Wellspring of Life

By Staci Pace

There’s a belief that I have that when Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you,” (John 14) He wasn’t talking about the sweet by and by. I believe that He meant when His work defeating the grave was completed, we would immediately have access to the presence of God. And truly, I feel that when we worship, we have the opportunity to get into that place where everything else fades away: our problems with our spouse, our concerns for our children, our worry about what people think of us, even physical pain…Everything fades away. I also believe that we can reach this place wherever we are by a simple act of worship: centering our mind, will and emotions on Christ and allowing that redeemed spirit inside of us to take over. It has happened for me many times: in church with many saints, in my car with noisy children, lying in my bed before going to sleep.

But, truly, honestly, that’s not enough for me. Although it is bliss, and I can access that any time, I still want more! I realize that, as a believer, I have Christ with me at all times. Yet, I long to experience Him on a deeper level ALL the time. I want to feel Him close to me. Unfortunately, for now I have this ever-present, constant struggle with this part of me called my flesh.

My flesh is un-redeemed and consistently screaming for my attention, whether it is for the necessities of life or for those less important, but equally strong, temptations. My soul is not always on board with this desire of mine, either. My feelings constantly betray what I know to be true and, not unlike Paul, I can’t go very long without making a decision that is contrary to what I know is the way of Christ. One day, I will leave this flesh behind to spend eternity in the presence of my glorious King, completely unveiled, fully alive to the Spirit, but until that day…

Is Christ disappointed that I can’t remain in a constant state of awareness of His presence in my life? Is He disappointed that I do not always recognize the glory cloud of the Holy Spirit that is with me always? I would imagine that He is disappointed, much like any man would be with an aloof and distracted wife. (We are His bride after all.) However, I believe Jesus’ love is great enough. I believe that regardless of how seldom we actually take notice of His presence, He is pleased beyond measure when we do. And I believe that He enjoys it when we cry out to Him, “I want to be closer! I can’t get enough! I want more! I’m not satisfied!”

Now, it could be argued that we shouldn’t be dissatisfied or hungry for more because Jesus also said, “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.” (John 4) So does this mean that we will never feel a craving for the presence? If, as believers, Christ dwells in us as promised, shouldn’t we always be satisfied and full, overflowing even? Jesus continued, “The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” So, surely we all have a constant flow of spiritually satisfying, live-giving water gushing out of us that everyone around us experiences any time we are around!

But, wait a moment. What about that grocery store clerk that I was incredibly short with for taking his sweet precious time bagging my fresh produce on top of my fresh loaf of sliced bread? What about the woman I completely cut off on the way to school this morning because I didn’t plan ahead for my lane change? What about my daughter who I yelled at yesterday for getting banana all over my bedspread? I really don’t think these people were experiencing the overflow of my wellspring of life. And I’m positive that I was not either.

Why not? I think the culprit is that pesky little part of me I mentioned earlier: my flesh. It gets in the way! As much as I wish that I could take each step of every day in the full knowledge and awareness of the Spirit of God inside me, I can’t. Despite my every effort, I fail. Something happens in the day to draw my attention away, and often it’s not even external. And so a thirst rises up within me to once again experience that living water. I have a longing to have my eyes opened to what is actually present, even when I don’t feel it. Maybe you have the same experience.

Thankfully, all we have to do is surrender our own desires, thoughts and ways, and we can once again get a taste of that sweet and fulfilling water. And, when we are completely surrendered to Christ, so can those around us. And even if it’s for a moment, that moment, I promise, will be well worth it. And then tomorrow, you’ll be hungry for it again!

 

This article was originally posted at RockSongChurch.org. 

My Answer Is No

As someone who typically says yes to people, I often get requests for help. I love helping people. It makes me feel good. You might say that my love language is gifts of service. Not only do I love helping people, I feel RESPONSIBLE to help people. I feel guilty saying no. Notice the word “guilty”. Some of the synonyms for this word are shamefaced, embarrassed, mortified, awkward, and uncomfortable. And these are appropriate expressions for how I feel when I say no to someone in need. Literally.

