Faith in our Lives

This post is for my boys to read someday.

Matthew and Daniel,

The way we act, react, think and behave are a result of many influences in our lives. It's a complicated mix of our childhood, our unique God given personality and talents and how we react to and make choices as a result of our life experiences. Why we chose to include God so much in our lives and as a result yours is what I want to share today. Ultimately it's due to our growing love for God and our reciprocating effort for our lives, hearts and actions, thoughts and behaviors to show respect and to be true and in line with that love. Once we allowed God in our hearts, it's the most wonderful life changer in the world.  But, why do we love Him?

Our childhoods and faith:
Mommy grew up in a home where God was on the outskirts. It was confusing and distant. We were what you call CEO Catholics- Christmas and Easter only was when we attended services. My best friend my junior year in high school invited me to her church. That was my first steps towards a personal relationship with Christ.

Your daddy grew up in a loving Christian home, always knowing God. Your Nana and Papa recognized his spiritual gift pf prayer and encouraged a deep prayer life in him .

Talents and personalities:
Daddy and I both with imperfect efforts desire to be people of integrity, truth and faith. We hope that the love we feel is lived out. We believe the bible and it says faith with out works is dead.

Ever since then, with God's presence and grace, He leads both of us towards an even more intimate and mature journey with Him. He daily grows us in our understanding of Him, His character and His purpose for our lives. He shows us how not only how to love, but trust in His promises and word in every area of our lives. That's an ongoing life long refining process.  Our own will can lead us astray, as well as our hurt, our selfishness and immaturity. Our very minds and intellect can be our greatest assets or liabilities. We can rationalize a lot of marginalizing God. We'll look weird, we won't fit in, we can't be as effective reaching others if we go too far.

For me (mom) the desire to raise you both knowing the Lord in a real way on a daily basis is strong. Faith lived out every day is alive and powerful. I pray to show you how to see people with the heart of God. I pray that you understand the heart of stewardship, that everything belongs to God and can be used for His purposes and plans, to bless, comfort and show Christ to everyone. In every celebration, in every family event, in every correction, training, teachable moment I hope you feel and understand the love of Christ. God desires us to be hot or cold. He wants our faithfulness, devotion and focus but most of all our hearts. He wants our willing spirit listening for His daily direction to act on His behalf. Not just to please ourselves or to gain control , power or security within this world.  He doesn't just desire our mind's understanding and a seat on Sunday mornings with church friends and activities, but our hearts. The heart is where it all is. We are called to be His children first. That is what ultimately defines us, not our nationality or our gender or our occupation, possessions or address. Every good parent wants the best for their children. The love, security, sense of belonging while being truly aware and having a connection with our Maker is where we derive our greatest sense of peace and purpose in life. That faith we pray is being used to comfort, help and serve the people around each of you where ever God leads you. What ever your talents or paid vocation, which ever group of people- believers or non- we pray you know our love and acceptance of you is not conditional on you agreeing with us. My God given job as your mother is to show you what God shows me to be the best decisions for you. From nutrition, exercise, morals, friendships, family and yes faith.

In America and especially the bible belt where we live, it's generally accepted that faith will be in many people's lives. These days the buzz word is spirituality. It somehow means that the fruits and the gifts of the Spirit can be obtained with in ourselves or our environment, tasks and abilities. The desire to put oneself above God is huge in our culture. You may be tempted to have just enough God to have a community. You may be tempted to walk your faith based on the standard of others around you. Some very effective lies we are tempted to believe are, " If I do it every day, it will be less meaningful, reverent or deep", "I won't fit in", "I won't have fun", "I put my time in at church", "My faith is just between me and God", "Someone will think I'm pushing my faith on them".

Read "Screwtape Letters" by CS Lewis, it's timeless and the perspective on spiritual warfare will renew your mind. We are made by God and for God. There is not spiritual and then secular. God is already in everything and it's up to us to recognize and point others to Him.  It's not even about the culture and how many books, music, shirts or decorations around my house I use to remind me of God. Am I living out with courage and compassion the path God is laying out for me? Am I growing in love and obedience relying on God's grace? Do I trust God with more of me, including thoughts, relationships, finances, vocation, direction, free time, priorities? Am I growing closer or further away from Him? You do not stay stagnant. If you're 'the same', it's further away. Am I worshiping God the creator and not His creations? These are questions to ask yourselves as you travel the journey of life with Christ. Turn to Him for wisdom and He will always answer. You can always trust and have hope in an unknown future to our loving God.