Monday, June 1, 2009

For This Reason.

Hello Friends!

I want to welcome you if you came over to visit from Bring the Rain. I wish I had a fruit basket for each of you.

Edible Arrangement, anyone?

I am deeply honored and humbled that Angie decided to share about my mom, Cheryl. Here are some stories and different things I have learned through my journey-first with her, and then without her. Jesus has made that journey with me, and I pray that you'll know how I feel about Him.

I am 23, and I have a knack for giving awkward a capital "A" and if you promise not to laugh at me too much, you can read about those here.

Fell free to pull up a seat and stay a while. I'd love to hear your story and get to know you. Most of all, I want you to know that I prayed for YOU! This morning I got up and asked God to use my story to help you and encourage you through whatever your journey looks like today. I thanked God for you and told Him that He is most worthy to receive praise and honor because of the way He weaves together the intricacies of our lives.

For this reason I got on my knees early this morning.

I hope you'll stay and get comfy! I want to know what God is doing in your life too...

God loves you, and I do too. I am totally grateful to Angie for introducing us. Now I want to know your name.

Can we be friends?

...because most of us are already sisters in the Family of God. I encourage you to join in on that. He really is the best Father, and I hope by getting to know me, you'll be introduced to Him through my inadequate words.

It is for this reason that I bow my knees before Him and thank Him for you, dear friends.

85 comments:

Courtney, Jeff, Ayla & Leah said...

I saw the title on Bring the Rain and thought... she stole that from Lauren. HA Then I went on to read and found out she was talking about said Lauren (you, of course). So excited! I hope this opens opportunities you never knew God had in store for you :)

Lauren said...

Lauren! I just found your blog because I follow Angie Smith's and of course you know that she wrote about you!:) I think you are wonderful and I am so thankful to "get to know" another Lauren who is following Jesus with all her heart! Praise God for the work He is doing in you --- and for all the work He is able to do in others because of you! It can be hard to find fellow young women who are dedicated to Christ - and now I've not only found a fellow twenty something, but a fellow Lauren as well! BE BLESSED!!!

Jeni said...

Hi!!! I came over here from Angie's blog...my name is Jeni. I just have a little ole' blog that I mostly update with pictures of my son...but I LOVE to read blogs, I feel like I have been inspired by so many people on here and I see you will be one of them as well. It is so great to see such a wonderful Christian blog community. It uplifts me as I read them each day, and helps me on my own walk. Looks like we only live a little under 3 hrs from one another! That is too funny! I live in Southern Indiana as well, and we are about 3 hrs from Oakland City. :) I look forward to following your blog and catching up on older posts to get to know more about you! Thank you so much for sharing your story, and especially the beautiful story of your mother! I look forward to getting to know more about you!!!!

Melissa said...

Lauren, first my name is Melissa and I am stopping by your blog thru Bring the Rain. I admire your strength and courage through difficult times. I also love that song from the now David Crowder Band. My husband and I have struggled with infertility over the past two years and when we completed our first IVF cycle and it failed I listened to this song over and over again... Glad to meet you and I will continue to follow your blog and grow and be inspired by you. Thanks for your friendship.

M J said...

Hi there! I came over from Angie's blog. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us! You sound like a wonderful Christian woman, and you're going to do great things with your life!

Alicia {Murry Mayhem} said...

What a sweet heart you have! I lost my mother 7 years ago to cancer, and like your mom, she did a lot for our church and community. She volunteered at our local Crisis Pregnancy Center for years, and did so much for those who needed it.

I learned a lot through her, and she helped mold me into the person I am today. It takes a lot to lay yourself out there to someone you don't know, but I'm glad I found your blog.

Many blessings to you!

Becky said...

Hello Friend,

My name is Becky and I have travelled a journey and been guided and blessed by the Lord over the last couple years. My youngest son was diagnosed with ADHD and it has been a wild ride... all the time, the Lord kept bringing the right people at the right time into my life to help me and my son. God is so good. I felt from the beginning that there was a reason why I was enduring these struggles with my beloved son... and just recently felt the Lord telling me to start a support group for other parents of ADHD kids. If I can help one other parent navigate the journey and help them, it is all worth it.

