A Grown Up Pep Talk

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I have been walking down a road recently, that seems dark and scary. A road that can certainly lead to rejection and maybe even a few broken dreams. One that I am even hesitant to start because I have to go by myself… and let’s be honest, no one likes to walk alone!

You might read that and wonder, “well if it’s dark, scary and lonely why would you even go?” and the only answer I have for you is that He told me to. God has pointed me in this direction. He has brought me to this doorway, opened it for me, and said “go”... but He won’t make me take the steps. That’s my job.

It has me all in my head, thinking about what could be down this path. Rejection, failure, loneliness, criticism, confusion or self-doubt. We all have roads like this… decisions that need to be made as to whether we take a step forward into the hard or we side step it to take an easier path. Or even step backward to stay right where we are, frozen in the decision itself.

I find that when I get into all of the what-ifs in a new journey - especially a road that is up to me alone - clinging to the promise that He will not send me somewhere He isn’t going too is critical. But I have to make the choice. I have to take action. He will be right there with me, but it's up to me to put one foot in front of the other.

I hate it when God gives us choices, don’t you?  Someone kindly pointed out to me recently that He loves us enough to give us those choices. He has given us freedom to make decisions. Instead of forcing me down this road, He has brought me to the cusp and said, “My daughter, I love you. I am for you. I will not send you somewhere I do not go too.” He has said, “I have begun a good work in you and I will be faithful to complete until your time is up.” He has said, “You can do this. You are strong enough because I am enough.”

Sometimes though, I have to fake it till I make it, y’all. Sometimes it’s super hard for the Truth that I know in my mind to finally connect to my heart. 

I desperately want to be that daughter, though. The one that He says I am. I want to be confident in who He has called me to be and what He has called me to do. I want to jump up + down when He says He’s got a job to do, saying “pick me! pick me!” I want to live out the words, “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” But for me, sometimes, it’s just flat out hard to believe.

Because I know that we live in the real world. I live in a world as a sinner, full of sinners. I live in a world where there are winners and losers, successes and failures. I live in a world that celebrates gain and counts the loss. But that’s not how He sees it, is it? He’s not after the success or the failure… He’s not counting my wins and losses. He’s after my heart.

I want God to know my heart, and to know all of it. I want to be all in for the sake of Jesus, because when I am in it all for Him, I’m not thinking about the potential rejection or failure, but thinking about walking in obedience to His Truth.  When I stop focusing on what could be down that scary path, I can finally see the One Who goes with me down that same road.

The Word tells us that He will not lead us where He doesn’t go. That is the Truth. The world tells me that I can’t do this, but the Word tells me that with Him all things are possible. That is the Truth. The world tells me that I’m not big enough, important enough or even smart enough to do this. But the Word tells me that He can do all things through me. That’s the Truth. Even the scary and hard things, even the ones that, frankly, I’d rather not do!

Maybe you find yourself needing this pep talk today too. Maybe you find yourself thinking that there is no way you can do that thing He has asked you to do. Perhaps it’s confronting a friend, or taking a step toward a job change, or folding the laundry for the 118th time today, knowing you need an attitude shift. Maybe you need to apologize to your husband for the ugly words you muttered last night or you need to ask for forgiveness from your children.

Whatever that thing is, let this settle into your spirit right now, y’all. He is for you. He is for us. He’s not on the other side of Heaven thinking about all of the ways that He can make today harder. He’s not on the other side of Heaven trying to humble us for no reason. Or worst of all, not even thinking of us. He loves us. And whatever path we find ourselves on - or at the brink of - today, He is cheering us on. He has a plan for this journey and we can do it.

Father let me believe that You have gone before me down this scary path. Help me lay down every single one of the baby steps I get the courage to take as an offering up to You. God, let me recognize the blessing of fellowship with You - the blessing of having You go with me… beside me and before me. Lead me down the path today. May I lay my head on my pillow tonight a little further down the road than I was when I woke up. Give me progress today - even if it’s one step forward and two steps back. I do not want to stay stuck on the brink of something You have for me. Do not let fear get in the way of all You have for me, Father. May I find treasures in the journey that I can take with me tomorrow when I find myself right back here in the same place. God, You are so very good.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31, 32

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ’s sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10

“So that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

Faith Outside the Box

If you had told me right after I got married, that we’d be where we are today, I’d have called you a crazy person. If you had said that we’d be running for our THIRD term in the legislature I would have laughed at you. Certainly if you had told me that I would be traveling across the country to campaign for a presidential candidate I just simply wouldn’t have believe you.

