Time...

by Debi Baker


Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Tomorrow is December 1st.  How is it already December?  When I was a little girl I couldn't wait to grow up.  My precious mama would always tell me, "Debi, don't wish your life away!"  She didn't understand; how could she?  She was a grown up.  I was tired of being a little girl.  I wanted to be the mommy.  I wanted to have a little girl of my own.  

Fast forward, I got married at 17.  Had my first baby at 20.  I was finally a grown up!  Oh, but Mama never told me that after the babies come is when time decides to start flying by!  It seems like just yesterday that my babies were living in my home with me.  The house was filled with baby laughter and toys!  

Fast forward again, one by one, each of my beautiful babies get married!  They have babies of their own.  Now I relive my babies through their babies.  Oh, but it doesn't stop there.  My grandbabies are now growing so fast.  My oldest granddaughter is in college.  My youngest is already almost 2.  And somewhere along the way, my folks became 'elderly.'  How does it happen!  

Yesterday, it seems as if we were celebrating the arrival of spring!  Now, it's almost Christmas!  They say 'the older you get, the faster time goes!'  Boy, isn't that the truth!  

Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 NIV

"¹  There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³     a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace."

The truth of the matter is...none of this should surprise us.  It's right there in the Word of God in black and white.  James 4:14 NLT tells us, "⁸ ...Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone."  

Sometimes I just sit in awe of how good God has been.  He blessed me with amazing parents, a wonderful husband, 4 fantastic kids who married great spouses and then, He gave me 12 grandchildren.  I am truly blessed by God.  I pray that I will one day have great-grandchildren.  But, I have to be careful to not wish away their lives!  I want each of my people to have their own chance to be who God intended for them to be.  And my days on this earth already have an expiration date.  I can't change that.  Only God knows when that date is, but I pray it's a long way off.  Oh, it's not because I don't want to see Him face-to-face!  I can't wait until that day.  But, I pray God will allow me to continue to enjoy my people...my family!

There's an old song sung by Mac Davis.  It's called "Stop and Smell the Roses."  A couple of lines in the song are, "You got to Stop and Smell the Roses, You've got to count your many blessings everyday."  Taking time to stop and enjoy creation and purposing to take it all in is a great way to remember how good we really have it.  It makes enjoying life that much easier.  Sit back sometime when your family is gathered together and just watch them.  Commit what you are seeing to memory.  There is nothing I love more than watching my people interacting with one another!  Especially after watching the fussing and fighting that went on when they were little.  To see them actually 'liking' each other thrills my heart!

Today, I challenge you to remember that time flies by but we don't have to fret about it.  I challenge you to 'stop and smell the roses.'  Enjoy each and every day of your life!

Finding Strength

By: Shari A. Miller

It is time for the Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments.

Use hashtag #w2wwordfilledwednesday

Three rules to this link up:
1. Must be a {Christian} faith post.
2. Link back to W2W somewhere in your post. (Feel free to use our button if you want!)
3. Visit and comment on at least one other blog in the link up.

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3 Ways to Grow Together Spiritually

By: Jenifer Metzger

You want to work on your marriage. You plan date nights. You hold hands in the car. You laugh together. You are beginning the light. No, things are not perfect, but you see improvement. But let me ask you a very important question. Have you worked on your spiritual growth as a couple?

We say we want God at the center of our marriage, but it takes more than just saying it. We have to work at it. God isn't going to step into the center of your marriage uninvited. He wants you to put Him there.

How can you and your husband grow together spiritually?

Pray together.

I know it seems like an obvious answer. But think about it, when is the last time you and your husband prayed together? I am talking about more than a meal time prayer here. When is the last time you grasped hands and prayed over your children, your finances, your health, your family, your church, your pastor, the need of a friend, or even just prayed telling God how much you love Him?

Before your husband leaves for work, ask him to pray with you. Pray together for your day and for safety as you go your separate ways. Before bed, pray together thanking God for the blessings of the day and pray for any needs there are. Your prayers might only be sixty seconds long and that is okay. Maybe your prayers are ten minutes long, that is okay. The point is to pray together.

Read together.

Bible reading is an important part of our Christian walk. It's how we learn the Father's heart. It's what we measure everything against. We must read our Bible.

