Enjoy the Journey

Re posting this because I needed it today…
Hebrews 12:1 ‘ … and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.’ — I LOVE this. Not only because I love to run and the analogy fits me well but I love that God directs us to stay the course with patience. Which to me means that there are going to be things that will distract, encumber, and discourage. But HE who is faithful will deliver me from that if I allow it. So amazed at God’s love and and encouragement.
I choose today to be steady, not easily turned, not wavered but set on the course God has prepared for me. And I pursue his calling on my life. I pray for wisdom and blessings to rain on me and my family. I cast out fear, worry, doubt, sickness, strife and bitterness. I will dwell in His perfect love. And taking to heart that we are redeemed.

Deuteronomy 28

⁸ The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless<sup class="crossreference" value="(K)”> you in the land he is giving you.

⁹ The Lord will establish you as his holy people,<sup class="crossreference" value="(L)”> as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands<sup class="crossreference" value="(M)”> of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. ¹⁰ Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name<sup class="crossreference" value="(N)”> of the Lord, and they will fear you. ¹¹ The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock<sup class="crossreference" value="(O)”> and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.<sup class="crossreference" value="(P)”>

¹² The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse<sup class="crossreference" value="(Q)”> of his bounty,<sup class="crossreference" value="(R)”> to send rain<sup class="crossreference" value="(S)”> on your land in season and to bless<sup class="crossreference" value="(T)”> all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.<sup class="crossreference" value="(U)”> ¹³ The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow<sup class="crossreference" value="(V)”> them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.<sup class="crossreference" value="(W)”> ¹⁴ Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left,<sup class="crossreference" value="(X)”> following other gods and serving them.

Take hold of what God says is yours. Continue the race with patient endurance knowing that He protects, provides, gives wisdom and is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in your life.

One of our weekend rituals is to make pancakes or waffles for breakfast. It’s one of the things my family loves most. Well, on this particular day – I seemingly forgot one (what I thought to be probably insignificant) ingredient… SALT. My recipe only calls for 1/2 tsp of it – so after I started ladeling the batter I didn’t think it would make a difference. Good grief, what a difference it made – my pancakes were aweful.  How could something so small and in such a small amount make such a big difference!
How often do we overlook our achievements and maybe even potential. Afterall, we’re just a ‘grain of salt’ right? We are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). We were meant to change the world. Make no small plans. God has called us to live a life of blessing. To help sustain those who are weak, sooth those who need comfort, to encourage, to help bring to life those who don’t know Christ. To BE the salt of the earth…

And just in case you didn’t know… some interesting uses for salt:
– Relieve a bee sting/treat mosquito bite
– Ease throat pain
– Extinguish grease fires
– Clean sink drains, coffee pots, etc
– Brighten colors
– Set colors
– Remove stains
– Kill weeds

I’m a results oriented person. I love working hard and seeing the ‘fruit’ of my labor. But sometimes, when I’ve been working on something for longer than anticipated,and I don’t see (or feel) the results I become discouraged.

Thought for the day… Just because you can’t see/feel it, doesn’t mean that it’s not there or on it’s way. I believe God answers prayers right when we ask it. Sometimes we think the answers are slow in getting to us, but they eventually get to us – and in the right time.

Just like a flower, it starts out as a seed and is cultivated underground (sometimes even dormant for a season). But – there is life, there is a work going on within it – even though it isn’t anything we can see. And in it’s own perfect time, it blossoms.

So even though you may feel like you’re not making any progress, have BIG faith. Learn to see things that don’t exist. Stand firm on God’s promises and not the circumstances that may be surrounding you.

Psalms 46:10 ‘Be still and know that I am God..’
Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.’

Instead of being anxious, fill your thoughts with:

• His timing is always perfect
• He is faithful
• He is truth
• He is provision
• He forgives
• He restores
• He heals
• Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is there! He is already in my tomorrow
• His love NEVER fails

From the time I found out we were pregnant with our first child I have ALWAYS wanted to be a stay at home mom. But things didn’t always work out the way I had hoped. In fact, many times it felt like my journey was going in the complete opposite direction. And throughout this time, I dug my heels into the ground, feeling like I’ve missed out on what I really wanted.

