Today....I share me!
I have often found myself squirming when asked the question "So what is it that you do with your time?" I don't know why other than the fact alone of what will others think....I guess. But it shouldn't really matter and I've decided that it doesn't.
You see I have a unique life and it doesn't match most everyone elses.....and I like that. That trait alone, I'm sure, comes from my Dad and for those who KNOW him can laugh along with me on that note. :) I've been married to my very best friend for 25 years and for over 24 of those years I haven't worked. I would become a Mom 9 months after marriage and from there on out gave my life to being a servant of God first, a wife second, and a Mom third.
Sidenote: I did try once to take a job during those years and found out 3 things - - 1.) I don't like other people's kids. 2.) I don't like my own kids being in daycare. 3.) I left when they said I had to make up my own curriculum. It was a daycare teacher's AID job and yes it didn't last long at all!! Haha!
So part of my unique life has been that I haven't needed a job to make me who I am in this world. Don't read that offensively - those who find themselves through their careers are good, well, and fine. I did struggle with that for probably many years thinking that I wasn't using my fullest potential of why God put me here. But I don't see it that way anymore. Rather He has placed me in life right where He wants me.
Sidenote #2: I do know what it's like to have a job in case you were thinking this girl never worked a day in her life! Before marriage at 21, I could say I've been a Teacher's Aid, a Daycare Teacher, a Office Secretary's Aid, a Dental Assistant, and an Accounts Receivable Data Clerk. So yes....I've worked. :)
Another part of my unique life is that in all my spare time I haven't needed to fill it with "women stuff" such as get-togethers, parties, group things, events, projects....all that women like to do together. To be honest, I just fill lost in a crowd and would rather just be me....at home. :) I think I have a Mother In Law that could identify with this thinking. ;)
And yet one more aspect to my unique life....I do have time!!! In today's world it seems the number one thing said "If I only had more TIME!!" When you turn on the radio you hear "I know you are SO BUSY and there isn't enough time." When you go to church you hear the pastors say "I know you are SO BUSY and there isn't enough time." Everywhere everyone is saying "I'M SO BUSY!!!" People ask me "Well, how are you? Life busy for you right?" to which I say "No...it's normal."
People - everyone is not busy.....and that's ok. I just wish people wouldn't be generalized into a catagory. I tend to brake out of them anyways. I haven't always - but through the sweet patience and love of my husband - I today can see more clearly how that NOT being busy is such a blessing! :)
So with that being shared.....I answer your question of "What do you do with your time?"
My time is devoted to God first through prayer and Bible reading, and my husband second through spending each and every single moment we are allowed together. When David and I are not together, it is due to work...but even in this we are blessed because he has such a schedule that allows more time to be spent together than probably most. So I live my days to be in God's will and fellowship foremost, and to enjoy each and every single God given moment with the man I love. I have no greater calling or purpose than to fulfill these two blessings in my life. Yes....my children are loved deeply by me and all you have to do is read my Blogs to know that. But, they are God's to deal with. I will always love them and be here for them, but my life is lived for God and my husband....nothing more, nothing less.
Annnnd any time spent in between those two purposes I live for is taken up by whatever I feel like doing for the day. It may be blogging a Blog, reading and sharing on FB, swinging in my favorite swing outside in between 2 trees (no matter the heat of the day...I love it!), cleaning my house, listening to my favorite Michael Jackson CD, taking a walk, playing games on my phone with those I love, organinzing a pantry, sitting on the couch petting my kitty, calling my Mom (the ONLY person in the world I love talking on the phone to!!) .......or anything. Whatever pops into this little head of mine. Do I have times of being bored? Sure I do. But, doesn't everyone?! It's in all those other times of just seeing how truly blessed I am with the life I have that gets me through the boring times. Be it busy....or not. Be it full ..... or not. What it is full of is love, happiness, peace, grace, mercy, fellowship.....and a God and husband who accept me.....just as I am. :)
Friend, I shared me with you not to offend you, show off to you, or disrespect you. I shared me with you to show you a part of me not many know as well as to say......this is my life and I am blessed......but you have your life and you are blessed TOO! Take the time to see the blessings all around you. Our lives don't have to parrallel for that to be seen! God has you right where He wants you, and He has me right where He wants me.....and both are equally blessed!! :) My life isn't better than yours, nor is yours better than mine.
Don't compare! I once had a lady tell me "....well surely you must do more than that with your time." And then she proceeded to tell me everything she did and was involved in. Needless to say....it was the wrong thing for her to say. She would not know that because I kindly shoved it off. Don't let people make you feel small and insignificant. We are ALL here for a purpose to bring praise, glory and honor to Lord Jesus Christ Himself. For some that may mean being "busy" and for others it may mean being less "busy"....but nonetheless both pleasing and loved by God.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
"Not Yet....But I Know Where My Hope Is!"
It's been two months since my last Blog. I have so wanted to write, but just haven't felt led or inspired in knowing what to share with you my readers. Today, as I was walking and listening to my music, I finally felt led once again to have something to share. I thank God in every way for that, for I do not write this Blog or any Blogs without Him.
