RSVP

invitation- a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something.

On my kitchen counter lies a small stack of birthday invitations for my daughter. When she sees her name on the envelope she can't help but jump up and down with glee. I still feel slightly giddy when someone wants to include me, don't you? The fact that I came to that individual's mind, and was included on the list of names, makes me feel wonderful.

Are there moms around you that would benefit from an invite? I chat with so many moms at the park or the mall playground. I don't have to allow that conversation to be the last one I have with them. What would happen if we requested their presence, and that of their children in our home, the local coffee shop, or even a nearby MOPS ministry? Some may say, "No thanks." But for others, I imagine we might see their countenance light up, as hope of a connection is made. You may be surprised at how quickly their RSVP is given. Your extension of friendship might be just what they need to rouse them out of the isolation that motherhood can bring.

If these wonderful moms have never been introduced to the Lord through his word (a written invitation), then our spoken invitation to connect with them could someday lead them to a God they don't even know yet.

I may be jumping ahead, but wouldn't it be wonderful if they someday trusted in the Lord because we were obedient and allowed Him to use us in the process? "In that day (and perhaps in our day) the people will proclaim, 'This is our God. We trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah 25:9-12 NL

Barbara Johnson Quote

"We can never untangle all the woes in other people's lives. We can't produce miracles overnight. But we can bring a cup of cool water to a thirsty soul, or a scoop of laughter to a lonely heart."

Frayed In A Good Way

I received a new bible recently, and although I was excited, I was slightly wistful as well. My Student NIV Bible was given to me in elementary school by my parents. Now twenty two years later it is looking a little worse for wear.

The last name imprinted on the burgundy cover has been different for eleven years. There are pressed pansies, and bubble gum wrappers that flutter from the pages at random times. I'm sure it's been used as a coaster on occasion, or to prod an unsuspecting High School crush that I had.

Amid the drama of the teen years until now, I have cracked open the pages seeking for the Lord's wisdom and strength. I have delved into the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, to ward off the spiritual attacks of the evil one. It's the best weapon during an onslaught of temptation.

So many verses are highlighted with the name of a friend, a worship song, or even a smiley face in the margin. Looking at the scribbled and dog eared pages reminds me again of the faithfulness of the Lord.

My new bible represents a new stage in my faith, and it makes me excited. He wraps His arm around my shoulder and guides me in His ways. He desires me to be obedient, and I know I can find refuge in His truth.

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

Vicky Beeching - Captivated

Captivated

Remember when our children were infants and would stare at a light without blinking. We thought they would be blinded because they had a hard time looking away.

I want to be so captivated by the Lord that my gaze becomes attached to Him, and Him alone. " Let my life be one unbroken gaze fixed upon the beauty of your face." -Vicky Beeching

Spring In The Neighbors Yard

In sunny California the earth is announcing loudly that Spring is indeed here. The sunsets are vivid, and the mornings reveal more blooming things. Since the sun sets later I find that my bare feet wander to the neighbors front yard many evenings. Conversation flows freely until I hear the timer through my open window telling me that dinner is ready. The turkey surprise casserole then sits on the stove top and gets cold, because the laughter of the neighbor kids entices me back outside.

Dusk approaches, causing sunglasses to be pushed back, and biting insects to wake up. My bare feet get colder in the grass, and I swat at mosquitos, but still I linger.

This season seems to coax me out of the recliner and onto the porch. A connection is made as I cross the street or lawn, and extend God's love to the families that are right next door. Since Easter is drawing near, and a celebration of my living King is coming, maybe an invitation is in order.

"Life is much more fun and interesting in the neigbhors front yard than on our couch." Eric Bryant

Joy Williams - Hide

Seek Out The Hidden

Do you sometimes feel like you weren't cut out to do this mothering thing? Perhaps if we hid under the covers for a day or so we would feel revived, and ready to face the world. It's reassuring to know that despite our flaws and foibles we can ask our Heavenly Father to, "Give me joy in this loving act, and my weary heart will praise the Lord." Philemon 1:20

There are overwhelmed moms all around us. Some are possibly hiding in our very own neighborhood, and maybe we need to commit to be seekers.

