It's Not Easy – But It Is Sure Worth It

I’m here in Austin where we had a sweet Father’s Day with my son and family. My son is a terrific father and I like to think that he is because of his dad who loved him so much and modeled a loving father and mentor to him. Father’s Day prompted the memories of so many joys my husband and I had in welcoming him, our firstborn, to this world.

We were married for just three months when my bold and daring, young husband announced that we should start our family. “We want to be young parents and grandparents” was his rationale. Indeed, we were just babies when we had our babies (we were 18 & 19 with the first, and 20 & 21 with the second). What a contrast we were to how “on purpose” couples are in planning their families these days: finish college; secure a well-paying job with great benefits; plenty of savings and security -- then they're ready to start their family. Not so with us -- two kids that were inexperienced in life, child-rearing, business, and finances. But, we had plenty of faith, self-confidence, determination, ambition, and most of all, profound love for each other. We were flying by the seat of our pants……and what a flight it was!

My first pregnancy was beyond uncomfortable. I was an office receptionist, working to support my “college-man” husband AND we had a baby on the way. Morning sickness that came with nausea and hanging out in the ladies’ room, was no excuse at my job. I’d greet visitors as they entered the building and then I'd make a mad dash for the ladies room. There were the preparations for our little one, moving from a small one bedroom apartment to leasing a little 2-bedroom home, dreaming, and THEN, the labor and delivery….CRAZY pain that seemed to last forever (really, only hours), that eventually became CRAZY sweet. That baby boy, who we only dreamed of having one day, rushed in and stole our hearts. We were completely in love with that little man. My husband was the proudest dad and assumed his new dad role in life with fervor. But it wasn’t easy.

Why am I sharing this little excerpt from our life story with you? Because it’s a story of puppy love that turned into real, authentic love that knew no bound, child-like faith, dreams, taking risks, and making lots of mistakes. It’s a story of God loving us so much, that He even made our mistakes to prosper. It’s a story of believing that what God starts in our hearts….He is faithful to help us complete it. It’s the same story of anyone who starts out with a dream – perhaps a CRAZY idea that is driven by passion and determination. And, along the way, in an effort for the “birth” of that idea -- whether it’s a business, a ministry, an invention, or heart’s desire -- there is tremendously hard work, pain, waiting, dreaming, and struggle….but there’s no turning back. You’ve given your ALL for this “baby”, and though the months of preparation, dreaming, getting ready for the launch or the birth -- seems like it’s taking FOREVER…..in due season, when it seems it’s not going to happen, the greatest PUSH of your lifetime is required, and then that “baby” you’ve dreamed of having, will make its debut and your dream becomes reality.

Today, I urge you to keep pressing in, forging on, stretching greater, and “Be not weary in well-doing, for, in due season, you will reap if you faint not.” (Galatians 6:9). This "baby" you’re carrying will get here. Be faithful to the dream and vision. Do your part as God does His. Soon, your baby will rush in and, all you’ve worked so hard for will be here. The "baby" may not look anything like you thought he would, but he will be just the way God created him to be JUST FOR YOU! When it does, all the pain, all the sleepless nights, all the worry and anxiety, will be something of the past. I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy! I am telling you it’s ALL going to be worth it.

This is NESTING -- Preparing, Waiting, Anticipating

This is NESTING -- Preparing, Waiting, Anticipating
On Saturday, I went outside to water some plants and I was startled by the fluttering away of a mama dove that had laid two eggs in my fireplace vent outside. I quietly left that area because I wanted her to return to her nest. Then yesterday morning, I was about to clean my BBQ grill when I looked up and there, patiently, peacefully and undisturbed was this mama dove sitting on her soon-to-be-hatched babies. How significant to see such a beautiful wonder of creation on Mother’s Day. That adoring and devoted mama was waiting, anticipating and, obviously from the well-built nest in a cozy spot, preparing for her brood. I kept going outside, and Mama had not moved from her spot. She is on a mission to bring life into this world, unconcerned at all by the bird watchers that would check her out throughout the day -- and especially, when my children and grandchildren came over to power wash my porches right near her..

We, women relate to “nesting”, not only in birds, but when we, as expectant mamas, are getting close to that day when our baby will arrive. We wake up one morning feeling energetic and have the distinct urge to clean and organize our entire house. It's that overwhelming desire to get our home ready for our new baby. Sometimes, that urge is from boredom or frustration from still being pregnant, as well as knowing that the baby’s care is going to take lots of time and energy, and we want everything to be ready before the baby arrives. I recall the excitement and anticipation of that bundle of joy AND I knew the hours of love and care that I was about to give. There would be little time for much else, so, like that mama dove, my "little nest" needed to be just right.

On this Mother’s Day, I was pondering about the thoughts I had before my babies arrived. We already had their names picked out long before their arrival day. I worked tirelessly on their nursery, being sure it all set up and ready to go for the tiny, new occupant. All the gifts of clothes, nighties, and underclothes were washed and folded into the little dresser drawers. The hanging diaper holder was filled and all the tiny items were all organized for the imminent arrival of our baby. I would open those drawers and smell that sweet baby aroma.. My house was clean. My bags, with my baby’s "going home" outfit, was packed and ready to go. With our girl's arrival, we had all the plans made for taking her big brother to Granny & Papa's to stay until we came home with her. Everything was ready for her debut. The excitement was building for the BIG day!

