Category: Faith

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Faith Journey-Day 20

Day 20- Rest for Your Body and Soul

I am so grateful that my hubby, Ron, shared his call and heart for the Deaf with us yesterday. Most importantly his call to disciple our boys in voice and Sign Language. I wouldn’t want to do this crazy life God has called us to with anyone else. He’s my spiritual hero, best friend, amazing preacher/teacher, godly dad, and makes me laugh ALL-the-time! Okay y’all …I’m done gushing on my love.

I hope that Psalm 37:3-7 was an encouragement to you. Our hearts’ desires will become the same as Jesus if we continue to actively pursue His call for our lives…

I was now immersed in Deaf Ministry and learning to interpret. By the time my interpreting mentor (Chip) parted, I was able to make it all the way through a sermon. I had come a LONG way from the previous six months. But, the struggle was real…mistakes, mess-ups, and mishaps.

One Sunday our pastor was sharing a story about his sister and her doll. As I’m interpreting, I notice the Deaf start chuckling to themselves. You have to understand, this group of Deaf were so loving and tender in their corrections with my signing. So, I was a little shaken. It was not a funny story. I was puzzled.

After service, still chuckling, the Deaf explained that I had confused the sign for “doll” with the sign for “a male body part.” WELL…that’s embarrassing! Those of you that sign…you know exactly what I’m talking about. I must have turned 30 different shades of red.

Obviously, I needed more preparation in my signing and interpreting skills. So, I enrolled in a local Interpreter Training Program through a community college.

During this time. Ryan was doing so well. He was becoming more expressive with his sign skills and was beginning to produce discernible speech. Landon was three and all boy. He was quite the signing machine as well.

I had started teaching Landon Sign Language at age four months. He produced his first sign at age 8 months. That coupled with Ron’s developing sign skills, we were becoming a signing family. I believe it’s this attribute that endeared us to our Deaf church family. Back when we were making the decision to sign or not to sign, we had NO idea what The Lord was calling us to.  We are so thankful for His sovereignty and leading.

While busy, we were in a season of rest…much needed rest.

 

  • Read Matthew 7:24-27

In your own words, what do these verses mean to you?

 

What happened to the houses?

 

To build is a verb. It’s an action. On this Faith Journey we have been building a firm foundation of faith. When (not if) the storms and rains of life come, we can draw on the strength of our faith “built up” in us through Christ.

  • Read Matthew 11:28-30

Who is Jesus calling to Himself? Why?

 

What does Jesus ask us to take?

 

After seasons of “building” our faith foundation through various trials, pain and trying circumstances, we need rest. We need rest for our souls not just our bodies.  Our spirit man can become weary just like our physical bodies become weary. Jesus invites us to take up His yoke. His yoke is a double yoke. Meaning Jesus helps carry our burdens making the load lighter as we go… learning from His gentle, humble heart.

What season are you in right now?

 

Pray–You can ask The Lord for rest. He invites you to come to Him with your burdens. After the heavy building of our faith foundation, we need His rest for our body and soul.

Praying your yoke will be lighter on your Faith Journey today. Let Jesus help you carry it.

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 19

Day 19- The Desires of Our Heart

On Day 18, Dr. Packer dropped some truth on us and we took a look at Joseph’s life from Genesis. God’s equipping for our call to ministry does not come easily. Does that mean because it’s hard, we give up? No, it does not…we press on.

Over the last couple of days, I shared how God was working in my life to call me into Sign Interpreting to the Deaf. At the same time, God was doing a work in Ron’s life as well. I have asked him to share his call with you today. Now, here’s Ron…

As Christa shared, I felt called into full-time ministry but had no idea what that call might be. Everyday, I would attend seminary classes to  learn theology and evangelism strategies. I had a friend that was in class with me named Marty. He was studying the Mandarin Chinese language to become a missionary in Southeast Asia. He was a country boy with a heavy Georgia accent. So, to hear him attempt Mandarin was amusing at times.

One day, Marty said, “man, I’m working so hard to learn Mandarin so I can share the gospel on the mission field… And it made me think of how hard it must be for you to be learning Sign Language so you can share the gospel with your son.”

That statement was a dagger of conviction through my heart. While Christa was picking up Sign Language at an exponential rate and so was Ryan. I had fallen into complacency. I knew enough to get by and have basic conversations with Ryan. But, I knew that I was not equipped to share the gospel, or share the Bible with Ryan.

In that moment, I realized that it wouldn’t matter if I reached the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. If I could not share the gospel with my own son in his heart language of ASL, I was a failure.

I repented of my complacency and asked Christa to teach me more Sign Language. I began to grow in  my sign skills through conversations with the Deaf at our church. It was not long before I stepped way out of my comfort zone and started teaching the Deaf Bible Study on Sunday mornings.

