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

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

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

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

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.

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)

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)

Invitation To Knock

As I hang up the phone I wonder what a morning in the life of a play date at my house will look like. I immediately see the layer of dust on my piano, and scurry to clean the cobweb in the corner. Why do I unnecessarily stress whenever I have friends over? I especially stress when it's moms I don't know very well. My tendency is to make everything tidy and neat in hopes that they won't see my stained carpet or broken blinds. When I do this I become frantic, and much less effective in meeting their needs. I can always find an excuse not to have someone over. Our apartment was too small, our current house is too cold (due to not turning the heater up and trying to save $$). I need to loosen up, throw on a heavier sweater, and welcome them in. When they knock and I open the door, an opportunity to impact their life is produced. What does it matter that we can't finish a discussion without being interrupted, or drink enough coffee in the time alloted? Friendship is being fostered, and we realize we aren't alone in this stage of motherhood. 

I need to remember how the Lord answered my knock, and made himself at home in my heart. I'm so thankful he's visited for longer than a coffee break. He is here to stay, for a meal of many courses, and through each season of my life. Let's begin praying that our friends hear the constant knock of the Savior.

Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling her and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with her and she with me. Rev.3:20 (LB)

He Is Worth Proclaiming

When I had my daughter I felt like the whole world was going to discover that I was not cut out to be a mom. I was amazed at how this tiny person could throw my emotions into turmoil. During our first days at home, I felt very alone and isolated. If it wasn't for the Lord's new mercies every day I'm not sure how I would've gotten up in the morning. If we as Christian moms feel totally overwhelmed, how do you think the non believing moms around us are coping?

Each of us can sympathize with clothes that smell like baby vomit, heavy eyelids from lack of sleep, or a forced grin when our child throws a fit in public. Don't we all desire to eat bon bons on the couch rather than clean play dough off of it? These similarities may seem like a curious launching pad for evangelism, but it could have more impact than we ever thought possible.

Whether we realize it or not, we are surrounded by moms who long to connect with us. These ladies live down the street from you, visit the same story time as you, wait in the parking lot at preschool with you, and frequent the same park as you. I realize that our lives are full, but let's pay attention to how God wants to use us in this stage of motherhood.

"I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, for I am overwhelmed by how much you have done for me." -Psalm 71:15

God's Placement is Spot On

After almost three years of living in my neighborhood, I began a mom's group. I put flyers up on our community mailboxes and waited to see what kind of response I got. I stepped out in faith trusting that the Lord was at work in my circle of influence. He had placed me, a mother of a young child, in a neighborhood full of moms at the same stage, and this was not a mistake. Our God is a providential God, "and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men (and women) would seek him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:26&27, NIV).

To be a part of God's pursuit of these women was humbling and exciting. The intent of the group was to connect moms who live down the street from each other, not necessarily to start a bible study. Eight to ten of us now meet for a regular play date, moms only coffee night, and dessert potluck that involves the whole family. It is amazing to think that a year ago I did not even know these women, and now I see them as friends.

As I get to know their stories, I hope that my walk with the Lord can have eternal impact. Only he can envelop them with compassion, and rouse them from their weariness. He wants them to realize how in love he is with them, that he desires more than anything to be in relationship with them.

May God use us, as moms who know Jesus, to be salt and light to the women right next door. These precious ladies whom God so loves are within blocks of where we live, and we are called to go. The urgency of our obedience to him is vital. We must refuse to live this life unto ourselves, and realize that his most prized possession is the people he has placed around us. "Look around you! Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are ready now for reaping" (John 4:35b, LB). When we choose obedience, moms in our neighborhood will be blessed.