Thanks for sharing your story about your mom - she sounds like an amazing woman... can't wait to meet her in heaven!

Your friend,
Becky

K Mommy said...

I'm Karmen and I am over from Angie's blog. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us.

Unknown said...

Lauren...thank you for praying for me this morning! Just reading that brought tears to my eyes! In Him, Linda

Pineapple Princess said...

Praising God for you this morning!You are such a blessing to others!

Chickie said...

Lauren, I got to work this morning and read your story with tears in my eyes over at Angie's page... I came right over to your page and prayed for you... then I started reading... I can't wait to get home tonight and read back some more (you know I'm and work and I have to be productive, ha!) and get to know you! Thank you for sharing your story with Angie and for her sharing it with us!

Have a wonderful day!
Kristen

Carol said...

Beautiful!

Sue said...

I am SO HAPPY I found your blog from Bring The Rain. I can hardly wait to go back and read ALL your posts. What I have read has already blessed me...it is amazing how God uses people we have never met in person. You will certainly be on my list of daily visits...God Bless YOU!

Leah Robinson said...

YAY!! I'm so happy for you Lauren!! I pray that many more women get to know how much you inspire us local ladies :)

Sockrma18 said...

You sure you are only 23? Really? :0)

I just got here from Angie's blog only a few moments ago and I already cannot wait to follow you and get to know you.

You go girl.

Becki

Whitney said...

Hi there. I did find you through sweet Angie at Bring the Rain and I am so glad that I did. Your story is moving and I would love to talk some more. My bf is a youth minister and I am absoutly in love with young girls, the struggles they face, and the joy they acquire when they conquer those mountains. So in saying that, I would love to talk minstry with you. If you would like, cruise on over to my blog home...although its nothing like yours. Thanks for sharing the love of Christ with the world.

Anonymous said...

HI, nice to meet you!

I am Amanda, and I too give awkward a capital "A"

Thanks for your prayers... we are expecting my husband home from a 15-month deployment in the next week or so! So much excitement around here.

I'll be dropping by from time to time. Thanks for opening your story to us...

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm Jenn and came from Angie's blog also. I look forward to getting to know you through your posts. Nice to meet you!

mommyof2sons said...

Hi! I am Tina. And I came here from Angie's blog. I look forward to reading your blog and getting to know you!!

Leigh said...

Lauren,

Read your story on Angie's blog of course. Came over read some about you and love your writing and your heart! I cannot wait to read more and get to know YOU a bit better.

Me, well I am 23, married for almost 14 months and about to start the beautiful journey of adoption. You can read more about all of it on my blog!

I will be back for sure!

Leigh

Julie said...

Lauren,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us in the bloggy world! I came over from Angies blog and I am so glad I did.

Looking forward to reading more from you!

:)
Julie

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm so glad to "meet" you. Thanks so much for writing to Angie so we could get to know you. Your story is incredible and your mom sounds like a beautiful person.

I'm off to "stalk" you blog for a while ;) although maybe it's not stalking since I introduced myself. :)

Gberger said...

I am visiting here for the first time from "Bring the Rain." Just want to say I think your gift to Angie is lovely. It's clear that you have a kind and generous heart, and that you are a daughter who would make any parent grateful and proud! God bless you as your follow His call.

Tasha said...

Hi Lauren.I found you through Angie,and I'm so glad I did.I too live in Indiana(Logansport,about an hour north of Indy).I loved your post about being at Bucca's and then driving through the rain with your dad.I always feel safe with my dad,like nothing can get get me and I'm 30!I am looking forward to getting to know you!

Patti said...

What a wonderful story that Angie shared about you and your precious mother. It's nice to meet you!!

gertsbride said...

Hi!

I'll leave my blog address for anyone that might be interested.

Thank you for praying today. If you happen by my blog, you'll see why they're so important today.

