Musings from the Mower

Today, I mowed the yard. Don't misunderstand. I'm not bragging or asking for some kind of an award. This happens fairly often. We have a riding mower and a really big yard (Read: "Quiet" time to myself to get lost in my thoughts.).

The view from my porch

(In case you want to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I've included a picture. That's some good looking grass, right?)

So, as I was tooling around the yard this afternoon, God brought to mind the situation that led us to this house. It was messy and painful; I thought Jeff and I were both going to lose our minds. Our house sold unexpectedly (Read: Not on the market, showed it on a whim, moved out a month later) and we thought we had a place to rent. That place fell through three weeks before our closing date. In Louisville, Miss., rental property (that's not sketchy!) is scarce anyway and now we were really scrambling. I won't go through all the crazy details of the other three things that were "lined up" and fell through (at least not in this post) but we finally had a solution...10 days before closing. 

Our things were scattered all over Winston County in long-term storage, short-term storage, temporary rental (five to six weeks, we hoped) and at our soon-to-be home. Now, I should probably also add the context that Jeff was in his first semester of seminary, and I was in the promotion and tenure process at Mississippi State to keep my job. Let's just say, tension was running high around the Walton house.

I remember so many moments of frustration wondering how God could possibly make this mess "right." How could He possibly make good on His promise to provide for "all my needs" (Philippians 4:19) when I was having trouble getting dressed in the morning or cooking a meal because I couldn't find ANYTHING?!

But here I sit. On my front porch writing this post. Our rental house is now "home" and God has more than met our needs. Our home is a little larger with a much larger yard (Read: Lots of space for two energetic little boys) and we pay less in rent than we did for our mortgage. The family we are renting from is an amazing Christian family and our rent helps cover the costs of caring for their aging mother (Also a preacher's wife - shout out to my sister!). While I couldn't see this ending eight months ago when I was digging through a several dozen boxes in the middle of the night trying to find a bundt pan because I wanted to make a blessed cake (Grrr, stupid stress cravings!), I see it now. 

I see how the other rental situation would have been a train wreck for us. I see how we are now in a situation that allows us to move at anytime without worry about selling a house or breaking a lease agreement. I see that our boys love having a yard and a pasture to romp around in without the fears of neighborhood living. And I see how the situation has been able to move us toward a position to make other decisions (see previous post) with less fear about the financial implications. 

Sometimes we have to let go of the reigns so God can rain down His blessings...in His time...and in His way. I'm learning. Slowly, but surely. 

So, there you have it - my musings from the mower. Amazing what a few spins around the yard on a riding mower can do for the soul. Now, I should go clean my house.

Our home

One Step at a Time...

Goals. I live for them. Big ones, small ones – I just need them to keep me moving…and in the right direction. A day without a “to do” list is not a good day. So, when I’m focused on a goal or a task, there’s very little that can distract me or pull me off course.

About 15 years ago, I set out to achieve the goal of becoming a tenured faculty member at research-focused university. Well, last week, that goal was realized. The Mississippi IHL Board approved the recommendation by the Mississippi State University President to tenure me and promote me to Associate Professor.

Monday, I resigned.

You see, I had MY goals and MY life plan (for about the next 20 years, if I’m being honest) but in those plans, had forgotten to account for God’s plans for my life.  A few years ago, He began to subtly change my course. When the earthquake struck Port Au Prince in 2010, I couldn’t turn away from the news coverage. It had an impact on me like no other natural disaster. I was 9 months pregnant with sweet Eli and knew going to Haiti (at that point) was not exactly an option (and if we’re being honest, wrote most of it off to pregnancy hormones!). But the desire to help didn’t subside and I began to look for other avenues to help…and found plenty (including learning how to sew, but that’s for another post!).

As my baby boy got older, I knew it was time to start exploring the possibility of going, and I traveled to Haiti for the first time in June 2012 (Thank you, Fairview Baptist for saying “Yes!” to me crashing your trip!). God allowed my heart to be completely broken for the people of Haiti, specifically for the area of Anse A Pitres. I fell in love with the organization I traveled with as well, as its mission fit my heart’s desire. When I returned, I began to volunteer my skills and time to help the organization grow and increase its visibility. I returned to Haiti in February 2013 (again, thanks to those who let me crash their trip!) with Hispaniola MountainMinistries (HMM), and that was when HIS plans for me and my skills, my talents, and my time began to become more evident.

