The Role of a Lifetime!

Hello Everyone!  It's finally here... Tuesday... and my guest blogger!  I am so proud to share my husband's awesome wisdom and writing with you today!

I would be honored if you would let him know just how much you're glad that he's joined our blog community today!

So without further adieu.... Pastor John Franklin!

In a day of pursuit, ambition, and self-determinant glory-centered living, we have embraced an Almighty God, with supposedly unconditional surrender, into a life the Bible calls voluntary slavery, giving up the right of free will in the pursuit of salvation from the deserved consequences of our own sin.

And that, from a slightly differently angle, is Christianity.

Have you ever stopped to consider that our world is not that vastly different from the world in the time of Christ?

“What?!” you may think as you spew out your coffee and hope you didn’t just fry your computer.

Think about it for a moment.  We live in a dominantly Hellenist (Greek) society, following a Jewish paradigm of relationship with the One True God.  Oh yes, we have computers… “woo-pee!”  The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids and we just scratch our heads and think, “Man, how’d they do that?!”

We communicate in the flash of electrons across a computer screen; they actually still had decent penmanship.  They read books… we read books.  Ok, they wore togas… but so do most folks at the common fraternity party (woops, maybe we shouldn’t talk about that one… just kidding)!

The point is this, that often times we dismiss the parts of the Bible that we don’t like under so many headings of exception like, “Well, they didn’t have corporate pressures!” or “They didn’t have to deal with school systems and modern secular humanism!” or “They just weren’t as enlightened as we are!”

These and so many other arguments of avoidance I’ve heard and tried over the years have at least one common denominator… none of them hold water.

A brother in Christ once asked me why I wouldn’t drop out of ministry for a while and get a sweet paying job in the energy industry back when we were serving in Texas.  It made no sense to him that I would be educated to the level I am and only make what a pastor makes.  I laughed to myself, thought “no stinkin’ doubt!” and then thanked him for the compliment but explained that my life is not a result of my choice, but of God’s calling… and that my assignment is that of a pastor.

In that moment, and even as I type it again here, it is both freeing and it kind of stings a little.  My role has been set since Mrs. Smith’s fifth grade classroom, writing the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” paper, when the Holy Spirit told me to “Preach the Gospel.”

The die was cast when I was a six year old little boy on the swing set with my father, and traded my life for the salvation of Jesus Christ… seeking His forgiveness, and committing to, as my Dad put it, let Him be the boss; oddly similar to how the Apostle Paul describes himself as the bond-slave of Christ.

Even this morning, as I talked with my children, I realize that the God Who saved me has known all these things were coming and all that is to come.  I know that He saw me coming knowing I would choose His grace, that He set my life in order, even working my messes to my good, so that I would be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30), that He called me to Himself, brought me to the forgiveness of my sins, and will complete the whole process when I reach the end of this race someday.

The role of a lifetime is not my choice… it’s His.

Oh, there are roads in life that would have made it my choice, but none of those roads lead to Jesus.

In II Corinthians 4:17, Paul says, “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (ESV)

Whatever the God-given role of your lifetime might be… dive into it today!

Don’t let the modern mumbo-jumbo of pseudo enlightenment (aka self-serving prideful ego-centric exaltation) rob you of the joy of serving the God of All Creation.

Run the race.  Turn not to one side or the other.

Fix your eyes on Christ and breathe the clean air of living in the purposes of God.

For me, that has made the difference between fulfillment and frustration.  I hope it might for you as well as we run in the path of so many who have come before us!

May the peace of Christ engulf you as run!

John

John Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Journey Christian Church in New Orleans where he serves with his bride, Penny, as they have through many miles of pastoring and planting churches.

You can subscribe to Pastor John's blog at www.arevsblog.blogspot.com

Moment by Moment Victory - Day 1

Last Friday I wrote about my week in review.  About how I had kind of a "slump week"...  I didn't exercise like I should have, I didn't eat like I should have, and all-in-all it was just "one of those weeks"!

However, on Sunday the Lord showed me Philippians 3:13-14 - which talks about forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what is ahead!  So that's exactly what I'm doing today!

