Send Me

Freedom is found not in the task,

But in the grace of the one who asks.

To obey is a reward -a gift from above,

An outward act of our inward love.

To follow is easy when preceded by grace,

A simple yes is merely a trace.

An action though visible is evidence of more,

The struggle, the conversation, and faith to endure.

The relationship of one who holds the world,

An act of obedience to the one who is Lord.

Surrender is found in humility and rest,

Giving up and giving God your best.

Not by action, word, or deed,

In quiet surrender while on your knees.

To listen in quiet-to read His word,

Then around the world -His voice will be heard.

Mothers

Needless to say it has been a struggle to get this post written. If you have ever tried to write anything, you  get it. You play the topic and its ideas over and over in your head a million times until it actually gets on paper. Therefore, getting it out of your head and into some type of concrete format is like finally catching up on laundry ( a miracle) or the dishes ( is it even possible?). So, I am extremely excited to be sitting here chatting about mothers. Here we go...

The normal talk of Mother's Day usually focuses on all of the tasks that we mothers are able to handle. We are told how valuable we are and how blessed our families are to have us. Which we know that if we were to disappear they would come find us, who else knows where their socks, clothes, backpacks, food, and all other items are?? My kids can't think of anything they need until I walk through the door and usually I have only been gone ten minutes! But, I am greeted like it has been a month! Seriously, being a mother is hard. I don't even need to give examples. Anyone, mother or not, will agree. It can be absolutely painful at times in the situations that come our way.

But, oh the joy! I agree it isn't found in super stardom or having your name broadcast in lights. It isn't even found in being the perfect mother. Thankfully. There is great joy in doing what you were created to do. I love teaching my kids about Jesus, showing his love, and praying with them. I can see God's hand when my son says he loves me, when my daughter loves a neighbor, or when my baby smiles. It can literally stop time. God made women to love and nurture. To show Christ's love in tangible ways. Joy is found in giving one's self away! Moms do that everyday.

However, motherhood touches us at our core. I am beginning to think God intended this. He has used it to break me free and draw me to my knees, to draw me closer to him and at times wonder where in the world he has gone. Our journeys might look differently, but there is a common thread. As we seek to love our families, God has a journey for us. It is in that sacrifice and triumph that he shapes and molds our hearts. He changes us, stretches us, and takes us places we never imagined we would go. Sometimes they are exciting, and sometimes a little scary. The promise that he makes is that he will never leave us or forsake us. I can appreciate that.

At my journey's end I hope I don't look anything like I did when I began this leg of the voyage. Physically I know that is true!! Spiritually I am continuing to follow where he leads, be sensitive to his prompting, and learn to love wholeheartidly. I am clinging to the promise God made to me as a newly engaged;young woman who didn't feel that she sparkled at all..you will be a diamond when I am finished. He has done some breaking, polishing, and restoring and there is much more work to be done. I am thankful he sees me and guides my path.

Happy Mother's Day! Motherhood is a path worth taking! Enjoy the journey. He makes ALL things beautiful in His time.

A Burdened Heart

I saw this title in a magazine, "An Unburdened Heart", I get where the author was going with their article on forgiveness and how our heart should be free from sin. But, I couldn't help but think about it in a different way. My mind immediately went to the burdens we carry for others. Their hurts, their pain, their suffering. Are we burdened or unburdened?

A basic definition of burden is : that which is carried, a load; that which is born of difficulty or obligation.  In today's society we try to steer clear of that which is burdensome. You hear things like, "I hate to be a burden" or "That's a heavy burden to bear." We opt for the easy, the light load, or the happiest of feelings. We run from burdens. Jesus ran to them. He sought them out. He favored the lowly and was so moved by compassion he carried our burdens to the cross.

In response to him carrying our burdens, we are obligated to carry the burdens of others even in the midst of carrying our own. Perhaps, this is the single most gift we are given as Christians. When we only focus on our own problems somehow they seem bigger. But, in the midst of reaching out our trials seem smaller or more distant. They don't go away and we still have to face them. But, often in our trials we have a choice to allow them to take us out or refocus our eyes on others. Some of my biggest burdens have later become my biggest passions.

Carrying someone's burden isn't ever about fixing it, it is simply being obedient to what God asks of you. You play a small part in a big plan. Small isn't something we do well with. We want bigger, better, all or nothing. As God has lead us on a journey of mission work in Africa, my heart has been burdened for many things. However, I  have to listen and trust God to show me where my efforts should be focused and what the best plan of action is and then follow through. My burden turns into action, but only by his leading. However, I have no doubt, he wants me to do something.

Where and what have you been burdened by? Where have you turned away because it was just too much? I challenge you to take a small step. You might feel like it won't make a difference. Trust me, it will. Love in any form is never small. Be burdened and see where God leads.