keep up your courage.

I’m going to Relevant11.

The Relevant Conference: Kindred Spirits, Coffee, Connection

This all came together so fast — it was through the generosity of others and the prayers of many. But, I’m going. And honestly, truth is — I’m a bit scared. Last night I went to bed {after this all got put together} and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. I’m not even sure where the tears originated, but they kept on coming.

This is out of my comfort zone. I know I’ve written about it before, but I keep hearing the words keep up your courage from the book The Courage of Sarah Noble run through my head. If she can do it, that ten year old girl, then certainly I can push myself and be bold.

Truth is — I know I’m to go. I know that the Lord needs to stretch some things in me, and that there are some things that I need to let go of. I’ve been holding onto these hurts and sadness for so long — celiac disease, financial issues, health — and all they’ve done is fester. I knew it last night when I went to bed. It was fear, but it was also acknowledgement of the need to surrender to God. To not cling so tightly to my earthly agenda and to begin to once again live in stronger faith and trust. To step out of the boat, not look back, and live courageously.

Keep up your courage.

I keep telling myself that — as I think about switching planes {twice} to get there. Or arriving late {it was the only flight that I could afford and the only times that would work for our family.} Or walking into that room feeling vulnerable. It’s of letting go of my selfish part — the part of me that would love to get some new nice things to wear, or have extra cash to spend, or come all polished and put-together. But, I can’t. And I know I’m to just come. As I am. Just me.

So today, I have a very grateful and thankful heart mixed with a very nervous and overwhelmed and blessed and excited and hopeful heart.

Keep up your courage.

Rachel Marie Martin

Rachel Marie Martin is the author behind Finding Joy and the books, "Get Your Spark Back," "Mom Enough," and "The Brave Art of Motherhood." She is fiercely passionate about living an authentic, joy-filled and driven life and because of that writes powerful truth for others hoping to be the catalyst for change.

15 comments

HopeUnbroken October 23, 2011 - 1:01 pm

i think i would feel quite the same. praying for you. enjoy the blessing for what it is.
steph

carissa October 23, 2011 - 1:22 pm

Ok, here’s the deal… Next year we go together! Somehow. : ) it’s less scary when your friend is close by. But by then you’ll be well experienced so you can ease my nerves. Deal?

I’m thrilled for you! So thrilled. I get the holding onto hurts; that is so me. It’s what I do. I think you’ve nudged me to give them up for good.

Child of God October 23, 2011 - 2:04 pm

So glad everything worked out! Isn’t this just how God works? Last minute making you rely on Him totally.

Stepping out of the comfort zone can be really tough. I cheer your courage and encourage you to trust in Jesus, He got you this far, He will take you the rest of the way.

Blessings,
<><

Adeline October 23, 2011 - 2:21 pm

Oh don’t worry.Don’t give up hope.We all go through times of sadness and grief and poverty and they just seem to go on and on and on sometimes.
But.
We have a God who knows how much we can bear.
God will provide respite.Don’t worry.God will.

Cheryl October 23, 2011 - 2:52 pm

YAY! Letting go and living courageously. Amen, sister. When my life is through, I want to look back and know that I lived a full life, in the boldness of Christ, that gave Him all the glory. Good for you, for taking that step of courage!

Sylvia October 23, 2011 - 6:33 pm

Think your courage began with posting so honestly your inner thoughts. Then, as you let your fingers relax and let go, you’ll know there’s solid Rock under your feet just an inch away as you walk into freedom. Know I’m just a “lurker” but have joined in prayer with your friends for you and your family and particularly Samuel this year.

melismama October 23, 2011 - 7:50 pm

Rachel – lifting you up in prayer today for a safe flight and arrival to Relevant 11! I can’t wait and I know you will be so blessed by being there! Lat year was life changing and no doubt this year will be also!

Melissa

Melanie October 23, 2011 - 8:11 pm

I’m new to your blog and may I just say that I wish I knew you in real life and we could be neighbors. So many of your thoughts are so similar to mine. It takes much courage to be so transparent. You are an inspiration to us all. May God bless you and keep you and your family in his care.

