At work I share an office with one of my co-workers, Jenn. Jenn is one of the sweetest, most genuine, kind, compassionate, Jesus-loving women you’ll ever meet. I instantly clicked and fell in love with her. Because she has three little one’s vying for her undivided attention, I only get to see her every now and then, especially when we’re not in Bible study season.
The other day she was at the office de-cluttering her desk when she found a stack of papers piled up in her drawer about an event LPM had put on about eight years or so ago called “Tell Me How”. That specific event was for college aged girls ages 18 – 25.
Just about eight years ago, I was 19 and attended that event. It was my sophomore year of college and I remember that being a really pivotal time in my walk with the Lord and I was all ears. I wanted to soak up any and all wisdom I could from gain from these wise ladies because after all, I was a sophomore in college, and what in the world did I want to do with my life? I was desperate to know how to not royally mess it up, my life that is. Little did I know, and nor would I have ever dreamed, that almost a decade later I’d be serving alongside these sweet ladies. That was a really neat thought for me.
Sometimes life brings you to a full circle moment and that was one of them.
I told Jenn that I attended that conference and that to this day I still refer back to those notes. I think it was fun for both of us to walk down memory lane because we were both able to see fruit from that conference, almost ten years later.
The keynote speakers were our very own Siesta Mama, Beth, Priscilla Shirer and Christy Nockels, who not only led worship, but also taught a session. I clearly knew who Beth and Christy were at the time (we’re obviously on a first name basis), but it was my first introduction to Priscilla, whom from then on, I fell in love with. Her teaching was so powerful, she was hilarious and her passion was contagious.
The three of them each took a main session, there were breakouts to attend throughout the weekend and then at the very end, the three of them did a Q&A session with us. This was by far my favorite part of the weekend. It is amazing to me the rawness and vulnerability people express when asking a question anonymously. (They wrote in questions.) Questions ranged from Christy’s lipstick color (which was a MAC color and made my heart happy) to things I’d be too embarrassed to even mention on here.
I know I’m only 27 and have years ahead of me to mess up, but I didn’t want to be, and still don’t want to be, just a statistic.
One girl geared her question specifically to Christy asking her how she gets to do what she does? For those of you who don’t know, Christy Nockels is not only gifted, but an extremely anointed worship leader. She serves the Lord with such grace and humility. This girl in particular had felt called to be in ministry similar to Christy’s and wanted some guidance. I totally understand that.
Like always, Christy was so gracious and had such wise words to share along with words of encouragement.
I was glued to her as she shared her journey with us. Not that I felt called to that particular area of ministry, but we’re all called to something and I so badly wanted to know how to know what I was called to and how to pursue that calling.
She said one thing at the end that is forever etched on my heart.
“Bloom where you’re planted.”
Serve where you are. Do the mundane thing. It may be mundane to you, but it’s certainly not mundane to God. Even if it’s something you don’t enjoy at the moment, rest assured, you probably will not be doing it the rest of your life. Be faithful in the little things. Be faithful in general. Stay committed.
If you told me in high school that I’d be working in ministry one day, I would have laughed in your face. Not because I disliked church and not because I didn’t love Jesus. I loved each of those things, but my heart was always drawn to teaching. As in, decorate my own second grade classroom kind of teaching. I was the little girl that grew up playing school.
However, during my senior year of high school the Lord really started stirring up different passions in my heart personally. I wasn’t sure what it all meant or what would come of it, but instead of sitting on it, I sought counsel and leadership from some older and much wiser ladies about what was going on to hopefully makes some sense of all the Lord been birthing in me.
Hindsight is always 20/20 so what I know now is that the Lord was clearly shifting my desires. Aren’t you so thankful for His leadership? And the fact that He knows what’s best for us? And for people in your life who can speak truth and life into you? And for His Word that is a lamp unto our feet? I could go on and on.
That year I actually applied for an internship with a traveling girl’s ministry and I was turned down. I was heartbroken, but knew that if the Lord had truly placed these desires to work with girls in my heart, he’d be faithful and guide me to serve in other ways. Although he shut that door, I decided to press on instead of give up and bail out doubting everything I was feeling. But I also trusted that the Lord would change my desires if I wasn’t called to that specific area of service.
My freshman year of college I stayed home and attended a community college here. During that year, I helped lead a small group of freshman girls. It was a good taste of teenage drama, yet I loved them so much.
