You Are!

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Yes, Ladies…you are that special!  So special that God knows how many hairs you have on your head.  So special that He knows your hopes, dreams, and greatest needs.  So special that He hears you each time you cry out loud or whisper softly to Him.  So special that you are never forgotten.

It’s time to BELIEVE that!  It’s time to embrace your value and claim victory over all that holds you back.  It’s time to RISE UP and REMEMBER just Whose you are!

Make it a beautiful Monday, make it a wonderful week!

Thankful Anyway

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My Thanksgiving Day is winding down.  Our bellies are full, but the kids are still talking about s’mores.  Things were different this year, with my kids spread out from home to Texas.  We weren’t all together this year, but I am thankful anyway. Those sweet pieces of my family that I shared this day with made it super special.

 

I’m thankful that those who weren’t with me have special people in their lives who love them and are enjoying them today.  I’m thankful for new traditions that were started this year and the sweet memories of the old ones.  I’m thankful for grandchildren and the joy they bring to my life.  I am thankful for laughter, overeating, and board games.

 

This year, as I ponder all I have to be thankful for, I am most thankful for Jesus, who loves us all so much, and for all the blessings that may go unnoticed throughout the year, but are true evidence of God’s beautiful grace and love.

 

Oh…and one more thing…I am thankful for Christmas, because I will have all my babies under one roof!!  Hallelujah!

 

 

The Common Language of Christ

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I love Tuesday mornings. It is my morning that I gather with a group of sisters in Christ and share a devotion, some conversation, and prayer. This morning we were discussing a passage from our devotion that mentioned the common language of Christ. The question was…What does the common language of Christ mean to you?

Immediately my mind went to the recent Leading & Loving It Conference I had attended. This was my 5th year attending this awesome conference and as I have every year, I learned so much from this year’s presentations.

So how does that tie in with the common language of Christ? Well, to me, it goes a little something like this…

We gather, over 900 strong. We represent different cities, states, and even countries. We come from numerous denominations and all have varying roles within our churches and ministries. Some of us are outspoken and a little sassy, while others of us are on the quieter side, doing more watching than participating. Some of us are loud, rambunctious worshippers, while others are mellow in their praises. Each one of us gathered for that two day event heard, thought, and retained something just a little bit different than the sisters sitting on either side of us.

Despite the differences in our personalities, our race, our denominations, and our hometowns and countries of origin, it was so apparent that the common language of Christ was everywhere. I saw it through the hugs, smiles, and laughter. It was evident through the moments of reconnection of friendships made at past events, and new connections that were being made in those very moments. It raised its voice loud and strong through the worship that filled the room with all voices singing in unison. Flowing tears were more evidence of this language, as were the voices of our speakers, speaking into our hearts and souls.

The common language of Christ surrounded us during that conference…showing its many components: friendship, joy, empathy, grace, unity, and connection. And above all of these, the evidence was there…flowing into each and every heart through the most common denominator in the language of Christ…love. Love for Jesus. Love for the opportunity we were experiencing. Love for each other.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) Click To Tweet

Missing the Minutes

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Sometimes a song just speaks directly to our heart. I believe God uses music to guide us and get our attention, and that is what happened to me this morning.

I overslept and had to hurry to make it to my morning prayer group. The devotion was about building on a strong foundation and where are the leaks and cracks in your life. I mentioned that I believe the leak in my life is busyness. My calendar actually frightens me sometimes.

So we chatted about being too busy. We discussed prioritizing. We talked about what needs to be weeded out. It was a great conversation. One I have had many times with many people. I will do well for a while, then before I know it, my calendar has filled up again and I am feeling overwhelmed.

As I drove away from prayer group, I turned on my Christian radio. There was Josh Wilson speaking to my heart, reminding me to Dream Small. As I listened with my heart, I felt the truth of the words creep in:

“Just don’t miss the minutes on your way to bigger things.”

How many minutes have I missed in my efforts to do it all? How often have I let go of something I  loved to do in order to do something I felt I should do? So often I have allowed the outside world to deceive me into thinking the bigger things are what counts. When in fact it’s the small things, done with great love, that make the biggest impact.

“These are the moments that change the world.”

Do you want to be a world changer? Do you want to make a difference for Christ? It’s in the small things that we truly impact others. Click To Tweet

Do you want to be a world changer? Do you want to make a difference for Christ? It’s in the small things that we truly impact others. The small things in our marriage keep us strong as we work together to guide our families and keep our relationship special and important. The small things in our homes guide the steps of our children and leave them with lasting memories and an example to live by. The small things in our community shine the light for others to see.

“Of course there’s nothing wrong with bigger dreams.”

We all have dreams. We all have hopes and plans that we would like to see come to pass. And that’s okay. God calls us to live boldly, challenge ourselves to do new things for His kingdom, and step out of our comfort zones. Go for it! Just don’t let it blind you to the small opportunities, the small blessings, the tiny little moments that speak love and life into your families and your community.

