sunrise thoughts 14 October 2015

Long before the sun came up, my mind was wide away, mapping out my day and thinking:

"There are way too many things on my schedule for today. How am I possibly going to do it all? I'm going to have to hit the floor running."

A few minutes before 6am, we heard the small voice of our "Little" as she entered our room. She sweetly called out to us:

"PapaBear & DeeDee, cam I cuddle with you in your bed?"

Struggling to Do It ALL!

I'm a wife, a mom, & a DeeDee (my g'mommy name). I'm a daughter, a sister & a friend. I'm a volunteer, a blogger & a somewhat-but-hopefully-not-totally-addicted social media person. Putting all of those things together (as is the series title for this month) is a daunting challenge. But, the worst thing of all is... I'm an over-achiever. 

My childhood, youth & adulthood have been riddled with me feeling insecure and struggling

An Unexpected Friend - #JoyDare No. 2376

Just when you tell someone that you don't possibly have room in your life for one more friend, God proves you wrong. Well, that's how it seems in my life. And, a few years back, I made that statement to my small group. Talk about later trying to hide that I'd said it -- my small group holds me accountable. Thank the Lord!

I think when I spoke those words I was feeling overwhelmed with everything happening in my life and struggling with being able to keep in touch with all my close friends. I wasn't meeting up with anyone - due to the explosions happening around us :) I didn't seem to have the time or energy to barely give friends a quick call or send a quick note. Perhaps a lot of that was due to the fact that I was always thinking... I wish they'd get what they deserve! I was feeling like a loser at being a friend. I was also struggling to keep my friends up-to-date on some things that were happening in our family.

The craziness of life was also making it tough to keep up with my volunteer work for our church. But, the passion for that was life-giving so, in my thinking, I managed to limp along with that. While I thought I was limping along, ineffectively, God had a plan...

In response to a weekly note I wrote at that time on behalf of our Women's Ministries Leadership Team, I received a note from a woman who was wanting to make more of a connection to & commitment with God and his church -- possibly through our fellowship. I followed up on the note. Over the course of the next 3 months, we emailed back & forth pretty regularly as she shared some of the struggles she was facing in her life. I shared some of mine with her. We prayed for each other. We shared scriptures. We connected!

We met only face-to-face a few times. But unknown to me at that time, God had already reserved a special place in my heart just for this woman. A challenge she was facing three years ago prepared me for a similar one I would face two years later. The scriptures that we shared back & forth always seemed to be what each of us needed at that very moment. 

Almost four years later, that woman is a dear friend - who feels like a sister!

2376. an unexpected friend - who feels like a sister

"From where the sun rises to where the sun sets,
the name of the Lord should be praised."
Psalm 113:3
photo credit to that dear friend's daughter :)

I am thankful that God is working in me -- even when I am certain there's no room for anything or anyone else. I would have missed out on an eternal friend and a wonderful blessing had I not connect with that "unexpected friend"!

Wasting Precious Time

Tick Tock! Tick Tock!

There aren't enough minutes in the day. Do you ever feel this way? Are there things that you are convicted to do on any given day that don't happen? 

I struggled with those regretful feelings for years & years. I still have to remind myself that God doesn't intend my sincere service to Him to be a struggle. 

When walking early in the morning a few years ago, I was talking to God about not having enough time. I "heard" a voice in my heart say, "You have just as many minutes in your day as everyone else on the planet. I've given you enough time to do what I need you to do TODAY!" Since that time I've tried not to rake myself over the coals for what might have felt like missed opportunities AND to trust that God's timing will cover my service for Him.

Even for those who don't claim Christ as their Lord, I think this is a great thought:  

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And, if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"

Luke 12:25-26 

Don't waste precious time second guessing things that are in the past OR how God will use what you offer up to Him in the moment of genuine love & service!

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today...