You see though. . . I feel a little confused because I've shared this topic - HOPE - before. . . in fact many times. For that IS what my story and life is all about - HOPE. I even look back and 2 years, almost exact, I was sharing this very subject - HOPE- in an in depth way. But, I believe God is saying "Tell it again. People need hope." And so it is that I continue to share my story of HOPE........
Not quite sure knowing where to dive into this story, I will just begin with this -
We have a child that is living their life in some very real sin. I will not disclose by name nor gender, for I do not wish to slander any of my children. Should you choose to try and guess which one or judge them that is between you and God to deal with. This child is in full knowledge of the sin they are choosing to participate in because, if for no other reason, their Dad and I have made it directly aware to them. This child chooses, with all knowledge of sin, to fully continue on seemingly having no regrets whatsoever. I, myself, have even made it quite clear that they can and will bring God's judgement and wrath on them should they desire to continue on. To my utter disbelief and amazement it seems to affect them none whatsoever. I shake my head at this very fact for as a child, as a teenager, and as an adult myself I could NOT even begin to perceive heading on knowing that fact!! If for no other reason just knowing God can and most likely will do something dreadful!! Where is the reverent fear in our children today??
As I once again, last night, discussed this situation of living in sin to this child it was met with statements such as these "I know YOU feel this is wrong, it goes against what YOU think is right, it makes YOU sad...." I stopped the child and said "This has absolutely nothing to do with me! This is God Himself saying this is wrong and not to continue on. It's very plain in the Bible and I can show you." And of course the child wanted nothing to do with what was said in the Bible....sadly. And so it continued on with the same theme....I know YOU feel this is wrong..... At one point I was even met with I was using God as a "cop out" to say what I wanted to share with them. This child wasn't believing that God would share with me to share with them of the sin they are choosing to willfully live in! How very sad. I very lovingly and calmly told my child that I love them, that is why I share these things, and I don't want to see them bring the very judgement of God on their life. It is very clear in the Bible that a child of God cannot and will not go on sinning willfully. I was met with love in return, but also a very sure and absolute that this child was not in anyway changing nor turning from their wrong and willfull ways. They were happy with life and that was that. How fast this child forgets all the troubles - emotionally, physically, and spiritually that they have been dealing with.
I could go on. . . .
But does that really help to know all the disappointments? I shared with you what I did only to let you see some of the pain that is there and how real it is. These things do indeed give this Mother's heart a heavy and sad one for my child.
As I talked with my David, last night, of all that was said and shared with this child it of course saddened him...even to the point of tears in his eyes (I do not share that lightly with you....know that). We talked about the frustration of not knowing what our part is....what course of action to take if there is one.....how to keep showing love, but all the while NOT showing acceptance of choices made. So many things to think about, wonder WHY about, wonder how long will we be waiting for things to get right....when it has seemed so long already.
But remember - - this is a Blog of HOPE!!
Towards the end of our conversation, I was sharing another dear Mother's testimony of her children and how far they had came in their lives. I then asked David "Their is hope....right? I mean that day is coming....right? We've waited so long surely it's coming....right?" And my faith filled and steadily trusting husband replied with "I don't know if and when that day will come. But our hope is NOT in the fact of hoping our children will one day wake up and make the right decisions. One day start living a life that is pleasing to God. Our hope is..... in God." Ok, I paraphrased some there....he's not a man of many words, but that was his true meaning. We doNOT hope in our children, but we DO hope in our God. And just as I've said before many times.....His plans don't have to look like, sound like, feel like, or even smell like what we think they should. God is God and His knowledge fars outweighs our very teeny tiny own. He is trustworthy even when it's hard to trust. He is faithful even when we are not. He is constant even when much of life isn't.
As I said earlier, I was walking and listening to my music.....the very first song that was played as soon as I turned it on was "My Hope is in You" by Aaron Shust! How awesome is that!! For it wasn't a song about my hope is in my children, in my husband, in my {insert whatever}, but my hope IS in you (God and God alone!).
My hope is in You Lord
All the day long
I won't be shaken by drought or storm
The peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing
My hope is in You alone
I will wait on You
You are my refuge
One other song of encouragement I share with you are the words. . .
Even when it hurts
Even when it’s hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
‘Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars,
You steady my heart, You steady my heart
I’m not gonna worry
I know that You’ve got me
Right inside the palm of Your hand
Each and every moment
What’s good and what gets broken
Happens just the way You plan
And I will run to You
I’ll find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
‘Cause of everything You are
You steady my heart
Friend, I know there is hope and it's real. God has delivered me from some very real sin in the past. And this I know is true..... God and God alone was the very One to do it. If you ever should wonder if God can truly deliver, go and read Psalm 34....He will tell you not once but FOUR times of His deliverance in your life! Trust Him. Hope is real.
And so it is with this that I end this Blog......I do not wait on my child to see the error of their ways and turn from their willfull sins, but rather I wait on God and God alone to deliver - in His time and in His way.
Thanks for reading. :)
You see though. . . I feel a little confused because I've shared this topic - HOPE - before. . . in fact many times. For that IS what my story and life is all about - HOPE. I even look back and 2 years, almost exact, I was sharing this very subject - HOPE- in an in depth way. But, I believe God is saying "Tell it again. People need hope." And so it is that I continue to share my story of HOPE........