While playing hide and seek as a child, I loved the hiding part, but I desperately wanted to be found. Then I could come out and join the rest of the group. I only wanted to be alone temporarily before someone missed me.

As we locate and discover the needs of the moms in our circle of influence we may someday have the privilege to tell them about the One who "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Let's be transparent and honest. We struggle, but our strength is found in a God who has compassion and a great deal of patience with us. He wouldn't allow us to stay hidden, and we have a future and a hope because of it.

The Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where he is there is freedom. But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him. 2 Corinthians 3:17&18

Kay Arthur Quote

"God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks, not because of the situation, but because of the One who directs and rules over it."

What Do You Think?

I want to encourage each of you wonderful moms to keep an eye out in the months ahead. Ask the Lord to make you more aware of moms in your neighborhood, at the park, waiting to pick up their kids at school, at the library, etc. He is at work around you and he wants you to join him.

Have you ever felt lonely during this season of life we're in? I know I have many times. Don't you feel uplifted when other moms reach out to you? You can do this for the women around you. God will align you with another mom, and will equip you to engage in conversation with her. Then wait to hear what his next step for you is.

A year ago I hung flyers up in my neighborhood to start a moms group. I had no clue who would contact me through Cafemom.com, but God knew. Today there are close to ten moms, including myself, who meet on a regular basis, with the kids and without. The support we give each other is priceless, as are the lives of each of these ladies.

If you are amazed at how God is using you in another moms life, or if you would like me to pray for you in this area of being more outward-focused, please let me know. I have so much more to learn, and I would be honored to pray with you. We're in this together.

Will you join with me in anticipating how God would have us be salt and light? When he gives us a God-sized task, he will provide for us each step of the way.

Many are the plans in a (wo)man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

No Comprehension

"Light is stronger than darkness-darkness cannot "comprehend" or "overcome" it."Anne Graham Lotz

comprehend- to understand the nature or meaning of; grasp with the mind; percieve.

overcome- to get the better of in a struggle; to gain the victory; win; conquer.

Aren't you thankful we know the One who will overcome evil for good?

In Times Like This

In the economic disarray we live in right now, we are surrounded by a silent panic of sorts, and worries beyond control. Many of us who know the Lord can relate to the concerns, but we can be thankful that we have a hope to adhere to. His desire is that we "cling to Him and never stop trusting Him." Hebrews 4:14b

These earthly things we sometimes grasp onto are so fleeting. If we cling to the cross, as if we were holding onto the leg of a parent with all our might, we will realize that our needs can only be met in relationship with him.

Apart from him we can't do a thing. He is sufficient where we are deficient. His love for us doesn't dwindle. His vigor won't wane, even if we feel we can't walk another step.

Can you share these truths with another today? In times like this, ears begin to open to the truth. Praise his name.

"Keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you." 1 Peter 4:19

His Banner Over Me Is Love

If you've ever attended a parade you know that each club or marching band is preceded by individuals proudly holding a sign. The banner has a place of importance, and gets others excited.

In this parade called life what declaration precedes you? What does the banner over you and me proclaim? If we know the Lord, he wants "to be a banner of salvation to all the world" Isaiah 13:10, and he wants to employ us to broadcast the message.

He is the emblem that goes before us to indicate who we represent. The God we know is full of compassion for the lost. And since each of us was lost and have been found, we can recall being pursued by him. The banner we carry may be the first indication our friends and family have of a hope beyond this life.

He is so worthy of our commitment. Let's rally together for the common purpose of glorifying his name.

But you have given us a banner to rally to; all who love truth will rally to it. Then you can deliver your beloved people. Psalm 40:4,5

God In My Schedule

If I hit every light on green as I drive through town I get a 'rush' of sorts. I'm moving along with no interruptions or distractions, and it makes my day quite pleasant. I especially like roundabouts, where I only have to glance in one direction before effortlessly curving my way through to the other side.

