Metro Moms

The Beauty of Scenic Trips

It was the early 1960's and our family car was a big ol' station wagon.  You know, the ones with the rear seat that faced backwards?  We were making our annual visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to visit my grandmother.  Back then there were no big highways from our Northern Viriginia home to my favorite place on earth...Nags Head.  The trip took hours longer than it would take many years later when Benny and I would begin to take our growing family there for vacations every year on newly-built highways that bypassed the winding country roads Dad used to use.

I miss those old roads.  Although it was nice to have a few less hours to keep my children occupied than Mom had to endure with young children, the higher speed limits and wide roads took something special away from the trip. 

There's just something wonderful about leisurely trips along scenic roads, don't you think?

That's what Route 66 is all about.  Last year was my first experience with reading the Bible through in a year.  It was a substantial commitment and there were times I wished I could speed up the trip!  But as the year came to an end I wanted to savor every moment.  Kinda like when I read a really good novel.  I start out reading really fast (perhaps wondering if/when I'll have time to finish it)...but by the end I'm slowing down, wishing the book didn't have to end.

Please pray about joining us on Route 66 this year.  We're doing a more manageable read through the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.  The trip will be more leisurely this year.  So pack in the old station wagon with us.  Next February we'll celebrate as we reflect on God's faithfulness together.

Just post a comment and we'll be in touch about the details!

Posted by Sheree 

We'll Never Know What We Missed

Imagine the best vacation that you've ever taken.  Aren't you glad that you took the time to make it happen?  What if you decided at the last minute that from what you could tell it wasn't going to be worth the effort to go?  What if you decided, instead to stay home on your vacation in order to do the more important things that you never seem to have time to complete?

Knowing what you know now, you wouldn't trade that trip for anything in the world, would you?  Of course not!  That's the way we feel after traveling Route 66.  We had no idea that this trip would be such a satisfying, memorable experience.  We had heard from others that it was worth the trip, but not having done it ourselves there were doubts that we could do it!  God not only met us, but He was our tour guide teaching us about the sites we passed along the way.

Won't you consider joining our club?  We would love for you to discover the surprises God has for you along this famous road.  The best thing is that your surprises won't be the same as mine.  What God shows you is unique for you in the season of life that you are in.  Only God can take the same book and share it with various people who are fed exactly what they need in the moment that they need it. 

I understand the reasons why it's hard to commit to such a journey, but realize that if one neglects such a glorious trip, you'll never know what you missed!

To join just comment to this post! 

Posted by Debi

More than a party

 

We wanted to share with you some fun pictures from our recent Route 66 Party celebrating the reading of God's Word through 2007.  Why?  Because what we thought would be a fun motivation to complete such a worthy goal, ended up bringing tears to our eyes as we listened to what God did in our hearts as a result of such a commitment. 

There were those who confessed their need to repent throughout the year because they realized that they were only reading to check it off their to-do list.  Amazingly, despite wrong motivations at times, God worked a fresh love and zeal for His Word in our hearts.

Another shared how God had surprised her by setting her free from a sin that had held her captive for years, even though she didn't specifically ask for it!  It's obvious that God delights to bless us with good things as we take the time to invest in what matters most. 

So, it's not too late!  We would love for you to join us in this all important discipline.   Maybe this time next  year you'll be testifying about the glorious views and unexpected surprises you discovered on Route 66.

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."              Hebrews 12:11

Posted by Debi

12 Prayers Answered

That's right!  This time last year many of us set out on a journey we aptly called the Route 66 Club.  It was our desire and goal to read through the entire Bible (all 66 chapters) in 2007  Some had to bow out - understandable in this busy season called "motherhood."  But there were twelve ladies who were able, only by God's grace, to finish this journey. 

As promised, we had a party Sunday night to celebrate and to glorify God for what He had accomplished in our lives as a result.  There were tears as some shared how God convicted them of sin and the freedom God's mercy brought as a result. Others shared the joys and struggles of staying on such a tight journey, but how God used those seemingly unproductive days to teach them the importance of being faithful.  All finished the year with a renewed love for His Word.  Twelve ladies who embraced God's Holy Word for 365 days have found themselves wanting to do it again! 

So our Route 66 Club will continue into 2008!  It's not too late if you would like to join us! To sign up just post a comment to this post. This year we are reading the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Since our church will be focusing most of the year on the Parables of Jesus, we thought it would be good to take our time through the New Testament in 2008.  The slower pace might allow more of you with little ones to take part.  Heartlight offers a wonderful plan that includes reading only 1 - 2 chapters a day.  

