Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Motto Of My Life

I found a little saying that perfectly sums up the direction that my life has taken and will take.
It fell on my head Chicken Little style
(literally, a plaque bearing the inscription fell off of a shelf in my childhood home and smashed my brain)
and I've never been the same.
{Head trauma has a way of changing you}
I remember at that time in my life I was trying to figure out where to go to college--I had visited many and liked a handful and in my head wanted to pick either
a) the school closest to home (houghton),
b) the school with most of my friends heading there (messiah)
c) the school where I could find a husband (BBC) ha! just kidding on that last one =)
But when I visited Cedarville I *hearted* it so much that I longed to go there even though I knew no one going there and it was 10 hours away
(that's far for a girl whose favorite place to be is home).
When that sign hit me on the head and I read its words
I knew.
I knew that I was going to Cedarville because:
"The Will Of God Will Never Lead You Where The Grace Of God Cannot Keep You"
I'm so glad I followed His leading and headed so far away--and though I've never returned home to stay (since 1997) God has always given me a home away from home--right in the palm of His hand.
In Bible study last week NLD used my life quote to illustrate the truth which combats one of Satan's many lies--
One thing I struggle with a Mom is the fact that my sweet babies don't have an off switch--I could be totally famous for saying:
"I JUST CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!"
Which, ironically enough, was the title of one part of a chapter in this book
(which has really opened my eyes btw).
You see-when I'm feeling like I can't take it anymore--I probably can't.
But you know Who can?
That's right!
God and His grace--it's always sufficient for any trouble I'm going through or trouble-maker that I'm dealing with!
When I feel like I can't correct another outburst, keep the peace, channel destructive energy into something constructive, hold my tongue, keep my temper--
I have a help
the grace of God--it's always just a memory verse, a prayer, a plea for help away.

5 comments:

Julie said...

AMEN, Sista!!

I know I commented once before that Ande's cousin went to Cedarville, too... he really liked it there as well!

I don't particularly have a motto. Lots of catchy phrases that I save for "just the right time", but no motto per se.

I need to work on that.

Anonymous said...

This post touched my heart today - I have been struggling with feeling a little stressed and "burnt out" the past week. I too have 2 little girls about the same ages as yours. Thank you for this post and for sharing your life.

Ree said...

I guess my motto would be:
"I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me!"
Phillippians 4:13
Your's is awesome, as well!!
Really anything that comes from or speaks of HIS Word is perfect for a 'MOTTO'!!

Sheri said...

I LOVE that moto! I have heard it before but it really doesn't get old!:) Thanks for posting that

Devin said...

I've had a rough morning.

THIS was just what I needed to be reminded of.

Thank you Shelly.