Pity Party Over...Great Mother's Day...and Pastor Dave was Right...

That's one happy girl right there. Yes, I took it myself. No, I couldn't see the screen because it was bright, but I didn't have to see it. I was happy, and that's what mattered. If you're happy and you know it take a selfie! LOL!

Had a great Mother's Day with Jadyn. He gave me EXACTLY what I wanted, a relaxing afternoon at his pool soaking in some Vitamin D therapy. I listened to an audiobook and simply relaxed. It was amazing!

And, yes, my pity party is over. Pastor Dave Hughey helped me with that in the sermon I was able to hear twice this morning. (I sang in the choir for both services because God knew I needed this message driven home.)

The sermon was on James 2: 1-13, the impartiality of God. "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." As Pastor Dave pointed out, our sanctification is the process by which we take on more of our Father's attributes and become more recognizable as His child. The attribute today was impartiality, and this really helped me realize that I needed to lay the mission trip and the people of the Amazon River Basin villages on the altar at the feet of my Father.

Let me explain. Yes, I know the passage uses the example of being partial to a wealthy man over a poor man, but that was just an example. There are so many ways we show partiality. I realized that I was showing partiality to the Brazilian people on the Amazon River, and this was wrong. Yes, I have a passion for them, but what about my passion for the people I encounter every single day? What makes the people of the Satere nation more deserving of God's ministering through me more than any other people of the River or here in my hometown? Nothing. I had made that trip somewhat of an idol, and that idol needed to be cast down. I needed to become more impartial and listen to wherever God is leading or to whomever God is calling me.

Do I still hope to go? Absolutely! Am I still going to do what I can to prepare for the trip? You bet! I want to be the person who prays for rain and brings an umbrella. But if not...Oh those three words again. But if not, God will use all of this to His honor and glory, regardless of who is blessed to be on that trip. He doesn't need me to go; He wants me to follow. I am trusting wholly and completely in Him.

I understand why they are called growing pains. Sanctification can be painful, especially when called to sacrifice something so very dear. Oh, but the reward is worth it all. It may not be evident, and I may have to wait to understand, but when I do, I know it will all be worth it in the end.