A Moment with M.O.M- My heavy heart

Good Morning Friends!
I had full intentions on sharing another letter from my mailbox this morning however; a topic has been very heavy on my heart. In fact, I spent a great deal of time last night praying about it, talking to my Joe about it and then again this morning it was the first thing on my mind. Lord willing, I can share the question later tonight.

My heart was heavy last night as I took a matter to the Lord in prayer. I wanted to know what I could do better, how I could show His people that I love them without condemnation. Many have been hurt by those in the body of Christ. How do I show others that it is safe for us, as a Body, to live in unity? It is not only safe and beneficial. It is required for those of us that call ourselves, Children of God. It is a good thing for us to share our hearts, trials, encouragement, and love with one another so that the Kingdom of God might advance. "How do I do this dear Lord?" was my prayer. This morning, I share with you my heart. I pray you hear it, understand it and leave this site ready to live it!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood

Last night, I talked with a precious family as we enjoyed a cup of ice cream. In conversation she mentioned that she likes to read the blog from time to time but at first was discouraged until she realized that God had a unique plan for her and her family and she didn't have to be like me. Friends, I have heard this and other similar comments throughout the years. As well as comments like, "Well, you probably wouldn't like this." It's okay if you do something different than me... I don't have to like or dislike it. I just listen, watch and love as you and we both grow in Grace together!

Or I'll hear, "Well, I assume you don't agree with me wearing pants." They probably come to this conclusion because I often wear dresses. However, if they KNEW me they would know that I truly never judge what others are doing in their lives. One of the most precious gifts God has given me is a tapestry of friends! Those that are close to me are so different, so diverse, and so unique that it often causes my own mother to say things like, "You have such close friendships with people who are NOTHING like you." She's right! And I love each of them completely and thank God for them at each remembrance, which is often!

I know God as a patient God. I KNOW the road of transformation in my own life and I KNOW He is at work in their lives (YOUR LIFE) as well. Just a month or so ago I heard from one woman who felt I "didn't need her" that she had "nothing to offer me" How far from the Truth this is!! As a body, we NEED each other! Even if you don't think you invest in my life, you do! You may never know how something you say or do plant's a seed in my heart that later blooms into something beautiful! You may feel like I am confident in how the Lord is leading me yet, know that I still NEED you! I don't judge you, I LOVE you! Would you do the same for me?

It is the Love of God that fills my heart for others. I live to die... dying to my flesh. I love to pour myself into my husband, children and then others so that they might see HIS amazing grace. The same grace that saved a wretch like me (and I say this with sincerity). I don't invest my time in things, I invest it in people. YOU are precious! YOU have been bought with a price! YOU are worth my time, my energy and my example of unconditional LOVE! I will probably fail along the way, but I will arise and strive again to do what HE has laid on my heart to do. I get weary, tired, and frustrated at times feeling as if I have no impact and then I remember that the Word of the Lord will never return void. He reminds me that it is by the blood of the Lamb and the WORD of OUR testimony that the enemy is destroyed and so I keep sharing the testimony as I am a work in progress. I keep learning from all those that God brings into my life. I keep repenting of my short comings, keep feeling His strength, keep my eyes fixed on Him, keep my heart trusting when my mind doesn't understand... I just simply keep standing!

Before I close, I need to tell you of a moment that Bekah and I shared the other day. She asked me, "Momma do you think you're weird?" Without hesitation I replied, "YES! But I'm a friendly weird." We both laughed and then she shared how she felt weird when she compared herself to other girls her age. I shared my own thoughts on the topic. How it's okay to be weird... that's simply me. I know that I live a life very different than most. She makes decisions very different than others...and that's okay! We are unique, a peculiar people indeed! :-)

I remember one friend saying, "Jeanette, you're like a light. People you meet have a choice, they will either be drawn toward the light or be pushed away by it." Friends, don't let the enemy lie to you and tell you that you can never have victory in your life when you see victory in mine. Nothing with God is impossible! Don't let the Spirit of strife deceive you to believe that I would ever judge you and have critical thoughts about you. Don't let the adversary convince you that you're not good enough; YOU have been bought with a price. That price was the blood of our Lord and Savior. That makes you of most value! Take time to get to know me, you'll learn that I am transparent, filled with love toward others and yes... "Friendly weird"

Thank you for letting me share my heart with you. I will keep praying and asking the Lord for tangible ways I can love His people- YOU!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
P.S. The photo is one taken a couple of years ago as I tried to write an article for a magazine. I most often work in the midst of the children however, this day I was having trouble thinking and remembering what I was trying to write. I told the children that I needed a "thinking hat". Elisha made this one for me. It says, "Do not distrub. Thinking in progress!" I saved it and placed with all my other keepsakes. It brought a smile to my face when I came across it this morning!
~ Have a blessed day freinds!