Sometimes life's responsibilities seem so overwhelming and inescapable that you feel like you're barely treading water. How do you cope when the going gets tough, and your energy's already depleted? Here are seven strategies that have kept me afloat during the busiest, most exhausting seasons of mothering 12 children and managing a increasingly busy household.

- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace....” - John 16:33 

- “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials....” - James 1:2-4

- "...God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...."- Romans 8:28

- "If anybody lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all freely..." - James 1:5

- “When [people] measure themselves by themselves... they are not wise.” - 2 Corinthians 10:12

- “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31

- "Be strong and courageous... He will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” - Philippians 4:13

- “Yet those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength....They shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31

- “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” - Psalm 50:15

- "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit...." - John 15:5

- “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest...." - Proverbs 6:10 (see also Prov 24:33-34)

- “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it...” - Psalm 127:1-2

- “He will feed His flock like a shepherd... and gently lead those who are with young.” - Isaiah 40:11

- “Come to Me, all you who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest....” - Matthew 11:28-30

- “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” - Psalm 90:12

- “Love you neighbor as you love yourself” - Mark 12:30

- "From everyone to whom much has been given will much be required...” - Luke 12:48

- "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." - Romans 14:12

- "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength...." - Mark 12:30

- “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1

- “Better is a portion of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened ox served with hatred.” - Proverbs 15:17 

- “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we don't lose heart.” - Galatians 6:9 

- "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." - Zechariah 4:10

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