Today I have renewed passion and energy for the goals and assignments the Lord has given me!  My alarm went off at 4:15am (set that early to allow me to hit snooze a couple of times - LOL!) and I was up and reading my Bible by 4:35!  Before 7am I read my Bible, did my upper body weight workout, completed a 20 minute cardio workout, washed and dried my daughter's school uniform, made her lunch, signed all appropriate folders, made breakfast (don't freak out it was just Cheerios this morning) and now I'm on the the rest of my list - clean refrigerator, plan the week's meals, and buy groceries.

In the Ladies Class at our church on Sunday we studied 

Luke 9:23-24.

"If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

I want to follow Christ!  In both the big things (salvation) and the little things (eating healthy & exercising)!  I love the part of the verse that says to take up your cross daily.  However, this morning I realized for me - I need to start with "moments" instead of "daily".  My "real life" small cross is being obedient by taking care of my body... and I have to to do daily - but before that, I have to do tackle it moment by moment.

I know that if I concentrate on finding success moment by moment (eating the right kind of breakfast, drinking my water, and exercising according to the schedule) - eventually I will find success in the daily (lunch and dinner) and then before long - I will find success in the end game goal (wearing those jeans that I just love!).

(these are my actual weights!)

So today, I'm starting (again) Body For Life!  Today is Day 1 of an 84 Day program.  As my husband would say, "Let's Go Get It!"

How do you find victory taking up your cross - "moment-by-moment"?

His Words Sunday

Don't you just love "Do-Overs"?  

Don't you just love when someone lets you have a brand new start to get it right?  I do!  If you came to my blog on Friday or Saturday, you saw the kind of week I had and how I'm hoping Monday brings new things!

I couldn't help but to make this verse my new goal for the week.  No matter what last week looked like - here's your Biblical Do-Over!  Enjoy and let's all make this new week better than the last!

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Let's all reach forward this week!

One of those weeks...

Ever had "one of those weeks"?  You know the kind... where it just doesn't surprise you when things don't go as you had planned?  Well... this was my week!  Just a little something about me - I love getting up early (EVERYDAY) and reading my Bible, catching up with my online friends, and exercising... oh!  and I'm very conscience about eating healthy (at least 6 out of 7 days).  LOL!

However, this week I only exercised 2 days and had a few candy bars!  I NEVER DO THIS!!!

So I'm taking this weekend to "get it all out of my system"!  No more excuses.

How do you pull yourself out of a slump and into ENERGY?  

Feel free to ask me on Monday how it's going - because I'm determined that it will be filled with passion... and running... and weights... and carrots... and wheat thin crackers (only 8, instead of the whole bag)... and lots and lots of water (instead of a Coke)... and well... I'll share more on Monday!

Oh!  I almost forgot... I'm having a guest on my blog next Tuesday!  I'm super excited about it!!!  Make sure you check back in to see what who it is!!!

Okay... I've got to go enjoy the weekend now! 

I'm Strong - Part II

Yesterday I gave a preview of how my son, JP, totally believes he is strong (strong enough to lift me off the floor) simple because his Daddy told him he was strong!

As soon as he said this... it started a wave of lessons the Lord wanted to teach me.  I love it when God teaches me simple principles about Himself - through the sweet words of my children!!

Click here to read the rest of the story!

How did you get to be so strong?

The other day I got some good ole fashioned time playing with my little boy.  He would try to knock me over and I would fall and then he would want to help me up - so we could do it all over again.

Each time I would tell him, "You're so very strong!"

On the last time I asked him,  
"How did you get to be so strong?"  

He just laughed and said,  
"Because my Daddy told me I was strong!"

Precious!  As soon as he said this, I thought about how our Heavenly Father tells us that we are strong too!  We could have so much more strength and endurance if we would just believe what He says about us.

JP will eventually learn that he can go to the Lord for strength - but for now he goes to his Daddy.  Tomorrow I will talking more about this at Seeds of Faith - but for now... I have a question for ya....

Who do you go to this side of heaven for strength?  

And do you feel energized just by what they say about you?

