I walked outside today, not expecting to see any flowers. Because it's winter, not really the "blooming" season. But low and behold there was a little bud coming through on our rose bush. It was a bright spot on this cool and windy day.

Like this rose bush, our lives have seasons as well.

Lately, my life has been full of transitions. We've moved states, started a new ministry and have a new baby. One transition is hard for anyone. The more you add, the more confusing life gets.

And so I've found myself struggling to bloom where I'm planted.

Sometimes when I'm home all day, I feel convicted that I am not spending enough time really ministering to people. So I've joined online bible studies, online networking groups, and have caught up and prayed with/for long distance friends. Because my heart's desire really is to make disciples and be intentional in sharing the gospel with people. 

But if I'm honest, on those long days of just staying home with my boy and being a mom, I struggle with knowing if I am missing out on what God has called me to do.

And thanks to a video I listened to yesterday from Christy Nockels, I have been knocked in the gut about this.

She talked about inviting the Lord into the middle of the mundane - writing songs while doing laundry, cleaning the house and doing the every day things of life. She also made the statement about "blooming where you're planted," instead of striving on your own to get to a "bigger stage" or "bigger platform." I found myself saying "amen" out loud quite a few times while listening.

Life looks drastically different for me than what it did this time last year. And while I felt like I was really blooming a year ago, I've been struggling to see how I can bloom in this new season of life.

But what a timely message I received from Christy, because God really can be invited in the mundane. In fact, He longs to be invited there.

God is just as much glorified in the moments when I am singing and praying over Micah, as He is in the moments when I am singing and leading thousands of people to worship.

And the great thing about seeing that little rose bush on this winter morning in January, is the reminder that no matter the season of life - you can bloom wherever you are planted.

Monday morning, I got up with Micah and Josh and I played in bed with him for a little bit before he went off to work. Once he left, I changed Micah and brought him back to our bed to play some more while I read a little on my phone. That's usually my morning routine.

I caught a glimpse of my cute boy staring at me from the corner of my eye while I was reading, so I put my iPhone down and picked him up again to play. He was smiling and giggling from ear to ear. We were having a good 'ole time.

Then he spit up all over our sheets. Too much excitement, I guess.

I made sure he was alright, then thanked Micah for reminding me that I needed to wash our sheets anyway. I put him in the pack n play (which we keep in our room, very convenient for times like this) and grabbed the sheets off the bed and threw them in the washer.

We went on with our day and I thought nothing else about it. In fact, I even felt a little accomplished that I had put a load in the washer before 9am. That never happens. Go me.

Then around 10 or so, I needed to make a phone call. I went back to my room, stared at the sheet-less bed and panicked.

I mentioned my morning routine. Well, I usually leave my phone on my bed after reading in the mornings. Sometimes it gets lost in the sheets. The sheets that are no longer on my bed because they are in the... WASHER!

I ran to the washing machine, opened it and started digging for my phone. It took me two attempts before I found it. The first time I was in denial (I couldn't have washed my iPhone. Who would do such a stupid thing? It had to have fallen on the floor when I took the sheets off) But... I found it. By that time the laundry was already on the spin cycle, so my phone was completely dry. Ha. I tried turning it on. And nothing. Of course.

I was kind of panicky at first, I admit it.  I woke up that morning feeling accomplished and only a couple hours later felt like I was close to the dumbest person in the world. Funny how that works. But then I calmed down after rushing to my computer and laughing at my self via Twitter. And having friends who can laugh with me, always helps.

My husband also made me feel better about the situation adding, "At least it will make a good blog post." Very funny hubby.

Facebook messaging my husband, right after the "incident."

It was an expensive mistake, but a great lesson for me to learn. I relied on my phone too much for everything. I needed the break away. Even though I had access to social media via my home computer, when I was out with people I was completely present. And I wasn't thinking of the next great photo I could take to put on instagram. Or tweeting about my good workout at the gym (which I'm still pretty sore from, actually). I was spending time and giving attention to those who had given up their time to be with me. Amazing concept.

That said, I missed the convenience of having everything at my fingertips. And I missed my She Reads Truth bible study plan. And I missed texting with emojis.

I'm glad to have my iPhone back (thanks to insurance!), but I know I can survive at least 48 hours without it. :)

Thank you for all the great discussion on yesterday's post! I am always a bit nervous when addressing topics where I know there are many different viewpoints. But secretly, I really enjoy hearing from you all! ;) And I believe it is our differences that allow us to be used in so many ways by the Lord! So thank you. I figured I would lighten it up today with some pictures of my favorite little guy...

This is what playtime at our house looks like these days. :) 

Happy Wednesday!