Daughter, Don't Compare!

My 17 year old daughter is sharing her testimony. On her public high school campus. For the first time ever. Tomorrow. Of course I am proud of her. And yes this is amazing for so many reasons. One being she has been terrified most of her life with speaking in front of people to the point she would almost make herself sick at just the thought. So this is HUGE!

But more importantly, how about the fact that she will be taking a stand for her faith in the midst of her peer group! For her to have the courage to not be ashamed of loving Jesus even though it is not popular blows my mind. Because at her age, I was more into what I wore to school, who I was dating, and did I fit in!

As she is writing out what she is going to say, she turns to me, "Mom, I am starting to have doubts because my story isn't as 'loud' as some of the other students. Theirs is more dramatic. I know I am not supposed to compare but it's hard not to. I have to go last and what if nobody listens"

My precious, precious daughter how do I tell you with words that you are enough! Your journey with Jesus is unique and beautiful and YOURS! Don't listen to the lies of the enemy that your story is small. Don't get trapped in the cycle of comparison that you don't measure up. Start with the blessings of having a stable family. Tell them that you have known God all your life. Tell them that your life verse is 2 Timothy 1:7.  

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Tell them your faith was tested in a big way, January 31, 2017 when you entered the hospital and didn't come out for 3 days after you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Tell them that this verse is imprinted on your heart and you live by it daily because you are thankful that you woke up! Tell them that the reason you are up here in front of them is because your faith is now stronger than your fear!!! 

Lakin, remember you are talking to an audience of ONE! God doesn't care if your story is loud or if there is only 3 people in the crowd. It matters more that you are sharing it and giving Him the glory! Keep saying YES to Him daughter! Keep trusting Him with all your heart, mind, and soul! The power doesn't come in the drama it comes in His never-ending, extravagant LOVE FOR YOU!

She Woke Up!

Today, my daughter woke up! Seems to be a pretty normal thing for most kids right? But Lakin was diagnosed one year ago today with Type 1 Diabetes. There is always the danger with diabetics that their sugar goes so low overnight that they go into a coma. So every morning, my first thought, my first prayer is for her to wake up. It's always in the back of my mind, not focused on, but an unwanted, ever present, awareness that this is a horrible possibility.

January 31, 2017 is definitely a day we will never forget but I am not sure how to handle it. How do we acknowledge such a life changing event that wasn't cause for joy? How do we make it special but not weird? Do we celebrate? Throw a party? Ignore it all together?

I definitely don't know how to tread in these unfamiliar waters especially with a seventeen year old, almost adult, young lady. So I took the easy way out...I asked her! Her response was to start her own BLOG!!
Type 1 Of A Kind (https://lakinelise.wixsite.com )  will be launched today and I am amazed at how she is handling the stress of this disease. She has gone from being fearful of joining any club, leading groups, or speaking in public to becoming President of the Yearbook, Co-Leader of Bible Club, a member of Student Council, and educating other classes on Diabetes Care. Gone are the days of innocence where the most major thing she had to worry about was what to wear to school. She cares less about what people think of her and more about just being herself. She takes her faith a little more seriously and has to rely on prayer in a whole new way. She has this confidence that could only come from overcoming a great obstacle and walking through the fire.

As a mom and wife to diabetics, I would not wish this disease on anyone! But sometimes our worst circumstances turn into our greatest accomplishments. Sometimes the very things we feared can push us into doing more than we ever imagined we could do! So to you my precious, precious daughter...DREAM BIG! BE FEARLESS! BE YOU! and never forget you are the daughter of a mighty, mighty King! YOU ARE DEFINITELY ONE OF A KIND!

“I have learned courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela

"....because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

My Heroes

My pastor asked us to think about people in our lives who are everyday heroes. Someone who has made a difference to us like a coach, soldier, fireman, parent, friend, pastor and so on. That got me to thinking who are my heroes? Do I have just one or a few? What does an everyday hero look like to me?

The Webster Dictionary defines hero as 1) a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior,  c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one who shows great courage.

My husband is one of my heroes because of the way he loves me. His love had been consistent and solid for the last 16 years, even when I tried to scare him off, push him away or break up with him while we were dating, he has remained true in his love for me. His patience and grace gives me the support I need to face the world and deal with my issues. He is my hero because of the way he loves Jesus and tries to lead our family with Him as our center even when it is not comfortable or popular. He is my hero because he tries to treat others with respect and non-judgment even when they might deserve something harsher. He is my hero because he never expects me, or the house, or the kids to be perfect. 

My son Landen is also my hero with his courage to talk about his faith wherever he is and not be ashamed. He is my hero because he sings worship songs at the top of his lungs not caring who it bothers. He is my hero because at age five he told me that when he grows up he wants to bring water and build houses to people in Africa to people who need it. At age six he sat us down and forced us to take him seriously about baptism. At age seven he wrapped up some coloring pages because he said moms never get enough presents under the tree. At age eight he is truly a warrior for Christ in what he says and how he lives!

My Monday night people are my heroes. They show up to a small house, with a lady who doesn't cook and talks a lot, kids jumping all over them, and share their journeys with us. I have seen God work in their lives and am humbled by their support, trust, love, and grace. They show up not out of family guilt or because of the spectacular entertainment:) They come because of the relationships.

One of my heroes is a younger friend who went through very difficult times and had so much stolen from her. She handled herself with dignity, decorum, and strength beyond her years. She is my hero for not forgetting how to smile, having the courage to share and let others see her heart, and most importantly for her never giving up HOPE! 

I have many more everyday heroes.....these were the one who came to mind right now. I believe I will start "looking" to see the people who have impacted my life, shown courage in the face of adversity, or is fighting the good fight.