The search for and acquisition of contentment, a place of being satisfied, will most likely be debated for years. As I scan through my life years and circumstances thus far, I am reminded there are times when I believed a variety of events, material possessions, and people would bring contentment into my life.
For example, as a mom I will be content when my toddler is potty trained or my teenager stops rebelling. As a single woman I will be content when I am in a relationship. As a working woman I will be content when I get a raise or promotion. This list goes on and on. You can fill in the blank. I will be content when _________.
However, when we base our contentment on externals, we come up empty handed. We are satisfied momentarily but then continue to look for the next "place of contentment". What we have seems never to quite be enough.
As I am journeying through life I am finding that real contentment is a way down deep place in my soul that is at rest regardless of the fact that I have tummy fat that I can't seem to be rid of, a few varicose veins in my legs popping up, deteriorating eyesight, a man has NOT shown up as a companion, I have not received a promotion, and just when my children move through some difficult phase (which seems constant since there are five of them!), they move into some new arena of challenges because life is just hard and we live in a fractured world.
Recently I finished The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It was my second read of this book. Her autobiography is a glimpse of real contentment, an assurance of the indwelling peace of God, in war torn Holland as her family hides Jews, is betrayed, and she spends years in a German concentration camp. More than anything as a mom I am convinced her faith was grounded in shared experiences with her family during her growing her years.
Now faith is described as a gift from God. Yet this faith is deepened and then tested throughout life as trials come along. However Paul tells us that contentment can be learned. I think before embarking upon this new study of Calm My Anxious Heart in MomHeart I have always approached contenment, like faith. Because Christ is content, we are content. But I see now as I study more that really contentment is a Christlike characteristic that can be taught and cultivated. Paul's life was full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them while imprisoned, chained to a guard, was misunderstood, beaten, deserted by friends. Yet, here are the words he penned:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is like to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who strenthens me." Phillipians 4:11-13
As I walk through the various trials of life whether they be parenting or relationships, etc. I can learn to be content regardless of whether these hard situations change or not when I trust that Christ is the blessed controller of every situation. (I Timothy 6:15) When I choose to believe the truth that God is in control of everything, then I know nothing happens in my life that has not been first sifted through His hands. And I can choose to say from Psalm 16:5 "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure."
Some of my hardest "assignments" have been in the form of discipline for poor choices...choices I made that contradicted the nature and character of Christ. Yet, when I look at those hard assignments through a grid of love....the love of Christ for me....love that came to save and died to save....I can't help but give thanks for a loving God who orchestrated events in such a way to get my attention in order to draw me closer to Him, to depend on Him, to know Him better and to be conformed to His image(Romans 8)....a purpose of our creation.
I keep finding the Father to love me enough to let me often hurt through my circumstances here on earth in order that He might do a greater work of healing my heart restoring me to a place of contentment in Him that stands the test of time.
Are you learning contentment? Will you embrace the truth that the Lord has "assigned" you your portion of whatever you are walking through today. There is rest and satisfaction and knowing as a believer you belong to the Creator of the world and your lot is secure..He is in control and promises to never leave us or forsake us even in them midst of our most difficult circumstance.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Feasting can be defined as that which affords unusual pleasure to one's mind or senses. In the bible, this morning, I am reminded of the feast Abigail "carried" out to the dessert to David and his men as a peace offering for her foolish husband Nabal's actions against David. Abigail carried two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five bushels of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs. David received her offering and left Nabal alone. Although soon after God had his way and struck Nabal dead and made Abigail the wife of David, the future King of Israel.
Also, I am reminded of Queen Esther, a humble Jewish girl, who providentially ends up in the king's court. Upon the knowledge of Israel's pending destruction from Haman, she prepares a feast for two days inviting both the King and evil Haman into her chamber. Upon filling their bellies and practicing hospitality by serving these men, she unveils Haman's evil plan to ruin Israel. King Xerxes responds by hanging Haman and Israel is saved.
Two women doing what they do well...cooking, preparing food, serving, making things beautiful change the course of history.
This past weekend I spent 72 hours feasting in the home of my friend Sally Clarkson, pioneer in the homeschool movement as well as author, speaker, blogger, faithful wife and mom. Sally led a MomHeart Leader Intensive Training for 29 of us women from around the globe, literally. There were two moms from Australia along with two Canadian moms.You can find out more about Sally and her family's ministry at www.itakejoy.com, her blog.
Along with wonderful meals, music, candles, and the gorgeous Colorado mountains, we were poured into with inspiring messages of God's design for us as women and inspired to likewise cultivate our own feasts in our own homes. Taking the time to prepare something small like cookies and coffee or large like dinner and inviting others to feast gives value to people. It opens their hearts to listen and respond more favorably to the charge before them to go and make disciples. Thank you Sally and the MomHeart team for a beautiful weekend feast.
