Friday, September 3, 2010

AN ORDINARY WOMAN

I haven't done a Spiritual Sunday post in a while ~ not because there hasn't been MUCH on my heart I could have shared, but because I felt the Lord has been working on my heart about a few things, and He is DEFINITELY not finished yet. It is hard to put into words all the roads my mind and heart have been on; or remember all the scriptures I have come across that have soo spoken to me, and just as I would feel, "OK, now I can explain this", I would realize I really couldn't. This will no doubt be a weak attempt at trying to get it all down. I have come across soo many WONDERFUL writers in this blog world that soo thoroughly manage to write what is on their hearts and minds that I often think to myself, "That's it" "That's what I was trying to say", or consider just constantly steering everyone to the post I just read. I will confess at times it has made me feel why I bother to try, haha....And yet, I do feel the Lord has been impressing on my heart for a while to get this down....and so I will try.


I don't think I am a unique person really at all; a very ordinary woman with all the same emotions and thoughts that most 55 year old women think. Or I "think" so anyway. At times I feel like my life has gone by soo fast I couldn't possibly already be VERY near (this month) 56 years of age. I have raised my 4 children and am now blessed to be watching them raise theirs.  And yet I still struggle with many of the same issues I have struggled with most of my adult life, and wonder why or IF I will ever arrive and just BE the woman I want soo much to be. Do you know what I mean? I look back and want my life to count. To feel like I've done what the Lord wanted me to do, and have accomplished what it was He would have had me do. I don't think anyone can live through a cancer scare and not have it affect their life in a dramatic way really. And I am no different. I have watched (and read of a couple as well) other women get the same diagnosis and go through some of the same things, and have been filled with an admiration of their braveness and courage, and been impressed with their ability to inspire me and no doubt many others along their way. And EVERY one of these women I have come across have had to go on to do chemo and/or radiation as well. Honestly, this has made me feel of course blessed beyond reason that I was spared this, but also guilty somehow that I wasn't. Why me? I have been feeling recently that surely the Lord wants me to DO something MORE with the life that He has allowed me to so graciously continue. Having a deep and heartfelt appreciation is not enough; a beginning maybe, but not enough. And so I've asked myself, WHAT is it that I am to do? I have searched scriptures looking for a clue, and pondered different possibilities, and yet I feel the Lord always leads me back to the same thing....Everything I have EVER managed to do with my life has come about ONLY through Him anyway. Left to myself I am VERY certain I would have floundered about my life in hopeless anxiety and fear. He ALONE should be glorified in all things, and that includes even only the small things I have done with my life. I don't think I will ever write a best-selling book, `conduct (or even speak at) a women's seminar, or inspire countless lives with my heartfelt attempts to shine God's light into this dark and troubled world. But what I can do is live my life loving God above all else and others around me as much as I love myself for as long as He gives me breath to do so. I am a very ordinary everyday woman whose purpose here on this earth is not to find pleasure for myself, but to bring pleasure to Him. Keep a heart that is open and willing to serve Him in ANY way He may chose to do so, and KNOW He loves me just the way I am. And so I will walk humbly with my God.

Phl 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.


Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?


Luke 10:27 So he answered and said, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

To join the other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE and you will be sooo blessed I know.

May you all have a wonderful, safe, and RELAXING holiday week-end.

32 comments:

  1. Dearest Debbie, I so understand your post and your desire in wanting to make your life count-girl you do. I don't think you realize how many you encourage in your bravery(yes you've been very brave!)and in your walk.
    He is glorified in your writing; I for one am always uplifted by your blog.
    Have a blessed weekend dear friend.
    Noreen

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  2. Thank you!!!! I had someone giving me advice and it was good, but than I thought, aren't I am doing what the Lord has called me to do. He gave me six children spanning 22 years, so when others are empty nesting, returning to careers, I am still mothering. I enjoy it, so why do I feel a push...the push isn't from Him...it is what I am putting on myself.
    I have walked through some very hard places...and even if they are never used in ministry they have directed me to Him.

    We are here to sing Him praises.

    You Lady do exactly that...You Sing His Praises....your praises are a sweet sacrifice...and with them you remind others, like me, to do the same.

    Thanks for this post...it spoke directly to my heart...I will probably never do anything to write home about...but if I live my life for Him and my children and grandchildren see that...I would have fulfilled my life long dream!!

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  3. And that's what it's all about...it's all about Him! And don't think of your writing or life being ordinary. The Lord has you where He wants you to be, living a life that reflects His light, being extraordinary because of His grace. You are a blessing to us, too.

    May we always be led to His ways and truth! Blessings to you sister Debbie.

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  4. Beautiful post.
    So glad that I stopped by tonight.
    Loved reading your blog...Have a great holiday weekend.
    I have a GREAT HOLIDAY ORNAMENT GIVEAWAY on my blog...drawing on Mon.

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  5. That was beautifully written Debbie. I can not imagine how much your experience has changed you and made you re evaluate your purpose for being here. I am so happy that you are, and I think you are such a strong and amazing person. You have really inspired me throughout your journey. You always remind me that even though we worry about this or that, ultimately it is in His hands.

