One On One Time

On Good Friday, I saw my 15 year old off for an eleven day missions trip to Uganda. I put on a brave front but hours after she had left I missed her terribly. I had plans (with my new found freedom) to catch up and encourage a back-sliddend friend over lunch. After lunch, I was upset. It SEEMED as if she was getting what she wanted in life and I (being a saint, by comparison only) was getting the short end of the stick. I began to question and I began to think that God forgot about me. I questioned if my prayers were ever going to be answered.

 

Then, feelings of guilt set in. I know my God and I know He loves me. I know He is faithful and I know He is true. Why did I question and why did I doubt? I went directly to church. I had already planned to go to Good Friday Service but now I had an hour to reflect on my behavior before service started. The teaching reminded me of what God DID do for me instead of questions of what He did not do. I repented, I communed and I was revived!!

 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 (NKJV)

 

On Easter Sunday, I felt I needed some alone time with God. Instead of doing big church, I opted to celebrate the rising of the Son, with the rising of the sun on Pompano Beach. I told God I needed one on one time with Him and I needed Him to speak to me. He is so faithful. He gave me His word on waiting for Him.

 

"We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) - Romans 8:24-25 (NLT)

Easter morning I drove to the beach only to realize a large church was having service there. The Holy Spirit led me to another part of the beach. I found the perfect spot, grab my blanket and walked out onto the sand towards the ocean. It was great... only 2 others on the beach. I sang worship songs, took a few pictures and began to pray. I'm not sure how long I was praying for, but when I lifted my head the others had left! He heard my prayer and answered it... one on one time with Him!

Challenge: Find some one on one time with God. Encourage your children to do the same. Pray and ask God to give you the time and to meet you there. He will!

Obstacles are Opportunities

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; 

in the morning I lay my requests before you 

and wait expectantly."

 - Psalm 5:3

The other day our sweet friend and fellow blogger, Teresa, welcomed a new baby girl into her family. Little Selah Grace was born on October 8th, weighing 7 lbs 7 oz and 20 inches long. What a blessing! Little Selah has two older brothers to cuddle and hang out with :) 

A few days ago this precious little one was scheduled for testing on her heart. They heard a possible murmur and wanted to be sure that all was ok. As this news came to Teresa two choices were placed before her..... either freak out or trust God. She chose the latter asking us all to pray over the situation and reminding us that we serve a mighty and faithful God! She was encouraging us while  walking through her trial!

Each day as moms, whether a new mom or seasoned, we are given obstacles that allow for opportunity for spiritual growth in our life. 

                                                                                                      Pinterest Image

Those moments, completely out of our hands, which draw us close to Christ and His strength. In humility we come seeking Him for wisdom and comfort that only Christ can give. This act causes a refreshment that is indescribable to those involved and watching.

"Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.

 Give me relief from my distress;

 have mercy on me and hear my prayer."

 - Psalm 4:1

What is your "obstacle" today?

Will you allow it to be an opportunity to grow closer to Christ?

Do you freak out or trust God?

If we cling to Jesus... like Teresa, you can be used to encourage others even in the midst of your trial :)

Have you gotten alone with Christ today and sought His wisdom? 

Remember HE yearns to give peace and comfort in those trying times! He loves you so much! Seek Him!

*UPDATE* Since writing this little Selah's test results came back and she does have a small hole towards the bottom of her heart that is causing the murmur but the doctor  said it is harmless and she will live a "normal" life even if it never closes! PRAISE GOD!!