It was during this time, I was doing some research regarding the Deaf.  I learned that only 2% of the Deaf in North America are born again believers in Jesus Christ. I, also, learned that 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents. My burden for the Deaf was growing. This was the beginning of God unveiling His call upon my life, which would include ministry with the Deaf .

Most importantly, I was being equipped to disciple and lead both of my sons to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. The days I baptized Ryan (us both using sign language), and then baptized Landon (both using our voices) are two of the most deeply profound God-moments of my life.

 

  • Read Psalm 37:3-7

What three things are we to do in verse 3?

 

If you delight in The Lord…what will He give you?

 

Write out verse 5:

 

(Hi, Christa again.) It was difficult to watch Ron struggle during this season of God’s call on his life. He was so burdened by his daily schedule of seminary, work, and balancing family. Adding in-depth Sign Language class to his list was quite overwhelming. Ron persevered, and God gave him the desire of his heart…to take the lead in actively discipling our sons in voice and Sign.

God longs to give us the desires of our heart…He’s our Abba, Daddy. But, our heart’s desires must begin to resemble His heart. Many want to take this verse out of context. God will not honor requests born out of selfishness, pride, or vain conceit. When our hearts begin to become enmeshed with His, then and only then do the desires of our heart become Christ-like. Hence, He will give us the desires of our heart…to know Him and make Him known.

Any time our hearts’ desire becomes others focused and not self focused, we are beginning to look and act more like Daddy each day. God will call you to ministries that are others focused. Why?! So that His gospel goes forth. We were created to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Pray and ask Jesus to show you areas of your life that need to look more like Him. Beg Him for a heart that loves others like He does. The EGR’s (Extra Grace Required) in your life need you too. Let’s be honest, it’s gonna take Jesus working in us to love them, right?! 🙂

Keep up the good work! The Lord is gonna use you in powerful ways. Praying you feel His mighty hand leading you today.

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 18

Day 18- Nothing Worth Having Comes Easily

Yesterday, we delved into the “how” of our callings. God will use others in our lives to confirm and encourage our call to ministry. Throughout our Faith Journey together we have explored many aspects of endurance and sanctification. The process, while often painful, is used by our Creator God to make us better able to minister in ways we could not fathom without it.

In his book “Knowing God,” by J.I. Packer, he says:

“…for the same wisdom that ordered the paths which God’s saints trod in Bible times orders the Christian’s life today. We should not, therefore, be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and he is dealing with us accordingly.

Perhaps he means to strengthen us in patience, good humor, compassion, humility or meekness, by giving us some extra practice in exercising these graces under especially difficult conditions. Perhaps he has new lessons in self-denial and self-distrust to teach us. Perhaps he wishes to break us of complacency, or unreality, or undetected forms of pride or conceit. Perhaps his purpose is simply to draw us closer to himself in conscious communion with him; for it is often the case, as all the saints know, that fellowship with the Father and the Son is most vivid and sweet, and Christian joy is greatest, when the cross is heaviest. Or perhaps God is preparing us for forms of service of which at present we have no inkling.”

Drop the mic!!! Thank you, Dr. Packer. We are perpetually a work in progress; every aspect of our lives.

I shared on Day 17 that Pastor Ken asked me to join the Deaf Ministry Interpreting Team. As I explained , I really did have to pray about it. One, that’s what we should do before entering into service and I was scared to death… stall tactic. And two, His encouragement about my limited sign ability took me by surprise and, did I mention, I was scared to death. He saw something in me that I was completely oblivious to.

With fear and trepidation, I stepped through the cracked door to learn how to interpret music. Thankfully, there were so many wonderful people to help me along the way. When it was my week to interpret the music, I would work for HOURS and HOURS to translate and practice. The Deaf members were encouraging and corrected me with love along the way. It was quite a difficult and humbling experience to say the least.

About a year into my “music interpreting training,” Ron and I saw a friend of ours, Chip, after a church service one Sunday. Chip was a student at Southeastern. He occasionally filled in and interpreted the sermons when he was in town. Chip was preparing to become a Pastor to the Deaf. He was hearing but both of his parents were Deaf. He was a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult). This particular Sunday, he asked to talk to Ron and I. He said…

” Christa, you are extremely gifted in interpreting music but I think it’s time for you to get out of the boat. You need to be interpreting more than just music. I will be here for six more months before I leave to pastor a Deaf Church. The Lord wants me to train you to interpret sermons.”

What?! Completely out of left field! Dumbfounded…I prayed about it. With even GREATER fear and trepidation…I said “yes.”

Chip gave me homework and for the first two weeks of my training, I watched him interpret and took notes. We would meet (Chip, Ron, and myself)  after each service to debrief.

Poor Chip, he had no idea what he had gotten himself into. Finally, it was my turn to interpret a sermon. Chip would sit on the first row and “feed” me signs when he saw I was stuck. That first Sunday, I lasted a whole thirty seconds before I made Chip trade with me and take over. It was horrible! I was horrible!

