Tag Archives: Faith

Walking With Purpose

Posted in All Posts, Family, Kids, Life, Motherhood by

As anyone who’s read this blog before knows, I am a Christian.  I’m not preachy or ”in your face,” because, quite frankly, I find that annoying, not to mention counter-productive.  I prefer to live my life in accordance with what I believe and love my neighbor as myself.  I don’t keep my religion a secret but I’m not going to beat anyone over the head with it, either.

But (you knew there was a “but” coming, didn’t you?) sometimes, something comes along that feels like it was just for me.  A sermon or a Bible verse that speaks to me about what I’m going through at that exact moment.  Giving me an answer before I even knew how to word the question.  This post is about one of those times.  I hesitated sharing it because I know some people don’t want to hear it.  Then I realized I was being dumb.  What if I have a reader who needs to hear it, too? 

A few months ago, Dawn, a friend of mine, sent me a note on Facebook.  It was what I needed at exactly the right time.  I asked her if I could share it on my blog and she agreed.  I wrote an introduction and a response.  I didn’t feel good about it, so I didn’t publish it. 

I was looking through some drafts, wondering what to post, and came across this.  I needed to read it again.  I know why it was wrong a few months ago.  I was trying to add something to it when it wasn’t at all necessary.  It was perfect, as is.  Dawn had already  said it all and said it better.  I hope you find it as encouraging as I do.

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Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose.”

This is a verse we all have memorized or at the very least have heard quoted many times. People use it as comfort for others who are going through difficult times and to some who have been through many trials, it can almost become a cliche’. Through tears and forced smiles we internally roll our eyes and wonder “where is the good in THIS situation, GOD? Where is the goodness for ME?”

This is when we need to closely examine the verse and look at those last few words. “who are called according to HIS purpose.”

It’s been 9 years since my husband got his degree and joined the military. He has his “career.” I worked hard to help him get through that. We’ve been through trials of our own: a transition into the “military lifestyle” that is more different than most people realize, the birth of conjoined twins, life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and then their death 6 months later, the adoption of two children with special needs from foreign countries, the diagnosis of our oldest biological son with Asperger’s Syndrome are all just part of our story. Through it all, I knew that God had something “good” for me but when the dust cleared and everything settled down, still I struggled. I struggled with who I was. I was a 30 something “stay at home mom” with no degree and (in my mind) no value beyond wiping noses, finding lost shoes and cleaning up messes! I needed God’s wisdom for the quiet time in my life just as much as I did when I was going through those hard times! This is when new light was shed on this verse. There’s so much value in the first part “God works all things together for good” but who is that for? “To those who love God.” OK I love God. CHECK! but I started thinking: Am I “called according to HIS purpose?” What *is* my purpose?

As I prayed and sought an answer from God, I began to realize that God’s purpose for this season of my life is to be intentional with my children; to raise them in these few years that they are mine to find God’s purpose for THEM! Not only is that “OK” for me right now, it’s PRECIOUS and VALUABLE! In a society where so many children are cast aside, I have a greater calling.

I want to challenge you today. What is God’s purpose for you? Have you found it? Are you walking in it? If so, have peace! Because HE will work all things together for your good!


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Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Are

Posted in All Posts, Family, Life by

My husband and I try to teach our kids what matters in life–God, family, friends, love, and compassion.  The intangibles.  Like all parents, we fight the incoming tide of materialism, and often lose.  They fight over video games, beg for more toys, and refuse to share.  My 19-month-old even snatches things up, clutches them to her tiny chest, and emphatically declares in her sweet little voice, “Mine!”  It’s cute, but also demoralizing.  How can we compete with human nature?

We all like our stuff.  Giant HD televisions, golf clubs, books, pianos, video games, cake decorating equipment, computers, handbags, shoes, Barbie dolls, movies, blankies, Legos…the list is endless.  But it’s not important.  We constantly have to remind them and ourselves that if we lost it all, we’d still be blessed with our family, our church, and friends. 

We are a Christian family. Like all Christians, we have a standard litany for times of trouble. 

  • “Our trust is in the Lord.” 
  • “God will provide.” 
  • “The Lord will take care of us.” 
  • “No matter what happens, the Lord will use it to his glory.” 
  • We’ll pray for you. 

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/

    "Consider the lilies of the field..."Matthew 6:28

They roll so easily off the tongue, I sometimes wonder if people really believe what they’re saying, or if they’re just following the script.  I’ve seen people who say these things spend all their time fretting and obsessing over the worst case scenarios instead of doing what they can and trusting God to take care of the rest.  And I wondered, do I really believe that God will take care of me?  Do I trust Him as much as I claim?  I’m positive my husband believes it, but do I?

Then, a police officer told me my house was completely engulfed.  “Oh, my God.”  A plea and a prayer.  Then, a stunned silence, broken only to comfort the children.  My husband and I followed the police car for the 10 minute drive, and we discussed it.  I don’t remember much of what was said, other than my husband’s statement, “Well, it’s an opportunity to put our money where our mouths are.”  When he said that, I thought about what I was really feeling–shock and concern for the children and our landlord. What I didn’t feel was fear, hopelessness, or despair.  I knew we were going to be okay.  I was at peace.  A peace that surpasses all understanding.

I do believe that God will take care of us.  If I didn’t believe it before, I have no choice but to believe it now.  We have gotten so much help from the church, the community, family, friends, and complete strangers.  I actually have to turn away clothes, toys, and furniture now. 

We have a fully furnished house to live in and more Barbies and bathing suits, Legos and notebooks, video games, and clothes than before.  We have money to help us buy the groceries, the cleaning supplies, the garbage cans, vacuüm cleaner, and all the other stuff you don’t think about unless you have to start over.  Look around your house at the things you use every day and write it down.  Hair brush, fingernail clippers, screwdriver for those pesky miniscule screws in kids’ toys, band-aids, tape, a can opener.  We have none of that.  It is going to be one heck of a trip to the Wal-Mart**.  A trip that wouldn’t be possible without the donations. 

**If you hate the Wal-Mart as much as I’ve grown to, you will reconsider that if you find yourself looking for a one-stop shop to buy a vacuüm cleaner, hair dryer, dishes, socks and underwear, books, tools, and a dozen eggs.

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We are blessed.  Abundantly blessed.

Next time, I’ll share the amazing things that people have done for us, from the state of Georgia all the way to The Netherlands.  Yeah, The Netherlands.  I can’t wait to give them a little tiny bit of the credit they deserve. 

Right now, I want to thank all you blogging buddies for your thoughts and prayers.  I am overwhelmed by the number of comments on Friday. It meant a lot to read all those comments.  I felt all warm and fuzzy.  (((Hugs))) and I love you guys!