2.28.2014

You are not alone.

*a little humor for a not-so-humorous post.*



Some days are difficult. Like, really difficult.

Most days I'm excited about a third child.

On days like today, I'm completely and utterly terrified.

Driving home today after a rough morning of running errands, I saw a sign somehow through my tears that I had never seen before. 
I think it was an ad for the Army? Not sure. But here's what it said:

We don't take applications. 
Only commitment.

And good golly, that resonated quite soundly. 

You see, if I had to submit an application to be a mother, I would most certainly NOT get the job. By my own natural tendencies, I am a downright terrible mother. 

It's funny*, because I've dreamt of being a mom for my entire life. Somewhere in all that dreaminess, I just kind of assumed it would come naturally to me. Newsflash in case I've been fooling any of you: IT DOESN'T. 

*I chuckle only to keep myself from crying more tears--it's just so far from the truth. 

BUT. While my application would for sure be denied, one thing is even more certain: I am committed

First and foremost, I am committed to the Lord and allowing Him to change me. 

Second, I am committed to these children and becoming the very best mom that I can be to them. I realize this does not and will never mean perfection. But for me, the best that I can be entails surrendering my natural tendencies to the Lord and begging Him to change me and make me more like Him. 

I texted a friend when I got home (which is a rare thing for me when I need help) because I just felt so alone in this and needed to know if I was the only one who struggled. Guess what? I'm not. 

Sometimes it's easy to get tunnel vision and only see our own difficulties and along with that, it's so dang easy to believe the lie that noone else knows what we're going through.

I put all this out there as a simple message to others who may be feeling the same: 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 

If you're struggling as a new mom, experienced mom, young mom, older mom, mom of one, mom of twenty, working mom or stay at home mom, you are not alone. 

We were made to live in community, support each other, encourage each other, and spur one another on in our callings and commitments. Maybe many of you have already learned this. Maybe not. I just know I feel led to share. 

Be encouraged, fellow mamas. No matter where you are on your journey, the Lord wants to use you and teach you and make you more like Him. And do not forget that you are not alone. :)

2.24.2014

Jehovah Jirah



I just have to give the Lord the praise and glory He deserves.

A little backstory...

This year will be filled with all sorts of big expenses--some of which we were expecting, some of which we weren't. Some days I do better than others when it comes to surrounding my worries to Him and trusting His word when He says:

"So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." 
(Matthew 6:31-34)

These past few days, my mind has been filled with thoughts of how all of these upcoming expenses will be paid for. And God has been so patient with me, pointing out time after time where He has taken care of us in the past. 

Isn't that so silly? I see His constant provision in the past, yet I still sometimes question and doubt how He will take care of in the future! So silly. I know better. 

This morning, Chris received some amazing news from his employer. He's asked me to spare the details, but after my initial shock, my eyes welled with tears as I knew this was God speaking.

Jehovah Jirah. The Lord provides.  

I'm certain that this news will not cover everything coming at us this year, but to me, it is such a clear sign of God saying,

"I've got you guys under the shadow of my wing. Please trust me."

***********

Lord of Lords - Hillsong ft. Brooke Fraser


Beholding Your beauty
Is all that I long for
To worship You Jesus
Is my sole desire
For this very heart
You have shaped for Your pleasure
Purposed to lift Your Name higher

Here in surrender
In pure adoration
I enter Your courts
With an offering of praise
I am Your servant
Come to bring You glory
As is fit for the work of Your hands

Now unto the Lamb
Who sits on the throne
Be glory and honour and praise
All of creation resounds with the song
Worship and praise Him
The Lord of lords

Spirit now living
And dwelling within me
Keep my eyes fixed
Ever on Jesus' face
Let not the things of this world
Ever sway me
I'll run 'til I finish the race

Now unto the Lamb
Who sits on the throne
Be glory and honour and praise
All of eternity echoes the song
Worship and praise Him
The Lord of lords

Holy Lord
You are holy
Jesus Christ
Is the Lord

Now unto the Lamb
Who sits on the throne
Be glory and honour and praise
Call all the saints to join in the song
Worship and praise Him
The Lord of lords