How many times have your heard it said or how many times have you said yourself, "Count your blessings, not your presents." ? I've heard it said many times and I've said it myself many times as well. This year I learned the true meaning of that saying.
For weeks leading up to Christmas my heart was heavy because I knew I did not have the funds to buy my children presents. Since I've been unemployed for 6 months, buying gifts was a luxury I did not have. While my children are no longer little, as any mother knows, we still take joy in watching our children unwrap the gifts we've given them and nothing changes when they become older. Every time someone would talk about Christmas or gift buying, I would fight back the tears. I honestly did not know how I would make it through Christmas day but I was determined to do my best. As soon as I got up Christmas morning I got busy starting the Christmas meal. Each time I would look up and see the empty Christmas tree, the hot tears would sting my eyes and a lump would attach it's self to the back of my throat, but I had made up my mind that was not going to happen on Christmas day.
Even though we very much missed Ashley this year, the boys were troopers and acted as if nothing was different about not having presents. They joked around and enjoyed the day as if it was a "regular" Christmas day. They even approached the yearly Christmas scavenger hunt with the usual gusto, except this year when they could not find the last few hidden pieces, they found my clue sheet with the hiding places while I was cooking and used it to find the pieces that could not be found. I tried my best to get the answer sheet away from them but they are both taller than me and they kept throwing it to each other well above my head! I tickled them in hopes that they would drop it or lower it to where I could reach, but to no avail. But even with the clue sheet they still could not find the last few pieces.
After they found the last few pieces of the scavenger hunt, we finished preparing everything for dinner, sat down and ate until we were stuffed, washed the dishes and went downtown to keep the tradition of seeing the Christmas lights that were set to music.
Before I knew it, it was 10:30 p.m. and the day was over. Just before wrapping everything up for the night I was checked Facebook and saw a picture of a Christmas tree that had two different sides. One side was full, green and decorated with wrapped presents underneath while the other side of the Christmas tree was burnt, black, no leaves and under it was a box with a man sleeping inside. The caption underneath said, "Count your blessings, not your presents." The hot tears once again forced themselves to my eyes but it was not due to the lack of presents for my children, these tears were due to the shame I felt for being so upset at the fact of not having the money for Christmas presents when my children and I have presents that cannot be paid for. We have salvation, each one of us have professed Christ as our Savior. We have a home to live in, we do not have to fear going to sleep because we have to sleep in a box or under an over-pass, we have each other while many families were without loved ones on Christmas day. We have clothes while many people fought to stay warm due to lack of clothing and warm blankets. We had food to fill our bellies while many people around the world went hungry on Christmas day. We had legs to walk, arms to hug each other tight and health while many others were not even able to get out of bed on Christmas day.
I learned a lesson yesterday which I will not soon forget. I learned the true meaning of the saying, "Count your blessings, not your presents." and I would not change or trade yesterday for anything!
Let's determine to truly count our blessings and not our presents. And let's teach our children that the tangible things of life are not important. That unfortunately is something many of us forget.
Merry Christmas season!!!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
God is faithful
I am going through a rough time in my life, as are many of you. I've been unemployed for almost
5 months and this has been a very hard time for me. I've always had a job, raised 3 kids on my own sometimes working 4-5 jobs at once. I knew God provided my needs but that was never "put to the test" because I always had an income and did not have to worry about where my income was coming from because I always knew another pay check was on its way.
Now that I do not have a job that provides a consistent income, I have to totally trust God for my EVERY need. I am embarrassed to say I never realized how much I trusted my income more than I trusted God. When I first became unemployed I was OK because I thought for sure I would find a job in no time but when the job interviews did not turn in to anything and the bills kept piling up, I became very worried. I spent my days being very depressed and crying. A trip to check the mail became more stress than I could handle. I cried and grasped feverishly at everything I could think of that would provide an income to pay some of the bills but eventually it got to where there was nothing else left that would provide more income. My fear was losing my apartment or losing my source of transportation, both of which are a must.
I asked over and over, "Why is God making me go through this?" Last Sunday my pastor preached a message that touched my heart and answered my questions. The message relayed that no matter what happens in our lives, God is faithful. He provides what we need, just when we need it. That was it......God was not on my timetable! I had been expecting God to provide my needs when I thought He should and my watch does not keep the same time that God's watch does.
I believe God has been using this time to teach me that HE alone provides my needs. He has also used this time to teach me to trust Him, rely solely on Him and do so patiently. This has been a very hard lesson for me to learn and I am sure this is not the last time I will have to learn it.
I am not writing about this for you to feel sorry for me. I am writing about this because I know I am not the first or last person to go through this and I just wanted to share my thoughts with you and let you know God knows exactly what you are going through. He knows your address and He will provide at just the right time. He loves you and He is not going to forget you.
When Christ is all you have, you find Christ is all you need.
5 months and this has been a very hard time for me. I've always had a job, raised 3 kids on my own sometimes working 4-5 jobs at once. I knew God provided my needs but that was never "put to the test" because I always had an income and did not have to worry about where my income was coming from because I always knew another pay check was on its way.
