At the heart of the noise and chaos of life is a quiet place where our soul runs free in surrender. It is the sanctuary of God, where we get to be with Him.
Have you ever thought about the name, Yahweh, meaning, “I am”? That’s a name shrouded in mystery, and yet it is so simple.
“I am” is the place where I worship. It is the place where I remember this moment, not yesterday, or 30 minutes from now, but now.
I have been a woman motivated by tomorrows and rarely my nows. The lessons I’ve learned from all the yeses to the chaos and noise have reminded me to stop thinking of tomorrow, and start living today.
I have been a divided mom – playing with my kids while dreaming of tomorrow, my blog, facebook, or many other things. It is not my kids that take the cake, though, it is God.
Years ago, I remember a sweet Miss Jill saying in bible study that we should do the laundry and the cooking, etc. all for God.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Col 3:23
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31
Her words impacted the way I think about tasks, yet daily I must remind myself of truth. The lies I believe are:
- if I am not getting paid, my work is unimportant.
- the ministry inside my home is less than the one seen by others.
But those are lies. My work is important because it is unto the Lord, and actually, we know that the Lord values what is done in secret. Not that is is above the other ones, but it shows us and Him our true heart. Kayse Pratt says in her new ebook, “Undivided Mom,” releasing today, “I think we need to realize that motherhood IS work. Being a mom IS a ministry.” Amen!
My littlest one keeps a nook in our living room filled with toys. While I was always on as playmate for my oldest, now I am divided in my duties as a mom to 2 others and a wife and whatever else I do and am defined by. I have to choose to be intentional with playing with her.
While I was sitting in her “tent” the other day, I moved my position from pillow to fireplace (for comfort), and she said, “No, I want all of you.” Yes, and so does God – He wants our whole life to an offering to Him. Whatever God has gifted us to do, let’s do it ALL for Him.
Simplicity is being fully engaged in our work for Him. It gives our all and all to Him in whatever we do or who we choose to be.
I am pleased to tell you of two amazing opportunities today:
- Kayse Pratt’s new ebook, “Undivided Mom” is available to readers here for 20% of the regular price using coupon code, UMLaunch20. You can get her book here. It is an awesome two-week devotional guide for moms. I have read it, and I believe it is an amazing resource for today’s young mom. It sets the tone for moms with littles, but it will be a great tool for moms of any age. Are you on Twitter? There will be a launch party tonight. Be sure to check out Kayse’s link above, because she is going to be giving away some prizes too.
- Also, my friend, Monica Steely, is starting a new podcast today called, “Be.” Go check it out. It looks really awesome.
I know that this series may seem to be flowing really slow to you. However, it is by intent. Just bear with me, and thanks for your patience. 🙂
Top Photo: Jamie Harper
Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus
Oh, our children speak so much unintentional truth, don’t they? “No, I want all of you.” Wow…that sticks with me.
I know, right? Imagine hearing her little voice say it. She is my little idol remover to be sure. Unfortunately, she does want to be my idol. Boy, do I love that girl, but even still, He is greater.
thanks for this post, I attempt to focus on Col. 3:23 throughout my work day, especially the days/moments I really want to be home with my own children rather than working with other children
Amanda, glad to have you here. It is so very hard to have so many responsibilities and be all there. You are a good mom. So glad we have the Word to pray and pour into our lives.