What if being a mom was an Olympic event?

I just watched Shaun White win the gold medal on his score from his first run of two trips down the half pipe in Olympic Snow Boarding. His second run was purely for fun since he had already clinched the gold.

Shaun White is not just an athlete. He is an athlete who LOVES what he does. His focus, determination and willingness to stretch beyond the regular stunts to be on the cutting edge developing new tricks indicates he is always working hard for excellence and beyond.

So, when faced with taking a second run after his first score secured him the Gold Medal, Shaun White did what he has trained to do, go beyond excellence (his first score) and do something no one has ever seen before. As he slid up and down each side of the half pipe feet above the rest of his competitors, making all the “required” tricks look routine and simple, he finished with the newest and biggest trick he had just created. The stage was not perfectly set, he didn’t have ideal speed to accomplish the stunt with effortless flair, but he did it anyway. An accomplished and proficient athlete, he muscled through the new stunt for the love of the sport and the chance to show the fans something extraordinary.

I thought to myself, “If all I had to do was focus on one thing for two decades, I could be pretty amazing at it too!”

Then the still small voice in my spirit speaks, “That is exactly what you are doing as a mom.”

There are no medal ceremonies every four years, but it would be wise to check my growth as a mom, my weaknesses, my strengths, and what fruit is being produced by the little ones I have been given at least once every four years.

You see, the gold medal is already around my neck. The Gold Medal of my identity in Christ and my Salvation is irrevocable. So whether I just slide up and down the half pipe of life, parenting one day at a time, moving through the usual maneuvers with steady skill, or whether I throw my whole heart, personal flair, enthusiasm, energy and divine drive into each jump, twist, turn, and spin, the Gold Medal remains.

My children will become who they become. I trust the Lord with the outcome of their lives knowing He loves them much more than I do (and yes, this is much easier for me to say while they are all under 6 years old).

My job as their mom is to do what the Lord requires of me; to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God. (Micah 6:8) So, not that I have already obtained all this (understanding what it looks like in day to day life) or have already been made perfect (I am not going to always do it “right”) but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers (and Sisters) I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead (if Shaun White had focused on every fall he would have never invented and extraordinary new trick or excelled at his sport). I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:12-14)

I have my Coach, I have my team mates (my husband and other brothers and sisters in Christ), and I have competitors (distractions that would cause me to lose focus, challenge my stamina, and attempt to undermine my God given creativity and drive). Someday I will stand atop the podium, with my Gold Medal hanging from my neck, arms lifted high in worship and praise as my Coach says to me, "This is my daughter, whom I love; with her I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)

Getting started... again... :)

So, after a Very long time I am beginning to really write again. So, here it is for today...

Need a life preserver? Call your Jesus. When He tells you to answer the phone, answer it. When a beloved friend texts you and you are about to burst into tears, call her back!

That is what happened to me today. Stuck in my head, listening for lies, believing them and getting sucked into the drain of despair. Then I get a text confirming a dinner meeting tonight. I thought, I could just text, then she won't know I am going to burst into tears at any second. God said Call her. I did. She prayed, having faith for me, knowing who I am and speaking truth and love over me. She patiently waited for me to finish talking before she said goodbye. She released grace over me and gave me that moment I desperately needed but wouldn't have asked for.

We need to be doing that for each other. We need to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit calling us to reach out and embrace the circle of friends He has surrounded us with so we can thrive in this season we are in. God is bringing healing, transitions, transformation and revelation more than ever before. Are we ready to hear it? If you can't stop the "static" in your head, worship, pray, and call a brother or sister in Christ and let them swing their Sword (the Word) over you.

I know I sure needed it. I have no doubt others need it to today. So whether you call to reach out and bless someone today or whether you need to call and ask for help, DO IT.

Family updates and blessings...

So, you already know my little fellas are busy. You know I struggle at times to find the humor in it and you know I wonder if this season of "creative" activities will ever end. Not today.

As I look at the glitter stained (perhaps cemented is a better word) tabletop in my scrapbook room and contemplate the damage done to the 70year old hymnals with dragonfly stamps on them and in them coated in glitter I count myself blessed. I prayed for these days. I begged God for them and here they are and I have to work hard at not praying for them to end.

I have decided that the creative pursuits of my children should not be punished. Discussed and encouraged to seek mommy's assistance before "artwork" happens, but not punished. I want them to be creative and I want them to learn how to respect other peoples stuff. Daddy has a different philosophy after the pen drawing on the back of the drivers seat in the car, but we won't go into that. Basically, car and art do not go together any more.

My youngest is perpetually throwing himself on the floor expressing an alternate opinion to my own, blowing raspberries all the time, throwing everything that might be in his way and finally, shrieking regularly at octaves that make your ears ache. Blow on his tummy and he cackles and giggles. Smooch his little neck and watch him wiggle with delight. Peter's sweet blue eyes twinkle with mischief I have yet to experience from his brothers and I love it! I love that he is his own little person. I love that his opinions are so important they are worth throwing himself over for. That kind of raw emotion is so real that it reminds me how necessary it is for me to allow him to become the guy God designed him to be. I pray regularly that I will be able to channel all that passion in all the right directions. He is so incredible.

My middle guy is a treat. His smile could make flowers bloom. His scream can make your ears bleed. His laughter is so contagious! He is also becoming his own guy. He isn't following John like he once did. Naturally there is some additional conflict that arises. James is learning how to be James and not copying John. He is also not fond of going along with whatever anyone else says. Not only is he rebelling at John's control of him but of anything that seems controlling from the adults around him. He can debate and argue like a champ, often getting my "goat", much to my dismay. He is a daily education for me. I'm the Mommy, You are the child, God loves you, yes I have to discipline you, no I don't want to, yes it will make you sad, no you can't choose the discipline, yes you need to obey, etc. James blossoming independence is a gift. I have asked God to show him who he is and sure enough, He is doing just that. James keeps my perspective in check -- my eyes on the big picture instead of the momentary lack of respect. He is a strong little guy and he will lead many to Christ someday. His destiny is ordained and blessed by the Living God.

My oldest, John is about to begin his education outside of our home. He is starting Kindergarten in the fall and I am adjusting already to other people having more influence in his life. Have I done enough? Will he be safe? How will I know? A whole new way to trust the Lord, no doubt.

He too is becoming stronger and more confident in who he is. He has the courage to look me in the eye and yell "no" when he disagrees and then he has the humility, when corrected, to ask for forgiveness. He is becoming wiser in his choices and faster to obey. He still loves to lay his face on mine when I haven't moved over enough for him to share my pillow. He is very funny. He can build a puzzle in less than 10 minutes and can create hot wheels race tracks you can't even imagine. He loves cars and the color pink. He has learned to ride his bike without the training wheels while his mommy cried into the speaker of the video camera. He makes me want to be a better mommy because he is so passionate about being a great John. We are in the "superhero" stage and that makes a lot of things fun. He is a wonderful big brother and a loving friend too. Late last night when I went in to cover him up he stirred and started talking in his sleep. He said, "don't be mean to him, he's my brother". I love who he is and I am so excited to watch God's will for his life fulfilled.

I am learning and growing along with them. It isn't always fun or easy, but it is always good. Just like the God we know and are learning to serve.