some things.

These past few weeks have felt a bit like a whirlwind around here. I had the chance to travel not once but twice to two different cities to share life with some of the most generous and beautiful women whom I have met and known through the online community and they've become real life friends now. I can't even express in words what these weekends have meant to me. I am sure I will be downloading thoughts over the next few weeks as my heart processes everything.

It was so nice to wake up in my own bed this morning though. Early risers around here so before seven we had our younger two squirming away with lots of kisses and giggles. Of course the moment I finally slipped into the shower my sweet three year old girl wanted to join me and so I obliged her request. She just loves a hot shower and was a happy little camper in there so I decided to dry off and get ready while she played a bit more in the steamy water. As I worked away on my makeup and hair she kept calling to me little thoughts and ideas. Requests for more cups and toys. Giggles. Mommy can I have more soap. Mommy what about a towel. Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. I was listening and multitasking and basking in the glow of being home with my kiddos and feeling alive again in my spirit, something that has felt all too dry and parched for the last few years.

Mommy come look into my face, so I can tell you some things. 

Her words stopped me in my tracks and my heart in it's tender, stirred up state heard it again.

come look into my face, so I can tell you some things…

I dropped my brush and ran to the shower and got down on my knees to inspect her beautiful face. I looked into her gray eyes and with tears stinging my own I said I am here Josie and I love you and I am so very honored to be your mom and I want to listen to all the things.

Jesus spoke to my heart this morning through my little girl and reminded me of the biggest take away from these weeks of being stirred up and stripped bare and wrung out and poured over. He said, Rebekah just look into my face because I want to tell you all the things I have. I don't need you to multi task and go about your day doing what you think you are suppose to do to earn enough grace or validity or points to make it worth it. Just keep your eyes locked on mine and trust me that I love you and I am so honored that you are my daughter. Don't look around at what others are doing or look down and get lost in the vision you think you need to carry out. Come, look into my face so I can tell you some things.

I've got my eyes open in a new way and I am feeling the freedom and steadiness that we can find in our Saviors face.

Don't lose heart, don't lose faith. Keep believing in the things that He's called to you. When you're tired,  when you're faint, look deep into the eyes of your Savior's face  and you will find your resting place. You'll see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. -Jenny Simmons 

As you begin this new week may you know full well how deeply loved you are. Not because of all you do or don't do or how you think you might matter or don't measure up. But simply because you are a part of a family and there is a God who sees you, his child and He longs to look into your face too and tell you things. 

(Lyrics from The Becoming - I made a friend in Jenny Simmons this weekend at the HopeSpoken conference - her voice and heart are so big for the Lord you can find her blog and music HERE)