Blessings on you,
Mary Beth
http://peltfamily.blogspot.com

Lees said...

WOW! I have read several of your posts and just wanted to say thank you for bring Christ to me in a way I can relate... you should write a book!

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom... my mom battled cancer 5 years ago and it was devastating...my mom is in remission BUT has many, many areas that they are watching... it is so scary...

Thanks for bringing me peace straight from God today!
Lees

Inkling said...

I've read a few posts and have bookmarked your blog so I can visit again. What a beautiful corner of the blogosphere!

Lisa said...

Hi Lauren,

Thank you for praying for me this morning...I'm a single mom of three boys(my first son is in heaven) my second son was diagnosed with autism in 2006 and my youngest is 15 months and a typical little boy... I've been walking this road called autism and most days are hard but with the Lord by my side and friends I have meet and continue meeting along the way it gets a little easier :). I'm so glad I have been following Angie - Bring The Rain for many months now and she directed us to you. You have an amazing story! God bless you!

http://myboysmygreatestgiftsinlife.blogspot.com/

Angie said...

Loved reading your story on "Bring the Rain". I hope that God uses all this to heal your heart! You are awesome!

The Cohen's said...

I am visiting from "Bring the Rain" and I loved how she described you!!! I too lost my mom to cancer, but I know that she's in a much better place now.

As hard as it was, I just know your mom was smiling down on you when you went into her store. :)

Unknown said...

Your Mother is AMAZING! Truly beautiful and thank you for sharing her with us :) xo.

Krystal said...

Hey Lauren!

Thanks for sharing your mom with us!

Have a great day!

Tammy On the Go said...

I had a friend who just lost her mom to an unexplained circumstance. happened last Monday and we don't know why. God knows. I wrote her a poem I would love to share with you. it is titles "Mesa" on my blog. Hope you will get the chance to visit...getting to know you right now!

Carina said...

Lauren,

I came over via Angie's blog too and what a pleasure it is to meet you! The story of your mom had me in tears...and reminded me that she is the type of mom I want to be! I lost my dad to cancer when I was 23 (I just turned 40--yikes!), so I know a bit of what you are going through.

I LOVE your heart for Jesus and your desire to serve Him through vocational ministry! I will be praying for you and visiting your blog regularly!

Carina

Wendy said...

Hi Lauren! I, too, found you through Bring the Rain. What a lovely tribute to your mom, and what a great blog you have. You've managed to make me laugh and convict me -- and I've only read the first page!

I'm Wendy, a wife, full-time mom of two (it's not just a job, it's an adventure) and disciple of Christ, and I live with my family in California. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts!

God bless!

Amber Schmidt said...

I came over from Bring the Rain and spent an hour reading back to catch up on your story! Can't wait to read about many more adventures!

Erin said...

Hi Lauren! Thanks for sharing yourself with us random strangers. I'm gonna follow you, if you don't mind. I lost my Mom to cancer (5 years ago)when I was a couple of years older than you so I can relate to your story.

Julie said...

I'm another one "popping over" from Angie's blog and just wanted to say how special you are. I was moved to tears reading Angie's post and can't wait to get to know more about you!

Hugs!

MaRia said...

Love your story! I realized when I clicked on your page from Angie's that you and I are practically neighbors! I'm in Newburgh. Wild!

Kat said...

Lauren-

I came over from Angie's blog...but you knew that. Your mom sounds like she was an amazing instrument for our LORD. I can only hope that someday my daughter's may look back on me with the love and respect that your mother earned from you through her selfless giving and love for HIM. Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing her with us.

jessicamae3 said...

God is good.

JessGraceIz said...

Lauren.
I am so happy to know you personally and how you are connecting all these people through you and your mom's story and not to forget the most common demoninator Jesus Christ. You are truly a beautiful gal inside and out and I can't wait to hear more from "That Girl"

Leslie said...

Hey, girlfriend! LOVED the post about you on 'Bring the Rain' today. You are just a neat young woman to know. Thanks for everything you've done for me!

Kori said...