After service, I quit…but Chip would not let me off the hook that easy and neither would Ron or our Deaf members. Looking back, I’m thankful they did not give up on me but this was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I questioned The Lord at every step. I felt so inadequate.

“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

  • Read Genesis 45

What does Joseph tell his brothers in verse 5?

 

In verses 7 and 8, who does Joseph say sent him to Egypt?

 

A little background on Joseph. He was the youngest child and quite spoiled and full of himself. Scripture tell us that Joseph was his father’s favorite. And what’s worse, his brothers knew it and resented Joseph for it. At age seventeen, Joseph lacked self-control and wisdom. He tattled on his brothers to dad. He had a dream about his brothers bowing down to him…AND shared that dream with them. What was he thinking?!

Ultimately, the brothers were fed up and plotted to sell Joseph into slavery. They lied and told their father he was killed. Fast forward many years in Joseph’s life; he had some horrible things happen. He was a slave and put in prison, but He continued to wait patiently on The Lord.

That brings us back to the theme of redemption in Chapter 45.  God had an amazing work to do in and through Joseph’s life. But, Joseph needed some refining and sanctification before he could minister to his family and forgive his brother’s. His life was not easy…but he understood God’s purpose clearly. “God sent me here before you…It was not you who sent me here, but God…” Genesis 45:7-8

Our callings don’t come easily. Out of misery comes ministry. Don’t give up…persevere! Find joy in the journey.

Pray boldly today for resolve and determination like Joseph. Exhibit indomitable trust in the One who is equipping you. I love the last part of Dr. Packer’s statement, “perhaps God is preparing us for forms of service of which at present we have no inkling.” 

Praying for you my faith sister! Walk boldly in His confidence!

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 17

Day 17- The Power of Encouragement

On Day 16, we took a look at King David’s call or anointing as King of Israel. However, David did not actually take the throne until some 15 years AFTER his anointing. Why so long, you may ask?! Because the Master Dot-Connector was orchestrating His perfect timing. He was also doing some “faith construction” in David’s life in preparation for his rule.

All of us have experienced seasons of preparation in our lives. Times where The Lord was doing a work IN us…so that we could walk into our calling…our ministry. Our active participation is necessary in this process. Often, God will use others along our Faith Journey to speak truth and confirm His call on our lives.

At this point in the Smith family Faith Journey, we had said “good-bye” to everything familiar and moved to North Carolina for Ron to attend Southeastern Seminary. We lived in seminary housing and were surrounded by some amazing people who were called to full-time ministry as well. Some were headed on the mission field. Others were training to become pastors and church leaders. They seemed so sure of their call. Each of them shared testimony of how God had confirmed and defined their call along the way. With out exception, The Lord used other people to speak His truth into their lives.

Once we were settled in, we began to search for a new church home. Our search for a new church home had two requirements. First, we wanted a Deaf Ministry for Ryan. Second, we wanted to be involved in a church that was gospel and missions focused (locally and internationally). The Holy Spirit led us to a church plant that met in the local middle school gym. The amount of intentional effort it took to “do church” was pretty amazing.

Up to this point, I only knew enough Sign Language to communicate with Ryan. It was way out of my comfort zone to communicate with Deaf adults. For Ryan’s sake, I was willing to try. This Deaf Ministry was comprised of an amazing group of very patient and loving people that took our whole family under their wing.

Our Deaf Ministry had a sign choir. They invited me to join. It was comprised of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, interpreters, and a few hearing people that had some sign skills. For those that have never seen one,  A sign choir works in unison as a choir to sign music. So, instead of using our voices, we used our hands to interpret the meaning of the song in Sign Language. I was in way over my head, but I loved it and was learning a lot.

The lead interpreter and our church worship leader, Pastor Ken, showed up for practice the evening before our sign choir was set to sign in church. After a few corrections and run throughs, Pastor Ken approved for us to lead worship on Sunday.

After practice, Pastor Ken, told me he was impressed with my intuitive “sign touch” and emotion. He explained that those things could not be taught, they were something you had or didn’t. I was completely clueless about all that. I was simply learning Sign Language for our Ryan. I was just a signing mamma, enjoying time with my new friends in sign choir. Well, So I thought…

He went on to ask if I would be interested in joining the Deaf Ministry interpreting team to lead music during the worship services. I was quite taken back. Honestly, I thought Pastor Ken was going to politely kick me out of the sign choir because I was horrible.  So, still being in shock…I agreed to pray about it.

  • Read 2 Timothy 1: 1-7

What did Paul acknowledge as Timothy’s strength or attribute?

 

In verse 6 and 7,  what does Paul remind Timothy?

 

Paul regularly called Timothy his son. He was Timothy’s spiritual father. Timothy’s discipleship started in his home with his mother and grandmother. Paul continued that discipleship and helped him to grow up into his call. In The Lord’s time and with Paul’s blessing, Timothy was put in charge of the church in Ephesus.

