Silence Speaks Volumes

It's been awhile since I've blogged.  Honestly, I just haven't had much to say.  God's been speaking to me about the value of silence.  Of resting in His control.  Of trusting in Him and not always having to voice an opinion.

I've blogged before about my frustration of social media taking over every quiet space of life.  The voices of these sometimes useful sources sometimes completely overwhelm me.  It's just to much.  Silence speaks volumes.  It speaks of trusting Christ in the face of religious and social persecution.  It speaks of rest and belief that HE is in control.

I'm learning that when I do speak, it needs to be in the RIGHT setting and at the RIGHT time, or it's just noise.  And oh, the peace that comes from just turning off all the "voices" that over-power His still small voice!


                                                                                --Stacey

Let's Be Real

I was talking to a friend yesterday.  The fact that so many Facebook posts and blogs portray that everything is wonderful came up.  Things like perfect family devotions each morning and sibling unity.  Or there's the perfect relationship with no issues, the perfect exercise and eating routine that makes the perfect body.  And then of course the reports of a dream life and lots of money.

As we sat having dinner, my friend talked about her desire to seek out "REAL" woman on blogs, and Facebook.  Woman who don't put up that perfect front, but choose to show the whole truth and not just the good parts.  Amen to that!  In this world of social media it's so easy for the "real" to get lost in what we want others to perceive.  We all have struggles and heart-aches, and non of us has a perfect walk with Jesus.  All of us struggle.  Imagine what the world would be like if we let our guards down and were real with one another.  Imagine what would happen if we could encourage each other in our struggles instead of portraying that we are super spiritual and have it all together.  Imagine what would happen if we stopped judging others and what we think we know about them and just be a real friend and encourager to them.

I am blessed with this dear friend that I can be real with.  That I can share my life struggles with and get encouragement and support.  Life is messy.  I am so thankful for someone to go through the mess with. I hope you have your support too.  And next time you read that perfect status or post, remember...not everything is as it seems.  We all need Jesus, every day.


Stacey

Timing is Everything

It's been awhile since I blogged.  What a whirlwind since November!  If there's anything I've learned from the last few months it's the value of waiting on God and His perfect timing.  It's trusting that He knows what He's doing and when to do it.

I had all but given up publishing my novel.  I came to the point of saying to God, if this was written between you and me, I'm OK with that.  I talked to a writer friend who had recently had her first novel published.  I told her how hard it was to find a publisher.  BIG names wouldn't let you in unless you are Billy Graham's daughter or some other fame...and small companies...well I had an interesting time with my first book and a one-person show publisher.  I looked up my friend's publisher and was amazed.  It really looked like the perfect fit for my book.  And it wasn't too big or too small...it was just right.  I sent it in one last time.  I decided this was it.  The guidelines stated if you didn't hear in a month, you weren't going to be published by them.  A month came and went, and I was OK with not getting it published.  I moved on so to speak.  Then three months later an email came apologizing for the delayed response due to huge amounts of manuscripts sent in, "we want to publisher your novel with a date of August 2015".  Isn't that just like God?  He waits until you give it all up, and then he gives it back.  And I have confidence that my motives are pure.  I have no need for accolades or attention.  This is purely and simply a labor of love that I hope will touch others.  I'm so thankful for the process and the way it all happened.

Meanwhile, after assuming the publishing thing wasn't happening, I pursued Para Educator subbing with the school district.  This to turned out to be a long, tedious process.  One I many times decided must not be happening.  Only days after find out about the novel I got the word that I was on the sub team and headed to orientation.  My goal was 2 days a week.  Enough to give me the extra money I needed without sacrificing things like my day with my very busy husband, or the time I needed for pure sanity since I'm running around most nights with two teens.  My first 1 day sub job turned into 3 more days, which turned into 5 more weeks.

Suddenly I had a book to edit, a job each day, and a crazy life with a pastor and 2 kids.  I thought I might not make it about 3 weeks in.  The job stretched me.  I was working with kids...some with difficulties.  I even taught a couple of classes.  I didn't imagine every doing that, let alone really enjoying it.  There were a few melt downs and struggles, and I would NEVER want to work that many hours at this point in my life again, but I learned to rely on God.  I had to go to Him for strength because I didn't have it in myself.  And now that I'm working 2 days a week and somehow, I managed (with my husband's help) to get most of the edits done and haul kids every which way, and "do" the holidays, I am reflecting on the amazing journey.  I have grown in ways I never thought possible this last couple of months.  I can see now, that MY plan would never have allowed for all this growth.  My plan would have been easy and I would not have gained the rich blessings I have.  I am so thankful that His timing is everything.