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