Now that I do not have a job that provides a consistent income, I have to totally trust God for my EVERY need. I am embarrassed to say I never realized how much I trusted my income more than I trusted God. When I first became unemployed I was OK because I thought for sure I would find a job in no time but when the job interviews did not turn in to anything and the bills kept piling up, I became very worried. I spent my days being very depressed and crying. A trip to check the mail became more stress than I could handle. I cried and grasped feverishly at everything I could think of that would provide an income to pay some of the bills but eventually it got to where there was nothing else left that would provide more income. My fear was losing my apartment or losing my source of transportation, both of which are a must.
I asked over and over, "Why is God making me go through this?" Last Sunday my pastor preached a message that touched my heart and answered my questions. The message relayed that no matter what happens in our lives, God is faithful. He provides what we need, just when we need it. That was it......God was not on my timetable! I had been expecting God to provide my needs when I thought He should and my watch does not keep the same time that God's watch does.
I believe God has been using this time to teach me that HE alone provides my needs. He has also used this time to teach me to trust Him, rely solely on Him and do so patiently. This has been a very hard lesson for me to learn and I am sure this is not the last time I will have to learn it.
I am not writing about this for you to feel sorry for me. I am writing about this because I know I am not the first or last person to go through this and I just wanted to share my thoughts with you and let you know God knows exactly what you are going through. He knows your address and He will provide at just the right time. He loves you and He is not going to forget you.
When Christ is all you have, you find Christ is all you need.
Monday, September 9, 2013
A Godly heritage
Today is Grandparent's Day so let me just take a moment to say Happy Grandparent's day to any grandparents reading this. Grandparents are very special people who have a great responsibility to their grandchildren as well as their children.
What responsibility could a grandparent possibly have to their grandchildren besides spoiling them? Grandparents have a responsibility to be a Godly example to their grandchildren. When your grandchildren think of Godly examples in their lives, do they think of you? Does what they see you do match what they hear you say?
It is important for grandparents to leave a Godly heritage to their grandchildren. After you are gone and your children and grandchildren are sifting through everything you've left behind, what will they find? Will they find things that point them to Christ or things that leave doubt and confusion in their minds?
It is also important that grandparents guard their grandchildren and protect them from harmful things as well as worldly things. A grandchild should be able to trust that their grandparents have their best interest at heart. They should know that their grandparents love them unconditionally and with a pure, undefiled love, a love that will never end.
I had a grandmother who was a Godly example to me. She was faithful in church, she always had a song in her heart, a smile on her face and she loved God. Granny always lifted people up instead of tearing them down. My granny, Zola Martin, was a Godly example and I miss her very much.
I am sorry to say my parents have not had Godly grandparents in their lives. My children were defiled and betrayed in a way that should NEVER happen to grandchildren and my heart breaks every day for what their grandparents did to them. However, they have had Godly examples of "grandparents" in church and I am eternally grateful for those people and the impact they've had on my children.
Perhaps you haven't been the example to your grandchildren that you should be, it's not too late to change and become the right kind of grandparent. It's never too late to do right, it's never too late to mend hurt, it's never too late to start building a Godly heritage for your grandchildren. It's never too late to leave footprints in which our children and grandchildren can follow, footprints that will bring them closer to God.
Let's determine to be Godly grandparents, if we have grandchildren and if we do not yet have grandchildren, lets determine now to start building a Godly heritage for our children and grandchildren to sift through after we've gone. Let's also determine to be a Godly example to those children in our church who may not have Godly grandparents in their lives. Happy Grandparent's day!
What responsibility could a grandparent possibly have to their grandchildren besides spoiling them? Grandparents have a responsibility to be a Godly example to their grandchildren. When your grandchildren think of Godly examples in their lives, do they think of you? Does what they see you do match what they hear you say?
It is important for grandparents to leave a Godly heritage to their grandchildren. After you are gone and your children and grandchildren are sifting through everything you've left behind, what will they find? Will they find things that point them to Christ or things that leave doubt and confusion in their minds?
It is also important that grandparents guard their grandchildren and protect them from harmful things as well as worldly things. A grandchild should be able to trust that their grandparents have their best interest at heart. They should know that their grandparents love them unconditionally and with a pure, undefiled love, a love that will never end.
I had a grandmother who was a Godly example to me. She was faithful in church, she always had a song in her heart, a smile on her face and she loved God. Granny always lifted people up instead of tearing them down. My granny, Zola Martin, was a Godly example and I miss her very much.
I am sorry to say my parents have not had Godly grandparents in their lives. My children were defiled and betrayed in a way that should NEVER happen to grandchildren and my heart breaks every day for what their grandparents did to them. However, they have had Godly examples of "grandparents" in church and I am eternally grateful for those people and the impact they've had on my children.
Perhaps you haven't been the example to your grandchildren that you should be, it's not too late to change and become the right kind of grandparent. It's never too late to do right, it's never too late to mend hurt, it's never too late to start building a Godly heritage for your grandchildren. It's never too late to leave footprints in which our children and grandchildren can follow, footprints that will bring them closer to God.
