What Is Your Message?

The other day I was listening to my big little brother Jay Mayo on the Right To Real Love podcast. In this particular episode  (Click Here) he had a phenomenal guest speaker named J. Patrick Wise. He had so much wisdom to share about being single, his last name is "Wise" for a reason I tell you. The insights he shared were amazing. There was a part in the show when he said "Our children are our message to the future." This phrase sums up how I starting parenting when Jesus changed my life. I could never find words to describe how I feel about my calling as a mother. This says it all. Raising a child of God is something I am very passionate about. It makes me excited to know there are fathers and future fathers out there who feel the same way.

It seems the number of people around me having children because "time is running out", to keep a man/woman, or for any other reasons except the right ones are increasing. I am also discovering that so many of us are not intentional with our parenting and are too casual about this important assignment. I don't profess to be an expert nor am I knocking anyone's choices. Trust me when I say that I don't have it all together. I get it wrong sometimes but when I do the Holy Spirit is quick to correct me or call my attention to a hidden issue. That is why we must pray and spend time with God.

When my mom found out I was pregnant she was upset that I was bringing a child into this chaotic world. She asked why was I doing it. My response to her was, "Ma, we need more good people in this world. Why should I let the world stop me from bringing a good life to this place." When I'm driving alone I often think about what type of adult Sienna is going to be. I envision this intelligent, strong, beautiful young lady who is on fire for Jesus. My child is like an arrow in the hand of a warrior (Psalm 127:4). She will do great things to further God's Kingdom work. That is my message to the future.

So, what is your message? I hope it's a good one. I pray that it is something big. Make a statement for God! It's so easy to feel as if the future isn't a bright one, especially with the state of the world today. However, we  have the power to change the future and it starts with our children.

It Will Be Worth The Wait

A few months ago I was shopping for office furniture I had to have for my new job. Having a home based office requires more than a dining room table and chair and I was on a shoe string budget and was strapped for cash. Lucky for me I have no problems buying things second hand, I was blessed to find a plush office chair and a shelving system with a drawer for only $15. All that was missing was a desk. After spending a few days stalking thrifts stores and yard sales I found a couple of desks but they were either out of my price range or I had to cart it home myself. Physical strength and a truck are not things I am blessed with so I had to pass on the desks. Time was of the essence though I didn't lose hope I was a little anxious.

Reluctantly I went to a local furniture store and found what I thought was the perfect desk for me. It was just the right size for my room and my car, had extra shelves and was in my price range. Sold! I think not. It missed fitting in the trunk of my car by literally a half an inch. I couldn't believe it. The desk was perfect and I didn't know anyone I could call with a truck to pick it up for me. When the three men at the store realized I was at their mercy (so they thought) they immediately tried to swindle me. The manager told me their delivery fee was $70. I told him no thanks. The desk was priced at $45. Who was he trying to play? I wanted to tell him what he could do with that desk but I am a changed woman. The next guy said that he delivers after hours to make extra money and could bring it to my house which was less than 5 miles away. Don't get me wrong I am the last person to look for an handout or anything for free. So I knew it would come with a price. I was thinking $20. This guy must have bumped his head when he said $55 for delivery. I told them all no thanks and got out of there.

As I drove home I was upset but it wasn't about me not getting the desk. I was upset about how the men tried to take advantage of me. Had I been desperate I would have jumped at the opportunities that were presented to me. When I got home I sat on the couch and prayed. I couldn't believe this is the state of our world, especially the men. Are they not supposed to be protectors? I then thought about Sienna and prayed that God would give her a "God man"...an Ephesians 5 man. It's never too early to pray for your child's spouse. I don't want her to follow in all of my footsteps. Yes I have a great life but being a single mom with a divorce under her belt is not what I want for my kid. I want her to have better and make better choices than I did.

After my talk with God he led me to Craigslist and there it was! A desk better than the one I saw at the store and it was $20 cheaper. I called and asked if it was still available. It was and they had no problems delivering it to me. I jumped in my car and met him and his wife at the storage unit. Before I left I did text my best friend to let her know my whereabouts just in case something happened to me. You can't be too careful these days. When I arrived he and his wife were there, they followed me back to my home, set up my desk, I paid and they left. What was the grand total you ask? A whopping $45! You can't beat God.

How many times in life do we think we have found the right person, job, etc and we hit a roadblock? How do you react when that happens? Do you go to The Father for clarity? Do you try to find a hidden meaning to what is happening below the surface? God's delays are not always a definite "No". Sometimes they are, "Not right now child because I have someone/something better for you." Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."