Revived in a Storm

It is so easy to over complicate suffering by forcing our human emotions into the equation. My suffering cannot detract from His goodness - plain and simple.

Sometimes we dismiss how common it is for our human minds to get in the way of trusting and resting in our Father's goodness and sovereignty; preoccupying ourselves with questions and burdening ourselves with doubt. But, He is way bigger than our humanness, greater than our good days, stronger than our bad days, and EVER faithful in our suffering. We serve a faithful King and no trial, burden, hurt, or diagnosis can rid Him of that title.

Jesus can shine in our frailty and be seen so beautifully in our pain. Our suffering is more about Him - than us. It's such a subtle temptation to turn inward when we hurt, forgetting that even suffering can be ministry. Those around us aren't just meant to see Him in us on days when a smile comes easily. But, on days when perhaps those around us can't even see the smile, simply because it resonates so deeply in us - responding to the love the Holy Spirit is breathing into us.

It would be a shame for me to walk away from these past few months thinking that I received such love from family, friends (and even people I have never met in person) because I am just "somethin' special". It would be a crime to think I walked away from my trial with such comfort and peace because I am simply "entitled". He is Who makes me special. He is the Giver of the joy that thrives in me. We are not entitled to any of the goodness we receive on any day. He's just a loving and generous God. We have to look beyond ourselves sometimes, to see just how lovely and faithful He is.

"Oh, how He suffered..." - that thought alone puts everything in perspective, doesn't it?

Flowers Don't Fight The Dirt

Never underestimate the power of what our Creator is doing, deep under the ground, while the bright green stem is still pushing through the dirt. Be patient, the vibrant colored petals will soon blossom and reveal all that they received while they were still nestled in a bud, deep inside the dark soil.

Have hope.

Just as the soil can enrich the strength of a flower's stem - so our hard times can strengthen the deepest parts of us. There is hope to be had on those dark days; there is purpose, our darkest days can add the most vibrancy to our being.

Find rest.

Flowers don't fight against the soil. They just rest and let the sun draw them out. Tonight, I have found rest in this dark hour - knowing, trusting, that the Son will lift me up.

(I wrote this a couple of months ago on my Facebook account while I was going through a difficult season, I just wanted to share it on here in hopes that it might encourage someone. If you have a prayer request feel free to email me! flynigh@gmail.com)

A Willing Heart Doesn't Come From Bribery

Sometimes it doesn't feel so good to have to take one of Evod's beloved trucks away because he's not being obedient or kind or whatever the case may be. Oh, he seems so heartbroken at the departure of his toys as they go where all the toys go when their little master has lost the privilege of playing with them - on top of the dryer.

Well, you know, I am just not the kind of parent that thinks I am depriving my child of anything if I take his/her toys away or because I don't buy them treats every time we go to the store (buy my kids treats just so that he will behave --- no way!). They need to behave because that's what right not because he/she will get a treat out of it. Some would argue saying, "They are babies/toddlers they don't know how to 'behave'" or "They don't know what's right or how to be patient." Sure, I've considered those things. But, my response is : It's my responsibility to train them, guide them, and teach them such things. I can't just bribe them because I underestimate their ability to learn. (I do, however, like to spontaneously buy them treats because I simply want to bless them - but, bribe them? Not so much.)

Oh no, I refuse to underestimate how brilliant the minds of our little ones are and how capable they are of learning amazing and powerful things even early on in their lives. Perhaps we may not see the fruit of such things for days/months/years --- but I trust in their God given ability to learn. Sure, sometimes my efforts to communicate with a 3 (almost 4) and a 2 1/2 year old seem so repetitive, tiring, and well - fruitless. The truth is, though, is that seeds are being sown and I just have to be just as patient as I ask my kids to be sometimes.

As a mama, I grow weary and sometimes feel so incapable. Every night, I rejoice and thank the Lord for teaching and preparing my kids for great things in spite of me. I also celebrate in knowing He is not going to leave me high and dry. Just like our kids seem so incapable of learning sometimes, we may feel just as inept, but our Father doesn't view us that way. As His children, He knows what we are capable of and will continue to speak to us and purpose to teach us despite how repetitious it may be. Today, I pray that I am patient as I pour into my children just as my Father is patient as He pours into me.

Well, once Evod's trucks go into the dungeon called the "the dryer" do they stay they forever, never to see the light of day in my chipper little boy's room? No, no I allow Evod the opportunity to 'earn' his truck(s) back. A few minutes ago, he earned his trucks back. I just loved the look on his face as he smiled and said, "I earned it back, Mama?! I did!? I was patient and kind,  I was!?" Ahh.... sweet fruit. :)