Summer Days Ending

I seriously thought I wouldn't be sad to see these stifling hot summer days be done with. Every time we've stepped out of the house, we've rushed to the car to sweat as little as possible on the 2 minute trip from door to door, and cranked the AC to the max as soon we settled in. But, as soon as we said goodbye to our pool last weekend, I realized that hot hot summer days are still amazing. Hot hot summer days mean more family time for us, more traveling, being a little more tired from the travels and heat, more grilling, and more outdoor time. Summer is as much the end of the year as December 31st is in a way. School starts, school buses come and go in flocks, rush hour is a little more stressful, and kids go back to living for the weekend (at least I did when I was young)! Sunsets come a little quicker and you start to give in to warm comfort foods just a little easier since you don't have to wear that bathing suit tomorrow...or is that just me?

We've had such a great summer. As soon as it began, I knew it'd fly by. We started off with our big move from Baltimore to Charlotte, and then 3 months later, moved into our dream home that still has several projects to do! We also suffered a miscarriage that rocked our world for a few months, and when I still dwell on that day when I knew we lost her, tears still come to my eyes. But, God is good. He is sovereign in all His ways and plans.

There have been so many reminders of God's graciousness this summer. I'll be the first to admit that, at first, I thought it may have been a mistake that we moved.  I didn't like our apartment, because my allergies were on fire in that place; we had a miscarriage; Kevin struggled in his job at first; and no one was buying our home in Baltimore! But, remember that quote that goes something like, "don't look at your circumstances..." There are a lot of variations of it, but the gist is: Don't focus on your circumstances, because circumstances ALWAYS change. They are variables in life that we have to take in stride. Sometimes (okay...most of the time) I'm not good at that. I'm great at taking it in stride when the variables are always in my favor, but when it starts going downhill, my circumstances tend to take the limelight in my life over my faith and all the blessings.

But, I've come to learn that even if my circumstance don't change for a long time or don't end up like "my perfect plan," He is and always will be forever good. I'm trying to learn to start each day with a grateful heart. Count my blessings at the beginning and the end of each day.  I am so much a work in progress, but I always will be! That's the joyous news! God uses us when we're broken and learning and not perfect. He wants our struggles to intertwine with our neighbor's struggles and stories so that we can see the bigger picture of God's grace. Isn't that so cool?! No, I don't want to struggle. No, I don't want to hurt or be hurt. But, I do want to see God's kingdom grow, expand, and reach people who are deemed "unreachable." 

Pastor John Gray came to speak at our church today, and wow! I was blown away by his words. He spoke of how David was anointed as king when he was still dirty shepherd boy, but that's exactly how God wanted him. He was the last one chosen from his brothers. He was the unexpected answer. And I'm in a time of my life where I feel that big things are going to happen. We've been in a weird place (and also great places) since coming to Charlotte where we need to just listen and follow God's direction He's planned for us even when we feel unusable or out of touch with Him. We've been wanting to go, go, go, and fix, and get new things, and meet new people, but very few times have I intentionally sat down to listen to God's plan for us now that we're back in the Bible Belt. 

And it's time for me to listen. To be quiet. Turn off my rambling, spaghetti, woman brain, and rest in His promises or I'll always feel lost. I challenge you to do the same thing! Fall is upon us, and it opens up a new chapter for this year. Let the cool breeze be a gentle reminder that God can change you as well as the season. He can use you where ever you are in your walk with Him. Be proactive in your faith ( I know I need to be)! Maybe set "Fall and Winter 2016 Resolutions." The year isn't over! Take time to sit down, listen to Him, invest in His word, and I promise you'll reap the benefits. He's waiting for you and me to do this.

I Doubt It

The Lord replied: “Look, and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe.” Habakkuk 1:5

There are so many doubts in our lives that crowd out any sort of hope. Especially us women as believers! I do it almost every day. I doubted myself able to do something today! Whether I can actually accomplish it is yet to be seen, but before I even set out to do it, I told myself I could not possibly do this task. I even told someone else I couldn't do it. There was no way that little ol' me could do something I never thought myself able. You might have already told yourself "no" today too. Why? If it was just the complete opposite - if we were sitting in opposing chairs - you and I would never say, "Nope. Ya can't do it. You're right. You aren't good enough. There is no way you could do this with your hot mess of a life and all the skills your lacking." That would take a cruel, cruel heart, and dear, I don't think you have one of those.

We're setting ourselves up for failure with these doubts we keep speaking to ourselves. And this is before we even take one step into something that might be beautiful! It could be dirty, messy, and a little ugly too, but the fruit it will produce might be more than you could have ever dream of before. You may not see the fruit of your work until your final breath. You may not even see it on this side of eternity. But, my friend, be very prepared. Pack your bags, wipe your tears, and praise the LORD for what He will accomplish with your life. Say "yes" to whatever He is telling you. Say "yes" to that little nudge you feel. It will be the most important decision in your lifetime. Don't doubt yourself, because you may not hear that subtle whisper or feel that subtle nudge. If you doubt yourself, the most exciting ride of your lifetime could be filled with anxiety, fear, and constant wonder about what you're supposed to do in your life!

Open your eyes. Clear your mind of your usual thoughts of who you are. Look at what the LORD says about you:

• Overcomer: 1 John 4:4
• Wonderfully made: Psalm 139:13-14, Ephesians 2:10
• Loved: John 3:16
• Child of God: Galatians 3:26
• Beloved: Song of Solomon 6:3
• A Temple: 1 Corinthians 3:16
• Forgiven & Righteous: 1 John 1:9

This is just a glimpse into the person that God made you and I into when He breathed life in our lungs. You and I are these things and so much more. Be amazed at what He can do in your life! You may be going through difficult, treacherous, barely able to move moments right now, but don't let these conditions become your destiny. Your LORD in Heaven is doing something amazing because of these circumstances, because of your dispositions. So praise Him for that! You are unlike any other man or woman on this planet!

Other versions of Habakkuk 1:5 say, "...something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." That's what my thoughts are like when someone tells me something crazy or far fetched. I don't believe them. I laugh in their faces. We would do the same to God if He were to reveal His plans to us. So, perhaps it's time to sincerely believe Him for who He is and who you are in Him. Leave your control at His feet.I know that's tough, ladies...I'm still working on it too.