Wouldn't it be convenient if our spiritual life played out this way as well? As we mindlessly approach an intersection the light would switch to green, or perhaps an arrow would light up so we knew to change course. Our children quiet in the back seat, and our to do list getting shorter. The agenda we had for the day is moving right along, and we are proud of ourselves. 

But what happens when God wants to do a little road work, and asks us to slow down? He wants to determine the speed at which we live our life. That red light up ahead may be frustrating, but God wants to quiet our hearts so he can fellowship with us.

When life comes to a standstill, pay attention to the one who is wearing the orange vest, and holding the SLOW sign. If we speed right past, the needs of those in the vicinity become a blur. We may even need to turn our reversal horn on as we back up, and take a detour that the Lord would have us take. 

He places speed bumps in our schedule for a reason. There could be a discouraged or wounded person standing on the sidewalk who is waiting for us. More than that, they are longing for a touch from the Lord, and he wants to use us to administer it.

You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me when to stop and rest. Psalm 139:3

Role Call

How are you today? Are you present? When God called out your name for role this morning did you respond with an unwavering, "Here"? Or did it take great effort just to raise your weak and weary hand toward him?

There are days when I grasp at the very things that will only suck me further into the pit of self centered living. The Lord's strong hand is hovering over the edge. I can cling to my own abilities, or immerse myself in relationship with him. Love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and cling to him. For the Lord is your life. Deuteronomy 30:20a

In the process of extracting you and me from the pit, he will be revealed to a watching world. He can do anything that's on his heart through a woman who believes. 

Do you have confidence in the capabilities of God to use you for his glory? He created you and gifted you. The gifts he's given to you aren't for you. They are to be dispersed to others. 

Imagine if we arose in the morning with the goal of being gift distributors. That when he spoke our name during role call, we not only responded, but proceeded to move out from behind the desk toward those in need of his touch. Not forgetting to humbly bow out of the way, so that he alone becomes the glory receiver.

Valentine

Hope Now by Addison Road

During this holiday of hearts tinted in shades of pink and red, let's not forget the Lover of our Soul.

Doesn't our existence come down to the fact that God's love for us is brimming over? There is a freedom in knowing that we can use the words unconditional and love in the same sentence. Because of who we know, and how intimately he knows us, we have a hope and a future.

His love lets us loose to extend his truth to others. When you feel unlovely remember with confidence that, "the Lord has chosen you; to be his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6

Angela Thomas Quote

"Ask God to help you take action. So many times we miss the blessing because our hearts were prompted by the Holy Spirit, and we filed it away for another time."

Pour Liquid Truth

What we pour into our children splashes back onto us.

Lately the splatters coming my way have been painful. Some have even made a distinctive sizzling sound as they hit my skin. I'd prefer to quickly wipe them off and move along, but they demand my attention. More importantly they demand my repentance.

God has given me a multitude of reasons to rejoice, and yet there are days when I slump on the couch of negativity. My daughter catapults into my lap and I leave a stain of grumpiness on her. I sprinkle my day with complaints, and grumbling pours from her lips.

If I wallow anywhere, may it be in His presence. So much so that an indentation is produced, and then filled up, by my sloshing about in His truth.

I desperately need the Lord to filter my life so that the impurities can be removed. Then what my daughter sees, and therefore splashes, will be more of Him and less of me.

When our whole being is brimming with joy despite the circumstances of life, the "children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord." Zechariah 10:7b 

God Sends And Equips

"Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well."

Alexander Maclaren

Couture

As our faith in the Lord grows, he begins an alteration process in our life.

Do you remember standing on the kitchen stool as a child while the resident seamstress brought your hem up, or reshaped your waist line? She had the nerve to ask you to remain motionless while the former garment took a new shape.

Our amazing God has asked us to hop up onto the stool, so his handiwork can be evident in the lives of his daughters. If we wiggle or get distracted by an itch, our fitting won't go so well. When we stand still and abide in him he can refashion a worn and weary life.

The pattern he produces for us has one purpose, and one purpose only. To bring him glory.

If someone were to tuck in the tag at our neckline they would get a glimpse of his signature. Our Creator, our God.

What Will I Leave Behind?