Yet, I found myself traveling to South Carolina to campaign for a presidential candidate that my husband and I truly believe in. There were lots of tears involved in the planning of this trip for me, because, if I’m being honest I did not want to go.

Phil Robertson

Jeff had asked me a few weeks back if I’d like to go with him (again) on a campaign trip. There were several reps going this time and a good group of people. My answer every time, without hesitation, was no. Y’all… I am a wannabe country girl that desires a slow life. I don’t like jet setting, or whatever you call it. Weekend trips are completely hard for me to recover from… I get stressed at the amount of laundry that piles up, the groceries that will remain un-bought and so on. The answer was always no.

So in the meantime, I ended up planning a weekend for myself. The grandparents were going to have the kids so I was going to be at home all weekend by myself, y’all. (And all the women took a big, dreamy sigh….) I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was. I was going to go get a pedicure, I was going to binge watch something - anything - on Netflix, eat popcorn, exercise, sleep late and maintain a clean house! It was going to be terrific.

And then on Monday night, Jeff came to me one last time and asked if I was sure I didn’t want to go with him. Jeff is so great, you guys, because from the beginning I said that if he were to tell me to go, I’d go, but if it were simply my choice I wouldn’t. And even here, as he asked me to go one last time, he didn’t tell me to go. He just said he’d love for me to come with him, but it was up to me.

Dang it. 

Phone Banking + Poll Watching

 

If you follow me over on Instagram, you know that God’s been doing a number on my little heart over the past few weeks. He’s graciously been showing me that I’ve been trusting him, but within certain confines that I’ve set in my mind a long time ago.

You see, I’ve been pretending like this whole political thing is just a season in my life. When God so clearly called us out of our comfortable life into this chaotic, crazy, lifestyle I was more than willing to go, for sure. I had questions, of course, but it was a call that was clearer than day, so we had no other choice but to be obedient… and because we chose obedience, there was much joy. But the Lord has pointed out to me that I might have given my husband to that call, but I haven’t given myself.

Ouch.

I've got to realize that this isn’t a season of life, y’all. This is my life. This isn’t just a temporary situation we find ourselves in. It is a purposeful and meaningful set of circumstances that the Lord has planned out for our life, and I need to either get in or get out. I have a choice - am I going to give him all of me or none of me.

Shoot. 

MSNBC Headquarters in Columbia

I am not embarrassed by what my husband does, but sometimes I feel like I should be. Politician, and politics in general, have negative emotions and thoughts attached to them, and rightfully so. But Jeff isn’t one of those people. He’s convicted and strong. He wants to create change, fix problems and build relationships with people that will cultivate that change. He desires Jesus to be seen in all of his actions in public and in private. Is he perfect? Let’s be real, of course not. But his heart is obedient to the Lord, no matter how hard it is. What an example that is to me! I should not be ashamed of that! 

This is my life and I want my heart to be fully open to whatever the Lord has for me right here. I don’t want to waste these moments, waiting on the next moments that perhaps might be more “in line” with my own desires. These moments, right now, are where I am to live. It’s no accident that God made me for Jeff and Jeff for this. It’s not an afterthought that the Lord placed me in this particular marriage. I keep rolling my eyes, thinking, this is his thing, I’m just a supporter. But God doesn’t just have Jeff here for a purpose, He also has me here for a purpose, and instead of fighting it I want to start living it.

Maybe you find yourself in a similar situation today. Maybe you’re in a job you can’t stand, a relationship that feels stale, struggling with a health issue. Perhaps you, like me, are in a season of chasing after toddlers, making lunches and cleaning up messes and you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. You're just closing your eyes, hoping it's over soon. 
 

Let this be of encouragement to all of us today: God has designed these tiny little mundane moments to be purposeful. Jesus didn't always stand up front. He went to the sick, He healed when small numbers of people were there, he encouraged and spoke when no one else was watching. We can be intentional within the moments that we are given today. We don’t have to keep waiting for the next season for our “real life” to start, y’all. We can live significantly right now! God is building us in the moments that we live in today for the moments He might give us tomorrow. 

