It seems there is a theme emerging in my life right now, so I want to write about it so that I don't forget. Everywhere I read, every song I hear, even kid's shows I hear Jesus saying, "Follow me!"

Never mind this was Jesus' message to everyone throughout his ministry, I know that, but right now in my life, it just seems very personal.

I recently finished reading "Desperate" by Sally Clarkson and way convicted and inspired by her call to intentional motherhood. This morning I started another book by Clarkson called "Own Your Life." It's along the same lines, but with perhaps a bit more expanded of an outlook to include being intentional in your entire life, not just mothering. And so, as I read these things I am grateful that I have recently learned how I can do nothing apart from Christ and that even my best efforts will fail. If it weren't for that you would be seeing me here tightening the belt so to say, setting up my five step plan, and hitting it hard. And then I would be discouraged and give up until the next inspiring book comes around.

So I have been bombarded with abiding and depending. And reminded again that my job is to trust and God's job is to work and am excited to see what God is going to do through me. And grateful that He has given me the blessing of being used.

Instead of striving, I'm learning to listen. To literally say, "speak Lord, for your servant is listening," and then obeying what I hear. Listen and obey. Listen and obey. Be anxious about nothing, just listen and obey. Don't doubt, relax, listen and obey. Rest in the reality that "God is always here. And because God is here, it is safe." So I don't have to be doing and fixing something, I can trust and obey.

As I make supper I half listen to the DVD puppets in the next room, "That's always how God's plan starts: Someone hears God's voice, they believe and obey and they follow." And it makes me wonder what kind of big plan he might start with my first step of obedience.

As I ride my stationary bike in the basement at 6 a.m., I read a novel about cowboys and there's a sermon about Christ telling Peter to follow Him. Peter asks about the other fellow and Christ says, "What does that matter to you? Follow me." And he answers a question I didn't even know I was asking and I'm given peace and hope.

As I shower, I memorize Colossians 3 and it says, "It is the Lord Christ you are serving." And the refrain plays in my head as I read stories and empty puke bowls. And I rejoice that I don't have to do a work beyond my daily work: my daily work is where he wants me to follow.