Not quite sure knowing where to dive into this story, I will just begin with this -
We have a child that is living their life in some very real sin. I will not disclose by name nor gender, for I do not wish to slander any of my children. Should you choose to try and guess which one or judge them that is between you and God to deal with. This child is in full knowledge of the sin they are choosing to participate in because, if for no other reason, their Dad and I have made it directly aware to them. This child chooses, with all knowledge of sin, to fully continue on seemingly having no regrets whatsoever. I, myself, have even made it quite clear that they can and will bring God's judgement and wrath on them should they desire to continue on. To my utter disbelief and amazement it seems to affect them none whatsoever. I shake my head at this very fact for as a child, as a teenager, and as an adult myself I could NOT even begin to perceive heading on knowing that fact!! If for no other reason just knowing God can and most likely will do something dreadful!! Where is the reverent fear in our children today??
As I once again, last night, discussed this situation of living in sin to this child it was met with statements such as these "I know YOU feel this is wrong, it goes against what YOU think is right, it makes YOU sad...." I stopped the child and said "This has absolutely nothing to do with me! This is God Himself saying this is wrong and not to continue on. It's very plain in the Bible and I can show you." And of course the child wanted nothing to do with what was said in the Bible....sadly. And so it continued on with the same theme....I know YOU feel this is wrong..... At one point I was even met with I was using God as a "cop out" to say what I wanted to share with them. This child wasn't believing that God would share with me to share with them of the sin they are choosing to willfully live in! How very sad. I very lovingly and calmly told my child that I love them, that is why I share these things, and I don't want to see them bring the very judgement of God on their life. It is very clear in the Bible that a child of God cannot and will not go on sinning willfully. I was met with love in return, but also a very sure and absolute that this child was not in anyway changing nor turning from their wrong and willfull ways. They were happy with life and that was that. How fast this child forgets all the troubles - emotionally, physically, and spiritually that they have been dealing with.
I could go on. . . .
But does that really help to know all the disappointments? I shared with you what I did only to let you see some of the pain that is there and how real it is. These things do indeed give this Mother's heart a heavy and sad one for my child.
As I talked with my David, last night, of all that was said and shared with this child it of course saddened him...even to the point of tears in his eyes (I do not share that lightly with you....know that). We talked about the frustration of not knowing what our part is....what course of action to take if there is one.....how to keep showing love, but all the while NOT showing acceptance of choices made. So many things to think about, wonder WHY about, wonder how long will we be waiting for things to get right....when it has seemed so long already.
But remember - - this is a Blog of HOPE!!
Towards the end of our conversation, I was sharing another dear Mother's testimony of her children and how far they had came in their lives. I then asked David "Their is hope....right? I mean that day is coming....right? We've waited so long surely it's coming....right?" And my faith filled and steadily trusting husband replied with "I don't know if and when that day will come. But our hope is NOT in the fact of hoping our children will one day wake up and make the right decisions. One day start living a life that is pleasing to God. Our hope is..... in God." Ok, I paraphrased some there....he's not a man of many words, but that was his true meaning. We doNOT hope in our children, but we DO hope in our God. And just as I've said before many times.....His plans don't have to look like, sound like, feel like, or even smell like what we think they should. God is God and His knowledge fars outweighs our very teeny tiny own. He is trustworthy even when it's hard to trust. He is faithful even when we are not. He is constant even when much of life isn't.
As I said earlier, I was walking and listening to my music.....the very first song that was played as soon as I turned it on was "My Hope is in You" by Aaron Shust! How awesome is that!! For it wasn't a song about my hope is in my children, in my husband, in my {insert whatever}, but my hope IS in you (God and God alone!).
My hope is in You Lord
All the day long
I won't be shaken by drought or storm
The peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing
My hope is in You alone
I will wait on You
You are my refuge
One other song of encouragement I share with you are the words. . .
Even when it hurts
Even when it’s hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
‘Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars,
You steady my heart, You steady my heart
I’m not gonna worry
I know that You’ve got me
Right inside the palm of Your hand
Each and every moment
What’s good and what gets broken
Happens just the way You plan
And I will run to You
I’ll find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
‘Cause of everything You are
You steady my heart
Friend, I know there is hope and it's real. God has delivered me from some very real sin in the past. And this I know is true..... God and God alone was the very One to do it. If you ever should wonder if God can truly deliver, go and read Psalm 34....He will tell you not once but FOUR times of His deliverance in your life! Trust Him. Hope is real.
And so it is with this that I end this Blog......I do not wait on my child to see the error of their ways and turn from their willfull sins, but rather I wait on God and God alone to deliver - in His time and in His way.
Thanks for reading. :)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
"What's Left After Mom?!?!"
