Comments on: Blessed Insignificance http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/ YLCF Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:52:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Chris http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10485 Chris Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:28:36 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10485 Thanks so much for this post. As a mom to a newborn and wife and homemaker, I really appreciate this. Thanks for the encouragement. Thanks so much for this post. As a mom to a newborn and wife and homemaker, I really appreciate this. Thanks for the encouragement.

]]> By: åslaug http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10480 åslaug Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:57:58 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10480 Oh, I really really loved this post! You are so blessed, don't worry about the others. They don't know, and you do, and I do =) Just you continue to love God, your beautiful babies and your husband =) In Christ, åslaug Oh, I really really loved this post!
You are so blessed, don’t worry about the others. They don’t know, and you do, and I do =)
Just you continue to love God, your beautiful babies and your husband =)
In Christ,
åslaug

]]> By: A Sweet Fragrance http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10478 A Sweet Fragrance Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:07:16 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10478 <strong>Fragrant Fragments # 1...</strong> 1. Consider How You Listen.  Advice from George Whitfield on how to listen to a sermon. 2. Doing with less in order to give more - a short message from John Piper. 3. It’s time for men to wear the pants.  Has anyone actually seen this? 4. Blesse... Fragrant Fragments # 1…

1. Consider How You Listen.  Advice from George Whitfield on how to listen to a sermon.
2. Doing with less in order to give more – a short message from John Piper.
3. It’s time for men to wear the pants.  Has anyone actually seen this?
4. Blesse…

]]> By: Mia http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10476 Mia Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:38:38 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10476 Thank you so much for sharing this, Ashleigh! I'm so grateful for your perspective. One day your little boys will rise up and call you blessed. But even more importantly, the Lord is pleased with the way you are giving your life away to serve Him by caring for and loving your husband and little boys. He sees all you are doing to sacrificially serve Him in secret. And He's not going to forget any of it! Like you said, His commendation and reward is all that really matters. Thank you for writing for ylcf! Thank you so much for sharing this, Ashleigh! I’m so grateful for your perspective.

One day your little boys will rise up and call you blessed. But even more importantly, the Lord is pleased with the way you are giving your life away to serve Him by caring for and loving your husband and little boys. He sees all you are doing to sacrificially serve Him in secret. And He’s not going to forget any of it! Like you said, His commendation and reward is all that really matters.

Thank you for writing for ylcf!

]]> By: sweetmomma http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10475 sweetmomma Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:58:54 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10475 This is such an awesome post Ashleigh! It's very real and honest. I am just now really getting up and around with our three week old and can really relate to all that. Something this story really shows up is how no matter where you are, the enemy can still try to make you discontent and belittled. Married with children women can make the single women feel useless and empty unintentionally by their attitudes and conversation just as easy as single women can make married women feel insignificant and boring by their attitudes and conversation. Each has her place in the body of Messiah and I firmly believe that if we all did more talking about HIM and less about OURSELVES and OUR lives then we would all be able to see things a little clearer. There are many different parts to His Body sisters! Rejoice in what you have and where you are! Much Love! This is such an awesome post Ashleigh! It’s very real and honest. I am just now really getting up and around with our three week old and can really relate to all that.
Something this story really shows up is how no matter where you are, the enemy can still try to make you discontent and belittled. Married with children women can make the single women feel useless and empty unintentionally by their attitudes and conversation just as easy as single women can make married women feel insignificant and boring by their attitudes and conversation. Each has her place in the body of Messiah and I firmly believe that if we all did more talking about HIM and less about OURSELVES and OUR lives then we would all be able to see things a little clearer.
There are many different parts to His Body sisters! Rejoice in what you have and where you are! Much Love!

]]> By: Iona C. http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10472 Iona C. Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:32:45 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10472 My mom is a stay at home mom and over the years I have watched many people belittle her for her decision to stay home and raise my two little brothers and myself. They ask her why she doesn't work and earn money. They judge her and believe her to be insignificant. It's not just people in the secular world, but church people too. But to me, my mom's decision to stay home has meant the world. I've made many mistakes, but I'm sure many other mistakes have been prevented by her watchful eye. As much as I used to, and still on occasion do, resent her presence, I'd say that God has really blessed me through my mom. Ashleigh, this was such a beautiful post. The values of the fallen world we live in sure aren't the same as the values of our eternal Father. I admit that I tend to cringe when my answer to what I choose to do with my time is "Bible study" or "praise and worship". To many people those things are a waste of time that could be better spent doing something else or even sleeping! But in the end, I know that God's highest priority for my life is my relationship with Him. That's all that should truly matter to me: loving God and showing His love to others. Thanks for a wonderful, insightful post! God Bless, Iona My mom is a stay at home mom and over the years I have watched many people belittle her for her decision to stay home and raise my two little brothers and myself. They ask her why she doesn’t work and earn money. They judge her and believe her to be insignificant. It’s not just people in the secular world, but church people too.

