Signs

One of my favorite experiences is when you sense God calling you to do something ... and as you begin to take the baby steps of obedience toward that calling, He sends you little signs of confirmation that you are doing the right thing.

For example, when you sense that you need to spend more time reading and studying the Word, so you do... a few minutes here or there when you can find the time... and a particular scripture jumps off the page and into your heart. Then, you are at church or Bible Study or in a conversation or (gasp!) on Facebook- and low and behold there is the exact.same.scripture. that spoke to you only days before!

I have had this happen to me more times than I can count. And maybe I read into things too much or am too desperate for a signal of approval, but I've always been a believer that sending us a "sign" is just another way that God can speak. It's not coincidence or chance or the universe aligning.

So when you believe that God is prompting you to do something you feel so deeply inside of you and aren't actually "qualified" to do, but you say yes to Him anyway...
And you begin to take teeny, tiny baby steps in that direction...
And then He sends you "sign" upon "sign" upon "sign" that you are headed down the right path...
What do you do?
Allow the fear and discouraging voices in your head dictate your next move?
Or trust that the God who made you knows exactly how He wants to knit together your unique gifts and experiences?

I am praying for wisdom as I search for the next step to take. I'm riddled with fear and eaten up with insecurity and self-doubt, but I will do my best to be obedient to His calling.

I don't know what God has laid on your heart, but listen carefully to what He might be whispering to you. Don't ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It just might lead to your greatest calling and the awakening of your soul.

"This is what the Lord says:

Stand at the crossroads and look;

    ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

    and you will find rest for your souls."

Jeremiah 6:16

Healing Words

I came across this blog post the other day by one of my favorite writers/authors, Shauna Niequist. Read it if you have time-- it's worth it, I promise.

It got me thinking about motherhood and "using our words". I began to recall the instances that someone has taken the time to say, "You are a good mom, April" or "I love how you ____"or "I'm so proud of the parent you've become".

Last year I received a Facebook message from an adult from my childhood. Someone who I admired then and have the upmost respect for now. Her words were along these lines, "It is a joy to watch you parent...I'm praying for you... and cheering you on..."

As I read them, tears streamed down my face and I was shocked at how much I didn't even know that I needed to hear them. I inhaled them like clean, fresh, life-giving air to someone who was drowning. I had prayed earlier that day that the Lord would send some encouragement my way, as I was in a particularly challenging season of life. And as always, He was faithful to hear my cry.

So here's my point:

Maybe you are like me and motherhood, as glorious and wonderful as it is, has humbled you beyond anything you could have imagined. Maybe you are like me and motherhood has made you question your abilities and worth (and sanity!) more times than you would like to admit. Let's make a deal, ok? Let's use our words carefully, wisely, and intentionally. Let's encourage and build each other up. Let's not be afraid to give a meaningful, sincere, life-giving compliment to someone-- no strings attached.

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24

Old Passage, New Version

Most of us are probably familiar with the Proverbs 31 woman (found in Proverbs 31:10-31). Although she sets the bar high for us women, I can always find something in this passage to inspire me to be a better wife or mother. I've been doing a good deal of self-reflecting these days (since I haven't had the energy to do much else) and I have found some definite areas I need to work on. The good news is that we have a perfect example of a woman who "does it all" ... with beauty and grace... and without losing her mind! Hopefully, these verses will inspire and encourage you as well.

I LOVE The Message translation of this passage. It helped me read it in a new, fresh way and made it very relevant for today.

Also, take note of the verse that says, "She senses the worth of her work...". Sometimes as a stay-at-home-mom I question the "worth of my work" when others are out doing things that can seem much more important or productive. This verse served as a good reminder that there is worth in devoting this chapter of my life to raising my child (soon to be children). Even though helping Carter with his ABC puzzle for the one millionth time might seem trivial, there is worth to be found there. The same goes for meal planning, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. It has value- and I've found that if you approach it with this attitude, the attitude of a servant, then the tasks become far more meaningful.

A good woman is hard to find,

and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,

and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously

all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,

and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places

and brings back exotic surprises.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast

for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,

then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,

rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work,

is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

diligent in homemaking.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,

reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,

and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected

when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,

brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,

and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,

and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,

and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;

her husband joins in with words of praise:

"Many women have done wonderful things,

but you've outclassed them all!"

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

The woman to be admired and praised

is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Give her everything she deserves!

Festoon her life with praises!

