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Over the last few days I've been going through a book and some "testing" of sorts for helping determine your spiritual gifts...of which I am still in process answering questions. Answering the various questions has stirred up various things in me - some good and some ... well, some that are wandering away on legs of their own.While I know what some of my "giftings" are, I began to grow a little frustrated through it all. Angry even. Since life has grown more and more busy having four kids I feel that I've had to pull back from quite a bit of the things that I enjoy in church. While part of me knows that it's just for a season, I miss being involved. I miss singing on worship team. Being a part of things. And feeling "alive" in a sense when I am part of those things that relate to my giftings.
I am in no way slighting those things that I am involved in right now - four things ages 7 and under. But in all honesty, sometimes it can be hard being a mom. Feeling tired. Frustrated and wondering if you are making progress. Unable to keep up with sometimes just the smallest thing. Forgetting simple things.
Wanting to really push into God, but having a multitude of distractions.
With so many thoughts swirling through my head today and growing more increasingly frustrated, I finally had a few minutes to sit down after Rick came home and picked up the book "How to Be a God Chaser and a Kid Chaser" by the Tenneys. And I just love how God knows how to reach me and loves to speak to me right where I am.
I opened up to where I left off (ahem) months ago - to the chapter on "when duty and desire disagree." In this chapter, Stacey Campbell talks about her life with 5 kids and her desire to seek more of God. She talks about a passage in Revelation chapter 6 as she studied martyrdom. The Lord spoke clearly to her, "It is enough to me that you die daily" revealing to her that God takes as much pleasure in our daily sacrifices as He does in one great act of service.
There are opportunities to seek God in every activity of life. Colossians 3:17 says "Whatever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God." Stacey continues "It is your motive, not your action, that God most cares about. Each of us has different callings and talents - our assignment is simply to be faithful in what He has given us. The heavenly Father does not love you or me for what we do. He loves us simply for who we are."
And I am ever so glad He loves me for who I am and where I am. I needed a gentle reminder from Him and love that today He spoke to me in such a clear way - just when I needed it.
Isn't he amazing! He knows just what we need and when we need it. He knows how to deliver it and how much to give. How do unbelievers do it?
ReplyDeleteSaying a prayer for you today. Every mom needs a little help now and then.
Lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteHow important it is . . . that we learn to rest and flourish where He has placed us.
What a lifelong lesson this is.
Blessings,
Linda
Nickers and Ink
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hi, I recently found ur blog and want you to know that I like them. I love the design - simple, attractive and easy to the eye.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading everything you write. You have a way with words. they are easy to read, easy to understand, funny and interesting. Don't know how to say it.. but you have a way of capturing the attention your readers. Really. You are the only blog Im reading (reading blog is not me but I subscribe here)...I even backtrack and read your old posts. I enjoy them all, esp when you are sharing your thoughts - you inspire me and encourage me to seek more of God. I hope you will write more of your thoughts. Of course I also enjoy the antics of your children.:)
Anyway, THANKS for blogging. I'm sure this is one way of God using you - you see we are from different continent (Im from Asia) but I still benefit from your blog... Maybe this is one of your gifts also?