Hi Lauren,
I have been sitting here for a shameless amount of time reading through your blog. What a lovely Godly woman you are.

Tina said...

I also came over from Angie's blog. Your post today was just wonderful. Thank you for writing it and for being so welcoming.

You are inspiring and that is why I blog. To inspire and to be inspired.

Have a good one!

Leigh said...

you are MORE thank welcome to follow :)

and Crazy love for sure changed my life!

Meredith said...

Hi Lauren!!! I already feel like we are sisters because my baby sister's name is Lauren! So, you've automatically got a soft spot in my heart just through your name. :)
Also, just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story with Angie and allowing her to share with all of us. It's an amazing story and it has inspired me to be a mom that my children can be proud of (I've always wanted that, but your letter about how awesome your mother was has brought that into light for me).
Thank you for being so terrific!
((hugs))
~Meredith

Jana said...

Lauren,

What an awesome testimony of God's grace! Thanks for sharing with Angie and with us!

Amanda said...

Thanks for sharing your story...just reading pieces of it on Angie's blog brought me to tears. I'm so glad she introduced us to you!

sunflowerlin said...

Look at all the people we came over from Bring the Rain! (I came from there too!)

I'm Lindsey and I used to blog with frequency, now I find myself reading everyone else's!

Good to meet you and I am looking forward to getting to know you!

Jess said...

Hey! So great to "meet" you! Just coming by from "Bring the Rain" and I now have your blogged bookmarked so I can read you every day! You have so much wisdom, I can't wait to learn from your wise words!!!
Thanks for taking the time to share them!
Jess in Nerbaska

Jamie said...

Thank you for sharing the story about your mom with Angie. My heart swelled, and so did my eyes, when I read it! What a beautiful woman and oh so inspiring!!

mscourtney:) said...

Hello there! I just read part of your story on Angie's blog and thought I would come visit. :)

What an amazing story that Angie shared with us. I, too, think about her everytime I hear "All I Can Say." I am from Tennessee and had the opportunity to meet Angie while shopping one day. ha She has been such a blessing to me. I am very excited about getting to know you, as well! I am about to get comfortable and begin reading your story. Thanks for sharing your mother with us. :)

Can't wait to learn more about you!

Amy S said...

Bless you Lauren!!! What a sweet sweet story !!!! Praying for you!! love you girl!!

Your mother was a beautiful person and would be soooo proud of you!!!

Unknown said...

Just stopping by from Bring the Rain! What a blessing you are, and what a legacy your mom has left for her sweet daughter.

I plan to come back and visit you again, and I am praying for you as well!

Blessings!

Unknown said...

Hi, Lauren! My name is Faith and I learned of your blog through Bring the Rain. Thank you so much for sharing your story. God bless!

Jen said...

HI Lauren,

My name is Jen and I am so excited to get to know you!! What a great blog you have! I lost my mother a little over 7 years ago and even after 7 years today I had a huge crying fit!! I believe the Lord brought you and your blog into my life today, a day that was a little emotional even after SEVEN years! I am going to continue reading and get to know you better!!

Jen

Liz Barlak said...

Lauren:

So I, too, got here from Bring the Rain. And when you said that for "this reason" you got on your knees, I clicked on it. And I read Ephesians. Because of you. And I was moved. By you. I'm a woman twice your age in Southern California, married with an 18 year old son. And you prayed for me. I was moved. What can I do for you?
In gratitude...

Amy's Blah, Blah, Blogging said...

Thank you for sharing with us in your journey! What a lovely woman your mother sounds like. I truely hope you are able to go into her store sometime soon and feel nothing but peace in a place that was so clearly her!

Unknown said...

Stopping in from Bring the Rain. Excited to get to know you!

Ashley said...

Nice to meet you Lauren! I'm Ashley and I hopped on over here from Angie's. You are already a blessing to so many...

Unknown said...

Hi Lauren! I am jumping over from Angie's blog. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your mother with all of us. I know she is looking down on you with such pride and love. Blessings toyou and your family. Your courage is inspiring!
Blessings,
Mary

Anonymous said...

