For A Time Such As This

This week I felt I was in constant motion, going here and there, yet could not get it all done, and at moments, I felt overwhelmed. Mr P, who is going to school, working, and trying to be a very involved husband and dad, also had his overwhelmed moments this week. Twice we went to our date spot on our deck to talk. The first night we both shared how overwhelmed we felt and how we just couldn't get it all done. We both talked about projects that we had hoped to complete this year, and decided some would have to wait. My dear sweet husband also felt as if he was ready to throw in the towel on this school bit, and we're only a few weeks into it. We decided to pray on it, and meanwhile stick to the plan.

The next day I went to my bible study meeting, having not completed all of my studies, I felt discouraged and wondered if it would be best if I dropped out this year, to catch up more at home. A dear friend soothed my type A personality of having to have every question and scripture read, assuring me I would still get allot out of my small group time. One of the questions that I did not get to, was about what is God calling you to do right now and are you listening. I pondered this question. What is God calling me to do right now? Am I listening? Initially I thought God is not calling me for any thing right now. I am not a missionary, minister, or in any leadership roles in my church or community.

I decided my listening skills could really use some improvement, as I was missing the messages God had for me, along with the blessings that will surely follow if I am obedient. Right now I am a wife and a mom. God is calling me to my home to those who need my love and "ministering" the most. My children and my husband need to see the love and servant hood of Jesus through me in our home.

Suddenly my long "to do" list of household management took on a whole new light. The long days when my husband can not come home until late, due to classes did not feel so overwhelming. I felt empowered! God has given me a call for a time such as this. I can do this, with God's help. As long as I keep God in the center of my life He can move this huge mountain, so I am going to happily start digging! I started with a mountain of laundry!

Later that evening, my husband came home from his class. He happily reported he'd received a B on his first exam! He looked relieved and proud. We sat out in our date spot and talked. He really talked. He shared all of his challenges at work. He seemed excited and eager to solve these issues. I listened. He smiled and was more relaxed than I have seen him in two weeks.

Today a friend shared that the activities you enjoy and are involved in day to day reflect your core values. My loving service to my family reflects the love I have received from God and that is a wonderful calling.

Dear God,

I confess that my attitude earlier this week was not one You would have for me. In my discouragement I was missing Your call and Your blessings. I am thankful for the ways You speak to me through Your Word and other sisters in Christ You have placed in my life. May I continue to seek Your Will for my life so I can recieve peace in knowing I am in Your hands.

In Jesus Name, Amen.


Matthew 17:20 "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Esther 4:14b "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Living a Legacy

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." II Timothy 1:5

My grandmother is an amazing woman of faith, who has richly blessed my life with the priceless treasures she has shown day by day, as she has Christ in her life. Some of these treasures she has passed directly to me as I grew up visiting her; yet many have been passed from her, to my mom, to me, and now to my children.

She and my Grandpa lived their lives in a way that showed God comes first. There was no need to stand on mountains to shout it out- you could see God and feel the love in their home. My mom grew up in a home where reading the Bible was a daily occurrence and she has these scriptures planted in her heart. They prepared her to rely on God first in the many trials life would bring on. These truths she passed on to my brother and I, so that we too would be prepared.

My grandma exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman as she rose early daily to feed her family, work side by side with her husband on the farm, and all of her five children call her blessed. She worked hard, yet I never have heard her complain about it. She has fond memories of hard times and knew how to be content in every circumstance.

Her gentle quiet ways I am sure were soothing to my Grandpa and her marriage was second only to God. She brought honor to him and still brings honor to his memory as he is rejoicing in heaven. She always took care of his needs first before her own, always looking to his interests. I watch my mom do this with my dad and I am still learning and striving for this in my marriage.

She has raised five children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. I think we all are exceptionally, great people, of course I am biased! My mom remembers anything she and her siblings were involved in growing up my grandma would try her best to be there. Even though they lived hundreds of miles away my grand parents were at several dance recitals and my high school and college graduations.

Something I remember so very fondly are the meals in her home. She opened the door to all! My cousin said, as a child, that the whole church would come over for Sunday dinner. It really did turn out to be a huge crowd. Lots of good southern cooking and the best sweet tea you've ever tasted. The best part was I'd even get dessert regardless of how clean my plate was! She'd make a big fuss over all of the grand kids and let us eat pretty much what ever we wanted. She taught us that you do not have to put on heirs to entertain you just have to open your door and share what you have.

Today is my grandma's eighty eighth happy birthday! She is a rare treasure among women worth far more than rubies....

Thank you grandma for the gift of your life you have shared with me!

This video is for you!

Dear God,

I praise you for the life you have given my Grandma. She has blessed and continues to bless so many people. Through the legacy she and my Grandpa have left her life will continue to bless generations that follow. May I Lord, as she did, always look to You first, keeping my life in balance to better serve You. May today be a joyous celebration for her and all of our family!

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Philippians 4:12

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Ephesians 4:2

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. "

Philippians 2:4

"Each of you should look no only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"

1 Peter 4:9

"Offer hospitality to one another with out grumbling."

Proverbs 31:10-29

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life........

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family....

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.......

Her children arise and call her blessed!

A Day At The Fair

Today we went to the state fair and it was a wonderful family day!

I love watching my children line up together to get on and ride. Often my oldest will put his arm around his brother or sister guiding them on and helping them to their seats. Seeing them watch out for each other warms my heart.

My middle child and my youngest are extremely brave and love the thrilling rides as I did in my youth. Something has changed, because now I really enjoy the slower calmer rides.

I do not remember roller coasters or the big swings going so high or so fast as they do now. Perhaps I am more frightened since I know my boys are on the ride.

We also visited the animals! My daughter must have a inborn desire to be a farm girl as she is so excited by the animals. She ran from exhibit to exhibit talking to the animals as she went. She has no fear of thrusting her hands in to love on the them. Where she is extremely shy with people she has no inhibitions with animals.

We saw a one thousand pound pumpkin and wondered how many pies could one make with such a huge pumpkin?

The children played in big corn box (instead of sand).

We had a great day together! And we look forward to next year's State Fair!

After a long afternoon at the Fair this was sure to happen!