Psst… 
I have a secret.

My secret has allowed me to have more time to play with my kids, enjoy them, teach them, train them,
and show them patience. This secret helps me keep a clean house, get dinner on the table, and stay
caught up on the laundry. My secret doesn’t solve all of my problems, but it does give me more time and
help me stay focused.

My secret is simple, but not always simple to do. However, the benefits of this secret far outweigh
the challenges.

So, what’s my secret?

No accessing the Internet until the kids go to bed.

Shocking, in this “instant” society, I know.

But when I began hearing the computer call my name… I knew I had issues. The Lord had also been
gently nudging me to notice my fixation when I’d get frustrated with the kids for asking me multiple
questions while I was “working” on the computer. I had a choice. I could keep doing what I was doing
while struggling inwardly or make a change.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve kept the computer off during the day (except for a few necessary
circumstances). Honestly, it’s been great! I no longer have the urge to write things like, “9 loads of
laundry mock me” on my Facebook status. Why? I’m not on Facebook during the day. Those 9 loads are
finished and I’m off enjoying precious time with my kids.

Satan wants nothing more than to distract me from what the Lord wants me to be doing. It’s my
responsibility (and privilege!) to be “here” with my kids, making our house a home. Personally, I can’t
be “here” if I’m consumed with what’s on “there” day after day.

I’m thankful for God’s grace and patience as I continue to learn and apply new secrets.

Heidi Vriesman, a follower of the Good Shepherd, is a rather spontaneous wife to her detailed husband and mom to their 4 sweet children, ages 8 and under.  She has a BA in Elementary Education and homeschools their children. You can find her recounting their days in word and picture at www.dearlylovedmist.com.  She’d love for you to stop by and say, “Hi!”