high calling of servanthood

A great friend asked me at the end of the year last year what my (spiritual) goals were for the new year.  Last year was a *rough* year and little did she know she was setting me up for what would be the theme of this very year.

"I just want to learn to serve, yano.  I feel like servanthood is such a lost art and I want to learn how to be a okay with just being a servant.  After all, it's what Jesus asked of us, right?"  I responded. She nodded her head and simply said, "Wow, yeah... that's so true."

Ha! This year has been filled with so many opportunities to quietly, humbly and secretly serve.  Back in December, Aaliya was only 4 months old. Now she's a few short weeks shy of one (yikes!).  But becoming a mother has only been an introduction to servanthood.  It is indeed the greatest and highest calling to give up of oneself to rear these little ones unto the Kingdom of God, yet I am learning that this call to lowly servanthood reaches far beyond the walls of our home, similarly to the way that the influence of the Church should reach far beyond the walls of the building called Church.

I am servant to my God first, my husband second, my children third and the world fourth.  Nevertheless, I am servant by calling.

I hoped to use an appropriate definition for "servant" or "serve" at this point in the post, yet when looking through the dictionary, I definitely feel as though the English language has been compromised and Scriptural words are now used for common or negative concepts.  The definitions just didn't encompass the fullness of what a servant is. 

As a servant, I have learned that it is more than just to meet needs and just "present in a specified manner."  Serving my Christ, my family and the community surrounding means putting my needs and desires on hold, to fulfill theirs.  It means that out of love, I am willing to do whatever it takes to bring them closer to Christ.  Serving is truly a work of grace and such a high calling.  I have never known Christ as deeply nor as sweetly as this year, in serving my husband without grumbling or complaining, in serving my two daughters with my whole heart and with my entire time, or in learning to consider others as better than myself.

I have yet to master servanthood, but this sweet journey has drawn me closer to Him.  I long for you to join me on this journey and tell me all about it...

pursuing ministry as a family

Walter Bagehot once said "Women-- one half of the human race, at least-- care fifty times more about a marriage than a ministry." 

No offense to Walter Bagehot, but I tend to disagree.  I do care fifty times more about marriages than the Westernized notion of ministry, but I also firmly believe that ministry is intricately woven into the family unit, including marriage and they are to go hand-in-hand, not exclusive from one another. 



This is the little-big family I have the privilege of ministry alongside! :)



Unfortunately, we have gotten away from the idea that our families are our ministries and we've instead pursued outside of the home that which we should pursue not only within our home, but through our home.

I believe ministry (in the fullness of the word, not just the western notion of it) is an act of worship that is to be pursued as a family unit, not just individually.  Unfortunately, we are all too eager for "our own thing" that we tend to leave behind the primary ministry Christ has given us.

Let's look at some of the famous women ministers that have impacted our society.  I don't doubt (nor will I consider judging) they treasure family, but their ministries carry their names and their words as its primary foundation.  Rather than a family unit being known for its love we see individuals speaking forth words, but lacking through with actions.

How important it is for us to run the race, side by side with our families; our husbands, our children, our fathers and mothers if we haven't attained marriage and parenting yet.  I don't believe ministry was created to be an individual affair.  I don't believe callings and life visions are given to individuals who are married.  I believe they are released specifically for the family unit.  My husband doesn't have a calling, and neither do I.  But together, we have the highest calling; to raise the two daughters Christ has graced us with.  All as a family we are called to minister in love and justice to the poor, the widow, the orphan, the young and the old alike. 

So many opportunities have come for me to minister as an individual, and it has been hard to reject some, but in everything, I must take it to prayer and my husband and truly weigh out whether it's a family affair or a Nicole affair.  Not to say that every member of my family participates in every ministry "event" so to speak that we are involved in.  But does the family minister or just Mommy?  In blogging, I am the only one that blogs, but it is our family that ministers through the blog because it is our life as a family that inspires each post.  Such is the ministry I desire to see rise up again in our nation.

I dare to believe this can happen, do you?

*this post is linked up with Living Well Wednesdays!

Biblical Hospitality

Every Wednesday night our house is busting at the seams with youth and young adults.  Around 730p they start filtering in (sometimes even a little before) and they stay well past 1030p.  Wednesday night is our night of service and open hospitality.  I make the very best effort to provide not only dinner (sometimes just a light one or just desserts), but a godly and welcoming atmosphere for them.

And you know?  Something's gotta be going okay.  Because, they keep coming back. And I love it!

One of the things I'm passionate about is hospitality.  I may not be from the "Real South" but I delight in that Southern Hospitality Charm that characterizes a lot of southern states (though why FL has taken a culture of its own and decided not to take on the culture of "The South" is beyond me!). 

I believe it is so very important for every homemaker to practice hospitality as per Biblical Instruction.

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." --1 Peter 4:7-11

I find it interesting that as Peter admonishes the Church to "offer hospitality without grumbling" at the same time he speaks of the end times ministries. Hospitality is a lost art that must be refound in the homes and heart of godly women. 

We live in a society that tells us it's okay to get away with being greedy and selfish with our resources, because... well, sometimes, we just don't have enough of them to merit the sharing.  If that isn't upside-down and topsy turvy from the Kingdom of God, then I don't know what is. 

And I understand the worry.  I won't partner with it, but I can understand it.  Living frugally (for us) often times means that our grocery list (and budget!) is quite limited and will often reach for just the four of us.  Add an extra five to six people coming to visit us weekly on Wednesdays and our faith is now stretched.

But, here's the beautiful part of this entire hospitality journey.  I find that in giving my humble loaf of bread and two fish, the Christ who called me to minister hospitality multiplies the offering and there is never any lack. Our family has discovered that if we give in our need, He is faithful and has never left us forsaken.  We have ministered out of our home in hospitality at least once a week and our family has never gone hungry.  Through high times (two income budgets for example!) to the lowest of the lowest times (had a family of 6 staying here with us on an empty pantry and empty pocket!). 