When I went off to college that next year, I immediately got involved in a Christian sorority, Sigma Phi Lambda and through the next three years served as chaplain, rush captain and little things here and there. Do you see how the Lord threw me into girl’s ministry long before I made it my actual career?
As graduation neared, the desire to work in ministry exploded. I don’t think I talked about it a lot because it kind of scared me. After all, I went to school to learn how to be a teacher, not how to lead or speak to teenage girls. Or work in a church. That was a totally different ballgame.
But God is faithful and his grace is perfect. He opened doors in ministry that I never pursued on my own. I really struggled at that time with deciding whether to pursue teaching full time or take on the ministry position at church as the Girl’s Ministry Director. But how could I not take this ministry position when my heart was really there? When I look back I see how he really prepared me for this exchange of career paths. It is a beautiful thing.
Had I tried on my own, I can honestly tell you that I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today. The Lord planted a seed in me years ago with a heart for young women, and I simply watered it along the way, again, by His still small leading, His still small voice. I tried my hardest to do what I felt He called me to do for that season and honestly, that’s all I still know to do.
It’s one thing to be passionate about something and walk out that passion, it’s another thing to think you’ve arrived. What does that really mean anyway? We won’t arrive until we reach Heaven’s gates. That’s our goal after all, is it not?
I don’t know what’s next for me or for you. But I can say with confidence and with experience that God is faithful. If He’s been faithful in the past, we can be sure that He’ll most certainly be faithful in the present and future. However, we must humbly throw ourselves under his hand. Under His leadership.
Trust the desires he’s given you. But check to make sure they’re desires that exalt Christ and not yourself. I could be really off saying this, but I’m not sure he’ll grant us selfish desires that steal his glory. He won’t waste His glory on us. Selfish idols and desires are things that rarely get his blessing, if ever.
How many times does he say in the Psalms that He satisfies our desires with good things. These are the desires that are rooted in what pleases and exalts Him. (Psalm 103:5, Psalm 145:16)
Bloom where you’re planted. And no matter what, don’t ever quit serving, dear sister.
“Don’t bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked. In no time they’ll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun. Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best. Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.” Psalm 37:1-7 (The Message)
Lindsee, I instantly knew which conference you were speaking about! Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to attend, but I purchased the Q&A session off of itunes(it’s about $5) and the Lord absolutely wrecked me with the idea of blooming where He has planted me.
I am so encouraged by what you said about how you couldn’t have orchestrated the plans God had for you. You simply watered the seeds He planted in you and allowed Him to lead you. That is certainly the place the Lord has me right now. Know that you are a blessing to this(slightly) younger sister.
Hannah
I was at that conference too and was several months pregnant with my first child. I remember the morning I was getting up and ready for the Saturday session was the first time I felt my little one’s flutters in my belly. From that point on, anytime I went to hear Beth speak anywhere my little one was active and I would say she was praising the Lord right along with Ms. Beth!
Jennifer, how fun that we were there together and didn’t know each other at the time and now we attend the same church. I love it!
So glad that you followed his leading and bloom where he planted you in the season of your life…May the LORD bless you.
Lindsee, I love this post. It reminds me so much of my experience in fostering. Here I was, wanting nothing more than to get married and have a family of my own… and the Lord called me to foster? Children that didn’t belong to me? And would not stay in my home? Without a husband to help me?
Over the last month or so, as I’ve been reflecting on my newly married life, I have thought back to that period of my life so much. I keep remembering — with a great deal of seriousness and reverence — how I would tuck the kids in bed (yes, the older girls wanted to be tucked, too) and go to my own bed so confused. I genuinely felt like God had closed the door on me getting married and was asking me to lay that desire down. I couldn’t understand it and genuinely GRIEVED the loss of my desire to be married and have a family of my own all while trying to be a single foster mama to three children. Now, in hindsight, I can see how the Lord was asking me to give that to Him to see if I would be willing to give it to Him. He took my desire and turned it around in a way that I didn’t think was possible. And, as rough as that grieving was — thinking that I would never, ever get married — I can now see why He used that time in my life as an experience in learning to trust Him and learning to bloom where I was planted at the time.
PS – I have three people I’m still praying for about their season of singleness — and you’re one of them.
Amy Beth, you are so sweet. Have loved reading and seeing your journey unfold. The Lord is good! You are a gem, Sister Friend.