  • Read 1 Timothy 4: 11-13

What was Paul’s encouragement to Timothy?

 

Paul had just laid out some heavy instructions to Timothy for the church in Ephesus in chapters 1-4. So, Paul needed to remind Timothy that he was capable and take away any excuse he might entertain including his youthfulness. Paul often reminded Timothy of his call, his giftedness through the Holy Spirit, and that fear is not from the Lord (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

God calls us to serve Him in ways that are beyond us. Not in our own ability. It’s the power of His working in and through us. So that, He receives all honor and glory. There is a saying based on Hebrew 13:20-21, ” God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.”

“Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ…” Hebrews 13:20-21

Pray that The Lord will encourage you in your call.. your ministry. Maybe you need to be an encouragement to someone else in their call. The Master Dot-Connecter places people in our lives for a reason. As we have learned in our Faith Journey…NOTHING happens by chance. Be encouraged and be an encouragement to someone else.

Praying for each of you as you step into your calling. Step up…and step out for His glory!

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 16

Day 16- Transition is Never Easy

Yesterday, I shared about the initial “call to ministry” for Ron and our family of four. We were sure of His call…but that was about it.

This Faith Journey has been focused on many aspects of God’s character, and learning to trust His character developing in us. The fruit of peace is a huge part of that “growing in Christ” process. His peace is ongoing…it’s confirming…it’s comforting. When everything else swirls around us…He is our peace.

My journal entry from March 12th, 2001:

“I am writing this entry from the Manor House at Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. My emotions are overflowing as I think about how God has been preparing us for this new journey. We are overwhelmed and overcome by His faithfulness and grace. Our Admissions counselor has two deaf children, both with cochlear implants, just like our Ryan–I am in awe of the ways God is confirming His call.

To even contemplate that NC might be our new home is something I never thought I’d accept without kicking and screaming. But–He has given me such a peace…His peace…about His provision.

Florida is the only home I’ve ever known. I guess this proves that home really is where your heart is. Right now, my heart wants to seek and follow Him–even if that means leaving comfort in the pursuit of the unknown, by faith.”

  • Read 1 Samuel 16

Here we see our Samuel (Hannah’s son) taking on an important task for The Lord. What was his task?

 

In verse 7, what does The Lord warn Samuel about? What does He look at?

 

Jesse brought out all of his sons before Samuel, except the youngest. The older brothers were bigger and stronger. It would seem logical from a worldly perspective to choose one of them. But, the Lord wanted someone with a heart for Him.

  • Read 1 Samuel 15:10-11

 

What does God regret?

 

The Greek word  for ‘regret’ is nichamti, which  mean to have deep sorrow.  God was not confessing a wrong of His own, but was instead expressing His deep regret or sorrow for King Saul’s blatant sin of disobedience.

King Saul was a disappointment. Saul’s actions did not take God by surprise, but they did grieve his heart. So, the next choice for the role of King would be someone whose heart and mind would be for the Lord God Almighty.

There where approximately 15 years between David’s anointing and the time he actually took the throne. God had a work of preparation to do in David’s life before he would be ready to rule Israel. His life was filled with trails, anguish, and fear. But, The Lord was faithful to be everything David needed, exactly when he needed it. When David’s life was in turmoil, The Lord became his peace. David and His God establishing a deep faith relationship that we see played out through most of the Psalms.

You and I must learn to wait on The Lord and not get ahead of Him. Don’t be so eager to get to the “good stuff” of ministry that you try to miss the journey of preparation. God has appointed a season of preparation in each of our lives. While in your season of preparation, don’t sit idle and wait. Be actively involved in the process. Earlier in our devotional  journey together, we discussed having an active faith…it’s so important. If you are gifted to teach…teach. If you are gifted with hospitality…serve. If you are gifted with mercy…show mercy.

God had called Ron and I to something. What?! We had no idea. Similar to David, we were in a season of preparation filled with joy, impatience, sifting, and apprehension. But, In the midst of our preparation, God called us to serve along-side a church family that He would to use profoundly in our lives while Ron was in seminary.

God will use everything in your life as preparation for your calling. Your kiddos are preparation… your marriage is preparation… your church service is preparation… the mundane is preparation… even your trials and pain are preparation. (Remember 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Pray and ask The Lord to help you see each “hat” you wear as His preparation for your calling. If you are born-again, you are called and you have a ministry. So, what is God preparing you for?…Not sure yet? That’s okay. Take  joy in the journey.

Praying for you to walk in His calling today!

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 15

Day 15- The Call

On Day 14, we met Hannah. I know some of you were, already, familiar with Hannah’s amazing story of faith and sacrifice. Each of us need reminders from scripture of ordinary people who were able to do extraordinary things because they had the faith to.

In my own Faith Journey, I shared that we had just found out I was prego with baby number two. I had such a mixture of emotions. I was excited but scared at the same time. The Lord had carried me so far in my relationship with Him. If He called me to be mom to two special needs children, I knew He would equip me. But…I did not want to.

