It is apparent to me every single day how much I truly don't belong here. I don't say this for pity. On the contrary, I believe this to be a good thing. Why, you ask? Because, if I belong in this world, then I can't possibly belong in the next, my true home.
Sure, like most people in this particular country, I enjoy certain things this life has to offer. I enjoy the savory taste of good chips and salsa, and a gentle breeze on a warm, summer day. I enjoy the smell of rain coming my way, and can't get enough of the beautiful spring flowers and trees in bloom. These are all mostly tangible items, but I'm also able to enjoy freedom (albeit, it seems to be fleeting... but that's for another day), sweet friendships, and the emotion of a beautiful song.
I could go on and on. After all, the Lord has blessed us with so many people, things, and moments for us to enjoy. There really isn't anything wrong with most of these things (aside from the allergies I battle from those spring flowers!), but let's stop for a minute and think about how much better Heaven will be. We can try to think about it, but our feeble minds can't really contain it. His glory alone is more than we can imagine. Endless days filled with joy, praise, peace, and Him..our Savior, our Father, our King. Mind blown right there.
So why would I want to spend my short time on this earth only focusing on cars, clothes, sports, and money. Yep, I said it..money. We obviously need it in one sense, but it's much too easy to allow it to take the driver seat in all we do in life. We have a higher calling than making money, going on vacation, or even working our way up the career ladder. We are to be His disciples. It may take different forms, but it will always involve sacrifice and glorifying Jesus in all we say/do/are.
So I will ask again. Why would I want to spend my short time on this earth only focusing on things that don't matter eternally? I wouldn't. Not if I'm a Christ follower. Not if I am focused on eternity. Not if I care about the souls of men.
So let's be intentional about investing in all things eternal. We have been placed in our own individual mission fields, wherever they may be, so that we can be a vessel used by Him to reach others. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, then you are foreigners here in this world, and the best is yet to come.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
"But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." Revelation 21:4-5, 22-27
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Being Mom isn't easy. Many of you are very aware of that. Some of you have been Mom for awhile, and some are just beginning the journey. Some may not have started out on this blessed adventure yet, but plan to. Whatever your current position, we can all agree being Mom is hard. If for no other reason, but because you've seen other moms, maybe your own, trying to raise her children in a hard world. I'm about 9 1/2 years into my journey of being Mom. I still have so much to learn. There are new challenges all the time, and I pray for wisdom constantly. It only gets harder as they get older. You probably hope it'll get easier, and I suppose certain things do. You no longer have to change diapers. They can now tell you when something is wrong, and they can even dress themselves. These things do save some time and money, but ultimately, being Mom grows more and more difficult as your child begins to grow. They go to school and are around new friends, some of which might try to persuade them to act inappropriately or give them information about subjects far beyond what their age and maturity should allow. As your child grows, he or she seems to become even more aware of their surroundings, hanging on to every word that's uttered within earshot and watching every ounce of action within a 5 mile radius. They will ask you all sorts of questions, and you quickly realize you wish they couldn't hear or see everything they obviously do. Being Mom includes protecting your little ones, after all. Our children will be exposed to ideas, images, and attitudes that are contrary to what God would desire for them. We must teach them how to protect their hearts and minds, while giving them the courage to make the right decision the first time. As they age and mature, they start to become more independent. Overall, this is positive, but still difficult. They don't always know which way is right, but they're learning. They don't always remember how to do things you've taught them, but they're trying. Sometimes this involves correction and discipline, and sometimes this involves mercy. It should always involve love and direction back to God. Many of the lessons that our son has learned thus far are good lessons for me too. It gives us a different perspective. Being Mom means so much. It's an amazing blessing, no matter the difficulty. I'm convinced I wouldn't have learned many of the lessons I've been taught had I not been Mom. God has used this child to help me become focused, patient, giving, driven, and keep me light-hearted. Our little ones keep us on our toes, remind us of the Lord's simple truths, and help teach us that we're all still in a place of learning. We are faced with new challenges and questions almost constantly. I look forward to what the future holds and don't want to take a minute for granted. Being Mom ultimately gives us a better understanding of who our Father is and how He cares for each one of us. It takes patience, sacrifice, and humility, but it's worth every tear, laugh, and frustration! More lessons to be shared in the future, I'm sure! Birthdays seem to come around pretty quickly. Have you ever noticed that? Tomorrow is my 29th birthday. I confess, my birthdays tend to be a struggle for me. I'm not quite sure why. I know I'm blessed, and always have been, but there's just always something about them that stir up emotions of insecurity and guilt. I then struggle to allow those around me truly celebrate me.
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I am a wife, mother, and Christ follower. Currently living in Lee's Summit, MO. Lover of sports, crafting, music, and writing. Archives
December 2015
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