As I sit here tonight, with just me, kitty, and the bird.....I think about life and where I'm at in it. As most know, my children are "grown". I do have my son living here still, but he has a truck and a job....need I say more? As I've said before - - my role as "Mom" is dwindling down to the very bare minimum of neccesities. I've read that by the age of 30 they want to come back to Mom's house again.....we will see! I look forward to the day when we can all be grown up friends and just simply enjoy the time spent together. :)
I read an article that my Mother In Law sent my way. It was about a Mom who, as me, was realizing her days were numbered in the Motherhood Dept. She realized she didn't know WHO she was apart from that all important role of "Mom". I too have wondered that. Moreso....maybe.....than other Moms. For you see I've been a Stay At Home Mom for over 24 years now! My God, my husband, and my children (and in that very order) have been my life....nothing more.....nothing less. In this article, the Mom begans to realize she once was a person with her own likes, desires, and so forth. So she pursues those very things again and finds happiness starting to follow.
I've heard how Mom's find "life after children" in their own ways of becoming themselves once again. To that I commend them for their achievement. If your life was one of independent goals and doings than go for it....but don't forget to bring your spouse along with you at some point! :)
But, as I examine my life and review it......I find two things. My life begins and ends with a loving God and my beautiful husband. There was no me, previous to children, to go and fulfill all that todays woman seems fulfilled with. I am first and foremost a child of God, who lives to do His will, follow His path, and share the gift He has given me. I love God with the sincereist of hearts. I will live for Him always.
Following that - - there is my life with my David. My life never stops, never looses hope, never is meaningless with him in it. I honestly look forward to spending each and EVERY single moment with him. We never grow tired of each other. We are best friends. Our world is each other. He is truely God's gift, in the utmost sense of the word, to me.
So as my children leave this "nest" God has helped us make for them, I know I have my answer who "Who will I be when they are gone?". I will forever and always be first and foremost a child of my Lord and Saviour, who lives to please Him - - - and I will be my David's wife and very best friend.
Nothing more....nothing less. For there is no me apart from him!
Friend, this knowledge is more than enough for me, but maybe you would wrinkle your nose up at it and say "Not for me!" Just know..... that we all find our strength and happiness and purpose in different forms. Yours may not look like mine and vice versa. But God does have a plan for you to give you life to the very fullest.....yes, even after children! So, if you are a Mom reading this and wondering as the years are dwindling down to the "empty nest".....what is there for me after this? Hold on, my friend, for the BEST is yet to come!!!! Who knows whats just around the corner?!?!
I hear traveling days and a new home are both around our corner!!!! (Possibly)
I read an article that my Mother In Law sent my way. It was about a Mom who, as me, was realizing her days were numbered in the Motherhood Dept. She realized she didn't know WHO she was apart from that all important role of "Mom". I too have wondered that. Moreso....maybe.....than other Moms. For you see I've been a Stay At Home Mom for over 24 years now! My God, my husband, and my children (and in that very order) have been my life....nothing more.....nothing less. In this article, the Mom begans to realize she once was a person with her own likes, desires, and so forth. So she pursues those very things again and finds happiness starting to follow.
I've heard how Mom's find "life after children" in their own ways of becoming themselves once again. To that I commend them for their achievement. If your life was one of independent goals and doings than go for it....but don't forget to bring your spouse along with you at some point! :)
But, as I examine my life and review it......I find two things. My life begins and ends with a loving God and my beautiful husband. There was no me, previous to children, to go and fulfill all that todays woman seems fulfilled with. I am first and foremost a child of God, who lives to do His will, follow His path, and share the gift He has given me. I love God with the sincereist of hearts. I will live for Him always.
Following that - - there is my life with my David. My life never stops, never looses hope, never is meaningless with him in it. I honestly look forward to spending each and EVERY single moment with him. We never grow tired of each other. We are best friends. Our world is each other. He is truely God's gift, in the utmost sense of the word, to me.
So as my children leave this "nest" God has helped us make for them, I know I have my answer who "Who will I be when they are gone?". I will forever and always be first and foremost a child of my Lord and Saviour, who lives to please Him - - - and I will be my David's wife and very best friend.
Nothing more....nothing less. For there is no me apart from him!
Friend, this knowledge is more than enough for me, but maybe you would wrinkle your nose up at it and say "Not for me!" Just know..... that we all find our strength and happiness and purpose in different forms. Yours may not look like mine and vice versa. But God does have a plan for you to give you life to the very fullest.....yes, even after children! So, if you are a Mom reading this and wondering as the years are dwindling down to the "empty nest".....what is there for me after this? Hold on, my friend, for the BEST is yet to come!!!! Who knows whats just around the corner?!?!
I hear traveling days and a new home are both around our corner!!!! (Possibly)
Monday, July 9, 2012
"How Many Times Can She Jump??"
Today I was watching out my window at something I hadn't seen before. It was a Mother squirrel and her baby, about 15 feet up in a tree. I've seen squirrels plenty of times in our trees, but what she was doing caught my attention.
We have three trees relatively close to one another and the squirrels often hop from one tree to the next with such ease. They have such TRUST that they will land safely on the other side. It would appear, at times, that they look like they are literally flying! As I was watching, I began to notice the Mother was repeatedly jumping to the same tree....over and over again. She almost always would run down the tree jumped to, land on our shed, and back up once again to do the same thing again. As she would run up the tree, she would always find her baby and hug him as if to communicate with him. And then as she coaxed him to follow along, she would jump into the air landing on the next tree. The baby would only go so far and stop. You could see he was clearly hesitant, fearful and not trusting himself to make the jump. Annnd once again....Mother would travel back up the tree to begin again. She was patient. She was loving. She knew the best way. And yet the baby would not follow.
