We girls have to stick together!

Over the past month or so my family and I have faced a few changes, some worrisome health concerns and other uncertainties. I have found myself having moments of doubt, fear, feeling a little more shaken than I like to feel. These moments in life happen to all of us and the shaky feelings serve as a good reminder to the importance of our foundation. Where do we run when things aren't like we hope they will be? Where do we find comfort and support?

Sometimes when life is a little crazy or the news of the day unsettling I find myself wondering how the awe-inspiring Proverbs 31 woman can laugh at the days to come. Does she worry about her children? Is she concerned about whether her energies are devoted in the right place? Has her marriage ever felt unstable or imperfect? What is it that gives her this laughter? I want to laugh at the days to come...whether they bring illness, blessing, promotion or want.

I wish I could boil it all down to one thing..."Here is the one-step process to laughing in the face of trial, uncertainty and hardship!! For only $19.99 the secret can be yours!! It's not quite that easy but it is simple. I know the answer lies with Jesus. I'm not 100% sure how but I am learning...learning to lean into him, learning to trust him, learning more all the time what his word means and intends to teach me. Believing more...that He loves me, that He has a plan, that He is faithful and not surprised by the events of my day.

Part of how I am learning this comes in the form of other women :). Friends, mothers of friends, my own mom, my children, acquaintances. People I know are walking the same road of me...many far ahead and down the road a bit...but still walking the same road. They are women and most of them have asked themselves these same questions. I am so blessed that when I am honest to share my doubts, concerns and unbelief they pray for and with me. What a gift. There are others who are willing to take the time to go to the Lord in my behalf and seek His grace, wisdom and healing in my life and for my family. I think women have a unique ability, given by God, to empathize with one another. And also a unique need for connection with one another. Too often we use that empathy and understanding to compete, compare and one-up each other. Life is so much more full and wonderful when we choose the former. So, I challenge you today...be available to the women around you. Love them, take time to see the beauty in them. Use your empathy and ability to have compassion to bless them. Take the time to pray with and for them. It may be the little boost they need to see Jesus for who he truly is, to be reminded how he loves them and you may find yourself learning a thing or two as well :). We girls have to stick together!!

Where are you in my plan?

Some days and in various circumstances I find myself wondering what I should do next, feeling too tired to really give it as much thought as I could and generally wishing I knew what lie ahead and what I should do about it. "God...please show yourself to me...remind me that you are God and that you see me". There is something so powerful about being seen. Many of the tasks and activities we, as wives and moms, spend our time doing are hidden. They go unnoticed and for me that is fine. Mostly because I don't want the scrutiny of my inability to get clean, folded laundry from the laundry room to my drawers lol. :) Aaah...another blog for another day!!

Still, sometimes life and all its twists and turns and uncertainties can feel...well, uncertain. I wonder if God sees me or if I've misunderstood His word and promises. I can feel the heaviness of doubt creeping in and the weight of things I wasn't meant to carry. This is usually about the time I look around me and wake up to see the miracles all around me...my children bounding into my bedroom with much more energy than you can imagine asking "Can I wear a dress today!? and "What's for breakfast?" as I peek at the clock to be sure it's truly a reasonable hour :), the safety I can sleep in at night not worrisome about the general safety of the area in which I live, the grandiosity of Pikes Peak and the starry night sky, food in my pantry and employment to keep it there...and I am once again reminded that He sees me. I look back on situations where I've felt alone and lost and see His gentle guiding hand leading me even when I felt He wasn't there.

I'm so grateful for a loving and good God. I hope this encourages you if you're feeling uncertain, anxious or simply alone. I am confident that regardless of our circumstances, God is God and God is good...no matter what. He who knows the hairs on my head...who has written my name on the palm of His hand and who gives us our daily bread...He who began a good work in me and will complete it...He who loves us. He has a plan and He has always had a plan...we are so blessed to be a part of the big story of history and eternity and even our own story within the story matters to Him. What a loving God. Perhaps I should be asking "Where do I fit in your plan?" more and "Where are you in my plan?" less.