But what I’ve come to realize and understand is that I didn’t need to be a supermom to be the best wife for my husband and the best mother for our children. I am blessed with the opportunity to work and help provide for our family:

• Proverbs 31:16-17 She considers a field and buys it, out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks

Being a working mom (outside the home), means that you need to be extra aware of what you commit to. The separation axiety (although excruciatingly painful at first), will eventually help your child be independent and confident. The ‘mother’s guilt’ will never go away, but it will fade. Dig deep, but not in resistance – but in harmony with God’s word. There’s a purpose for you being in the place where you’re at. Thrive where you’re planted. Soak in all the goodness of the opportunities in your grasp. Learn to see these things as steps towards God’s greater plan for your life.

When the anxiousness of not being enough, giving enough, doing enough attacks my mind… I’m gently reminded of my Saviour’s pace and slow down to enjoy His unlimited blessings.

Tips for surviving the Supermom Complex
1. Understand your strengths
2. Understand your weaknesses
   – Ask for help (listen girls, the hubs was not created to be intuitive – he needs to know how to help  
     you. And be patient, they’re not born knowing how to multi-task and won’t do things like you
     would have them done. But you never know, he may have a better solution 🙂 – mine actually did
     laundry MUCH better than I did – and I’m happy to share the responsibility)
3. DON’T Compare
   – This is your journey… own it, love it, and LIVE it
   – Remember that God’s blessings will never run out – and that we are all equal in His eyes
4. Evaluate your commitments
  – Make time for quiet time (your time in God’s word and in worship will change the course of
    your day… and life)
   – Make your husband your priority (even before the kids) — you’re relationship with him will ensure
    peace and balance in your home
  – Don’t over schedule your children
  – Never put work before your family (work diligently, and work smart. leave ‘work’ and work – and
    when you’re with your family, be 100% there)
  – Give (make time for the next generation, make time for the body of Christ) – you can’t out give
    God

Romans 12:12 Be JOYFUL in hope, PATIENT in affliction and FAITHFUL in prayer

One of the things I’ve been consciously practicing is to enjoy the process. For so many years I followed my heartstrings and became anxious for not being where I thought I should be, not having what I thought I should have, and not being who I thought I should be. I’ve made a consicous effort to enjoy where I am. To be present in the here and now. To enjoy the little things, and big things, in my life. Like the hundreds of kisses I get from my kids and date nights with my husband.

Instead of trying to push towards that ‘ultimately perfect’ future, seek to find what life lessons can be learned through the place you are at. Instead of being anxious or frustrated with a difficult situation, look for ways to see how God is helping you grow. Life lessons that you may not have learned otherwise.

Learn to enjoy the process.  Be joyful, be patient and be faithful.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last 11+ years of being a mom, it’s that you shouldn’t do this journey of motherhood alone. To enjoy the journey you will need to surround yourself with positve, prayerful and purposeful women. Women who will pray with you, over you and speak into your life. I’m very blessed with a handful of those. But they didn’t come quickly or easily. Be very discerning on who you let into your inner circle. And at the same time be generous (gracious, gentle and giving) to those around you, they may need you more than you know. Also give wholeheartedly to the next generation of women (who may not yet be married or have children). I’ve had the honor and opportunity to meet dozens of college aged girls through the ORU wingbacker program and have made some lifetime friendships with a handful of amzaing ladies. They are going to change the world for God.

Live by example and let your light SHINE
– Be gracious (give, give, give: babysit for a friend, bring dinner to another family, have the girls over and bake like crazy)
– Share knowlege (from inspirational thoughts from your personal devos to recipes, cooking tips, cleaning tips, and child rearing)
– Be generous in uplifting others

I can’t tell you how amazing it is when one in my ‘fellowship’ brings us dinner…just because. Little did she know that I had a really rough day at work. Truely, that is God’s love in a 5’5″ frame (Carrie :)). This lady has taught me so much about selflessnes, goodness, mercy and love.

We’re not alone, we’re meant to run this race together as the body of Christ.