"Continue To Do Good"

Our lazy summer days have been filled with trips to the library, farmer's market, and the pool, play dates with friends, long walks in the evening, and lots of new recipes. It is easy to slack off on things that matter- things like scripture reading and Bible study. I'm continuing in my study of Esther (slowly, but surely) and am loving every minute of it! I'm also trying to let God use other parts of scripture to speak into my life ... and this passage has some powerful applications to my life at this moment:

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."

I Peter 4:7-11

verse 19: "So, then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

Every single verse of this passage has meaning for me, but I'll refrain from giving my commentary in hopes that the Holy Spirit will speak to you individually.

I will say that I especially love verse 19 because it is a direct challenge for me. "Continue to do good" when you suffer... when you are persecuted... when you feel abandoned... when God's will doesn't make sense...

Commit to our Creator who is faithful and keep doing good.

Esther, Idol, and Other Randomness

I recently started Beth Moore's Bible Study on Esther. I've never really done a Bible Study by myself, but I'm really enjoying it! I had somehow forgotten nearly everything I'd learned in Sunday School, church, etc. about Esther ... so it is like discovering a whole new story... and let me tell you, it is fascinating. I just finished week one and everytime I dive in I want to keep reading and reading... but I have to pace myself to make sure I'm really digesting all there is to learn. Check it out if you haven't already! I'll post some of my favorite quotes/thoughts shortly.

Next, you may or may not know that I am a HUGE American Idol fan. I am slightly embarrassed about how many Idol concerts I've actually paid money to attend. But it's my guilty pleasure... and you know you have one too... so don't judge. That said, this season is pathetic. Really pathetic. So pathetic that I usually fast forward through most of the episodes. However, last night Lee won my vote... probably because he reminded me of this guy:And anybody who does that is a winner in my book. Way to go, Lee.

Put me back on my feet...

*The blog, like most things in my life, is a work in progress... still working to get it just right.*

Psalm 86

{The Message version}

"Bend an ear, God; answer me. I'm one miserable wretch!

Keep me safe- haven't I lived a good life?

Help your servant- I'm depending on you!

You're my God; have mercy on me.

I count on you from morning to night.

Give your servant a happy life;

I put myself in your hands!

You're well-known as good and forgiving, bighearted to all who ask for help.

Pay attention, God, to my prayer;

bend down and listen to my cry for help.

Every time I'm in trouble I call on you, confident that you'll answer.

There's no one quite like you among the gods, O Lord,

and nothing to compare with your works...

God, you're the one, there's no one but you!

Train me, God, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path.

Put me together, one heart and mind; then undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;

I've never kept secret what you're up to.

You've always been great toward me- what love!...

But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love

and you never, never quit.

So look me in the eye and show kindness,

give your servant the strength to go on,

save your dear, dear child!

Make a show of how much you love me

so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed,

as you, God,

gently and powerfully put me back on my feet. "

I hope this scripture ministers to you, as it has to us.

Stay tuned for pics from my sister's Bridal Shower....

I attended a parenting seminar a few weeks ago {By Dave Thomas from Daystar Counseling} and there is one Bible verse he shared that keeps ringing in my head.

Maybe it's because it is SO relevant for my life right now.

Maybe it is relevant for you too.

" We also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character;

and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint..."

Romans 5:3-5

He shared this in the context of parenting by saying that as parents, who doesn't want a child with character? I mean, isn't that one of the main things we are working toward? Well, what produces character? Perseverance. And how do you display perseverance? Through suffering. That's a tough pill to swallow when I look at my own life, but even harder to accept when thinking about my son's life. Thankfully, we are promised that character produces hope ..... and hope does not disappoint. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to believe in something that does not disappoint!

So wherever you are on this journey... rejoice! God is making something good out of your suffering.

What's In A Name?

I was reading in 2 Corinthians a few months ago when I came across this passage. I'm not a theologian by any means, but I'm pretty sure that Paul is pleading with the church in Corinth to open their hearts to the gospel... to truth. Open Wide Your Hearts. These words literally jumped off the page when I read them, so I quickly scribbled them down on a piece of paper and stuffed it in my Bible. I knew I would want to use them later. Fast forward a few months to when I was trying to think of a name for this blog... and I came across a little piece of paper with the perfect name: Open Wide Your Hearts.

Why do we close our hearts ? Fear. Insecurity. Pride. Selfishness.

The list could go on...

God is calling us to open our hearts to Him.

Not just a crack. Open them WIDE.

Let love in.