Thursday, January 20, 2011

Hallway Praying - a way I can worship Him in the Moment


































This is me (and maybe Lina-loo?).

I bet many of you have been in this position?
Someone needs their shoe tied
and Momma is the one for the job...
...at the peril of not getting back up - 
at least not gracefully. HA!

Meditating on the idea of worshiping Him in every circumstance
perhaps you'll appreciate the inspiration behind this sketch.

 ***************************************

I have a secret to share with you - a practical application 
in which we can worship the Lord.  
Even in trying circumstances.

A dear mother who is farther down the road than I
shared this secret with some younger moms years ago.
I must have been about 15 at the time but the term she coined 
and the action behind it stuck with me all this time.

While I've never had even ONE hallway in my house since having my own children,
and for that matter, children are not necessary to the equation,
the concept still applies :-)

*Hallway praying is that practice 
of seeking the Lord for discernment 
on the way to "deal" with some skirmish or tussle.

Asking Him for wisdom when you're meeting a child in a matter of discipline or training.

On the way down the "hallway" to the room you just sent the hoodlum,
beseeching the Lord for wisdom, grace, calm.... to see the heart-need before you
and meet it in a God glorifying manner.

How often do you hear the tumult, or bickering, or noise in the bedroom
for the umpteenth time after you've tucked them in for the night?
Do you ever feel lost
when your feet are taking you in the direction you need to go,
but your heart and hands have no idea what to do?
That is ideal opportunity for Hallway praying
and the ideal time for the Lord to refine mom.  
A time to worship Him when you have something you have to do, that you don't want to do.

When I am at the end of my resources, 
and the Lord gives me a victory after I seek Him in earnest...
I can "Hallway" pray all the way back down the hallway afterwards!
(It comes easy then, but watch out if you're a largely pregnant momma
because it's easy to pull a muscle when you're doing the happy dance while you walk)
;-)

. . . “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9

8 comments:

Morgan said...

Such a good reminder! I LOVE your artwork. That picture is beautiful!

Pam... said...

You are growing, little sis. Growing in that boot camp of a mommmyhood with so many little ones to serve. I remember all littles and few big helpers. I remember 4 in diapers and 3 cribs,and learning to sing praise songs when changing diapers as a way to worship, and as a way to change my own attitude! Our God gives us creative ways to minister and to glorify Him. Humbled in pregnancy and circumstance...but content and not complaining. And so gifted. Sweet picture, yet sweeter is the heart behind it, around it, and in it. God bless you Analene!

Momma Bug said...

Oh Thank you THANK you!
Aren't you homesick for Jesus and Heaven? The more I taste it here, the more I want to be there.

outdoor.mom said...

love the verse and the pic!! amen :-) great post!

Marti said...

i agree the picture is gorgeous! i was just meditating on that same verse yesterday :) (sorry my cap locks don't work right now)

LindaFaye said...

Ah.. Yes. Hallway praying. I hear that. Good reminder.

Cinnamon said...

You had me smiling at the happy dancing pregnant Mama :-) Too funny!

I think I pull a muscle trying to get up off the couch or roll over in bed :-)

Love your drawing!

~Cinnamon

PUPPPsMom said...

I put your drawing on my desktop. I love it!