Hop in the car and go for a little drive - just to drive. Remember when that was sometimes the ONLY entertainment? That was sometimes the ONLY thing to do? I know you're busy, I know there is much to do. Be encouraged to press "pause" for a moment, drive your kiddos nuts and simply take them on a journey in the country, sharing some tunes from your times, laughter, and stories. #havefunmakingmemories :D

I was getting ready for church last Sunday and felt God's presence rather strong. I began praying and just allowing His Spirit to lead me from one prayer to the next. I prayed for the service, our pastor, worship, God's presence, my family and friends, and a few very specific prayers of confirmation for myself. It was God letting me know He needed someone to usher in His Spirit, so He could love on others and let them know He was in fact listening to their prayers. I was honored (and I'm sure there were others praying in similar fashion).

As soon as I went to sit down, I knew God was going to be there. One of the dear friends I had prayed for was sitting a lone, and the minute I sat beside her, I knew God was showing up for her. Once worship service began, I knew He was showing up for the congregation. Once we were invited to step up to the alter, I knew He was loving on a lot of people who needed to be in His presence (including myself). I also knew He was confirming a couple things in my heart. As the service went on, I knew He was answering my prayer to move forward, regardless of the "failings" in the past couple of weeks (my perspective, not His).

This series on Margin, and the third sermon, is really just what I needed. I had been shrinking back from being more public about devotions and the journey I have been on. Yes, it came at a time when I knew I was not allowing enough margin in my life to be who I needed to be to my husband and children, but I also turned it into an opportunity to run away from some things I knew God was asking me to do. I know, no one else ever does that! Ha!

I started convincing myself no one needed to hear from me. With the plethora of information out there online, in books, and so on, my two cents certainly didn't matter. With all the great leaders for women like Beth Moore, Lysa Terkeurst and Courtney Joseph - what could I possibly add? I was seeing it all wrong. I was thinking on a larger scale, when God needed me to see it on a smaller, more intimate scale.

This journey I have been on has led me to some really amazing women! Women I might not have met or grown so close to, had it not been for some of the challenges we have experienced together. These women are ALL in my area and we have the pleasure of seeing one another in person on a regular basis. Some of us share the same church home, but not all of us. What we do share is our love for Christ, our husbands, our children and our community. The devotions, the food, and the healthy living are all bonus subjects we get to discuss with one another. God helped me to see, I do have something to offer and that is encouragement, online throughout the day and in person when our paths cross for a moment or two.

Today, I hope you are encouraged! I hope you are part of a group of people whom you feel deeply connected with, receive encouragement from, are able to discuss things with, and are able to just turn to for prayer and edification when you need it. If you aren't, I pray you discover them. I pray you see where God may be opening the door for you to be able to enjoy the company of others who make you stronger. And please know, I am more than happy to connect with you if you are looking for encouragement.

​Much love!