My name is Erika and I live in Seattle. I found my way over here from Angie's blog as well. I so enjoyed reading your story. It's always so incredibly encouraging to read about other single "twenty somethings" trying to find their way through life. It's amazing how we can be so encouraged by people we have never actually met in person....I guess God knows what He's doing! :) I can't wait to read more of your posts. God bless!

Elizabeth said...

Hey Lauren,
I came over from Angie's blog and wanted to say a proper hello! So, hello.
From,
Elizabeth

Kristy said...

Hi Lauren, my name is Kristy. I have a question for you - maybe a post idea - what are the things your Mother did for you or with you that helped you to have such a strong relationship with the Lord? I did not grow up in a Chistian home - and didn't even come to faith in Christ until age 28 (I just turned 37 now). I have 3 children, and sometimes feel I have no clue in how to raise them the right way - because I have had no godly examples. I fear all the time that there is something else I should be doing - some tradition I am missing, something different than what I do. Any ideas from you would be helpful - because you sound like a lovely young woman who loves God with all her heart. Just what I want for my sons and daughter! Thanks!

Sue said...

Lauren,
I am here from Angie's blog. :)
I need to go pack because we are leaving on vacation tomorrow and I have not started packing yet!!
I am middle age and have four grown children ages 19 - 27. When I get home I want to read more about your mom. You and I have a lot in common - we are sisters in Christ and my precious mom died of cancer when I was 19, so I feel a connection with you.
I will check back when I am back in town. I will not have internet access while I am away.
Thanks for making Angie so happy!
Blessings!
Sue (from GA)

kayasmom said...

Hello lauren!! i jumped over from angie's blog and I think I'm going to like you!!! haha My name is Chris and I live in lafayette,IN. I have been married for 11 years and have a 6 year old daughter. I love the Lord our Savior and enjoy meeting others who do also.

Bonnie said...

Hi there Lauren ! Just stopped over from Bring the Rain and wanted to say hello !

"Hello !!"

:)

KE II said...

Hey Lauren,
I popped over from Angie's blog, and I look forward to reading more of yours in the future. Thanks for sharing about your Mum, sounds like she was a HUGE blessing and God has gifted you with the same servant heart. I'm a pretty infrequent blogger, but I sure love reading them. In Christ,
KE

Anonymous said...

Hi there Lauren,
I'm visiting from Bring the Rain and I just wanted to tell you two things: First, I also lost my Mum to cancer and I REALLY miss her and second, I think your hair is lovely!
I don't have time to read much of your blog right now (I'm at work!!) but I'm going to be a regular visitor from now on....

amy said...

Hello Lauren!

I'm another one who ventured over from Bring the Rain. It seems as though God has given you an amazing story to share. Thanks for your example of singing His praises through the storms of this life. Though I don't know you and have only read your words briefly, it is already evident that you are indeed singing His praises. Thanks for sharing truth and for your prayers for me, even before I ever linked to your blog! I have tasted of the immeasurable love of the Father, and am forever changed. Thanks for sharing that hope with other women. He is Good, indeed.

Anonymous said...

Hi friend! I as well noticed your blog on Angie's.. so thank-you Angie! Lauren, thank-you SO much for your transparency.. I will be 23 in a few and I grasp the same struggles you share about as well. I love to see people within my generation, striving after the Lord's heart. It is such a breath of fresh air!! So keep writing girl.. you just rocked my socks off, so thanks! in Him.. -Sheryl

BB'sBlog said...

Hi, I am a visitor from Angie's blog. So nice to meet you. I am 26 and a 2nd year law school student in Nashville - What a great story you have and thank you for sharing it - I look forward to following you!

Brittany
bspeight.blogspot.com

Beth said...

I am here from BTR. A day late but better late than never! I am behind on catching up on my blogs.

Thank you for sharing your heart and your life!

WendyCarole said...

hi I came over from Angie's blog too. live in UK and have bookmarked your blog.

I really liked the Ephesians scripture you posted

Tish said...