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I thought I would see more by now

Do you ever feel like you work and work towards a worthy goal to no avail?  That no matter how hard you try, no matter how much passion you exude, no one really notices your efforts?  And that at some point you just need to cut your losses and move on to something else?

We've all been at this place!  Whether it was in trying to make a good relationship better, responding to a specific assignment in ministry, or just "training up your children in the way that they should go" - we all get to a point where we feel like it's just not working!

We wonder if perhaps we're even doing it right!  We know we're supposed to be doing this task, and yet, the lack of results makes us doubt not only our methods, but if victory is even an option.

I read something this morning that gave me tremendous hope!  I hope it gives you that same energy boost that it gave me.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain.

As soon as I read this verse, I stopped and opened my journal.  I wrote the following:

My instructions:

1.  Be steadfast - both focused on the tasks the Lord has given me & in my love for those He's put in my path

2.  Be immovable - meaning don't be so flighty, be firm where He has planted me in this season of my life.  Be committed to His way and not my own.

3.  Abound in the work of the Lord.  Be passionate about my assignment - no matter what the results look like - give my all to Him, overflow in my work!

No where in these instructions does it say when to give up!  No where in these instructions does it give stipulations for low results.  It only says what I'm to do - totally disconnected from the appearance of victory! So what helps keep me going?  How can I be positive if the outcome does not "look" positive?

After evaluating all of this I wrote: 

Truth & Hope:

in the Lord... my labor is not in vain!

The bottom line:  The Lord is the One in charge - He is in control of the results - I am only to follow instructions - be steadfast, be immovable and abound in the work of the Lord. 

My friends... the hope of victory is clear - you will not work in vain if you are working in the Lord's strength and doing what He says to do!  It may not always be glamorous (potty training), it may not pay a lot, if anything (helping those in need), the hours may be long and the location may seem far from where you thought you would be - but find energy and hope - that...

in the Lord our labor is not in vain.

His Words Sunday

Today in our ladies class at church, I'm teaching on being chosen and called by God to live a life of service to Him.  I came across the verse and have thought on it all week.

I know this is long and hopefully its length will not deter you from reading.  I found it very encouraging to notice what happens if we live in this way and what happens if we don't!!

2 Peter 1:5-10 (NASB)

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

God Arranged Places

Do you ever look around and wish you could be doing something different?  Maybe you want a different job, or maybe you have high aspirations of doing something BIG for God?  More than likely we all have dreams.  Dreams of truly fulfilling the plans God has laid upon our hearts and not only doing them well, but to the very best of our abilities.

While dreams and planning are crucial to our lives - sometimes we need to settle in to where God has us in the here and now.  I think far too often we're so busy looking down the road, that me miss the ministry that is staring us in the face in the present.

Did you know that it is quite possible that God has placed you in just the perfect place He most wants to use you right now?!  Check this out:

1 Corinthians 12:18 (ESV)

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.

The context of this verse is about the various parts of a body and how an eye cannot declare he doesn't want to be an eye - for how would the body see.  And an ear cannot not declare that he doesn't want to be an ear - for how would the body hear.

I loved this verse this morning for it was a great reminder to me that God arranged exactly where I am and what I'm doing.  While I can prepare for future places, I don't need to get so entangled with what's to come that I miss my current assignment.  And my current assignment is a wonderful one:  wife of 8 years, mother to 2 young children, Pastor's wife, local Women's Minister, blogger with friends who follow faithfully, mentor to young ladies serving the Lord ardently, Bible study teacher - Whew!... this is a great place to be!!!

I don't know where you are this morning... but I hope that you find comfort that 

where you're living

the place that you're serving

is a God arranged place.  

He chose it just for you for His purpose and His glory.  Now go and live this "God arranged, chosen" place to the fullest!

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Choose Joy Anyway

Yesterday morning I had a wonderful prayer time with the Lord.  Upon finishing my time of prayer I wrote a devotional and posted it on my blog.  It was all about being joyful about the restoration that Christ has performed in your life.  It was from Nehemiah and how the children of Israel celebrated their newly built wall!  You can read more about it here.