 

HMM Medical Mission to Recif - February 2013

In just a few days, I will leave for my third trip to Haiti in the last year. It’s hard to believe (and I’m finally not crashing a trip! I helped plan this one!) and it’s amazing to see how God has continued to open doors for me to serve in this country. I am thrilled to (finally!) be traveling with my sweet husband as well as 20 other amazing people!

 

FUMC Louisville Haiti Mission Team - May 2013

When we return to the U.S. on June 1, I will be the Director of Communication for HMM. There is no job description. No salary line (YIKES!). No clear expectations or neat list of things "to do." At the same time, there is also not a lot of  “We’ve always done it this way." or “The person before you did this way.” either (YAY!). I am excited to see how God uses the HMM team He is putting together to continue to improve the lives of the people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Leaving the security of an academic appointment (especially one I have worked so hard to earn) was likely the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. I prayed for ‘burning bush’ moments or big billboards from God to affirm my direction and assure me I was on the right track. And He came through – oftentimes in bigger ways than I could have imagined. I wish I could say that His affirmation made writing that letter of resignation and leaving my position easier…but I’m human, and giving up comfort and security is not easy. But God continues to place the right people, situations, songs, verses, etc…in my life and in my heart at just the right moment to continue to move (ok, sometimes push) me in the right direction. Further, He opened doors for me to continue my halftime employment with the MSU SSRC.

I am anxious about so many things and the first time Jeff used the “m” word (missionary), it terrified me – the responsibility of that word is heavy. But then I remembered, He calls us ALL to be missionaries. Every day. In every situation. At home. At work. At the baseball field. At the gym. At the beach. In the checkout line at the grocery store. Our lives should reflect His amazing love and mercy in every situation so I’m (slowly) becoming more comfortable with that word…even though Jeff still jokes I’m going to be eaten by a lion. :-P

God doesn’t call us to live an easy life; He calls us to live a life where our weaknesses are revealed so that His power can be made clearly evident to others (2 Corinthians 12:9). Will these next steps be difficult? YES! Will raising support be trying and oftentimes frustrating? It’s likely. Will there be days when I miss the security of my old job? Maybe. But I am confident He has this and that I'm acting in accordance with His will for me and my family...and I’m trusting that even in the difficulties, He will be there.

Walton Family-
May 2013

So, here we go on this journey. A journey like none I’ve ever taken before…where the steps are not clearly laid out and neatly arranged (like I'd prefer it).

I humbly ask that you pray for my family as we begin this journey, and also that you be in prayer for the ministries of HMM. We will be sending more information about ways you can partner with us soon, and I hope you will prayerfully consider supporting this amazing ministry!

Until then…it’s one step at a time. 

Anse a Pitres, Haiti - HMM Promise Land Project

Why Noonday? Why now?

To say that I have gotten some funny looks over the last few weeks as I've shared my excitement about becoming a Noonday Collection ambassador might be an understatement. There's not a lot of room on my plate, so to speak, and I know people are thinking, "Why in the world would you take on one more thing?"

In short - it's because of the world. 

We're only here for a little while (thank goodness!) and I was blessed to have been born in one of the wealthiest and most influential nations in the world. Why shouldn't I use my resources (time, energy, money and social capital) to help those without access to resources to help themselves? Noonday Collection is empowering entire communities by creating jobs for skilled artisans and providing training unskilled artisans. I can help from Smalltown, USA not only by selling the Noonday Collection products, but by sharing these artisans' stories in hopes of motivating others to be more mindful and deliberate in their purchases.

So, no. I don't have time but I am choosing to make time because I believe in the good Noonday is doing. And, quite simply, we are commanded to help others (Matthew 25:40).

Yes, it does take time away from my own family. However, many of the artisans Noonday supports have been on the brink of putting children in orphanages because they simply could not provide for them. So if I can spend a few hours a week at a trunk show to help keep families together, then I think the sacrifice will be worth it.

If you've been one of the 'funny looks' people or had those thoughts, it's ok. I understand and admit there have been moments of "What am I doing!?" But I hope as you learn more about Noonday, you'll want to become part of the story. Purchase a product (or two!) Maybe host a trunk show? Who knows, maybe you'll even decide to join the amazing ladies (and one brave man!) who make up the Noonday Collection team!