Father, help me to be intentional with my moments today. God, may I see that You are sovereign and have allowed me these circumstances in which I find myself. Thank You for promising me that all things work for Your good - help me to see that today. Help me to focus on You and not on the selfish thoughts that pop into my head. Forgive me for thinking that this isn't enough... that I need to wait for something more significant to be used or effective. God, thank You for a community of believers that desires to encourage one another to live for You. Thank you for leaders who sacrifice their comfort to serve you in a public way. May I be grateful today to follow You, step by step. 

"The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

It is time.

 (via sarah avitua photography)

***I realize that parts of this post may offend some of you, and that, sincerely, is not my intention. However, I’d ask that you read the post in it’s entirety prior to moving on, it might not be what you think! Be gentle in your comments… I don’t mind disagreement, but it comes easier to this peacemaker when it is done in kind.***

A few months ago, as we were getting ready for bed I came into our room to see Jeff watching something on his phone and tears welling up in his eyes. I peaked over his shoulder to see it was the latest planned parenthood video that had been released. As I continued to watch, I saw a woman digging through a petri dish of a 20 week old aborted baby that had been frozen, looking for a liver and then who knows what else. You could actually see the body parts. I felt like I might vomit right then and there - as I do now writing this out.

This has never been a political blog, and it never will be. My husband is political. I'm a sign maker. The end.

But, I have stayed silent long enough. I have not said what I've wanted to say long enough.

It is time.

Babies are being taken from us daily. There's no need to qualify that statement, it's pretty plain and simple. There are women who feel hopeless; as if abortion is the only way out of their situation. It's an epidemic and the compassion I feel for all of you who have found yourselves in this situation is endless. There is hope. There is another way. Their is mercy. But, let me ask if Planned Parenthood is actually the only one we should be blaming here? They're a huge provider of abortions, no question, and they're seemingly - from the videos, at least - flippant regarding life, and that in and of itself is horrifying. May I dare to say though, that although I am thankful for people, like my husband, who are brave enough to fight against them, they are not the only problem.

We are. 

As a body of believers, we have turned a blind eye to what is going on in our country. I am guilty of it - even with my husband in politics - and I'm betting you might be too. We watched those videos, we have seen the news reports, shed a tear or two over how gruesome it might be and then we have thrown our hands up in the air, shrugged our shoulders and thought "what can I do about it?" And then without a second thought, we start folding the laundry again and go back to our sheltered lives.

You, like me, are probably not a politician. You may not be one that is going to stand on the front lines of the abortion clinics or the US capital to let your voice be heard. You, like me, might have little kids at home and think there's no way that you can add one more thing to your list to do. You might not even know who your representatives are.

That is okay. 

 (via sarah avitua photography)

You don't have to have time to make a difference. You don't have to stand on the corners of streets with horrifying signs to make a difference. You don't even have to write letters to your congressmen and senators to make a difference.

We, as brothers and sisters in Christ, can make a difference by getting on our face before the Lord every morning, humbling ourselves and praying for our nation. When did we start thinking that prayer isn't enough? When did we start thinking prayer can't cover the magnitude of the situation? The racism, the injustice, the poverty, the debauchery that is celebrated. We need to get over ourselves and over the fact that it might not be "us" who is participating in the yuck that is going on within our nation, and pray for forgiveness for those who do not know what they are doing. Not to mention our own judgmental and small minds that think it has nothing to do with us.

After all, lost people are going to act lost, y'all. Period.

With that said, we - as a group of bible believing Christians - cannot bury our heads in the sand any longer. We cannot act like the leadership of our nation is not discounting everything that holds true in the Bible. This is not about where you stand on planned parenthood, abortion or gay marriage. This is about praying for our nation to raise up bible-believing, courageous and godly men and women who are willing to make the sacrifice to serve in office. It is about praying that our nation would turn from it's wicked ways and that there would be revival. But it starts with us... diligently praying for our nation.

Over the next 10 months, you will see a battle like never before. You will see good men and women torn down - and eventually destroyed - in the press and on the debate stages. You will question who is telling the truth, you will question what they really mean, who they really are and what will they really do. There's no way to know everything about anyone in the race for the president. You think you can, but I'm telling you, there's no way. But we can pray.