Amy Beth-
What a beautiful story! As a fellow foster mama turned adoptive mama, I just want to say thank you for listening to God’s call to foster. There are not nearly enough home for all the children who need them, let alone, Christ centered homes. Thank you mama!!!
Jenn
Lindsee, that seems to be the “theme” for me right now too. That is why I appreciate this post so much. A few months ago, God worked in dramatic fashion to bring about some opportunities. They ended up not being as fabulous I thought. I started having doubts that this was what I was supposed to be doing at this moment. Then, the Lord helped me remember that I was 100% certain that HE ordained all of the events leading up to the place that I am currently in. Then, He followed up with continual messages in my spirit that I am to “bloom where I am planted”. So, I have tried to stop fighting it, and am trying to be faithful where I am, at this moment and trust that when/if there is to be a change, that HE can make those changes.
I was starting to waiver again, and the Lord used your post to remind me to keep on keeping on.
Thank you!
terri, i’m right there with you. 🙂
What a wonderful post- you write so beautifully, Lindsee!!
Lindsee! Thanks so much for this…..An answer to prayer indeed. I have been encouraged to Bloom where I am planted! I am Sooooooooo thankful for the Siesta community today.
This struck the cords of my heart. I have struggling with the ministry I was in it used to allow me to pour my soul out and help others then the group got so so large and there was no more soul pouring or happiness in the group. So I started one of my own with just me and I am sing with joy again. And I’ve started reading inspirational books and learning so much more than before. Thank you Beth for such an enlightening blog.
Very well written Lindsee! So glad that you “bloomed where God planted you!” I completely agree with you when you talked about trusting the desires that God has given you. He puts those desires in us so that we will follow through and bring Him glorify!
Bless you,
Crickit
I mean ” Glory”!
Dear Lindsee,
This message has never been astoundingly clear to me not only in your words here but in my own personal life. As I recently asked for prayer here on this blog, someone who had been a close personal friend of mine had recently been shot and killed when he was just doing his job and delivering packages as a UPS driver. The tributes have come pouring in from his customers. People who do not know Christ testifying about his faithfulness and always willing to go the extra mile and what an awesome man he was, who clearly loved his family and his God. Because my friend Keith was faithul in the mundane God was glorified not only in his life but also in his death. Hundreds came to his funeral
who did not know Christ and heard the gospel. Having this happen to someone you love so dearly you can’t help but be changed by it. It has become my prayer that if this changes me dear Lord may it only be for the better. I would like to think I have not walked this painful journey for nothing and that God would use it for good in my life and that he would be glorified. Thank you Lindsee for affirming to me once again His message to me once again so loud and clear. Bloom where your planted. I say yes toyou Jesus! I say yes!!!!
Lindsee,
Thanks, great post. Bloom where you’re planted, this is a familiar saying to me. Bring on the mundane God, humble me, so I can get on with what you have planned for my life. The seed has been planted, God is tending it with loving care. It is ready to bloom. You have helped revive my commitment to walk my path with and for God each day, humbly. Not everyone will be a Rock Star, but if we can be a tiny rock star to one of God’s children, that brings them into relationship and devotion to our Lord. That, kind of rock star, is one I will try to be with the Lord’s help. You are so loved, glad you are with the LPM Siestas.
What a perfectly timed post! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Lindsee,
Thank you so much for your continued encouragement! I can’t begin to tell you what a blessing that you are not only to myself to my daughter and her friends who are in the early twenties who can totally relate to ALL of which you post and your transparency in which you share. Thanking the Lord for community and that God did not create us to do this thing alone! Life is so much easier looking back but faith is always looking forward. Working through Mama Beth’s James study and was struck last night by her comment that “out of the pain is birthed our passion”….He uses it ALL…nothing mundane! Thank you again!!
Friend, I never get tired of hearing you tell this story! I love how even years later He is using your story to inspire and speak to other women. I remember you telling me about that conference and the phrase “Bloom where you are planted.” My friend you have. He is faithful. Love you.
Sure am thankful for you, friend. You’ve certainly been an encouragement and prayer warrior all along the way!
Thank you so much for this blog. In my time with the lord this morning I asked questions and he answered them in your words. He also told me to stop expecting and start excepting. I thought I was blind to his plan for me but really I am living it! I will bloom where I am planted!
