If God Asked...Would You?


A few years ago, my friend, co-worker, and pastor returned from a conference talking about the topic of this question...if God asked, would you?

Would you follow where God wanted to lead you, even if it meant being uncomfortable?

This week, we say goodbye as he and his family move out of state to follow where God is leading. It will be far from comfortable or easy. Staying would be safe. Going involves risk.

Jesus never said following Him would be safe. Following Jesus involves risk. It means stepping out in faith, even when you can't see where the road leads.

Following Jesus isn't easy, but walking in obedience is worth the risk.

God asked, and my friend said yes.

God has been preparing the way for him, and maybe, as we watch his example of obedience, He's preparing the way for someone else.

What I do know is how thankful I am that God orchestrated our paths to cross and run parallel for six years. I don't know what God has planned for the future, but it's in looking back where I see how I've grown, and the lasting effects of our working together and friendship.

As I told my friend, I'm happy for him. I've had the privilege to watch God equip him with the passion and ability to love and serve others. And now it's time to share that somewhere else.

But, I won't pretend I'm not sad to say goodbye. And that's okay, because maybe the depth of sadness is equal to the impact made in my life.

Now I can't help but wonder...if God asks, will I?

In Christ,
Laura 

Photo credit: FreeImages.com


Slipper Socks and a Journal of Thankfulness


Slipper socks. That was one of my very first entries.

Several years ago, I started a list of things I’m thankful for. I’d read other bloggers talk of their lists of One Thousand Gifts, as author Ann Voskamp wrote about, but I hadn’t yet read the book, and I wasn’t quite catching on to the concept.

And then I read of a small and inconsequential item on someone’s list. I can’t even remember what it was right now, but it made me realize that it’s not just the big, obvious blessings God wants us to thank Him for. He wants us to be thankful for the little things that make us comfortable too.

Like soft, comfy slipper socks.

That’s when I started making my list, in a brand new journal given to me by my daughter.

Over the years, I haven’t been as faithful to counting my blessings as I should. I got away from it for a while and there’s a wide gap between 2012 and 2013. Between counting, not counting, and counting again, there are a few things I’ve learned.

To continue reading, please join me at LifeNotes...

In Christ,
Laura


When Renew Means to Wait


When I think of the word renew, I think of something I can do. I can renew a library book or marriage vows. Renew means to take action—to make like new, or to begin again.

Except when renew means to wait.

My word for this year is renew. God chose it for me and when He shared it with me, I knew it meant He would be the One to do the renewing.

It is totally in God's character to bring renewal to His children and in the details of our lives. However, it's not so much in my character to wait...but I'm learning.

When God says He will renew, I believe He means it. It also means He will decide what He makes new, when, and how. He will make it happen—His way and in His time.

It means I must wait. Patiently.

To continue reading, please join me at One Word 365 where I'm pleased to be guest posting today.


I wonder, does God have you in a place of waiting right now? 

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with Blessing CountersThe Weekend Brew, Give Me Grace, Grace & Truth, Sharing His Beauty, Playdates with God, #RaRaLinkup, #SmallWonder, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, #TellHisStory, Blessing Counters, Faith Filled Friday


What You Do Matters


You know those busy, hectic days that end—and you feel like nothing you did mattered? Yeah, those days.

Those are the days we need to remember...

God sees. He knows.


What you do matters.


Others may or may not notice, but God notices—everything you do, every single time. He sees you.

Tomorrow will be a new day. And what you do will matter.

In Christ,
Laura 

Linking up with The Weekend Brew, Grace & Truth, Blessing Counters, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace, Sharing His Beauty, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, #SmallWonder, Playdates with God