Journey

The journey being referred to can be defined as a long and often difficult process of personal change and development. The length of the process varies by the type of change. The difficultly level depends on the developmental challenge.

What is my personal journey? I have four major areas of concern in my journey: daughter to God, wife to Keith, momma to my little crew, and sister to my sisters in Christ. Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you” (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

Daughter of God

First and foremost, I am God’s child! He created me. I am here for a purpose. My purpose entails three ministries: wifehood, motherhood, and sisterhood. I am encouraged by God when I read His Word. He reminds me whose I am and I am loved! This encouragement enables me to write and live for Him. Proverbs 31:10 states, “An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls” (Amplified Bible).

Wifehood

My first ministry is to my husband, Keith. We have been living as a family unit since May 2008. We were married in June 2011. We came back to Christ as a family in January 2014. The last five years have been pressing and glorious. God has transformed us and continues the transformation in us as we remain in a growth mindset.

In this moment, the best thing I am able to do is pray and encourage my husband daily. Proverbs 21:9 says, “It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a quarrelsome, nagging, and faultfinding woman” (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

Motherhood

My second ministry is to five unique kiddos who call me “Momma” in the most precious way! I became a mom for the first time right before Christmas in 2005. Then God blessed me again in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2013. They are each incredible in their own manner.

In the last thirteen years, I have learned there are many ways a child can be raised successfully. Unfortunately, one way does not work for all my kids collectively living under my roof. Many techniques are used. Some work once while others work the majority of the time. Parenting is trial and error. Success comes when you mix in love, grace, mercy, and PATIENCE! God does this with us, why should we not be the same way as parents? Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord” (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

Sisterhood

My third ministry is to the women who have gone before me, are there beside me, and are coming up behind me. These women I gain wisdom and insight (both young and old alike). I also like to give wisdom and insight to those who need the encouragement. It amazes me when Scripture and profound ideas drop in my spirit. I know it is not of me but of God, because there is not a precursor to the knowledge.

As I infiltrate myself in the lives God entrusts me, I am better equipped as a daughter of God, a wife to Keith, and a mother to my crew of unique kiddos. Titus 2:3-5 tells us, “Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored” (Amplified Bible).

Application

Knowing and teaching are the first concepts in the journey. It is in the application of the Truth that true change occurs. Ezra 7:10 tells us, “For Ezra had set his heart (resolved) to study and interpret the Law of the Lord, and to PRACTICE it and teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).