Thank you for this post, Lindsee! I needed to hear this today. I feel God working within me and giving me this desire to do bigger things, to go deeper in service, and yet I’m not quite sure where exactly He is leading. I keep hearing Him tell me to be patient, to keep persisting in prayer, and to trust Him for the way to go because in time He will show me, but sometimes it’s hard to wait! LOL! Thank you for the reminder to “Bloom where you are planted” – to keep pressing into Him right where I am and watch His plan unfold. It’s confirmation of what I’ve heard the Lord speaking to my anxious heart. He is faithful! God Bless You! 🙂
Oh girl! Sometimes it’s hard to wait indeed. I know that first hand. But He’s never wasted a minute of my waiting, even when I don’t like it at time. And He won’t waste yours either!
Beautifully written! I wanted to be a lawyer. Independent. Not get married or have children until I was out of law school, successful, and on my own entirely self-supported.
HA!
Thankfully, I met and fell in love with my husband in college, changed my career goal to Counselor, and married during my last year of Grad. school.
I am so glad God intervened and led me to where I’d be passionate- even though I was clueless most of the journey!
Thank you so much for this timely Word! Oh how I needed confirmation to what I’ve been sensing in my spirit. It has been hard to let go of things that He has recently shown me that were idols that I was holding onto – idols that masqueraded at glorifying Him, but really glorified myself.
Thank you friend! That was beautiful and inspiring!
Mindy
“I’m not sure he’ll grant us selfish desires that steal his glory.” <– WISDOM 🙂
Lindsee, I also purchased the podcast from that Q&A session and have probably listened to it 100 times over the years. I even made my husband listen to it! I found it so incredibly encouraging and relevant during that season of my life and still do today. Blooming where I am planted seems to be a theme in every stage of life! Thanks for this message of encouragement!It’s great to know that so many other women were impacted by the amazing truth spoken during that conference.
Lindsee-
Your post hit me like a ton of bricks. The Lord has been laying on my heart something that I am DEFINITELY not qualified for!! I have been asking Him is this my selfish desire or something You truly want me to walk forward with. I keep asking Him to search my heart to see if there is any offensive way in me. I’m committed to prayer about it enlisting a few close trusted friends. Like you it is scary but also very exciting!! This was birthed @ #SSMTC but I totally forgot about it 🙂 May His Kingdom come. I wait in anticipation of what/if anything He will do with this. Bless you precious servant of The Lord xoxo
This was such a blessing to read today! Being a part of a small church, you feel like you wear so many hats in ministry. Youth leader, Toddler Sunday School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Outreach volunteer, etc… and it makes me wonder if I’ll be here forever. I also have such a big heart for high school girls and my favorite is serving the youth ministry to our upper classman girls. That transition from high school to college on your own life is so pivotol. Thank you for sharing your experience, it definitly encouraged me today when I wasn’t even looking for it!
Good word.
Love, love, love you Lindsee! Your story is amazing and will be so encouraging to others who have yet to find what God has in store for them! What a joy you are and such a blessing to Siestaville!
Thank You Holy Spirit. Thank you for inspiring Lindsee.
I don’t know what to say. I’m close to my senior year and I definetely am searching, trying to see where I should go.
I am trusting that He is faithful.
Thank you so much Lindsee. You words touched a deep place in my heart and I am so very thankful that God called you into this ministry.
Blessings,
Ganise
Lindsee,
Thank you for this beautiful and timely message. I am in a season of waiting and trying to bloom where I have been planted – a completely different place than I desired to be! I have always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I was blessed to be able to do that for 2.5 years; then my husband lost his job, and I had to go back to work. God has been faithful to show me how He is working good in all these things. For example, my precious daughter now gets to have a stay-at-home dad, and I’ve had the joy of doing bible study at my office with women who have never signed up for one at a church.
I’ve been studying Psalm 103 this year, and I’ve been struck by how many times it speaks of benefits for those who “fear” the Lord. Like you said, we must submit to His leadership in all our seasons of serving. Thank you for sharing your story!
Wow. For a while I’ve been questioning what now? I am a 21 year veteran school teacher. Outsiders see that as a golden opportunity. And, it is! However, sometimes….I just get drained from the 100 students I see each and every day. Many mornings when my husband leaves for work, he says “love the children”. He knows I need those words. God knows I need those words. Thank you, Lindsee, for the reminder. I will continue to bloom and continue to say when I enter my classroom door “Lord, help me love the children”.
From one young woman to another- THANK YOU!!!
