I love it when God reminds me of His love and Sovereignty. Sometimes these reminders come as a pat on the back...recognition for following Him. But sometimes God has to remind me in a more in-your-face way. These reminders always interrupt something-- a pity party, a gloat fest, me ogling something I am coveting.
I was sitting in the doctors office with my youngest daughter, Abby, the weariness weighing heavy on me. She has been battling cancer for almost four years. As the doctor examines her and tells me to bring her back in tomorrow, I feel the frustration rising in me. The 80 mile round trip drive wears me out and I'm realizing we'll be making the trip every day this week. I don't say it, but my spirit is thinking "Why? Why now?"
The doctor leaves to order Abby's antibiotic and I plop back in my chair. My phone dings, signaling an email. I don't usually take email, calls, or texts during doctor visits, but I know we have a bit of wait. I figure I'll read my emails, which are certainly junk, then play a game or check Facebook. I open the email, which is from my Wednesday evening Bible study leader, and I see exactly what I need at that moment...what God knows I need to hear. The body of the email contains Paul's words in Hebrews reminding us that sometimes, life is exhausting, frustrating, confusing.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 1-3
Finding joy in my struggles is not always easy, but realizing my God loves me enough to send me an email to remind me to persevere sure does help!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Time to Shine!
I am so excited! I have been asked to lead a Shine Shop again this year at the SHINE Conference. I will be speaking to mothers about their relationship with their daughters (and sons). I didn't really think I should be leading a breakout session on "mothering" as I'm just getting to the good part (my oldest is 15). But God impressed upon me that it is imperative that I share what I do know....and that is how my relationship was with my mom.
My parents were (and still are!) wonderful, Godly people. They did what they knew, which is just what their parents did. We didn't talk about much. I didn't know if we ever had money troubles and never saw my parents have an argument. They didn't talk about sex, drugs, etc. except to tell me not to do it. There was no open door for discussion, no reasons for things that didn't make sense. I assumed they had been perfect, obedient teens, and that their adult lives had been stress-free. When my life began to unravel in college, I didn't turn to my mom. I didn't really turn to anyone. Mistake after mistake turned into depression and shame, and I didn't know how to make the Crazy Train stop. I needed help, but I didn't know where to turn.
My session will discuss being an accessible parent. One your child knows she can come to. That doesn't mean that we dig out all the "skeletons in the closet." But it does mean being open and honest. When we don't discuss things with our kids, they make up their own reasons/excuses/ideas. They yearn for answers, and if we aren't available to lead them to the answers that God has given us in His Word, and share the experiences we have been through, then our sweet children will look elsewhere. To our children, we become either dark and mysterious, or holy and perfect. Inaccessible.
Nothing would be a better testimony to the power of Christ's love than to share your own true story of redemption with your child. God really has given us the tools...His Word and our past. Sharing parts of our past can be very hard. But God will lead you to share the right words at the right time. You will be amazed at the power your life can have on your children!
Your sweet child already thinks you are the greatest...imagine what she'll think when she also knows you are real.
My parents were (and still are!) wonderful, Godly people. They did what they knew, which is just what their parents did. We didn't talk about much. I didn't know if we ever had money troubles and never saw my parents have an argument. They didn't talk about sex, drugs, etc. except to tell me not to do it. There was no open door for discussion, no reasons for things that didn't make sense. I assumed they had been perfect, obedient teens, and that their adult lives had been stress-free. When my life began to unravel in college, I didn't turn to my mom. I didn't really turn to anyone. Mistake after mistake turned into depression and shame, and I didn't know how to make the Crazy Train stop. I needed help, but I didn't know where to turn.
My session will discuss being an accessible parent. One your child knows she can come to. That doesn't mean that we dig out all the "skeletons in the closet." But it does mean being open and honest. When we don't discuss things with our kids, they make up their own reasons/excuses/ideas. They yearn for answers, and if we aren't available to lead them to the answers that God has given us in His Word, and share the experiences we have been through, then our sweet children will look elsewhere. To our children, we become either dark and mysterious, or holy and perfect. Inaccessible.
Nothing would be a better testimony to the power of Christ's love than to share your own true story of redemption with your child. God really has given us the tools...His Word and our past. Sharing parts of our past can be very hard. But God will lead you to share the right words at the right time. You will be amazed at the power your life can have on your children!
Your sweet child already thinks you are the greatest...imagine what she'll think when she also knows you are real.
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