We went to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I was overwhelmed by the purity of his message; he preached the gospel and Him who was crucified. Billy Graham packed stadiums across the globe with the simple gospel message. People came by the thousands upon thousands to hear that Jesus loves them, that they should repent of their wicked ways and turn to Jesus Christ because only Jesus saves. The beauty of it brought me to tears. The message was not about Billy Graham, but about Jesus.
We live in a world that tries to convince us that it is all about me. Me time, my wants, my needs, my desires, anything I want. We should get as much as we can from this world that promises it all but leaves us feeling empty.
This makes me think of the “icky side” of Christian publishing, as a Christian author and blogger, the competition is fierce. There is a push to promote yourself and grow your platform to reach thousands with your book so that you can get that elusive book deal from the coveted publisher.
God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. – Billy Graham
For me what grew from my love for my Lord and Savior has become a constant striving to go and be and do all of the things. To attend the right conferences, meet all the right people, and do all of the things in the name of Jesus.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”Rbd8b” via=”yes” ]When I am pushing and striving to grow my platform to help propel my ministry, then it becomes all about me, and not about Jesus.[/ctt]
Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don’t be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do. – Billy Graham
Taking a break from writing over the last few weeks to ponder and reflect upon my life has been good for me.
Making last minute preparations for my son’s wedding took priority over writing. Witnessing him make a covenant with the Lord in front of hundreds of people to love, honor, and cherish his bride proved to be a very emotional time.
Jane getting ready
The launching of my adult son into the world was much more emotionally charged than I had anticipated, and was followed by a much-needed vacation with my younger boys to rest and recharge before school starts.
As my sweet friend said, “Parenting adult children is not for the faint of heart”!
My son Jacob and myself
This break has been good for me as we have traveled across the country. We encountered the protective hand of God and His ministering angels, as we spun out into a ditch along the way but drove away unharmed.
We reconnected our hearts to longtime friends and spent hours talking, breaking bread and hiking out in the wonders of God’s creation.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”WJN1q” via=”yes” nofollow=”yes”]There is something special about getting away from it all, and spending time out in God’s creation that is so good for your soul.[/ctt]
Lake Norman State Park
[ctt template=”2″ link=”z3Vd5″ via=”yes” ]Face to face Christian fellowship is so important to build each other up.[/ctt]
We attended my friend’s church Elevation, the praise and worship was fantastic, and Pastor Stephen’s powerful sermon blew me away as it felt like it was written specifically just for me! I love how God’s word can speak to us both corporately and individually!!
An opportunity to model for a fashion video with Fashion Meets Faith to teach women how to dress for their body types, in a way that is modest, but fashionable turned into a day filled with joy and laughter with some sweet Jesus girls. Look forward to seeing the finished product in September!
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 ESV
We also spent a day with my cousin on his organic farm, Coldwater Creek Farms.
There is so much of God’s truth that we can reflect on at the farm. You can see firsthand the principles of seed time and harvest, the types of soil, and be reaping and sowing, and so much more.
If you live near the Charlotte, NC area and love organic produce as much as I do, then you should check them out! You can find them on Facebook at Coldwater Creek Farms LLC.
My son Ian on the tractor at Coldwater Creek Farms
As I have taken a short break, God has spoken to me in many ways. God reminded me of some fundamental things I want to share with you today.
Ruth Bell Graham faithfully served her household and raised five children while Billy Graham traveled around the world as an evangelist. She considered being a wife and raising her children a divine calling.
Motherhood Matters, it is a divine calling
The Lord reminded me that Motherhood is a divine calling and until my children are fully grown my heart and attention should be turned to them. My time with them is fleeting, and I have the ability to shape and nurture souls to be used in the service of King. Laying my life down to serve my family, sometimes feels like denying myself and taking up my cross to follow Him.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”L_JSY” via=”yes” ]But what I do matters, both now and eternally and I need to choose wisely.[/ctt]
Prayer and Bible Study is paramount
I can not affect the kingdom, let alone my household if I am not spending adequate time studying the word of God, and in prayer. As believers, we have the resurrection power of the cross at our disposal and the blood of Jesus Christ. We have weapons of warfare at our disposal to tear down strongholds and set the captives free. Our prayer life should be alive and active like the word of God.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 ESV
Billy Graham preached revival to thousands upon thousands because he lived a life fully surrendered to the Lord. He spent time studying the word of God, and time in prayer.
The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’ -Billy Graham
It is not about me
The gospel message is simple and speaks for itself. It is not about me, but about what Christ has done for me, how Jesus has changed my life for the better, and what I can do because of Him. It is all about the cross, and Him crucified. The creator of the world, and Savior of the World, who loves us so much that He even knows the number of hairs on our head.
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good steward of everything that you have asked of me. I pray that my friends here that read this blog see my heart for you and may I always point them to you Jesus. It is all about you Jesus. Thank you for your love and grace and for the cross.
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