FIERY SERPENTS IN YOUR CAMP

If there's one thing I don't like, it's a snake. They fascinate yet scare me, even the non-poisonous ones. Since there are irrigation ditches around our house (we are surrounded by farm fields) and woods, it is not uncommon to have an uwelcome visit from a rattlesnake or water moccasin on occasion. We always give our boys strict instructions that if they see one, they ARE NOT to even go near it, but to come and tell us immediately.
Well, not too long ago, I had allowed "fiery serpents" in my house. What? Yes, that's right. Please allow me to explain.
A couple of months ago, I just went on a complaining, mumbling and grumbling spree. I was looking at all of the stay-at-home moms, wondering why the Lord hadn't answered my prayers. I wondered when He was going to move and allow me to be one? I was tired of praying and waiting. I also had some set backs in setting up my small business. Time definitely was not on my side. As I allowed myself to wallow in my self-pity and unhappiness, I became a little bit grumpy with my husband and children. I was finding little ways to bicker with my husband. I just wasn't happy with how my life was turning out because it wasn't the way I wanted it to be. I was, yes, a little angry with God. Hmmm....
The Lord started to deal with me, and let me tell you, when He starts dealing with you, you know it! One scripture reference that kept coming to my mind was Numbers 21:1-9, where the Israelites were whining, complaining, and being VERY unthankful for what the Lord had done and was doing for them. The Lord had just given them a wonderful victory over the Canaanites and they were on their way to "compass the land of Edom". But the verse goes on to say that, "and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way." vs 4. Maybe the way was rough and hard to travel on, I don't know. But the people got discouraged, so they start to murmur and complain against God and Moses. They even started to complain about the bread (manna) that God miraculously provided each day for them. They said that, "there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread," vs 5. How spoiled does that sound?
Well, God had heard enough, so He sent fiery serpents among the people. They bit the people, and many died. You know, when we get a bitter and complaining spirit, we are not the only ones affected. It affects our families and those we come in contact with. It causes strife in our homes. Nothing pleases us.
 James 3:14-17 says, "But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
Envying and strife are not of the Lord, they are of the devil! The devil absolutely LOVES to attack a Christian home. The Bible says that he, "as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." He wants to devour and destroy your home and family. And, ladies, who better to start with than mom? Who sets the mood in the house, really? Mom does. If we are bitter and moody, our house is unhappy. This shouldn't be, and this is what the Lord was bringing to my attention. I really believe that He kept bringing those scriptures to my mind because He was giving me a warning. He would have to deal with my attitude!
It was hard, but I humbled myself and brought everything to the Lord. I asked His forgiveness. We are told "in everything give thanks". We need to thank God because He sees the end that we don't. If we are letting Him guide us, then we are on the right path. This has taught me to be thankful for my circumstances. There is a reason that I am still working. I can't see it, but He does. There is a reason that I had to slow my business plans down. This I now see, because it really was becoming like a second full-time job, and was robbing me of my time with my family. God is so good to us! And I am exceptionally thankful that He gave me a warning!
How short I fall many times. Lord, please forgive me! Help me to be the wife, mother and woman You want me to be. 
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)