my deepest prayer.

Dave’s dad has an antique propeller airplane that he’s owned and flown regularly for the past twenty-five years or so. He consistently offers to take the kids for a ride. Due to my own fear of flying, I’ve never agreed until yesterday. {I think my judgement was impaired from staying up all night with a sick baby}.

I watched from the ground as each of my three “big” littles took turns sitting in Papa’s lap as they flew overhead. Full disclosure: I was a nervous wreck.

But, let me tell you, to a couple of four year-olds and a three year-old, this was a great adventure. Sweet, sweet memories were created yesterday morning. I’ll be the first to admit, I held my breath the entire time they were in the air. But it was worth every second of not breathing to watch the utter joy in their eyes as they stepped out of the plane with smiles that lit up their entire face.

This morning, I stayed home from church with Charlotte since she still wasn’t feeling well and I watched the live stream of Christine Caine speaking at Passion 2015. As she spoke, my mind drifted back to that airplane ride.

Although I want to protect my children from this world and keep them tucked safely away from any and all danger, I really want to teach them to have an adventurous spirit. I want them to view life with expectancy. I want them to know that if you choose to stay safely on the ground, you will miss out on the thrill of the ride.

Living a life that is counter to what this world views as safe and seeking first the Kingdom of God is where adventure awaits us. Saying yes to God can be scary and the unknowns may cause your knees to shake and your hands to be unsteady, but, the thrill that awaits makes the ride worth every dip and twist.

What I desire most for my children is not worldly success. My top priority is not where they attend college or even if they attend college. I want them, above all else, to love extravagantly. I want their lives to be marked with generosity and compassion. I want them to have a heart for the nations. I want them to live in a way that proves this world is not our home.

These possessions of ours, as nice as they can be at times, are not lasting. The striving, climbing, self-promoting that is so commonplace in our culture – it doesn’t have to be that way. I want my children to work hard and to know the value of a strong work ethic. I want them to know that what we view as ordinary work, what we feel is obscurity, is what God will use to build His Kingdom.

Christine shared two questions that were on her mind while going into a major surgery this past year:


“Did I do everything you sent me here to do? 
Am I bringing home everyone you sent me to earth to bring home?”


Imagine asking yourself these questions at the end of each and every day. Powerful stuff. I cringe to think of my answers on most days.


Oh, how I desire to live a life on purpose. I want to set an example for my kids that demonstrates God’s work in my life.  I want my children to grow to be mighty men and women on fire for God. I want their passion to change the course of generations.

Some days may seem ordinary and mundane. Yet, every moment, every breath we are given here on this spinning globe is pre-ordained. In order to create a holy passion in my children, I need to live out that passion in my own life. They need to see me washing the dishes and doing the laundry and changing diapers as though I truly believe that whatever I do, I need to work at it with all of my heart, as if I am working for the Lord {Colossians 3:23}.

I long to hear the words, “well done, good and faithful servant,” when I cross over to the other side of eternity. My deepest prayer is that I live a life marked by good works and big love.

To be fair, this is much easier to type behind the safety of my computer’s screen. Living out this love is a constant battle. I’m praying for the Holy Spirit to continually convict me of these lessons, to continually guide me in my actions, and to continually direct my hands to service.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. {1 Corinthians 15:58}

**There’s still time to join in on our Valentine’s Day campaign to feed orphaned children in Congo. Live generously. Share love and hope through the simple gift of food. Join us HERE.