Frolicking in the waves

What an incredible weekend.  I got to spend the better part of Thursday through Saturday with my youngest 3, including my incredible Aliya, while my eldest son went on a men's retreat with Chris.  Aliya and I mommed together, enjoyed a day in Guntersville at the lakeside city park.  Perfect temperatures for getting hot enough after rollerblading the greenway to frolick in the water after.  It was a delight for both of us to see little Elizabeth walk in the sand (and then ask for her shoes back), splash in the water, and get her legs covered up in sand.  Jaxon was "The biggest man in the family" for the weekend, and whew, does he ever want to exercise some alpha power!  We finished our unpacking and found a little time to do some girly things (a crammed in spa session with our jet-tub, and some beading).  That speaks to this momma- especially being able to relax because my house is in order.

There's a new centerpiece on our mantle now.  It's a model ship Nathaniel had picked up somewhere (I would replace it only if he made another one), and it was immediately christened with meaning upon it's placement.  One of those "light and chill" moments, that even Chris's questioning look wouldn't shake.  I have a wooden bar on the mantle that says, "Relax, God is in Control."  It's a very good reminder for me throughout the day, so it's in a central place- where I can see it from the kitchen and my eye is drawn to it as I go about the day.  Adding the ship behind it is like being gathered into the arms of God and putting my head on His shoulder.  

There are so many analogies of not being tossed by the wind or the waves, giving God control and allowing Him to steer my ship, Jesus calming the storm, the promise that I can rest even in the storms of life, a ship commanded by a captain that is not just seasoned, but knows every wave that will come, and can stop them from coming with a breath.  I no longer have to run frantically starboard, stern or deck, and there's no more cowering in the hull.  I can stand beside the Captain or catch some rays.  I skillfully take His commands as I cast the sails.  The Captain knows my abilities, has given me His strength and wisdom, and has taken away all my fears.  I see Him clearly even when we are fighting storms or deep fog overtakes us.  The fear is gone, He is with me, I am in Him, there is nothing that can come against us: He has already overcome, this is just a part of the adventure! 

Isaiah 43:1-2   But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Conclusion: Living as a Fully Surrendered Woman

Submission to Christ is not a checklist—it’s a relationship. It’s waking up daily and saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

When you surrender fully, you don’t lose yourself—you find yourself in Him.

True surrender is not about perfection—it’s about direction. Each day we are learning to release a little more, trust a little deeper, and walk a little closer with Jesus. He doesn’t ask us to carry the burden of life on our own. Instead, He calls us: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29).

Living under the lordship of Christ is not a rigid checklist but a relationship. It means inviting Him into our desires, thoughts, time, work, relationships, and bodies—not once, but every day. It means trusting Him with both the big decisions and the small moments.

As you move forward, know this: God is not only Lord of your life—He is also your Shepherd, your Provider, and your Friend. He is your Captain, your King, and your Heavenly Father.  He leads you with love, not with fear. He carries what you cannot. And when you stumble, His grace is enough to lift you up and set you back on the path of surrender.

May your life become a living testimony that says, “Christ is Lord.” And may your surrender lead others to the One who gave His life for you, so that you might live fully in Him.

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✨ Closing Prayer:
“Lord, my life is Yours. Teach me to surrender daily, trusting that Your plans are good and Your ways are perfect. Take my desires, my thoughts, my time, my work, my relationships, and my body, and use them for Your glory. Lord, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done; on earth as it is in Heaven.  Lord, I submit to You to be a part of that glorious reality in my day to day.  Thank you Jesus, it is such a blessing to be made new and walk with you!  May everything in me reflect the lordship of Christ. Amen.”