Nevertheless, I’ve had to say no numerous times this last week. Usually the requests I get are spaced a bit further apart. I really think that I’ve gotten so many requests lately because I am supposed to learn how to say no without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. So far, I haven’t done very well. Every time I say no I want to cry. I want to give in and tell everyone, “Of course I’ll help you!!”

But, there is a reason I’m still convinced that I HAVE TO SAY NO. I said yes to God. I’m going after a scary, daunting, HUGE dream. (Or if “dream” seems too ethereal for you, call it a business venture.) I know this is the right thing for me. This is what I was made for. It’s what I have spent my life working towards and believing for. But, saying yes to this thing that is so far greater than myself has required a bit more of me than I expected and just a few weeks ago, I felt as if I was spiritually, emotionally and physically breaking down. I felt like the possibility of my husband checking me into a mental facility might be days away, and he probably had the same thought. I felt as if I was drowning, buried alive, crushed by all of my responsibilities.

I don’t feel quite so pressed now, although my responsibilities didn’t lessen. I’m sure a lot of that is just because I’ve been leaning into God, Who isn’t daunted by my to-do list, and I’m surrounded by people who love me and support me. But in order for me to keep my head above the water I have to say no. I can’t help you. I cannot keep your kids. I cannot be a sponsor. I cannot host a party. I cannot keep your dog. I cannot do your finances. But know that I love you. And I WANT to say yes. I just can’t right now.

And for those of you in pursuit of something great that’s bigger than you: Get used to saying no from time to time, because when that thing finally comes around it will be necessary to say no to all the little things.

10 More Things, Episode 5

By Staci Pace

And continues…

41.  Go ahead and get used to saying: “Stop that.” “Don’t do that.” “Put that down.” “Be quiet.” You’ll never stop.
42.  You’ll quickly learn why your mom made some meals over and over again. And then you’ll ask her for the recipes. 
43.  Don’t ever tell your children that they have to pick up their toys or you’ll throw them away. Because the problem is that they don’t want to pick them up in the first place, and they’d rather you do it for them. Not to mention, what will you do tomorrow when they’re bored?
44.  You have to set ground rules with your spouse early on about discipline. Because when a kid is grounded from outside and friends it’s not really punishment for them as much as you. 
45.  At least one of your children will eat their boogers, one will wipe them on everything and one will try to give them to you, but they all will pick them.
46.  No matter how many times you tell them not to they will wipe their hands on their clothes. 
47.  Some areas of your house will always smell like pee no matter how many times you scrub them.
48.  A parent with all girls just won’t understand a parent with all boys and vice versa.
49.  At some point you will wish that you could arrange a marriage for your child, and possibly as early as 12.
50.  Baking with your child is NOT NEARLY as fun as it sounds.

This article was originally posted on Jesus Had A Mama.

Episode 1: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

Episode 2: 10 More Things I Wish I Knew

Episode 3: 10 More Things, Episode 3

Episode 4: 10 More Things, Episode 4

Episode 5: 10 More Things, Episode 5

Sugarcoated Dreams

Today I turn 34. Once upon a time I had my life planned out. I would graduate high school, move away to attend college, graduate into a lucrative career in the city until I decided to marry, settle down and have 8 children in my custom-built home in the country. I realized as a very young adult that this was a complete farce when reality kicked in. My parents moved away from me, I attended college for 2 years before deciding that I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, realized I hated the city, and while I definitely wanted to marry, I definitely did not want 8 children, and since I hadn’t picked a lucrative career early on would certainly not be able to afford that custom-built home in the country.

Why do we dream such elaborate dreams? Why do we so desire to be somewhere further than we are? And on that note, do you notice like I do that our dreams are often sugarcoated? As if our lives were lived on pink fluffy clouds with platters full of chocolate fudge that doesn’t make you fat or sick to your stomach. No one ever “dreams” a nightmare. We might worry about it. We might prepare for it. But no one when asked what they would like out of life describes a nightmare.