I couldn’t even begin to explain to you how perfect this word was for today. I needed to hear this desperately. Thank you for taking the time to write this and share it with us. With me.
Bless you.
Very blessed by this post. Loved hearing (and was convicted) that our desires should be checked to make sure they exalt Christ and not ourselves! Thank you!
OK – can I SERIOUSLY tell you how this totally ministered to me today of all days? I recently took a new position and am super excited. It feels like the right next step. I have some fear about some things and have been feeling worried. I’ve been working on lots of stuff with God lately and I have been doing my best to obey his voice on some things I’ve had to lay down. I feel like he is trusting me with this next step. I really needed to hear what you said about exalting Christ, not me. I have printed this part of your blog and am posting it on my mirror :I can say with confidence and with experience that God is faithful. If He’s been faithful in the past, we can be sure that He’ll most certainly be faithful in the present and future. However, we must humbly throw ourselves under his hand. Under His leadership.
Trust the desires he’s given you. But check to make sure they’re desires that exalt Christ and not yourself. I could be really off saying this, but I’m not sure he’ll grant us selfish desires that steal his glory. He won’t waste His glory on us. Selfish idols and desires are things that rarely get his blessing, if ever.
How many times does he say in the Psalms that He satisfies our desires with good things. These are the desires that are rooted in what pleases and exalts Him. (Psalm 103:5, Psalm 145:16)
I needed that so desperately. THANK YOU!
Thank you for this!! Gods timing is perfect bc I really needed to hear this tonight. Tonight of all nights bc our small group just finished “the law of Love” through the book of Deut. And I’m still making strides towards my promise land. PTL! (Praise The Lord 😉 )
I know your words were inspired from Him and for that I’m grateful.
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. For someone like me who is not totally aware of all the people involved in this ministry, who are you? I think you are one of Beth’s daughters? Beth has walked me through an intensely dark season of my life (through her studies) and I am grateful! Thank you to all who serve and love us!
Hi Erika, I am not one of Beth’s daughters, just one of LPM’s staff members. I do all things media which means I help out a lot with the blog! I hope that helps. Blessings to you and praise God for His work in your life. It really is an honor to serve you.
Dear Sweet Lindsee,
THANK YOU!! for sharing your heart your story and your love for ministry. It has encouraged one who needed it and reminded me of many things I know but needed to hear once again.
I love that saying as well and then the Message version of these verses were awesome. Thanks for the words that have lifted my heart today!
God Bless you and your Ministry at LPM
Oh, I so need to read this tonight. It helped me understand that it is all about God leading me to do what HE desires, not what I desire. I am learing to pray for HIS will, not my own. Thank you for this post!
Hey Linds 🙂
I can finally say I have done exactly that since I moved out closer to my job, and found an amazing church.
It’s so important to have people in your life to just do life with. I have an amazing job where I have had opportunity to use my teaching gift, and I have a beyond amazing church where God has just poured and poured His grace and love over me. Bloom where you are planted is so true….:) Love ya!
Thanks for this Lindsee! Great reminder 🙂 Just what I needed to hear today!
Lindsee, Even though I am old enough to be your mom, I feel like your post was meant for me today. We recently moved across the country with my husband’s new job and I have been in a funk ever since. I was very happy in my old city and am really struggling with making friends, finding a place to serve, and feeling like this is home. I so needed to hear “bloom where you are planted” today! Bless you!
That is such a great story. It makes me think of…well, me. I am one of those who has never really dreamed of my wedding day (in the sense of knowing what type of guy or what dress,etc.), knew how many kids I would have or had some big plan in mind for my career. But I am married to the most wonderful man, have two fabulous kids, and stay at home as a homeschooling mom. Not something I would have EVER told you would be happening in my life. But it is. And it is wonderful. God is good. I’m glad He’s got my life in order! I sure don’t!
Amen, Lindsee!
Really enjoyed your post Lindsee. As I look back over my life , I can definitely see how God has been connecting the dots and has used different experiences and desires to lead me into places I never would have imagined.
Thank you Lindsee! Great topic and so timely. I am encouraged to know that I can be a warrior for The Lord in the midst of a very routine and mundane life stage.
Lindsee,
Thank you so much for sharing that! It is exactly what the Lord has been speaking to me recently and it was such a blessing to read this today.