    Thank you for that.

    Hope you enjoy your weekend. :)
    Hugs,
    Genn

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  6. What a wonderful spiritual Sunday post. I know exactly what you mean, as I'm sure most women in our age range do. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message of trust in Him.
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  7. Debbie - your words echo many of the things I'm feeling right now. Does my life count? Why didn't I do more for God when I was younger? It is too late to make a difference? Maybe it is the age range. I know the most important thing we can do is to be obedient to God's calling and yes, we can make a difference.

    You have blessed me in many ways and I'm blessed to be your blog friend.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  8. Debbie, I think we all have these same feelings at times. I can't believe I will be 74 years old in a few (very few) weeks. I think you have done an excellent job of expressing your feelings and it seems to me like you have found the answers. I don't think God expects us to do more than you obviously have done. It's our hearts he wants, and it certainly seems to me that you have given your heart to Him. I'm glad you shared with us again this week. We are all on a pilgrimage here on this earth, and people like you are an encouragement to many of us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  9. Keep writing these posts. They are needed by many. I am thankful for all the wonderful comments you have already received for this post. I say "Amen." Keep on keeping on. You are an encouragement to others. Have a great weekend.

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  10. Beautiful. Sometimes we need to just "Let go and let God." Its not about us anyway. Its about Him... and how we can live our lives through Him and in Him. God bless you, dear sister in Christ.

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  11. There are no ordinary people,we are all important to Him, sweet one! You are such a blessing to me and a great encourager! I'm thrilled with the way you hunger after God!
    Joy & Blessings,
    Virginia

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  12. I love you my friend...so much. You ARE a unique woman so finely designed and created by the Master Weaver. You always bring such encouragement and inspiration to me when I visit here and read about your life experiences and about your family and also when you visit and leave beautiful words of thought for me. I admire your wisdom and strength as you have traveled through the hard journey over the past several months. You encourage me through my struggles as well.

    You are so loved my friend...so very very loved here. I am proud to call you my sister, my friend.

    Love & Big Hugs,
    Alleluiabelle

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  13. You are so blessed my friend! I'm sure your light shines on people that your not even aware of.
    I read some of your older post because you have been missed. I love your hair and your new home is just beautiful.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  14. i thoroughly enjoyed browsing through and reading your post and am sure to be back soon to read more.

    this is beautifully written!! and i can totally relate to what you say here. most often than not i think i understand clear enough to be able to explain but when it comes to sharing it in my posts i realize i couldn't..:)

    stopped by from Spiritual Sunday.

    Blessings,
    Ruth

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  15. Someone commented that they love your hair. I remember being "envious" of it on my first trip here--smile--it is beautiful, as are you!

    Yes, keep writing, because it is from the heart and that is what counts. To God be the glory great things He has done.

    Sweet blessings to you dear one,
    Dianne

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  16. Good Morning Debbie Sweetie...
    A beautiful share this morning. I love the way you opened your heart. Now let me tell you, you were spared and God is working through you every day, you just don't realize it. You walk beautiful footsteps every day sweetie, through you children, your grands and your friends. Just sharing your Christian heart is serving God.
    Even the litttlest jobs (how we see them sometimes) are BIG works in Gods eyes.

    I too once wondered what is that he wants me to do? How is it that I should be serving him? Keep asking him, because he is listening, and he has given me my purpose. It is nothing I would have expected, but I am taking it and working with it.

    You my friend are a blessing. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  17. I think we will all be amazed some day when Jesus shows us how not-so-ordinary our lives were. With Him, how can we be ordinary? It only looks that way to us. You are probably touching others in ways unknown. Keep up the good witness!

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  18. Found you thru SS & feel blessed with a kindred soul! I, too, just went thru the big "C" scare to find it's benign. But it does cause tremendous reflection of life. I can relate so much also of pondering "why am I here?". We all ask it at some point. I have felt for years like I'm climbing a hill & where God wants me is just at the top & around the corner. I think I'm finally coming into it. You may be ordinary, dear lady, but always remember that God can do extraordinary things thru you. Maybe just your open, loving ways in the lives of those who know you personally & love you, or those of us in blogland, will be inspired in "just" the right way to do something significant to further His kingdom...all because you had the way to reach them the way they needed at the time. For your ponderings, I recommend reading "Purpose Driven Life". I look fwd to following you & invite you to do the same! Hugs ~ Merana

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  19. The Lord will bless you for taking the energy and time to get down into words what you wanted to say. You are right in saying you are like the rest of us, wanting our lives to have some purpose. I've found myself asking God what it is He wants me to do. The answer I keep getting is that wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, whoever is nearby, that is my mission field. My life is a mission field. Every moment is an opportunity to serve the Lord and witness of His love and mercy. God bless you in your walk with Him.

    Feel free to visit my blogs.

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  20. I stumbled across your blog while searching a little after posting on my own. I know you think you may not know what to say but you definately do know how to say it. I have been blessed by your blog. Please continue to write from your heart

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  21. What a beautiful post from a beautiful lady!!!