And yet, how many in pursuit of a dream live a nightmare? I mean, when life happens and our dreams don’t, it’s easy to be discouraged. But it’s an entirely different story when we start living the dream and it’s not nearly as sugarcoated as we thought it would be, and it in fact feels much more akin to a nightmare.

I am pursuing a dream right now. And in my pursuit, I am realizing some things about dreams that I had never thought of before: Realized dreams cost and realized dreams are hard. Maybe there are some who realize a dream without feeling that they’ve sacrificed something, but I haven’t met them yet. I believe that God gives us dreams. I believe that God sometimes even “calls” us to pursue them. I also believe that God knows that there will come a time, or many times, when we will have to choose to continue pursuit or call off the dogs and return to family matters, like burying a loved one (see Matt. 8:19-22, Luke 9:57-60).

When dreaming, we may realize that reaching for such a goal will be hard and often painful, but rarely do we consider the toll it will take on those around us. This day and age the payment required for a dream attained is often a marriage, a family. No wonder so many celebrity marriages fail. The ones who have made it to the top have gotten there for the reasons of true grit: an I-will-make-it-if-I-die-first kind of will power to stay the course. This is the kind of determination that I imagine it takes to win a gold medal in a competitive sport. It’s not necessarily that these medalists and spotlight-connoisseurs don’t care about family or their spouse. But the burning flame of a dream consumes their hearts, and even if they were to give up the chase, I believe many would find the same fate because their heart would have nothing left for which to burn.

And when dreaming, rarely do we consider that there will be times when we want to give up. I’ve often described the childbirth process (I’ve experienced it drug-free 3 times) as feeling as if you’re dying over and over again. I think attaining a dream is much the same. There comes a time when you feel to bear one more moment, one more setback, would mean death, and then you survive only to find that very same feeling around the next bend. And over and over again you hear yourself asking, “Is this what I really wanted? Am I really ready for this? Can my family survive this?”

When we know the dream is of God, and we know beyond a doubt that it is our deepest desire, how do we push past these moments that can easily steal our propulsion and leave us stranded in the wasteland of unattained dreams? Which, by the way, is the place I feel is most dangerous for the family of a dreamer, and where most people abandon ship.

The truth: I’m not completely sure. But, here are a few things that have kept me going:

1. Look at how far you’ve come. Throughout the Bible is the encouragement to remember the altars that were built. Look back at those times when a loved one (or it may only be God) has persuaded you that you’re on the right path. Remember the moments when it just seemed that everything was lining up exactly right and pointing you towards destiny.
2. Celebrate EVERY victory! Whether it be no unread messages in your inbox, a finished project within the project, or the promotion you’ve been waiting years for – celebrate it with whoever will celebrate with you. And don’t be afraid to celebrate in as big a way as you can afford with as many as you can fit. And when you don’t have a victory to celebrate, celebrate past victories. (See #1.)
3. Be thankful for what you have. And WHO you have in your life. I feel like this should be on every numbered list no matter the subject. Seriously, a thankful attitude will never, ever hurt you. I will tell you this: When you’re in the moment of questioning if this is what you wanted, being thankful will be the last thing you’ll want to do. But even begrudgingly, thankfulness leads to optimism and optimism propels you forward, or at the very least away from where you are.

Fast-forward a few years from my farce dream and I managed to conjure another: My husband and I would lead worship at a mega church with lots of spotlight, have 4 progeny children, and live in a big, beautiful home far enough from the city to smell the fresh air but close enough to shop.

Reality: I am a worship leader of a wonderful small church full of loving people, married to my amazing husband who, while he serves in my church and worships with me, holds a Bachelor of Science (and most of his own dreams) in Game Design, living in our blessed home far from the spotlight (but close to shopping!) with our incredibly smart and normal 3 children. And truthfully, I am living a dream; it just doesn’t look quite like I thought. And while I’m still dreaming, I plan to do so with a much more thankful heart.

