There is a reason that I am a serious and committed walker–it is to get away, be where there is quiet, leave the crowds, have time to reflect.
When I was a young mom, I was somewhat of a pioneer in most of my ideals. When the culture was moving towards feminism, God was whispering to me of the Biblical design of motherhood, and discipling my children, and cultivating a Biblical legacy. But, it required that my eyes were on Him, pursuing, pondering scripture, seeking the secrets of the life and influence of Christ–and trying to discover just what the power and influence of a family and home was created by God to be.
I love turning away from cultue and listening to His voice. He brings life, freedom, joy, grace.
But what I see in the lives of so many today is legalism, boxes, rules, pressure, living up to the Joneses, and not very much original thought. There are so many more experts, opinions and voices crowding the horizon today than when I was capturing my ideals. It must be confusing. But trying to follow all of these voices choke out freedom to be who you are, to live as the family that God has created you to be. These things will kill a soul.
What is needed most, is quiet, perspective, time to think and find ones center for your very own puzzle.
I was so convicted by a blog post yesterday by my daughter, Joy, that you will love–in light of thoughts of getting away to Him.
You can find it here: http://joynessthebrave.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/its-a-loud-loud-world/
May you find some getaway moments today, to be in silence, so you may hear His voice.
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PS I have been so very encouraged by all of your comments yesterday and am so excited to write on some of these subjects–after the conferences, after I finish my book with Sarah Mae and after I attend two more speech tourneys! But, I will get to this! Looking forward to seeing many of you in California and Texas–where I will speak to some of these very issues!
I LOVE Joy’s post…read it a couple days ago! As a matter of fact, I enjoy all the Bloggers in your sweet family!
Thank you, dear Sally, for being intentional about raising your children. I am so blessed by seeing the fruit of your labor. It gives me encouragement along my path.
Enjoy the day! You are Truly Blessed of God!
yes!
This was a great encouragement to me as I’m where you were a long time ago. I didn’t comment yesterday, but what I would really love to hear from you is marriage. The marriage relationship is much harder for me than parenting, so far. I know you usually write about being a mom, but being a wife is a huge factor in being a mom, right?!
Thanks for all you do.
Isn’t it true that everyone has an opinion about how you should raise your children, dress them, etc..
I agree that you have to got to listen for God’s voice and what He tells you about life and how He will help you as go along this path, Friends have good intentions, but no one knows your children like you and God. You are with them day in and day out. It is so important to find that time to pray and seek His word.
I don’t always comment, but I want you to know your posts are such a blessing to me! Thanks for letting God use you to touch others.
Julia
Thank you so much – this was what I needed to read today as I struggle to follow the right direction for our homeschool & family. I needed the reminder to get away from the noise & expectations of everyone around me. Also, Joy’s blog post was wonderfully written – you’ve raised some amazing, well-spoken kids!
This: “But what I see in the lives of so many today is legalism, boxes, rules, pressure, living up to the Joneses, and not very much original thought. There are so many more experts, opinions and voices crowding the horizon today than when I was capturing my ideals. It must be confusing. But trying to follow all of these voices choke out freedom to be who you are, to live as the family that God has created you to be. These things will kill a soul.”
I could have written this paragraph. I’ve been convicted by God to not read so much about other’s views on how I should live my life and raise my children and be married. I need to quiet the voices, because all of the clammering makes me feel unfit to do what God has equipped me for. Thank you, Sally, for the timely reminder! Can’t wait to see you in a couple weeks in Texas.