I did just that in the quiet of my house and on the pages of my journal.  I thanked the Lord for restoring and renewing me and committed to letting others see and know of my joy throughout the day.  I closed my Bible & my journal and went to the laundry room to get my workout clothes to go for my morning run.

I quickly realized it was raining, so in my head I thought, "I'll just stay inside and lift weights instead."  But upon opening the laundry room door, I found water everywhere!  We live in an old house and occasionally find leaks in strange places.  The laundry that was hanging clean (from the day before) was now dripping!  ARG!!!

I quickly rescued the other clothes that had not yet received the rain.  Needless to say, by the time all was saved my workout time had passed.  It was now time to get the day going towards breakfast & school.  I wanted to forget my committment to be joyful and just lash out!  But I didn't.  I kept my cool and focused on the verses I had just read.

In fact, as I was beginning to stew about the rain and the laundry (that I'm now going to have to RE-WASH) I thought about the women in Jerusalem that day.  The day they were all standing around the newly constructed wall - celebrating and praising the Lord for His restoration.  I wondered if they were experiencing similar things as I had just encountered.

Something like:

"I know we have to be at the wall to sing - but dinner is not ready and we can't find our son's sandals!"

or

"Yes, I will be there with a smile on my face and I will thank our God for bringing us home... but we're still unpacking and I can't even find a decent dress to wear!"

I know this isn't written in scripture, but somehow I think something like this could have been possible.  And yet - all we read about it how they took time to show their joy.  So in my moment of frustration - I decided to chose joy instead.  And this is what the power of Christ looks and feels like!

How do you choose joy on days like this?

How do you stop yourself from sinking and rise above instead?

How do you choose joy no matter what's around you?

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Restored Joy

I love my quiet house in the morning.  I can actually hear the AC pouring through the vents, I can hear the trees as the wind gently blows through them outside my window... these are sounds that I don't hear during the hustle & bustle of my day.  It's during these quiet few moments that I can also hear God speak to my spirit.

This morning, I saw a really short but meaningful verse in Nehemiah.  It's all about joy & restoration.

Nehemiah 12:43 (b) (ESV)

 ...And the joy of Jerusalem 

was heard far away.

Okay, let me give you a little bit of context & background here.  The exiled children of Israel have been allowed to return from Babylon back to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple & their city.  Nehemiah has led the charge to rebuild the wall of the city and it's finally complete.  Choirs have been positioned at every corner of the wall and they are praising and rejoicing that God has delivered, rebuilt, and restored their home & their people.

As I read this verse, I got a visual of many Israelites singing and truly being joyful that they had finally made it home and were free to worship their God!  They worshiped and praised the God who delivered them - who restored them.

This verse inspired me to truly praise God and be joyful for the restoration He's provided for me as well.  I think far too often we pray for God to heal us, to rebuild our brokenness, to restore our homes and then when He does - we just go about our day, as if all that were a normal every day occurrence!

The children of Israel took massive amounts of time and energy to be joyful for their restoration.  Check out Nehemiah and you'll see the detail that was put into praising God for the deliverance He provided them.

This morning, I let my Lord know that not only am I grateful and joyful for the rebuilding and restoring He has provided - but that I want it to be "heard far away!"  Not for my sake... but so others can see what a great, loving, compassionate God I serve.

Now I know that I'm not going to stand on a city wall... so what does this look like for me, in my neck of the woods, in 2010?  I believe that smiles go WAY further than we think.  Do I "look" joyful to those around me?

Also, do I share, in small & big ways, that once I was lost and now I'm found?  When those around me share with me how they are hurting do I give them the living water that will truly heal them?  Or do I just tell them I'll pray for them and go about my busy day?  I want my joy to be heard so it can lead to life!

Have you been restored or rebuilt lately?  

If so, then let your joy be heard!  

If you're still waiting on restoration - let the story of the Israelites give you hope!  Not only had their home been destroyed, but they were taken as captives to a whole other country - for years!!!  And God still brought them home, rebuilt their place of worship, reinforced their city walls and renewed their joy!  He can and wants to do the same for you!

First Day of School

Wow!  What a morning this has been!  The first day of First Grade!!  Jordan woke up super excited about her first day of school!  While she was excited about her new classroom and another great new year at her school, there was a comfort level with this year that she didn't have last year. 

