As "mom" to each of the people in this photo, I realize my role as "mom" changes. 
All the time.

Yes they are all my babies.

Yes, I am proud of the things they are doing, both in the church, in school, and in their respective jobs and responsibilities.

But at this time, this picture represents a group hug of 4 individuals, doing the 4 different things God has called them each to at this time in their lives.

And I know that I know that I know that God has given them each to each other. 

When they each go in their respective directions, God always calls them back to this group hug. 

My definition of a good book is one that I just can't put down. I finish one chapter and I just HAVE to know what happens in the next. I feel like one of the characters in the story or I feel like I know the characters well enough that I actually expect to run in to them at the grocery store or something. A good book is one that I am completely immersed in for a couple of hundred pages--give or take.

The same is true when I help people write their story. I know it is going to be good when I am a different person just for knowing the story, let alone help write it.

Right now, my husband and I are spending time reading a book that I have a hard time picking up each day. I read some of it and I want to set it down. Actually, I want to throw it out or hide it somewhere on a bookshelf with all of the other books that I have read, but I sort of forgot what they were about. I am completely uncomfortable reading this book.

Except for this: It is one of the best, worst books I have ever read to date. I am completely consumed with the characters. Not only do I expect to see the characters when I am out and about, I am one of the characters. 

And my husband and I are different for knowing the story.

The book is called Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. What really strikes a chord with Brian and I is that we thought we were following Jesus, but in reality, we were just super-fans of Jesus. We love him, we talk with him, we attend services that are all about him, we tell people about him. We've even made sacrifices with our time, money and other areas of our lives for him.

But apparently Jesus isn't looking for fans. He wants followers. People who will follow wherever He leads. 

This is where it gets uncomfortable for me. 

What if he asks us to move? What if he "points to a homeless shelter?" What if he asks me to give away more time, money, things.

Now don't get me wrong. Brian and I love to volunteer, help out, give, etc. We've stepped out in obedience and out of our comfort zones in many areas. Like some of the characters in the book (and in the bible), we have been more than happy to say 'yes' to following Jesus. As long as the place he leads is somewhere safe and secure. 

And hopefully not too uncomfortable.

So we are in some sort of transition period in our lives. We know God is calling us to more. And we feel it in our spirits that it will require some uncomfortable changes. We go back and forth from being excited about the possibilities and stepping back and saying "no" simply because we are afraid to say "yes." 

It's a new chapter in our lives. A chapter of a book that I sort of want to put down at times. A book that we as a couple are completely immersed in.

​But I can't put it down because we are different because of the story. 

And we sort of can't wait to see what is in the next chapter. 

Time to start living out my favorite hashtags and add in a new one:
#liveapageturner #leavealegacy #givegodthepen 

My Grandma was the one who taught me the importance of writing your life in stories. 

​This week I'm remembering her.