Promise Fulfilled

By Staci Pace

Maybe I am the only one, but from time to time I find myself wondering if the many promises God has spoken over my family and me will actually come to fruition. At my lowest points, this doubt and fear has plunged me into a kind of hopelessness. Thankfully, I am surrounded by people who love me, love God and believe for me when I cannot. These wonderful, incredible people have the ability to pull me out of the depths of despair before they even know that I have been stuck there, and often so quickly that the memory is like an ignored glitch in the programming. (This is one benefit of being so involved and plugged into the local church body, and if you aren’t, I’d suggest you run to the next gathering of the body of Christ and PLUG IN!)

This week I have struggled to keep these doubtful thoughts at bay, but while considering what happened this Easter weekend so long ago, I had an epiphany. Jesus IS the promise! Now, before you put face to palm and wonder how I’ve gotten so far in ministry without knowing that, I promise I knew it already. It was just an “Aha!” moment for me. My thought was if I start every morning with that in mind, I might struggle with my doubts quite a bit less. My promise IS Jesus, and He HAS come, and He is alive in me, and He IS my reward!

Funny thing is, I don’t think I’m the only one whose had this revelation. Paul began many of his letters (Romans, Galatians, Ephesians) reminding, or in some cases, revealing the sacrifice of Christ and what it brought for those of us who believe. If we start there, how could we possibly end in a pit of despair? Take a look at what Paul wrote to the Ephesians (posted here in the Message translation) and be encouraged:

How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in Him. Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son. Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, His blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people – free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans He took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in Him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free – signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. Ephesians 1:3-14

So, absolutely, without doubt or reservation, EVERY PROMISE is IN Christ! And we have Him! He is fully ours and we are fully His. And we know that nothing can separate us from Him, and therefore whether the circumstances of this life reflect it, the truth stands that we have obtained the inheritance: the Christ, the Son of the living God.

But, if that is not enough to pull you from the depths, think on this: Not only do we have the promise, WE ARE THE PROMISE! Imagine the horror that Jesus lived through on the cross and think what powerful conviction and LOVE must have kept Him there unto death. Here is some encouragement offered to the Hebrews that continues to speak volumes to weary souls:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3

Notice that Christ “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross”. The Father had promised the Son something. He had promised Him a Bride. God the Father had promised Jesus US: you and me! The whole purpose of the cross was to bring US into the presence of God unblemished and holy. And we who believe are Christ’s promise fulfilled!

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight path for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed… For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore… But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:12-13,18-19,22-24

So the next time you find yourself doubting the reality of the promises of God, the next time you find yourself straining your neck to see them around the next bend in the road, take a moment and remind yourself: I have the promise and I am the promise. 

This article was originally posted at RockSong Church. 

10 More Things, Episode 4

By Staci Pace

31. You will wish for the snow day more than your child. And then, when it happens you will wonder why you ever wished for it in the first place.

32. Cable television is something to avoid at all costs. Commercials are not something you want to welcome into your home.

33. You will be ashamed of yourself on a daily basis. And proud of yourself just as much.

34. Cooking dinner will be one of the hardest jobs. Do I really have to make vegetables with every meal?

35. Anything can be broken. Anything. 

36. Legos are the most awesome thing ever made and the worst thing ever made.

37. Kids have really good ears.

38. Everything in your home has the capacity to be sticky.

39. Don’t ever say “Would you just act your age?!” Because they are.  And that’s the problem.

40. Act as if it’s time to go 15 minutes before it’s time to go. Always. Or you will always be late. Everywhere. 

 

This article was originally posted on Jesus Had A Mama.

Episode 1: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

Episode 2: 10 More Things I Wish I Knew

Episode 3: 10 More Things, Episode 3

Episode 4: 10 More Things, Episode 4

Throw Me, Daddy!

By Staci Pace

One night, my husband was playing with our four-year-old daughter, and while attempting to throw her into the air (like he had done many times in the past) I watched as her face grimaced in total fear. “No, Daddy!” she cried. “I’m afraid of heights!” Her fear filled me with utter sadness. Her father had never dropped her, never thrown her away from him, never grabbed her too tightly; where had she picked up this irrational fear? My daughter was unable to experience the sheer joy and delight she had in the past simply because something unrelated made her doubt her safety in the arms of her father.