Hi Lauren...my mother recently passed of cancer, too, so I wanted to stop by and say hi. What a fun blog you have! It's so inspiring to see a young woman living completely for her Savior!!!

tara pollard pakosta said...

Hi Lauren.
My name is Tara Pollard Pakosta. I am a 38 year old mom to two girls, Savannah Rose and AVa Katherine. I live in a suburb of Chicago. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know you will bless many people with her/your story.
I love that song BRING THE RAIN! one of my faves!
Take care! glad I found your blog. Thanks for praying for me.
Tara

Jennifer Perkins said...

I am very much enjoying your blog...

I am 38 with 3 children (17, 13, 12). I am in a new marriage for coming up on 2 years after being widowed in 2006 following my husband's lengthy, horrific illness. While I don't understand the Lord's reasons for what we went through, I am confident He was with us throughout it all. (His story is not on my main blog, but you can read it here: http://ayoungwidowsjourney.blogspot.com/ )

Looking forward to getting to know you.

{shelly} said...

i also fall in the category of found your blog beacause i follow Angie's - but it is SO incredibly encouraging to see the blog of a girl who is YOUNG and still absolutely in love with the Lord.
my name is Shelly and i'm 24...there have been some incredible times in my life - and some that have hurt deeply and yet i am honored to say that the Lord is good.
I pray you have a most blessed week and know that YOUR light has brightened many lives.
Richest Blessings to you!
-shelly

jennie.newland said...

Hi There!

I also came over from Angies blog, but I have also fell in love with yours! I think you have a faithful follower here! I would love to get to know you as well! I will start. My name is Jennie. I live in North Carolina with my son Zachary, and my better haly Keith! I am almost a nurse and I pray that when I am God uses me to minister to people at some of the hardest times in their lives. I pray that he will put me somewhere where I can serve him the best. I also have a little blog (nothing like Angies, or yours) that I would be so honored for you to visit sometime! Hope to talk to you soon. I am praying for you.

Chantelle said...

I am glad Angie's blog brought me here, I look forward to reading back on past posts of yours for some "catching up".

Michelle said...

I love your blog, if you have this much wisdom at 23 I can't wait to keep reading and see where you are at 33. I am adding you to my list of Bring The Rain Friends.....your mom is smiling down proud of you gilr!

The Howell Blessings said...

Hello, I found your blog through Angie's Bring the Rain. I've been following Angie since her pregnancy with Audrey. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, have undergone surgery and will begin chemo in July, so your mothers story captured my attention. I started a blog to journal my story (http://amidlife-ajourney.blogspot.com/) and pray that it will minister to anyone, especially those going through the same thing. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing your mothers story. Mindy H

Tamara B said...

Lauren, I'll have to peek around some more and get to know you. Your mom's story was so encouraging. Real quick about me: originally from central CA, moved to NE Iowa after college. Married shortly thereafter, kids a few years later, blessed beyond measure and trying to really, really love and know God beyond words. Its tough having a career, being a full time mom, wife and maid too. Thankfully my hubby is the cook :) Anyway, I've been really seeking God more lately after feeling like I was luke-warm and using the parenting craziness as an excuse. Seriously, God wants so much of our lives and I was giving him ounces - scraps off the table. Yeah, I suck, but I'm real like that. Anyway, the past year I've been asking God to give me joy and that I would bring Him joy in my "work". I don't want it to be a job, I want to do what I love. So far, a career with the government (and specifically in my office) isn't doing it. Sure, I get some opportunities to share but am I using my gifts and talents??? Anyway, all that to say that I was inspired by your mom's story. I would love to copy the way she served and loved. Not that I think our po-dunk 500 person town on a county road to no-where could handle a book store, but maybe God would bless that. It's the darn fear of having an income and health benefits that stops me in my tracks daily and it sucks! Anyway, more that you probably want to know, right? Pop on over and get to know me a bit if you'd like... I have two blogs: one for day to day life and the second for my scrambled and emotional adoption journey...

peace friend,
tamara b