Legacy by Nicole Nordeman

Christ has placed me on this planet to leave a legacy and message of hope. The Lord's life saving truth isn't meant to be held close, but to be extended. He wants our lives to become an offering.

Have your children ever picked bouquets in the garden and presented them to you with a huge grin on their face? Even if the flower stems are broken, or the petals are wilted you accept with fervor.

How much more, in his mercy, does the Lord desire to take our unkempt and fragmented lives and use them for his glory. What kind of imprint are you leaving behind?

You show that you are a letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3

Make Me More Far Sited

When the view in the foreground of my life becomes consuming, I miss what blends into the background of my day. I become very near sited. Making me and my busyness the focal point can get quite monotonous. 

Gods depth of focus is filled with nuances of the people he loves. If I ask him he will put a twist in my schedule that will shift my perspective outward. As I place his lens over my eyes he encourages me to zoom in so I can better pinpoint the needs of people around me. When he prompts me to engage in the life of another, I need to do what he asks. Then I can watch in amazement, not because of anything I've done, but as a result of his grace for the lost.

The Lord replied: "Look, and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe." Habakkuk 1:5

Find Your Spot

"Every Christian has been positioned by God to be Christ's ambassador to the people she sees every day." -Ron Hutchcraft

ambassador-an empowered messenger

Momversation Over Coffee

The eight ladies around the coffee shop table weren't familiar with each other a year ago. When they first met for coffee they held their cups close in uncertainty. Nine months later the coffee cups sit, almost forgotten on the table, as the conversation flows. Maybe they never imagined that they would connect with moms in their neighborhood, and yet a God they may not even know caused an intersection of their lives right when they needed it most.

They've gotten together with the kids, but this time of uninterrupted interaction is so uplifting. They realize that they aren't alone in the often overwhelming world of motherhood. They laugh together now as they recount stressful experiences with their children. They encourage one another with confidence. 

Conversation about the kids is prevalent, but they don't forget to ask the imperative question, "How are you doing?" Not forgetting that the role of mother is one of many they fulfill, they prompt each other to endure, despite their exhaustion. Being together accentuates the poignant and often humbling attributes of being a mom. Recipients of support, they return home as better moms and wives. They 'get' each other, and this energizes them for what's ahead.

Do you believe God can use you in a scenario like this? I am convinced he can, because this is the process he's begun in my life. I want to be a willing participant in the next paragraph of the conversation.

When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God. Ephesians 3:14

Entourage

Count Me In by Leeland

When I rise in the morning who or what do I follow after? I've learned that what this world has to offer is emptiness compared with the God who loves me. He chose me before I made my entrance onto the planet. His compassion for me is beyond what my mind can comprehend. I want to be found often in His company, because that is where I find delight. His inclusion of me in the transformation of another human's life is exhilarating. Isn't the job of an entourage to make the one they follow look good? As I follow the right leader, my prayer is that others will lay down this life, and chase after the God who is worthy.

Not Withholding What I Need

He doesn't abstain from giving comfort when my eyes are puffy from crying. He doesn't refuse to be my friend when I pout in a corner. He doesn't suppress his guidance when I pull out my own map. He won't hold back his love from me when I seek another's applause. He won't deny that I have sinned, but his voluminous grace covers me with an abundance that I can't even fathom.

Keep A Look Out

"No matter how alone you are, there is always someone, somewhere, waiting to meet you. Just look and you will find them!"

Quote by Yoshitomo Nara in The Lonesome Puppy

Intentionality

I am experiencing a desire to reach out to non believing moms that I've never had before. It's a little strange and exciting all at the same time. Early in 2007 I would have to admit I had a real lack of concern or interest in the lives of other moms that I saw on a regular basis. But I realize now that it wasn't a mistake that I kept seeing the same mom at my local park, or sat next to the same mom at story time every week. 

God began to set off an explosive realization that he is at work in the lives of women around me. I began to have a desire, even a longing, to be a part of his pursuit of moms. Now let me reiterate that this is a God-sized desire, because I feel exhausted just keeping up with my close friends and family. He was going to have to give me the energy, and wherewithal to meet and build relationship with moms that I had previously walked right past.

