from the proverbs 31 devotion I get each day- written by Lisa Whittle

“Share each other’s burdens…” Galatians 6:2a (NLT)

There are times all of us find ourselves in the trenches in life — those deep places we can’t seem to climb our way out of.

Sometimes those places involve decisions of our own, where we made a conscious choice to do something that wound up hurting us. Other times, someone made a decision for us that put us there, without our permission.

Either way, there is a great need — a need for someone to understand, someone to listen, someone to be available for us, to grieve with us and cry with us — no matter how dark it may get.

I’ve been in the trenches at different times in my own life. I found myself there when I was in college and my pastor-father was facing potential prison. I wound up there, again, when I partied hard to numb the pain, causing even more for myself. Years later, I found myself in a trench when my husband lost his job and was out of work for an extended period of time.

It was in those moments that I longed for someone to say to me, “I’m here with you. I won’t leave you. You will get through this, and I will love you no matter what.” Because at the end of the day, all of us want to know that there is someone who won’t walk away from us, even when they see how ugly things can get in our biggest moments of struggle.

It is the mark of a true friend. It is a rare find.

I once heard a speaker say how in her community, it was not unusual for people to sit with one another for up to seven days during times of loss and grief. As I listened to her speak, I thought about how amazing and important that aspect of community could be to us in our greatest moments of pain — those moments we find ourselves in a deep trench from which we won’t easily emerge.

Our key verse refers to this beautiful aspect of friendship when it says, simply, “Share each other’s burdens…” For the believer, this is not a suggestion. It is something Jesus expects us to do as we represent Him.

One of the best ways we spread the love of Christ is through our selfless acts of love and serving another. It’s not easy to share in someone’s burden, especially when that burden is great. But it is right. It is good. It is what Jesus does for us.

Many of us have been in the trenches, so we understand this hard position. It is where some of us are even now. Some of the greatest ministry Jesus will ever do in our lives is when we find ourselves in a place we can’t maneuver, claw, or dig our way out of. It is the place He meets us because our desperation finally drives us to Him — a place we most need to be.

Friends, let’s keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunity to get in the trenches and share in the burdens of another. Let’s be willing to be there with our friends who find themselves in a position they don’t want to handle alone. Let’s remember the One who is always present in the trenches with us.

And let’s thank Him for His care, presence and faithfulness in the midst of our needs…the trench moments of our life.

Dear Lord, we are grateful that there is no trench too deep, no place too dark that you can’t reach us. It is because of You we are never alone. Thank You for Your care and faithful love. Help us to share in the burdens of another, and seek You in our greatest moments of need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

****back in May  I felt as though I fell in this trench of life– and just now, tho far from out of it, I know its not to big or too deep because my God has stuck by me when I didnt feel like running to the bible but trying ( as always) to solve it alone, when I felt it best not to tell friends, but did and they knew ( or know since I have THE best girls around!) JUST the right days to send me encouragement– even it comes by way of half sweet, half unsweet tea with LOTS of ice from the Chick! To have a husband as caring and loyal to me…. I feel at times so undeserving of him- hes a keeper for SURE!  To all this getting to add to our family is probably the most exciting time of my life— most may think adding on right now would be to much.. but I am.so.ready to have a sweet newborn to capture, not only with my camera but my heart, my soul, and to let him or her take up my thoughts day ( and night) Im so ready… but Ill be waiting on that day for my trench to be a lil less deep…. and lil one to arrive- SOON!!

 

My latest shot of our soon to be BIG bro– with his new obsession– he must get this from me- the lOVE of chocolate!!

I bought the pop molds off amazon during the winter when they were on sale and used my swagbucks towards amazon gift cards ( O yeahhhh!!!!) so to say these are cheap ( and healthy!) frozen treats is for sure!!  For the fruit ones we just blend up what fruit we r wanting ( fav combo is strawberry /banana right now for the kiddos) add a touch of honey and shhh ground flax seed.. pour into mold and freeze- EASY and the chocolate/vanilla ones, we used a homemade pudding recipe, added some cocoa to it and pooped in some cut grapes and bananas for a secret treat inside… the lil one loves these best!! The DAD ice-cream sandwiches I just posted on FB so check it out– super fun and soo soo YUMMY!!!

Stay cool everyone!! ;D

**and best of all about these lil watering trips we made each day– my boys thought they were in another world and played forEVER in her backyard– even though its.right.next.door!! lol

* we found the pinwheels from a fab place on etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop/aubabi78?ref=seller_info

*the jars– FREE from when we picked strawberries- awesome– I LOVE these things– taped em off and painted some chalkboard paint on em’ – tada!!

*fabric bunting- can you believe I didnt make?! lol I saw em’ at TARGET and snatched them UP!

*cute cakes for each boy AND airplane cake- none other than my friend  ( & momma to birthday boy, who was 3) Julie- U ROCKED it girl!

*all the fun cups/straws and strawberry baskets came from this little store online called Shop Sweet Lulu- GREAT customer servie and just LOVE love the products!

from the book reading to the cookies and milk take home gifts- I LOVED this party and think the two boys did to– now on to the next kiddo who will be turning TWO in just a few days….. tho his is going to be low key and at the beach– my ultimate kind of party!! lol

Here we are a year later …one of my first GrOwInG Up sessions has made a full circle- bittersweet to me ( and her momma..her baby is 1!!).  I have grown soo much through my sessions with baby K and LOVE my friendship that has become with her momma and sweet fam.  Nic- your baby girl is such a blessing to me and I am so grateful you gave ME the chance to capture these big milestones in her first year– and best of all?? I FINALLY got her to smile- but saving those for you ! Your images are in the mail!! xoxox ENJOY!!