My Purpose on Earth

This morning as I was reading my Bible, I read across the scripture John 4, where Jesus had been ministering to the woman at the well. When he was finished, his disciples told Him to eat. But, Jesus says, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish His work." In the next verse He explains what is on His heart..."look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." As I was contemplating this, I was reminded of the message that Pastor Baker gave Sunday about how important our perception of our purpose in this life is. We are to be a revelation of Jesus Christ on this earth. His purpose should be our purpose. If His heart, purpose, and what gives Him more satisfaction than food itself, is to see lost and hurting people ministered to and offered salvation, then this should be our passion, our purpose also. Is our purpose on this earth daily, to do the will of the Father and finish His work in this world? As I thought about how to do this in a practical sense, I went back to what Jesus was doing. He went to the well to rest, because He was tired from His journey. When the Samaritan woman came to the well, He asked her for a drink. This very simple act, led to an opportunity to minister to this woman's spiritual need. " In my daily life, Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and to offer them living water. Help me to place myself in places deliberately, where there are opportunities to minister to people the love of Jesus and be an example of You in this earth. Help me to do the will of Him who sent me, and finish His work."

John 4:34, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

Passionate About My Role As Wife

A few evenings ago, my husband and I were watching some talent show on TV. One comment that you often heard the contestants make as they were interviewed was how passionate they are about their music and how wonderful it is to be able to be doing something that they love and are passionate about. As I listened to these comments, I began to wonder, "What am I passionate about? I wish I could truly spend my time, energy, and even make money, doing something I am passionate about." As an empty nest mom, often it seems like we are teenagers again, trying to figure out what we really want to do with the rest of our lives. The part of our lives that we poured so much of our passion, time, and energy into is now over and it is so easy to feel lost and like we are floundering around trying to find our niche. We do a lot of things trying to fill our time and be useful, but as hard as we try we don't always feel fulfilled and passionate about our obligations. As I was considering these young peoples comments, yearning and praying for a passion of my own, I was reminded that the most important role that I have right now is that of being a wife. My passion should be directed at being the best wife that I can possibly be to my husband. Instead of searching elsewhere for fulfillment, and enjoyment, become consumed with the man in your life. Read, study, pray, about how to be the best wife you can be to him, and put these things into practice. Pray earnestly for him and for your relationship with him and how to personally make it better. Become excited and consumed with this adventure of being the best wife you can be.

Reaching Beyond Our Four Walls

As homemakers, sometimes it can be very easy to become consumed with "our" family, "our" house, "our" selves and forget to reach out to others. Once upon a time I copied this note down from somewhere and it has been a great reminder to me to not be so self centered. I thought I'd share it with you:
"Never let one day pass when you have not reached out an arm of love to someone out side your home (and in) with a note, a letter, a visit, help in some way."

Meet My Family

Finally, got the whole family together for a photo!

Jonathan (black sweater), oldest son, Worship Pastor. Ryan (red shirt) youngest,Medic in Army. Kara, daughter, full time mom, and wife, and Adrian, son-in-law, student preparing for full time ministry, with their two little ones, Nolan and Jordyn, who bring us all tons of joy.

My Alltime Favorite Prayer

Nolan (3) and I were having a snack one day and this was his prayer over our food:

"Oh, God! How did You make this food be so good?! How did You do it God? How did You?!
Amen."