Try it yourself the next time you have a run in with your teen or preteen or preschooler....See what gets you closer to their heart...you yelling and administering punishment or offering a treat and asking questions to better understand their heart. Let me know how this works out for your family. My guess based on experience is that they will soften and you will have an opportunity to shape their thinking, guiding them, and charging them to go change the world as well.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
She is beautiful from head to toe
Song of Solomon 4:7
Happy Birthday Mary Catherine!
Monday, 23 May 2011
Thirty Days Ago
Thirty days ago I did not know Phil Campbell or Hackleburg, Alabama existed. The fury of tornadoes that ravaged through the state of Alabama on April 27 changed that for me.
That Wednesday started out as any other day even though the weather men had been talking storms for a week. When you live in the south, March and April is tornado season. So having severe thunderstorms with tornado watches or even warnings for that matter are quite common.
Yet by Wednesday night things were different. Although the storms passed all around our little town of Lacey's Spring, we did lose power around 5:30 that evening. By eight or nine that night the worst was over and reports from battery operated radio were indicating several tornado touchdowns and damage.
Because the media tend to sensationalize so much it was hard to know how bad things were. There were thousands without power. We used the down time to pull out Granddaddy's burners from the fish fries and cooked out on the deck. On Thursday we realized obtaining gas was to be a problem because of the power outage. For the first time I can remember the city and county were put under a mandatory curfew for days. Fortunately our power returned by early Friday morning while most in the surrounding areas were without until the following Monday and many as late as Wednesday. Generators became a hot commodity for many quickly.
Since work was shut down we took the time to travel to Nashville to see Mary Catherine play some softball. We managed to get enough gas from two different stations to get us up there. It wasn't until late Friday night when Lawren opened her laptop in the hotel did we finally see what devastation there was across the state. The sights were overwhelming. Videos of the many tornadoes were already downloaded to YouTube. It was worse than a horror movie. It wasn't long before the realization sunk in there were many deaths and many still missing.
My heart became burdened for the communities hit the hardest. One tornado swept just 17 miles south of my home taking an entire family of five. The next closest storm hit about thirty miles northeast of here. Although I have never lived through a tornado hit, I know exactly what it feels like to wake up one day and your world be turned upside down. Having spent a year in grief from tragic and unexpected loss endears you to those who are suffering their own tragic loss.
Within days teams were formed and people headed out to serve their neighbors. My mother's day gift this year was an opportunity to serve alongside my oldest daughter and oldest son in the Harvest area. Most of our time there was spent hauling tree limbs from fallen trees.
Less than two weeks later many of us headed over to Phil Campbell, Alabama where a disaster relief team was already in place cooking meals for volunteers serving in the community. What an eye opening experience to see a community completely leveled and hear the tragic stories of lost lives and loved ones.
These experiences has drawn my oldest daughter Lawren back two more times. Lawren took a team from the southeast family YMCA yesterday to work in Hackleburg. The entire day was spent clearing and protecting a victim's fig tree before her place was to be bulldozed over.
The task is overwhelming ahead for these two towns in particular but for many others as well. There is simply not enough man power to get the job done. I have pondered the following many times over the past month:
Why did the tornado take that route? Daily I have thanked the Lord for His protection and provision of safety. On my best day I can feel overwhelmed as a single mom of five. It is beyond my psyche to consider what it might feel like to open a closet door and your house be gone or to find dead people in your yard and pool. I just simply can't imagine the hardship even though intellectually I know God would be enough.
Where are all the families that lived in those homes that are gone?
What's the man to do that lost his entire family?
What's the woman to do who was an orphan and widow? While she stayed in a hotel waiting on an adjuster, looters came and took all her valuables from her basement.
The suffering of the tornado victims and the suffering I experienced this past year has propelled me to go and be with them in their painful place. I can work hard to remove brush, debris, etc, I can give them food and water but most importantly I can be present in their hard place. Just present so they realize they are not alone in this difficult time. I certainly cannot change their circumstances.
I can only hope that my small act of service might inspire someone else to go and be with someone hurting when the time comes. We were not meant to be alone. And in the event that tragedy ever hits Lacey's Spring, Alabama there is someone somewhere who will come be with us as well.
Recently one of my dear friends Carol joined me on a recent trip to Phil Campbell. Presently she is joining forces with her daughter near the Tuscaloosa area to help one family rebuild their home. A FEMA trailer is coming but it will be empty. She is on a hunt for baby cribs, mattresses and bed frames for the family. If anyone has any to share please let me know.
That Wednesday started out as any other day even though the weather men had been talking storms for a week. When you live in the south, March and April is tornado season. So having severe thunderstorms with tornado watches or even warnings for that matter are quite common.