Balance is not always easy, but once we achieve it, we receive the extraordinary gift of being able to chase our big dreams while savoring each of the small moments that are more special than we could have ever dreamed possible. So while you are chasing your big dreams, don’t forget to dream small.

Obey, I Say

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I have been dealing with a lot of disobedience as of late. I feel like my kids just don’t hear me when I tell them something. My orders don’t seem to get followed. My daughter can’t seem to keep her room clean. And she brings her “mess” with her to every room in the house she enters. My son is a close second in the mess department. And all I’ve been hearing lately is arguing.

It is frustrating. It is irritating. It makes me discouraged and angry. And it is exhausting. After all, mama knows best, right? Why don’t they listen? Am I invisible? All I’m asking for is a little obedience.

And then God whispers to me… “What about you?” Are you listening to Me? Are you cleaning up your “messes”? Am I invisible?

WHOA‼! That will sure get a mama’s attention! When I stop and think of all the areas of disobedience in my own life, is it any wonder that I hear His voice above my own raging thoughts?

Mothers… young and old, frustrated and not frustrated, weary and not weary… hear this:

We must live out obedience in front of our children if we want them to be successful at it. Click To Tweet

We are their guide and compass on how to live a life that honors and obeys the Lord. What are they learning from you? Is it humbleness, compassion, and grace? Or are they getting a big lesson on pride, arrogance, and disobedience?

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. (Psalm 119:30)

I want my children to remember my rules. I have chosen those rules and I want them to follow each one. God has chosen rules for each of us. He wants us to walk out our lives in obedience so that we may receive the fruits of our faithfulness. Are you hungry for the fruit?

My kids have been walking in defiance lately. But so have I. I have chosen to put one foot in front of the other, step after step, even when I knew it was not in line with God’s plan for my life.

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; (Isaiah 1:19)

I don’t know about you, but the good of the land sounds pretty awesome to me! I’m ready to walk in obedience, and receive the bounty for doing so. And hopefully, through my actions, my children will see the joy and blessings that come from a life of obedience. That is my prayer. I know that is your prayer as well.

May God bless us each as we strive to obey His word and His will for our lives.

Just Be Held

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I heard these words to a favorite song today as I was hurrying from one place to another, using my lunchtime for errands instead of eating:

The world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place. I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held.

Do you ever have times when it feels like the world is just falling apart right at your feet? You thought you were set upon solid ground only to find out the sand is sinking? Life can be hard, ladies… marriage, motherhood, family relationships, career difficulties, friendships that aren’t what you thought they were…it can all be overwhelming sometimes.  Often it seems like everything is crumbling around us,and we are hanging on for dear life!

My sisters, it’s okay to let go. It’s okay to relax that grip you have on your troubles and let God take the reigns. It’s okay to let him wrap his arms around you and hold you through the storm. I have this specific memory of my childhood where it was storming outside, the night was dark and loud with the roar of thunder. I was just a little girl, but my daddy picked me up and held me. And I was no longer afraid.

That is the comfort we get from our Father in heaven. That ability to take our fears to him and have him pick us up into his loving arms and carry us through the storm. So whatever is going on in your life, whatever is falling apart around you, let go and give it to God. He will hold you tight and carry you to the end of the storm, then set you back upon dry land.

And remember, sometimes when we think things are falling apart, they really are just falling into place. They are lining up according to the will of God and his plan for our lives. While it might not be what you wanted or expected, you can rest assured that when God is in control, it will be for your good.

A New Season

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It is Sunday. I sit here, torn between relief and sadness. Haven’t I waited for this all summer? Why am I feeling sad?

Tomorrow is “back-to-school” day. There have been moments over the last couple of months that I couldn’t wait for this day. There have been moments when I was certain I wouldn’t survive with my sanity until this day came. I have had days where it seemed my kids could do nothing but argue and fuss at each other, or create a disaster in their rooms. And there have been days when my patience has been tested, and I have often failed that test profoundly.

For every one of those days, there have been twice as many of the other type of days. I love those summer days when time seems to stand still, laughter flows, and beautiful memories are made. We have spent many a night in competition (and some blatant cheating) in our Family Game Nights. We have camped and had adventures in the forest. We have tried new places and visited old favorites. We have spent time with family and friends, and made lots of new friends along the way. Our schedules, that are usually so hectic, have been more relaxed and there has been more time for movie nights or reading.

It is a new season. I am glad to see them pack up their backpacks and head off tomorrow…two to a new school, and the other to his first experience of high school. I am excited for them, and the changes this new year will bring. But I am also a little melancholy for the lazy summer days, the lack of stringent schedule, and the freedom that comes in the summertime. Already, our calendars are filling up, and it will get worse before it gets better.