Reading the Bible together as a couple creates a beautiful intimacy. Reading the Bible together lets you see how each other interprets and understands the Word. It gives for incredible discussions. And it helps us grow together. Try beginning with reading together once a week. Pick a night and read just one chapter then discuss it and pray over it.

Give together.

The Lord commands in His Word that we give ten percent of our income in tithe. We are to be obedient and give our tithe. Even give above as an offering. What an amazing act of faith and worship that you and your husband can do together!

Discuss tithing together. Pull your tithe money out together. Place it in the tithe envelope your church offers together. And joyfully give together. At my church, our offering plates are at altar. During praise and worship, we walk down to the altar and place our giving into the plate. This is a great time for a couple to walk together and give their tithe to the Lord together. Even if your church passes the plate, you can still give together.

Growing together spiritually is such a precious and intimate thing. It is something that will help your marriage to grow in all ways and it will positively affect all aspects of your marriage, family, and home. Commit to growing together spiritually.

And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him.

A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

A CHRIST centered countdown to CHRISTmas idea...

by Elizabeth Stewart

Thanksgiving is now past, and if we aren't careful, Christmas will be here before you know it with the CHRIST of CHRISTmas forgotten in the midst of all of the holiday hustle and bustle.  Some years ago I desired to find a simple way to make sure I was focused on Jesus, the reason for the season, during the busy month of December. I had an idea to countdown to Christmas using twenty five names of Jesus found in the Bible.  I made simple little tags with the name on one side and the scripture where that title is found on the other side. Starting on the first of December, each morning through Christmas day I would hang one of the tags on a branch I'd gathered from the yard, (eventually I bought a mini tree for that purpose). This simple ritual helped me to focus for a few moments that day on what that name reveals to us about Jesus.  This is a great advent activity to do with your whole family - I wish I'd thought of it before all my children where grown!  But, my grandchildren enjoy helping me when they are at our house.

Here are the 25 Names/Titles of Jesus I chose with the scripture reference. 

Jesus -Matthew 1:21
Savior-1 John 4:14
Son of God- Luke 1:32-35
Son of Man-Matthew 18:11
Redeemer-Job 19:25
King of Kings -1 Timothy 6:14-15
Lord of Lords-1 Timothy 6:14-15
Bread of Heaven-John 6:51
I Am-Exodus 3:14
Alpha and Omega-Revelation 1:8
The Word- John 1:1
The Way- John 14:6

The Truth- John14:6 

The Life- John 14:6
Lamb of God- John 1:29
The Door- John 10:7-10
Good Shepherd-John 10:11
The Deliverer-Romans 11:26
Friend-John 15:15
My Beloved-Song of Solomon 7:10
Bridegroom-Isaiah 62:5
Faithful Witness- Revelation 1:5-6
My Righteousness-1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom of God-1 Corinthians 1:30
Lion of Judah- Revelation 5:5

still following,

www.justfollowingjesus.com

God has Already Won

By:

Emily Miller

There is a lot of scary things in this world that is happening right now.

Everyone is always so quick to point fingers and blame everything else but what really lies at the heart of the issue.

Sin, Satan, and his demons are behind all the problems of this world. It may be such a simple, children's Sunday school type of a statement. Yet, with everybody blaming everybody else for the world's problems, I think it can be simple for us "adults" to miss or forget this.


Instead of listing to the blame being tossed around in the news, or becoming susceptible to the fear that the media wants you to buy into, remember this simple statement.

God has already won.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

He won the second His Son shed His blood for us on the cross.

There is no need to fear.

As believers, we will have troubles and trials in this world, but only for a fleeting moment. We have been sanctified by His grace and will be glorified by Him when the right moment comes.

So do not be afraid. Just have faith in the fact that God has already won!

Blessings-

Emily

Spirit of Gratitude

My hope this year is that we will continue with a spirit of gratitude throughout he rest of the year and for the rest of our lives.  We have the opportunity to make the choice and the sooner we realize and grasp this, we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us. We make the decision every time we complain about circumstances to continue wearing the gloomy glasses of viewing every single thing that occurs in our lives.  When we look for things to be grateful for we train our minds to be grateful every time we make the choice to be thankful.

My prayer is that we become intentional in our thought lives to be have as those who have been given so much because of the gift of God’s grace. May we reflect His love to those around us even today!

