Monday, July 2, 2007
For Such A Time As This....
It can't really be July 2nd, can it? Time...time is flying by!
For the last two weeks I've been a single mom. My husband has just returned from a two week missions trip to Zambia, Africa. These are the reason..
Looking into those faces makes me want to bring them all to our house!
Evangelism and prayer are beginning to take on a new perspective in my life. Last night I spent two and one half hours on the phone with a family member, discussing the narrow road to heaven. What was most shocking to me was to be told that I was a fanatical homeschooling mom. And that I needed to watch the movie "Jesus Camp" to see how others viewed me. (If you have seen this movie, please leave your thoughts in the comments) When we got done, it was 12:30 am. In my experience arguing with a person never sways their heart to a relationship with Jesus. I attempted to refute several points, quietly. I fell on my face in prayer after this conversation, asking the Lord to show me His way. He clearly told me to continue walking with Him, that He was leading our family and that we were on His path. I was thankful for His clear affirmation. Then this morning as I shared the story with my husband, he replied almost the exact same things I had felt the Lord speaking to me.
All of this caused me to repent of not praying enough. Oh, I pray, but quick little prayers. Prayers that really are meant to make my life easier, not always Kingdom building. I am burdened to be spending more time on my knees. My heart is heavy for the deception of this world, for the impact that the age of relativism in our world. I know without a reasonable doubt that He is still in control of all, Sovereignly ruling the universe. Yet my heart is aching for the lost and hurting, whether the children of Africa or the checkout person at WalMart. I know I can not solve all of their problems or heal all of their hurts, but I can pray. Yes, and share a reason for the hope that I have.
~~~~desiring above all that He be glorified in all that I do and say,
Linda
~*~ Share a Blessing!
Monday, July 2, 2007 - Wow.
Posted by Anonymous
Seeing all those little faces just gets to you, doesn't it?
I've not seen that movie and I probably won't. I get enough crud from other people without having the media join in too.
Happy trails!
Lori
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/slackermom
http://lorislightextemporanea.blogspot.com
~*~ Permanent Link
Monday, July 2, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Meg
Don't worry about your upsetting phone call. I think your love for your daughters and for God shines through each one of your posts, and what more could we ask?
Your husband is doing wonderful work in Africa, and you are doing wonderful work here!
~*~ Permanent Link
Monday, July 2, 2007 - So true
Posted by ClagettsFLStyle
What a beautiful post. God loves those children just as much as He loves me and my children. Why is it so easy to fall out of prayer, yet so beautiful when we fall back into it.
God's mercies are new everyday!
~*~ Permanent Link
Monday, July 2, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quietcajun
It makes my heart ache to see those sad eyes.
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Tuesday, July 3, 2007 - Wow!
Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES
That is really touching. I am sure you're happy that you don't have to be a single mom anymore. ( ;
I agree with you about being able to pray. Sometimes it is the only thing you can do.
Blessings,
Jacque
~*~ Permanent Link
Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - good words
Posted by onfire
that I, too, have been convicted by lately.
thanks for the reminder.
what a blessing for your whole family that your husband could go on such a trip ... we have yet to do that here. It is always something we dream of, so I suppose you never know
~*~ Permanent Link
Thursday, July 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Happyhome
Thank you for sharing from your heart. I haven't stopped by in awhile, but I'm glad I did. I think I am much like you. I pray, but am lacking in the power available through those prayers. May the Lord continue to lead us both as we learn the power of prayer.
Blessings,
Angela
~*~ Permanent Link
Friday, July 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ApplesofGold
Oh, WOW, Linda. I am so glad I read this. I am going to read it again-lots of conviction going on here. I, too, don't pray enough. What you said really touched me.
I haven't heard of that movie.
Praying for that person you talked to on the phone!
I'm so glad your dh is home-you all must have missed him so. Will you be sharing about his experience in Africa?
Oh, those children-what a heart breaking picture. They are all orphans?
Holly
~*~ Permanent Link
Saturday, July 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tdaiken
What a blessing that your husband is able to travel to Africa and minister! Those children are indeed so precious and my heart aches for them.
I am sorry you had to endure such a phone call, and I understand where you are on the prayer thing too, as I have struggled with the same thing. Just recently has God really been able to grip my heart and slowly make a change in me to where I do spend more time in prayer, but it is not an instant thing and it is a habit and a discipline that does take time to build.
I have not seen the movie you referenced to, but it isn't likely that I will either. My heart has become increasingly sad that the church and the world look so much alike anymore that you can't tell us apart and that if any of us dares to be who God called us to be we are considered fanatical. I say we need more "fanatics" in our world personally.
So, let me be one to encourage you to keep doing what God calls you to do and be proud to be called a fanatic for Jesus!
Hugs,
Donna
~*~ Permanent Link
Sunday, July 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by funkyleo
Aw, what a sad picture, I'll be praying for the kids in Africa!
Kelsey
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Monday, July 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
So true! You can not argue someone into the Kingdom! You may win the debate, but if their heart is not changed what does it accomplish?!?
I was recently conversing with my sister-in-law about prayer and how we struggle to just pray for people because it doesn't "feel" like it's enough. We want to DO something or SAY something, but often the best thing we can do is PRAY and the best thing that we can say is, "Allow me to pray for you right now." I do a lot of through the day, as I wash the dishes and fold the laundry pray without ceasing praying, but I still lack consistency in the "hiding in prayer closet, praying fervently" kind of prayer. This world needs so much more of that!
~*~ Permanent Link
Monday, July 9, 2007 - Inspiring!!!
Posted by Dechertimes2
Linda, (((hugs))) I'm so glad to see that you posted again! I was missing your posts! :) What an inspiring post! Praise the Lord for the awesome work that He is doing in your heart towards prayer & evangelism!! He's working on me too! Please tell me more about the movie, Jesus Camp. I don't know if you missed my comment back to you about the Homeschooling conference. did you go? I didn't. Hopefully, we can still meet up. I would enjoy that! Email me sometime! :)
~*~ Permanent Link
Monday, July 9, 2007 - Hey there, dear friend...
Posted by Linda H.
I, too, find myself hustling about like Martha while the Lord is patiently waiting for me to slow down and sit at His feet. How gracious He is to continue to draw us to Himself. I am so grateful He doesn't give up on His children!
As for the persecution, one verse that comforted me greatly during a similar situation was 1 Peter 4:14. "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."
Be encouraged that you are glorifying God!
Love in Christ,
Linda H.
http://hayase.blogspot.com
~*~ Permanent Link
Monday, July 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Linda H.
I forgot to say a couple of things...
I have not seen Jesus Camp but I did see the trailer when we went to see Facing the Giants at the theatre last year. There was something about that trailer that did not sit right in my spirit, and later I read a negative review about it on Focus on the Family's site. That is all I recall.
The other thing I forgot to say is that I praise God for the eternal fruit of your husband's mission trip. (And for the grace He gave you to endure while he was gone.)
My friend Todd is on a mission trip to Africa also, and what he shares is heartbreaking. It brings me to repentance to think that I often go about my business each day without a thought about how the rest of the world lives in suffering.
Check out his blog: http://darfurmission.blogspot.com
and leave a comment to encourage him if you feel led.
(((hugs))) and blessings to you!
Love in Christ,
Linda H.
http://hayase.blogspot.com
~*~ Permanent Link