I'm learning to leave enough margin in my day to slow down and pay attention. It doesn't take much to strike up a conversation with another mom. I can sympathize with chasing a toddler, dodging a soggy cracker, or trying to calm a seemingly possessed three year old in the middle of story time. When I identify with the stressed mom next to me it opens up a wonderful connection. I can then invite her to meet at the park again, or go out to lunch after time at the library. As I get to know her story I learn how to better pray for her. The Lord will help me be aware of when I need to say a word, or when to keep quiet. I want to be fully available, and intent on his plans for this mom that he is in hot pursuit of.

Each of you are a daughter of the King, and because of him you are more than qualified to make a connection with the moms around you. I hope to encourage and invigorate you. The Lord has not only gifted and called us, but he has equipped us to make an eternal impact.

For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege, where we now stand , and we confidently and joyfully look forward to becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.  

Romans 5:2

Don't Refrain From Connecting

A restraining order was issued. Regardless if he misunderstood or not, he was guilty. As soon as she sat in the witness stand, the tension in the room mounted. Seven years and three kids later, what had gotten them to this point? To the point where twelve strangers were deciding the legal action in the next step of their divorce process. 

After seeing a map of their neighborhood, as People's Exhibit B, I wondered if any Christians lived in the vicinity of their home? It may be a strange 'What if', but I think the question is a vital one. What if a child of God who lived next door from this couple had done more than wave before the garage door closed? What if another young mom had connected with this woman in the witness stand, and just listened to her? What if a young dad in the neighborhood had invited the defendant over to watch football? We can't rewind the events of this particular situation, but God may want you to bring his light into the scenario of a broken life. This broken life so precious to the Lord, whom also happens to be your neighbor.

He heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

No Assemblyline Required

"You aren't an accident. You weren't mass-produced. You aren't an assemblyline product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman. In a system that ranks the value of a human by the figures of his salary or the shape of her legs, let me tell you something: Jesus' plan is a reason for joy!"

Quote from The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

Remembering

Peace is seeing a sunrise or sunset and knowing whom to thank.

I was reading through an old book of quotes that I used to write in and came across the above statement. It's reassuring to know that even when I am a less than perfect parent, my Heavenly Father is a professional at what he does. The same hands that paint the rising and setting of the sun pat me on the back in encouragement, and draw me close with love. His hands calm mine when they get too busy, and give me the strength to let go of the things that don't belong to me in the first place.

Barrier Breakdown

I've been learning a lot lately about the barriers to sharing our faith with others. When I am scared I can always find a convincing reason to isolate myself and my faith from the world out there. This is the exact opposite of what God has called me to do. 

I want my love for the Lord to be so prevalent that it spills over into my conversations with others. I talk about my husband, my daughter, and my interests easily. But I don't want to leave out my Saviour and my God. He is more than worthy of raising in the context of discussion (relevant). He is applicable to the point at issue (pertinent). I want him to quicken my heart for his most precious possessions, that being the people he has placed around me. When I do show a love beyond myself, then He is the one in full view, and that is a sight to behold.

Let me live that I may praise you. Psalm 119:175a

Elisabeth Elliot Quote

"We can't do everything, but can we do anything more valuable that invest ourselves in another?"

Display Of His Wonder

Rush Of Fools-Wonder Of The World

The love of God in our lives is a marvel. When I call him a wonder I announce my admiration, and stand in amazement and awe. 
I want to give Him special prominence, and not hide what he's done in my life. My salvation and my song become a work of art put on public display.

He has bestowed favor on my life as a token of His love. This doesn't mean life will always be easy, but I have a hope when the going gets tough.



I want to be like a child with a secret that can't be kept. As long as these lips can form words I will speak of his unconditional love. "I'm about to burst with song: I can't keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can't thank you enough." Psalm 30:12

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Quote

"God does not stand by at a distance, demanding our obedience. He blesses us by allowing us to be a part of accomplishing His purposes. He calls us to follow, empowers us to serve, and then blesses our obedience."