Yet by Wednesday night things were different. Although the storms passed all around our little town of Lacey's Spring, we did lose power around 5:30 that evening. By eight or nine that night the worst was over and reports from battery operated radio were indicating several tornado touchdowns and damage.
Because the media tend to sensationalize so much it was hard to know how bad things were. There were thousands without power. We used the down time to pull out Granddaddy's burners from the fish fries and cooked out on the deck. On Thursday we realized obtaining gas was to be a problem because of the power outage. For the first time I can remember the city and county were put under a mandatory curfew for days. Fortunately our power returned by early Friday morning while most in the surrounding areas were without until the following Monday and many as late as Wednesday. Generators became a hot commodity for many quickly.
Since work was shut down we took the time to travel to Nashville to see Mary Catherine play some softball. We managed to get enough gas from two different stations to get us up there. It wasn't until late Friday night when Lawren opened her laptop in the hotel did we finally see what devastation there was across the state. The sights were overwhelming. Videos of the many tornadoes were already downloaded to YouTube. It was worse than a horror movie. It wasn't long before the realization sunk in there were many deaths and many still missing.
My heart became burdened for the communities hit the hardest. One tornado swept just 17 miles south of my home taking an entire family of five. The next closest storm hit about thirty miles northeast of here. Although I have never lived through a tornado hit, I know exactly what it feels like to wake up one day and your world be turned upside down. Having spent a year in grief from tragic and unexpected loss endears you to those who are suffering their own tragic loss.
Within days teams were formed and people headed out to serve their neighbors. My mother's day gift this year was an opportunity to serve alongside my oldest daughter and oldest son in the Harvest area. Most of our time there was spent hauling tree limbs from fallen trees.
Less than two weeks later many of us headed over to Phil Campbell, Alabama where a disaster relief team was already in place cooking meals for volunteers serving in the community. What an eye opening experience to see a community completely leveled and hear the tragic stories of lost lives and loved ones.
These experiences has drawn my oldest daughter Lawren back two more times. Lawren took a team from the southeast family YMCA yesterday to work in Hackleburg. The entire day was spent clearing and protecting a victim's fig tree before her place was to be bulldozed over.
The task is overwhelming ahead for these two towns in particular but for many others as well. There is simply not enough man power to get the job done. I have pondered the following many times over the past month:
Why did the tornado take that route? Daily I have thanked the Lord for His protection and provision of safety. On my best day I can feel overwhelmed as a single mom of five. It is beyond my psyche to consider what it might feel like to open a closet door and your house be gone or to find dead people in your yard and pool. I just simply can't imagine the hardship even though intellectually I know God would be enough.
Where are all the families that lived in those homes that are gone?
What's the man to do that lost his entire family?
What's the woman to do who was an orphan and widow? While she stayed in a hotel waiting on an adjuster, looters came and took all her valuables from her basement.
The suffering of the tornado victims and the suffering I experienced this past year has propelled me to go and be with them in their painful place. I can work hard to remove brush, debris, etc, I can give them food and water but most importantly I can be present in their hard place. Just present so they realize they are not alone in this difficult time. I certainly cannot change their circumstances.
I can only hope that my small act of service might inspire someone else to go and be with someone hurting when the time comes. We were not meant to be alone. And in the event that tragedy ever hits Lacey's Spring, Alabama there is someone somewhere who will come be with us as well.
Recently one of my dear friends Carol joined me on a recent trip to Phil Campbell. Presently she is joining forces with her daughter near the Tuscaloosa area to help one family rebuild their home. A FEMA trailer is coming but it will be empty. She is on a hunt for baby cribs, mattresses and bed frames for the family. If anyone has any to share please let me know.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
When I Was a Little Girl..
When I was a little girl I wanted to be a stewardess. I think they call them "flight attendants" now. But I wanted to fly on airplanes and bring people their drinks. Most likely this idea came about from my yearly flights to Shreveport, LA to visit Aunt Peg. She would typically fly my brother Jonathan and myself out each year at different times to visit her.
I loved every moment about the flight experience. I especially got a lot of attention being a child traveler. You got to visit the pilot in his cabin and received a pair of Delta wings after every flight. The flight attendant paid special attention to you and brought you extra peanuts and coke. Somewhere I even have a picture taken with a man at the Delta counter in some airport.
Each year I observed the flight attendants and dreamed about becoming one when I grew up. It was on every grade school sheet that asked, "When I grow up I want to be a ______________."
My work today is a lot like a flight attendant. Rather than a plane I work at Lyn's Gracious Goodness behind a counter. I take your order or deliver your sandwich to you when it's complete, often complete your order by plating your salad, wipe your table, and give you a cup to fix your drink.
