Reflection

We had our annual ladies retreat this past weekend and it was a blessing!  Over the last couple of days I have been reflecting back to things that took place and words that were shared by different ladies for the glory of the Lord.  Throughout the retreat, we put emphasis on sharing our life stories with others and how sharing what God has done in our lives impacts others.  On Saturday at the retreat, I shared my story.  A story of sin, misery, forgiveness, mercy and grace.  My prayer had been that God would use it to speak to some lady there that might be in need of hearing about the hope and forgiveness that God offers to all that surrender to Him.  To my surprise, God has used it to impact my life once again.  He used my story for me to reflect back on and to be reminded of how great He is!  It had been a while since I gave my testimony and God pricked my spirit immediately as I began to tell my life story to the women at the retreat. I found myself emotionally and humbly thanking Him for restoring my marriage and life. 

Yesterday I was approached by a young man from our church.  He was telling me that his wife had a wonderful time at the retreat.  As we talked, God spoke through him to remind me of something else.  He began to share with me that we don't always get to see the 'end' result of the seed that we plant for the Lord.  This young man was saying that you never know how, what or where God is going to use anything that was said or done at the retreat to further His kingdom.  I was very thankful to know that God had used the retreat to refresh my spirit and to just think about the unkown of His works for the other ladies was overwhelming. 

My encouragement for you today is that you would reflect back on your life.  Be reminded of where you were and where God has brought you.  Be diligent in living your life for the Lord. Don't take your relationship with Him for granted.  Be careful little eyes what you see...Be careful little ears what you hear...It's a slow fade when you give yourself away.  Remember:  People never crumble in a day, daddies never crumble in a day, and families never crumble in a day...It's a slow fade.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't be afraid to be set apart from this world to serve Him!

Blessings to you all...  

A Father's Love

As I spent time with my dad this past Father's Day, my mind was filled with memories of him from over the years.  One particular memory was when I was around 4 years old.  My dad was a farmer and was preparing to put pesticides on the crops.  As I stood by his side he said to me, "Tonya, do not touch this because it is poison." So, what do you think I did?...Yep, you guessed it!  I dug right into it with my hands.  My dad had turned his back just long enough for my curiosity to get the best of me and I gave into the temptation of doing the opposite of what daddy told me not to do.  When he noticed that I had disobeyed, he done as any father would and frantically yelled at me to get my attention.  By this time he was headed straight toward me and I knew just what was about to happen to me.  I took off running up the driveway and then onto the dirtroad with dad chasing behind.  When he finally caught me...well, you guessed it, I got a good old fashion spanking.  My dad was disappointed in me for disobeying him but he was more fearful of the harm that the pesticides could have caused me.  That day serves as the only time I can remember my dad spanking me.  From then on, all my dad ever had to say to me was my name (you know you are in serious trouble when your parent calls you by your first and last name).  Let me confess to you that even though this was the only time my earthly father spanked me...my Heavenly Father has had to discipline me SEVERAL times. 

Often times God is warning us of things that may bring harm to us in our lives.  And regretfully, we let our curiosity or fleshly desires take over and we give into temptation.  Even then does God continue to call out to us.."My child, you know this is wrong...Please turn away from your sin...Trust that what I am saying to you is for your own good...trust Me in your struggles!"  But yet we still continue to run as fast as we can away from our heavenly Father just as I did with my dad.  Why do we run?  We run because we are trying to escape the guilt and conviction that is deep within us.  We think if we run far enough away, we can escape the pain of disappointment or the discipline that may come to us for our wrong doing.  Stop running away from God but run toward Him! Be showered with his love, receive his correction and turn from your sin.   

Hebrews 12: 5-6 "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 

Be encouraged in your time of discipline from the Lord by knowing that He loves you!

The Lord may give us much correction; It is all out of love because He wants the best for our life's direction!
    

Just for Moms!

Forgive me for not blogging much lately.  I was explaining to a friend the other day about how busy and crazy our lives have been lately.  We have a son who is a senior in high school and will be graduating in just a few weeks, graduation parties to plan, a son who is 15 and constantly putting me under stress while riding with him as he learns to drive, 3 sons playing baseball (two on high school level and one in T-Ball), sports and academic banquets to attend, a husband learning a new job in a new position, working a job outside the home on top of my wife/mom duties (which is very rewarding but with no pay), I teach a ladies Sunday School class every other month (thank you Jennifer for teaching the months in between), and I could just go on and on with other daily tasks!  Whew!  That took the breathe out of me just typing it! 

Now, let me tell you what makes all this worth while...a husband that loves and works hard to provide for his family as God would have him to, an 18 year old who still gives his mom and dad hugs and is not afraid to say I love you, a 15 year old with a LOT of personality that brings so much laughter to our home and a 6 year old that said to me last night "Mumma, will you always love me?  Even when I am grown? Even if I break something?" And mumma replied "Yes, baby..I will always love you" and then a big hug and kiss from him. And also, what a blessing to watch women from the sunday school class grow and allowing God to transform them before our eyes! As I thought about just how much I love my husband, children and others, I was reminded of the unconditional love that God gives each of us.  When we grow, He continuously shows and tells us how much He loves us, He alone brings so much joy into our chaotic lives, and even when we mess up He is always there to forgive and comfort us as He corrects us. So, whatever chaos your day may bring to you as a mother or wife...trust in the Lord and sit at His feet while He feeds the one spiritually that "literally" will be feeding others today!

It may be a crazy life....but it is our life and with Christ that strenghtens us, we can do anything!