Ryan gave us so much joy. But, I have to be honest, I didn’t really get to “enjoy” him as an infant. I was always so worried about him. My days were filled running to and from specialist appointments. I didn’t get to just “be” with him. I longed for that.

On January 18th, 2000, Landon Garrett Smith bellowed into our lives. He was so loud.. and fat… and healthy. Ron and I had a silent sigh of relief when he passed his hearing test. I truly got to lavish on Landon all the mommy moments I wish I had gotten with Ryan. But, God in His loving kindness allowed me to have Landon at a time where Ryan was doing really well. He was communicating through Sign Language; putting sentences together and beginning to read. He had, also,  started walking on his own…Praise The Lord. I loved being a mom to these two boys.

Ryan was now a big brother (age 4) and took his responsibility very seriously…for a while. I have to chuckle because Landon’s “loudness” was quite irritating to our Deaf son. There were many times over the years that Ryan tried to sell his little brother or get others to adopt him.

During this time Ron had begun teaching a college and career Sunday School class. He was loving it. I had started teaching a single ladies Bible study. We were both growing in our faith walk individually and together.

About a year later, Ron sat me down for a serious talk. He said, “I feel like God is calling me out of corporate life and into full-time ministry. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like but I felt that you and I should pray about that together.” My response…” what took you so long? God’s been telling me that about you for a while now. I just thought it was best to let the Holy Spirit nag you and not me.”

After meeting with our pastor and sharing with our families, we were presented before the church for prayer as we started this journey into preparing for full-time ministry. The hardest decision had been made. We said “Yes” to His calling …where ever, whenever, however. But, I discovered, it’s the little stuff that was bogging me down and stressing me out…

  • Read Matthew 6:25-34

 

What is Jesus teaching against in these verses?

 

Write verse 27:

 

That’s truth! What good is worrying?! Not one little bit! Easier said than done…

Where would we live? How would we make it financially? Where was Ryan going to attend school? Will our house sell? AND etc…my list was very long! Without fail, Jesus worked out every last detail and eased any worry that I allowed to enter my thought life.

We have to learn to leave the details up to Jesus. He is a detailed God who has ordained every second of everyday…if we allow. Worry and anxiety can be crippling. That’s why Jesus addressed it. That’s why I felt The Lord calling me to write about it in various ways.

My motto became, “You called us…You take care of us.” I wrote that at the top of many journal entries during our time at seminary.

Pray about the people or situations that are causing worry and anxiety in your life. Remember, if Jesus takes care of the lilies, grass of the field,  and the birds…How much more will He care for you, Dear One?

Praying for you. Each day in His Word draws us closer to His side and stronger in our faith.

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 14

Day 14-  Faith Like Hannah

Throughout my momma journey with Ryan, I had one lady that spoke truth, love, and faith into my life. She would often tell me that God would use the pain for His purposes. She didn’t know how but she was sure He would. I believed her. She was the kind of person that just lived her faith out loud. She knew God’s Word. She was contagious and inspiring. When I grew up, spiritually, I wanted to be just like her.

At age 3 and 1/2, Our Ryan continued to learn sign and was on his way to walking independently without his walker. And…to our excitement and apprehension, I was pregnant with our second child. I began to pray differently over child number 2. I begged The Lord for strength and courage if our second child was born with health issues. I prayed this baby would be born healthy, but if not…I would choose to trust Him.

In the coming days we will meet two Old Testament women. Both extremely conflicted by their circumstances. Both with strong internal resolve to trust God with the kind of faith that is awe-inspiring. The kind of faith we should all aspire to and pray for.

Today, let’s meet Hannah. Hannah’s story is seen in 1 Samuel Chapters 1 and 2.  Please take time today to read her story in full. For our time together, please read Chapter 1 verses 11-12 and 19-27.

Elkanah had two wives; Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah was barren and Peninnah had many children. This greatly distressed Hannah. What made it worse was that Peninnah was a bully. She teased and provoked Hannah relentlessly about her inability to have her own children. You can be sure Peninnah was an EGR (Extra Grace Required) in Hannah’s life.

In verses 11 and 12, Hannah is in the temple praying and begging God to give her a son. She made two promises to The Lord in return.

Write down Hannah’s promises to The Lord:

1.

2.

The Lord heard Hannah’s cry and she became pregnant. When she had weaned Samuel, she gave him back to The Lord.

Now, in my mind, giving our children “back to The Lord,” means dedicating them. Promising to teach them about God and His Word. Nope, not Hannah! She literally gave her son to the priest, Eli, to raise in the temple.

That’s indomitable faith! My word-smith hubby shared this word with me and I love it! ( Indomitable adj.-impossible to subdue or defeat)

Who has been a godly inspiration in your life? Why?