Let's determine to be Godly grandparents, if we have grandchildren and if we do not yet have grandchildren, lets determine now to start building a Godly heritage for our children and grandchildren to sift through after we've gone. Let's also determine to be a Godly example to those children in our church who may not have Godly grandparents in their lives. Happy Grandparent's day!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Charm 101
I learned many important things in charm class but if I had to sum charm class up into the two primary reasons for charm it would be to learn how to act like a lady and how to look like a lady. For the most part women and girls do not know how to act and look like ladies. The women and girls that we see the most of by way of television and movies are for the most part terrible examples yet our daughters are learning from those women and girls because that is all they have to go by.
Today I would like to talk about acting like a lady. I have heard a lot of talk of what Miley Cyrus did in public recently. While I did not see what she did, it makes me sad to think of the vast amount of young girls who did see her terrible display and will pattern their lives after her because they do not know any better. We have failed our daughters if they think Miley Cyrus is a good role model. Dare I go further and say we have failed our daughters if we allow them to have Miley Cyrus as a role model.
Today, I would like to talk about sounding like a lady. Have you ever been in public around a group of teenagers and the one voice talking and laughing the loudest is that of a teenage girl? It makes me cringe when I hear that because I know the poor girl does not have a mother that is teaching her the importance of being a lady. A lady should never be the loudest one in a group. Most of the time when that happens the girl is usually trying to get the attention of a boy and there are so many lady like ways to get that boy's attention.
Another way to sound like a lady is by the words we speak. A lady should never curse. There used to be a time when if a man cursed in front of a lady or children, another man would ask him to stop or they would settle it out back. Certainly as Christians we should never curse but especially as Christian ladies we should never curse, our speech should be clean and above reproach.
Proverbs 25:11
Another way to sound like a lady goes hand in hand with the words we speak. The words a lady speaks should be kind and uplifting. We would all be better off if we would practice the saying, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all." This includes gossip. The females are well known for passing "juicy" pieces of gossip, but a Christian lady should not be well known for gossip. Psalms 19:14
Let's determine to teach our daughters to sound like Christian young ladies, and not only teach them but lead by example.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Whatever happened to charm class?
A couple of years back when I was in junior high (LOL) I was required to take a class called "Charm" and in this class we learned how to dress, talk and act like young ladies. We learned simple things like washing your hair brushes each week and cleaning under our fingernails with a brush. We learned how to dress modestly, how to sit like a lady, even how to position our hands and feet when just standing and listening to someone else talk.
I would venture to say that if a charm class was offered in school today, there would be very few, if any, girls attending. I realize times have changed but acting like a lady should never go out of style. And even if charm is not being taught in school, it should certainly be taught in the home. Am I saying to get a desk and set aside an hour each day to teach your daughter how to be a lady? No, we can teach our daughters first of all by our examples. If we as mothers do not know how to act like a lady, how can we teach our daughters?
For the next week or so I will be taking one topic from charm class and expounding on it. Raising Godly young ladies is so important and we only get one chance to do it so we need to be sure we do it right. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I said to my kids, "She has probably not been taught how to act.", which is all too common. A young lady makes such a statement by the way she acts and what she does. For example, have you ever seen a lady that you thought was very pretty and lady like until you saw her smoking a cigarette and then your whole picture of her being a lady changed?
Just because society has changed and does not treat being a lady as a high priority, does not mean that is how we should think. Please join me each day as we take a topic from charm class and expound upon it. I think you will find it very interesting.
Let's determine to teach our daughters by example and be the Godly LADY that our daughters can look up to and desire to be like.
I would venture to say that if a charm class was offered in school today, there would be very few, if any, girls attending. I realize times have changed but acting like a lady should never go out of style. And even if charm is not being taught in school, it should certainly be taught in the home. Am I saying to get a desk and set aside an hour each day to teach your daughter how to be a lady? No, we can teach our daughters first of all by our examples. If we as mothers do not know how to act like a lady, how can we teach our daughters?
For the next week or so I will be taking one topic from charm class and expounding on it. Raising Godly young ladies is so important and we only get one chance to do it so we need to be sure we do it right. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I said to my kids, "She has probably not been taught how to act.", which is all too common. A young lady makes such a statement by the way she acts and what she does. For example, have you ever seen a lady that you thought was very pretty and lady like until you saw her smoking a cigarette and then your whole picture of her being a lady changed?
Just because society has changed and does not treat being a lady as a high priority, does not mean that is how we should think. Please join me each day as we take a topic from charm class and expound upon it. I think you will find it very interesting.
Let's determine to teach our daughters by example and be the Godly LADY that our daughters can look up to and desire to be like.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
I know God will provide but........
I like to think of myself as a person of faith but when my faith is challenged, I find out I may not be everything I would like to think I am. I want to be the person that sits back while problems are mounting and says, "God, I know you are going to help so I am not going to worry." But try as I may, I am not that type of person. I find that when I do get to the point where I tell God I am going to let Him handle it, I still find myself worrying about what will happen.
I recently became unemployed. At first I was very upset and had the usual pity party. I then started filling out employment applications and sending resumes but no responses to my many applications or inquiries. I then heard a sermon at church as to how we should not be afraid to pray for ourselves. I've never hesitated to pray for someone else but always thought it was selfish to pray in detail for myself, I know that sounds stupid, but that is how I felt. I then started praying as I filled out each application or sending each resume that God would provide the job HE wanted me to have. All of the sudden I was asked to attend three interviews! I had gone two weeks with nothing and now I had three interviews!!! I prayed about the three interviews and even asked many others to pray with me. I did not want ANY job (even though I needed ANY job for income), I wanted the job God wanted me to have.