As I watched my husband talk with her and work with her through her fear, I couldn’t help but think how many times fear has stolen joy in my own life. I pictured myself in the arms of Father God, crying out in terror, “No, God! Don’t throw me! I’m afraid!” Where do we get this fear? Are His arms not the most capable of catching us? Is He not the most aware of how high we can go without harm being done? I began to ask what decisions might be keeping me from experiencing the very real FREEDOM that Christ died for. Here are some things that came to mind. Maybe you can relate.

1. We put all our trust in someone else.

Perhaps fear entered my daughter’s mind when someone other than her daddy attempted to heave her far into the air. When we take our eyes of the Father and look to someone else to keep us up, we find ourselves flat on our back, wounded and blaming God. It’s not that we shouldn’t trust other people, but that we should trust them THROUGH God. Knowing that when they fall short, the Father, who loves us all (sinner or redeemed), will pick up the slack. We need to remind ourselves from time to time whose arms we are in. He is trustworthy ALWAYS!

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:1b-2

2. We’ve loaded ourselves with circumstances.

Imagine trying to jump on a trampoline with a hiking pack loaded with all the gear necessary for a backpacking trip across Europe. Each time we jump up in the air, our backpack would decide exactly how and where we land. Our circumstances weigh us down no matter how we might try to configure the weight of them. But God is ready and waiting to take the weight for us.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

3. We have a death grip on our traditions.

My daughter didn’t want to be afraid, and after watching her two older brothers get thrown high into the air, she asked to try again. Each time my husband tried to throw my daughter in the air, she would attempt to grab onto his clothes, which of course kept her from flying high. Holding onto God’s cloak is not the same as putting all our trust in Him. While some of our traditions truly are from Him, if we hold too tightly to them, we will never go as far as Christ intended for us to go.

How can we sum this up? All those people who didn’t seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as He straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it. How could they miss it? Because instead of trusting God, they took over. They were absorbed with what they themselves were doing. They were so absorbed in their “God projects” that they didn’t notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road. Romans 9:20-33 MSG (selection)

4. We let the world dissuade us.

It is also altogether possible that my daughter was “taught” to fear heights by her older brothers. Sometimes well-meaning people put things on us that are not from God at all. The world has a completely different view of wisdom, and when we fully rely on God, we appear fools to the world. If we let worldly opinions and philosophies crowd our minds, we will never be able to let go and fly.

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21a

My daughter didn’t give up, and neither should we. She kept trying to find that trust again, and in the end, exclaimed with fists clenched tight and victory in her eyes, “Yes! I did it! I did it!” Is her fear completely gone? Not quite. But she’s learning to overcome it, and maybe we can to.

What is holding you back from the Father’s freedom? What steps can you take to let go and fly?

This article was originally posted at RockSongChurch.org

10 More Things: Episode 3

And the list continues…

21. You will never be able to go to the bank without getting lollipops.

22. Grocery shopping alone will become a luxury and something you treasure if it actually happens.

23. Diaper pails are WORTHLESS!! 

24. You will have more socks than you know what to do with but none of them will match. 

25. The knees in pants are just not made strong enough.

26. There really is a witching hour.

27. Car seats suck. Especially when you need 3 of them in one car.

28. If you find a children’s movie that you like, buy it. Immediately. And avoid all others at all costs!!

29. Ban the words “I want” from the get go.

30. Don’t get rid of your baby stuff until you’re done having babies. By the time you have your next one the best toy you had will be banned by whoever it is that doesn’t want children to have any fun.

 

View Episode 1: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

View Episode 2: 10 More Things I Wish I Knew

This article was originally posted at Jesus Had A Mama.  

