Tags
being real, children, Faith, God's faithfulness, God's plan, identity in Christ, kids, motherhood, obedience to God, patience, perseverance, trusting God
image via robert brook, flickr creative commons
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“I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”
~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
There are days when I feel the anywhere but here welling up inside me, when I want to step over the piles of toys and unfiled papers and unfolded laundry to breathe the fresh air of before motherhood. It’s so hard to stay grounded when your soul longs to soar.
My children are the best thing I’ve ever done, and I love them more than I can possibly say, more than I realized until recently — yet I fight to be the mom I want to be. I try to stretch and contort myself into the shape of someone else, someone I think I should be, someone more worthy of these precious children and less like me.
God’s word tells me I can soar right here, right in the midst of this mess and chaos and busyness. He says I can have abundant life, one that stretches beyond today into the unseen graces He has planned for tomorrow. Oh how I want His best! When I submit to His perfect plan, He will stretch me into the perfect shape for me.
Lord, stretch me in Your direction. Pull me into the shape you’ve designed for me. Help me soar right where I am today.
How is God stretching you today, friends?
I’d love to hear your story! Please leave a comment below,
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{graceformymess} at {gmail} dot {com}.
Linking up with Lisa-Jo at Tales from a Gypsy Mama
Hi…we are neighbors today…oh I remember those days… I really believe nothing…nothing can help the process of being conformed to be more like Christ as motherhood does. I love you heart here…just every day…yield yourself to Him…trusting Him with your day…and let Him meet you right in the midst…the good..the bad and the ugly parts…He redeems them all. have a blessed weekend~
Oh thank you, friend! Your words are always so encouraging. I absolutely agree that motherhood makes us more like Christ. I learn so much about God’s love for me and His extravagant grace through the ups and downs of parenting these three. Thank you for dropping in, Roseann — you’re always welcome here.
Your little family is so blessed to have you, Jana. God chose you just for them. Praying that you feel peace from Him today and comformation that you are right where He wants you to be. Shine on sweet girl! Your light is so much brighter than you know. Love you BIG!!
You bless me so much, my friend! Thank you for always being a little sunshine in my day. I’m so grateful He brought us together! Now if we can just work out that Sonic happy hour thing… Love YOU big!!
Deep down in the places we don’t like to talk about, I feel every word. And long to have the true desire every day for Him to stretch me. To gain the beautymarks of grace…
What a beautiful 5 minute write, Jana! So encouraged by you…
Hugs to you and enjoy your weekend!
“The beauty marks of grace”… oh I LOVE that! Yes, Lord, help me to see it just this way. Thanks so much, Nikki. You are a jewel.
What a lovely post, Jana! I love what you said here: “When I submit to His perfect plan, He will stretch me into the perfect shape for me.” You’re absolutely right!!
Have a happy Friday, my friend!
Thanks so much, Stefanie. I can’t wait to catch up with you next weekend, my friend!
Jana, you’re a blessing to the sweet lives you touch in your home, and outside of that space. Praying with you, Lord, stretch me in YOUR direction. That’s all we could ever ask for–and He will, you know, that’s a guarentee.
LOVE YOU.
Yes, praying together with you, dear friend. He is faithful. Love you bunches!! XOXO
Stretching HURTS. But it’s worth it. Love the Tolkien quote!
You’re right, Nancy — it’s worth it (and yes, it hurts, too!) Thanks for stopping by!
Soaring in the middle of the mess – yes, yes. I get it. I want that.
Me too, sister. We’ll get there with His help. Thanks for dropping by!
To soar in the midst of my mess and chaos, what a promise. So thankful He’s always with me in the stretch.
Yes, Barbie, He’s always faithful. What a blessing! Have a wonderful weekend, friend!
Love this, Jana! I nominated you for a blogging award in my post today. Be blessed! http://mamasemptynest.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/getting-my-shiny-on/