Finally, because of exhaustion and not knowing what else to do, the Mother decided to safely lead her baby down the tree, across the shed, and up the next tree. She always made sure he was with her, and when he seemed lost she would go back and reassure him once more.
At last....success! They reached their destination!
And they lived happily ever after!
The End.
Nice squirrel story huh!
But like so many times, as I was sitting there watching them, I began to wonder if there was a Blog in this episode. And I believe there is! :) Through this I believe God is sharing this one simple fact - -God is in control and His will will be done. This Mother squirrel knew she had a will and that was to get her baby safely transferred to the next tree, and NOTHING was going to stop her, not even her baby's doubts, fears, and mistrust. God also has a will, a plan, for our lives and NOTHING is going to deter, stop, or hinder His plans from being done! I believe there are many people who have the thought process that it's all about their own choices and decisions they have made as to whether or not God's will is being done. This baby squirrel clearly chose not to follow his Mother's leading to go as she was showing. But that didn't stop her plan from being done. It only served to make the journey longer instead of the shorter, straighter path they could've traveled.
I know that God is in sovereign control over every single part of our daily lives. His ways, His thoughts, even His plans seem unfamiliar to us at times. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways." Isaiah 55:8. But we can trust Him still for it says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. I do believe that our choices can make the journey longer and keep us from enjoying all the many blessings God has for us. But, I also believe that God allows us to delay the journey to sharpen us, strengthen us, and mold us into more of the person He is creating us to be. In saying all of this, and hopefully in not too many words, there are times in life when we triumphantly "jump" from point A to point B in God's plans, trusting as He leads us. But, there is also those times that we stand fearfully, doubting, not trusting looking over the edge of the limb saying "God, I can't do this." As we do, He quietly continues to lead, wait, love and reassure. And sometimes, He allows us to travel the longer path taking us rather from point A, to point A 1/2, and finally to point B. All the while reassuring us of His love, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 56:22. Also, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Psalm 56:3.
Friend, if God has taken you to it - He will bring you through it. God sees our tomorrows before they are our todays. Trust Him. God can keep us from bad decisions and choices - but He uses them to make us into the beautiful person He designed us to be. So KNOW.....no matter what ------ God's will WILL be done. Not you, not me, not satan, not ANYONE can stop it.
And.....He will get you safely to the other side. : )
Happy Jumping!!
We have three trees relatively close to one another and the squirrels often hop from one tree to the next with such ease. They have such TRUST that they will land safely on the other side. It would appear, at times, that they look like they are literally flying! As I was watching, I began to notice the Mother was repeatedly jumping to the same tree....over and over again. She almost always would run down the tree jumped to, land on our shed, and back up once again to do the same thing again. As she would run up the tree, she would always find her baby and hug him as if to communicate with him. And then as she coaxed him to follow along, she would jump into the air landing on the next tree. The baby would only go so far and stop. You could see he was clearly hesitant, fearful and not trusting himself to make the jump. Annnd once again....Mother would travel back up the tree to begin again. She was patient. She was loving. She knew the best way. And yet the baby would not follow.
Finally, because of exhaustion and not knowing what else to do, the Mother decided to safely lead her baby down the tree, across the shed, and up the next tree. She always made sure he was with her, and when he seemed lost she would go back and reassure him once more.
At last....success! They reached their destination!
And they lived happily ever after!
The End.
Nice squirrel story huh!
But like so many times, as I was sitting there watching them, I began to wonder if there was a Blog in this episode. And I believe there is! :) Through this I believe God is sharing this one simple fact - -God is in control and His will will be done. This Mother squirrel knew she had a will and that was to get her baby safely transferred to the next tree, and NOTHING was going to stop her, not even her baby's doubts, fears, and mistrust. God also has a will, a plan, for our lives and NOTHING is going to deter, stop, or hinder His plans from being done! I believe there are many people who have the thought process that it's all about their own choices and decisions they have made as to whether or not God's will is being done. This baby squirrel clearly chose not to follow his Mother's leading to go as she was showing. But that didn't stop her plan from being done. It only served to make the journey longer instead of the shorter, straighter path they could've traveled.
I know that God is in sovereign control over every single part of our daily lives. His ways, His thoughts, even His plans seem unfamiliar to us at times. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways." Isaiah 55:8. But we can trust Him still for it says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. I do believe that our choices can make the journey longer and keep us from enjoying all the many blessings God has for us. But, I also believe that God allows us to delay the journey to sharpen us, strengthen us, and mold us into more of the person He is creating us to be. In saying all of this, and hopefully in not too many words, there are times in life when we triumphantly "jump" from point A to point B in God's plans, trusting as He leads us. But, there is also those times that we stand fearfully, doubting, not trusting looking over the edge of the limb saying "God, I can't do this." As we do, He quietly continues to lead, wait, love and reassure. And sometimes, He allows us to travel the longer path taking us rather from point A, to point A 1/2, and finally to point B. All the while reassuring us of His love, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 56:22. Also, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Psalm 56:3.
