I Am More Than...

What is it about the way we look to others, ladies? To ourselves? As I am beginning to age (and let me add not nearly as gracefully as I may have liked or wished), I am noticing more and more things about myself that I just don't find pleasing. There are wrinkles and age spots that I never thought I would see. There are those unsightly grey hairs (yes, they are there...you just can't see them because I have an AWESOME stylist). I have skin that sags in places that just makes me sad and I noticed this week that my hands are beginning to look, dare I say the word, OLD!

But, praise the Lord(!) there is more to me than what meets the eye. I am more than just an (cough, cough) average sized woman. Beneath this skin is a heart who loves the Lord and truly does strive to live for Christ every day (even though I fail terribly sometimes). My heart longs to help those in need and be more than just a handout to them, but to be a friend.

My family is my world. Without them, their love and support, I do not know where in the world I would be. My heart's desire is to be a wife that is pleasing to Jesus and to James. One that follows the guidelines set before me, to allow my husband to be the head of our home (as hard as that is sometimes), one that loves with all that I am and is vulnerable and sensitive to his needs. One who supports, cares for and one he trusts with all that he is. I long to be the best mommy to Evan and Emie (and Pete, our dog) that I possibly can be. To trust the Lord to guide me in the way that he would have me guide them to be Christ loving individuals, ones to grow and love Him and allow Him to use them in the way He sees fit. I pray that I will always support my children and their decisions (even if we don't agree--like when they decide to move away from home). I hope that they can always feel my love for them and know that they can always count on me. For my parents I want to be the daughter that they know they can depend on to help when the time comes and roles need to be reversed. That I WILL be there, even though I may live miles away. I want to be there to laugh with them when times are good and be a shoulder to lean on when they turn tough. After all, they have always done those things for me! At this stage in our relationship, for my brother and sister-in-law, I hope to be a support system, a cheerleader if you will! One they know they can count on to ALWAYS be in their corner rooting for them! One they know prays for them without ceasing and one who really does love with all that I am. When the day comes for additions to the family, I hope I am one that can be looked to for Godly advice and counsel when raising (or just just trying to survive that first year) their sweet babies. No matter the miles between us, I truly am only a phone call (or in this day and age, a text) away. For my Nanny, my heart longs to be there to spend long hours with, just talking with and soaking every moment. I don't get to do that as often as I wish, but I hope that she knows that's where I want to be. I long to be able to cook like she does (or used to...lol). I hope to have the openness to accept the responsibility of caring for others the way that she has. For my extended family whom I love so much, my prayer is that I am always the one they know they can count on. The one they can call when they need someone to pray or just need someone to listen. I love the hugs and kisses that I receive from them and I treasure each moment that is granted. To my in-laws, I pray that I am a blessing to their lives as they are to mine. I pray that they know that no matter the differences that we may have, there are two common threads between us, the love that we have for Jesus and the love that we share for James.

My dear sweet friends and their laughter help make this crazy world go round! If we are friends, from either way back or have just come to know one another, I hope you have come to realize that if you need me, in the word's of Michelle Tanner (from Full House), "You Got It Babe!" :) The Lord has revealed to me through various times in my life that sometimes you just need a friend! He places people in our lives, some for long periods of time and some for short, to share good times and bad. They help provide insight and lend views that we may have never thought of on our own. Friends are vital to sustaining this thing we call "life". Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives, for blessing mine in such a way that words can't describe. Thank you for loving my family as your own. I pray that I show you just how special you are! "You is smart, you is kind, you is important!"

My heart is full of love, hopes and dreams! I am sure that if you were to search your own you would find that yours too is full. Each and every one of us holds something close that motivates us to get up each and every day. To put our feet on the floor. To put one foot in front of the other. Simply to breathe. What is it that motivates you? Is it your love for others? Is it your desire to be more faithful to God? Is it to be the husband, wife, friend that HE has called you to be? If this seems too muggy to discern, ask for guidance. He will show you. But I must give you warning...you ready? You must be ready to listen! Listen with ALL of your heart! Embrace what He wants to show you with ALL of your heart!

When the revelation is clear, there may be changes that need to be made. I don't know. Are you ready to make the needed changes? For me, a deeper quality, quiet time with Him needs to be improved upon. My time with Him is so valuable. There are so many lessons He wants to share with me. It's up to me to make that a priority. He is ready and waiting.

Are you ready to meet Him? He is. He is waiting for you!!

Verses to think about:
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Have I not commanded you? Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord God is with you wherever you may go." Joshua 1:9

Blessings,
Heather