Pray for Me

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." - James 1:5

Last Saturday was a busy chaotic day, and it began in the wee hours of the morning as I awoke to my son having a nightmare. After praying with him and laying down in his bed until he fell asleep (@ 4:40 am) it seemed the morning came so quickly. Then it was off to watch our son, James, take to the field for his second soccer game. After lunch we ran lots of errands, had no nap and were so tired by the time the afternoon came. With my boys, dressed as Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, we ventured out to the annual "Harvest Gathering" at my mom's preschool. Once there, we experienced tons of fun and LOTS of candy. My boys LOVE candy but it affects their behavior...almost instantaneously!

I drove home emotionally exhausted and physically drained from our busy day. The boys were hyper on their sugar "high" and screaming in the back seat,and our ride home seemed like eternity. I turned around and not-so-lovingly "shared' that they needed to stop trying to frustrate Mommy by screaming and settle down. After turning around I happen to notice, while smoke was exiting my ears, the woman in the mini van next to me deliberately waiting to make eye contact with me. Once our eyes connected, she nonchalantly gave me a "Get over it, it's not that big of a deal...just enjoy it" kind of a look followed by a shrug.


Driving away, my eyes teared up because she had no idea the kind of day I had experienced. I wish she would have rolled her window down and offered to pray for me. OK so I know that is far-fetched but it got my mind thinking of how often we think we know a situation, just from how it looks on the outside, and are quick to give our opinion before knowing all the details. It's so easy to judge isn't it? Frequently, as moms, we feel deflated only to turn our heads and see friends or family "lovingly" sharing their opinion with us on our struggles, how they would do it, and the idea that if I just followed their path it would all be better.

I LOVE how in times of frustration the Lord lovingly whispers, "Kate, you do that too." It is humbling because so often I can think I am outside of doing "that" until the Holy Spirit shows me otherwise :) It is so not fun having someone watch and judge you without knowing the whole story. Yet I so often find myself doing that to others. Instead of having compassion and praying for those I see struggling, I will choose to complain to another or allow it to bug me for a while. Why don't I bring it before Christ immediately and seek the One who can truly change the situation. Last year I had a sticky note on my dresser that read "Assume the Best." I need to re-post it back up there. I need a change in my perspective. I need to encourage instead of cut down. I need to pray instead of judge. I need to be reminded that there is only One who knows it all. I need to seek His face daily.



Challenge:

Would people characterize me as an encourager or one who tends to have a judgmental bent?

In times of difficulty I need to be quick to encourage rather than allow my tongue to cut down. How are you doing in this area? What changes need to be made in your life so you can "Assume the Best" in others?

This week ask HIM for more compassion. Pause to pray for those HE puts in your path who are struggling.

Why Parakaleo?

Our blog would be incomplete if we didn't share the history of how Parakaleo came about. A few months ago the Lord birthed the idea to start a Christian blog for moms. He encouraged 7 women to come on a journey and take a leap of faith. Most of who knew nothing about blogging, but there is something organic about that. Each woman blogs one day per week and brings something totally unique to the table. God hand picked each mom and we are humbled to serve together on this team. Be sure to check out the BIOS section at the bottom of the page to meet our group of ladies. Our prayer is that the Lord uses His word, His spirit, and our experiences to minister to your heart as we walk through this season of being a mom together.
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Hi, my name is Kate. I have lived in south Florida my whole life...yep a Floridian! Four years ago I left the teaching profession to go into full-time ministry...being a mommy. What a blessing! Life is busy but wonderful. I have two wonderful little boys, James (4) and Jack Jack (2), who love to explore! The Lord is continually using my sons to teach me lessons. They are fun and so very opposite of each other. It is challenging at times... but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Seven years ago I married my best friend, James...he is truly a gift from the Lord. Every day the Lord uses our marriage to refine me as we walk together in ministry. I pray the following blog encourages to you today.


Love is a Battlefield
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” – Luke 10:27

Everyone wants to feel loved and accepted. Life is hard and we desire friends who will stand by and encourage us. God wired us this way. I was reminded of this truth a few weeks ago as the boys and I ventured out one rainy morning to an inflatable kids play arena. We had the whole place to ourselves! It was wonderful! We enjoyed exploring and expending all the energy we had built up due to the crazy weather. Suddenly the atmosphere changed as the Lord put into motion a lesson He wanted my family to learn.

A group of older boys came running in. And I, being the over-protective mom, watched closely their interaction with my boys. Each time my son, James, tried to play with them they just ignored him and shooed him away. My son persisted and followed the boys through a tunnel which lead to a secluded area. I saw lots of movement and no response as I called his name. After a few moments, James managed to get out. He explained that the boys were kicking him after he accidentally fell on one of the them. My heart broke. I knew physically, he was beaten down but I also realized that emotionally he hurt as well. James just wanted to be accepted. Don’t we all.

It saddened me to watch my son hunger for friendship that wouldn't be offered. That must be how God feels as He watches us do the same to those in our path who so desperately need a friend yet we keep "playing." Whether four or thirty-four, we all want friends who will invite us into their "tunnel" of life. I experienced this when I first got married. I cried (literally) out to the Lord asking for some good Christian girlfriends. I was sad and felt so alone. Within a few weeks the Lord surprised me by allowing me to meet some sweet women who supported and encouraged me. The compassion shown by those women has never been forgotten. I remember their compassion for me and it has caused my heart to seek out those in need of a friend. There is something beautiful about having friends, in the same season of life, who understand and love you.

Was I friendly today? How did I love my neighbor? Did Christ shine through me to the woman at the park with kids, that co-worker, or cashier at the local grocer? Did I take time to share His love and offer peace to someone in need of a friend? So often, being consumed with my own agenda, I easily pass right by HIS. Our world is broken and hurting. We have something exciting to give them...the love of Christ. Invite them into your "tunnel" of life. So thankful each new day holds fresh opportunities to shine for Jesus.

Challenge: Pray and ask the Lord for an opportunity to reach out to someone who may need a friend. Or if you, like my son James, are in need of a friend cry out to Jesus and ask Him for one. Then, keep your eyes wide open because He might just surprise you and shake up your routine a little! HE wants to do great things in and through you today!