Liz October 23, 2011 - 9:21 pm

Oh I know exactly how you feel! But I also know you are probably about to be greatly blessed. Praying for you!!

Sara October 23, 2011 - 10:23 pm

I live right near there! Hope you have a wonderful and blessed time!

Aurie{OurGoodLife} October 24, 2011 - 1:35 am

I am so thrilled that you are coming!! I can’t wait to meet you and give you a hug. Your writing is such an inspiration to me 🙂

Mozer October 24, 2011 - 2:51 am

Goodness I’m so excited for you! I love how God opened all the doors for you to go. He will take care of those details– i.e. switching planes etc. I will be looking forward to meeting you my friend! Just look for the short dark-haired girl w/ a purple streak. 🙂

BARBIE October 24, 2011 - 5:41 am

Rachel, I am thrilled for you! I just knew when I heard about the possibility that God would make a way. I know you are supposed to be there. I will definately be praying for you!

Lynn October 24, 2011 - 6:36 am

Several posts behind because I take Friday nights off and yesterday. Oh yesterday! Had more church work in one day than I ever have. The my youngest comes downstairs in tears because her jaw was dislocated…for the 3rd time! We’re getting better at this so got her to urgent care quickly. She didn’t want any pain meds, any meds at all. That cut out more time (and cost). 2 women tried…it took some doing but it’s back in place and she even made it to the restaurant where her friends were before they ordered!
Not sure what Relevant 11 is…but you prayed to go and then you cried? Clicked the site quick…and saw Angie Smith! Nothing bad can happen if Angie Smith is there! She’s a sweetheart! You’ll be fine!
Always keep your eyes on the Lord! Praying!
Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Krista October 24, 2011 - 4:05 pm

So glad you get to go! This is wonderful news 🙂

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1} Score? Allergies one, Rachel zero. Even though going gluten free has helped me with my terrible spring allergies, this week the allergies are winning. For those of you who see me in real life — I have not been crying — that is simply eyes inflamed due to my nemesis — the birch tree.

2} I tell my kids that trees, and specifically birch trees, are my kryptonite. I’m serious — the pollen from those trees takes me out.

{the maple tree bud}

3} No allergy medicine helps. My allergist wants to do allergy shots. Problem is that by the time I’d get them started it’s early June and my allergies are phasing out so I forget what it’s been like this past week. Any experience with allergy shots? Or allergy meds? Please do share.

4} Despite allergies my favorite place to be is outside working in my garden or on my yard or in the grass. I absolutely love the physical work and the results of seeing dirt {or in my neighborhood clay} transformed into something beautiful.

{my “distressed” marigolds from the store that I got for 1/2 price}

5} Speaking of beautiful I watched the 20/20 Special on Stephanie Nielson who is the author of the blog NieNie Dialogues. I was so inspired by her words and her drive to seize life. It’s a must view — just make sure to have your box of tissues handy.

6} The younger kids and I read this book called “The Courage of Sarah Noble” for history last year. In it there is a line that she keeps repeating to herself — keep up your courage — and I love it. I’ve been finding that I need to speak a similar line throughout the day — keep up your courage — but it’s with regard to daily life. Sometimes the weight of everyday life can be oppressing and it takes courage and strength to plow through. Especially cheerfully. So today, as I tackle my mountains of laundry, and homeschooling, and ballet runs, and sorting through spring clothes {yuck — I really dislike clothing season change} and more, I’ve been telling myself to keep up. Keep up the courage.

{just one of my blessings}

7} Motherhood really requires courage and strength. Sometimes the day to day grind has the potential to drag one down and feel exhausted as if nothing was accomplished. It takes looking beyond the immediate and seeing the big picture while still living joyfully in the moment. Not easy, but thankfully our strength is rooted in the Lord.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

{Psalm 28:7}

Have a wonderful Monday!

~Rachel

Rachel Marie Martin

15 comments

Lindy May 16, 2011 - 1:09 pm

I used to get an allergy shot every May in Nebraska. My allergies aren’t as bad in Minnesota so I haven’t needed one. They really worked for me!