The other day I found myself droning about doing my household chores…. loads of laundry, dishes to wash, floors to be swept, beds to be made… when it hit me how wonderful that I have the opportunity to serve my family. Not in a cheesy, God spoke to me moment. But one of those, ‘I’m so thankful that God has brought me to this place’ moments. I have loads of laundry, because God has provided and my children are well clothed. I have dishes to wash, because God provided and we always have food on our table. I never lack, because God is faithful to His word. Wow. Who knew that in the midst of my household duties I can feel God work.

Colossians 3: 23-24 ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance<sup class="crossreference" value="(A)”> from the Lord as a reward.<sup class="crossreference" value="(B)”> It is the Lord Christ you are serving’

Make a habit of living without reservations. Doing things with excellence, even in the little things. So that in everything (even in laundry) you do, you bless others. God is faithful and will graciously give you what you need and more.

‘Stop copying me’…. words I hear quite often lately between our two kids. Whether we like it or not, we’re always being watched. And whether we like it or not ‘someone’ is ‘copying’ us. I love it when my kids mimic me: speaking God’s word, praying as soon as they feel discomfort and pain, being thankful, practicing the spirit of hospitality … but sometimes I’m also reminded of how much I need to improve so that they see Christ in me. Things like: being quick to apologize, being more sensitive to others, watching my tone of voice…

Funny thing is, what we don’t like in someone else is probably an area in our own life we need to work on. Tough pill to swallow. Be careful what you do, how you react, what you say…. your legacy depends on it

– Practice humility
– Accept correction
– Be eager to learn and know God’s Word
– Walk in forgiveness
– Be a peacemaker
– Always do the right thing
**These are actually the beattitudes from Mark 5:3-10**

What are your areas that need improvement? Write them down. Work on them. This not only benefits you, but those watching you.

Mark 5:3-10  Blessed are…

• …the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:3)
• …those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
• …the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
• …those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
• …the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
• …the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
• …the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
• …those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)

I have been prolife since a was a child. To this day I remember having a dream of women waiting in line at store, giving their babies (who were in a placenta shapped bag) to the cashier, because they didn’t want them…. I think I was 9 or 10 years old. Not old enough to know what a placenta was or how babies were even made. But old enough to be sensitive to God’s voice, and the cry of the unborn.
Fast forward 32 years later. I am still very much a prolife supporter although I don’t actively picket abortion clinics or write my congressmen. I pray. I pray for the unborn. And lately I’ve been dreaming about it too. My husband thinks it’s time to have one more baby 🙂 – and perhaps it is.

All this to say… we have the right to life. And we should live it honorably and with a purpose.

You are unique and have a God given purpose. You have a right to be on this earth. Fight for it.
When you see the broken hearted, lend an ear
When you see the oppressed, give
If you want to grow as a follower or Christ, be actively part of your church family
Surround yourself with people you can be accountable to
Work diligently… and prosper… Proverbs 10:4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you… Proverbs 3:3

Live your life, don’t let it just pass by. Too many didn’t even have a chance to take one breath. Make your mark on this earth.

One of the things that can cause the most stress is the inability to start/complete things you set out to do. Things that you feel God has called you to do. My challenge to you today is to be patient and stay focused. Too often we become anxious over big decisions, next steps, new careers, etc.

Some food for thought
Make a list of what you what you need or want to do (write it down)
If you can’t sleep peacefully at night over it — it’s not yet time or it’s not the right decision to make
 – Remember, God leads us in steps — not leaps — so the more you wait on his timing, the steps
   you need to take will become apparent to you (and not leave you questioning if you did the right
   thing or not)
Try to do at least 1 thing on your to do list every day
Don’t procrastinate
Be mindful of what you spend your time doing
  – I confess I’m guilty of too much time spent on social media and ‘cleaning’ and not focusing on
    quality time with my kids
Don’t dwell on the past – it can’t be changed. Forgive and move forward

God’s Word
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Matthew 6:33
But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to yuo.
Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you

We are equpped with everything we need
God will provide
God will sustain
God will give wisdom
Stay focused, you’re not alone — you have the very one who raised Jesus from the dead in your corner. He’s there to lead, guide and cheer you on. Let that desire that he has placed in your heart take root and be cultivated in His word. Be patient and enjoy the journey.