I'm a Pastor's wife, and mom of one juggling a couple of side jobs, trying to fiercely chase after my call in ministry.
I'm busy. I feel most days, I’m just trying to make it. You may not be in my exact situation, but I know you know what that feels like. You've been there. Maybe you're there now. Regardless, you get me. But, the Lord is asking something from me, something more than just making it. The Lord is continually putting ideas into my heart and opportunities in my path. Calling me out of my current norm, to something more that my normal “busy”. It’s something more yet I feel unworthy, inadequate, and that someone else could do a better job than me. What do I even have to offer? I’m already juggling many many things, and it’s not like I’m hearing “great job!” Or “so proud of you!” echoing in my ears about all the things I’m currently doing. How can I do more? Have you been there? You still get me? There's a woman in the Bible, in John 4, that I like to think gets me too. The Lady at the well. This girl is just trying to get through her daily duties. Just trying to get some water for her family, and the Lord asks her for something. It’s something more than just her daily duties. He just wants some water from her. Water. Jesus is asking her for a drink of water. Something that seems so simple, and yet here is her response: "How is it that You a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (John 4:9 emphasis added) Yes, I know there is more to the story than that, but we are just going to park right here. All Jesus asked for was water, and she didn't even feel worthy enough to give him water. She, standing at the edge of the well, drawing her water. She is capable, but doesn’t feel worthy. She was a Samaritan, and on top of that a woman. She also knew that Jews and Samaritans really weren't the best of friends, so the current circumstances weren't looking so great for her. So what did she have to offer? She had labeled herself, declared herself unworthy, and let her circumstances determine her truth. Like me, wondering why I keep putting myself out there. Struggling with the feeling of not being supported or encouraged. Sharing my heart, feeling that I'm not even worthy of this, what do I have to offer? What can I do that someone else can’t do better? Like you. Wondering how you could possibly add one more thing to your already busy day. And friend, you can be busy but be busy without purpose. The Lord is calling you to be busy for His purpose. Whether it be big or small, The Lord is asking something of you. What is it? Maybe you don't need to think too deeply to know what that is. Maybe you've known for a while what you need to say yes to. What's holding you back? Labels like The Lady at the well? Self-Doubt negative self-talk like me? Fear, comparison, Current circumstances? Fear, compassion, self-doubt, negative self-talk, labels? Those are not your truth. Circumstances are not your truth. The Bible is your truth. The scriptures says you are called, you are loved, you have something to offer. That is the truth. Take a chance on yourself. God can and will do anything He pleases, BUT when we align with Him, for Him and obey Him, we give Him the fertile soil to do much much more. Replace your fake truths with the real truth. Say yes to what The Lord is asking of you.
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The past few days I've been having the same sort of conversation over and over again with different women in my life. Each one pointing back to the same thing - boundaries.
Regardless if you’re just starting out or been at it for a while. Running a ministry or a business or keeping little humans alive and well; boundaries are quintessential to be successful and to be healthy spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re not careful lines can easily become blurred, and before you know it your work life has overrun your home life, or your to do list has become your identity. Husbands take a back seat, kids’ events are often missed, housework falls by the wayside, and your only community becomes the people you interact with when you’re working. If you don’t keep your hustle holy, you’ll tire out before you go very far. Whatever you’re doing, however you are doing it. It’s so easy to get caught up with what we are doing, that we forget why we are doing it. Lists grow, tasks pile up, distractions happen. Don’t let your to do list distract you from your mission. The Lord has gifted you with a special skill set to live out your calling, remember to keep Him an ever-present part of everything you do. When you try to do things out of your own power, or your own will, you’re more likely to tire out or become easily frustrated before you accomplish much. Think of your life as a bicycle tire. If your tire isn’t balanced properly, it won’t roll smoothly, and the ride becomes rough and unenjoyable. If your life isn’t balanced properly, it won’t roll smoothly. What once brought you joy, will drain you. Social media knows no boundaries, so you have to intentionally set them yourself. Businesses, shops, and even customer service centers have operating hours; so should your social media and email accounts. If you can’t handle seeing a notification and not responding immediately, turn the notifications off. Social media is a tool, but it can easily become a trap. We go from glorifying The Lord to glorifying likes and comments on or social media posts. You have to remember, and remind yourself often, your online presence doesn’t define who you are or your worth. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galations 1:10 Relationships Matter You may be in a season where you can’t get out and build new relationships, but you can focus on the ones you do have. Be intentional with your spouse, family, and friends that surround you. If you’re schedule oriented, schedule time in for those you love. Your community should breathe life into you, encourage you, and remind you who you are and Whose you are. Real authentic relationships matter. