To everything there is a season

Several weeks ago in my reading a scripture stood out. Thinking that it was for a different purpose so I text it to a friend. It wasn't and over the last month or so I have seen it in my reading, on blogs, on facebook and even on a card that I randomly picked up. It could only mean one thing it was meant for me.

"To everything [there is] a season, A time for every purpose under heaven"- ECC 3:1

It has been one crazy season I tell you, working around ministry schedules, marathon training, maintaining the home on zero sleep, Noah's testing and Caleb is just straight crazy!!! It has me asking... Lord what the heck is going on up in here!

Webster definition of season is this:

"an indefinite period of time" or a "time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature"

This particular season has tested my faith, proved that I don't have it all together, realize there is still so much I need to learn about being a Godly wife, a patient mom, a better friend, and a better Christian. In the moments that I want to give up and throw in the towel, I reminded of the word "season." I rejoice that seasons don't last forever, if they did, it would not be called a season. I am also aware of the fruit that is produced in the changing of the season.

We need the rain of the winter, the sun of the summer, the beauty of the fall and even the pollen of the spring. I like the NASB version of the same scripture:

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every [fn]event under heaven."

Appointed time... , this means that the season that you are in is no mistake. Understand that if your season is battling hurricane Irene right now it is your appointed time. Whether your season is filled with joy, happiness, struggles, suffering or sorrow it is an appointed time.

A season that shall pass like the turning of the leaves. There is one thing that you need to know, no matter what season that you are in. Seasons change but God does not. He is the same as yesterday, today and tomorrow! He is the God that gives, takes, disciplines and blesses and love you all the same!

Instead of asking God to change your circumstances or your season, ask Him to change you while you are in the circumstances. Are you being stretched? Ask Him to make you more flexible. Are you suffering? Ask Him to give you the strength to handle the pain. Are you Joyful? Ask Him to help you remember this time. Are you tired? Ask Him to give you the energy.

I don't understand some of the things that are going on right now, but I just trust Him. Why? Because when I look at my track record with Him. He has never failed me or took me to a place where I regretted going. I remember the good thanking Him for it, forget the bad it was the past and I am forgiven, and learn from the ugly, always lessons to be learned!

Thanking God for seasons..

Mon

I run because she cant!

Its been awhile since I have blogged so let me update you on our Operation Pledge Prayer. We are up to 303 hours of pledged prayer! I am so blown away, my goal was only to hit 100 hours and we have tripled that number! The good news is that there is still time to pledge if you haven't done so, my marathon isn't till October 9th.

Saturday I set out for my first long run of 8 miles. Training has not been the best with a teething infant, a needy 3 1/2 toddler, hubbys ministry schedule and family obligations and everything else in between. It was a great morning to run, not hot at all, I set out on the streets.. Me, my ipod and Jesus! This is my usual! As I hit mile three, I all of a sudden hit a wall. My legs got tired, my breathing got harder and mind started to doubt. Why on earth did I commit to this?

Then I thought of Gracie. I heard the prior night that she was back in the hospital with severe leg pain. As I ran I started to pray for her, you see the pain in my legs were no where near the pain in her legs. And the difference between her and was I could recover and she may not. I run because she cant! As I prayed for her and the others I am running for, I was reminded that you all have pledged to pray. I run, you pray and that is what motivates me.

I tell people that I don't train with anyone, I don't run with a friend, don't train with a group. But I realized on Saturday that I am not alone. I have a group I run with, I run with Jesus, Noah, Gracie, Elias, Sheyanne and Sarah. Gracie is part of my team, and she needed prayer, so Sunday we had a call to action.

A group of us headed to CHOC LA to pray. We had no other expecations other than to stand in front of that hospital and pray. To lift up Gracie and her family. We stood there in one accord and asked Jesus for basically a miracle. To heal, to touch and to bring peace to Gracie and those around. Because as a church when they hurt we all hurt. Up until this point I have still never met Gracie. Only seen her one time and keep tabs through friends.

As we were praying Gracie's father and aunt came down. They were amazing! They were some of the sweetest people I have met. Thanking us for coming out, but in reality it is our duty and our love for the brothern that we come. As we started to pack up to leave, we heard that Gracie wanted to come down. As we heard the news Gracie's wanted to come down. We heard people talking saying " that's Gracie" " Stubborn Gracie" " that girl (shaking their head)". I didn't understand until she came down and I met her. Gracie is a sassy kind of girl. Through the pain, I saw her joy, I saw her sass, I saw her faith but most of all I saw her peace. Her smile is beautiful, her smile says I am ok. I am ready for whatever this season takes me. Her smile tells her auntie that she wants a double double from In N Out! I had the opportunity to meet Gracie's mom, Anna. As a mom, I cant even begin to imagine the journey. This lady radiates faith, Her strength comes from her eyes and the peace shows from her heart. I am sure she has her moments but she truly ministered to me.

Gracie's aunts were the sweetest things! They talked as if Gracie were their own daughter! They were so gentle and grateful and appreciative for us being there. And then there is Gracie's dad, a man of strength, the head of the family. He to found moments to smile, a gentle man that caressed Caleb's head as he lay on my shoulder. This family blessed me a million times over. I went to pray to be a blessing and I was blessed. I was ministered to by this family that in spite of this horrific circumstance they remain strong, with peace, with hope, gentle and with sass!

If you have not already pledged prayer I ask that you take time to consider. If you already are praying I ask that you fast. Time is not on our side, and God gives us a simple command to ask. I ask in the name of Jesus for a modern day miracle and I pray that you join me. Please specifically pray for Gracie's siblings her sister and two brothers. As they start to prepare for the next step, pray for her parents.

Tomorrow I will blog about my experience of sitting in front of CHOC. I thank you, the Aroz family thanks you and I know Gracie thanks you!

Running to win,
Moni