Not only do I enjoy serving but I have grown to love the customers at the shop as well. We have some regulars who eat with us several times a week. They take the time to ask how you are, smile, and are genuinely thankful that you have served them.
Sometimes my job includes leaving the restaurant to go and work a catered event. This past week I served at a local bank board luncheon. So what happens is the following: I go to work in my uniform which consists of shorts, Lyn's lime green tee (with the big orange fork), and tennis shoes covered in red clay from hours at the ball field practicing and coaching.
Once at work, items are loaded into my van for the lunch. All the goodness is hauled down the street and unloaded and carried, thankfully by cart, up to the fourth floor board room where it is unloaded again.
The next hour is spent folding napkins, putting out water and tea glasses, salt and pepper shakers, sugar containers, and silverware, plating the salad and finally filling the glasses with ice, water and tea. Meanwhile, the yummy lunch goodness is warming in the oven. Everything looks great. I am now just waiting for the board members to arrive.
Meanwhile I forgot to mention that my contact has said hello. I have inquired how her mother is who is transitioning between apartment living with a housesitter to a residential home. My friend relays to me how her mom fell during the day of the tornadoes and had to travel by ambulance to the hospital with a broken pelvis. We share because this job of serving has afforded me the privilege of building relationships with people who care about one another's lives.
Everything is ready...except for my clothes. You can't serve board members in shorts and a tee shirt. So I race into the bathroom and change into my black pants, black heels, and black top. For a minute I feel like Wonderwoman, who had a regular life but when duty called went into a corner and came out a superhero to meet the needs of the moment. The outfit isn't exactly like the flight attendant's navy blue but it's real close.
I proceed back to the kitchen of the boardroom where for the next hour I serve the fourteen board members their lunch. This particular day it's fresh salad greens with tomatoes, toasted pecans, and green onions topped with basil buttermilk dressing. Next there is pot roast and gravy, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, and cornbread. For desert we have chocolate silk pie with homemade whipped cream and coffee if desired. My bank contact helps me clear and serve while I keep their glasses full of water and tea. As usual, lunch is a hit.
Both jobs..the flight attendant and my restaurant job today are about serving. It's probably a good fit because it's how I am wired. Actually it's how all Christ followers are wired regardless of your profession.
River of life lesson: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..."(Philippians 2)
I believe regardless of your position you can be content and fulfilled in your work when you operate out of your giftings. Many left brainers who spend countless hours toiling over a project for the space system can be equally fulfilled when a particular problem is solved or project is complete. He or she has served their team or supervisor well.
Likewise, in the countless thankless hours of a stay at home mom, she too can rejoice that when she has done everything there is to do in that day, she can say, "I am an unworthy servant, I have only done my duty." (Luke 17:10) This mom has served the Lord as well as her children as she ministered to them throughout the day whether it was fix a cup of juice or wipe a runny nose or stayed up late talking to her older teen or young adult child who is struggling with life issues.
The lesson when we operate out of our giftings in the individual areas the Father has called us to is the realization that He gives us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."When we delight in the Lord and enjoy fellowship with Him, the overflow is joy and thanksgiving that spills out into other areas of life such as work and family. They get the best of us when we delight in Him.
I realize today how the Father has given me the desire of my heart to love and serve others through my role as a mother and also at work. It took getting sidetracked on a business degree in college and many other twists and turns to come to this place of contentment. Looking ahead, I wonder what it will look like when the fruition of my most recent ten year longing comes about: to open a bed and breakfast in my home. A place to be called River of Life Inn.
As the longings, ideas, and plans cultivate in my heart and mind, it is with anticipation I look forward to watching how He moves to do what He promises to do: Give us the desires of our heart, when we delight in Him.
If your life lacks joy or contentment, could it be that you are not operating out of your giftings? How are you loving and serving others? If you belong to God, it's your make up. And share your story here. I would love it.
I loved every moment about the flight experience. I especially got a lot of attention being a child traveler. You got to visit the pilot in his cabin and received a pair of Delta wings after every flight. The flight attendant paid special attention to you and brought you extra peanuts and coke. Somewhere I even have a picture taken with a man at the Delta counter in some airport.
Each year I observed the flight attendants and dreamed about becoming one when I grew up. It was on every grade school sheet that asked, "When I grow up I want to be a ______________."
My work today is a lot like a flight attendant. Rather than a plane I work at Lyn's Gracious Goodness behind a counter. I take your order or deliver your sandwich to you when it's complete, often complete your order by plating your salad, wipe your table, and give you a cup to fix your drink.
Not only do I enjoy serving but I have grown to love the customers at the shop as well. We have some regulars who eat with us several times a week. They take the time to ask how you are, smile, and are genuinely thankful that you have served them.
