Our God is Big Enough

"I don't have it in me Lord!"

"I'm not patient enough."

"I don't have the money for______."

"How are we going to______?"

"Will my children ever become mature?"

Do you ever question God with the "how to's" of life? 

It seems to come naturally for us as fallen creatures on this realm of the enemy. Oh, God is still here and God is moving mightily but we are on a battleground and we must not forget it. Our time here is for a purpose. You and I are not here to reach the American Dream or to tickle our every fancy. We are here for heavenly, eternal purposes and you and I are precious to God! He doesn't give us a mission and then leave us to fend for ourselves. He is here!

The demands of our lives are overwhelming and the unknowns are far reaching but the loving provider and Daddy tells us to bring what we have. Bring the "five barley loaves and two small fish". We say, "what are they among so many" needs? What are they God? Really. It's all I have to offer. 

He lovingly commands the multitude of needy ones to sit and rest and Jesus takes our measly offering, our dry bread, our leftovers, our weakness, our pain, our lack and He multiplies it and meets every need. He uses whatever we have and meets every need to the fullest and overflowing. 

As we offer what we have in simple obedience, He takes and uses and gives us back one hundredfold. 

What are your questions for God?

What are you lacking and you think are not enough to offer to God?

Oh, it's enough because our God is big enough to take everything and make it beautiful and fulfilling and wonderful. He meets every need; yours, mine, our children and our husbands.  

We need to surrender our "fishes and loaves" in simple obedience and we will see our great God do mighty miracles!  

Conversing much too loud for  bed time and silliness that would usually bring me to irritation I walked up the stairs. As I reached mid level I saw through our sky light a beautiful, almost three fourth's moon showing forth the glory of the sun. It was almost breathtaking.

 I completed the stair climb to the top and opened the boys bedroom door. In the dark, they hear an excited whisper, "Jadon, come here. Be real quiet. Elijah, come here. Be real quiet." When normally they would hear a warning or rebuke, they knew I had something up my sleeve. "What is it Mommy?", Jadon asks with anticipation. 

"Come look."

We stand near the banister and gaze up, past the ceiling ( I think  they thought I was going to show them a spider), we look into the heavenlies. 

"Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yea Mom. It is," they say with boyish thrill. 

We discuss the shape and marvel for just a few moments before I usher them back to bed.

"I love you Jadon."

"I love you Mom."

"I love you Elijah."

"I love You."

Silence. No more silliness. No more boyish laughter over potty jokes or whatever boys giggle about when they are over tired. No rebukes or warning needed. Just a simple reminder of things greater than ourselves, beauty of creation and beauty of our Creator. I even got an emphasized "I love you" from each of them. 

It was worth the few extra moments. It was worth sharing a moment of beauty instead of a sharp rebuke. 

Now, if only I can remember that tomorrow night when I hear those giggles and conversations past bedtime.  

Moments Divine

Whispers in the dark and cuddling, I finish talking of food likes and dislikes with my second born son and snuggle close to my first born son.

"If you could eat any food you want what would it be?

Any food. Even the kinds you aren't allowed to eat? What would you pick?". (He is limited due to a severe acid problem.)

Pouty faced he says, "I don't want to think about that. It will only make me mad". 

"Yeah but any food Jadon? Even foods that aren't on your list that you can eat? If you could eat anything....."

He pauses and struggles to answer. He likes to eat anything and almost everything. Of course, mushy grapes and bananas are off his list but he loves to eat! Still struggling to answer, with a smurk he says it might take him a few days. 

Laughter and smiles and caresses of the head. Only God could give me words in this quiet moment. 

"Jadon, there is going to be a day that we will sit at the Lord's table, in His kingdom and you will be able to eat chocolate and all the wonderful things God created for us to enjoy. Your stomach won't bother you there anymore. You'll have a new body! We will all sit around the table with our Heavenly Father and celebrate with food. Oh, it's gonna be wonderful!"

Hope. 

Expectation. 

I went on to explain that our time on earth is as a grain of sand on the seashore. It's hard when things don't go our way but how short this time on earth and how wonderful our eternity in heaven is going to be. 

We have hope! 

As I prayed blessings over my sweet Jadon he caressed by hair and face and loved on me. I felt loved. I can tell he felt loved. It was a moment divine. 

As I ponder that moment with Jadon I realize the presence of God when we invite Him. I feel His Spirit minister to my heart as I ministered to my son. Hope! What cares we face today are nothing in comparison to the glory which shall be revealed in that day! What trials we face He will use for good! Oh, how good and sweet is our Heavenly Daddy! 

Quiet moments with Him. Quiet moments with our children. Quiet moments with our spouse. 

We must continually refocus. 

We have an exceedingly great expectation and our hope will come to pass! 

The party date is set in the Father's calendar book. The feast will be prepared and mamas we don't have to cook ;)! Oh, what a joyous celebration awaits us! In the mean time, let us hold fast to Jesus our Peace in the midst of the storms. Let us fix our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our Faith! Let us see our Hope!

To Everything There Is a Season

Tears. Lots of tears. "Bothering" noses, "hurting" heads, weary bodies. Sickness has taken us down like a domino effect. One, then two. Three, then four and now five. Five of us emotional, ready for sunny days, dancing through glimmering lights and water fights and less germs. I'm ready for less germs.