But to me, my mom’s decision to stay home has meant the world. I’ve made many mistakes, but I’m sure many other mistakes have been prevented by her watchful eye. As much as I used to, and still on occasion do, resent her presence, I’d say that God has really blessed me through my mom.

Ashleigh, this was such a beautiful post. The values of the fallen world we live in sure aren’t the same as the values of our eternal Father. I admit that I tend to cringe when my answer to what I choose to do with my time is “Bible study” or “praise and worship”. To many people those things are a waste of time that could be better spent doing something else or even sleeping!

But in the end, I know that God’s highest priority for my life is my relationship with Him. That’s all that should truly matter to me: loving God and showing His love to others.

Thanks for a wonderful, insightful post!

God Bless,
Iona

]]> By: Vanessa http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10469 Vanessa Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:45:07 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10469 Homemaking is such a beautiful task - I don't understand women who don't like it! Even though I'm single, I have spent a great deal of my adult life taking care of children. I'm used to people not understanding what I do and why I do it, and I really don't care. I personally think you really haven't lived until you have known the love of a child. At this time I am a private duty nurse for a severely disabled child. It's hard to explain to people that this is just about the pinnacle of what I want to do with my life. I know the Lord will probably have different plans for me in the future, but I could be happy doing what I am doing right now for the rest of my life, because to Jesus, the "least of these" are the ones who really matter. Homemaking is such a beautiful task – I don’t understand women who don’t like it! Even though I’m single, I have spent a great deal of my adult life taking care of children. I’m used to people not understanding what I do and why I do it, and I really don’t care. I personally think you really haven’t lived until you have known the love of a child. At this time I am a private duty nurse for a severely disabled child. It’s hard to explain to people that this is just about the pinnacle of what I want to do with my life. I know the Lord will probably have different plans for me in the future, but I could be happy doing what I am doing right now for the rest of my life, because to Jesus, the “least of these” are the ones who really matter.

]]> By: Jane K http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10468 Jane K Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:24:22 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10468 Hi Ashleigh, this is such a beautiful post with so much Truth even now 3 years later...I heartily agree with the other girls that no vacation, no high brand of clothes, no huge career can compare to the Grace and Love that God gives us through a gift of motherhood and being a wife..I like Agnes have an empty nest, i am not married, don't have any kids, and i am 30..but i am still serving the Lord joyfully (at least most of the time) and have a job that i love. And 1 time per year i try to go to a mission trip to New Orleans to help out with construction from Hurricane Katrina...i do so so pray that one day i'll share a similar calling to you...and i praise the Lord for such a doting, wonderful, and loving mother such as you...I work in retail and too many times i see parents and children, with parents yelling at them so loudly..that it makes me sad..Other times i see parents that are firm yet so so loving with their kids...I can't help but tell them how well behaved their kids are..that's the least i can do in my profession without going over the line :)) Ashleigh i wanted to also say that the Lord will richly bless you for all you do in your husband's and Troy's life...That is a wonderful calling , i look up to you...I pray the Lord gives me that kind of happiness and duty one day to be a mother, and wife, and keeper of the home....:) Blessings to you dear sister!! In His Love, Jane Hi Ashleigh, this is such a beautiful post with so much Truth even now 3 years later…I heartily agree with the other girls that no vacation, no high brand of clothes, no huge career can compare to the Grace and Love that God gives us through a gift of motherhood and being a wife..I like Agnes have an empty nest, i am not married, don’t have any kids, and i am 30..but i am still serving the Lord joyfully (at least most of the time) and have a job that i love. And 1 time per year i try to go to a mission trip to New Orleans to help out with construction from Hurricane Katrina…i do so so pray that one day i’ll share a similar calling to you…and i praise the Lord for such a doting, wonderful, and loving mother such as you…I work in retail and too many times i see parents and children, with parents yelling at them so loudly..that it makes me sad..Other times i see parents that are firm yet so so loving with their kids…I can’t help but tell them how well behaved their kids are..that’s the least i can do in my profession without going over the line :) )

Ashleigh i wanted to also say that the Lord will richly bless you for all you do in your husband’s and Troy’s life…That is a wonderful calling , i look up to you…I pray the Lord gives me that kind of happiness and duty one day to be a mother, and wife, and keeper of the home….:)

Blessings to you dear sister!!

In His Love, Jane

]]> By: Blue Sarah http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10466 Blue Sarah Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:59:56 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10466 That was beautiful Ashleigh. Definitely something to aspire to. That was beautiful Ashleigh. Definitely something to aspire to.