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 Don’t forget who YOU are. You may the proud owner of many titles, but you are more than a title. At the end of the day, who are you? What do you want to be known for? You are more than your business and work titles. You are more than your family titles. You are a Daughter of the King Jesus. You are forgiven, love, gifted and ordained to complete a plan set out intentionally just for you. Don’t get so caught up in your titles and to do lists, that you forget about You. Make time to do things that you enjoy and bring you life. If you are filling yourself, your overflow will be all the sweeter. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.[c][d] Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14 Rest in Him. Give yourself Grace, and know each day is a new chance to try again. In a constant state of negative news and a sex saturated society, Jack Pearson and the whole Pearson crew are a breath of fresh air. It’s relatable and more realistic. Jack Pearson works hard, loves well, overcame addiction all with a great legacy left behind. I love it. Love what he represents and love this show. In my opinion, it’s so nice to see men portrayed in this different light. To see women valued and family a top priority. Along with a look at adoption and foster care. If you’ve caught the bug, you are probably totally in agreement with me here. AND you were probably left not "okay" anxiously awaiting the Olympics to be over and This Is Us to come back. But for the married and the unmarried woman watching This Is Us, I have one warning: Don’t get so caught up in the breath of fresh air that is Jack Pearson, that you begin to wish your husband [present or future] to be him. I have heard and seen too many things like “I wish my husband was more like Jack” or “love me like Jack loves Rebecca.” Jack has great qualities of a man that, even though he is just a character, we can and should champion in the men in our lives. But just like Magic Mike, Christian Grey and Noah Calhoun, Jack Pearson isn’t real. The writers of "This Is Us" tug at our heart strings and play on our emotions. It’s easy to enjoy, relate to, and to love. But we also have to remember this too is just television show. Don't get so caught up in the moment, feelings and emotions, that you forget that. BUT All the praise hands for the Olypmics finally being over and for The Pearson crew coming back! Grab your tissues, folks! LacyWho? Lacy Booth is currently enjoying in her senior year at Liberty University. She has declared Psychology: with a cognate in Counseling as her major with a minor in Biblical Studies. It is her desire to utilize the skills that she learns at Liberty in a full-time ministry position in the future. One of my favorite things about this university is the heart and passion for taking God’s love and gospel message to the ends of the earth.
Where: Lacy has been chosen to be on a team of Liberty students embarking on a ministry exposure trip to Rwanda, Africa. In 1994 Rwanda experienced a horrific genocide that destroyed much of the nation. Since that time Rwanda has worked hard to grow and develop as a nation while working through the heartache and pain of the genocide. However, there are some unique developmental challenges which result from Rwanda's history. Her team will have the opportunity to learn about the genocide, its impact on psychological development, and the continuing work in rebuilding a country. The team will get educational learning and ministry experience, and the opportunity to work with widows and orphans. How can you help? These are Lacy's own words for you on how you can help. Pray: The most important way that you can be involved is through your prayers. There is absolutely nothing more powerful than prayer. I would like to invite you to pray for believers in Rwanda, that they would receive healing and encouragement and that their faith will be firm and steadfast. Will you pray that God will reveal His truth and heal the people of Rwanda? Will you also ask God to prepare our team to be used and that we will fall more in love with Him than ever before? Will you also pray that God would provide the means for this trip to happen? Give: The total cost of this mission opportunity will be $3500 and is due by March 1st. I have raised $1000 for the trip, so the remaining amount is $2500. The cost covers lodging, food, I realize that not everyone is called to every cause, but maybe you are one that God has called to this one? I trust that you will hear God's voice if this is a way in which you can minister. You can give through my gofundme page https://www.gofundme.com/zegrtn-rwanda-mission-trip or through Venmo @Lacy-Booth RachelWho: Rachel is 21 years old and has a passion for seeing people changed by Jesus. She is originally from Asheville, NC and currently calls Anderson SC home. She currently works as a personal assistant for author and speaker Sharie King and attends Penn State World Campus where she is majoring in Biobehavioral Health. Rachel has been passionate about sharing the gospel with unreached people groups for as long as she can remember and responded to a call to ministry in the 7th grade. Since then she has been on 7 international mission trips serving in 4 different countries.
Where: Rachel will be traveling to Delhi India along with a couple who has spent their life planting churches and training pastors and churches on how to share the gospel and make disciples. What: She will be learning what it looks like to plant house churches to reach people who have never had the opportunity to hear the name of Jesus. She will be traveling to a few different cities and visiting with multiple missionaries as well as participating in No Place Left trainings with pastors and churches. How you can help?: Pray: For wisdom and direction that she would be able to learn about the culture and a different model of church. Pray for clear direction as to moving full time eventually. Give :You can also donate to Rachel as she looks to buy pane tickets and as well as her visa and on ground accommodations within the next two weeks. You can give via square cash $rachelhipps or Venmo @RachelHipps as well as cash or check. Feel free to reach out to Rachel on her Facebook or email her at [email protected]. |