While I was "enjoying" my progress in giving things over to God and praying for my needs, the devil stepped in and reminded me I was going to have to pay my Cobra insurance with no means to do so and even pointed out that I would really be in a bad situation if neither of the job interviews turned into an actual job. My insurance is something that scares me because I live daily in pain because of back problems so I have a pre-existing condition. If I lose my insurance, I won't be able to get coverage for my back again. A cloud began to overshadow me and I felt the cold fingers of despair staring to grasp on to me but I was not going to let the devil get the best of me. I told God that He knew before I became unemployed that I would have to pay my Cobra insurance with no way to pay it so He would need to provide a way for me to pay for the insurance. The dark cloud that had taken over me began to roll back, but in the back of my mind I still worry... not because I want to worry, it's human nature to worry about things we cannot control.
Are you saying or have you said, "I know God will provide at the right time but......."? You are not alone. Does it mean you are a bad person? No, it just means you are human. God understands and He wants to provide our needs, we just have to trust Him to do so.
Let's determine to trust God to provide our needs in His time, and WORRY LESS.
I recently became unemployed. At first I was very upset and had the usual pity party. I then started filling out employment applications and sending resumes but no responses to my many applications or inquiries. I then heard a sermon at church as to how we should not be afraid to pray for ourselves. I've never hesitated to pray for someone else but always thought it was selfish to pray in detail for myself, I know that sounds stupid, but that is how I felt. I then started praying as I filled out each application or sending each resume that God would provide the job HE wanted me to have. All of the sudden I was asked to attend three interviews! I had gone two weeks with nothing and now I had three interviews!!! I prayed about the three interviews and even asked many others to pray with me. I did not want ANY job (even though I needed ANY job for income), I wanted the job God wanted me to have.
While I was "enjoying" my progress in giving things over to God and praying for my needs, the devil stepped in and reminded me I was going to have to pay my Cobra insurance with no means to do so and even pointed out that I would really be in a bad situation if neither of the job interviews turned into an actual job. My insurance is something that scares me because I live daily in pain because of back problems so I have a pre-existing condition. If I lose my insurance, I won't be able to get coverage for my back again. A cloud began to overshadow me and I felt the cold fingers of despair staring to grasp on to me but I was not going to let the devil get the best of me. I told God that He knew before I became unemployed that I would have to pay my Cobra insurance with no way to pay it so He would need to provide a way for me to pay for the insurance. The dark cloud that had taken over me began to roll back, but in the back of my mind I still worry... not because I want to worry, it's human nature to worry about things we cannot control.
Are you saying or have you said, "I know God will provide at the right time but......."? You are not alone. Does it mean you are a bad person? No, it just means you are human. God understands and He wants to provide our needs, we just have to trust Him to do so.
Let's determine to trust God to provide our needs in His time, and WORRY LESS.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Am I a Thomas?
I've really been struggling with a lot lately. So much that I want to put in words but I can't yet seem to find the right words.
However, last week I was listening to a CD about Thomas. When we think of Thomas from the Bible, I am sure I am not the only one who thinks of DOUBTING Thomas. As single parents we all have doubts and fears that don't go away just because a well meaning pastor or friend quotes scripture. Does the doubt and fear we face mean we are out of God's will? While it can be a symptom, it is not always the case.
With the next few blogs I would like to address several areas of fear and doubt that we as single parents face. In doing so, I am hoping we can "walk" hand in hand with each other and understand we are not alone.
I hardly think I am the only one who would put the fear and doubt of money at the top of the list. Money is a struggle for a family that has two bread-winners much less a single parent. God tells us to not worry about tomorrow and there are times when that is enough, but then there are times, like the present, when even though I know the right answer, my mind is racing and my heart is pounding because I am actually afraid. All this fear stems from a little tooth.
Before I had children I did not have any cavities at all. I brushed my teeth and took good care of them. My top teeth were crooked, but I did my best. Approximately 8 years after I had my three children, I got my first cavity. Well to make a long story short, I got a cavity in between my front teeth. I could never afford the dental insurance that could actually make a difference but I finally saved a little money, broke down and went to a dentist. The dentist filled the tooth and life went on until Saturday night, I was eating dinner when the tooth fell apart and came out and immediately the tears began to fall. Now I cannot talk to someone without covering my mouth and I am also having a hard time pronouncing some words. All I can see is the amount it is going to cost to have the tooth replaced and the years it is going to take me to save up the money.
I know a "good" Christian would pray and trust God and I have prayed and I do trust God but I still find myself crying and worrying because I know in myself there is no way I am going to be able to get this problem repaired for years. If God and I could sit down and map out exactly how and when He was going to take care of this problem, I would be fine. I am a person that likes to know what is going to take place and when.