You Cannot Pour From An Empty Cup

By: Jenifer Metzger

Empty.

Have you felt it? You give and give and give of yourself day in and day out. Your husband is pulling on you for intimacy, your children are pulling on you for attention and care, your house is pulling on you, work is pulling, ministry is pulling, projects are pulling, friends are pulling. You suddenly feel like a worn out tug of war rope.

Everyone wants something from you but you feel empty, like there is nothing left to pour out. Sister, we've all felt it. You are not alone. You need to remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you keep giving and giving without filling your own cup, there will be nothing to give anyone.

You need to fill your cup up.

Your family needs you to fill your cup up. When we are empty, we are no good to anyone. Here are a few ways to fill your cup up.

Get sleep

Turn off the tv, power down the computer, put aside the project and go to bed. I know there is so much to do, but you my friend need sleep. If this means you have to put the kids to bed 30 minutes early, so be it. Truth is, they will benefit from the extra few minutes of sleep. We need sleep. God designed our bodies to need these hours of shut down every day.

Read

Reading is a great way to relax. Whether you are reading a devotional or a fiction story, reading helps you unwind. I always read for a few minutes before bed. It helps my mind and soul settle down and relax from a hard day. Who cares if it takes you months to finish a book, just pick a book and read.

Do something you love

What is something you love to do but just haven't had the time to do? Reading? Knitting? Puzzles? Gardening? Whatever it is, find it again. You loved it for a reason and maybe it's time to remember why. Even if you only do it for 30 minutes a week, do it.

Go for a walk

There is something so refreshing about walking. It gets that blood pumping and leaves us feeling so good. What is good about walking is the kids love it too. It can become a family affair! If possible, head out side and walk for 30 minutes in the morning or maybe after dinner. If whether doesn't permit, try the treadmill. You will feel so good!

Attend a Bible study

Meeting with like-minded sisters in Christ to study God's Word is an incredible experience. You find that you are not alone. You have an hour or so to simply talk to women who are going through or have been through what you are facing. You cry healing tears. You leave encouraged and refreshed. Find a women's Bible study and join. Can't find one, pray about starting one!

Spend time with Jesus

Jesus refills us in a way nothing else can. I know you are busy and the thought of adding 1 more thing to your list terrifies you. Something you must remember is that God is the Author of time. When you give Him time, you will find that you have more time to do the things you need to. Intentionally spend time with the Father each day and you will fill refreshed.

Whatever it is, whether something from this list or something else, do something to fill yourself up. You cannot keep giving and giving when there is nothing left to give. Fill your cup.

Remember and speak up...

by Elizabeth Stewart

What wonders has God done in your life?  

Let's brainstorm some possibilities that might trigger you to remember some of God's works/wonders in your life.

• The wonder of your salvation.  What is your salvation story?
• The wonder of God setting you free. Has God set you free from an area of bondage, addiction, fear, worry, depression?
• The wonder of a relationship that changed your life. How has God interwoven your life with the life of someone who impacted your life forever?
• The wonder of His protection.  Have you ever been in a situation where you know that God miraculously spared your life?
• The wonder of His provision. Do you have a story of God's provision for your needs?
• The wonder of His healing.  Has God healed your body, or your mind, will, and emotions?
• The wonder of His empowerment to endure difficulty?  Has God ever supernaturally enabled you to face and get through a difficult time of testing and trial?
• The wonder of His companionship.  How has God revealed Himself to you as a friend?

Why not take the time to sit down and journal some of the ways God has worked in your life?  

Do your family and friends know your wonder stories?

This week, those of us that live in the U.S.A., will gather with our family and friends and celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  One way we show our gratitude to God is to remember the things He has done in our life, His works and wonders that we have personally experienced, and to meditate on, or think about them .  Another way to show God our gratitude is to talk about His deeds with others. Do your spouse or your children and grandchildren, your siblings, cousins and friends, know your stories of God's work in your life.  Do they know how you came to know Christ?  Do they know of the ways He has miraculously intervened in your life?  Do they know the stories of His daily steadfastness, faithfulness and provision?  As you gather with your loved ones this week, why not give thanks to God by sharing one of your wonder stories?  Maybe you could challenge everyone around the table to do the same?  What a wonderful way to give thanks and to give God the glory and honor He deserves!

still following,

www.justfollowingjesus.com

Modesty

By:

Emily Miller

I am so very tired of the standards for women that have just become a "norm" for society, especially in the way we dress.

