Wholehearted Blessing

Happy Summer!!!!! 

I hope that all of your precious families have been enjoying more time outside, more time together, more rest, more laughter and more time seeking the Lord. It has been all of those things for me and it's been awesome.

I'm reading a number of books already this summer.  I wish I could just read one, and then go onto the next one but, that's just not my nature. So, ONE of the three I'm reading now is called "The Art Of Mentoring" by Darlene Zschech. YES, the same Darlene Zschech that I used to roll my eyes about. When her rendition of the 1980's "Shout to the Lord" is often played on repeat at Cracker Barrels, I can hardly help it. She is an AWESOME worship leader, writer and woman of faith.  Let me tell you, her perspective of raising up the next generation is eye opening, challenging and so, so accurate. 

In this book, she talks about communication to the younger generations; the messages we send them, how we perceive them and how we speak of them to our peers (which, I've never thought a lot about... but, it has so much conviction) . In thinking about examples through scripture of people who have paved the way of "speaking life into younger generations" immediately, my mind turned to Moses. Well... and Jesus. But, I'm using Moses for my teaching point. 

In Moses' last days, Deuteronomy 33 records the wisdom, encouragement, and WHOLEHEARTED blessings He speaks over the twelve tribes of Israel. Even in Moses' last days of living, he is still dedicated to encouraging and raising up leaders.  He spends His last breaths pouring into the future of the younger generation. He shares VERY specific things to admonish each tribe.  He doesn't say "Hey, all of you rule and you're good at serving God's people. Good luck. Bye.  " No, Moses says something very distinct to each tribe,  he knew what set each tribe  apart from the rest. He prays specialized prayers for EACH group. As a leader, Moses knew the characteristics, gifts and talents of each group. He held nothing back expressing His love for them AND for the Lord. Moses' ability to love others well and express His love for the Lord well, set Him apart as a great leader. It sounds so simple right? He openly shared His faith, His wisdom and His weakness, too! He was transparent with His people and as a result of that, God found favor with Him. Scripture tells us that after Moses died, people wept for 30 days. That is a loved, respected and revered man!

So, faithful friends, that is my challenge to all of you THIS summer. I'm taking a break from writing and sharing for the summer on our blog. It is YOUR turn to speak truth, encouragement, and blessing upon the Families of ChristChurch. Share your transparency, your love for each other, and share your wisdom that the Lord has blessed you with! Share what has worked in your family in bringing your children closer to Jesus. Share what is hard. Share what is funny. Share what is exciting. Let us, the body of Christ, share in your joy, hardship and laughter. I'm SO excited to see how this Family Ministry stuff works in different homes!

If you're interested in writing one week- please let me know!

Moses' final recorded words are these to God's people in Deuteronomy 33:29, 

Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and YOU will tread on their heights!" 

What encouragement as a leader! To have one of my mentors, pastors, friends and leaders remind me of this would be a blessing and encouragement in itself! I'm thankful to have this beautiful passage of scripture to be reminded of what a selfless, grace-filled and wise leader looks like.