Why am I telling you this? Why don't I just give a devotional and go on with life? I think that is what is wrong today, we are too ashamed to let anyone know we have doubts and fears. We are too ashamed to let anyone know we do not have all the answers, thus, we keep it bottled up inside. God understands our fears, doubts and weaknesses. When Thomas doubted, Jesus did not raise His voice and say, "Thomas, I am not going to repeat myself again!" When He rose from the dead He did not appear to Thomas and say, "See, I told you so! You should have listened to me!!!" No, He lovingly showed Thomas His hands and with compassion told him to touch the nail prints.
I write this as a single mother who has worries and fears over where money is going to come from but I also write this to encourage anyone reading this who may be hiding in shame the fact that they too know the right answers and yet have fears and doubt. You are not alone. I will pray that God will answer your prayers and sooth your fears and doubt, I ask you do the same for me.
However, last week I was listening to a CD about Thomas. When we think of Thomas from the Bible, I am sure I am not the only one who thinks of DOUBTING Thomas. As single parents we all have doubts and fears that don't go away just because a well meaning pastor or friend quotes scripture. Does the doubt and fear we face mean we are out of God's will? While it can be a symptom, it is not always the case.
With the next few blogs I would like to address several areas of fear and doubt that we as single parents face. In doing so, I am hoping we can "walk" hand in hand with each other and understand we are not alone.
I hardly think I am the only one who would put the fear and doubt of money at the top of the list. Money is a struggle for a family that has two bread-winners much less a single parent. God tells us to not worry about tomorrow and there are times when that is enough, but then there are times, like the present, when even though I know the right answer, my mind is racing and my heart is pounding because I am actually afraid. All this fear stems from a little tooth.
Before I had children I did not have any cavities at all. I brushed my teeth and took good care of them. My top teeth were crooked, but I did my best. Approximately 8 years after I had my three children, I got my first cavity. Well to make a long story short, I got a cavity in between my front teeth. I could never afford the dental insurance that could actually make a difference but I finally saved a little money, broke down and went to a dentist. The dentist filled the tooth and life went on until Saturday night, I was eating dinner when the tooth fell apart and came out and immediately the tears began to fall. Now I cannot talk to someone without covering my mouth and I am also having a hard time pronouncing some words. All I can see is the amount it is going to cost to have the tooth replaced and the years it is going to take me to save up the money.
I know a "good" Christian would pray and trust God and I have prayed and I do trust God but I still find myself crying and worrying because I know in myself there is no way I am going to be able to get this problem repaired for years. If God and I could sit down and map out exactly how and when He was going to take care of this problem, I would be fine. I am a person that likes to know what is going to take place and when.
Why am I telling you this? Why don't I just give a devotional and go on with life? I think that is what is wrong today, we are too ashamed to let anyone know we have doubts and fears. We are too ashamed to let anyone know we do not have all the answers, thus, we keep it bottled up inside. God understands our fears, doubts and weaknesses. When Thomas doubted, Jesus did not raise His voice and say, "Thomas, I am not going to repeat myself again!" When He rose from the dead He did not appear to Thomas and say, "See, I told you so! You should have listened to me!!!" No, He lovingly showed Thomas His hands and with compassion told him to touch the nail prints.
I write this as a single mother who has worries and fears over where money is going to come from but I also write this to encourage anyone reading this who may be hiding in shame the fact that they too know the right answers and yet have fears and doubt. You are not alone. I will pray that God will answer your prayers and sooth your fears and doubt, I ask you do the same for me.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Words can last a lifetime!
There once was a little boy named Benjamin who had a terrible problem with telling people what he thought of them, and in not such a nice way. He would not even think twice before spouting off terrible, hurtful things to his best friends. This little boy was like all other children, they could be told 50 times not to play in the street but until they see the consequences of what actually happens when someone plays in the street, they won't stop.
One day Benjamin's mother thought of a way to teach her son the consequences of his harsh words. The next day after school she took him to the fence in the back yard and told him, "Every time you say something mean to anyone, you have to put a nail in the fence." Pretty soon the fence got very full of nails and Benjamin became more puzzled as to how this was teaching him anything about saying mean things. Finally one afternoon Mom took Benjamin to the back yard, with the hammer in hand, and told him to take the nails out of the fence. Benjamin thought it would be a fun game so he started taking the nails out with vigour. Pretty soon all the energy he had was giving way to sheer exhaustion and he still was not finished taking the nails out of the fence. The sun soon started creeping into the ground and he could smell dinner cooking inside. Mom called for Benjamin to come inside and get ready to supper. He gladly raced inside, ready to eat and ready to get away from the fence and those pesky nails!
When Benjamin woke the next morning he was still wondering why mom had him take all of those nails out of the fence. When he got home from school in the afternoon, mom took him to the back yard, showed him the fence and asked him what he saw. Benjamin responded, "I see nothing but holes, mom." To that his mother responded, "You are very right Benjamin. Each time you say something mean to your friends, your teachers, me or anyone, you put a nail in that person. When you apologize, the nail falls out, but the hole or scare from what you said will always be there." Mom looked down to see tears running down Benjamin's face. He gave his mother a big hug and tearfully apologized for the hurt he had caused her and promised to apologize to his teachers and friends the very next day.
I told a story such as this to my children many times when they were small because I wanted them to know their words could cause lasting damage. That is true for children or adults, what we say can leave scars.