 

Read Hannah’s Prayer 1 Samuel 2:1-10:

This is a beautiful prayer of praise acknowledging God’s sovereignty and omniscience. Hannah had no idea how her indomitable faith would impact the kingdom of God. Her son, Samuel, was God’s chosen prophet to Israel. He would later anoint David as king…Jesus is from the lineage of David. Impressive!

Here’s the cool blessings, six fold, that came from Hannah’s faith—Eli, the priest, had two sons of his own that were horrible and didn’t want anything to do with God. Bad parenting or willful rebellion, scripture doesn’t really say. Anyway…by Hannah giving Samuel back to The Lord, Eli got the blessing of raising a child who loved and honored Yahweh. Hannah visited Samuel every year at the temple. Eli blessed Hannah and asked God to bless her with more children. He did…she had 5 more.

On our Faith Journey, we have been learning to trust God’s sovereignty and character one-step-at-a-time. We may have no idea this side of eternity how our faith walk influenced others. But, God does. He takes our feeble attempts at faith and makes them awe-inspiring acts that honor his name and impact others in ways we cannot fathom.

We all need to be reminded that our lives matter to our Creator God. He did not forget Hannah and he will not forget us. He sees us…He knows us…He love us…He has BIG plans for us.

Pray and ask The Lord for faith that moves mountains today. Thank someone who has inspired you throughout your faith walk. Now, go be an inspiration to someone else.

I’m praying for you. Like Hannah, God’s got amazing things in store for you. Dream big and be indomitable in your faith walk today.

“Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matt. 17:20

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 13

Day 13- Are You Sure About That?!

Making faith decisions that are unpopular are hard. Yesterday, we learned that our God cannot be confined to cultural or even expert opinions.

But what about our own mental blocks on our Faith Journey? What about the times we were so certain that our way was right, we convinced ourselves that it must be God’s plan?

I shared in Day 9 how we became connected to “The Parent Infant Hearing Impaired Program.” I had built such a strong relationship with the Deaf Education teacher, Kathy, that came to our home 3 times a week to teach Ryan and I Sign Language.

This program is for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children ages birth through three. Well, Ryan was now three years old. That meant we had to begin to navigate the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process. An IEP was for all students that needed specialized learning exceptions within the school system. Kathy prepared me as best she could for our pending IEP meeting and gave me information to read about being your child’s advocate.

I had the option to keep Ryan at home and continue with Kathy or enroll him in a pre-K class especially for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. I was warned by Kathy that the IEP team (who didn’t even know my Ryan) would be giving their expert opinions on why it would be best to enroll Ryan in pre-K early instead of continuing to teach him at home.

WELL…I was having none of that. Expert opinions???!!They were NOT experts about my child. Ryan was too young to go to school. He needed me. He was still using his walker. Yep! I was prepared for this IEP meeting and ready to stand my ground!

The day of the meeting, I took an 8 x 10 picture of Ryan and placed it in the center of the table. I said, “if we are going to be discussing, based on your expert opinions, what’s best for Ryan Caleb Smith; I wanted you to have a visual image of him.” They were taken a back somewhat but continued on with their agenda. I stated my position of continuing education at home until Ryan was older. I stood my ground and they finally relented. Victory! Must be God’s plan, right?!

The teacher of the pre-K and kindergarten Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing class made her way around the table to me as the others were finishing paperwork. Her name was Katie. She said she fully supported my decision and understood completely. She did make an offer for Ryan and I to visit her classroom for summer school. She explained that it would be a great opportunity for Ryan to socialize with other hearing impaired children who signed.

That was a reasonable offer, I thought. It might be good for Ryan to be around other kids that were able to sign with him. A couple of weeks later, I packed Ryan and I lunch and we headed off to summer school together.

I was blown away by Katie, her assistant (Sandy), and these amazing children. Katie was a human, signing “Barney.” She was animated with her signs and facial expressions. She kept the kids attention during story and calendar time. Ryan was mesmerized by her and so was I. We had a wonderful time.

I decided we would go back to summer school the next day…together. I was treating it kind of like a “mommy and me” date. However, Ryan had other plans. We opened the classroom door, Ryan rolled in with his walker, signed “I Love You, Bye-Bye,” and shut the door in my face.

Ms. Sandy quickly opened the door and saw my stunned expression and gave me a hug. “He’ll be fine…why don’t you come back in an hour. If we need you, we’ll call you,”  she chuckled and shut the door. So, still a little stunned and hurt, quite frankly. I left Ryan at school.

When I returned to pick him up, Ryan did not want to leave. He signed, “school, tomorrow…yes.” Well…that was that! Much to my shock and against what I just knew was best…I swallowed my pride, contacted the IEP lead, and enrolled Ryan in school at age 3.

Ron and I had a good laugh about the school incident over dinner that night. We both realized that parenting Ryan was going to be a long string of situations where God was going to have to re-direct us.

