Guest Post by: Jenny Rose HutzlerJenny Rose met her Prince Charming, fell madly in love, got married, had two beautiful children and lived happily ever after (most of the time). Now Jenny is a retired Princess, providing encouragement for what happens after the happily ever after. Jenny loves to share stories about motherhood; the good, the bad and the really funny, all while keeping the faith. Loving Jesus and living a blessed life in the OC. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” -Jeremiah 31:3 The other night I lingered a bit longer. It was a beautiful day filled with an outing for our daughters 18 month birthday (yes, we celebrate half birthdays in our home). I had been planning the trip for a few weeks to go to the famous flower fields since they are only in bloom for just a short amount of time each year. I color coordinated all our outfits, made special bunny ears, packed a picnic and even made cupcakes for the day. Of course, even with all my planning, there was still the usual running around. Trying to get everyone fed, dressed and out the door seems like a circus act at times. We, of course, ended up leaving about 40 minutes later than what I had originally hoped, but we were on the road and that had to be some sort of success. Once we arrived we had to stand in line to purchase our tickets. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted two lovely little girls, around the ages of 2 & 5, who had walked in with their dad but were now standing with two women. I couldn’t help but over hear the conversation between the two women and the little girls. One woman said to the older girl “I love the flower in your hair, is that your mom’s?” The other woman replied “Yes, it is her mother’s flower and she is looking down on you and smiling.” What? Could I have possibly heard that right? Cue tears welling up in my throat. Her mother looking down on her? These beautiful, sweet little girls had no mother? I must have heard it wrong…so I kept listening. As the two women continued on in hushed tones I realized what I had heard was correct. The mother of these precious babies had passed away. My mommy heart immediately ached. The kind of ache that made me want to reach out and just hug these girls and tell them that their mom loves them so much (but seeing as though I was a stranger I thought that might be a bit un-welcomed). The entire day I kept thinking about those girls. The fact that their mother would never get to see them grow up. Never watch them get dressed up for their first prom, fall in love for the first time, hug them when they had their heart broken, kiss them on their wedding day or hold her grand babies. Time is such a precious gift we have been given and too often we take it for granted, I know I do. While we walked around the flower fields I tried to really capture every moment with my family. I soaked in the bright, warm sun on their faces and the cool wind in their hair. I unknowingly took a couple hundred pictures not wanting to miss a single expression, a twirl of a dress or a jump of happiness. When it came time to sing and blow out the candles I watched intently as our two children bounced and jittered with excitement. After arriving home it was the usual song and dance trying to get dinner ready, baths done, pajamas on. I knew baby girl was super tired because as we sat in the rocker and she drank her milk she immediately collapsed as I lifted her to my shoulder. Her entire body melted into my neck and I drank in the smell of her skin and hair. It was quite simply the greatest feeling in the world. I wish I could have bottled that moment. I usually have to put her down pretty quickly so that I can get little man to bed shortly after, but tonight, I was in no hurry and I lingered a bit longer. I rocked her and I held her tight and whispered sweet prayers into her ear. I prayed that she know how much I love her and her brother and that even if I wasn’t around forever that my love for them would never change. I’m usually not the type of mom who says “Oh I wish I could stop time.” or “I wish they would stop growing up.” or “I just want them to stay a baby forever.” That was never me. But for the first time since having a baby, I finally understood. It isn’t that you want them to never grow up, or to stay a baby forever (or at least not in my perspective), but really it is because you are afraid that you might not be around forever to see it all happen. Life is such a beautiful gift, isn’t it? Here is trying to make the most of each day that we have been given. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
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I want to say something that has been on my mind recently. The enemy has truly been making me feel unworthy of sharing God’s light on social media and he has caused me to have a feeling of guilt for being on social media any amount of time; but this is what has been revealed to me: If you're going to be a light on social media, then don't feel ashamed for being on there. One thing we should be aware of is this: that we must remain cautious of social media becoming an idol; but, please do, utilize the sources we have to reach people and spread light in Jesus’ Name. We all need a light in our lives. If the majority of humanity spends a good amount of time on social media seeing things that are of this world, and predominately negative, then you being a light shining for Jesus on social media is not a bad thing. Does anyone else get that nervous, sick to your stomach feeling anytime you talk about God, or what Jesus did for us on the cross? Surely I'm not the only one who gets this feeling sometimes while writing, typing or talking about Christ? I'm telling you! It's like... Every time it seems like. "I'm not qualified to do this" "I don't know enough" "I am not a good enough example in that area" "I have messed that up one too many times, can't write a post about that one..." "I don't know enough of the bible" or "I don't have enough scripture memorized" But y'all! Why do I allow the enemy to flood my mind with these thoughts?! When God calls... He equips... He qualifies. He makes a way! Y'all, I'm not making it up. Scripture says so: Hebrews 13:21 May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Not for me... But for Him. So if I deny sharing what was put on my heart, by Him, I am denying His truths, His power... and possibly depriving someone else from hearing a truth from God's word they may have never heard before.) I am preaching to my own heart on this one; because the devil knows my weaknesses, and he knows just what to do in attempt of getting me to not post or say something to shine a light for the Lord. Let's just be honest... Anytime we feel the Lord speak to us in quiet time or just in our daily life, the devil cringes... he HATES anything that glorifies God! We can be honest again: the enemy is gnashing his teeth and clenching his fists that I am stepping out in faith- placing my hope in the Lord that He would fulfill His promises, and posting this! But, God also knows my weaknesses and He has already fought the fight for me. He did it all- on the cross. I am working on tuning out the devil as much as I can and amplifying the truths, promises and love that Jesus provides; an avenue of how I am displaying these practices are my posts on social media and my blog. This all came about because I needed an outlet for myself to draw nearer to God, while growing in Him. Anything good that is in me, or comes from me, is completely and utterly Jesus- all of this is Him! I am only a vessel He is using. More of You, Lord! I want more of You. (Actually, I NEED more of You.) I can't do this life without You. |
Kalie LandChristian wife, mama, student, and homemaker inspired by Jesus and the simple things in life. Humbled by our gracious God. Aspiring to make a difference any way possible by trying to be the loyal Christian that God is molding me to be. Archives
November 2016
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