Women are believing that dressing how you want is "okay", so long as it makes you feel "sexy".

What they do not understand is that the act of dressing in a manner that can come across as provocative is just another norm that society has placed on us.

Women complain constantly about being sexually objectified when in reality I believe we can buy in too much to the lies we are being fed to the point that we start to become part of the problem.

Our bodies are supposed to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and as such we are supposed to be treating our bodies with respect.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

1 Corinthians 6:19

We are not our own, We are of God, and as such, we should dress in a manner that will be pleasing to God.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Don't listen when the world tells you that the way to success is to dress in an unwholesome fashion. Hold fast to your values, and God will show you His will that he has for your life.

 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

1 Timothy 2:9

Simple is better. Notice the key words Timothy uses in this passage, decency, and propriety. Decency in regards to this scripture means that you dress modestly. Propriety means that you are taking ownerofp for the ways in which you dress.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

God made us. We are His masterpiece. When you view your body in this way, why would you not want to dress your body in a way that will respect the work of God, as well as yourself for who you are as being an image of Christ?

Please take a moment today to really dwell on the meaning of these verses, and see how you can take at least one of these verses and apply them to your life when picking out your wardrobe chocies each day.

Blessings-

Emily

Seasons of Change

by Victoria Duerstock

Last week I shared how quickly I felt time was going and how I was amazed that my daughter had turned 20.  This week I'd like to offer some encouragement for those who find themselves in the middle of a difficult season because last week also marked for us a beginning of a new season just nine years ago.

Nine years ago we uprooted our family and moved to a new town in a new state with no family close by. This move culminated a few years of very difficult times for our family.  The Lord shut the door on a job in a city that we loved and had planted our roots deep from college on. Gradually only one door was opened to us and we walked through in obedience even though it was incredibly difficult and sad.

I look back now and smile. Much need growth occurred during that difficult season and while I would never wish a valley experience on anyone or myself for that matter, I can say that it was good. God meant each step for good, and while difficult He walked the hard path not only with me but my husband and my children as well.

But now, this is what the Lord says, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.'” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

I pray that whatever circumstance you find yourself in

• difficult marriage
• troubled children
• caring for aging parents
• financial desperation
• job loss

that you will know that with God as your Savior you can take the next step and find renewal as the Lord leads your steps.

Rest in His unchanging word and the promises you find therein.  God is good, and does good and works all things together for our good.

Light of Life

By: Shari A. Miller

It is time for the Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesday Link Up. We desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories in their comments.

Use hashtag #w2wwordfilledwednesday

Three rules to this link up:
1. Must be a {Christian} faith post.
2. Link back to W2W somewhere in your post. (Feel free to use our button if you want!)
3. Visit and comment on at least one other blog in the link up.

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Finding Your Lost Joy

By: Melissa Baker 

What is something that is very easy for you to lose? Your keys? Your phone? Your sanity? Yes, all of these are very easy to lose, but there is something even easier to lose if you are not careful. Your Joy. You can lose it with a text, email or phone call. One conversation. One situation. One downfall, and you can lose your joy.

When we as God's children are not filled with joy, it not only makes for a bad time, but it also makes God look bad. Grumpy and cranky christians are a very bad witness. If we are constantly going around angry, sad or just plain unpleasant, who in their right mind would want what we have? The Bible tells us that the christian life can be summed up in three words: goodness, peace and joy. Romans 14:17 says: "The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."  Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit! We should strive to have joy in our hearts, no matter what we are going through. The truth is, I struggle with having joy. Situations and circumstances often get me down and cause me lose my joy. But I have a feeling I am not alone. There are so many ways that people, yes even christians, can lose their joy. If you have ever gone through a time where you feel like you have lost your spark and you are not as close to God as you used to be, or maybe you are just going thru the motions of this life, you might have lost your joy. Wherever you are, just know that you can get it back. You can have the joy of the Lord present in your life again! So, how do we get our joy back? Well, first we have to admit we have lost it. We have to recognize that it is slowly fading or even completely gone. Examine your heart and see if maybe you are not as joyful as you once were. 

