Author: Sara

Autumn Reflections

Last Sunday afternoon we drove to a nearby park to take in the autumn splendor. One son was at a birthday party, so we took the opportunity to enjoy an adventure with our four-year-old. In the middle of the park is a twenty-seven acre lake. It beckoned and we followed.

This lake is unique because of the seven bridges, some over 100 years old, which were transplanted from various locations around our state. 

One bridge stood out to me. I was surprised to discover that the bridge’s original purpose was to be the support structure for the top of a building.   Because it didn’t meet specifications, the builders threw it away. Later on it was discovered by someone with a vision for what it could be. If this bridge had a brain, it never would have imagined ending up here. God knew that this bridge wasn’t a mistake! He allowed a man to find and place it in this majestic setting.

As we approached the bridge and followed it from beginning to end, we were impressed by it’s rustic beauty. We were very grateful for the bridge’s help as it made it possible for us to walk all the way around the lake. Yet, the focus of our attention and praise was not the bridge. We were captivated by the incredible beauty of God’s creation all around us.

The bridge originally destined for the top of a building

These bridges remind me of how God works in my life.   My dreams sometimes clash with reality. God created me for different roles in life, and sometimes He uproots me to a different location. I cry, “But, I thought you wanted me to be here, to do this!”   He lovingly carries me, reassembling me in my new place of service. And miraculously, to me, I fit into His plan.

And my imperfect past was not a mistake.  God used people, places, and Himself to make me who He wants me to be.  He can use me wherever He places me.  And I will not be here alone – He promises to stay with me all the time.  Like the bridge, my purpose is not to captivate people, bringing attention to myself.  I am part of what helps make it possible for people to see God.
This autumn has been one of the prettiest in recent years. The colors feed my spirit. The crisp breeze, warmed by the Indian Summer sun, nourishes my soul. In the midst of this beauty my weary heart cannot help but smile. At times I feel insecure during life’s constant state of transition.  This is what keeps me depending on God instead of myself.  As I take my hurts and disappointments to my Savior, He promises to comfort and bless.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Are you grieving a life that is different than what you had hoped it would be? Are you confused about what God is doing in your family, schedule, body, job, church, etc.?  Grieving is not wrong. It is part of the way God made us. But, our grieving must not keep us from moving ahead with God. He hears the cries of our hearts, He understands, and He is working what is best. He can be trusted.
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30
Father God, please help us to be thankful for where You have placed us, and may our lives help others see You in all Your splendor.

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
by Categories: Contentment, Faith, Grief, Loss, Miscarriage, Motherhood, Transition, Waiting Leave a comment

Mommy Survival Kit

A dear friend of mine is celebrating her birthday this week. She is a busy mom with four active kids, so I was trying to figure out what would bless her the most. Her mini-van is her 2nd home, so, I thought a van survival kit might come in handy.

 
This box was on sale at Michael’s for $2.00. Then I spent about $4.00 on stickers: alphabet with stars and cute insects (lady bugs, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.), plus a package of neat sayings (she and I collect fun and inspiring sayings, usually in plaque form – and that doesn’t mean on our teeth). I scattered the stickers on top and on all four sides.

The boys and I scoured Dollar Tree and came up with some great mommy emergency items, and I raided my own personal stash to come of with a box full of smiles:

 
  • Correspondence Items – encouragement notes, stamps, stickers
  • Feed the Soul Items – New Testament, Gospel tracts, two small books full of short stories (each with a Bible verse)
  • Office supplies/Tools – tape, glue stick, scissors, mini stapler, calculator, white out, pens, pencils, screw driver, sticky notes,
  • Mommy 9-1-1 – silly string, “Bang” gun (pull the trigger and sign falls down that says “bang”), earplugs, sudoku book, $1 bill plus loose change, disposable plastic gloves
  • Medicine – ibuprofen, 1 children’s benadryl, cough drops, band-aids, antibacterial gel, tums
  • Personal Care Items – fingernail file and clippers, lotion, red lipstick, tissues, wisp (disposable toothbrushes), clear fingernail polish
  • Yummies – chocolate (of course!), tea bags, granola bar, coffee bags, mints
 
I’ve probably forgotten something, but you get the general idea. Danean was thrilled with her gift, and it makes me so happy thinking about her driving around town, ministering to her family with her handy-dandy kit at her side.
 
Do you know someone who needs a survival box?  It’s a blast putting it together and giving it away. And, come to think of it, I might need one.  How about you?
 
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10


by Categories: Gifts, In Her Shoes, Ministry Ideas, Motherhood Leave a comment

What Are You Waiting For?

Today I read this article, and it blew me away.  It would have been most appreciated by me as a single woman, yet it ministered greatly still to this married woman’s heart, because it’s principles are biblical and universal. 

What are you waiting for?  Waiting isn’t just for single women.  I’ve spent many a day waiting for . . .