We can stop complaining about who we have to choose from and who did what or said what over the weekend. We can stop pointing fingers at who is to blame and start taking action in our communities and with our votes. We can be powerful if we join together as a community of believers and find the things we can agree on and fight as one, under the authority of the One who actually gives authority.  It seems daunting, believe me, I know. But I believe this is what we have been called to do!

Would you join me in praying for our nation and it's leaders (and potential leaders) each week, especially over the next 10 months? I would love to stay in touch with each other over the next several months as things begin to change rapidly... We can be the catalyst. We can be the difference makers - just by carving out 15 minutes to get on our knees and let our hearts break over the sins of ourselves and our nations.

Let's not turn a blind eye any longer and let's start saying, enough is enough.

"If...My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then i will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

 2 Chronicles 8:14

mommy's littlest helper.

i've been in major nesting mode - even when my energy supply dwindles at lunchtime. so i have gotten my sewing machine out and attempted {started} sewing some new pillows for our sofa. i'm following the nester and she has made me want to just get started and make decisions. it used to be that i would spend days {and months even!} debating on something. fabric, statement pieces, etc. wondering if i'd find something better - so i just wouldn't make a decision. but not anymore! i'm going to love it NOW and i bought some new fabric that i think will look FAB in our living room! can't wait to share - when they're done, of course! 

but here's the thing.... i have this little helper. who, even though she's 'pretending', seems to require more supervision than i do when sewing! 

"what's this for? where's my needle? where's my bubbin?{bobbin} where's my thread?" 

 

she's awfuly cute though. and i know these days are long, but the years are short.... so today, i'll let her 'help'.... and hopefully get some work done in the process. 

saying yes // a guest post + a giveaway

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
***WINNER IS DANIELLE R. CONGRATULATIONS!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GIVING BROOKE SO MUCH LOVE + FOR SUPPORTING OUR SHOP!!***

y'all. i could not be more excited to introduce you to my sweet friend brooke! we've known each other for years through our high school youth group + at baylor, but just reconnected over the last year or so through social media and our common love for africa and trying to live on fire for the Lord! she is awesomesauce, y'all. and she's dreaming big dreams of going overseas with noonday as the extra special blogger that gets voted to go by YOU!!!

you can vote here. all you do is click vote. you don't even have to put in your email!

be encouraged today. her post will bless you! and stay tuned for a little giveaway at the end of the post!

Hi friends, my name is Brooke.  I'm married to Freeland & we have 3 kiddos: River, Wylder, and Chapel. I just became an ambassador with Noonday and I'm really excited to see what the Lord is going to do through it! I blog about our life over here. We are also currently in the process of adopting through the foster care system here in Ohio.  I'm so excited to be doing a guest post with Becky! (because she is the sweetest EVER) She asked me to share my heart on saying “yes” to the Lord because we both deeply feel that the Lord is calling so many of us to start saying YES.
 
I feel so passionate about the way I see a movement of the Lord awakening desires, dreams, and passion in people. Its incredible and I'm so encouraged. But I also feel like He is going deeper and calling us to press in actually say YES to those dreams and passions too! I feel like I see Him calling us to know who we are as women, wives, mothers and friends and to also feel secure (that means-let go of your insecurities!!) and walk in freedom to know He created us a certain way for a certain purpose. The gifts, talents, passions and dreams we have are for a reason! The restless feeling we have is for a reason! The place we live and relationships around us are for a reason! Its as if He is sitting and waiting for us to just say yes.. and then pull open this curtain to show us all He has and then display His glory in all new ways.

I'm not a writer and I definitely don’t have the gift of teaching so all I know to do after praying about it, is to share what saying yes is currently looking like for me and my family!

For me, this has looked like such a journey and process of learning & knowing who I am & it is also knowing what the passions and dreams that I have are. Its taken me pressing in, paying attention and asking the Lord to show me those things or remind me of them. Then I think it is a matter of being brave enough to believe they are there for a reason and begin to speak them out loud and share them with people! The thing that has amazed me the most is how as I have begun to ask the Lord what He desires for my life and what my dreams and passions are, He has begun to mold my passions for the things that stir His heart and the things He is passionate about. I believe as we do this He begins to reveal His scripture and passions to us in such a new way! He opens our eyes to the world around us and breaks our hearts for the things that break His!

