So at our former church many of the women will be taking a missions trip to, hmmm, Argentina? (Can't recall where for certain, but that's not the main point anyway.)
Nearly all the women are helping with year-long fundraisers, you know, bake sales, yard sales, talent shows and other money-raising ideas as well. And I think that's great. I'm happy for those who will get to travel and share. (Remember I said that, ok?)
But as I told Tom when I discovered this information, I'm so thankful we no longer attend there. Why? Because I cringe to think of all the 'little talks' about non-cooperation I might get since-- not only do I not wish to go to Argentina-- I'd not be in on the fundraisers, either.
Years past, I had a few of those little talks.
On these present days of my life I'm not feeling any call to any foreign country, nor am I sensing a calling to man bake sales for those who are (though I would happily make a donation of money. Happily!)
I've had fundraising seasons in my past and this is not one of them.
No, right now I'm out here on this little 'farmette' helping my husband winterize and get settled. We have rough winters in our area and if you don't prepare, well, you suffer. And I've spent months preparing for my mother's visit at this place where she will spend the one-year anniversary of my dad's passing. And I'm enjoying living-out this 35-year-old dream from God's hand and working harder than ever, trying to create a restful place for the weary. Not to mention cooking, cleaning, writing in this blog and taking care of Life's many (many!) other details.
You must know what you are called to do. And not called to do.
Otherwise you die without having completed God's plan for your specific life--and therein lies the tragedy.
But be warned--many people get nervous, jealous and upset with those who are certain of their purpose and callings. Why? Because we certain folks are usually pretty peaceful. We're not being yanked in different directions, not feeling guilty because of the activities we're missing. The certain folks make progress, even slowly, but always consistently.
They move forward, not back.
And so much more, but this post became too long and Tom needs his breakfast.
But I'll just leave you with this. When God calls you to do something different than the crowd? Don't apologize and hang your head with guilt or doubts. No, just keep listening to the One who will meet you at the end of your journey at the right place, the right time, because you matched your steps to His.
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Hi, my name is Dee. It is a chilly rainy day and i am spending time reading blogs. I found your blog at...Just Wandering: As I Wonder. I am enjoying your blog very much and will spend time exploring it. You were speaking to my heart today when you said; "You must know what you are called to do, and not called to do. This was a confirmation to me, as i am in the process of following Gods plan for Dee.Please feel free to visit me at my humble blog. I am a new blogger and for whatever part it plays, it is a part of His plan for me. Gods Blessings! Dee
ReplyDeleteSwimming again the tide is what its called. We PK's got to see the good, the bad and the ugly and therefore seem to want to make up our own minds with God's help about the best direction to take.
ReplyDeletei'm pretty sure God had you write that post for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
laura
I so appreciate and agree with this post. We are at a time in our lives when my husband's retirement gives us a chance to re-connect with each other after many years of tending to other needs, and maybe not so much to each other. I truly believe it is a gift from God that our later years have been given to focus on each other. To every thing there is indeed a season.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I have you on my blogroll because what you say is what I need to hear. Thanks for your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI have a chronic pain disorder and I have to constantly remind myself that I need do only what I hear God calling me to do and not be swayed by people who don't know me as well as He does. Godspeed
Hi Debra,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I have read your blog for over a year now and haven't commented. I remember when your dad passed away - you see I really could relate as my dad was in the process of passing away, too. He did pass away the day after Christmas last year. So I could really relate.
I think it is really wonderful that you are having your mom visit on the anniversary of his death. My mom lives in our town and I plan on having her stay with us during Christmas and a few days after.
Anyway, I know this isn't replying to the rest of your blog for today. What a beautiful farm house you have - you are really doing what you feel led to do by the Lord. That is so wonderful.
I especially love the barn loft idea. You can still buy things that you love and not feel like you are cluttering your house. What a great use for the barn loft.
Willa
Thank you Debra. I needed to read that today for reasons I won't go into here.
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing.
I just found your blog today. Happenstance? I think not.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Vanessa
I totally agree!! We are not called to do the same things at the same time as others, necessarily! It is nice to find others on the same path, but sometimes we have to go it mostly alone...so it seems to me.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, You're so right not to go to Argentina, it's in a state of depression there, keeping your thoughts on everything that's good, noble, true, etc.. etc.. is what the Father said to do. Your family needs your focus, and you're right to keep it there, you have alot of strength, in comes through in the stories you tell.
ReplyDeletehttp://myfairladymysophia.blogspot.com
Hey Debra, this may be off your topic, but then again, maybe not. Just the other day a friend commented on some people she knew as being "competitive volunteers." Isn't that the saddest notion? I thought so. People outdoing one another in their so-called calling of doing good work. I'm not saying the women you spoke of are doing this, but where there are groups such as this, there is a feeling of being inside and outside. And, here's another thing that may shock people who know me; I understand about all the troubles in the world, all the poverty and starvation. But you know what - I bet there are people right in the town where those women live who are needy, who could use the money from the sales for food, heat, safety from domestic abuse, on and on and on. I'm a big believer in the 'think globally, act locally' words. Whew! Sorry to go on and on, but this is clearly a subject close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, I just have a quick question or two and a comment.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the reason you no longer attend that church?
And, what church do you attend now?
I surely wouldn't want to worship were the leaders lay a guilt trip on you for not giving of your time and talents. I like the term used by nan, "competitive volunteers", it seems like folks believe the more their ticket is stamped with good works the better seat they'll have in the Kingdom. One should give what they can, without being guilted into it.
Oh, Debra. Do I say it often enough? I LOVE YOU!
ReplyDelete