Ryan thrived under the teaching of Ms. Katie and Ms. Sandy. I did too. They taught me so much. I am so grateful the Master Dot-Connector was still actively leading us to the right people to accomplish his plan in our lives.

 

  • Read Ephesians 3:14-21

In the midst of trials, what does Paul pray that we will comprehend?

 

  • Write out verse 20 and 21:

 

 

What is The Lord able to do in and through your life?

 

 

“…abundantly beyond what we ask or think according to His power that works within us.”

Be open to His change of direction in your life. Be willing to release what you thought was good in exchange for His best. I would have missed a huge blessing in mine and Ryan’s life if I had continued to be dogmatic with my idea of right.

I wonder how many blessings we miss because of pride…refusal to change or admit we were wrong? Change is inevitable. Let God be the Way-Changer in your life. Don’t get so stuck on your idea of good, that you miss God’s best.

Pray for boldness to set aside pride and humble yourself when needed. Be open to His change of direction. You won’t be disappointed.

Lifting you up before the throne today. Onward, sister!

**If you would like to comment on this post or others (on my website publicly) please use the “Comment” box. If you would like to contact me privately, use the “Message” box. **

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 12

Day 12- Unpopular Decisions

On Day 11 we took a little Faith Journey detour. We had just dropped out youngest off at college and I felt led by the Holy Spirit to share my thoughts and heart on that emotional milestone.

Back on the road. Today, we will learn that God does not always work within the confines of cultural or worldly expertise. He’s God. He has a plan. Many times His plan means having the courage to step-out in faith in the midst of unpopular decisions that go against cultural or expert opinions.

Ryan was progressing well. He was able to communicate his basic wants and needs through Sign Language and was getting around in his walker with speed, but not necessarily with accuracy. Our poor walls and furniture took quite a beating.

Simultaneously (for almost a year), we had been testing various kinds of hearing aids. To our dismay, none worked. Ryan did, however, learn that if you take them off and throw them across the room…mommy runs, frantically. He thought that was hilarious. Hearing aids are NOT cheap, of course, I fetched them.

I had done a lot of research and talked with his ENT about an internal hearing device called a Cochlear Implant. At that time, it was still experimental and considered a last resort. Well, we were at our last resort. The surgery, itself, was intense and there was no guarantee it would work.

I, also, discovered in my research that the Cochlear Implant was frowned upon by many in the Deaf community. The general consensus was that hearing parents were trying to “fix” their Deaf children and that the choice should be left up to the child when they were old enough to make the decision.

The problem with waiting is that the part of your brain that processes sound begins to shut down, around age 5, if it’s not stimulated. In addition, the ability to produce speech is greatly diminished as well.

As parents, we want the best for our children. It’s our responsibility to give them every opportunity at our disposal. So that, they can become whatever God has planned for them. Ron and I discussed and prayed exhaustively over this decision. We prayerfully decided to move ahead with the Cochlear Implant. Our prayer was not to “fix” Ryan’s deafness, but to open up possibilities. Then later, allow Ryan make his own decision to continue to use the Cochlear Implant or not.

So, eight weeks before Ryan’s 3rd birthday, he had surgery to receive the internal portion of his Cochlear Implant. It was a 5 hour procedure and 6 weeks of healing time. Looking back, I am so thankful Ryan had a year of Sign Language before the CI surgery. We did not miss a step in communication what-so-ever.

Six weeks later, through the miracle of technology, our Ryan heard mine and his dad’s voice for the very first time. I will never forget it…that day is forever an Ebenezer in my life.

In the weeks that followed, Ryan began “hearing therapy.” He had never heard sound before. He was very much like a new-born baby learning and processing sounds all around him. We were strongly encouraged by the speech and language specialist to discontinue Sign Language. We tried to be open-minded and set an appointment with a suggested school that specialized in speech without using Sign.

While we were in the waiting room, there was a video playing about the school and their methodology. After a few minutes, Ron and I looked at each other, shook our heads and walked out. This was not what God desired for us or for Ryan. We were not giving up the only communication Ryan had. We would work on his speech while continuing Sign Language. This method is called “total communication.” This was a significant decision for us. But, at the time, we did not realize just how important it was to our call in the not so distant future.

  • Read Isaiah 55: 8-11

Explain in your own words what these verses mean to you.

 

 

  • Read Psalm 103: 11-12

What does The Lord have toward us?

 

 

Tell about a time in your life God asked you to “go against” the cultural or expert advice you received. What happened?

 

 

When you and I have established a faithful trust walk with The Lord in our life, we are able to step-out and follow Him even when it’s not the most popular idea. His ways are higher than ours. He has great loving kindness toward us. His leading doesn’t always guide us down the easy path but it will lead us down the best path…one step closer to our calling.

**Warning**  On this note… Please understand that going “against the grain” of popular consensus  does NOT mean going against God’s Word. That’s not God’s leading, it’s the enemy’s. Do not be deceived, my friend! 

