Worship is essential to following Christ. Whether it be at church before the sermon begins, or a quiet moment with God in the morning; no matter when, where or how, I could not get through my day (joyfully) without it. Being a mother is stressful, tiring, and draining. That's for all mothers, whether you work or stay at home. Whether you have one child or ten. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and that's when it's vital to stop and turn to Jesus. My kids are very used to "Jesus songs" playing on repeat and Mommy singing along, going about our day...and they do not interrupt this. They are aware that time and attention to Jesus is important to life. He IS life. Without HIM, I feel alone. Without HIM, I doubt myself. Without HIM, I lose my focus. Without HIM, I couldn't do this. I wouldn't have the dreams I have for myself and my family, or do anything quite as well. He helps me to remember how fast the moments fly when raising kids, and it is because of Him that I greet them with smiles and enthusiasm every morning. I want them to have zeal for Him in their lives. I want them to stop in their day and praise Him, to burst out in song and prayer when they need to be filled with grace. How great is HE to give us the blessing of the Holy Spirit! Our pastor spoke about this yesterday morning. How God changes you. You are no longer who you were - Thank GOD!! We are new in Him, and that really hit me yesterday. I remembered the day I gave my life to Him, as a 14 year old girl, in a stadium FULL of student ministries. I remember falling to my knees on the crowded concrete stairs because the rest of the way down to the stage was packed with other kids pouring their praise out to Him, making the decision with me. It was one of the best days of my life, and I will always remember that moment, it is indescribable. During high school and my early 20's we sort of lost touch. Every Christian does at some point. We are humans who stumble and fall. Josh and I would go to church, because I knew it was "right" and wanted my children to have that. I remember mornings spent hungover sitting in the pew, thinking that the decisions I was making were wrong. But I just kept making them.
"Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires." Romans 13:12-14
Over a year ago my husband accepted Christ, and that changed everything. I had prayed for years to see this happen, and when it finally did, it was a huge wake up call for me. God not only powerfully came into Josh's life, but (back into) mine as well. Life hasn't been the same since. It's like night and day. He has done so many awesome things in just a short year, that I cannot HELP but worship him everyday.
"And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be the glory evermore. Amen." Romans 11:35-36
"Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world." Isaiah 12:5
--Lindsey
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