Saying yes, at times, has been an emotional moment of hearing from the Lord and surrendering and then saying yes.. but its not always this radical moment of hearing His voice or its not like there is always a burning bush in front of me. Sometimes saying yes is just simply walking in faith and obedience to what I read in His word or to the small nudge I feel. Through asking & submitting, He has birthed so many new desires in my heart. He had given me a desire to advocate and seek justice for those in poverty. He has given me a heart to give a voice to those who don't have one and share other peoples stories. He has given me a heart for our neighbors and for relationship with women all over. I just wonder what if I hadn't said yes? I know last night I would have been missing out on the revival happening right in front of me in our neighborhood.. and in the next few months Id be missing out on loving another child and seeing God restore my son or daughters life. Most days it feels like He has lit a fire in us. 

Here is the deal though, just to be real with you guys, sometimes saying yes for me also looks like this: being willing to let go of my comfortable and ‘easy’ life and allow the Lord to come all up in it and wreck it. Knowing that even though I may no longer be comfortable or have the simple life I once did - my life will now be filled with so much more joy and passion than I ever imagined. It does sometimes feels like I could easily say “never mind my life is just fine how it is” though and turn around and go back to it being simple. Instead I choose to know I was created for more and I choose to remember what the Lord said and be obedient to what He is calling me to.

I'm learning that I also have to make room in my life so I can say yes to the Lord... so it means that I have to know what to say no to as well. Saying yes doesn't mean I never doubt or question what the heck I'm doing. Honestly, I often question and doubt myself probably at least 80% of the time. It feels so much easier to believe lies most days than to know the truth. I constantly have to go back to the word and remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing, and remember that God is who He says He is and God can do what He says He can do. I'm also finding that for me, its easy for me to say yes to the big things and believe God in those...but in the little things or in the things that make me uncomfortable its so much harder to be faithful! He constantly reminds me that my faith is not in myself... its in Him. This really has very little to do with me.

I'm so passionate and excited about this! I wish I could sit and share my testimony in person with each of you and hear all of your testimonies of how the Lord is moving in your life too. But I can encourage you and testify that God doesn't call certain people to say yes.. He calls ordinary, tired, lazy people like me to say yes! Saying yes to the Lord and the dreams He has given me is what has restored my life and my joy and relationship with Him! Its made my relationship with the Lord adventurous and real. I'm not sure what it looks like for each of us...maybe its saying yes to a job, a mission trip, taking care of your neighbor, finally getting together with that friend, forgiving someone, staying home with your kids, or maybe its saying yes to getting on your knees and praying for someone or even serving your husband better! Sometimes I feel like we just need to start somewhere...and that's half the battle! Even if its simple .. just say yes and move forward. Are you restless and unfulfilled? (like I was) Then go ask the Lord what to do...and then get even crazier and DO IT! Whatever it is or may be, I encourage you to say “yes” to that nudging you have from the Lord because when you do, I believe you will find it to be such an adventure you will wonder why you waited so long!

My favorite part of all of this is that us saying yes will allow someone else to be brave enough to say yes. Us saying yes will give your kids the ability to say yes one day!  I absolutely believe our dreams and passions will leave our children with greater destinies.  I cant imagine what the Lord will do with our generation of women (an Esther generation!) once we all start saying yes to our part and running our races that are put before us! It makes my heart pound when I see this vision of what He is doing all over. I feel like most importantly and one of the things I get the most excited about is cheering each other on.. and getting on our knees and praying for each other! I'd love to hear dreams and desires and passions each of you have that you've already said yes to or that you're about to jump in and say yes to! Lets all do it .. and lets all cheer each other on!

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thank you so much, brooke, for following God's call for your life! you lead by example and i love following your journey!

you can find brooke here and you can VOTE FOR HER to go to rwanda with noonday HERE.

and in honor of her journey, i thought it would be fun to do a little giveaway from our therefore go collection!

today little branches is giving away this little 8x12 sign! enter to win using the rafflecopter entries below! **Winner will be announced Friday!!!** Good luck and remember to go give Brooke some love!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway