Derek is determined to see me go, so he uses his problem-solving skills to come up with a solution. Why not let Braylen watch Aaron? He's turning 12 in August, and Derek will be just a phone call away while he's at work. But what about Kaleb? Yes, Braylen can watch both of his brothers, but as any mom of 3 kids will tell you--3 is a hard number. It doesn't matter which child you remove from the situation. Take one away and much of the conflict is gone. It would be so great if Kaleb could go to a friend's house for the day, leaving Braylen at home to watch only Aaron. I'm not kidding--while we are talking this through, our phone rings. Kaleb's friend Joe calls to invite Kaleb over to his house during the exact hours we needed. Okay, so maybe I should go.
I had one day at home between our vacation and my conference, and what do you need to do after you've been camping for a week? LAUNDRY! But my washer and dryer are in the basement, which means they are off limits. What am I going to do? My phone rings again--this time my friend Shelly is calling to see if I need anything. When I tell her about my laundry dilemma, she tells me to bring my clothes to her house. Her large capacity washer can turn my 8 loads into 4. She even went above and beyond, transferring the loads for me and folding everything. Okay, I should go!
While at the clinic with Aaron that day, I notice that my toes really need some new polish. (we had lots of waiting time in the little room, can you tell?) Thinking of everything else going on in my life in that moment, my toes are at the bottom of my priority list. Just then a text comes through from my friend Dawn. She and I are riding together to the conference and we've been looking forward to our trip for months. In her text she tells me she's set up spa pedicures for both of us the next day, and she's treating me. I hear God's voice loud and clear speak to me and say, "Sarah, I know what you need before you do. I also know what you want before you do. I'm providing for you! Trust Me!" Okay Lord, I will go!
With our sparkly red toes, Dawn and I soak up our time together under Beth Moore's teaching. This is my 3rd time seeing her live, and she doesn't disappoint. The praise and worship time led by Travis Cottrel is just as awesome as Beth's teaching.
I admit there are times when I'm torn between my family at home and living in the moment at this conference. But overall, I'm so thankful for coming. Beth's theme for the weekend centered around the word "better." It goes something like this...
- There is a "better" that is "bitter."
- There is a "better" that is "better."
- when better is before. (past)
- when better is someone besides me. (comparison)
- when better is the route I didn't take. (regret)
- when better is what you should have known. (I should've known better.)
- when better is the blood. (Abel's vs. Christ's)
- when better is a Savior. (knowing better is knowing "Better Himself," Jesus.)
- when better is God's love. (we're not in God's will if we're not abiding in God's love.)
- when better is a way. (when we choose love, God's love, we have the better way.)
- when better is a country. (faith creates a longing, this is not our home, we have better coming!)
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| Dawn & me |
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| why not build some shelves before putting our utility room back together? |
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