Last year was her first year in a new school, in a new city & state... but this year, part of her excitement was about seeing all her friends from Kindergarten.  Orientation was last week, so she knew exactly where her desk was and who would be sitting beside her.

This year was different for me as well.  Last year I remember sitting next to her at her sweet little table and trying not to cry as I noticed how nervous she was about this new school.  This year - me and some of my favorite Mom-friends stood at the back of the room - snapping pictures and catching up ourselves.  While we watched our daughters lavishly pass out hugs and giggles as they did the same - catching up and showing off their new school supplies and being giddy about how they had the same school box!

I'm now at home with my sweet little 3 year-old son, back on the potty training schedule and settling back into our "school normal" - as Jordan put it this weekend.

I wouldn't be the proud Mommy that I am if I didn't share with you what our morning looked like...

Jordan before we left for school

Jordan with Daddy - before school & work (notice JP sneaking in the background)

Jordan with Mommy - before getting in the car to leave

Jordan reuniting with her Kindergarten friends!

Jordan at her new desk! (notice the card that reads, "God loves Jordan")

One final Good-Bye hug from her little brother...

I can't wait to see what this year is going to bring us all!  Congratulations Jordan!

His Words Sunday

I'm really enjoying making my Sunday blog solely about His words - and not mine.  Today I want to give you His Words about His church.  His church is made up of His people and He wants desperately for them to gather together and to meet with them (us) collectively!

Psalm 26:8 (ESV)

O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where Your glory dwells.

Today, I pray that you find yourself taking in the holy habitation of the Lord in corporate worship!  I believe that He knows we will find His strength for our daily life, when we come together with fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.

I know you will experience His glory there with them!

I'm Here

Last night I concluded a Ladies Bible Study on the Names of God. It was a FANTASTIC study by Kay Arthur, Lord I Want To Know You. I must admit, my prayer life will never be the same! Now I know that I can call on Jehovah-jireh, when I am in need of provisions. I can call on Jehovah-raah, when I need my God to lead me to greener pastures. I can call on Jehovah-sabaoth when I need God to lead the charge against my enemies. I love being able to call on Jehovah-rapha when I need his healing balm of Gilead.

I could go on and on here. We studied 16 different names of God (from the Old Testament) in just 6 weeks. I'm so proud of all of the ladies that attended in person and those who followed online at Studying His Word.

But what I came away with last night is a name most precious to me. A name I can say when I'm not sure what's around the corner. A name I can cry out to when it feels like God is being silent. A name I can be comforted by when it appears that God has let me fall.

(to continue reading click here)







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What would I do without her?!

Whew!  Yesterday was "one-of-those" days!  I'm so glad it's in my rear view mirror this morning!  No need to rehash the details, but it was full of parenting, scheduling, finance, shopping, ministry, cleaning, exercising - pretty much you name it - I dealt with it.  And the crazy thing - not all of it was even bad - it was just full and loud!  Do you ever have those kind of days? Please tell me I'm not alone here!!!

At the end of the day, instead of brooding over it all, I decided to call a loyal & trusted friend... my Mom!  Not only did she offer great advice, and help me put the craziness in proper perspective - but she made me laugh!  When I started the phone call I was frustrated and exhausted, and after we said our good-byes, I was bounding up the stairs - renewed and refreshed for storytime with the kids - and I didn't even look for the shortest book on the shelf - I read them a new book!

What can I say about my Mom?  I love her so much - and am learning more and more as I age, what a great woman she is - she is a great mother, a wonderful friend, a loyal servant to the Lord, she sets a great example to me on how to be a wife, she's literally a missionary at her place of business, oh my... I could on and on - and no - it's not her birthday or even Mother's day!

I want to suggest something for you all... call your Mom!  Make it regular.  Years ago, (I can't even remember who started it or when it began) but she & I started talking on the phone every Saturday.  This has made the difference in our relationship!  It's made the difference in my sanity some weeks!  I don't miss a Saturday with her.  In fact, my husband has even begun asking - "How was your time with your Mom today?" - every Saturday.  He sees the difference in me when I spend time with my Mother.

