Hands too full?

I had to laugh out loud at myself the other day while I was doing the laundry. Usually, laundry isn't quite so entertaining, but a little big picture perspective allowed me to laugh at my present.


I was taking a very full load of clothes out of the dryer and was DETERMINED to get it all out at once. After all, I just had to make a quick run to my bed in the adjacent room where I do all my folding. So, I crouched down by the door and make a big scoop with my whole upper body inside the dryer, fully enclosing every little sock, shirt and pantie in my load. And off I went....

until the first few articles escaped my grip. I carefully swept up the missing pieces from the floor, only to lose a few more along the way. Pick up two, drop three more. You know the scene. But I am DETERMINED - remember? So I keep doing it. Secure the load - scoop up sock - drop panties. Re-secure the load - scoop up panties - drop shirt. MERCY - why can't I just get it all at once?

Now usually at this point I'm not smiling. But this time was different. I took what was left in my arms and threw it on my bed - and had to laugh as I picked up those pesky little rebels that made it to the floor.

That's when I heard that familiar little voice inside me say, "Kinda looks like your life sometimes, doesn't it?" It took me a minute to make the connection, then I thanked God for such a timely illustration.

How often am I trying to carry too much at once? My life is so full that I'm dropping things, yet I'm still stubbornly determined to carry it all. Too much on my schedule, too many people to please, too many burdens - just flat out too much in my hands. And here I am, like a crazy person, trying to scoop up that which was lost, only to drop it again - over and over and over again. Maybe this time it's time to really let go!!

Can you relate? What makes your hands too full???

Invisible God

The God we serve is invisible. His ways are a mystery. Unimaginable. Unexplainable. Too lofty for me to comprehend.

But I've seen him - this unseen God. I've seen the strength of his love through our pastor, who prays all night long by the bedside of Kori, his sweet daughter in-law. I've seen his mighty hand on her body as he holds off her pre-term labor for more day.

And he's in the little things too...I saw his smile in the pharmacist, whose board grin brightened my day. I felt his peace in the cool, gentle wind and his warmth as I sat in the bright midday sun. I saw him in the new growth of my garden and in a full blooming yellow rose.

He's everywhere. Making himself known. Creator revealed for all creation.

So, what about you? When was the last time you caught a glimpse of our Almighty God?

In Hot Pursuit???

Here's the reality : We are all pursuing something.

And unfortunately, for me, the "what" I'm pursuing changes from day to day, maybe even hour to hour and minute to minute.

First thing in the morning, my pursuit is coffee - a hot, heavily sweetened portion of heaven in a mug. By 4:00pm - it may be obedience from my children, some glimpse of sanity amongst the chaos or the vain pursuit of a nap.

Each day we wake up looking for something. It could be happiness, success, financial security, model children, the perfect marriage, an immaculate house, acceptance...the list could go on and on. And all of these pursuits will leave us exhausted, discouraged and wanting for MORE!

Or - we could choose a higher pursuit. We could choose to wake up with our hearts set on a HOT pursuit of Jesus. We could seek his face in the grocery check out line, his voice in our few brief moments without noise, his presence while doing the dishes....

It truly is an amazing life we could live....ORDINARY MOMS chasing after an EXTRAORDINARY GOD!!!

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Let's journey this thing out together!

It's my hope that this blog will enable us to stay a little bit more connected - to encourage one another, share prayer requests, give MAC announcements, and more. So, become a friend, leave a comment and check in periodically.

Until next time - please continue to pray for Kori, John and Smith Bailey. Kori had a rough night last night but is still holding in there. She's 23 weeks today - we need to pray her to 24 weeks!! Thanks friends!!