It's only been a few months since we started going to a new church and just as I was beginning to get to know people I'm swept by illness....again! Frustration and irritation creeps in like an unwanted guest. I long for fellowship, Lord knows I love it and need it. The Lord knows my soul longs to be in "my groove" of life and.....he whispers to me. He whispers a reminder "To everything there is a season. (Ecc. 3:1). I'm here. I'm carrying you. Be creative. Reach out for fellowship and take delight in your blessings. It will not be like this forever. It won't be long before that sweet, precious hand will reach elsewhere for comfort. You are her hands of comfort as you wipe her nose, cuddle her and graciously endure her emotional roller coaster. You are her picture of Me. I know you don't feel good. I AM your strength. Rest in Me. I AM your joy. Delight in Me. I AM enough."

Oh, how these days of illness, the days of stomach problems and palpitations and severe allergies are wearying me. I'm so glad I'm not alone in this life. I'm so thankful for my Daddy asking me to dance the dance of life with Him. I'm so thankful He gives me joy and fun and smiles and singing in the midst of the mundane. I'm so thankful He sings songs over me and loves me even when I am unlovable. Oh, my heart is overwhelmed with His love.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.."

He's going to use the difficulties of this life. He's making intercession on my behalf, on your behalf according to the will of God. And He (the God who created man and woman, stars and light with His very own breath) will work out ALL things for GOOD to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:27-28). Dear Friend, do you love God? He has you here for such a time as this. Are you pursuing Him? He has great plans for you! Do love Him! Do pursue Him! Do seek Him! If you are seeking Him, you will find Him and when you are no matter what you face in this realm of the enemy you will not be overcome. Not illness, not family pain, nothing will separate you from His amazing love and amazing plan for your life.

Jesus speaks to His disciples, "In Me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Sweet friends, we have the God-Who-Overcame and is overcoming living inside of us! Hallelujah! We have much to be full of joy! Now, let's go dance the dance of life in the midst of runny noses, accidents, spills, emotions and pain. Let's go pursue Jesus because He is the Hope that never fails! Let's go!

Sobering

I'm breathing in their smells, enjoying their giggles and smiles, feeling their soft skin and extending cuddling time. 

When you walk through a difficult journey with friends who are struggling it can't but change your life. 

Here is the website for little Phoebe. She is a sweet two year old battling AT/RT cancer. Her parents and I served together in Youth With A Mission many years ago. She is the youngest of four children. Please keep her in prayer as her little body struggles through extreme chemo therapy. Please keep her three older brothers in prayer and her mom and dad, Amey and Nathan Fair. They are missionaries and are currently relocating for the  best care of their daughter.

And for your own sake, enjoy your children, no matter what season of life they are in, enjoy them. Love on your children, affirm them, uplift their hearts and spirits with your love, affection, words and touch. Choose today to love your children and to show them God's love in abundance.

(If you do not know how to show God's love to your children I encourage you to ask Him to show you His love. As you learn of His love for you it will overflow to your children. If you would like prayer, please feel free to send us a message. We would LOVE to pray with you!)

I Can't Do It!!

I can't do this!
I can't tend to everyone's needs, keep the dishes and laundry clean, teach all the lessons, do everything that a perfect mom would do!!! 

I can't do it! 

This reality is really difficult to come to but I think it's really, really good. 

It's good because it brings me to a choice. 

Will I depend on God to do what He has called me or will I strive in my flesh? 

Will I draw from Him or will I dry up trying with all my might to be something I will never be. 

God reminded me today how simple it really is. 

Strength comes from Him. 

It comes from waiting and resting in the (mentally and sometimes physical) quiet place with God.

Every day we need to draw into Him, wait on Him and rest in Him.

When we are overwhelmed with too many needs to meet and too many demands of the day we know that our God is never weary and He never faints. He gives strength and power to those who have no might and those who are weak. (Is. 40)

When we feel like we don't understand our child or husband or anything in life we know that our God has unsearchable understanding. He is the giver of wisdom. He will reveal secrets to our hearts to give us understanding. 

Oh, what relief to hear, "You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to do everything. You are human. I am God. I love you and I will uphold you. I will show you how to meet the needs of your family. I will show you how to bring them to me. I will strengthen you to do all that I ask of you. You don't need to carry a burden. My burden is light. Take mine. I have already taken yours. I love you. I cherish you. I have called you. Mothering is a blessing. It is not a curse. I will show you the way. Walk in Me. Rest in Me and see that I will do great and mighty things. Trust Me enough to let go of your control and put your husband, your children, your home, your life into my hands. I love you and I always have the best for you. I love you. Your free...." 

We don't have to be everything to everybody. 

We can't do it all. 

Jesus can.

We only need to do as He calls us and when He calls us to do something He will uphold us to do it. 

Rest in Him, wait on Him, walk in Him.

I Caught Myself Whining

Stop it. 

Would you please stop hitting!

Wa, Wa Wah.....

I caught myself whining just like my children. 

What an ugly encounter that was. 

I thoroughly dislike whining. It's like the dripping faucet, the annoying ring, anything that grinds the nerves. I'm sure my husband and children don't enjoy me speaking to them in a whiny tone either. 

Remember Proverbs 19:13 says, "the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping." I think it pertains to a mother too. 

God is giving me grace. He's giving us grace. 

He's reminding us to correct, rebuke, speak words of life, remind our children that they are heroes and heroines created for a mighty purpose but we have to choose not to whine at our children especially if we don't want them whining at us or each other. 

Today, as we march through life weary from lack of rest and sleep, unnecessarily burdened by that which is beyond our control, living with and loving sinners; let's love Jesus more. Let's seek Him more and let's be sensitive to the Spirit's prompting when our voices become as dripping water. 

Let our voices, our tone, our faces be as honey, sweet to the souls around us (Proverbs 16:24).