Spiritual Growth

Something has flipped. I think it is my perspective. It needed to change. Here are a few things God has been up to in my spiritual growth over the past few months.

Ever since I have been leading a devotional (a one hour worship set- just me and the piano) at New Haven House of Prayer, God's word has become even more alive and active in me. Praise God for that!! I prepare each week with a verse and a song and then let God do the rest. The verses I have been worshipping to are taking root in my life and changing my heart. This process has not been the easiest since God's word is bitter-sweet, but it's been good. Some Tuesday nights I leave the HOP refreshed and some nights I leave thinking "oh man, here we go.... now I have to walk this out." Both of them are good, but one is more challenging..... such is God's word.

Recently, I completed a bible study called, "One In a Million," by Priscilla Shire that deepened my walk and called me to take God at His word by walking out the scripture through obedience. She talked a lot about taking the things that we heard in church on Sunday mornings and applying them to our lives allowing them to transform the way we live. The "One in a Million," was referring to those who got to go into the promised land when the Israelites were wandering the wilderness for 40 years. Only two out of the million moved into the land of milk and honey (Caleb and Joshua). I want to me One of those who endures to the end.

I had a friend challenge me a couple of weeks ago to "be thankful in all circumstances," when I was burned out and exhausted one day because of my son. God's word is truth and it was in that truth spoken that my life was challenged. I want to be one of those who "rejoices at all times," and
"in all seasons," but this has not come easy for me. Thankfully it is a process and God has patience as I walk this out. I'm so thankful for friends who speak the truth to me even when it is hard to hear. It's because of that friend my life has changed paths and I have a different perspective.

God has used me since to speak to a group of moms at our church in the "Starting Right" ministry to encourage them and equip them in their journey of parenting. I was asked to do this because three other people saw something in my children and me that needed to be taught. I give all the credit to God because He is the only good thing in me and in my kids. So they had asked me to teach on "How to teach your kids about Easter," but I really didn't think I was the right person to share about that. However, I did say, Yes," because I knew it was the Lord who wanted me to share (plus I enjoy public speaking) and if God wanted to speak then I was going to be obedient and allow Him to prepare me to speak.... and that He did. He wrote the outline and gave me plenty to share. So, I taught the moms "How to teach their children about Jesus using scripture during unstructured and structured times." God gave me resources and experiences to fill the time that I shared and it was appreciated. I had people coming up to me left and right so thankful I shared. Some of the comments were, "I could have listened to you all day." "We have hired professional speakers to talk and you are right there, if not better than them." "You should write a book." (lol, when?) "You just motivated me to home-school my kids." "When can you come back?" If you know me well, you know that my love tank was full that day, because words of encouragement is high on my love languages. I praise God for the opportunity and can't wait to do it again. They just asked me today to come back. :)

These are just a few ways God has encouraged and refined my journey with Him and I am grateful He's not finished yet. We'll see what the next season brings. I have just committed to leading our bible study group on Thursday mornings through Beth Moore's "The Inheritance" study, so I know more growth is on the way. Lord knows I need His Spirit to empower me to accomplish His work.

And the journey continues....