Last Friday and Saturday I was blessed to go to the Believe– Woman of Faith Conference in Kansas City with 7000 other Christian women! But by far the biggest blessing was that all three daughters attended with me. (missed my daughter-in-loves but they are busy in the midst of raising babies and we all know how difficult it is to get away 😉 )
Now to be truthful, I really tried to get Bethany to stay with Adi and Micah- bribed her, thought of rewards, tried every trick I knew. I told her how boring it would be, how she would have to sit still and not get up and it would be nothing but singing and preaching. She lit up at the word “singing” and said with determination, “I love conference mommy. I go with you. I love you.”
Sigh- I love her so much but after 30+ years of “missing” being fully present at church and conferences- I was really craving just being with my adult girls and getting to be fully engaged in the whole event- without interruptions- without distractions- without Bethany :).
Surprising Treasure- I packed Bethany’s tablet so she could play it when she was bored and off we went. The whole weekend was filled with praise and worship, teaching and holy moments. Tears filled my eyes as I would look down our row and see all three of our daughters- eyes closed, hands raised in worship, and singing to our great God together!
No words can describe the joy and wonder I felt.
Bethany didn’t interrupt or distract. Not once did she even use her tablet. She listened and soaked up the whole conference. Who knew- she really does love conferences! lol
Here’s my little nugget for moms today.
I used to wonder why I even went to church sometimes- I just ended up in the nursery with my children. (and girls- I had 7 children and none of them would stay in the nursery without me- so I felt like I was missing a lot 🙂 ) I still remember a time I was frustrated & feeling sorry for myself. I was missing church AGAIN, and I was complaining to the Lord.
“I don’t know how I’m supposed to grow and learn about you when I get stuck in the nursery all the time.”
I know I heard the Lord because it was not even on my thought radar! lol!
“Cindy, I want you to learn and grow on your own- at home- in your daily walk. If you seek me- you will find me. Any time- Any where- you have 24/7 access to me. This is your season to be an example to your children and give them a foundation for a relationship with me. You’re in the planting season.”
BAM!
And now- because of God’s faithfulness- I’m in the harvest season! Woohoo!!! Thank you God for encouraging me to keep planting- thank you God that you water your good seed and your children with your Word- and thank you God- You are bringing forth a harvest that is beyond my wildest dreams. Fellow Mama’s – it just doesn’t get any better than this!!!
I have no greater joy than that my children walk in the truth.
3 John 1:4
 Surprising Treasures: King James 2000 Bible
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon your descendants, and my blessing upon your offspring:
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I’m so glad you and your girls had such a wonderful time together, Cindy. God is so good in giving His beloved children such nice surprises when we don’t expect them! 🙂 I love your thoughts on seasons of planting and harvesting. That will give me something to ponder for awhile. Hugs, precious girl!
I was thinking how I want “instant” measurable, spiritual results- and while I’ve seen some that way- most of my spiritual harvest has been long seasons of sowing, watering, and then finally reaping. You’re so right! Having Bethany added into the mix, was such a great surprise- I certainly didn’t expect the weekend to turn out that way 🙂 hugs sweet sister!
I remember loading Josh, Micah, and Noah into the church van with a dozen other men to attend Promise Keeper’s gatherings. It was always a delight to see those three boys fully engaged. Josh probably attended his first PK when he was five! I love our children! They are the best!
Amen babe. God is crazy good!
Love this, Cindy. We all look forward to harvest time. So glad you’re there!
It’s always great to reap – though the empty nest is looming large- the blessing of seeing our children rooted & grounded in Jesus take some of the sting away…. 🙂