Let's determine to teach our children to think twice before saying something that could cause harm. But let's also determine to teach this to our children through our example, not just through our words.
One day Benjamin's mother thought of a way to teach her son the consequences of his harsh words. The next day after school she took him to the fence in the back yard and told him, "Every time you say something mean to anyone, you have to put a nail in the fence." Pretty soon the fence got very full of nails and Benjamin became more puzzled as to how this was teaching him anything about saying mean things. Finally one afternoon Mom took Benjamin to the back yard, with the hammer in hand, and told him to take the nails out of the fence. Benjamin thought it would be a fun game so he started taking the nails out with vigour. Pretty soon all the energy he had was giving way to sheer exhaustion and he still was not finished taking the nails out of the fence. The sun soon started creeping into the ground and he could smell dinner cooking inside. Mom called for Benjamin to come inside and get ready to supper. He gladly raced inside, ready to eat and ready to get away from the fence and those pesky nails!
When Benjamin woke the next morning he was still wondering why mom had him take all of those nails out of the fence. When he got home from school in the afternoon, mom took him to the back yard, showed him the fence and asked him what he saw. Benjamin responded, "I see nothing but holes, mom." To that his mother responded, "You are very right Benjamin. Each time you say something mean to your friends, your teachers, me or anyone, you put a nail in that person. When you apologize, the nail falls out, but the hole or scare from what you said will always be there." Mom looked down to see tears running down Benjamin's face. He gave his mother a big hug and tearfully apologized for the hurt he had caused her and promised to apologize to his teachers and friends the very next day.
I told a story such as this to my children many times when they were small because I wanted them to know their words could cause lasting damage. That is true for children or adults, what we say can leave scars.
Let's determine to teach our children to think twice before saying something that could cause harm. But let's also determine to teach this to our children through our example, not just through our words.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Got ticks?
We recently found a tick on my dog, the first tick I've ever had to deal with. Needless to say, it was an activity I'd rather not have to endure again! Ticks are ugly little creatures who's only job in life is to hitch a ride on an animal and suck the animal's blood. If a tick is left alone, it will make the animal very sick. As gross as that sounds, I can't help but wonder if we have ticks in our lives, sucking us dry.
No one actually knows the exact date and time the tick jumps on it's prey and burrows it's self into the skin of the animal. Sin can be compared to a tick because it becomes part of us through something that seems harmless, then before we know it, sin has it's nasty little head stuck in our lives, sucking us dry of our spiritual food. Much like trying to get the tick off of our poor dog, sin takes hold of our lives and it becomes almost impossible to get it out.
Eventually we get tired of tugging and pulling to get sin out of our lives so we just accept the fact sin is there to stay and we leave it alone. What we don't realize is sin is doing much more harm then depleting us of our joy and spiritual food, it is making us very sick. We no longer have our daily devotions, we no longer talk to God, then we no longer attend church. If this is allowed to continue, we will become spiritually dead.
If we can be harmed by the tick called sin, how much more damage do you think it does to our children? Once sin is allowed to creep it's way into the lives of our children, it takes hold and has years to suck their lives dry. Sin hitches it's way into our lives from things that seem harmless such as watching shows on TV that aren't really bad but they aren't really good either. Perhaps it's their music, they might not be listening to heavy metal, but what they are listening to is filled with curse words and disrespect to women.
Much like our animals, there are items we can use to keep the ticks off of us and our children. Daily devotions and prayer is a good start. I am a firm believer it is never too early to start devotions with your children. No matter how busy life became, I always had devotions with my children because I wanted them to learn the importance of spending time with God at an early age.
Let's determine to saturate our lives and teach our children how to saturate their lives with God's Word so that sin cannot take hold of us and deplete us of our joy.
No one actually knows the exact date and time the tick jumps on it's prey and burrows it's self into the skin of the animal. Sin can be compared to a tick because it becomes part of us through something that seems harmless, then before we know it, sin has it's nasty little head stuck in our lives, sucking us dry of our spiritual food. Much like trying to get the tick off of our poor dog, sin takes hold of our lives and it becomes almost impossible to get it out.
Eventually we get tired of tugging and pulling to get sin out of our lives so we just accept the fact sin is there to stay and we leave it alone. What we don't realize is sin is doing much more harm then depleting us of our joy and spiritual food, it is making us very sick. We no longer have our daily devotions, we no longer talk to God, then we no longer attend church. If this is allowed to continue, we will become spiritually dead.
If we can be harmed by the tick called sin, how much more damage do you think it does to our children? Once sin is allowed to creep it's way into the lives of our children, it takes hold and has years to suck their lives dry. Sin hitches it's way into our lives from things that seem harmless such as watching shows on TV that aren't really bad but they aren't really good either. Perhaps it's their music, they might not be listening to heavy metal, but what they are listening to is filled with curse words and disrespect to women.
Much like our animals, there are items we can use to keep the ticks off of us and our children. Daily devotions and prayer is a good start. I am a firm believer it is never too early to start devotions with your children. No matter how busy life became, I always had devotions with my children because I wanted them to learn the importance of spending time with God at an early age.