]]> By: Ruth Ann http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10465 Ruth Ann Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:16:18 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10465 Ashleigh ~ *thank you.* I know it was written 3 years ago, but it brought tears to my eyes. The reality of it all. All around us is telling us that we must *do* something to be important, to be anybody, to be known. And even when we *know* that what we're doing is what God wants us to do, it can still be hard. We can still lose focus. And that's not good. . .it drags us down and makes us weak. So thank you, thank you, thank you. This really, really, really blessed me today. <3 Ashleigh ~ *thank you.* I know it was written 3 years ago, but it brought tears to my eyes. The reality of it all. All around us is telling us that we must *do* something to be important, to be anybody, to be known. And even when we *know* that what we’re doing is what God wants us to do, it can still be hard. We can still lose focus. And that’s not good. . .it drags us down and makes us weak. So thank you, thank you, thank you. This really, really, really blessed me today. <3

]]> By: Kiersti http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10464 Kiersti Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:25:35 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10464 That was beautiful, Ashleigh...thank you for sharing. A mother's work may not be very valued in the eyes of the world, but I think it is very precious in the eyes of God. I hope it is a work I will get to share in someday...but for now, I am very grateful for the faithful example of mothers like you and my own mama. Blessings, Kiersti That was beautiful, Ashleigh…thank you for sharing. A mother’s work may not be very valued in the eyes of the world, but I think it is very precious in the eyes of God. I hope it is a work I will get to share in someday…but for now, I am very grateful for the faithful example of mothers like you and my own mama.

Blessings,
Kiersti

]]> By: Agnes http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10463 Agnes Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:54:39 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10463 I know this was written 3 years ago.. but how funny that the enemy uses the same lie of 'insignificance' on people whether they are single or married. I feel exactly the same way as you've described when married people ask me 'how's your love life?' and look at me with concern because I'm 37 and still not married and don't have kids. I have a career that God led me to, and that fulfils me (for the moment). I really do want kids and a husband, but God knows me and knows when the best time for that would be. I bet if that girl is still in the same position, perhaps 10 years from now, her view of you will be VERY different. I really admire young moms.. it takes maturity and great character to be a stable mom at such a young age and I know I couldn't have done it!! OK, long post, sorry, but just to say you young moms have my utmost admiration.. God willing it will be me too one day! I know this was written 3 years ago.. but how funny that the enemy uses the same lie of ‘insignificance’ on people whether they are single or married. I feel exactly the same way as you’ve described when married people ask me ‘how’s your love life?’ and look at me with concern because I’m 37 and still not married and don’t have kids. I have a career that God led me to, and that fulfils me (for the moment). I really do want kids and a husband, but God knows me and knows when the best time for that would be. I bet if that girl is still in the same position, perhaps 10 years from now, her view of you will be VERY different. I really admire young moms.. it takes maturity and great character to be a stable mom at such a young age and I know I couldn’t have done it!! OK, long post, sorry, but just to say you young moms have my utmost admiration.. God willing it will be me too one day!

]]> By: Esther http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10462 Esther Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:04:22 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10462 Great story Ashleigh. Sometimes the mudane things are looked down upon, and honestly I think homemaking fulltime could be rather boring. (I'll find out when I get there I guess.) But I'm grateful that my mom used her life raising her kids and loving my dad. I know it has made a difference in my life and in the lives of my siblings, and Dad. Great story Ashleigh.

Sometimes the mudane things are looked down upon, and honestly I think homemaking fulltime could be rather boring. (I’ll find out when I get there I guess.) But I’m grateful that my mom used her life raising her kids and loving my dad. I know it has made a difference in my life and in the lives of my siblings, and Dad.

]]> By: Stacy http://ylcf.org/2009/12/blessed-insignificance/#comment-10461 Stacy Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:33:11 +0000 http://ylcf.org/?p=4342#comment-10461 Ashleigh, how very lucky you are to have realized that you are doing God's work! I am sad to say that it has taken me longer. For the first few years of my children's lives I felt such a divide between wanting to be home with my children and feeling pressure from the collective "everyone" to do something with my life. I have worked outside the home a few times and it has never worked for my family.... the house becomes a mess, the children felt neglected and dinner was never on the table before 7:30. I now proudly tell people that I am a homemaker. It is the hardest job I've every had, but the most fullfilling. I would much rather be remembered for being a good mother, a loving wife and keeping a warm, welcoming home, than for having great clothes and taking vacations. Clothes wear out and become out-dated....vacations have to end at some point.... Creating a beautiful life for those that you love is truly being the hands of God. Ashleigh, how very lucky you are to have realized that you are doing God’s work! I am sad to say that it has taken me longer. For the first few years of my children’s lives I felt such a divide between wanting to be home with my children and feeling pressure from the collective “everyone” to do something with my life. I have worked outside the home a few times and it has never worked for my family…. the house becomes a mess, the children felt neglected and dinner was never on the table before 7:30.

I now proudly tell people that I am a homemaker. It is the hardest job I’ve every had, but the most fullfilling. I would much rather be remembered for being a good mother, a loving wife and keeping a warm, welcoming home, than for having great clothes and taking vacations. Clothes wear out and become out-dated….vacations have to end at some point…. Creating a beautiful life for those that you love is truly being the hands of God.

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