Pray for those decisions you need to make that are not popular but that you KNOW The Lord is leading you toward. Ask Him for the courage to step out in faith.

We are a little more than a third of the way in our Faith Journey together…stay with me. Jesus is worth the trek! Praying for you…

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 11

Day 11- Faith Journey…Detour

On Day 10, I shared how our Ryan was learning to walk with a pint-sized walker. I hope you saw his picture. He was just so determined…and fast! We took a look at Colossians 1:9-13. God’s desire is to “fill us up with the knowledge of His will…so that we may walk worthy of The Lord.” Walking worthy is an active faith.

Today we will take a little detour on our Faith Journey. I had saved room toward the end of this 30 day devotion for this particular entry. However, I felt led to share it real-time.

As a background for today’s entry, I wrote a post about our youngest son, Landon’s senior year of high school.  I shared how God had done amazing things in and through him despite unmet expectations. This writing will help you better understand the amazing young man Landon has become. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to read Landon’s Faith Journey this year: https://christadeann.com/family-helping-our-children-navigate-difficult-decisions/

As a continuation to Landon’s Faith Journey (and mine), this past week we dropped him off at college.

This summer, Landon and I worked together to prepare for his college departure. He and I shopped all summer for the necessary college dorm paraphernalia. We discovered it’s necessary to plan well for creative storage solutions. We talked through what might and might not work, picked out bedding, and shopped for small appliances and school supplies.

Finally, the day we had been preparing for all summer had arrived. We packed the car and head for Valdosta State University. After arrival, we worked hard to get Landon settled and organized in his new digs. When all was done, the 4 of us had a sweet time of prayer over Landon, his new home, his roommate, and his new mission field that God had called him to.

The next day, Ron, Ryan, and I finished up some last-minute shopping in Georgia while Landon was at orientation. That afternoon, we dropped his items off, hugged him, said our “good-byes,”and left without Landon.

In that moment, the daunting realization overcame me, Landon was not coming home with us…He was home. Landon’s new address was VSU, Valdosta, Georgia.

I cried off and on all the way home. I was not emotional because I thought Landon was outside of God’s will for his life. I was emotional because our role of “raising” him was done. I had the sobering realization that our roles now shift from parenting to advising. We have trained Landon up to the best of our ability with The Lord’s grace and guidance. Now it’s his turn, Landon has to be his own man and grow into the spiritual warrior God has designed him to be…apart from us. My head knows this well. However, my heart is having a hard time catching up.

For the past couple of days,  I have instinctively gone into Landon’s room to say good night…he’s not there. I have looked out the window for his truck…it’s not there. I have walked down the hall to ask what he wanted for dinner…he’s not there. It’s harder than I ever imagined. I miss him terribly.

In the blink of an eye, eighteen years of care, nurture, discipline, discipleship, love, prayer, worry, homework help, doctors appointments, orthodontist appointments, school shopping, and football games all while under the safety and security of the Smith home…are done. My role now is to pray for Landon and advise when asked. AND…keep him accountable for his grades since we are paying the bills, of course! 🙂

This is the beginning of a new season for us and for Landon. Ron and I will have to navigate without him under our roof every night. We have to place him before the altar of The Lord and trust that He will meet Landon’s every need. I trust the Only One who can because, “Thus far, The Lord has helped us.”

  • Read Deuteronomy 6:7-9

 

What are we to teach our children?

 

What does this scripture tell us about how we should teach them?

 

  • Read Proverbs 22:6

 

What do you think the phrase “train up a child in the way he should go” means?

 

 

My husband taught on Proverbs 22:6 in a way that was eye opening several years ago. He shared that this Proverb (wisdom or councel ) it is not a promise. We would like to think it is, of course. The truth is that to “train up a child in the way he should go,” means to be a learner of your child’s natural and spiritual giftedness. Understanding this, helps us to lead them toward God’s calling in their lives. When you and I are teaching The Lord’s commands in our home and becoming learners of our children; we are preparing them physically, emotionally, and spiritually for God’s work in their lives…for their callings.

We must be actively involved in the discipleship of our children. Pray with them. Have daily devotions with them. As Deuteronomy 6:7-9 instructs…as you go…teach. Take every opportunity to have conversations to raise them up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our kiddos need to see authenticy in our Faith Journey. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what we say about scripture, if we are not living out scripture. That’s faith in action…be authentic.

Sending your children off to college or out into the world to pursue their adult calling causes some serious parenting reflection. But, there comes a point where we have to let go and let God…

Pray over your children and grandchildren today. Beg The Lord, on their behalf, to fill in the gaps of your influence with His grace. Praise Him for the fruit you already see being produced in their lives.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16- 17

I am praying for all you mommas sending your babies off to school. They grow up fast. Treasure every moment. I covet your prayers as I navigate this new season in my life.

 

Landon’s new home at VSU.