Sometimes my job includes leaving the restaurant to go and work a catered event. This past week I served at a local bank board luncheon. So what happens is the following: I go to work in my uniform which consists of shorts, Lyn's lime green tee (with the big orange fork), and tennis shoes covered in red clay from hours at the ball field practicing and coaching.
Once at work, items are loaded into my van for the lunch. All the goodness is hauled down the street and unloaded and carried, thankfully by cart, up to the fourth floor board room where it is unloaded again.
The next hour is spent folding napkins, putting out water and tea glasses, salt and pepper shakers, sugar containers, and silverware, plating the salad and finally filling the glasses with ice, water and tea. Meanwhile, the yummy lunch goodness is warming in the oven. Everything looks great. I am now just waiting for the board members to arrive.
Meanwhile I forgot to mention that my contact has said hello. I have inquired how her mother is who is transitioning between apartment living with a housesitter to a residential home. My friend relays to me how her mom fell during the day of the tornadoes and had to travel by ambulance to the hospital with a broken pelvis. We share because this job of serving has afforded me the privilege of building relationships with people who care about one another's lives.
Everything is ready...except for my clothes. You can't serve board members in shorts and a tee shirt. So I race into the bathroom and change into my black pants, black heels, and black top. For a minute I feel like Wonderwoman, who had a regular life but when duty called went into a corner and came out a superhero to meet the needs of the moment. The outfit isn't exactly like the flight attendant's navy blue but it's real close.
I proceed back to the kitchen of the boardroom where for the next hour I serve the fourteen board members their lunch. This particular day it's fresh salad greens with tomatoes, toasted pecans, and green onions topped with basil buttermilk dressing. Next there is pot roast and gravy, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, and cornbread. For desert we have chocolate silk pie with homemade whipped cream and coffee if desired. My bank contact helps me clear and serve while I keep their glasses full of water and tea. As usual, lunch is a hit.
Both jobs..the flight attendant and my restaurant job today are about serving. It's probably a good fit because it's how I am wired. Actually it's how all Christ followers are wired regardless of your profession.
River of life lesson: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..."(Philippians 2)
I believe regardless of your position you can be content and fulfilled in your work when you operate out of your giftings. Many left brainers who spend countless hours toiling over a project for the space system can be equally fulfilled when a particular problem is solved or project is complete. He or she has served their team or supervisor well.
Likewise, in the countless thankless hours of a stay at home mom, she too can rejoice that when she has done everything there is to do in that day, she can say, "I am an unworthy servant, I have only done my duty." (Luke 17:10) This mom has served the Lord as well as her children as she ministered to them throughout the day whether it was fix a cup of juice or wipe a runny nose or stayed up late talking to her older teen or young adult child who is struggling with life issues.
The lesson when we operate out of our giftings in the individual areas the Father has called us to is the realization that He gives us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."When we delight in the Lord and enjoy fellowship with Him, the overflow is joy and thanksgiving that spills out into other areas of life such as work and family. They get the best of us when we delight in Him.
I realize today how the Father has given me the desire of my heart to love and serve others through my role as a mother and also at work. It took getting sidetracked on a business degree in college and many other twists and turns to come to this place of contentment. Looking ahead, I wonder what it will look like when the fruition of my most recent ten year longing comes about: to open a bed and breakfast in my home. A place to be called River of Life Inn.
As the longings, ideas, and plans cultivate in my heart and mind, it is with anticipation I look forward to watching how He moves to do what He promises to do: Give us the desires of our heart, when we delight in Him.
If your life lacks joy or contentment, could it be that you are not operating out of your giftings? How are you loving and serving others? If you belong to God, it's your make up. And share your story here. I would love it.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Today is the big day!
For as long as I can remember we have talked about missions...I am not sure why. Maybe a couple of factors attributed to this mission mindset. First I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist church where we annually prayed for home missions and foreign missions, took up a Lottie Moon Christmas offering and either attended or taught GA's Girls In Action and Acteens. I took my girls to "Mom and Me Mission Camp" every year at Worldsong in Birmingham until they were old enough to go to week long camps by themselves. Also, during my years of Bible Study Fellowship, my teaching leader oftened referred to some of the great missionaries of the past who helped shape our world. Furthermore, because many of our homeschool years were spent reading great stories, we read about missionaries.
On our first mission trip to Poland three and half years ago, God planted a seed in my daughter to return. She sometimes patiently waited to graduate and launch herself into all her heart was crying for. During our time in Ruda Slaska , Poland, while the Father was revealing Himself to me as Rescuer...past, present, and future, He was stirring the heart of my beloved daughter to Him.