If you desire to have joy again, now is the time to make the change! Start asking God to restore your joy that you once had. "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:12. If you struggle with having joy, that should be your prayer. Focusing on God instead of your trials will automatically inspire joy. Sometimes, we get so caught up in everything that is going bad and it blurs our vision and changes our focus from God to our problems. We have to intentionally focus on God! Worship God and thank Him for everything He has done. The closer you get to God, the more joy and peace you will have in your heart, and in your life. 

This world needs more joy, so let's start with us! 

Have a great day!

A Pocketful of Seeds {Giveaway}

By: Jenifer Metzger

Each morning I wake my kids up to get our day going. As I walk into their bedrooms, I have an important choice to make. Will I reach into my pocket and pull out seeds of cranky, tired, or chaos to start our day? Or will I pull out seeds of love, joy, and peace to sprinkle around? I am a firm believer that the woman of the home sets the tone for the home. If we are cranky, our family will be cranky. If we are chaotic and running around like a mad woman, our family will be chaotic and run around like mad. However, if we are full of love and kindness, our family will be full of love and kindness.

When we wake our kids, what seeds will we pull out? When our husbands come home from work, what seeds will we pull out? When we go to the grocery store and encounter rude shoppers, what seeds will we pull out? When we go to work and sit next to that co-worker that grates on our last nerve, what seeds will we pull out? Every single day of our lives we walk around with full pockets. We have to choose what seeds we will spread.

In her brand new devotional, A Pocketful of Seeds, author Debbie Johnson encourages us to make a difference and spread love. Debbie gives us 365 days of ways that we can change the world. Some days she helps us with seeds of love for our home, some days she helps us spread seeds of love for our church or missionaries. And other days she helps us spread seeds of love for strangers. But every day she reminds us that we can make a difference in our homes and even the world.

Each devotion is short, something you can read as you brush your teeth in the morning, sit in the pick up line at your child's school, or even while you cook dinner. With the new year fast approaching, what better time to start planting good seeds and making a difference! Pick up your copy of A Pocketful of Seeds HERE.

To enter to win A Pocketful of Seeds, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I received this product in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. Links on this page may be affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using the affiliate links.

Thanks be to God!

by Elizabeth Stewart

It's eleven days until Thanksgiving Day!  In last week's post I wrote about developing a lifestyle of gratitude and thanksgiving instead of just focusing on giving thanks only one day of the year.  I mentioned how keeping a daily gratitude journal has been life changing for me in that area.

But, what about those times when you're really struggling to give thanks, when you're going through a time of testing or trial in your circumstances or in a relationship?  It's at those times that you have to choose to have an attitude of gratitude.  Then go on a treasure hunt, (of sorts!)  Begin to search for the little things to give thanks for, in spite of your area of struggle. For example, "Thank you, God, for that wonderful first cup of hot coffee this morning!" "Thanks God, for the beautiful autumn colors on the tree in our front yard."  Next, look for something you see God doing in the middle of your difficult situation or something to thank God for in that person you're currently struggling with.  "Thank you, God that we had enough money to pay our rent this month, in spite of our current financial struggles." "Thank you, God, that my husband is such a hard worker and tries his best to provide for us."  Above all, think of what you can thank God for about Who He is and what He has done for you. "Thank you, God, for Your great love for me!"  "Thank you, God, for sending Your Son to die for me."  "Thank you, God for your mercy and your grace."

Yes, we've all faced times when the last thing we feel like doing is giving thanks.  But, the truth is, focusing on the things we do have to give thanks for actually helps us to endure the hard times. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.  Sometimes, we just need to look a little harder to see it.

still following,

www.justfollowingjesus.com

Studying the Bible

By:

Emily Miller

One of the most difficult thing I have struggled with for the past several years with my Christian faith is spending time in the Word.

Satan knows that it is very easy to keep us distracted.

The things that may keep us distracted may not even seem like distractions, as they are good things in themselves.

Yet, instead of waking up each morning with your to-do list screaming at you, take a step back and breathe. Refocus, and pull out your Bible to spend some quality time with the One who should take priority overall.

In some ways, I believe we should all make an extra effort to be students of the Word. We need to study it, meditate on it and glean lessons from it that we can apply to our daily lives and walks with God.

While I have yet to find one solid, concrete way that works for me in terms of Bible study, here are a few different methods that I am trying.