Friend, if God has taken you to it - He will bring you through it. God sees our tomorrows before they are our todays. Trust Him. God can keep us from bad decisions and choices - but He uses them to make us into the beautiful person He designed us to be. So KNOW.....no matter what ------ God's will WILL be done. Not you, not me, not satan, not ANYONE can stop it.
And.....He will get you safely to the other side. : )
Happy Jumping!!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
"What's So Encouraging About That??"
As I sit here and think and think and think some more ...... I try and come up with what God would want me to write about to inspire/encourage others. At this point....I hit a blank.
I could write about my Aunt Sandra and how her time is drawing O so near. How that she is ending a journey here on this earth, but starting a brand new journey in Heaven. But as happy as we are for her in this new life to come, there are those of us left here on earth to mourn her parting.
I could write about how that it is my second daughter's birthday this week. While most would be happy and celebrating their child's special day, we in turn are not even sure we will see or hear from her at all. She is a child who was long ago a part of our lives (which I truly miss) and now we have no contact with her. It would be hard to even imagine the sadness a mother feels in her heart over this if you have never traveled this road.
I could write about the MANY wrong directions my oldest daughter has/is travel(ed)(ing). How that our hearts have been literally broken multiple times and we have cried out to God in such despair over her. How that I continually pray for God's changes and will to be done in her. How that I pray for the right people to come/be in her life and the wrong ones to be removed.
I could write about how that my journey as a mother is winding down in great ways as my youngest son is stepping out into life as he makes his journey forward. BUT, I will NEVER give up trying to protect my children from this totally LOST world. I will NEVER stop fighting for them....no matter what!!!
But.....how encouraging are any of those things to another person reading this Blog?
The encouragement comes in. . . . in ALL of these things. . . . God gives HIS peace. I'm not talking about a special feeling or even a happiness, what I am talking about is a quiet and steadfast trust. 1.) An assurance that even though it's going to really HURT when my Aunt Sandra passes from this life to the next - - God will carry us each through it and minister in the way that each needs Him. 2.) An assurance that even though many other people are celebrating their children's presence in their life, I too one day (and I don't know when) will have my daughter back again. I pray that she will be able to receive all the love that her family has for her and know how to love in return.3.) An assurance that YES that God IS molding this oldest daughter's life, her mind, her will, her desire to match His....it's just going to have to take awhile to be seen and heard and revealed! God has a timetable that is hard to understand. My timetable says NOW is the time - God's timetable says "Wait on me. Trust in me." We've been waiting and we have been trusting a loooong time and yet.....I know we will continue. By His grace. 4.) And last but not least, an assurance that even though my small duties I've done for my children, as their mother, in their growing years, are nearing the end I still can have a positive influence in their lifes. I can still encourage. I can still pray for them. I can still be here for them....should they choose to come.
And yes....even though I do have that assurance that God is working (sight seen or unseen) and He is in control, I do still cry, I do still wonder, I do still envy others, I do still question......for I am human. But I pray that human part of me is taken over by the spiritual part, being God Himself and He victoriously carries me on....quietly waiting.....quietly trusting. God in me is what has it all together.....me without God would be a total mess.
So friend, as I've probably often said, know that WHATEVER you are facing.....in yourself, in your children, in your spouse, in your family, in your friends.....God can give you that very same assurance. Assurance to know that even if I don't see it, even if I don't hear it, even if I don't understand it, even if I don't feel it...... God is there - God is working - God is carrying - God is transforming ..... all in HIS timing. God knows your situation. God loves YOU. God is in control.....and you are not.
Be encouraged. :)
I could write about my Aunt Sandra and how her time is drawing O so near. How that she is ending a journey here on this earth, but starting a brand new journey in Heaven. But as happy as we are for her in this new life to come, there are those of us left here on earth to mourn her parting.
I could write about how that it is my second daughter's birthday this week. While most would be happy and celebrating their child's special day, we in turn are not even sure we will see or hear from her at all. She is a child who was long ago a part of our lives (which I truly miss) and now we have no contact with her. It would be hard to even imagine the sadness a mother feels in her heart over this if you have never traveled this road.
I could write about the MANY wrong directions my oldest daughter has/is travel(ed)(ing). How that our hearts have been literally broken multiple times and we have cried out to God in such despair over her. How that I continually pray for God's changes and will to be done in her. How that I pray for the right people to come/be in her life and the wrong ones to be removed.
I could write about how that my journey as a mother is winding down in great ways as my youngest son is stepping out into life as he makes his journey forward. BUT, I will NEVER give up trying to protect my children from this totally LOST world. I will NEVER stop fighting for them....no matter what!!!
But.....how encouraging are any of those things to another person reading this Blog?
The encouragement comes in. . . . in ALL of these things. . . . God gives HIS peace. I'm not talking about a special feeling or even a happiness, what I am talking about is a quiet and steadfast trust. 1.) An assurance that even though it's going to really HURT when my Aunt Sandra passes from this life to the next - - God will carry us each through it and minister in the way that each needs Him. 2.) An assurance that even though many other people are celebrating their children's presence in their life, I too one day (and I don't know when) will have my daughter back again. I pray that she will be able to receive all the love that her family has for her and know how to love in return.3.) An assurance that YES that God IS molding this oldest daughter's life, her mind, her will, her desire to match His....it's just going to have to take awhile to be seen and heard and revealed! God has a timetable that is hard to understand. My timetable says NOW is the time - God's timetable says "Wait on me. Trust in me." We've been waiting and we have been trusting a loooong time and yet.....I know we will continue. By His grace. 4.) And last but not least, an assurance that even though my small duties I've done for my children, as their mother, in their growing years, are nearing the end I still can have a positive influence in their lifes. I can still encourage. I can still pray for them. I can still be here for them....should they choose to come.