Though I am no longer in that “season” (Thanks be to God!) of nesting because a baby is on the way, I still find myself nesting in times of sweet reflection, peace and quiet, and really pondering God’s goodness and mercy to me. Aw, pondering. Mary, the mother of our Lord, perfected that term – she pondered all those angelic messages in her heart.

This little mama dove reminded me about the importance of "being still" nesting in our Lord. It's a given that He abides in us, but when we spend time refreshing and reviving our relationship with Him, to really know Him, His peace (like the dove) comes over us and all the clamor and activity around us is as nothing. That dove really looked like a decoy -- unshakable and unmovable. Her babies were her preeminent responsibility. Nothing else mattered.

Today some of our precious family from Winnipeg, Canada are coming for a visit. I've prepared for them. I baked and cooked and made sure my house is clean. I even ordered the hockey channel on my TV for watching our Winnipeg Jets play their second game in the Stanley Cup Western Conference finals. In essence, I’m nesting and I’m preparing, waiting, anticipating, and preparing for their arrival. Maybe “nesting” is the mindset we should always have with our relationship with Christ. Peacefully, thinking about what He means to us, being still enough to know His indescribable love for us and preparing, waiting and anticipating, with joyful sense of expectation of His return. Oh, what a DEBUT that will be!

Waiting, Anticipating, Preparing

Day 340 of Photo Inspirations -- Waiting, Anticipating, Preparing
The word "nesting" has frequently been on my mind over the last several days.  "Nesting" is that word used when a pregnant woman is close to that day when her baby will arrive.  She wakes up one morning feeling energetic and wanting to clean and organize her entire house.  It's that overwhelming desire to get her home ready for her new baby.  Often, that urge is from boredom or frustration from still being pregnant, as well as knowing that the baby’s care is going to take lots of time and energy, and she wants everything to be ready before the baby arrives.  Excitement and anticipation of that new bundle of joy, and the desire to have everything just right.

In this beautiful season of Advent, I've been "nesting" -- anticipating the birth-day of Christ.  Here's what that "nesting" looks like to me.   It's those times of sweet reflection, peace and quiet, and really pondering this miraculous birth.  It's quite easy for me to be in that place.....naturally.  As I was sitting in front of my fireplace and just meditating about the message I was going to give at an Advent by Candlelight, I started pondering about this time many years ago, and what it was like for me in anticipation of my little girl about to be born.  Back then, however, we didn't know that she would be a girl or boy.  We were prepared, either way.  If a boy, he'd be named Robert Anthony.  But if a little girl, she'd be named Staci Michelle -- which means "resurrection life" and "close to God".   I was thinking about how I was getting her nursery ready.  All the gifts of clothes, nighties, and underclothes were washed and folded in the little dresser drawers.  The hanging diaper holder was filled and all the little items were all organized for her soon arrival.  I would open those drawers and smell that sweet aroma of "baby".   My house was clean.  My bags, with her little outfit, was packed and ready to go.   The plans were all made for taking her big brother to Granny & Papa's to stay until we came home with the new baby. Everything was ready in preparation for her debut.    The excitement was building.

 Friday, I sent my daughter this little note:
"Hi Sweet Girl.  I know you're in a whirlwind of busy.  But I'm nesting.  I'm not only speaking tonight at an Advent By Candlelight, but I'm thinking about this day 46 years ago when I was just a few days away from seeing my little baby girl for the first time.  Though I didn't know you would be a girl, I certainly was in such a sweet nesting mode, so excited and waiting for you to be here.  I'm already celebrating you and want you to know how much I love you today.  You are a mighty woman of God and I know God's looking out for you.  Love you so much.  Happy early birthday!"

This beautiful season of Advent is about WAITING,  preparing our hearts and having our hearts transformed in anticipation of Christ's birthday!  Oh, we know He already abides in us, but taking this sweet season to refresh and revive our relationship with Him seems like the best thing we can do to celebrate His coming.  In this "nesting" time, we can sweep out all the clutter and get rid of all the excess stuff that's been accumulating in our hearts.  Of course we know He is no longer the baby in the manger but He is our risen Lord and King, so this celebration is for royalty.  

At my house, we love to celebrate birthdays.  We make a big deal of it.   And getting ready to celebrate the birthday of Christ, is also about the preparations for the party.  We want the house clean. We want to bring out the best china.  We want to put up the Happy Birthday signs.  We want to be sure we have candles.  Isn't that what we're doing in this season right now?  What better way to prepare for his birthday than thinking about what He means to us, what His arrival on this earth did to change everything and about Him being Emmanuel -- God with us -- now and forevermore.
Oh come. Oh come. Emmanuel.

