Last night at church God spoke so clearly to me through Milfred Minatrea. He will be speaking for the next few Wednesday nights at FBC McKinney. I've really been struggling with what are my gifts and "I have no talent" kind of thing for years. Yes, years. God continues to use Marc to speak to me and I just believe he is so wise. Marc has been telling me how much it means to the students that we work with to open up our home and have them over all the time. I love to cook for them and I enjoy having people in our home and just hanging out. I just kept telling him that that was not really a talent, etc. Marc also kept reminding me how random women at the girls' school would share personal things with me and not even really know me. I was just baffled by this. I would always come home with crazy stories.
As I look towards our return to Wales I kept wondering what was next, where was God asking me to "go and be?" The girls' school came to my mind and I realized how much I am missing chatting with the mums on the school yard before and after school. I'm still baffled that they share things with me- some deep things- and I always come away wondering why they open up to me, an American among them? Please, please know that I'm not "tooting my own horn" here. I'm so insecure it's not funny so I would never knowingly brag about myself. Gross. I'm just sharing how God has worked in my heart the last few weeks.
So while Milfred was teaching last night he asked us to stand so he could pray over those of us wanting to reach our neighborhood. I immediately thought about the girls' school and continuing to open our home to students. And how I have enjoyed having other mums over for coffee. I just started crying and the words he spoke where exactly what I needed to hear! He prayed for us to have the gift of hospitality and for people to be drawn to us in our area and for them to want what we have (Jesus). I was floored. I knew God was speaking to me. I knew it was Wales we would return to for this next season. Sometimes it takes me a while to come around, but I'm so thankful that God speaks so personally to me and you.
I find relief and peace in my heart today.
11 comments:
Charity,
You ARE such a blessing in being YOU! I know how you feel, I find it hard sometimes and have to keep reminding myself that my ministry is in being a wife and mum at the moment, which is just for this season. So fast will the time come when we're not needed by our precious little ones as much, so enjoy it and one day we can take a more active role wherever He leads us. In the meantime what you do with all those students with 3 kids too is amazing! I personally can't wait for you to come home so I can come over again for coffee (or d. coke!) I felt so refreshed after our time together before you left.
Praying for God's peace to flood into your heart about all these things (glad all's well there too!)
All our love and huge hugs to you all, Del xxx
That's so awesome. Great is His faithfulness!
I'm behind on the blogs and am just tuning in to this now.
FIrst, I'm glad your physical heart worries are nothing to worry about.
I also wanted to say how much I know my own children enjoy going into a young couples home for dinner or just chatting...a place to let down their guard. They do this weekly with YL and it has been a tremendous blessing. I imagine that is what your 'kids' feel when they come to your home. We don't always see ourselves the way others do. One couple in particular has so touched my daughter's life and I think they might not have any idea. I bet this woman thinks she's not doing anything-just making tacos, letting kids lounge on her couch, listening to their troubles and hopes and praying with and for them. From a parents perspective that is huge. From my kids perspective its pretty huge too. I'm writing a little note to this couple because you've reminded me it is nice to hear that when you're feeling 'tired'
Mums tell you things because you must have an openness about you that invites telling and confiding. They sense you are a safe place. And that is not something everyone can do.
And you have three little ones.
I will keep you in my prayers as you enjoy these next few weeks and prepare for your return. I'm glad you are feeling better and pray you have peace and contentment in your heart when you get back 'home'.
In addition to your cooking and hospitality, please add sewing and writing to your list. I've been amazed at those talents through your blog.
I know you can sew cute things (even add scripture), and probably sell on the side for a little extra cash if you like.
I can also see you use your writing talents for many things, even possibly writing a book! Years ago, I a classmate shared her interest in writing with me and shared it with me. I had the opportunity to give her info about a publishing company looking for new authors. She's had several books published now.
Theres lots you can do with your talents. Please pray and think about these two :)
Love,
Nelly
Marc is sooooo right about the gifts you have. I'm always amazed by how people open up to you and how you make people feel so welcome.
Also, still really really selfishly glad that God is sending you back to Wales.
I don't think it's weird that you're hesitant about coming back. It must be so hard to leave home.
But we totally need you guys - both of you and your sweet little ladies :-)
um, yeah, encouragement and hospitality are HUGE gifts! Love you girl!
Praise the Lord for the great news and results from the Dr!
I am so thankful for the way you bare your heart and struggles on your blog. So often I feel like you are writing directly to the very struggles I have in my flesh and heart, too! Only, you are brave and transparent enough to allow the Lord to use you through your writing...and I'm not!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing what's on your heart!
And, I'm praying for your community and the mums the Lord places in your path...that your sweet gifts will be used to show them the love of Christ!
please email me so we can have yall over for dinner before yall head back. The kids can play we can chat! stephanie1107@gmail.com! I am serious we want to hang out with yall before you leave.....if you have time!
Oh sweet little daughter of mine, as I sit here reading your blog and the comments others have made to you, tears are streaming down my face. I feel a deep twisting pain inside as I hear your struggle over what God has called you to be and do and your usability. It's hard for me to grasp why you question your gifts or what you have to offer when I see the way God uses you. And when God calls us, He equips us for the job. I can't tell you the times I've told Nannie and your Dad what a great mother you are. I love the way you talk to the girls, how you teach them in the little moments of every day, your tone voice is always so loving, kind and patient wrapped up in humor and laughter. I stand amazing. I wish I had been as good a mother as you are. You are a wonderful supportive wife. I hear and see your love for Marc as you talk about him and build him up. I love your honesty with yourself, with God and with the whole world. God brings people to you because they need to see someone who is real, not pretending to be someone they are not. You are the real deal, honey. You are light in a dark world and people are drawn to the Light. You are able to share wth them the Source of the Light and His love not only with your words but by your hospitality and friendships.
This morning in my prayer time, I asked the Lord for the verse I needed to pray for you today. This is what I wrote in my journal, "Father, I pray that when Charity is before believers and unbelievers, religious people and authorities that she will not be anxious about how she should defend herself or You or what she should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach her in that moment what she should say. Thank you that Charity is filled with and surrounded by Your love and there is no fear in Your love because perfect love cast out or pushes away all fear." Luke 12:11-12 and I John 4:18. When those mums and students come to you, the Holy Spirit puts the right words in your mouth they need to hear.
The deep twisting ache is also there at the thought of saying goodbye to you and letting go again. But as deeply as I hurt, the joy of watching our Heavenly Father use you to touch so many lives far outweighs the pain of goodbyes and the distance between us.
Loving and hugging you,
Mom
Well, I can't possibly follow what your Mama so lovingly wrote with anything substantial (she's not the only one with tears streaming now!), but I *do* want to tell you I'm so glad your heart is okay!
I'm feeling a bit selfish in that I don't want you to go back because it feels like we're just now getting to hang out (a little, anyway) and reconnect on so many levels. But I love that you are obedient in doing what the Lord has called you to. Girl, He is gonna bless your socks off!
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to share playdates with us. I hope we can do a few more before you head out!
Sending you a *HUG*
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