  • school to start/end
  • my prince charming to come on the scene
  • my wedding day to arrive
  • babies to spring forth
  • doctors in waiting rooms
  • lab test results
  • the ache to subside following miscarriage
  • my husband to get better
  • and hoping for another positive preganancy test
  • sick children to get better
  • sons to give their hearts to Jesus
  • family members to reconcile
  • my attitude to change
  • personal growth 
  • friends spiritually blinded or hardened to truth to have their spirtual eyes opened
  • God to reveal His will for the next step of my mission . . . waiting . . .

During the waiting times I am drawn to my knees in desperation.  And there I find Him.  A painful, lonely place is suddenly warmed by His light and love.  I am no longer alone in my waiting places.  And you don’t have to be alone in yours either.

“I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here.  I already have Him … and He is everything.”  – Grace 

Click the following link to read Grace’s article:

  
 “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.”
Psalm 25:5
 
 
“Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14
 
 
“For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 37:9
 
 

“Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation.”
Psalm 62:1
 
 

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.”
Isaiah 64:4
 
 
“Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.  For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

“It is good that one should hope and wait quietly, for the salvation of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:26

by Categories: Dating, Marriage, Single Women, Waiting Leave a comment

God of Mountains Topples Walls of Fear

 
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1

From the breathtaking mountains of Colorado . . . back down to the foothills of Mount Neverest (laundry).  I didn’t want to come home.  I wanted to stay there and stare at God’s art work all day, every day!

What did I come home to, besides lots of dirty clothes?  A busy autumn schedule, a spiritual battle, and a wall of fear . . . it looms over me. 

  • How am I going to ____? 
  • What if ____ happens? 
  • I don’t feel good about ____.   
  • Am I going to be able to be ____? 
  • Am I ever going to be content with an imperfect life and house?  
  • What about my friend’s hurts? 
  • What if ____ happens to my family?
  • What if my dreams for Women On God’s Mission are too big? 
  • What if I’ve bitten off too much with my schedule?
  • How can I continue to make the 45 minute commute to church 2-3 times per week? 
  • Do my goals match God’s plans for me? 

Fears like a dripping faucet nag at my heart – that loved ones who do not believe in Jesus, as the Way the Truth and the Life, will lose their opportunity with God. And fears for precious friends facing persecution around the world . . . on and on, the walls of fear could rival the Wall of China.

Thankfully, peace is not inextricably connected with time, place, vacation, God’s beautiful creation, nor with anything I do or don’t do! C.S. Lewis said, “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there.  There is no such thing.”  Where God is, there is peace.  Even in the midst of hectic real life!  I thank God that He uses these fears to draw me to Himself.  If I had no fear, there would be no need for God. 

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15

If I am carrying fears around, I am accepting a “gift” from the father of lies, Satan.  After I lift off the enticing wrapper I drag around a back-breaking, heart-wrenching, rash inducing time bomb.  Through me Satan disrespectfully flaunts a small victory in the face of his and my Creator God, while he designs to do everything he can to destroy me, my family, and any godly influence from my life!  In contrast, our wonderful God sweetly yet powerfully assures, “I have it all under control.”  He calms the storms around me, giving me freedom to breathe, freedom to sleep sweetly, and the assurance that He is working on ___ and ___.  God understands!  God cares! 

Are you in a fearful place?  Surgery is scheduled, your biological clock is ticking, you lost your job, your baby has cancer, loved ones are moving away, your house won’t sell, your husband is being called up for another tour of duty, you don’t know if you are on your way to heaven when you die (see above under Lovely Links to get help), your very life is at stake in a land where there is no freedom of religion . . . whatever it is, Satan would love to tie us up in ropes of fear – he wants to snuff out all of the big dreams that come with following a big God!

Like my Indonesian sister in Christ told me tonight, “I just need to meditate more on His word and draw myself even closer to Him. This cloud of uncertainty and doubt has been a thorn I need to get rid of FAST!” 

And when we are too weak to cast off our fears, He can and He will!  Will you kneel with me right now and commit our fears to God?  He has all the answers we need.  He is the answer.  Pray and watch the walls topple.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10

by Categories: Faith, Fear, God Appointments, Military Families, Mind, Motherhood: The Preschool Years, Prayer, Rest, Stress Leave a comment

How to Know God – and If Know Him, How to Share Your Testimony

 

Pull up a chair – can I get you something to drink?  I have coffee, tea, and lemonade.  How are you today?  It is a lovely sunny day here, with pleasant breezes carrying a hint of autumn.  Early this morning my boys and I enjoyed peeking out our window to watch a little woodpecker pecking away on our playhouse out back.  I’ve spent all morning cleaning out a closet full of clothes my boys have grown out of.  I look forward to sharing them with my friends who have tiny boys. Thanks for coming by.

When I first sensed God directing me to create Women On God’s Mission, I knew the most important thing to share right away was my salvation testimony – how God has forgiven me through Jesus’ sacrifice in my place.  My life isn’t about me – it’s about everything God has done for me, in me, and (when I live surrendered to Him) through me.   HE is my mission.  And HE daily gives me a mission to serve Him by serving others.

Are you certain of your position in Christ?  Or are you haunted with doubts and fears about your future?  If you are unsure where you stand with God, you can find the answers you’ve been hoping for.  A great place to begin is by clicking on the link below.