Quote from Seeking Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Truth On A Pillow

Remember with me the adorable ring bearer in a wedding. He looks proper, and somewhat uncertain. He leaves his shoe prints on the petals left by the flower girl. He's nervous yet excited as he anticipates his approach. His role is so important as the bearer of the ring, still nestled in a little white pillow.

Let's replace the ring with God's truth and hope. Let's realize that our hands hold the pillow.

We have the privilege of being truth and hope bearers to the moms around us. We can be the harbinger of God's love and healing power. When he gives us a nudge into the life of another, let's seek to transfer the message on the pillow into their very hearts. 

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace with God and bring glad tidings of great things. Romans 10:15b

Spiritual Spectacle

Are you sometimes exhausted by, or possibly fed up with the drama in people's lives? It's as though a gate was left open and lions skulk right through. I watch, aghast and horrified as they rip through the lives of people around me and take them away to devour them. My hand flutters at my brow in concern, while secretly I am hoping that someone else will take the responsibility to help them. Someone else with more time, wisdom and the actual desire to be of service.

Is this a clear picture of how I view people in my circle of influence? With a lack of concern, care, interest, or energy? In other words, do I view them with indifference? Sitting in my judgement seat I watch the sad drama unfold, and do nothing. The evil one with all his lies makes introductions to a hopeless life, and thinking they have no other option, they concur.

Do you remember who helped you meet Jesus? Maybe they stuck with you when you were stubborn or rude. When they didn't know the answer to a spiritual question you had, they admitted it, and then found out. I am so thankful that my mom lovingly guided me into the arms of Jesus. It's been an exciting journey. But I would've never taken the first step without her.

Let's ask the Lord to help us get past our spiritual inertia and take steps toward the people he wants us to impact. You and I may very well have the privilege of ushering them into an intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father. Then all drama will break loose in heaven as a sinner is saved. We will have had a vital part in a spectacle of a spiritual sort. God's work in our life will bring transformation. Only he can exchange the indifference we carry with his compassion. I can't think of a better result than a lost lamb coming home.

But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love. Acts 20:24

Get A Whiff Of This

Think with me of the smells that encompass our life each day. They can make us shudder or put a grin on our face. I remember the smell of my mom's laundry detergent, and it makes me think of home. Now on the other hand, the scent of the dairy nearby makes me gag. I smile when I sniff my daughter's blueberry shampoo, but other scents in the world of motherhood aren't so pleasant.

How does Christ make us smell? My hope is that his presence in our life gives off an agreeable and distinctive odor. As our world intersects with unbelieving moms let's hope the scent we leave behind will make them do an about face. May our life emanate what Christ has done for us, and make others smile as they get a whiff of the love he has for them.

Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation-an aroma redolent of life. 2 Corinthians 2:15

God's Reflection Exposed

Shine by Salvador

Bear with me in this post okay? While reading a book by Max Lucado today I was reminded that the moon generates no light on it's own. But it beams when it's properly positioned. The moon reflects the sun, just as we reflect the Son.

Rewinding to our younger days I'm sure you remember mooning of another kind. As shocking as it was it left an impression, right? I want to leave an impression worth remembering. An impression that has God written all over it.

Reserved Seat

Quote from Joni Eareckson Tada:

"What an encouragement to realize that God has reserved you and me for a special task in His great work. In His hands we're not only useful, but priceless."

reserved (adjective)-kept or set apart for some particular use or purpose, kept by special arrangement for some person.

task (noun)-a definite piece of work assigned to a person.

useful (adjective)-having a beneficial use.

priceless (adjective)-having a value beyond all price, of inestimable worth, invaluable.

Stork Sighting

A stork landed in my neighborhood today. He was slightly flat, made out of wood, and wearing blue. My mind rewound to four years ago when I had a relative of that stork (wearing pink) in my very own yard.

When we brought our sweet baby home I felt terrified. Where were the professionals? I certainly wasn't one of them. Who would wrap my baby like a sardine to help her sleep better?

In the days ahead I felt every range of emotion. At times I loved holding her and smelling her newness. Other times I felt like the life I had before was stifled. Some days I felt designed to be a mom, and other days I felt immobilized by my lack of knowledge.