Patience is Waiting

Day 292 of Photo Inspirations -- Patience is WAITING
So this week, at our Bible Study, we're looking at the Fruit of the Spirit quality of PATIENCE.  Lord, please give me patience RIGHT NOW!  Patience is a word we seem to want to avoid talking about because when we start talking about it or asking for more of it, we get lots of reasons to NEED IT in abundance.

Yesterday, I walked outside and I breathed in my favorite time of year.  The freshness of the rains the day before and the cooler temperatures made me so aware of God's creation and the absolute precision He operates in.  I wanted it to be Fall several weeks ago.  I was ready for cooler temperatures.  I was ready to get out my cozy Fall clothes and boots.  But no.....God's precise way of doing things trumped my desires.  I'll be PATIENT!

Yes, Fall has been slow coming this year, but leaves are turning colors and the fallen ones crunch beneath my shoes. As I am surrounded by the beauty of the change of seasons, I lift my eyes to Him and I am reminded to be still and WAIT.  WAIT??? But God, I'm too busy to wait.  I've got this to do and that to do and don't you know my kids are coming in town next week and I've just got to have everything JUST RIGHT for them.  Doesn't that sound a lot like Martha and all she thought she had to get done for the Master?

I think God was assigning this Bible Study to me, and for me, to cultivate even more in me than the ladies I'm speaking to.  I'm hearing Him say.... "WAIT.  Be still and know I am God."  We all have different journeys in life and along the way there is going to be a time for waiting -- PATIENCE -- in the grocery line, the traffic light, in the pick-up line for the kids from school, at the doctor's office.   We live in a culture of FAST food, FAST oil change, FAST internet, FAST lane, FAST digital cameras  Waiting isn’t really on our minds. We ALL want what we want . . . NOW!  But there is a peace that can comes in the waiting. I have grown tremendously during those times of waiting.

Patience is such a great gift. It has taken me time to see it as a gift.  I'll be sharing that with our group. I have learned when my patience is tested, I must give it to God. I give Him my worries and frustrations and trust Him completely because I am called to walk by faith. I wait in hope because He surrounds me like a shield, He is my protection along the way and He will be my strength. Waiting and patience are part of His Master plan for me, so I might as well GET IT sooner than later because I sure don't want to have to go around this mountain another time.  I want to learn my lessons well the first time.....so I think I'll just sit right down here by these still waters and wait!

Lord, Please Give Me Patience....NOW!

Our generation seems to have little patience for waiting. Road rage is seen when there's someone moving way too slow in traffic. And there's those times when we're put on hold on a telephone call, or when we're placed in yet another queue trying to get to the right customer representative. We talk about slow Internet connections -- waiting for a page to load often feels like an eternity. And, I don't think I've ever encountered the long time wait there is at the traffic lights here in Washington. It seems the demand for instant results has seeped into every corner of our lives. We sacrifice eating healthy food by eating at "FAST" food restaurants -- all too often.

And, the fact is -- we do need MORE patience....and we need it NOW! No question about it, patience isn't easy. It takes practice. And, really takes a lot of inner strength to trust that this delay or situation is a needed hold-up so that I will keep us on pace with God's perfect timing on all that concerns me.

If we allow impatience to cause stress and anger and anxiety, then we're not hearing the "music" or the "symphony" -- the beauty of life going on around us. The music that is in our lives can only be fully recognized, experienced, and played out when we breathe, enjoy, let go and stop rushing around -- then patience and enjoyment of the moment will pervade our lives.

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4 -- Oh Lord, I desire that patience has its perfect work in me. I want to enjoy YOUR symphony that is all around me!

Stop Playing the Waiting Game and Start Enjoying the Journey

We've all played "The Waiting Game" -- waiting for the birth of a baby or a doctor's report, waiting for a job, waiting in line to buy a ticket, or to ride a thriller roller coaster, or for a cashier to stop chatting and get on with checking us out. In due time, our wait comes to an end. Our situation or "wait" can change suddenly. Waiting is a fact of life — no one gets out of it. So the question is not IF we'll wait, but rather HOW we’ll wait -- and often-times, HOW we wait during the journey -- determines HOW LONG we wait.

If we are expectant and hopeful, praising and trusting God in the middle of the "wait" -- believing the answer is just around the corner, and expecting this problem to be solved at any moment. then "suddenly" what we've been waiting for actually happens.

A pregnant woman carries inside her the promise of a baby, and even though she can’t see it, she knows it's there. And she begins to plan for her baby's arrival. She loves collecting items the baby will need, is excited about the baby shower, and gets the nursery ready. She actively prepares for the arrival of the baby because she knows the promise will be fulfilled—it's just a matter of time. And, even better -- is when she embraces the season of waiting -- enjoying the journey of hearing the first heartbeat, seeing the first ultrasound, feeling the first kick in her womb, and celebrating the sweet moments of expectancy with her husband.

When we settle down, and start praising God in the middle of the WAIT, full of hope and expectation, God, whose power is limitless -- WILL break through for us. So let's stop playing the "Waiting Game" and let's start enjoying the sweet journey to our promised answer -- it will be so WORTH THE WAIT!!