It’s easy to have a head knowledge that you’re not the only one that is going through/gone through something but it’s such an encouragement to the heart when you actually see somebodies testimony of it!! 🙂
It’s that simple obedience to the Lord as He guides your steps one at a time and the discipline not to run ahead or get caught up in a future promise and forget the present journey.
Again, thank you for sharing!!
Lindsee,
Such wonderful words! They were very convicting to me as I find myself in a waiting season and feel useless, and wasting many opportunities. Thank you for sharing!!
Good grief, that was perfect for me today. After seeing Ms. Beth this summer at the Austin LPL, I have had a strong desire to minister to women and have since started a women’s group at my kids’ school called Unglued Mothers. It has been such a blessing but the enemy fights me DAILY especially the week leading up to our meeting.
I speak on my “heavenly slaps”…the things God lays on my heart and usually it’s becuase I fall on my face and He lifts me up and shows me *Slaps me* with what He wants to show the group. We had 16 the first meeting and 22 the second.
Thank you for reminding me that HE is so faithful! I’ll keep blooming and trusting. Blessing and Joy to you today!
Lindsee,
Thank you for this lovely, thoughtful post. I love the idea of “bloom where you’re planted” and am trying to live it out in my life too.
I’m also in the midst of a preparing of sorts…my work situation at a non-profit is tenuous (the organization is in a tough time financially) and I thought it was time for me to move on…everyone around me did too. However, on a recent short-term mission trip to South Africa, God very clearly said to me that my time at this job is not done. And I have a sense He is equipping me for something…I’m just not sure what.
Your testimony is such an encouragement to me, especially in a time where people who I love and care about think I’m nuts to stay. You’re so right…He is faithful and will provide.
I can’t wait to see what He has in store for you and for me. I know it will be awesome, because it will be for His glory alone.
Thanks again for sharing. It was exactly what I needed to hear today.
Hi Lindsee. Thank you for this post. It was a great reminder to me that the Lord is always faithful and I just need to lean on Him. Three months ago I returned to the States from serving as a missionary in East Asia for the last 3 years. I find myself living in my parent’s home, where I haven’t lived for 20 years, and looking for a job…trying to find my place and my new calling. I have a heart for missions and still want to work and serve those who leave it all behind. But, the job market is very limited in these areas and it is easy to wonder what He has in mind and become discouraged. This post has reminded me that He has me here for a reason and for a season and I need to serve Him here and now…not to wait for my new job and new place to live. Also, that He is faithful and will lead me to the new place He has already prepared for me…I just need to wait for him. So, thank you!
Thank You Lindsee! I echo what so many have already said that this post was very timely. My life was changed through Breaking free about 3 years ago. I left my position as a Research Nurse to go into ministry. It was a huge leap of faith for me. I started at my church (with a congregation of 1200-1500) as an Assistant Administrator, I was promoted to Administrator within 2 months and literally hit the ground running. That was one year ago. I am also married and a mother of a 1st grader and 3rd grader. I am head-spinning busy! I had another job offer…a very large paying job offer. And at the same time questions with my current job. I know that the Lord told me to be where I am, and I had to go back to that time and remind myself. My husband it still not thrilled with my change of vocation and my pay:) It is a hard place to be. But through your post it was one more reminder that I am where I am supposed to be and I have been stretched in a job I do not have a degree for. I will bloom where I am planted. Please join me in praying that my husband will come around and support me in ministry. You are a doll Lindsee, I just love your honest heart. Thank you.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks, Lindsee!
What an inspiration you are Lindsee! I was called about a year ago into girl’s ministry. About 6 mo. to a year before that we had been attempting to adopt a little girl. We already have 2 boys and had taken things into our own hands to prevent more babies. We weren’t believers then (2000). One of the biggest regrets, wish we would have prayed about it then. We really thought the God had picked this precious little girl to be our own but we were not chosen to be her parents. It really rocked our world and our faith. My church’s ladies group started studying James and that when God spoke to me and said something like” No you were not to be the parents of Jenny but look I have given you many daughters!” A friend and myself(we both have 2 boys) now led a small bible study in my home for youth girls in our church grades 6-12. It has been rewarding and scary all at the same time! They are dealing with some tough issues and I want to help them the best I can. They can be a real balancing act between learning what is from God and what is from me and trying not to offend parents but to teach and say what is from Him.
Thanks for your article, you’re a blessing and an inspiration to do what you’re called to even if it’s hard!
Many Blessings to you my sister!