I know not all of you may have a good relationship with your Mother, or some of your Mothers may no longer be living and for you my heart aches.  I don't know what I would do without mine.

For the rest of you, commit today to just give her a call - out of the blue - and just do life with her!  I'm sure you would make her day - and she might just make yours as well!!!

Tell me...

what special thing do 
you love about your Mom?!

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Magically... or Automatically?

Here recently my 6 year-old daughter has been discovering the wonderful world of “what happens automatically” in the car.

How did this exercise come about?!

She loves to lock her door and wants to do so IMMEDIATELY upon getting into her seat. I explained to her that her door will lock automatically when the car gets to a certain speed and she doesn’t have to worry about this small little task.

Another one is the car radio. She wants to ensure that I’m going to turn on the music, IMMEDIATELY! Again, I have explained to her, that her beloved music will come on automatically upon cranking the car.

Just when I thought we had the concept of automatic features mastered - she asked me a question that I have not been able to get out of my mind. It has such a beautiful illustration of our relationship with Christ that I just had to share it with you all.

(to read the rest of this... visit Allied Moms!  It's found under Encouragement for the Day)

The last kiss of the day

As I put each of my children to bed we have a routine - story, song & prayer.   JP knows when the prayer is almost over and he does the cutest thing as I'm just about to say "Amen".  He grabs my face and pulls me close and gives me a kiss.  I usually giggle, kiss him, and then try to continue on in our prayer.  However, he continues this little routine as long as he thinks I'll let him.  As I was reading my Bible this week, I read a verse that reminded me of JP's new expression of love.

Psalm 17:6-7(a)

I am praying to You because I know You will answer , O God.

Bend down and listen as I pray.  Show me Your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

I'm curious about who you go to when you need an answer to a particular situation.  Well, actually who do you go to first?  It probably depends on the situation.  

When I have a question about my kids' health, I typically call my Mom.  I have asked her on many occasions - "did you ever experience this as a Mom?"  and then "what do I do?"  

When I have a question about directions to a place I've never been before, I typically go to mapquest.com on the internet.  The places we go to for answers will vary.  But there are times when we go to the wrong place or we completely avoid the right place.  I love this verse because I see an incredible promise here.  

Let's look at it again - "I am praying to You because I know You will answer."  I wonder how often we either discount the answers that God could give us or just simple forget to pray all together.  God will answer us if we just give Him the opportunity.  If we just get quiet for long enough to hear His plan for our life He will show us amazing things!

My favorite part of this passage is found in verse 7 - "bend down and listen as I pray."  As I read this I was reminded how JP bends me down every night to give me his last kisses for the day.  It's like his way of saying - "don't leave just yet".  And you know what - it works!  As I'm bending down to him, physically I am closer to him than when I'm reading him a story or tucking him into his bed.  It's like I'm hearing his very heart concerning his desires.  And do you know what I do?  I show him love in wonderful ways - I kiss his head - his nose, and maybe even tickle him a bit.  We have a wonderful little Mommy/Son moment.  

If I can do this for my little boy - don't you think God wants to do this for us even more?!  God wants to bend down and listen to our heart.  He wants not only to give you the answers for your deepest questions - but He wants to show you His unfailing love in wonderful ways.  

Today - think about the questions that are storming your mind and your heart.  And instead of worrying about them or asking all the wrong people - take them to God.  Ask Him to bend down and listen as you pray.  Then, look for how He begins to show you His unfailing love.  Look for the wonderful ways He will answer you, love you, and most importantly lead you to victory!

JP doesn't want me to leave the room once he bends me down.  I think because he enjoys the special attention he's getting in the moment.  But I believe that after we've gone through our little nightly routine he is more prepared to handle the night.  He has been comforted enough to truly find peace and is confident to sleep throughout the night.  

I promise you, if you would but ask God to bend down toward you like JP bends me down toward him - you will experience an unfailing love like no other - you will not want the time with Him to end!  But most importantly you will be equipped to take on anything that comes your way!  You will experience comfort so you can truly find peace throughout your night.