1. Bible Journaling

Now, when I first heard about this, I was skeptical. I saw all these beautiful, artistic drawings that others had done in their bible and thought, there is no way I could ever be that artistic. The truth of the matter is, though, bible journaling is about WORSHIP. It does not matter if you draw like Picasso, or draw stick figures. All that matters is through this, you are meditating on the scriptures. I have found that Bible's such as the Inspire Bible by Tyndale publishers is great for journaling as it comes with scripture drawings that you can color. Coloring in scriptures can be seen as a relaxing activity, especially after a stressful day. It can also be seen as an act of worship too, as you meditate on the word through coloring.

2. Scripture writing

This is an element of bible study that I am new to. What it entails is copying down the scriptures you study in a journal. The act of copying down scripture is in some ways very similar to Bible Journaling. It gives you a chance to meditate on the meaning of the scriptures you study, while also giving you a chance to ponder how they may apply to your life and walk with God.

3. The Bible App
The Bible app through youversion is one of the best ways to take the Word of God on the go! Let's face it, no matter how "regular" you may be in your morning devotional time, we all have that morning once in a while when we find ourselves rushing out the door and barely making it to work on time. The Bible app is available on most mobile devices, and it also includes plans that you can start that take no more than 10 munites tops to get through each day. Ultimately, it can be a resourceful tool to still get time in with God if you happen to be feeling the time crunch on certain days.

What about you? List some of the ways you enjoy your Bible study, or have found ways to make spending time with God more of a priority, below!

Blessings-

Emily

Enjoy the Time!

by Victoria Duerstock

Eccesiastes3:2-8

² a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
³ a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
⁴ a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
⁵ a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
⁷ a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
⁸ a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

This week marked the second decade of my daughter’s life. She was born twenty years ago this week, and I have been a mother for twenty years.  Motherhood - that crazy, nutty, hard to navigate, joy to be one, crazy rollercoaster ride. The longer I am a mom though, the less I know. No really, I’m convinced that there really is no point along the way where you feel like you have it all together.  And if you do, watch out because something big that you’ve never experienced before is getting ready to happen: teething, climbing out of the crib, or even another pregnancy. Diaper rash, stomach virus, or emergency room visits are on the horizon if things have been going well.

While I am overly exaggerating to a degree, I think we all can remember those times quite clearly and wishing we could just make it to the next season of life with our kids just a little bit faster. You have likely heard the adage – the days are long but the years are short.  This turns out to be so amazingly true.  The never ending barrage of runny noses, leaky diapers and late night feedings, turns into endless evenings of sports practices, piano and dance lessons and late night homework assignments.  Then the clock ticks and we are prepping for homecoming, GPA pressure and graduation.  If we are fortunate, we get to hold on a little longer if they stay close by to go to the next step whether that’s secondary education or a job.

Whatever the case, it doesn’t last long. It’s over before we can sit down and contemplate how wonderful it really was in the end to watch them grow through the years and learn to take on all that life throws at them.  The good and the bad, the joys and sorrows and the wins and the losses all combine to leave a bittersweet thread that remembrance colors much easier than the reality that it was in the moment. 

If you are a young mom just getting started on this motherhood ride, be encouraged.  You’ll do it all wrong and all right and in the end you’ll do what you need to do and with God at your side it will be all they need.

If you are a mom moving through the treacherous adolescent years, be encouraged.  This too shall pass.  Find your steady anchor in the Lord and do all you can.  It’s ok to say No and to hold the line.

If you are a mom with teenagers growing and moving beyond the bounds of your home, be encouraged.  This is what our job was.  Raise them to face life with vigor and excitement, while being rooted and grounded in love and grace. 

None of the stages or seasons are easy, and some days we will look back and long for the “simpler” days, but we have to remember that life is not lived in reverse or with the luxury of a rearview mirror.  We must continue moving forward allowing God’s grace to fill us with His love and raise our children the very best we can while we have them in our arms or our homes.

I have found myself a bit weepy this week.  Not because I’m sad really, but because I can’t believe that twenty years could go so fast.  In some ways I wish I could do it again and do it better, but my prayer is that the Lord continues to fill the gaps I leave behind, and gives me a reminder to continue to be the best mom I can be today and tomorrow and the rest of my days.