Let's determine to saturate our lives and teach our children how to saturate their lives with God's Word so that sin cannot take hold of us and deplete us of our joy.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I am thankful for America
One morning on the TODAY Show there were approximately 20 people who were there to take the oath and become a United States citizen. It was a very touching ceremony that I just could not get out of my mind. I decided to research everything that was involved in becoming a United States citizen and I was amazed to find out all of the various things that has to be done to become a U.S. citizen.
The time between sending in the application and the interview can take anywhere from 5 months to 2 years. The swearing in ceremony can take up to 180 days after the interview. There is a lot involved in becoming a citizen. Among many other things, one must first submit an application, get fingerprinted, learn the English language, attend an interview and take tests. This doesn't include the money that it costs to do all of this.
The oath states, "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
It was refreshing to see the tears flowing down the cheeks of those becoming U.S. citizens. They truly realized the importance of being a citizen and they actually had to pay, in more ways than one, a price to become a citizen. It touched my heart to see the joy in their faces, but it also smote my heart because even though I do not mean to, I take my citizenship for granted.
It is a shame that those of us that were born in America take what we have for granted. Not only should we be thankful as parents for what we have, but we ought to teach our children to be thankful. We need to teach our children about the men and women protecting our country. Maybe get involved in sending cards or boxes to the soldiers. Teach them the true meaning for the 4th of July and Memorial Day. Teach them to pray for our President and everyone in the White House.
Let's determine to not take our citizenship for granted and determine teach our children the importance of being thankful for being born in the United States of America.
The time between sending in the application and the interview can take anywhere from 5 months to 2 years. The swearing in ceremony can take up to 180 days after the interview. There is a lot involved in becoming a citizen. Among many other things, one must first submit an application, get fingerprinted, learn the English language, attend an interview and take tests. This doesn't include the money that it costs to do all of this.
The oath states, "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
It was refreshing to see the tears flowing down the cheeks of those becoming U.S. citizens. They truly realized the importance of being a citizen and they actually had to pay, in more ways than one, a price to become a citizen. It touched my heart to see the joy in their faces, but it also smote my heart because even though I do not mean to, I take my citizenship for granted.
It is a shame that those of us that were born in America take what we have for granted. Not only should we be thankful as parents for what we have, but we ought to teach our children to be thankful. We need to teach our children about the men and women protecting our country. Maybe get involved in sending cards or boxes to the soldiers. Teach them the true meaning for the 4th of July and Memorial Day. Teach them to pray for our President and everyone in the White House.
Let's determine to not take our citizenship for granted and determine teach our children the importance of being thankful for being born in the United States of America.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Recession vs. integrity
Integrity is a very important characteristic. Integrity is not something that we are born with and it is not something that we can learn over night; however, it is a characteristic that we as parents should possess. It is also our duty as parents to make sure that our children are raised to have integrity.
The recession has a way of showing the lack of integrity in a lot of people. I recently heard on the news of a lady with a new born that had to go out of the country for approximately 8 to 10 months, so she had the post office hold her mail, she locked up her house securely and headed out of the country. When she came back there was a woman in her house. When the owner of the house asked the woman what she was doing in her house, the woman told her that she found the house empty, had water, sewer and electricity turned on in her (the squatter's) name; therefore, the house was now HER house!!!! My jaw dropped when I heard this story. Needless to say, the squatter does not have integrity because someone with integrity could not live in a house that did not belong to them unless they had permission. So now the owner of the house has to live in her own house with her toddler and the squatter because she does not have enough money to pay an attorney to fight this for her. All the while, the squatter is living in the house free of charge!!!
How can we make sure that our children have integrity? First of all, by our example. We need to make sure that our children see us being honest. If the cashier gives us too much money back, we need to make sure our children see us give that money back to the cashier. We need to teach our children that if it is not theirs, DON'T TOUCH IT without permission from the owner. Teach them to be honest in everything. Teach them not to lie. Teach them that a "little white lie" is the same as a big black lie. Teach them to be respectful to their elders. And especially for the months coming up, we need to make sure that they see us filing a honest tax return.
One thing that I did with my children was every night for devotions we read a chapter from the book of Proverbs. All the books of the Bible are important, but the book of Proverbs is a very important book to teach and apply whether we are on our own or whether we have children.
Let's determine to not let the recession show our lack of integrity; instead, let's determine to use the recession by allowing it be a learning tool with your children. Let them see us living and doing right no matter the consequences and no matter the state of our economy. Integrity cannot be bought.
The recession has a way of showing the lack of integrity in a lot of people. I recently heard on the news of a lady with a new born that had to go out of the country for approximately 8 to 10 months, so she had the post office hold her mail, she locked up her house securely and headed out of the country. When she came back there was a woman in her house. When the owner of the house asked the woman what she was doing in her house, the woman told her that she found the house empty, had water, sewer and electricity turned on in her (the squatter's) name; therefore, the house was now HER house!!!! My jaw dropped when I heard this story. Needless to say, the squatter does not have integrity because someone with integrity could not live in a house that did not belong to them unless they had permission. So now the owner of the house has to live in her own house with her toddler and the squatter because she does not have enough money to pay an attorney to fight this for her. All the while, the squatter is living in the house free of charge!!!
