Thanks honey, I missed you, too. (In his defense, he really did miss me.)
Isn't that the way it goes? I spent the weekend unpacking the junk phrases in my head, renewing my heart for Jesus, desiring to be used by Him and ready to step out in faith and go where He sends me but the reality of who I am in this world greeted me the moment I walked in the door.
While my heart cries out, Jesus use me to bring glory to your name and to bring hope to a fallen world, my head chides me, what can you offer? You are only a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a cleaner outer of sinks...
This time instead of caving in to the voices in my head, I decided to write out a few things that my heart learned over the weekend.
You are useful because of the life you live not in spite of it.
Your talents may not be the talents you desire but they are a gift from God chosen specifically for you to bring Him glory.
The things I deem as failures are really life lessons I've been given to help equip me to minister to others.
God loves to use simple, humble people to accomplish great things.
You have influence within your sphere of friends and acquaintances, don't squander those divinely appointed opportunities due to fear and insecurity.
A kind and encouraging word is highly under valued.
Let God set the time, your only responsibility is to be prepared to step out in faith when He calls.
God's ability is in no way hampered by your age.
Never forget God's love is not influenced by your actions but He delights in an obedient heart.
Your talents may not be the talents you desire but they are a gift from God chosen specifically for you to bring Him glory.
The things I deem as failures are really life lessons I've been given to help equip me to minister to others.
God loves to use simple, humble people to accomplish great things.
You have influence within your sphere of friends and acquaintances, don't squander those divinely appointed opportunities due to fear and insecurity.
A kind and encouraging word is highly under valued.
Let God set the time, your only responsibility is to be prepared to step out in faith when He calls.
God's ability is in no way hampered by your age.
Never forget God's love is not influenced by your actions but He delights in an obedient heart.
With those truths in my mind and the fresh word I received from God, I am ready to step out with an obedient heart toward the things I feel Him calling me to do. I know He will meet me in the place that he calls me to.
What is it that God has called you to do? How has he tugged at your heart? Does fear have you whispering, but I'm only...?
"If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. " I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:13-14
Stop listening to those junk phrases and embrace who God made you to be. Write out a few heart phrases that you know to be truths from God. Start living your life ready to influence others for His glory. Step out in faith, seek Him and he will meet you, renew you and bring you home again.
xo, Patty
(This post also published here.)
Great post,. Patty. It is amazing how many junk phrases we feed ourselves. The negative self-talk can really consume us if we let it. Glad you had a nice weekend away. Did you tell hubby to not put fish down the disposal anymore?;>) xo Diana
ReplyDeletePatty, This is a very good post. You are right...we do let those annoying little voices bug us. I love your pile of sweet saying. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThis is all so true. I think we all long to do "great" things for God, but our vision of greatness is not always the same as God's. It has taken me a lifetime to embrace that what I consider small talents that don't mean a lot in God's grand design, are exactly the talents he has given me in order to reach out to other people and show them His love. What can crafts and cooking and homemaking do for God? I currently have two dear friends who come knocking at my door at odd moments to pour out their hearts and talk about broken marriages. I couldn't be there for them if I wasn't home when they need me. My cooking is used to bless others and with an unexpected bounty of a beautiful apple crop from a neighbors trees, I plan to do an apple pie fundraisers for missions. The list goes on and on, what we consider small and simple gifts are the best kind to give in God's name :>)
ReplyDeleteA lovely post. I can definately identify with the "but l'm only" phrase. My illness and disability to work out of the home for many years put me right in the middle of it. God showed me how one persons bad behaviour and negative energy spreads like rings in water and poisons everything around it. Then He helped me to see how one persons kindness has an even stronger effect and builds people up instead of taring them down. I may not be able to change the world right now, but five people have clean clothes, warm meals and encouraging words because of me. I am humbled and grateful. A little kindness goes such a long way. Blessings, Pam xx
ReplyDeletePatty - I remember as a teenager coming home from Falls Creek (a huge Baptist campground in OK) and being so high on the Lord and just could not wait to conquer the world for Him. Then, you arrived home and were back in the real world and it was so hard. But, I guess that's what He is working on us to overcome. Great post.
ReplyDeleteJudy
I love this Patty. It is something I think we all struggle with.
ReplyDeleteI sure wish I could go with you this weekend. I will be there in spirit!
xo Kris
Beautiful post. Thought provoking.. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteSuch a truthful post and so inspiring. Most of us feel like you do "but I'm only....." The Lord works in mysterious ways and one day you will see who you had a great impression on. When we enter those pearly gates ~ you my friend will be astonished. I am one that you have had a great impression on ~ (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI love you, Patty!! You are a faithful child of God!! <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I'm sad I could not attend the retreat. But thank you for sharing those reminders.
ReplyDelete