My God is a good God who loves to give good gifts.  And the more I give, the more I become like Him.  Scripture is clear in instructing us to practice hospitality.  It is also clear in showing us how Faithful, Good and what a wonderful Provider He is!

Now, it's time to put that to the test... Who will you practice hospitality to in your home this week?

*This post is linked up with Titus2esdays and Homemaking Wednesday

the family is the primary vessel...

A while back I mentioned in a post about having listened to a teaching by Allen Hood from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City on families.

I *finally* got the chance to re-listen to it and take (umm, 5 pages worth of) notes. No, it didn't take me three days of scattered listening to because of how busy the days are getting... Of course not. However, I did want to share some of the amazing things that Allen shared.

The subject which he covered is one that is so near and dear to my heart. The basis of the teaching was from Psalm 127 and he shared how God has chosen the family as the primary vessel for spiritual warfare.

Oh, how backwards our society has it!

Anyway, here are just some of the highlights from my notes. Should be just enough to wet your appetite and click on that link to go listen to it.

The Old Testament book of Malachi highlights the restoration of families above all other areas of restoration in society.

The restoration of the family is the key factor to the restoration of society and the restoration of Fatherhood should be the foundation of mature ministry.

Divorce is killing both the Church's testimony and fruitfulness (ouch!)

True ministry and authority in God's house begins with men functioning and carrying the heart of and as fathers.

Whoever influences our children influences our nation (Media and public schools are constantly battling to control our children!)

God entrusted dominion to Adam and Eve as a family unit.

According to the statistics of the children who grow up in churches and then go away to college, our churches are currently feeder systems into humanism and wrong religions. (More 18-22 "Christians" joined the Muslim "faith" after 9/11!) (double ouch)

Families and ministries that permit men to neglect their responsibilities to their children (and even those to single mothers) and lack the Father's heart are greatly ineffective in releasing the kingdom of God as it is in Heaven.

The family unit is an independent, powerful kingdom cell.

Build your family in faith, not in fear that causes you to overwork and become anxious. (hmm)

We can't just ignore the issues and "just" provide for our children.

Is your appettite wet yet? Ok, good! Go listen to that message with your husband and pray! :)

Have you listened to the message? What was your favorite part? If not, did any of the above points "hit home?" How/Why?

a day with children in the prayer room

Growing up in a culture of prayer is one of our family's top priorities. We believe in the power of prayer and value it for all its worth. One of the plus sides of walking with a House of Prayer is the training available to our children on prayer. Although I am an incredible supporter of families being the primary source of spiritual training and discipline for children, I am so grateful for every resource available to us through our spiritual community and love taking advantage of each and every one of them.

So today Daniella, Aaliya and myself took a trip to the prayer room for our children's prayer watch held 10a-noon. I have to admit that this was our first time attending. I've sporadically attended, but there's always something that stands in the way of us coming (dare I say, it's comfort... yikes!) but today as absolutely exhausted and unkempt as I felt (and looked!) we went and we pressed through.

And you know what?

The Spirit of God was hovering over that place. Even though it was children leading worship (older children of course) and even though there was an off-note pitch and ocassional mispronounced word in every song, how sweet the spirit that dwelt there! All our children worshipped unashamedly before the throne of grace and even Daniella danced and partook in the sweet joy found in that place.
Out of the mouth of nursing babes, He has truly ordained praise! I encourage and exhort you mamas to praise and adore Jesus right alongside your children. Our home has been such a sweet haven of obedience and truth all day long and I believe it's partly because both girls began their day (for the most part) with the Presence of Jesus. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit and train Daniella in the art of intercession today as the other children prayed, declared Scripture and thanked Jesus for all He has and will do!

There is no sweeter sound than to hear my children call upon Jesus. My favorite part was hearing Daniella pray for sweet baby Avery and declare his healing and wholeness. What a beautiful intercessors my little girls are!

What are some resources you take advantage of in your spiritual community and how do you interlope them with your home devotions and teachings?

Titus 2 Mom's Ministry

The house is a mess. Kids are asleep. Mama's got laundry, dishes and sweeping to do before bed. Mama's also got to spend some time with Jesus to replenish her spirit-man.

As mamas, our lives are often filled with dirty diapers, dirty laundry and seriously messy houses. As followers of Christ and mamas, our main goal becomes to raise up and train up our children in the way of the LORD. We are to cultivate a culture of prayer and a heart that loves the Lord our God with all their little hearts, their little minds, their little souls and their little strength. As moms we become shepherds.

But, how do we do that? The Word is saturated with instructions for Mommies & Daddies that lead us in how to be diligent in child-rearing and family ministry. But, my all-time favorite is this...

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored." -Titus 2:3-5

There is so much to learn from this rich text. So, this is why the Orlando House of Prayer has started a Mommy's ministry that will be devoted to studying and digging deep into this passage of Scripture as a group of us mommies learn what it means to "love our husbands, love our children, be sensible, pure and workers at home" (etc).

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this group of women coming together to fellowship in the Word together and to exhort one another in this very hidden and very rewarding ministry called Mommyhood. I believe it is so needed and so very neglected often.

OHOP's Titus 2 Mom's Ministry is a fruit of prayers from many mommies within our Church that desire to seek God and to glorify Him in our roles as mommies and wives. And what a beautiful heart that is. What a beautiful desire, and how much it pleases God!

We will be meeting at our missions base's director's home this Sunday at 7p. If you roll in Orlando or in the nearby area, I highly encourage you to come. :)

For more info email titus2moms@orlandohop.org