Women - We are WARRIORS!

I'm in the "aftermath of a storm" around here. No, Hurricane Gustav did not hit Houston, did not come anywhere close to our house actually, but "3 little tornadoes" have blown around here all weekend & whew! It's time to pick up the pieces! (:
I got everyone squared away this morning in their "school" (thank you Lord), and as I began to clean up, clean out, etc.., God reminded me of something, a drama called "The Warrior," written by an amazing dramatist named Donna Lagerquist from Willow Creek. Back some years ago, I had a chance to do this drama piece in our church & it really helped to shape my future way of thinking about "domestic stuff." I always remember now that I have a choice, I can squander away this time that I'm working by complaining of all these things I hate to do, or by having some talk show on in the background complaining about something in the world "they" don't particularly like either - or, I can remember that I AM A WARRIOR. It's hard at times for us moms, or women, to see ourselves in that light, I mean, we're a lot of things to a lot of people, but a "warrior?," come on, now really...
But it's so AWESOME that as we go about our day, everything we touch can remind us to give PRAISE to God or to PRAY for someone else! When we're washing our seemingly endless loads of laundry, "Lord, thank you that you are our "Stain Remover", that you are the "Softener" in our lives!" As we wash dishes, "Lord, clean the inside of the cup of our lives, let our inside be pure & spotless." As we pick up toys, "God, I thank you for these little ones You have blessed our lives with, just as a toy brings such joy to a child, may our lives bring JOY to others around us today." As we plug in the vacuum, "Father, give us endless energy today, help us to stay plugged into you." As we pick up little pieces of legos scattered around the room, "Lord, you are the ONLY ONE who can pick up the pieces of our lives & make something good, I pray for "so & so" who is needing to see a real picture of that from you today!"
O.K., it could go on & on, fill in the blanks for your house...the awesome thing is that I always feel like I've accomplished more from cleaning that day. Our work is not in "vain" anymore, we can connect with God, intercede for others, make the hours count for something of more significance than just "getting the house cleaned." That way too, when the legos get spilled out again a few hours later, I don't mind so much, maybe I need to pray for "so & so" again. (:
The Lord bless you WOMEN WARRIORS out there - you are making a difference in our world today because of your prayers!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10, 18