Esther and her choice

This has been a strange winter in Central Texas.  There has been snow everywhere, it has been so cold. We are learning what Arctic Blast means.  But, alas, no snow where we live.  It seems to be everywhere else but here.  My kids are sad.  We are out of school today because we were supposed to be iced in.  But no, it missed up again.  It is sunny outside!  Not to mention, it is March and Spring Break is a week away.  We are usually looking for bathing suits by now, not sweaters.

I told you things were going to be changing and they have.  I've accepted the role of Coordinator for our church's Women's Ministry.  I have already met some amazing ladies who are passionate for the Lord and reaching our community for Christ.  It is so exciting.  My email has been exploding with ladies who have great ideas and suggestions.  I am humbled.

My heart has been blessed by the amazing women who held this position before me.  I can not even begin to tell you the support and encouragement I have in her.  I have relished in her teaching for the past two years. I truly consider her a mentor.  She reminded me of a verse that has meant a lot to me in key times of my adult life.  Do you remember the story of Esther?  It is one of my favorites. She has been brought to a position of authority, a place of power where she can speak up and really do some good, or keep her mouth shut, sit back and just coast along.  So much is at stake.   Take a moment and read it.... it won't take you long... I'll wait.... it's  a great story!

Did you see it? There at Esther 4:14?  Her Uncle Mordecai  is begging her to step up.  
He says,
 "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Now, don't get me wrong, this is no "royal position" I've taken on; but, have you been given an opportunity that you did not seek out? It came to you and will allow you to have a hand it what God is going to do?

We all have a choice.  Sit back, keep doing what you are doing or take a chance.  Step up, "For such a time is THIS."
 

A new day ahead

Well, it's a cold day here in Lake Wobegon...at least it feels cold enough to be Lake Wobegon, but no, still here in Texas.  But you would be surprised to know we are actually under a winter weather advisory.  Everyone gets excited. The kids are hoping for snow.  The adults are hoping everything gets cancelled.  You know, we just don't know how to drive in the wintry mix stuff.  I'm glad to have my chicks here in the nest.   One doing homework, one watching a show.  I just pulled out a batch of cookies (made with stevia, not sugar).   I'm feeling like a change is in the air.  No, not the weather, but my heart, my mind, my life.  

My daughter will be 11 this year and my little man will be 5.  She will begin middle school and he will begin Kindergarten.  I've watched these major changes occur, so swiftly as of late.  She, looking more like a young lady than a kid and he is looking more and more like the big kids.  A change is a coming.

I've spent the last four years focusing more on their unique abilities and challenges.  Reading, studying, talking to other Moms who have kids with special...unique needs.  Sitting in waiting rooms at different therapy offices.  It was encouraging to hear that we weren't the only ones.
We've been busy with OT, PT, Vision Therapy and Speech Therapies.  Not to mention visits to the Child Psychologist for Play Therapy and Psychiatrist for meds.  We finally broke down and realized it was a must.  At first I thought we had really failed.  But seriously people, there is only so much therapy a kid can get.  The meds have helped.  Growth spurts here and there, mean tweaking meds.  But, some days it seems like we have found the right combo and there is peace.

I've decided it is time.  I'm coming back out of my shell.  Taking a look around and realizing that life has been going on while I focused elsewhere. I'm alright with that.  It was the season of life I've been in.  I'm coming out now, it's still cold and wintry, but I see a clear day ahead.  Spring is coming.  New challenges.  New responsibilities.  New friends maybe?  A new day is dawning.  I'm thankful for that.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come."  2 Corinthians 5:17 (HCSB)