...the Lord knows how to rescue godly men (Pam) from trials and to uphold the righteous...2 Peter 2:9
The first few months of the DTS weren't too bad....Thanks to the technological age we live in we were able to talk via Skype on the computer weekly. I was even able to receive occasional texts via her ipod during the week. I simply cannot imagine what a parent must have undertaken allowing their children to take off years ago without any communication other than rare letters via snail mail. Even Thanksgiving Day was spent in front of the computer with each family member spending time with Lawren.
Once the outreach began the communication lessened which became harder for mom since their were tummy troubles in Thailand...two hospital visits and down time at the base. Probably for mom the loneliness was the hardest around the first of the year, once the hustle and bustle of outreach here and the holidays ended. Because I was talking less to Lawren, I missed our long conversations...her sharing her heart about something the Lord spoke to her that week or whatever struggle she was encountering.
It was then...with communication limited, I realized why missionaries ask for prayer more than money. Did you know that YWAM staff does not receive a paycheck? I knew Lawren had to raise her own support to go over there but it never occurred to me that the people staffing the bases...pouring themselves into young adults from all over the world...day in and day out...then trusting the Father to get them to outreach and provide daily for their families..were also depending on others for their livelihood. That is not normal.
Lawren's time in both Europe and Thailand has been richly rewarding and continued to affirm the love for missions that the Father has placed in her heart. You can follow her blog at www.lawrenelizabeth.blogspot.com. I am sure there will be many more stories to come from her recent experiences.
In The Ministry of Motherhood, the author conveys, "Jesus' work in a person's life has always begun with a call to leave behind the goals, purposes, and distractions of this world and to say yes to a whole new life, a new way of thinking. 'Follow me' is what he told the disciples as he recruited them. And they did, abandoning their fishing nets, their tax-collector's moneybags, their permanent homes, their everyday duties and pleasures. And they never went back. Sure they still did a little fishing from time to time! But once they made the choice to follow Jesus, their lives were forever changed. They never returned to 'normal'."
Furthermore, the author relates, "If I seek to inspire my children to understand and own God's purposes for their lives, that means they will grow up with a different set of instructions than people in the world have...God is not measuring them by how much money they make, what kind of car they drive, or how big a house they are able to buy."
"It is Jesus who calls them just as He calls me..what a privilege...(completey humbling) to have been included in bringing about this miracle of calling. What a great idea God had to use mothers as a part of that process....of helping to inspire our children to God's purposes and walking alongside them as they learn to make the choice of leaving the world."
When I ponder sitting in front of this screen that the God of the universe saw my little nest situated here alongside the Tennessee River in Morgan County, Alabama....and saw our hearts loving Him while still trudging through the daily grind of distractions, busyness, not to mention daily battles of the flesh, and chose us...chose us for greatness....plucked my little girl up, carried her overseas, stretched her to the point she felt like breaking, but treated her with lovingkindness while growing her heart even bigger...touching the world with my daughter....
Wow, what a sweet momma moment....
Many thanks to each of you who have been praying regularly for Lawren and our family. I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God to produce fruit in the lives of our families. I am so thankful to God for what I see Him doing in and through Lawren's life, It gives me great hope to continue planting seeds in the lives of my other four children that they too may know the secrets of the kingdom of God.
Not many are called to overseas foreign missions and that is ok. However, as children of God we are all disciples and called in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples..wherever we are..at work, school, play, in our homes, wherever the Father has you today. And the command comes with a promise that I love...I will be with you always even to the ends of the age.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
I have the most interesting friends...
I remember a time when all my friends did the same things I did. We all either homeschooled our kids, were stay at home moms, or never missed church. Not so much today.
The circumstances of my life have dictated that my friendships change. My divorce brought working outside the home which altered my schedule dramatically. No longer were there opportunities to meet for play dates with moms and kids or the flexibility to get together with friends often during the week.
Yet, I realize that although my schedule and circumstances of life change, I have some of the most interesting friends. Just in my weekly interacting via calls, social networking, texts, and occasional visits, I have girlfriends who practice occupational or physical therapy, bellydance for fun, dance in drum circles, hunt, deliver mail, and more.
Recently, I encountered a couple of fun situations where I realized just how blessed I was by my friendships. First, there is Dana. Dana is Madisen's mom. Madisen plays ball with my Hannah Rose...softball, basketball; and since I have finally relented maybe even soccer this upcoming fall for the first time..they have even played travel ball together briefly.
For now, Madisen is an only child so Hannah often gets to tag along with their family. Last spring break they visited the Smoky Mountains. Most recently Hannah hung out during the snow storm after I returned to work. Dana spent all day pulling Madisen and Hannah in a wheelbarrow top from the back of a four wheeler all around their yard. I have attached a picture and video to show you how much fun they had.
