God painted the sky for us as we were driving down the road……
Thousands of moms and dads are gathering in Arlington, Tx this weekend to hear lectures and seminars about how to disciple their children, how to build moral foundations, creating and environment of excellence as they seek the best options for educating their children. This is the destination for Clay and me where we will be speaking a number of times.
But what do I have to say? I still see sin and immaturity and selfishness in my life on a daily basis. A sink full of dishes still sends me into irrational emotions. Never, not one day, have Clay and I been perfect.
Yet, my message is that the greatest work I have been given to do is to cherish Him, His kingdom, His message of redemption and to spread it as faithfully as I know how. It starts with our family and extends to the world.
My message is that the God who painted the sunset is the strength and wisdom that fills my paltry offerings of faith by seeking to do His kingdom work, takes my offering and makes it a supernatural work that will change lives and hearts for eternity. My basket of loaves and fish in His hands becomes enough.
I was talking to my children yesterday and said, “I don’t feel adequate to speak to thousands of people most of the time because I have not found a formula that makes everything easy or that takes away the battle. But mostly, I just want to encourage.”
Joy said, “But mom, we may not always do the dishes of pick up our stacks of stuff, but you have raised 4 children who want to change the world and bring His light into the world. That is your message–be true to the things that matter the most.”
And so that will be my word this weekend. Grace, His strength, eternal issues, leave the rest behind and live in joy and peace. Selah.
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We all need to recognize that our choices have consequences. Please join us today at MomHeart Online and tell us what you think … is your heart faithful? Or divided? Share your thoughts with us as we discuss chapter three in The Mission of Motherhood! While you’re there, be sure to enter all of our wonderful Mother’s Day giveaways. And by the way, have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. You are indeed the heroes of this generation. Bless each one of you!
My Sweet Sally,
What an inspiration you truly are to moms and homeschoolers! Your love for God and all things pertaining to Him and your realness is what allows your words to penetrated to the heart of those who will hear what the Lord puts on your tongue!
Praying for you and yours as you travel and speak
See you there!
Love from Canton
That is the message my heart song pursues and longs to sing in tune with! That is what I go to hear this week end here in Texas! I prayed asking if going was Gods will for me and my husband laughs when my prayer is answered with a yes, that I was sure was no, since I was so insistent that going was my will but was not sure if it was the right choice. Now, I am so excited and I look forward to hearing you speak true to your heart… An encouraging message of persistent pursute. I pray the Holy Spirit fill your heart felt words, making them empowering! Looks like you and Clay have a welcome here in Texas because it is sunny and pleasant. A Happy mom heart, Angelia in Tx
O goodness, looks like I spoke too soon. Although it was pleasant the last two days…..I hope you two brought a really big umbrella. May y’all keep dry. Here In rain boots, Angelia in Tx
Oh, just wish I could be there to carry your bags and make sure you get food and the necessities! I know you will be a blessing to so many. Praying for your messages of love, grace, hope, discipleship, and encouragement, and for ears to hear! Love, love you!
Such a beautiful message you’ve lived:) prayers.
Sweetest Sally,
You are a living message! I think what I have learned from you more than other any thing is to live what I believe with all of my heart, soul, and mind in front of my children. To make every part of our lives about love and the mission God has called our family to.
When I look at your sweet children I see a beautiful reflection of their parents. You were not perfect, but you were real. That’s what I want for my family. Real faith, real love, real impact in our world for Jesus.
Those people in Texas are in for a TREAT!!
Hugs,
Michelle
I love this message! If I have to fail at something, may it be the dishes! What really matters? Our ministry to our children. Our faithfully living out the reality of Jesus in front of them day by day, in the midst of all our failings.
Thank you!
Susan
http://whatevermylord.blogspot.com/2012/05/hardest-job-you-will-ever-love-that.html
Sally,
This is why you are such a dear friend – because you point us back to our Lord at every opportunity given. What a blessing you are to so many of us.
See you soon.
Tami C.
Beautiful post Sally. Loved the picture too. I liked what you wrote when you said:
My message is that the God who painted the sunset is the strength and wisdom that fills my paltry offerings of faith by seeking to do His kingdom work, takes my offering and makes it a supernatural work that will change lives and hearts for eternity.
He is our strength and wisdom. Isn’t that such a great feeling knowing that?
I do so want to be true to the things that matter most. The many will be encouraged because although your life circumstances, as mine, may continue to be challenging in different ways, day in and day out, we hold the key to grace, peace, and joy in Christ….in spite of our circumstances!
Thanks sweet Pam. So happy for Mary and for you. So many blessings
Thank you for your on-going encouragement and inspiration. You are a blessing and a role model in my life.
Blessings to you and yours,
Christina
Sally, oh how I would love to meet you in person! What a lovely post! The part about Joy answering you with her response…that is what spoke to my heart the most. We are all imperfect. Our children will forget to do a chore or two, but what matters most is that the love the Lord will ALL of their heart! I needed to hear that!
Sally, what a good word! My heart, too, wants a formula so I can get it “right” and have something to share about how it works. The Lord wants me to listen to Him, be faithful, and share HIM. I was just praying this morning, asking God to continue to change my hard and selfish heart. One day, in glory, there will no longer be any struggle and we’ll worship the Lord in Spirit and truth; I look forward to that day!
I had SUCH a fun time on a little “date” with my 7yo son last night…we laid on the trampoline, with a blanket, looking at the stars (the Big or Little? Dipper was directly over us!!!) and talking. We then went inside for hot chocolate with whipped cream. We even lit a candle!!! My friend had just given me two very unique, pretty mugs and we used these! He LOVED this time together.
Thank you truly for all your encouragement AND for your challenge to parent on PURPOSE!!! I hope your Mother’s Day is just lovely!
Thank you for a reminder of what every day “sin” looks like… Often, it is confused with big transgressions, but it can be as simple as becoming irritable over a sink of dishes. As a woman who is learning how to focus on what really matters, I appreciate this insight.
“But mostly, I just want to encourage.”
This homeschooling mom left Arlington very encouraged. Lately my heart has struggled a lot with mothering and educating, but I drove home feeling like maybe I could do this after all! Thank you.
I laughed. I cried. I was inspired. Not just inspired to toil in my own strength, but inspired to trust in the Lord for the wisdom and strength to raise and educate my children. Thank you for speaking truth, telling your stories of God’s faithfulness, and encouraging me. My Nathan is [almost] 6 years, and I have a 16the months. I have a long journey
Oops! I sent that comment accidentally before I was finished… 16 month old Seth. I have a long journey ahead, but I am encouraged to work whole heartedly as I seek to honor God with the task that he’s given me.
Thank you for sacrificing time away from your family and the comforts of home to serve the Lord and serve me (and hundreds of other ladies!) You are welcome to come backto hang
This darn phone
…
You are welcome back in Texas anytime!
I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day. Thank you for always being so incredibly encouraging and inspiring to all of us. Sunshine
Dear Sally -
I did not get a chance to meet you or hear you speak in Arlington. I attended the book fair with my precious 6 year-old, Casey. We were looking at all the curriculum to further our homeschool journey as he begins “1st grade.” I would have loved to tell you in person how the inspired words in your books have inspired me to be a more patient mother. I picked up three more books from your collection and look forward to my precious tea time with you and the Lord.
God bless you and your family -
Sally Best