brenda says
Briana,
I too love your food posts.
I am also 53 and can say the same thing you are experiencing happens at every stage of life. For me I am learning to have to disappoint to keep sane. Keeping my word has been very important to me and it does bring a godly witness but because my schedule was too full I had to prayerfully give up something I loved to do. I didn’t understand but walked in obedience and now see His purpose in it. I would jump back in and do that again in a minute but His timing is not always our timing.
I’d like to ask you to give yourself grace. Grace to disappoint, grace to give up something for a season and Grace to enjoy life a little too. AND, Grace to NOT complete your cookbook for the holiday this year if prayerfully you know it’s too much.
We love your ability to bring great taste and health to us and our families and can see use your great list of recipes and will survive a bit longer if necessary.
You are valuable because you are you, not because you perform so many things.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for the encouragement, Brenda, and for your timely reminder there at the end: “You are valuable because you are you, not because you perform so many things.”
Pam says
Such a good post Brianna. I love when you said: don’t think we should resist when God calls us to do things that look impossible. Rather, we should accept them with open arms, telling God, “I’m excited to see how you’re going to get me through this!” ” I agree whole heartedly. Great words of faith and wisdom. I completely relate to your the problem with feeling overwhelmed and often feel as you have described. I can see that you have certainly committed yourself to quite a bit. I know as you pray, the Holy Spirit will help you sift through and make it manageable and as you say, give you strength to accomplish what you need to. Sometimes I have to take a fresh look at each day and ask the Lord to help me order my day in the way that glorify’s His name; it does always turn out the way I would have it to go, but I know in my own strength, I can put myself into melt down, in His strength I am satisfied and complete. Have a lovely week. I love your blog, your recipes and your endeavors.
Briana Thomas says
I am so thankful the Lord is always faithful to show us what is important and what is not when we are willing to listen! Thank you for your encouragement, Pam!
Tammy Page says
Briana, even though we don’t know each other, you bless me on a daily basis. I am one month in on THM. I feel that I have finally found the answer to my prayers of how to lose weight and get healthy. I value both your recipes and the way that you share what God is doing in your life. I can’t agree more with your post today. I feel God gives us tests to increase our dependency on Him! He is glorified in our weakness. I had no idea what it takes to create your blog and cookbook. I look forward to your cookbook. But please don’t stress and burn yourself out to create it. Your faithful followers will be happy to wait for it!! Thank you for your personal sacrifice to make it happen!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for your sweet words and understanding, Tammy.
Jeanie Stubblefield says
Thanks for your transparency, Brianna. I know it helps you to vocalize your thoughts & it helps us to remember that we are all in this together – in our humanity and our walk with the Lord. You are a very special & talented young lady. I so appreciate you and will be praying for you.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for listening, Jeanie. <3
Teresa says
Briana, don’t be so hard on yourself. I, too am a “yes I’ll do it” person. I know how you feel. Sometimes I have to bite my tongue from volunteering. I realized if I am the one always volunteering I may be keeping someone else from the need to do something. While I am looking forward to your book, give yourself some grace. Rethink your deadline if you need to.
Blessings…
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for the encouragement, Teresa.
Robin Castillo says
I feel exactly the way you do. So glad I’m not alone! Thank you for putting this all into words.
I will keep you in my prayers as I pray for discernment for myself as well. I want to do what God has equipped me to do… And do it well for His glory!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you, Robin. Blessings to you as we journey together!
Carol Durst says
I am a 71 year old wife, mother of 5 and grandmother of many…..a dear young woman and I teach a Bible study together. I think you might a clone of my dear friend….:)…..since I cannot be by your side to help and encourage you ……I will lift you to our Lord Jesus for His grace and mercy to give you peace and quiet in your sweet heart! Praise Him in all things! You are precious dear one.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much, Carol!