Dana, and her husband Danny have taken Thomas, my youngest, hunting. Did you know that hunting often requires going the day before to scout out your area? The same weekend they went we had lots and lots of rain. Madisen's poor horse was struck dead by lightening. Yet, as determined people they still buried the horse, scouted the land, and took the kids hunting. There is something to be admired about that kind of dedication to do what you love.
That Sunday afternoon after church they showed up to pick up Thomas. Madisen came to the door with her heels, skirt and black sweater on. I proceeded to the car to find Dana in a dress. I still can't believe someone that pretty is about to go get decked out in camo and hang out in the woods. I am just glad they love us enough to be a part of our lives.
But the greatest thing was several weeks ago I get a phone call. I see from my cell that it is Dana. When I answer she is whispering...She says, "Hey, it's Dana. I'm about twenty feet up in the air. I just killed a deer and I can't find it. Danny is on his way to help me. Can you go get Madisen from her grandmother's and take her to practice?" Did you whisper when you read that...because without whispering while you read you lost the total effect!
I reassure her that sure I would pick up Madisen. That evening after practice both Danny and Dana show up with the deer in the back of their pick up. She proudly lifts the prize up by its antlers for the kids, who have barreled out of the van, to see. I say, "Dana, I am totally impressed that you hunt. You are my only female hunting friend. I could never hunt with you because I don't like being cold and once I saw a deer I would only want to pet him. But I am thrilled to see your passion about life." Dana reassures me that this particular deer suffered minimally.
Here is a pic of her prize...the deer and her hubby...
My other friend Ingrid is living another great story...She met her husband Robert at a monster truck show in California. They got married and eventually returned to his homeland, which is nestled almost directly across the river from us on Hobbs Island. Our families meet via church; although I later realized we have purchased fish from his mom and dad's fish market for years.
Anyway, Ingrid's mom and step dad are about to retire her from the west coast. A few weeks ago I pick up Hannah from there home late one Sunday evening. When I arrive into their home here is what I found: I AM NOT KIDDING.....I EVEN TOOK PICTURES I WAS SO BLOWN AWAY!
Ingrid and me hugging the ram..we edited the one where the kids had us picking his nose.
Sydney and Hannah by the??????????I am sure I should know that!
This cape horn buffalo is situated on Ingrid's dining table.
You can see the size of this creature, just head and bust, with Ingrid in the background.
These pictures don't even include the spare bedroom where the bed was completely covered with additional game. The story is that Ingrid's step dad has been on four African safari hunting trips. This is what he brought back. Her family had the animals shipped to Alabama to store until they retire here in the near future.
The only problem is Ingrid does not realize the truck will come at 7 am on Sunday morning...the very day of not only church but little Hayley's birthday party as well. So, at seven am with Robert out of town, Ingrid and the truck driver are jump starting the four wheeler in order to attach the animals onto the four wheeler and drive them up there incredibly steep driveway, unload them, remount them onto these bases and place them in her home.
I guess the most impressive moment of all this for me is that while Ingrid is reliving the day, there is never a moment of complaint or aggravation that dead wild game has taken over her home. She is calmly relaying the events and thinking ahead of how she is going to situate all these animals in her home til her folks get here. Never a moment of criticism or whining that her husband wasn't there to help or that there is no where to sit at the dining room table. What an inspiration.
Before I left I said, "Ingrid, this was a fabulous way to end a hard day...I am going home to write about this. So, here you have a couple of stories about some fabulous friends that the Father has placed in our lives.
There was a time of my life when people who lived differently or did things I considered weird would not have impacted my life. I was too critical and judgemental and narrow minded to consider the vastness of God and His glory that is manifested in and through the various lives He allows us to interact with. But today I see Him....His character..revealed through my friendships and find myself humbled and grateful for the privilege of these friendships.
RIVER OF LIFE LESSON: Be open to the people the Father keeps putting in your life. The Lord may be wanting to use them to teach you something about Himself.
Who are you thankful for? I heard a sermon this past Sunday at Buckhead Church in Atlanta that emphasized DTR..define the relationship. The pastor was encouraging us to define our relationship with our heavenly father...is it growing and is there purpose there? We can filter our earthly relationships through that same grid. How am I growing and what purpose does God have for me in my current friendships. Good food for thought.
I would love to hear your feedback about how the Lord is blessing you through your friendships!
The circumstances of my life have dictated that my friendships change. My divorce brought working outside the home which altered my schedule dramatically. No longer were there opportunities to meet for play dates with moms and kids or the flexibility to get together with friends often during the week.
Yet, I realize that although my schedule and circumstances of life change, I have some of the most interesting friends. Just in my weekly interacting via calls, social networking, texts, and occasional visits, I have girlfriends who practice occupational or physical therapy, bellydance for fun, dance in drum circles, hunt, deliver mail, and more.