Ministering Beyond a Rejected Heart

As a minister in the local church, one becomes emotionally, physically and spiritually attached to their job. It can’t be helped, and I’m not sure that it’s a bad thing. As ministers our heart should be in it. It should be an outpouring of what God has put on the inside. Our ministry should be what naturally just happens because we are passionately seeking that to which God has called us. Unfortunately, this leaves us in a very vulnerable state. While pouring out our heart, it often gets rejected by those to whom we are desperately trying to minister, or those with whom we are ministering.

Most of us have been there: We have shared our sweat, blood and tears with someone who suddenly abandons the vision or maybe even attempts to run away with it. We spend months or years spending all of our energy in training and equipping someone who turns right around and walks away from it all claiming no opportunity was made available to them. We pour out our heart and dreams to someone we care about thinking they will support us in our efforts, only to find they consider it frivolous. We love and love and love and forgive, forgive, forgive a difficult person over and over again who rejects the acceptance and spitefully lies about who we are. We pursue an avenue of provision only to be ignored or belittled. And over and over again we offer our heart to the Maker, who makes it soft again, and we put it out there once more.

This phenomenon is no new thing. There is hardly a minister mentioned in the Word who has not dealt with the pain of rejection. Joseph’s brothers so rejected his dream that they set out to kill him. David felt the stab from his own son, Absalom. It was a rare moment when a prophet was actually accepted by the people of the times. Paul had to withstand much rejection throughout his ministry. And Jesus, of course, was met with the ultimate rejection.

So, when our heart is rejected, because, no doubt, it will be, how can we carry on in our ministry? While these may not offer you the solace you are looking for, these three things have kept me going even with my broken heart.

1. Remember WHO YOU ARE.

Although it might seem like it at times, our ministry is not ALL that we are. We are sons and daughters of the Most High God. We are His chosen people created for Him. And regardless of how long, how hard, how often, how simply, how effectively, how truthfully we serve in ministry; God will still love us just the same. He will still call us His children. He will still hold us close to His heart. Remember that you are His.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6

2. Remember your WHY.

What is it that persuaded you to serve in the first place? What cause stole your heart? Whenever I am discouraged and down trodden, I hear these questions in my mind, and I must say that the cause still makes my heart beat a little faster. It still stirs me to love the lost AND the found. It still calls my name, and I still want to answer. Your WHY is written on your heart, and even if you have to dig to find it, the rediscovery is well worth the dirty work.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20

3. Remember WHO HE IS.

If you feel as though you have been burned so badly that you find yourself questioning who you really are, or your why is too far buried or seems empty now, it’s time to return to your first love. Seek the Father. He will never disappoint. He will never forsake you. There is never enough anger or resentment to send Him away. Let Him be your refuge. Surrender to Him your bleeding heart and let Him mend and heal and renew.

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice. You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and eat them as ordinary food. For there shall be a day when the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’” Jeremiah 31:3-6

What has helped you to minister beyond rejection? What scriptures offer hope to your bleeding heart? What is your WHY that calls you beyond your own strength?

 

 

This article was originally posted at RockSongChurch.org.

10 More Things I Wish I Knew…

By Staci Pace

Here are 10 more thoughts I’ve had about having children. Can you relate?

11. Spending the day at home with your kids alone is completely different than spending the day at home with the kids AND your spouse.

12.  Bunk beds are from hell. Have you ever changed the sheets on bunk beds??

13. You will clean up more spills than you ever thought possible. FOR.THE.REST.OF.YOUR.LIFE.

14. Independent kids are messy kids. But they can make their own lunch and entertain themselves for hours. You’ll just have to spend hours cleaning up afterward.

15. If they fall asleep in the car, you’ll never want to stop driving, so keep your favorite music handy and enjoy the ride every once in a while.

16. If you want your child to be clean, you’ll have to physically wash them yourself until they’re about 6. And after that, you’ll have to smell them to be sure they actually washed themselves.

17. You have to floss their teeth. Yes, seriously. 

18. You will find remnants of food EVERYWHERE!

19. You will find a new appreciation for hard flooring. Until they fall. And then, for a fleeting moment you’ll wish for carpet.

20. Shoes are worn only to be ruined.

 

This article was originally posted on Jesus Had A Mama.