Heather says
You are an amazing young woman and I wish you the best. What inspiration you have with your words and how you sated your sense of overwhelm in a way that then points to how to do it differently next time and how you are coping in the present. Truly amazing. Happy to be on this THM journey with such young talented creative and focused people on board also.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you, Heather. <3
Rhonda says
Briana you are an amazing woman so try not to put so much stress on yourself. As an older woman I can assure you that what matters is who you are in your journey not what you have accomplished. Thank you for your transparency it is encouraging to many. DO NOT feel compelled to respond to this-one less thing to do?
Briana Thomas says
“What matters is who you are in your journey not what you have accomplished” – thank you for that reminder! <3
Verina Byler says
I am really really enjoying your blog and am encouraged by it in my THM journey. I often think of you when I am cooking, and can now mention your name to our Father in Heave, whenever I think of you. Blessings, Verina
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for your prayers, Verina! They are so appreciated.
DeLaine Sharp says
What an excellent article!! You are exactly right in what you’re saying, and I feel the same way so much of the time. And you’re right, too, about God giving us more than we can handle…..so that we will learn to depend on Him and not our own strength. It’s an opportunity He provides lovingly as a way for us to grow and mature in our walk with Him.
Blessings to you! 🙂 ~ ((hug))
Briana Thomas says
Thank you, DeLaine!
Amy@AtMulberryHill says
I just finished reading Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington last night. She shares very similar thoughts in her book. It’s not being busy that is the problem; it is being busy without a purpose, trying to live up to the expectations of others and ourselves rather than finding our worth and direction in God.
You have high goals for yourself and I understand how helpful it is to simply write it out and then share it. Keep looking UP! There is so much good in your life.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Amy. “Trying to live up to the expectations of others and ourselves rather than finding our worth and direction in God” – that right there is the key!
Angie E. says
I love your definition of overwhelmed. That is the perfect definition. Just this past Decemeber I had a false medical alarm because of being overwhelmed. I, too, do not spill my personal business on social media but in a nut shell (I had a parent going through chemo, impending job loss for my hubby, mom of 5 kids, and overcommitted in many areas). Your description of being overwhelmed is exactly how I felt. The Lord led me to scriptures and Christian articles to show me I needed a sabbatical. With much debating with God on how the things would fall apart if I stepped down from obligations outside my family, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that I was prideful in my thinking that way, that God has called me to rest for a while, and trusting Him to take care of things was all I was obligated to do. Once I submitted to it, my family life blossomed. I’ve been able to truly enjoy my kids again, run my household better, and take time to truly study the word of God (which I discovered is an actual passion of mine-I love bible history and am now able to study it).
I can still start to over commit but the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that this is what God has called me to and peace floods my soul knowing that this is God’s plan for now.
Thank you for writing this article. Blessings on your endeavors.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Angie! It was an encouragement to me.
Amanda says
Oh Briana, you are never alone in that problem. There are so many good and worthwhile things, but the number of hours in a day will not stretch to accommodate. I am a full time elementary music teacher, married, with a dog I adore, I love exercising, and I love cooking! I direct my church choir and volunteer with the Friends group of my local library. That doesn’t *sound* like too much, but sometimes I’m wishing away doing things I know I like just so I can rest. I admire your AMAZING faith and devotion to God, your family and your projects. I can’t speak for all those who follow you, but we enjoy your sweet personality and the recipes and blog posts you do put out, and would not feel let down if there were fewer posts or the cookbook happens, say, next summer. Nurture your spirit.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for the encouragement and understanding, Amanda. <3
Julie says
Is there anyway, I can help? I sure wish I could….
I appreciate everything you do to help so many of us on this THM journey!
I know your recipes have made my journey more fun and nutritious!
Sending warm hugs your way!
And if by chance there is some way I can help, just let me know!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Julie. You are very kind. I would appreciate your prayers!
Julie says
You have them!!
carol lee gardner says
Take a moment for yourself and smile….it doesn’t matter what you are smiling about….it is in that smile that you will find peace…you have helped so many people in ways you may not know….I love looking at your recipies and they make me smile, Thank You and you are a Blessed daughter
Briana Thomas says
Thank you, Carol. 🙂