Recently, I encountered a couple of fun situations where I realized just how blessed I was by my friendships. First, there is Dana. Dana is Madisen's mom. Madisen plays ball with my Hannah Rose...softball, basketball; and since I have finally relented maybe even soccer this upcoming fall for the first time..they have even played travel ball together briefly.
For now, Madisen is an only child so Hannah often gets to tag along with their family. Last spring break they visited the Smoky Mountains. Most recently Hannah hung out during the snow storm after I returned to work. Dana spent all day pulling Madisen and Hannah in a wheelbarrow top from the back of a four wheeler all around their yard. I have attached a picture and video to show you how much fun they had.
Dana, and her husband Danny have taken Thomas, my youngest, hunting. Did you know that hunting often requires going the day before to scout out your area? The same weekend they went we had lots and lots of rain. Madisen's poor horse was struck dead by lightening. Yet, as determined people they still buried the horse, scouted the land, and took the kids hunting. There is something to be admired about that kind of dedication to do what you love.That Sunday afternoon after church they showed up to pick up Thomas. Madisen came to the door with her heels, skirt and black sweater on. I proceeded to the car to find Dana in a dress. I still can't believe someone that pretty is about to go get decked out in camo and hang out in the woods. I am just glad they love us enough to be a part of our lives.
But the greatest thing was several weeks ago I get a phone call. I see from my cell that it is Dana. When I answer she is whispering...She says, "Hey, it's Dana. I'm about twenty feet up in the air. I just killed a deer and I can't find it. Danny is on his way to help me. Can you go get Madisen from her grandmother's and take her to practice?" Did you whisper when you read that...because without whispering while you read you lost the total effect!
I reassure her that sure I would pick up Madisen. That evening after practice both Danny and Dana show up with the deer in the back of their pick up. She proudly lifts the prize up by its antlers for the kids, who have barreled out of the van, to see. I say, "Dana, I am totally impressed that you hunt. You are my only female hunting friend. I could never hunt with you because I don't like being cold and once I saw a deer I would only want to pet him. But I am thrilled to see your passion about life." Dana reassures me that this particular deer suffered minimally.
Here is a pic of her prize...the deer and her hubby...
My other friend Ingrid is living another great story...She met her husband Robert at a monster truck show in California. They got married and eventually returned to his homeland, which is nestled almost directly across the river from us on Hobbs Island. Our families meet via church; although I later realized we have purchased fish from his mom and dad's fish market for years.
Anyway, Ingrid's mom and step dad are about to retire her from the west coast. A few weeks ago I pick up Hannah from there home late one Sunday evening. When I arrive into their home here is what I found: I AM NOT KIDDING.....I EVEN TOOK PICTURES I WAS SO BLOWN AWAY!
You can see the size of this creature, just head and bust, with Ingrid in the background.
These pictures don't even include the spare bedroom where the bed was completely covered with additional game. The story is that Ingrid's step dad has been on four African safari hunting trips. This is what he brought back. Her family had the animals shipped to Alabama to store until they retire here in the near future.
The only problem is Ingrid does not realize the truck will come at 7 am on Sunday morning...the very day of not only church but little Hayley's birthday party as well. So, at seven am with Robert out of town, Ingrid and the truck driver are jump starting the four wheeler in order to attach the animals onto the four wheeler and drive them up there incredibly steep driveway, unload them, remount them onto these bases and place them in her home.
I guess the most impressive moment of all this for me is that while Ingrid is reliving the day, there is never a moment of complaint or aggravation that dead wild game has taken over her home. She is calmly relaying the events and thinking ahead of how she is going to situate all these animals in her home til her folks get here. Never a moment of criticism or whining that her husband wasn't there to help or that there is no where to sit at the dining room table. What an inspiration.
Before I left I said, "Ingrid, this was a fabulous way to end a hard day...I am going home to write about this. So, here you have a couple of stories about some fabulous friends that the Father has placed in our lives.
There was a time of my life when people who lived differently or did things I considered weird would not have impacted my life. I was too critical and judgemental and narrow minded to consider the vastness of God and His glory that is manifested in and through the various lives He allows us to interact with. But today I see Him....His character..revealed through my friendships and find myself humbled and grateful for the privilege of these friendships.
RIVER OF LIFE LESSON: Be open to the people the Father keeps putting in your life. The Lord may be wanting to use them to teach you something about Himself.
Who are you thankful for? I heard a sermon this past Sunday at Buckhead Church in Atlanta that emphasized DTR..define the relationship. The pastor was encouraging us to define our relationship with our heavenly father...is it growing and is there purpose there? We can filter our earthly relationships through that same grid. How am I growing and what purpose does God have for me in my current friendships. Good food for thought.I would love to hear your feedback about how the Lord is blessing you through your friendships!
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