Learning to Wait

When I was a child, I remember my parents telling me to wait until Saturday, wait until Christmas, or wait until you are older. It was always, "Wait, Wait." I have found this to be one of the hardest words to hear. In John 11:6, Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus to return home because their brother, Lazarus, was sick and near death. But Jesus waited 2 days before He returned to Judea. I'm sure that they must have asked the question, "Where is God when I need Him?" Throughout Scripture we are told to wait and be patient:
~ "Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them" Isaiah 30:18.
~ "Don't be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you...Yes, wait and he will help you" Psalm 27:14.
~ "It is better to be patient than powerful" Proverbs 16:32
~ "A patient man has great understanding" Proverbs 14:29
~ "Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful" Romans 12:12


During the last several years, waiting has been a difficult aspect. I think waiting is a struggle for most people. When things are going well, we wait for them to get better. When times are hard, we wait for circumstances to improve. We wait for good things in anticipation and frustration. And when we are sick or in trouble, he waiting can be more excruciating. We should not be surprised that so many passages in the Bible speak about enduring and being patient. Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. He didn't specifically add that a lot of our trouble would involve waiting.

Why is waiting so hard? Sometimes we are in a hurry because we want the outcome so badly. We just have to know. Another reason I think waiting is so hard is that it takes away our illusion of control. Our spirit rebels against this reminder that our time and agenda are not our own. A lot of life is outside of our power and control.

When we faithfully endure, we develop the character and virtue of waiting. I have found that the more I learn from waiting, the stronger my faith becomes. One of the greatest lessons we can learn is that God does not abandon us, He does not forsake us, and when we are waiting for answers, change, healing, and hope, He is with us.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!!!

Happy Mothers Day

Here is a shout out to all the amazing and wonderful mothers I know. We are blessed!! Happy Mother's Day!

32 Reasons...

I thought I would dedicate this entry to my husband. Today he is celebrating his 32nd birthday. Happy Birthday Chris!!! I have been blessed to be apart of his amazing life for 11 years. There are so many reasons why I love him but today, in honor of the 32 years he has lived, I will list 32 reasons why I love him.

1. For always making me laugh
2. Desiring to be a better man
3. For letting me sleep in on Saturdays...
4. And always making the coffee just right
5. For giving me two of the most precious gifts, Kailey and Lauryn
6. For amazing foot rubs
7. Putting our family above himself
8. For being okay with cereal for supper on crazy nights
9. His spontaneity (that I do not always deal well with but I am thankful for)
10. For challenging me
11. For encouraging me
12. For a shoulder to cry on...
13. And a strong arm to hold me up
14. For his prayers
15. For thinking I am beautiful even when I am not trying to be
16. For wanting to go shopping with me
17. For being the most generous person I know
18. For his big heart
19. For never giving up
20. For watching HGTV with me
21. For falling asleep on the couch during every movie (even though he will deny this to the end!)
22. Let's face it, He's a hottie
23. My family is important to him
24. He teaches me to have more fun
25. He respects and cherishes me
26. His smile brightens my day
27. He loves to play with his kids
28. Did I mention he was hot?!
29. He understands the importance of chips and salsa
30. The way he holds my hand
31. For wanting to make me feel special
32. I love him for who he is!

My prayer...

Father God, push away all the negative thoughts that attack my worth. Let me learn from Your Word about the worth I have in You. Amen.