What Do You Do When You Think God's Speaking To You?

This is the story of one time when I thought I heard God telling me to do something.  This is how it turned out when I just did what I thought He was telling me to do. (Reprinted from an earlier post, but with an update at the end:)

 Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."  It's Thankful Thursday today. Click on the link to go over and participate or read more thankful posts.  Thanks, Iris, for hosting this month!

I'm so thankful that the Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, the Savior of the world, and the Holy Spirit who resides within me is not limited by my ability in any way.

Young moms were gathering in my Family Room Tuesday night.  Some I had met, others I was meeting for the first time. Lively chatter filled the room.  I had been very nervous beforehand, and still felt a bit discombobulated, but knew that I would thoroughly enjoy the evening once we got going.  I was out on a limb again, in obedience to the Lord.  I had invited almost a dozen young moms to my home for the purpose of encouraging them, because the Lord laid it on my heart to do so. Secondary purposes were to share, in answer to their questions, about Homeschooling, and to introduce one particular mom who was new to the area, to other moms of little boys, like herself.  Encouraging young moms is a real passion of mine.  But earlier in the day I wondered what I had been thinking!  What did I have to say that could possibly help these women?!  I prayed fervently that God would encourage them, that He'd lead me to whatever He wanted me to do or say during the evening, and that they'd leave encouraged and refreshed--strengthened for the work God has for them in their roles as moms.  I calmed my own heart by reminding myself that whenever God has called me to do something like this, not only has it been fun for everyone, but I have been the one blessed the most!

Well, this was no exception. But, as the evening progressed, it became very clear that God had done something so much bigger than I had ever imagined or thought of, in bringing each of the women to my home. As the women began sharing, one woman in particular opened up, encouraged by the prompting of her kind friend sitting next to her, and she shared so sweetly from the depth of her heart. A tear or two was shed. The women's hearts were knit together as encouragement was given and love was shown.  God was working in a powerful way!

It blessed my heart so much so see the interaction:  the exchange of encouragement among them, as well as practical tips and suggestions on parenting, discipline, and everyday life as a mom.  The sharing was deep and real.  Eyes and hearts were opened to new possibilities, and strengthened to believe that God was powerful enough to meet them in their need. With teary eyes and a full heart a mom confided, "I know God brought me here tonight."

I know that God brought all of us together that night. It was agreed that we would continue meeting. "What should we call ourselves?" they eagerly asked..."Well, I said I was going to "a Mom Thing," came the answer.  So, "A Mom Thing" was born.  His ways are so far above my ways, and His thoughts so gloriously above anything I could ask or think, in answer to my prayers. Sometimes all I can do is stand back and be in awe, and say, "Thank you, Lord."

Over the summer, everyone has been very busy, and we didn't meet again until August, but we are starting back up!  In fact, we're going on a Field Trip to the Como Zoo today!  We have about 7 moms, 3 helpers (including my daughter and me), and potentially about 17 kids, ages 0-8 going!  Pray for us:)  Seriously, it should be a lot of fun!  I will keep you posted! (Hopefully some photos, too.)
God has continued to be at work in all of our lives through this, and it's so exciting to see what He's doing, as we all learn to yield to Him and trust Him in different areas of our lives!
Is God speaking to you?