So, if you've read this blog for awhile, you know the first thing I do is make coffee every morning. It's the best part of my day. That first sip just rejuvenates me and fills me with joy. The next thing I do is give my dogs water. As I was filling their bowls today, I looked up and there was a picture of my mom hugging my sons. And for a moment, I was back in time when my mom was ordering me around, buying my kids everything they wanted, and feeling secure because she took care of everything.
I'm not sure why I even thought about all of that. It was a second and memories came flooding back to me. I'm one of the lucky ones. I had two parents that were together until death, loved their children and provided avenues for us all to be successful. They gave my kids more patience, love and devotion than any child could hope for and they taught me that sacrifice was worth it. They weren't the most spiritual people and often, I wondered if either one of them knew God. At the same time, they never told us we couldn't go to church, join a church camp, or find God. They were all for it. They were the best.
Memories have a way of creeping up on us when we least expect it. I didn't intend to look at that photograph today and go back in time. I didn't really think about it at all but there I was laughing and sharing everything with my mom. Today, I wish I could share that her grandson is 6'7" tall and that he could have carried her anywhere she wanted to go. And that her eldest grandchild is making a way for himself in spite of many challenges. They were her life and I hope that someday I can tell her all about the driving lessons, Austin's first date and the many times we laughed and reminisced about how wonderful they both were. For me, I miss the shopping expeditions because she loved to shop and I'm such a guy that I went into JCPenney's yesterday and bought both of them clothes for the summer in 20 minutes. Most of you won't be able to relate but for those of us that hate spending money, that's the way we do it. At least it gets done! She was the shopper, the baker, the counselor and the heart of this family. I've taken her place and I have to tell you, they are big shoes to fill. My goal now is to steer women, not just in the arts of being productive women but in being great champions for Jesus Christ.
Of course, I would love women to nurture, cook, and be great helpmates. That's all part of our roles. However, as we go out into the world, we really need to be praying and ministering to the women of the world. Looking back, our memories should not just be of our families, they should be about investing in Jesus and through Him, helping women to know Him more. We need to carry the light unto the world and be present so that we can be used. As I look back, my parents gave me security, stability and a place to run when life got tough. They're gone now, so where do I run? I run into the arms of Jesus. Probably more now than ever. He is my comforter, my counselor and my light. He provides purpose in every step and gives me the fortitude to move forward. Every step of my day has an element of Jesus, from my first sip of coffee, to writing this blog. He is present in my life and without Him, I would be lost.
We are made for a great purpose. My mom would always tell me that but of course, I never believed her. I know now, that through Jesus Christ, I do have a great purpose. I am to worship Him by reading my Bible, investing in women through prayer, and writing this blog. Funny, but this has become such a vital part of my every day life. I started to write it because I thought I could reach more women all over the world and instead its become my own Bible study every morning. I look back at my words and ask myself, "Did you really write that?" The words flow through me like a river running down hill. I know the Holy Spirit is at work because how does one person have so much to say? Today is my 135 blog. It's unbelievable to realize how much I have learned in a 135 days and my hope is that it's blessing you too.
I realize that not everyone reading this blog understands the power of unconditional love. I also realize that not every person understands what it means to have a father that loves them. I'm asking all of you to open your hearts to a Father that lasts long after we are gone. A Father that holds us in the quiet when no one knows what we are thinking or feeling. You can go to Him with everything and He will never think you're stupid, weak, or unworthy. He died for you so that you could have eternal life. Every memory I have since the day I confessed has had Jesus in it. And when I realized much of what I loved was lost, He filled me with His presence. See, I haven't really lost anything because this life will end but through Jesus Christ I have eternity.
Be a person that gives their life to the one that understands. He has known you since the womb and continues to invest in you, even when you aren't investing in Him. Delight in the Lord and everything else won't matter as much. He is the reason for every season. Let's celebrate His life, His death and His resurrection. Unite with me today and praise Him for all the wonderful memories you have and ask Him into your heart today. The greatest gift I ever received was being able to walk with Jesus. Walk with us today and gain purpose, understanding and power through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is totally worth it!
And by all means, go make beautiful memories with your families and friends today. Invest in someone, you will gain as much as they will. Be kind to your fellow man and always remember that Jesus is just a phone call away. Blessings to all!
Isaiah 32:17 NKJV:
The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
Luke 22:42-43 NKJV:
Saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
John 12:27-28 NKJV:
"Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."
Let's glorify Him today by taking up the cross! You might be thinking that Jesus has enough workers but the truth is, there aren't enough to feed the nations. If you're being called, heed it and realize that this life was never meant for your glory, it's meant for His!
My prayer today:
I am humbled by You today Lord. I worship You more and more. With prayer and petition, I come before You today a changed woman. There isn't a candle that has burned greater in my life than You. You have provided for me here on earth and in heaven and I am so grateful for Your love. Bring women unto You from every nation with a need to spread Your word. Give us courage to carry Your cross and to light the paths for many. At the end of this life, I hope the memories we have created are not just are own but that our bank is full of memories made for You. Help us to invest in people and to be good stewards of the talents You have given to all of us. Give us strength in the darkness and lead us by still waters. Encourage us to speak out for You and to be Yours, not just in this moment but for all time. We want to glorify You in all things. Provide the tools to be Your workers and guide us along our individual paths. You are the spring in our step and the joy that propels us forward. Your children need You Lord. Teach us to walk with You and to be obedient to the word. You are the way, the truth, the light. Light up the world and bring women, men and children from every nation into Your Holy temple! Be with us today as we go out into this crazy world and remind us that every thought must be of You. In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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