Work and Prayer Articles

Practical Prayers & Elbow Grease

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I’ve got the next killer idea: A riding vacuum cleaner. Yes, a riding vacuum cleaner, the feminine equivalent of a riding lawn mower. Of course I know men also vacuum. And women cut lawns. I am speaking only for myself. I vacuum. Nearly every day, in fact. The world of housework will never be complete until I can climb on my vacuum cleaner like a 23rd century witch and zoom around the house with indolent ease.

I think about housework in my grandmother’s time, scrubbing floors on hands and knees, and I know how good I have it. Believe me, I do. And there is sanctity in cleaning. Every time I stoop to pull a tangle of hair from the brushy roller-thing under my upright, it teaches me the value of humility, of submission to a Higher will. This I need. It’s a small way of saying, “Thy will be done”...even when it is unpleasant to do so.

-Lori Strawn

Clean and Clear

Sometimes when I think
I can't scrub the dirt off
the kitchen floor
(or my soul)
I want to give up,
but I get down on my knees.

You've shown me that
practical prayers and elbow grease
accomplish so many things.
I say grace for the clearing,
the cleansing, the calm;
for everything I feel inside, but haven't said,
for seeing who I actually was underneath the film,
for the fact that You never gave up on me.

I get up off my knees and thank You;
for allowing me to work for what I want,
so I know I've earned it and You've blessed it.

-Ruth Williams

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"What are some of the chores that make you humble?"

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Being Your Own Boss

Features - Work

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When you’re an entrepreneur the world is your oyster, but more often than not, the oyster can smell a little foul. Don’t get me wrong, I love the freedom of being my own boss, but truth be told, my boss can sometimes be a little flaky.

I’m a writer and I set deadlines for myself, which I always meet. But I’m often compelled to go above and beyond when I notice my colleagues working over-time on various social networks, making their fans happy and continuously connecting with them. I want to do that. I want to be that, but I also have twenty-seven pounds of toddler to contend with.

How do I keep from unraveling? I remember that I’ve been given gifts and opportunities, but I’m also learning it’s okay to have limits. It’s okay to put the laptop away in favor of date night. It’s just fine to spend a half hour at the park instead of promoting my work. After all, the oyster is only sweet when your taste buds have the chance to enjoy its savory goodness.

-Ericka Clay

Once Overwhelmed

What if?
What then?
Tormenting thoughts
of random fears,
torrential rains
of worry pummeled
my sanctity to a flooded swamp
of muddy misery.

No more
what ifs,
what thens,
cascading through my
consciousness,
uncontrolled.

I seek You
when the raindrops start,
before the skies turn
bleakest black.
You steer me
through the fury into
the comforting warmth
of the horizon.

-Karen Laven

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"How do you keep from unraveling
when you're trying to meet deadlines and do more?"

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The Blessing of Home

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Women do laundry every few days. A man will wear every article of clothing he owns for weeks, including his 1990's workout pants, before he will step foot into the laundry room. This isn't exclusively a gender thing— there are plenty of us women who enjoy being slobs at least some of the time.

I confess... I'm talking about myself. I've been known to turn a tablecloth over and use it again (and again) without washing. My girlfriend Trina is an obsessive-compulsive cleaner. Her floors shine, and her beds are always made even if you stop by unannounced.

Although we approach our housework from two completely different directions, we both recognize the need for a right-minded attitude toward our chores. We are blessed to have a home to fuss over and modern conveniences. I'm sure our ancestors would have gladly given up their favorite tin washboard for a stainless steel beast of a top-loader, like mine!

Pledge for the Soul

Today as I clean my home,
help me to truly value the worth of my actions.
Help me to rise above
the tedious nature of household tasks,
content in the knowledge
that my hands are involved in sacred work.
As I scrub and vacuum,
let me imagine that I am also
keeping my spirit clean and shining.
Help me to seek out the dust
that has accumulated in my heart.
Help me to sweep away all
self-defeating thoughts
and erase any negativity
that has clouded the mirror of my soul.
Let me sing as I work, conﬁdent
that my song will ﬁll this earthly temple
with Your love and grace.