I know my mama heart is not the only one that feels these conflicting emotions. I know there are many of you who recognize yourself in my words. We have enjoyed our summer season. But God is leading us into a new season… one in which He has blessings and abundance around every corner when we keep our eyes focused on Him.

I’m driving my kids to school tomorrow. I am going to hug them and wish them a beautiful day. Then I will drive away, leaving them in the hands of my Savior, who I know without a doubt loves them more than I ever could, and watches over them…and me…in every season.

May God richly bless you and your families during this and every season. And may we all continue to seek Him above all else.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)



The Power of Words

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Isn’t it funny how words can have power over us? When positive words are spoken over us, it gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, and builds our self-esteem. Positive words help us to realize who we are, and make us believe we can fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. Positivity and affirmation heal our broken plans and spur us on to greater things. Then there are the negative words…the ones that bring us down and steal our joy (if we let them), dissipating our self-confidence like a puddle of water on a hot day. They cause our hearts to conjure up every negative thing we have ever thought about ourselves, even those things we think we have safely hidden in the depths of our hearts…they rise to the surface when darkness is spoken over us.

Recently I had some negative words aimed in my direction…words spoken out of anger for the simple purpose of tearing me down. Hurtful words…unexpected words…words meant for harm and not for good. I let those words steal my joy for a little while. I let them soak into my innermost self and define me…for just a little while. But then I remembered WHOSE I am. And I assured myself that God doesn’t make mistakes. I reminded myself that there are many people who think I am nice, who like me for who I am, and who are real friends to me. I convinced myself that those words would not define who I am today, tomorrow, or any time to come.

I have spent the last several days in New York City, a place known for its rudeness and lack of kind gestures. And I have tried to make each place I have been in this city a little better while I’m in it. I struck up a conversation with a Brooklyn native as we walked through Brooklyn Heights and he explained the architecture and history of the borough to my husband and I. And there was sweet Phillipi from France, who we met in Central Park. He was so glad to talk with us and he shared about how welcome he feels in America. There was the beautiful African American family on the subway. When I told that mama how adorable her kids were, her face lit up. As we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge I saw several families trying to get themselves all in a selfie, so time after time I offered to take their photos so they could all be included in the memory. Their smiles of thanks blessed my heart. I did my best to catch the eye of weary looking subway travelers and offer a smile. I complimented women on their clothing, complimented the food that we ate, and shared a laugh with an old gentleman who almost lost his map at the subway station. I helped a young couple fresh off the plane figure out the Metro system so they could make it into Manhattan on the subway.

Each and every one of these moments were special. Each and every one of these moments were an opportunity for me to remember that I AM a nice person, despite someone that says otherwise.

If you are struggling with someone who speaks negativity into your life don’t let the enemy win. Click To Tweet

If you are struggling with someone who speaks negativity into your life don’t let the enemy win. He will use any one at any time he can to break you, to make you feel unworthy, and to chip away at your confidence. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). You are better than that. You are precious, loved, and valuable… and when you keep that in mind that, you are victorious! Have confidence in yourself, have compassion for others, and don’t allow the words of others to harm you. Remember that God is always fighting on your behalf. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17). God created you, he fashioned you for a purpose, and He doesn’t want anyone putting their fingerprints on his blueprints.

How are you speaking to others? How are others speaking to you? Proverbs 18:21 tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Use your power wisely.

Friendship

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In my mind, I feel that I often fall short in my friendships. I am so busy so much of the time that I feel like I am not always able to invest the way I would like to. To me that brings on that ugly “f” word…FAILURE!

But God sees me differently. He sees my heart. He knows my desires. He knows my intentions. And because He knows me so well, He puts people in my path that remind me that I am being a good friend, that I am investing my time into people, and that even though my time is sometimes limited, I am making a difference. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

And because He knows me so well, He puts people in my path that remind me that I am being a good friend, that I am investing my time into people, and that even though my time is sometimes limited, I am making a difference. Click To Tweet

“The best kind of people are the ones that come into your life, and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that believe in you so much, you start to believe in you too. The people that love you, simply for being you. The once in a lifetime kind of people.”

This quote was handwritten on a card I received in the mail today. A card that went on to thank me for being such a good friend. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I realized that I am not a failure. I am just a busy mama who is making her best effort to get it all done. And someone sees me as who I am, and loves me anyways. Someone appreciates my friendship, even though I am so far from being a perfect friend. I make a difference, even when I don’t always realize it.

Are you struggling in your friendships today? Are you feeling like a failure, or that you are lacking in that area of your life? God sees you, He knows your heart. He knows just who you need in your life to make you feel like a special person, and to show you the meaning of true friendship. And He will bring you a card, a word of kindness, a moment…He will bring you just what you need.

And in all of this, we need to remember that we have the greatest friend of all in Jesus Christ. He never lets us down, He is always there, He knows us so very well, and He calls us “FRIEND”.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)

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