Sunday, January 23, 2011

Training in Trust

Moving day...we packed everything in the truck to leave, moving to our new "temporary home". Pulling from the curb, I glanced in the rear view mirror to see my green-eyed, freckled face seven year old's friends chasing behind us, waving good-bye.  Slumping in the back seat, he quietly said "I'm sad". In that moment, I was him...seven. Tears shaded by my sunglasses, I began to see it from his perspective, its his world, and it had been completly shaken that morning. His best friends, play times, laughter and hours of runnning, biking and fighting with battered nerf swords. Perfect, safe. 

Isn't that what we are all looking for...something or someone we can completely trust. Personally, I have asked God for an adventure but wanting a safety net, guarentee, that isn't really trust! What is really "sure"? Think about it...as the days pass many things are becoming less sure, safe, immovable, even as Americans. The opportuntiy to walk with and train my children to trust begins in my own heart. Who do I trust? What do I trust in? I can aknowledge a "feeling" but it has to go beyond my circumstance, trial or season of life. 

Praying with your child is a start, but there has to be more depth to "trust" or "forgive". I have to live this way. It must become a lifestyle. How do I trust? I rely on the truth. In proverbs it says "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Truth is: I must go to the one who created me...this begins with me, I can only take my child as far as I am willing to go. So I pose the question..."who do you trust"? Has something or someone shaken your trust? Let God show you these areas of mistrust so they can be healed and you too can prepare the next generations to walk in confidence because God is with them and he is trustworthy!

Overflowing with hope,

Jacqueline

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Grace...give me some of that!

This day began preparing to move again...not much different than the last time six weeks ago? Not exactly.  Somehow, today was different and my character didn't seem to get it all done, not to mention, well... that argument with my amazing husband.  I had begun to think I could really do this! Moving 8 times since last April...missions, serving God... such an adventure...just ask my kids!  What I was not prepared for was two tear filled breakdowns with my beautiful green-eyed, freckled face seven year old, saying..."why does God make us wait until the last minute to find a house"?

Until this conversation stopper, I misguidedly thought I had it all together!  Truth is: I am a mom trying to create the most positive transition imaginable when in reality it looks nothing like how I'd pictured it, perfect attitudes, demeanor and ohhhh the cleaning and packing...smile!  Real story: We sold, gave away or lost almost everything we owned last April as we began the journey into missions as a family. Besides the few boxes and a bed back in our hometown, we have about 2 bags each that move with us, lets just say...we don't all have the same packing, cleaning and of course transition styles!  What we are doing is definitely not the "norm" and most people see the traveling, comment on locations and fun but do not see the sacrifice it takes to live such a simple life of hearing and obeying God's voice.

What I do know is:  His Grace is sufficient for me and his power is made perfect in my weakness. I understand the God I desire and choose to serve, has such a love for me! This love enables me to receive a peace and grace during difficult transitions and trials of life. What about you? Do you need grace, desire to be free of anxiety and disappointment?  The choice is simple but not always easy.  God has a plan for your life and if you are a mom he has designed your child(ren) with unique and amazing gifting, qualities and purpose!

This Blog is created to share insights and practical ways to train up your children the way they were created!  To encourage, support and guide you in times of joy, trial and laughter.  I am praying for a greater measure of grace to be given to moms...after all we are preparing the upcoming generations, and that is no small task.

Overflowing with hope,

Jacqueline