Many new moms begin to pull away and isolate themselves. This is the stage of life when we need each other the most. Times to connect and commiserate are vital.

So many mornings the Lord's new mercies were all that got me out of bed. I pleaded with Him to "Give me joy in this loving act, and my weary heart will praise the Lord." Philemon 1:20

Do we not have a great gift to pass on to these precious new moms? A gift that is even more fulfilling than the stork's delivery? What might happen if we decide to extend support and compassion to these women? The Lord in us makes the possibilities endless.

Perhaps our pursuit of them during this vulnerable time would give them a curiosity of where our strength comes from. The effect we have could leave a lingering taste for more.

If you see a stork in your neighborhood leave a card, take cookies and introduce yourself to the exhausted mom inside. Extend encouragement, and get to know her story. There may come a time when you can introduce her to the one who made her, and who is madly in love with her.

Life Vine

Nothing Without You by Bebo Norman

"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. John 15:5

Do you believe Him? Without Him we can do nothing. He means that.
He wants to reveal himself through us to a watching world, but we cannot skip the relationship with him. He gets first place.

When I seek to know him more I actually get excited to obey; to witness his awesome power, to get a glimpse of his imagination, and to grasp his unconditional love for people.

On the Brink of Expansion

Quote from Lisa Bevere:

"I had set up little boundaries and parameters around my life to keep things nice, safe, and orderly, and God was getting ready to expand my borders on every front-by enlarging my heart and life. None of us were created to maintain what we have, we were made for expansion. Daughter of the Most High, God wants to enlarge the life of each and every one of us. He wants to push us out over the brink of what we can control on our own abilities and strength and position us to realize the lives He has for us outside our neat and tidy packages. He wants us to reach beyond and extend our roots, even when it complicates our lives."

Held High

While visiting San Francisco today I experienced the vast differences in the approach of 'Street Evangelists'. On one corner a man was gesticulating and yelling about hell and sinners. On the other corner a man quietly yet intentionally held a sign that read Jesus Loves You. The man who was yelling stood on a box as if to draw even more attention to himself and his message. The other man held a bright yellow sign high above the mass of humanity rushing past. When we came back after dark the man on the box was gone, but the man with the sign still stood his ground. I couldn't help but admire his determination to spread the good news in a quiet yet bold way. His gentle stance made a loud declaration.

As we influence moms around us may we hold our Jesus higher, because He's what our salvation is all about. We don't have to be abrasive, brash and stand on a box to get attention. When we seek to become more like Christ his love moves and "compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all." (2 Corinthians 5:14) There is a difference in our day to day life because of Jesus. Far from perfect, we are a work in progress in the hand's of a loving Father. When they see a difference, they will wonder, and we will have such life changing news to share.

Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell her, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. (1 Peter 3:15)

Son of God

How does He love us? Let us count the ways.

Dweller of my heart.
dweller (verb)-to live or stay as a permanent resident.
Father's gift to us.
gift (noun)-something bestowed or acquired without its being earned.
Our freedom's in your blood.
freedom (noun)-state of being free rather than in confinement.
forgiven (verb)-to grant pardon for an offense, or debt.
Strength beyond compare.
strength (noun)-the power to resist attack.
Redeemer of my soul.
redeemer (noun)-one who redeems, Jesus Christ.

How has He saved, redeemed and freed me?
He wants to do the very same for them.
Do they know this?

Lyrics above from the song Son of God by Starfield

Life In Progress

Starting a new year makes me excited. It makes me wonder where and in who's life God may want to use me. The time at which our lives intersect with another moms is no mistake. We may feel like we are stepping into a regularly scheduled life already in progress, but the Lord can affirm our presence there.

Whether I see my impact in another's life as large or small, I want a willing heart to be used by the Lord. My awareness of how God is working around me needs to be refined. He is so amazing, and I am thrilled to be a part of his plan.

"I will show the holiness of my great name. Then they will know that I  am the Lord, when I show myself through you before their eyes." Ezekiel 36:23 (Message)