Behind the Name

So what's behind the name?  More times than not I feel like I don't know where to go next, what task needs to be completed, or where life is taking us in general.  I feel like I am on an out of control roller coaster and no one is steering. 

Obviously Wadsworth is our last name.  Well most of us anyway.  I have one child that use to have another last name and I have one child who has my maiden name.  That is a whole other story in itself.  You get the idea.  It is all about us.  The Wadsworth clan.

Mayhem.  What thoughts do you think of when here the word mayhem?  I personally think of trouble.  I think of children being completely mischievous.  I also think of chaos and disaster.  Like the living room on Christmas morning when all 6 children are home, my mother, and my sister.  The definition of mayhem is violent or damaging disorder; chaos.  Chaos is defined as complete disorder and confusion.  Sounds pretty much like my thoughts on most days.  So how does one find peace and comfort amid all of this mayhem?  I'm not completely sure.  I do have a few things I do to help.

First is God.  I bought this devotional awhile back but last night was the first night I looked at it.  The first devotional is on "Quiet amid chaos".  Yes please.  I would love me some quiet.  The verse that goes with it is one my mother-in-law used frequently.  It is "Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10.  So amid all my mayhem God wants me, Dedra, to be still.  Well, for now, it will have to be just a few moments of my day (Goal 2).  Hopefully, as I grow, those moments will grow into something more.  I long to be still and yet the thought of being still is frightening.  I will learn to trust God in this endeavor.

Second is my husband.  Tim is my earthly rock.  He is the one who grounds me when I can not do it myself.  He has known me for 29+ years.  he willing embarked on this journey with me.

Third, is this new thing in my life.  They are called essential oils.  My favorites are peace and calming and lavender.  Cedarwood is right up there as well.  Everyday I am learning more and more about these wonderful, all natural, God given oils.  These are just the ones I use for my mayhem.  When my children are in this state of mayhem I use a mix of lavender, cedarwood, frankincense, and peppermint.  I apply it behind their ears, on their wrists, and if I am really desperate, to the bottom of their feet.

So that is a little behind the name and how I attempt to deal with it on a daily basis.  Don't get me wrong.  It isn't perfect.  I am human.  I do scream, get angry, and I have been known to say some ugly things.  I am still trying to find my calm within the chaos!  Until tomorrow.....