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  22. My Dearest friend, Debbie, You might not get to write that book, though I am not counting it out yet, But what you do here on this bog, cannot compare. You may never know this side of heaven, the impact that you have had and continue to have on so many people.

    I have prayed the same prayer to God, about what I am suppose to do with my life. and have had the same questions and thoughts, even this morning in my quiet time with God. I was telling Him that the year is almost over, and felt as though I had done so little to upbuild His Kingdom.
    You continue to inspire me to become more dedicated and consecrated, my life has been so enriched by your testimony of your love and devotion to God.
    Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day.
    Much love,
    Sue

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  23. Oh yes, and yes, and yes, amen! I agree with many of your thoughts here, especially the ones harking of an "ordinary life" wanting to live extraordinarily for God. I think we've done a great disservice to women (in particular) in the Christian community by having them think that our life callings have to look like someone elses. That my abundance should look like yours. Truly, I believe it all boils down to Jer. 9:23-24... my life verse in many ways. If we're going to boast about anything, let's boast in this...

    that we KNOW Jesus.

    Know him, and you're living your calling, sister. Lead others to know him as well, then all the more.

    You're doing it; we're doing it together. Let's know him more this week.

    Thank you for sharing this cancer road with me. Your story of strength and grace buoys me along.

    peace~elaine

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  24. Just read your post on Elaine's blog and wanted to come and "meet" you for myself. I was very encouraged by your post. I'm about a year older than you and have a lot of the same thoughts that you expressed...such as this one...."I still struggle with many of the same issues I have struggled with most of my adult life, and wonder why or IF I will ever arrive and just BE the woman I want soo much to be."

    I enjoyed reading some of your other posts also. Beautiful grandchildren you have!

    May God bless you!

    Marilyn...in Mississippi

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  25. I see super cute faces on the right of your blog that probably think you are way more than ordinary!! You are their grandma, and that alone is super special. I enjoyed reading your post and can't wait to read more.
    Carrie

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  26. Dear Deb,
    So nice to be able to visit, and such a blessing to read this post. From where I sit, I see a woman whose life is a thanks offering; a woman who loves the Lord and seeks to live out His truths each day; and one who is humble, caring, giving, and loving. You are a beautiful testimony of God's love, Deb. His love oozes out from you onto everyone you come in contact with. You are living His purpose right now, it isn't a place we arrive at...not this side of Glory.
    His Word is a lamp unto our feet, and sometimes it only lights far enough ahead for us to take our next step. Just keep abiding, and know, as Sue said, that you are touching people's lives and hearts far more than you can imagine.
    You are a true blessing to know, sweetie!

    Love and hugs,
    Becky

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  27. I'm sure we can all relate to this post so well, Debbie. It's easy to beat ourselves up (women seem to do this especially well), thinking we haven't been enough, haven't done enough. But when we raise responsible children, who give back to their community, who raise responsible children of their own, well, that is a very big deal. God entrusts our children into our keeping; they are our first responsiblitity, and no small task. It takes years of sacrifice and giving to their wellbeing, but if we raise them well, then we have pleased Him. Of that, I am sure.

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  28. It is always a worthy pursuit to walk the course set before us (which, as you rightly point out, is unique to each His own). Our races are so unique; so individual - and always crafted in such a way that our lives DO count according to His plan & purpose. Thank God He doesn't apply a "one size fits all" to us!

    Great post, and equally great reminder.

    Kathleen

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  29. Debbie - such a beautiful post...so struck a cord with me and spoke to my heart all at the same time. I first read it the other night but was so busy digesting it that I didn't comment.

    But I had to come by today - to say good morning and hello! - and then to let you know how blessed I was. I so struggle with my purpose...and making an impact - and even more so now that the house "is empty"! With all that life has handed us...I think surely there must be something God wants me to "do" with these experiences. You know, something GRAND!!??

    Oh, and I would be up for being grand! :) but He simply wants me to live every day so as to bring Him glory. Its all about Him and nothing about me.

    Yes, I could go on and on...but you have been a blessing, you are a blessing and no doubt with just such a spirit, God will continue to use you in the days ahead!

    And - isn't it exciting to realize that?? God can - and wants - to use us..in the every day! Love ya friend - and love your tender heart and sweet spirit!

    Happy Tuesday:)

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  30. Debby I have so missed blogging and am glad that I am back because boy have I missed your posts especially. I don't think you are ordinary at all. I think you touch a lot of lives just through blogging. For the 30 comments you get, imagine all the 100's of other readers that don't comment for their own reasons whose lives you touch. You may not ever write a best seller but your words are read by many. I think you have handled your situation so well and it's normal to feel that way I would think. You are definitely an inspiration and you have helped me to better my relationship with the Lord, and for that I am eternally grateful. No ordinary woman could do that.

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  31. Debbie, being a mom is a huge contribution to this world! As your familt grows, you affect each new addition, and because you have lived your life so well, stories of you and the inspiration they provide will continue for years after our time here is up. I was not meant to be a mother, so I was chosen to be a teacher. For me, the greatest value in life is to positively impact the life of a child. You did, and are doing it! Thanks for welcoming me to your blog!

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  32. family, I mean...I am a teacher, and I can spell! Oops!

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!