You can purchase directly from the Noonday Collection site or you can attend a trunk show in your area - or host one yourself and receive FREE products!

"...when you satisfy the needs of the oppressed, your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

Winter Vacation...to Haiti

In February, I had the opportunity to join a medical mission team VERY last minute and travel back to Haiti. I am so grateful to have a husband and two bosses that were all on-board with this impromptu adventure because I literally started talking about going two weeks before we left (booked my flight 10 days before departure, no big deal!).

The team was much smaller than the one I "carpetbagged" with in June - only 7 of us - but it was great to be a part of the medical side of the mission experience. I know God opened those doors to better prepare me to lead our team in May as there was so much I was NOT prepared for that I learned in February. I know that I am still in NO WAY fully prepared, but pray that through my weakness God's glory will shine!

We worked in a VERY remote village about 15 miles from Anse-a-Pitres, called Recif. Although it was only 15 miles, it took us over 1 1/2 hours to get there (and back!) each day. Needless to say, we were not exactly traveling on well-paved roads. Recif is a fishing village and located on possibly one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen! The people were amazing - so grateful and appreciative. They do not currently have access to clean water in their village, and I pray daily that God will work out the logistics of getting the equipment in to the area to drill a well soon. 

When I look back on the past year, I am awed and humbled at the evidence of God's presence in my life (not necessarily in my everyday actions, but rather the overall picture! :-/ ). If you had told me five years ago I would be traveling multiple times a year to the poorest country in the world, I would have likely laughed in your face. Haiti was on the map...but certainly not my life map. But our plans are not always God's plans and I am SLOWLY (and I do mean, SLOWLY) learning to surrender my plans to His. 

I hope to write more about the upcoming trip in May and share some of the things God has already done for and through the team. Would love to hear some of your experiences of God's faithfulness to your surrender!

"How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Romans 10:14-15

I'm an Ambassador!

Don't get too excited - I'm not moving to another country (yet). But I am thrilled to announce that I am joining the Noonday Collection team as an Ambassador.

I love that Noonday calls its representatives "ambassadors," because I automatically think "advocacy" when I hear it. And that is exactly why I've committed to this endeavor!

During my first trip to Haiti, I was overwhelmed by the poverty and the seemingly hopeless situation the Haitians are facing, but Tim Dortch, who founded Hispaniola Mountain Ministries, once said, "You can't let the poverty paralyze you." And that has been my heart's plea since. God has truly opened doors for me to be an advocate for the poor since my first trip and Noonday not only offers more opportunities, but also gives us all a chance to re-write the story of these artisans' lives into one of hope! 

Noonday Collection offers amazing handcrafted items made by artisans around the world who are working to end their poverty and provide for their families. I fell in love with the stories and hope you will, too!

When you have time, check it out and let me know what you think! I'd love to host a trunk show or help you select the perfect piece for yourself or someone you love (and guys, there's a "Wish List" feature on the site!)! 

Visit www.laurawalton.noondaycollection.com to learn more about Noonday Collection and order your very own special piece!

Can't wait to hear what you think!

Changing the blog a bit

So, my promise to be a better blogger has gone unkept...yet again. I'm not making promises again - I'll get to it when I get to it and just hope you'll hang with me while I try.

That said, I'm going to be changing the look and the focus of the blog over the next few months. My own focus has changed over the last year and while I have every intention of continuing to run (whenever I can squeeze that in), it's not something I will blog about regularly.

So, stay tuned and stick around! I hope you'll be encouraged and inspired by the changes coming!

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7 

Forward Thinking

There are (amazingly) only 20 days left in 2012. Where has this year gone? When I look back on the year, so much has happened and so much has changed. I am grateful for the lessons learned - even if some were learned the hard way. One of the greatest lessons of this year for me has been "letting go" of a lot of things and re-priortizing my life (and time) to reflect things that have eternal significance. I am in no way in a "good" place with that, but I am in a better place than I was in 2011. 

So that has me thinking about 2013 and what I need to do to be in a better place at this time next year. What are YOUR plans for 2013? What changes do YOU want/need to make in your life? Do you have a plan of action yet? Now is the time to start thinking about these things so that when January 1 arrives, you are ready to go! Would love to hear your thoughts and plans...mine are coming soon. Stay tuned.