Good luck with laundry and sorting. I only have two boys and I get all itchy just thinking about getting the spring clothes out!

Heart n Soul May 16, 2011 - 1:39 pm

Yes, seeing the big picture keeps us going…. knowing that we have a hope and an assurance in the future helps bring perspective to the daily grind. Hope that kryptonite stays away …. not so good!

Emily (Laundry and Lullabies) May 16, 2011 - 2:14 pm

Rachel, I just wanted to say thanks for being so real (yes, motherhood is really exhausting!) while also being unfailingly cheerful and encouraging. Your blog is amazing!

Rachel May 16, 2011 - 2:20 pm

Allergies can be such a pain, huh? I am allergic to a lot of different things (eggs, dairy, soy, tree pollen, grass pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.). Most of them are minor allergies, but when you combine them all, I feel absolutely miserable. I take a loratadine allergy pill, which is a generic version of Claritin, and that helps a lot. I still show symptoms, but at least they are tolerable. Hope you get some reprieve from allergies soon!

Annie May 16, 2011 - 4:25 pm

i hate allergies. i take flonase {nasal spray} for my allergies and it works really well. it’s taking a little longer to work and not lasting quite as long now that it’s spring, but it still works well.

BARBIE May 16, 2011 - 4:32 pm

I hope your allergies get better soon. I can’t say I’ve struggled in that area. And yes, I will take that courage. I need courage every day just to rise up and be the woman God has called me to be. Love your blog!

Ande May 16, 2011 - 5:07 pm

Hi. I just saw your blog through linking up with Carissa’s Misc. Monday. I LOVED reading about your family. My husband and I just had our first little one. I have a huge desire for a large family, if the Lord decides we should have one. Your family seems full of so much joy and hope! I think I’ll be following your blog from now on. Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Ande

Kelli May 16, 2011 - 5:25 pm

I have not dealt with allergies and I hope you get some relief very soon. I have some nasty cold that I wish would go away quickly. I’m sorry I missed that 20/20 special…I might have to try and catch in on the computer. Her story is very inspiring. I need to keep up my courage and put my faith in Him completely…thanks for that reminder.

carissa May 16, 2011 - 6:50 pm

I’m so sad you’re so plagued by allergies!!! You have enough going on; there’s no time to deal with a runny nose or itchy eyes! Maybe you can plan on the allergy shots next year so you can get them early. I’ve heard they work well. Glad your garden can bring you joy despite all that.

#’s 6 and 7 remind me of “do not grow weary in doing what is good.” Its the verse I cling to constantly. Keep on, keeping on! You’re an inspiration to us and such a testament to living joyfully in Christ!

Amy May 16, 2011 - 7:44 pm

I read The Courage of Sarah Nobel for a 2nd grade book report, and I still remember it and love it! What a good book!

Sarah May 16, 2011 - 9:06 pm

I got allergy shots for a long time, and for me they didn’t end up being worth the trouble. They didn’t make a big difference for me, and it was difficult to get to the doctor every week/month for the shots. Maybe they do really help other people, though.

hi-d May 16, 2011 - 10:23 pm

So sorry about your allergies. I have had my battle with that over the years…but it wasn’t until about 6 months ago that I went to an acupuncturist and was treated for them. I stopped taking my over the counter allergy meds that I had been taking everyday and after a couple of treatments I was good! I think part of it was being so dependant on the meds that it made things worse. Maybe give that a shot as opposed to the real shots. 🙂

Theresa May 17, 2011 - 3:17 am

Allergies are rough. My husband had them real bad…his eyes were small and goopy and itchy. My acupuncturist took one look at him and gave him some Chinese herbs. He is so much better. I used to take Quercitin and Nettle is supposed to be good. Also if you start eating local honey before the season starts and continue it is said to help. I avoid meds and try natural remedies first. Also a neti pot to keep things clear.

lmworley416 May 17, 2011 - 6:36 am

Know that I’m continuing to pray!
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Tiffany May 17, 2011 - 7:57 am

Amazingly bright smile and awesome spring flower photos!!! :D!

keep up your courage.

keep up your courage

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