We Have Been Called to Action

(Picture from Microsoft Office Images)

Ladies, we have been called to action.

Earlier this week I came across a blog written by none other than Beth Moore herself. I have to share with you that it sent chills down my spine - not just because it has a powerful and timely message - but because the topic is one that God seems to be bringing to my attention more and more lately - mentoring. I highly suggest you follow the link under Beth Moore's picture and read her post from July 6, 2012 on the Living Proof Ministries blog before you go any further because there is no way I can tell you what she said any better than she said it herself. Her first sentence is, "I'm really ticked."

(picture from Living Proof
 Ministries Facebook)

Big Sisters and Little Sisters by Beth Moore 

Well, can you relate? I think you can. How do I know? First, because I have been there. I have been that young mother who feels like the bouncy ball Satan keeps slamming up against the wall. I have been that wife and mother who felt like I wanted someone to stop this spinning top and let me off before I go stark raving mad. I have been that "Godly" woman trying so hard to put on a facade of perfection for the world to see, convinced I was the only female in the history of the world to ever feel this out of control. And you know what? This is exactly what Satan wants us to feel - alone, rejected, utter failures, with no hope of ever being successful. Truth be told we have all felt this way at one time or another. And if you haven't, I imagine you will one day in the future. Satan doesn't play fair. In fact, he is downright mean. He is the father of lies, a roaring lion set on tearing us apart. But God is intent on making sure this does not happen. Ladies, we are a part of that plan. Over and over again we are commanded to encourage one another in faith. Titus 2 is founded on the premise of the older women teaching the younger women - mentoring them. 

We have been called to action.

As I write this blog there were over 1200 answers to Beth Moore's call to big sisters and little sisters. I would like to suggest we do the same thing with this post on this blog. Little sisters (anyone 39 and below) write a post and let us know how we can pray for you, how we can encourage you right now in your life. Big sisters (anyone 40 and above) we all know we can use encouragement just as much as the younger women, but let's use this time to minister to them because 

we have been called to action!

Let me encourage you who may not be Valleydale members who may read this blog. You are included in this exercise, also. As you write your comments, please remember they will not appear immediately; however, I will monitor them closely and make sure they get posted as quickly as I can.

Lord, as I close this posting, I want to lift up every woman who will read it. May she KNOW that SHE is fearfully and wonderfully made for YOUR plan - a plan you have specifically designed for HER and no other. May she know that you walk with her every step of every day; that you care about every aspect of her life both large and small; that you are willing to help carry her burdens and rejoice over her victories. May she know that everything she has comes from you; that you love her like no other ever has or ever will; that you desire to give her a peace that passes all understanding. Give her strength when she feels weak, wisdom when she is confused, and courage when she is afraid. Fill her with you Spirit, Lord, so that she can love as you love, see others through your eyes and speak your words. We praise you, Abba Father, for your perfect love that is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. What an awesome, and powerful, and amazing God we serve! May your perfect will be accomplished in each and every life represented here. Amen, and Amen! 

And may we always remember, whether we are a little sister or a big sister, we are His ambassadors, and 

WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO ACTION.

Making Hubby #2

Originally posted on September 21, 2011

Since my last post detailing Jami Hovey's first lesson on Balance, I have been asked more than once how one successfully makes their husband number 2 in their life when there are so many responsibilities and distractions demanding our attention.  I don't claim to be an expert on the subject by any stretch of the imagination; however, I am going to post my thoughts here, and I want you to feel free to add comments as to how you personally give your husband proper place in your life.

First, you need to know a little background.  My husband and I have been married 31 years and have 4 grown children, 1 fantastic daughter-in-law and 1 perfect grandson.  During that 31 years, Stephen has traveled extensively 26 of those years and still does.  To give you a little perspective, our oldest "child" will be 28 tomorrow.  There have been many, many days that the only interaction I had with my husband was 15 to 30 minutes very late at night when he would call and we would discuss family and household business.  Both of us would be so very exhausted by this time, but I looked forward to it all day.

I think we often equate putting our spouse in a place of priority in our lives with spending a major amount of time with him.  Don't get me wrong.  We need to spend time with our husbands, but I contend making them number 2 is as much or more of an attitude issue as a scheduling issue.  Let me explain.  Remember when you first fell in love?  Whenever anything good or bad happened throughout the day, you just couldn't wait to share it with "him".  Right?  Do you still feel that way?  Remember how you would rather spend time with him than go out with "the girls"?  Do you feel that way now?  We must covet that relationship and make a direct effort on a daily basis to let him know that he is the most important person in our lives whether we get to spend just a few quality minutes with him or a few wonderful hours.

Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Remember to pray for him every day.  Don't hesitate to let him know that.  Let him know you are praying for a specific issue he is dealing with that day, etc.
2. Remember to pray with him.
3. Buy a dry erase marker and write "I love you" or "I respect the way you work so hard to provide for our family" or "Thank you for being such a wonderful dad to our children"  etc on the bathroom mirror.  Don't panic.  It will clean off!
4. Write him a love note and put it in his computer case, lunch box, wallet, etc. so he'll find it during the day.
5. Buy his favorite snack and have it sitting in the car for him to find when he leaves in the morning.
6. Text him a message during the day.
7. Look for ways to brag about him to your kids, friends, etc.  - especially in front of him!

You get the idea.  He needs to know you love, respect and  think he is a man above all men!  Yes, you have to make an effort to spend quality time with him, but you can do things in between during your busy days to let him know that he is number 2 in your book.  Use your imagination and your knowledge of what is important to him.

Oh, and by the way, I asked my husband this question before posting this.  You might be interested to know the male perspective in this household anyway was the same as mine!  Have a good day, ladies, and add your ideas of how you make your husband know he is number 2!

copy right by Robin Kelley

used with express permission