Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Right Now. A Guest Post by Branson of My Reflection of Something



I am continuing with guest posts from bloggers who have not only a passion for photography, but a love for Jesus.  I am honored to have Branson of My Reflection of Something.  After reading her post be sure to click over and visit her.




When I sat down to write this post, my mind wandered in so many directions. My faith is woven throughout my life, and there are so many things I would love to share. I finally stopped to think about the assignment, though, and specifically the words "right now." Where am I in my journey of faith "right now"?

Right now... I am learning that God is far greater than my fears and shortcomings. I have struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. When I found out I was pregnant, joy was only part of the equation. I was also afraid. Afraid of failing, afraid of going off medication during my pregnancy, afraid of losing myself to postpartum depression. It wasn't easy to turn those fears over to the Lord, but in His patient and merciful way He has brought me through my first year of motherhood. He has shown me during that year that there is nothing that cannot be overcome with faith and perseverance (Click HERE if you would like to read more of my story)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4
Right now... I am finding hope in the little things of my everyday life. I see myself in this new role of mother, and I am often amazed at how it has changed me. I see a patience that was never there before. A love that I never really understood. And in these blessings, I find a new side of my relationship with God. I am no longer responsible for just my own faith, but also the faith of a brand new person. When I pray for and with Aiden, I realize that he is counting on me to set an example. He is watching me as I make that decision every day to either study the Word or let it slide. He is listening to the words I speak, the music I play, the shows I watch. He is waiting for me to teach him about the love of Christ, and the joys of being a child of God. I think about this especially as I sing to him every night, songs that bring glory to the Father, and also petition for help to accomplish this task set before me.   

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Right now... I am finding myself desperately in need of fellowship. When we first moved to Nebraska, we attended a church in a nearby small town. We loved it. Then, slowly we let excuses creep in. Transportation was an issue for a while, and when we couldn't find work, we both took jobs that required us to work on Sunday. Then I got pregnant. I knew I wanted to get back to church, but again the excuses crept in. Morning sickness, discomfort, bed rest. When Aiden was born, we went home to Missouri to have him baptized. When we returned, we tried meeting with a pastor here in town so that there wouldn't be so many excuses. This church just is not a good fit for us, though. So, here I am, still churchless after two years.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7
Right now... I am thankful for women like Amber. Those who are not afraid to share their faith. I am enjoying this blessing of new friendships with others who understand me and support me. I am praying for continued guidance, and opportunities to share my own story in this community with the gifts He has given me.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
To God be the glory, right now and always.



You can read other guest posts in this series



7 comments:

Ashley Sisk said...

What a beautiful message spoken from the heart Branson. I find more comfort in my Christian community here amongst women like you and Amber than I'm sometimes able to find in my local community. I pray that you'll find a church home though...and a place where you feel at peace. HUGS.

Anonymous said...

I love this post Branson. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. We also have not found a church that fits us. I know right now I am encouraged by Amber and you and many others.

Rosie Nixon Fluerty said...

Oh Branson that's such a lovely post. It's not easy at all to find a church these days - I can tell you we've been everywhere and still cannot find anywhere that we are happy with unless we travel a huge distance on a Sunday. I've found that more and more people these days are having fellowship in their own homes and online until they find their church home.

Rosie

Christina Klas said...

A beautiful post. You can tell it comes from the heart... Thankful to Amber for having you guest post! Finding a church home can be so difficult but I hope that you land somewhere you love.

Courtney K. said...

We had a wonderful church home when we lived in Florida, but the island here is so small and we just haven't found anywhere we fit yet. I understand what a frustration that is. Sending prayers you guys find somewhere soon! Such a beautiful post!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Oh how I hear you! I was just talking with Courtney N. about this yesterday. We had a church that we LOVED when we lived in northern NV. When we moved to the southern end of the state we tried out different churches- then moved to another town (where we are now) and tried some more. Still have not felt like we did at our church home up north. I so desperately feel that we are lacking in this area & that we are missing so much- I know it- because we ARE. I just keep praying that the Lord moves us on to other things & we are able to find that sense of comfort in a new church home again.

Branson said...

Hey girl... just reread this 4+ years later and I am so glad you kept it. What a blessing to be able to look back and see where I have come from! I miss our "good old days" of blogging! ;) Hugs!