Also, with the emphasis the Holy Spirit is bringing on the importance of prayer, the slower pace will allow us to concentrate on growing in our prayer life during our devotion times too.  Can you imagine this time next year the testimonies that will be told and the glory that God will receive when more of us have committed our days to pursuing God through His Word and through prayer! 

I'm in my car and ready to hit the road!  How about you?  Please consider joining us.  You can start your plan on February 1st and join us for our 2nd Annual Route 66 party in February of 2009!!

Posted by Debi

P.S.  From Sheree:  Thank you, Debi, for making Route 66 possible AND for the wonderful party at your home!  Your hospitality is almost as contagious as your love for God's word!

God's Word Helps Us Discern Our Culture

Today we finish up hearing two more testimonies of how reading through God's Word in 2007 affected several ladies.  We hope their words will encourage you to make plans to read God's Word consistently in 2008.  On behalf of the Metro Mom's blog team - Have a happy and safe New Year Celebration - Debi 

"What a wonderful journey it has been!  I was so encouraged yesterday by a message by Al Mohler I listened to while I was exercising.  It was from New Attitude and it's called "Discern Your Culture".  And as he talked about God's Word being the revelation God has given us of Himself and how we should discern our culture through the lens of Scripture, I was filled with thanksgiving that God would have me and keep me on this journey through the Bible in a year!  It's amazing how much more I understand when I read a whole book at once or several books over the course of a few weeks.  I'm loving the view on Route 66 (hopefully a different view than when I began)!"

"This is the first time that I've tried reading consistently through the Bible and really enjoyed it and wanted to keep going - THAT is God's grace, and I'm excited to see how the rest of the year pans out and what God reveals to me as I continue to read His Word!"

God's Word Demonstrates Redemption Throughout History

More Route 66 posts along the road...

"It has been such an amazing journey.  I have learned so much, but over and over I am amazed at how similar I am to the Israelites and how wonderful it is that God chose to send his Son to save me from their fate.  I do not know how this fits into theology or doctrine, but it seems to me that there isn't an old and new covenant, but only one continuing story.  As I read through Jeremiah, Jesus' redemption is already spelled out. Due to his sacrifice my prayers never fall on deaf ears as they do in Lamentations.   Thank you God for your wonderful provision!"

______________________

"For me, the journey has had its up and downs.  There have been times I’ve gotten behind in my reading and have had to double up for days.  There have been times I’ve regretted how keeping up with the reading has affected other aspects of my devotional life.  I’m unable to journal as much and can’t spend the leisurely time in worship I’m accustomed to. I have even pridefully thought, “Hmmm…my devotions have really been affected by all this reading of the Bible.  I think I liked my ‘old’ devotions better.”  But what a RICH and rewarding time this has been!  The word of God truly is living and active!  Whatever sacrifices I’ve had to make have been well worth the incredible joy and privilege of making God’s Word the priority it should be.  I’m experiencing the fruit of the affects of His Word on my heart.  God is proving Himself faithful to help me see sin in my life; rejoice in His faithfulness through the generations; and marvel at the demonstration of His love, power, faithfulness, mercy and glory throughout history."

God's Word Brings Peace

This is our first testimony from an older mom at Metro about the effects reading God's Word consistently this year has had on her:

"I am amazed at how peaceful I am these days even with the franticness of the holidays and other circumstances swirling around me, I am also hormonal to boot! It is obvious to me that all this time in the Word has made an impact on my spirit, and I am blessed beyond measure. Now, when I thank Him for His Word, I really mean it!"

A Time For Looking Back...

This year has been a banner year for many of our Metro Moms; this is the year the Lord led us to read through the Bible.  Last January we were inspired to create an e-mail support group called Route 66 because God's Word is comprised of 66 books.  Has it been easy?  Yes, and no!  There have been portions of Scripture that were like a well-watered garden, familiar and beautiful.  But there were portions that were difficult to push through, either for lack of understanding or because of the sheer repetition of so and so begat so and so... you know what I mean.   

But I learned much through even those portions -- God made it a point to include someone's name for me to read about thousands of years later.  What if that were my name listed in Holy Scripture?  My pride would certainly cling to that and enjoy reading it over and over.  I'd probably have the entire chapter memorized!  Thoughts like these expose my pride and help me realize how much I read because of how it effects me!  Ugh!  He graciously brings repentance once again! 

God's Word is so much greater than the small part I can comprehend.  It is not only made up of 66 books, but of people and places that God's Holy Spirit influenced for the purpose of His Story.  Join us for the remainder of the year as we share with you testimonies of how God's Word affected some ordinary women in 2007.  Maybe what they share will help you as you purpose to read God's Word in 2008.

Posted by Debi