And yes....even though I do have that assurance that God is working (sight seen or unseen) and He is in control, I do still cry, I do still wonder, I do still envy others, I do still question......for I am human. But I pray that human part of me is taken over by the spiritual part, being God Himself and He victoriously carries me on....quietly waiting.....quietly trusting. God in me is what has it all together.....me without God would be a total mess.
So friend, as I've probably often said, know that WHATEVER you are facing.....in yourself, in your children, in your spouse, in your family, in your friends.....God can give you that very same assurance. Assurance to know that even if I don't see it, even if I don't hear it, even if I don't understand it, even if I don't feel it...... God is there - God is working - God is carrying - God is transforming ..... all in HIS timing. God knows your situation. God loves YOU. God is in control.....and you are not.
Be encouraged. :)
Sunday, May 13, 2012
"Mother's Day. . . To Celebrate or Not To Celebrate?!"
Today. . . is Mother's Day.
This day has different meanings for any given person. There are those that are blessed, those that have hearts that are swelling with pride, those that are honored, loved and cherished, and those that are respected for the title they have. But. . . just as well there are those that are hurting, those who are disappointed, those who are longing with all that they have for God to turn the hearts of the children and see the error of their ways, those who are not respected, those who are not honored . . . on this day.
Our pastor shared the two sides of what this day means with our congregation. He shared how that the church is there to triumph with those that triumph, but also to weep with those that weep. That's fine in and of itself, but how much MORE is the very knowledge and fact that God HIMSELF knows the very disappointment a precious mother feels and experiences with her own children?! How much more REAL to fully realize that God felt the sting of betrayal - those he loved and walked closest with turning their backs on him. God felt the ridicule of those that sneered at him and mocked him of all that he had tried to convey and to stand for. God feels the longing of wanting his own children to choose what is right and to live for him, only to see them turn their hearts and minds to the ways of this world. I am reminded also in the story of Lazarus, his death, and the sorrow that was shared. The shortest verse in the entire Bible - "Jesus wept." why did Jesus weep when he fully knew that he would raise Lazarus from the dead and all would be restored?? Is it really sad when you know full well that you have the power to "fix" everything to make it right and whole again? Jesus felt the very human emotion in its totality. I believe he wept because he felt the very sorrow of Mary and Martha, and he shared that with them. God did NOT create beings that he canNOT relate to. He suffered. He cried. He was disappointed. He was betrayed. He had anxious anticipation that was not pleasant. He was ridiculed. He was angry. He was . . . HURT.
Yet he loved. He forgave. He continued. He restored. He carried all the attributes of a loving Mother's heart inside his heart. He never gave up.
I know.....I have just talked about this in my last Blog. And I've probably talked about it before in previous blogs. But it's my heart I choose to share, and only God's very encouragement that I can give. Just this past week I experienced some very REAL and DEEP pain regarding my own children and have chosen some very hard but needed decisions regarding this. But. . . as I am shown today through God's ministering to me. . . I am NOT alone in that pain. God sees my tears, feels the frustration, knows the disappointment that I feel, feels the very heart hurting so badly inside me. And yet. . . he does NOT leave me there. I praise him with my whole heart for that for he alone carries me to better places. He restores. He comforts. He gives hope. He alone makes my world. . . .right again. I canNOT for the life of me imagine raising a family without him. Impossible.
As I was praying out my prayer window this afternoon, I saw an unusual sight - - what appeared to be 3 red balloons floating O so high into the skies. Two were always ahead of the last one. I watched until they were completely out of sight. You don't often see three seperate balloons being lost into the air. I sat and thought about all the possibilities that could mean or symbolize. There may have been a mother, somewhere out there, who was releasing 3 balloons in honor of a child or children she had lost. Possibly a person remembering their own dear Mother who had gone on before them. Many possibilities at hand. But what it held for me was this - - I have released my children into God's very hands and he receives them. Along with that knowledge, I also want to release any and all hurts, frustrations, and disappointments too! So, it is in that being said that I choose to believe that God shows me. . . . I can let go with HIS letting go in me. The first two balloons stayed in the lead. . . not tied together. . . but always leading - they are my girls. The third balloon stayed behind but following in succession - my Levi.
Lord, I give you my 3 red balloons. May YOUR will, YOUR purpose, and YOUR desire be met in them. Thank you for them.
Friend, whatever this day holds for you - happiness or sadness, know that God himself knows. He celebrates and he cries with you. But know too that his perfect plan is being done. . . . in you and in your children. Keep believing.
This day has different meanings for any given person. There are those that are blessed, those that have hearts that are swelling with pride, those that are honored, loved and cherished, and those that are respected for the title they have. But. . . just as well there are those that are hurting, those who are disappointed, those who are longing with all that they have for God to turn the hearts of the children and see the error of their ways, those who are not respected, those who are not honored . . . on this day.