” . . . if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

If you believe in Jesus, God’s living Word, and confess Him as your Savior, would you please share below?   May I refill your cup?

If you are unsure how to share your testimony, see *below.  I realize many testimonies are lengthy, so if you just want to share a favorite verse and when/where you chose to answer God’s call, that will be perfectly fine. If you’ve never left a comment before, it’s simple. Just go down to the bottom of this post and click on “comments.” You can leave one anonymously if you don’t want anyone to know your name.

Looking forward to hearing how God wooed you to Himself. Your testimony will be an encouragement to me and all our sisters around the world. Thank you for visiting today! 🙂  I hope you come back again soon.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” I Peter 3:15
 . . . . .

 of faith.” So, it is telling others what you have seen and heard about God, and what you believe about
*Have you ever been asked to share your salvation testimony in front of a group of people? Maybe you want to tell a family member or your new roommate what God has done for you, but you don’t know where to begin. Are you scared? It takes preparation and practice, but soon you will feel comfortable and anticipate chances to tell your story. Click below to find some excellent helpful hints for how to prepare to share.

by Categories: Faith, Sharing Your Testimony 2 Comments

Just God and Me

“Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16


On Saturday I listened to an inspiring Christian woman speaking about godly priorities while cleaning my room.  Later that same day, while I was folding underwear and sorting socks, I heard another famous woman interviewed on a highly revered Christian website.  As her voice streamed through my laptop, my hopes for a meaty message quickly faded.  I was left feeling parched.  Yes, she mentioned God, spoke about prayer as well as other true and good things, but never communicated God’s own words.  Most of her words were about her. 

More than any other time in human history, we have countless opportunities to hear and learn from God’s Word: radio, television, internet, books, church, CDs, Sunday school, small groups, conferences, magazines, DVDs, blogs, YouTube, email, Facebook, etc.  Certainly there are messages and interviews worth hearing that point us to God.  It takes some work, but we can wade through fluff and find solid biblical teaching.

My concern, as I get to know myself better and listen to others around me, is that we too easily depend on the testimonies of other humans.  Before realizing it, my own quality time with God slips away.  Unless the words of others springboard me toward further personal study in my Bible, munching from the crumbs of other people’s spiritual meals soon leaves me depleted, hungry. 

“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'” John 6:35

If I allow this spiritual malnutrition to continue, my starved self turns to my husband and children, friends and pastor, to feed me, to fill me.  I open my refrigerator, go shopping, listen to music.  My emptiness echoes in my soul, and when women come to me for counsel I give them my helpful opinions and good ideas instead of God’s.  At times my family feels the brunt of my ugliness.  I’ve allowed the potential fruit of the Spirit to wilt and rot.  Then finally, after the damage has been done, I end up where I should’ve been in the beginning: on my knees and in His Word.

Do you have a daily quiet time with God alone?  I understand, it can feel nearly impossible at times with the busyness of life.  Do you enjoy listening to Christian radio but sometimes let that take place of your quiet time?  What about church – do you tank up on the sermon and small group lesson, hoping it will carry you through your stressful week? 

Dear sister, we need “just God and me” time.  If it means getting up earlier, staying up later, shutting down the computer, getting away from the house for awhile, turning on a good video for our kids, declining an invitation from a friend, hiring a baby sitter . . . we will only be PEACEFUL and USEFUL when we spend time with God.  Alone.

“His (her!) delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he (she!) meditates day and night.  He (she!) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he (she!) does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:2-3

Stay tuned for ideas to help you develop a quality daily meeting with God.

Special thanks to The Narrow Gate for the picture above.

by Categories: Bible Study, Church, God Appointments, Mentoring, Mind, Parenting, Stress, Time Leave a comment

It’s Your Turn

Statistics show that the top 10 countries with people who enjoy reading Women On God’s Mission are the following (in this order):

  • USA
  • Russia
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • South Korea
  • United Kingdom
  • Brazil
  • Philippines
  • Australia

Oh how I wish I could meet each one of you!  I hope I am going to get to know a few of my readers this weekend, because

Now it’s YOUR turn!  🙂 

And I am going to be giving away

Two free books!! 
I would like to send two of my fellow women on God’s mission a copy of one of my favorite books: Martha To the Max .  To be eligible for this drawing, share a comment on my blog this weekend.  Introduce yourself and tell what country you live in.  You may use your initials instead of your entire name, if you wish.  Also, please share something about yourself – about the mission God has given to you right now. On Monday morning I will draw two names and announce the winners. 

If you have time, I highly recommend this message by Barbara Rainey.  I am listening to it right now as I clean my house . . . Three Essentials For the Married Woman.  One thing that has stood out so far is:  “Wimpy theology makes wimpy women!” – John Piper . . . the importance of knowing God personally – studying God’s Word for ourselves and not just reading what others have learned and written about Him!

Have a great day, and I look forward to hearing from you!

My husband Tim and me – taken by our son at the Creation Museum in July
by Categories: Miscellaneous 7 Comments