Why Moments of Impact?

I have come to the conclusion while my sporadic writing contributes, my blog is badly organized...So I thought a condensed version of why I even broached the subject of: Moments of Impact was necessary. Those of you that know me, know that I can be a bit "wordy".

When I wrote my first moment of impact story, it was for a two-fold reason. 1. I wanted to keep the stories in tact for my kids and 2. I realized that moments of impact; big or small draw a line in our faith.
We face a choice...all moments of impact do not end well and although the ones I chose to write about did...I still came to a line. I had to choose to cross over that line on faith that no matter what, even if the horrific happened, God was still good. OR cross over into complete hopelessness choosing to venture forth alone with no control.

Moments of impact can happen minute by minute, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and so on. Really, the truth is "moments" are happening constantly. It's those experiences that change the way we see, the way we think, the way we go on. God is in every minute, working for the good and He created us to be moments of impact on others as well as uses them to shape us for the greater good.

I struggle with horrific meaningless moments of impact but, the one thing I know...God can use anything for good. The trick, if we choose to see it, believe it and act upon that knowledge.
Am I saying we don't mourn, gnash our teeth or symbolically tear our robes in agony? No, but never, NEVER, forget that there is hope, even in the despair of tragedy-there is hope.

Moments of impact are priceless, do not overlook them, and do not pass up the blessing of creating one.

I hope all who read what I have to say understand that I am not telling you in my writing, I am reminding and encouraging me.

Now go out and do some impacting!

Moment of Impact TWO

Second Moment of impact... it begins with a lot of humor. I had just stepped out and started a new bible study with some neighborhood friends and some new ladies that I did not know. I am going to fill you in on a secret...I dislike cleaning. There it is I just don't like it. So, in preperation for the newcomers I had cleaned the downstairs and basically whatever was downstairs was now, upstairs, out of sight...so I had planned.
My husband had taken the kids to our neighbors house to hang out while we were doing our study. I noticed and was more than just a little annoyed that Jason kept coming in the door and going upstairs and then out again. After the fifth or so time he stopped and started at me....so, I stopped and said, what? He said sorry to bother you but, have you seen Eli? I snapped back no that is your job tonight...did you loose him hahahah...he answered, we can't find him.
BOOM, moment of impact.
Ok , he is 3 years old, it is dark outside and he has wandered away before. He had spent the night next door and left at 4 am to come home and did not tell anybody, I am so happy I am a light sleeper or I would have never heard his soft footsteps on the porch and the light knock on our locked front door...O, the horrors that could have happened...now it was.
I calmly got up and asked the ladies to continue without me assuring them that we would laugh about this in a few minutes but, inside I was reeling. Jason, Cassie and our neighbors all continued to search with no relief. Finally panic struck and I ran inside and asked the group to help us, that we still couldn't find Eli.
Those precious ladies have seen parts of my house that I don't even know about, we tore the house apart and now...it was time to call 911. That call was so hard to make I was trying to speak clearly but, how do you say, my three year old baby is gone calmly? What kind of mother was I that wouldn't notice her child coming or going? All that self talk hushed and desperation set in.
The police came, they interviewed us and then they called in the dogs. I hope you never have to answer the question, "Do you have any of your missing child's dirty clothes".  I did and handing them over was the absolute worst feeling, It was like, giving something private and precious away.
The officer came up to Jason and I and said, "before we let the dogs out we are going to search your house one last time" and that was ok with me but, I knew if Eli had been anywhere close, he would have answered our screams and desperate calls.
As the team of officers entered the house, I went up to my room and fell on my face before God and just begged Him please don't let this happen...This can't be happening...Crying, sobbing weeping....God Please! Full blown desperation had set in and now I was teatering on hoplessness.
 Then I heard it, "hey buddy, can you get up for me?"...I jumped up and ran into Zach's room...and grabbed Eli, he was hot, covered in sweat and stiill very sleepy. However, he was unharmed, and completely clueless as to the complete mayhem that has just taken place on his behalf.
He had crawled up under Zach's down comforter at the foot of the bed (probably playing hide and seek with Dad) so, when we lifted the covers in our multiple searches, He was still hidden.
I believe that again, God heard our cries, and He had compassion.

A Reminder

From my very first days I can see and be thankful for God’s hand (Zeph. 3:17) on my life. He gave me a family that loved me and asked for me through the process of adoption.

When I was alone, hurt, confused and a suffering child…he was with me.

When I chose sin over God He waited and constantly called me to come home, He sent angels to protect me. When I gave up and gave in to my pain, He said NO. (PS.66.16) he gave me hope. 

He came to me and spoke His love into my heart and gave me a choice…Life or death. He allowed me to see glimpses of what life could be and I chose LIFE!

God amazes me everyday with all that He knits into my life. From using my most painful memories for His glory and my healing. He has knit into me a burden to share my life so others can see that they are not alone and can see, yes, there is more to life than the obvious pain, bitterness, abuse and anger…. there is LOVE! His love really does cover it all!

 God has blessed me with the ability to love and to be loved. I wasn't always able to love others or myself, just ask my brother, Mark and my Parents.  I now have a husband I could never have dreamed up on my own and children that completely overflow my heart with their ability to see with spiritual eyes, grow in knowing who they are and love abundantly.

He has knit in me a need, a burden, a passion to share who we are in Christ with others; I don’t want anyone to grow up in darkness…

Everything in my life past, present and my future testifies to me that I was created for His purpose, He has a plan for me and my life was not a mistake. (Rom. 8:35-)

My life is the story of God’s audacious love for me. No rhyme, no reason just the audacious gift of unconditional, unchallenged and unparalled love.

This love is overflowing in us all it’s a choice whether we overflow into others or just wastefully overflow.