Our pastor shared the two sides of what this day means with our congregation. He shared how that the church is there to triumph with those that triumph, but also to weep with those that weep. That's fine in and of itself, but how much MORE is the very knowledge and fact that God HIMSELF knows the very disappointment a precious mother feels and experiences with her own children?! How much more REAL to fully realize that God felt the sting of betrayal - those he loved and walked closest with turning their backs on him. God felt the ridicule of those that sneered at him and mocked him of all that he had tried to convey and to stand for. God feels the longing of wanting his own children to choose what is right and to live for him, only to see them turn their hearts and minds to the ways of this world. I am reminded also in the story of Lazarus, his death, and the sorrow that was shared. The shortest verse in the entire Bible - "Jesus wept." why did Jesus weep when he fully knew that he would raise Lazarus from the dead and all would be restored?? Is it really sad when you know full well that you have the power to "fix" everything to make it right and whole again? Jesus felt the very human emotion in its totality. I believe he wept because he felt the very sorrow of Mary and Martha, and he shared that with them. God did NOT create beings that he canNOT relate to. He suffered. He cried. He was disappointed. He was betrayed. He had anxious anticipation that was not pleasant. He was ridiculed. He was angry. He was . . . HURT.
Yet he loved. He forgave. He continued. He restored. He carried all the attributes of a loving Mother's heart inside his heart. He never gave up.
I know.....I have just talked about this in my last Blog. And I've probably talked about it before in previous blogs. But it's my heart I choose to share, and only God's very encouragement that I can give. Just this past week I experienced some very REAL and DEEP pain regarding my own children and have chosen some very hard but needed decisions regarding this. But. . . as I am shown today through God's ministering to me. . . I am NOT alone in that pain. God sees my tears, feels the frustration, knows the disappointment that I feel, feels the very heart hurting so badly inside me. And yet. . . he does NOT leave me there. I praise him with my whole heart for that for he alone carries me to better places. He restores. He comforts. He gives hope. He alone makes my world. . . .right again. I canNOT for the life of me imagine raising a family without him. Impossible.
As I was praying out my prayer window this afternoon, I saw an unusual sight - - what appeared to be 3 red balloons floating O so high into the skies. Two were always ahead of the last one. I watched until they were completely out of sight. You don't often see three seperate balloons being lost into the air. I sat and thought about all the possibilities that could mean or symbolize. There may have been a mother, somewhere out there, who was releasing 3 balloons in honor of a child or children she had lost. Possibly a person remembering their own dear Mother who had gone on before them. Many possibilities at hand. But what it held for me was this - - I have released my children into God's very hands and he receives them. Along with that knowledge, I also want to release any and all hurts, frustrations, and disappointments too! So, it is in that being said that I choose to believe that God shows me. . . . I can let go with HIS letting go in me. The first two balloons stayed in the lead. . . not tied together. . . but always leading - they are my girls. The third balloon stayed behind but following in succession - my Levi.
Lord, I give you my 3 red balloons. May YOUR will, YOUR purpose, and YOUR desire be met in them. Thank you for them.
Friend, whatever this day holds for you - happiness or sadness, know that God himself knows. He celebrates and he cries with you. But know too that his perfect plan is being done. . . . in you and in your children. Keep believing.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
"Two Tear Drops. . . "
Two tear drops slid down my face today in church . . . . One was named Heather and the other, Savannah.
And yet - - I keep praying.
Friend, don't give up. We see only a small pin-hole of a view. God sees and has planned out the entire picture of our lives. . . including our children's. You don't have to see results to know God is working. Most times I don't see any results....but I know He's still working. For in all things - in everything - in all ways God is bringing about HIS plans. And I don't believe for one minute - He is sitting there watching them mess up, and with His arms folded saying "You big GOOFS." What He is doing is making it all turn out for good!
Don't misinterpret me.....I get tired, I get discouraged, I cry, I get angry, I get disappointed. I even get tired of hearing how wonderfully well other people's children are doing in life!! But. . . I do cling to a God who knows. A God who cares. A God who is far more knowledgable than I am. A God who is sovereignly in control...over me, over you, and over my children. A God who has the very best for my children....in His perfect timing.
And so - - - I keep praying.
And yet - - I keep praying.
Friend, don't give up. We see only a small pin-hole of a view. God sees and has planned out the entire picture of our lives. . . including our children's. You don't have to see results to know God is working. Most times I don't see any results....but I know He's still working. For in all things - in everything - in all ways God is bringing about HIS plans. And I don't believe for one minute - He is sitting there watching them mess up, and with His arms folded saying "You big GOOFS." What He is doing is making it all turn out for good!
Don't misinterpret me.....I get tired, I get discouraged, I cry, I get angry, I get disappointed. I even get tired of hearing how wonderfully well other people's children are doing in life!! But. . . I do cling to a God who knows. A God who cares. A God who is far more knowledgable than I am. A God who is sovereignly in control...over me, over you, and over my children. A God who has the very best for my children....in His perfect timing.
And so - - - I keep praying.
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