The Busy Mama

Will take a moment and please lift a prayer for my Graycie-girl? Today is her birthday. As is the custom on birthdays, Nathan and I set the alarm a little early, so that he could sneak in and scoop up the birthday girl into our bed for the rest of her sleep time. We got up after that and I got her special request breakfast cooking. Today wasn't our usual laid-back birthday, because Graycen has school now, so we had to keep moving. She still had all the "specials" that we usually do on birthdays and she will have the rest this evening. All that to say, we were focusing on her and making sure she knew that today as her's to celebrate.

Somewhere in the middle of the early morning, she started asking me for a bookmark. I still a bunch to do on my list, so I quickly tore off a sheet of paper and handed it to her. Once we had eaten and were in the car for carpool line, I noticed that she was reading her Bible in the car and that torn piece of paper was holding her place. I asked her what she was reading and she explained that today she was going to TALK to _______ (her friend that she has been praying for). Te way she said the word TALK made me think something was up, so I asked a few more questions. Here is our conversation:

Me: What do you mean "TALK"? Don't you talk to her everyday?

Graycen: I do. Yesterday I found a story in my Bible that I want to tell her about. I keep feeling like I NEED to tell her about it.

Me: Really? Do you mind if I ask which story it is?

Graycen: Yep, it is the story of the woman who reached to touch Jesus' robe and was healed. Then Jesus told her that it was her faith that had made her healed.

Me: Oh yeah. That is a good story. Why do you think you need to tell that particular story to _______?

Graycen: I don't know. I just want to read it to her. I want to tell her that, just like this woman, if she believes in HIM and has God in her heart, HE can do ANYTHING in her life.

Me: Sob,sob,sob,sob carpool line at a halt .

I love hearing her heart overflow and I was convicted this morning of how many opportunities I miss to just tell a story of Jesus to so many people.

Before Graycen got out of the car, I explained to her how proud I was of her for thinking of this sweet girl, even on this day when we are all so focused on her. I told her that the Lord was probably overflowing with joy also and that even if she NEVER hears or sees this little girl come to know the Lord, she is making a HUGE difference in her heart.

I really feel like it is time for me to call this little girl's parents and invite them to church with us. If you think of it, or if you have a free minute, please pray for my Graycie-girl. I pray that she will speak boldly and that the Lord has softened this girl's heart for her words. I join Graycen in praying for this little girl's heart to long for Him.

While you are at it, say a prayer for me. When the Lord makes the way and send my little girl off to a far corner of the country or the world, I want to be ready. I want to willingly help her to pack and to send her in confidence that she is His and following His call. As hard as it is for me to envision her headed out on that kind of journey on this, her eighth birthday, it is becoming increasingly clear that he heart is for the lost of this world-to help them hear, see, FEEL the presence of Her Father. Although at times, the thought scares me to death, I am praying that she GROWS in that desire and that my Lord will use her in a MIGHTY way for His Kingdom and Glory!!!

Happy Birthday Graycie-girl! Daddy and I could not be prouder of you and the young lady you are becoming right before our eyes. From you, I learn courage to speak boldly about my Lord. From you, I learn consistency in lifting up the people in my life that need the love of the Father. I am blessed every day just by being YOUR Mama and I look to our days ahead with a mix of emotion--some fear, because I know that often those that make His work their life have many struggles and obstacles, but I look ahead with mostly JOY because I know that you will be a faithful servant and a diligent soldier for our Lord. I love you. I love you. I love you. Happy Birthday!!!!!