Reaching Potential

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Romans 4:8-9

I have never been a person that has had very high self confidence. I think that has hindered me from reaching my full potential. Instead of thinking how awesome I was at something I always thought (and still do) that I should be better. I am completely shocked with myself that I have started a photography business, sew and sell those clothes on etsy, and write this blog. I would have never envisioned putting myself out there like that. I still have the self doubts in all that I do, but I feel that I am slowing gaining the confidence I need to continue to do this.

Helping other's reach their full potential is something that I believe will make a world of difference in someones life. Just like Romans 4:8-9 says, if ANYTHING is excellent of praiseworthy, think of those things. If you have a friend struggling right now and you see one tiny thing that is excellent or praiseworthy, let them know. If a friend is trying something new and wants your input, encourage them.

I got an email just the other day from a person that I met right after we moved back to Texas. She works with my husband but is an excellent photographer on the side. She wrote just to say hi and tell me that I have really grown as a photographer. That email couldn't have come at a better time. I was sitting in my chair editing photos and feeling very uninspired. That email gave me the confidence I needed to snap out of the lull that I was in and make those photos look beautiful. That short email has helped me in my journey of reaching my full potential as a photographer.

Helping someone else reach their potential, just might help you too. Encourage someone today as God has designed us to.

I am not just a....

I am so much more!

There are different kind of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the sam Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kind of tongues. All these are the work of one and the sam Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

I don't know about your ladies, but most days I feel just a mom. Someone who feeds kids 3 meals a day, a husband 1 meal a day. Someone who does the dishes, laundry, picks up toys, changes diapers, and so on and so on.

But this verse is so comforting to me because it tells me that God is working through me in a specific way that he has determined for me. If my calling is to be a mom and minister to my kids and my kids friends and their families, then that is what I will try to do. If God wants to use my photography or sewing to minister, than I am all for it.

In the midst of tantrum throwing, whining, begging and all the works that a 3 & 1 year old can dish out it is hard to remember that I am not just a mommy. In the eyes of God (and probably others!) I am more than that.

Have a great weekend!

JAMES 1:19-20

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

That verse just slapped me in the face. 2 days ago when I talked about my ministry and where I want to see victory I said that my family was where I wanted to see it. So, how can I so that if I don't obey these two verses?

A break down of this verse as I act towards my kids:

I am slow and impatient to listen, quick to count to three, quick to get frustrated and irritated.

I think God knew that I needed a gut check on this subject this morning because I am thinking about all the times that I am NOT quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Just yesterday a few times come to mind. I want to show my kids the righteous life that God desires. I need to teach them patience through having patience with them.

This is such a difficult thing to do, but God has instructed us to be this way in all our relationships.

Next time you are about to lose it try to remember this verse.

WOW GOD WEDNESDAY

If I am going to stick to my gun and be extremely honest on this blog, then I have to say I don't really have a WOW God moment to give you.

Now, that doesn't mean that life is terrible in the Van Reet household. My kids and I had a really fun day today that wore me out, my hubby still has a job, life is still good. Truthfully, I am just run down. Exhausted. Stressed. Tired. Needing a break. Sometimes Irritated. Have a headache. Pooped out.

If I wake up in the morning and I am full of life and energy and can get through the day without wanting to pull my hair out, then I will rewrite this post and give you a WOW God moment. So, I think that is what I will pray for tonight.

Today is one of those days that I would love to mooch off of you and your good mood and energy and faith, so please share how God has wowed you in the last week!

VICTORY & MINISTRY

A few post ago I talked about “deep water.” About how when you are in your deepest water you have more opportunities to experience God’s miracles. This kind of goes along with it.....kind of.

“The area of sensitivity and tenderness in your life is probably the area where God wants you to experience the most victory. Where He wants the biggest ministry to come from your life.”

That is what my notes said in my notebook. As I have said before, my kids are my everything. I am most certain yours are too. I feel that right now my sensitivity and tenderness is focused on my family. I want the best for my family. I want my victory in my family. I want people to look at me and know that my devotion is my family and my God.

All that being said, I feel that God is calling me to minister to my kids and to my husband. I have taken on that calling with all I have and with help God, I believe that I have started that ministry. My husband has seen a change in me and asked me where this change came from. My patience with my kids has increased (ever so slightly, but still). My happiness is happier.

Where is your ministry?