Renew My Heart

Life is full of seasons. Some are beautiful with foliage full of colors where the breeze is a bit cooler. We love fall and welcome it!  Then, comes winter. The weather is cold, leaves are gone, and the look is very bland. The trees look as if they have died and we wonder if they will bloom again with beauty.  Spring bring rains that seem bothersome at the time but allows great beauties to bloom after. Summer is full of sweat and heat where we must take cover to refresh.

Having experienced seasons before, we know it is a constant changing cycle. It is similar in the journey as a parent. We go through seasons of winter, drought, rain and then fruit-bearing seasons as well. But the great thing about seasons is...they are NOT forever. They are temporary and soon enough a new season will emerge.

What is the season you are walking through right now?

One where you see your deposits into your kiddos bearing much fruit?

Or do you find yourself wondering if they are getting it at all?

Remember this promise...

and this one...

and...

Seasons are not forever. God is faithful. His promises are true. Don't give up. Ask Him to hold up your head as you seek His face daily. The Lord stretches us for future ministry. HE loves you!

The journey isn't over - no matter how old your kids are - but has just begun.

Seek God today. Ask Him to renew your heart towards your kids. Allow Him to refresh your mind.

Allow Him to remind you that your labor is not in vain. HE sees it all and is grateful for your efforts!

Surrender

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

The same day we heard good news from our daughter’s cardiologist was the same day we found out some startling news in regards to my husband’s heart. If you have been tracking my Monday blogspot on this wonderful site, then you may know that our family is going through a “pruning season”. Our faith is being tested and challenged tremendously. Yet through it all, God has been faithful to grant us HIS peace in the midst of the storm. God has even challenged us to look for ways to bless others and share the Good News of salvation in the midst of the all the craziness.

Today’s blog is simple: it is based on the principles found in Romans 12, where Paul challenges believers to be living sacrifices for God. A textbook definition of sacrifice states, “the surrender or destruction of something prized or desireable for the sake of something considered as having higher or more pressing claim.” Notice that this definition emphasizes that the thing being sacrificed is prized (i.e. our plans for our lives, desires, etc.), but it is being surrendered to something/someone else because that thing is higher or better (i.e. God).

In this midst of our storm, I have to surrender my plans and desires to the Lord, because his plans, thoughts, and ways are higher and better than my own (Isaiah 55:9). I have to trust and believe that God has great plans for my family…plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

In light of the truth of God’s word, and my relationship with him, I know that God can be trusted with my life. I know that this tumultuous season will not last forever. I know God is with me and my family in this storm. I know God hears my every prayer. Because of that I can take Romans 12:12 to heart. Because of who God is, I can be, “Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”

The cool thing is that you, Mom, can have this same treasure. Next time you are in a crazy season, hold on to the truths of God’s word. Do not give up. If you know of someone who is going through a tough time, encourage them with same comfort God has given you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are faithful and true all the time. You never fail us…ever. Help us to hold on to the truth of your Word, especially when life gets hard. Help us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.