How can we make sure that our children have integrity? First of all, by our example. We need to make sure that our children see us being honest. If the cashier gives us too much money back, we need to make sure our children see us give that money back to the cashier. We need to teach our children that if it is not theirs, DON'T TOUCH IT without permission from the owner. Teach them to be honest in everything. Teach them not to lie. Teach them that a "little white lie" is the same as a big black lie. Teach them to be respectful to their elders. And especially for the months coming up, we need to make sure that they see us filing a honest tax return.
One thing that I did with my children was every night for devotions we read a chapter from the book of Proverbs. All the books of the Bible are important, but the book of Proverbs is a very important book to teach and apply whether we are on our own or whether we have children.
Let's determine to not let the recession show our lack of integrity; instead, let's determine to use the recession by allowing it be a learning tool with your children. Let them see us living and doing right no matter the consequences and no matter the state of our economy. Integrity cannot be bought.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Debates are not for the home
As we all know, it is political season. You cannot turn on the television without seeing commercials of one candidate putting down another candidate.
A home should not be run like a political debate. When the parent sets the rules, the children should abide by the rules. It should not be open for discussion and the children absolutely should not be bashing your rules. As a single parent it is very hard because many times you have 2, 3 or 4 kids against one parent. Because we as single parents do not have anyone backing us up, it is sometimes easier to just give in. It becomes easier to dismiss the comments bashing our rules. Sometimes we become too tired so we easily give in and let our children have what they want.
Our children are priceless, they cannot be replaced and we only get one chance. We need to realize that we are molding a masterpiece in each one of our children. God has entrusted us to raise, nurture and care for each child that we have. The trust that God has placed upon us to raise our children the right way should not be taken lightly.
The time to start molding is the day that cute, little, chubby hand reaches out for the crystal bowl on the table. The word "No" resounds through the house, but the little darling turns around, looks straight at you and touches the bowl anyway. That is the very second they need to learn that it is not a discussion, it is a rule and there are consequences for disobeying and breaking the rules.
Children need the security of knowing that their mother or father loves them enough to teach them the consequences of disobeying. When they become adults they are going to have to see first hand that there are consequences for not doing what they are told to do. If they were not required to obey as children, they will find it very hard to obey as adults. While at times it may only cost them their jobs, at other times it may cost them their freedom because they may be locked up in jail.
Our homes are not the place for debates. Let's determine to teach our children the importance of obedience right away, and teach them to obey without questioning it. And let's have a home where the only debates are the ones on the television.
Have a great week!!!
A home should not be run like a political debate. When the parent sets the rules, the children should abide by the rules. It should not be open for discussion and the children absolutely should not be bashing your rules. As a single parent it is very hard because many times you have 2, 3 or 4 kids against one parent. Because we as single parents do not have anyone backing us up, it is sometimes easier to just give in. It becomes easier to dismiss the comments bashing our rules. Sometimes we become too tired so we easily give in and let our children have what they want.
Our children are priceless, they cannot be replaced and we only get one chance. We need to realize that we are molding a masterpiece in each one of our children. God has entrusted us to raise, nurture and care for each child that we have. The trust that God has placed upon us to raise our children the right way should not be taken lightly.
The time to start molding is the day that cute, little, chubby hand reaches out for the crystal bowl on the table. The word "No" resounds through the house, but the little darling turns around, looks straight at you and touches the bowl anyway. That is the very second they need to learn that it is not a discussion, it is a rule and there are consequences for disobeying and breaking the rules.
Children need the security of knowing that their mother or father loves them enough to teach them the consequences of disobeying. When they become adults they are going to have to see first hand that there are consequences for not doing what they are told to do. If they were not required to obey as children, they will find it very hard to obey as adults. While at times it may only cost them their jobs, at other times it may cost them their freedom because they may be locked up in jail.
Our homes are not the place for debates. Let's determine to teach our children the importance of obedience right away, and teach them to obey without questioning it. And let's have a home where the only debates are the ones on the television.
Have a great week!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Are your kids a basket case?
I've never really given much thought to the mother of Moses until the other night. I was thinking about the fear that she must have felt when she knew she had to do something with Moses or he would die. They did not have the transportation back then that we do now so it wasn't as if she could put him on a bus or plane and send him out of town. I can't even imagine what must have been going through her mind at that time, yet she found the strength and courage to calm her nerves and build a basket that was strong enough to stay afloat while cradling a baby and strong enough to keep Moses safe and warm. She lovingly weaved each piece that went into the basket and made sure there were enough blankets to keep him warm. I would imagine there has never been a basket made with as much love and concern as that one.
However, her fear, anxiety and apprehension was not over. She then had to put Moses in the basket, place the basket in the water and push it down the river, not knowing if she would see her son again. Her heart must have been beating out of her chest as well as breaking in two.
We too are like Moses' mother, while raising our children, we are weaving baskets for them. Training is weaved in with love, protection, care, sorrow, happiness and memories. One day that basket is finished and it is time for our children to "go down stream" to a life of their own. We feel the same apprehension, fear and anxiety that I am sure Moses' mother felt. We can only hope that our basket will keep them on the right path, keep them serving God and one day help them become the man or woman that God wants them to be. It is a very scarey thing to watch your children go and build a life of their own, yet it can be a very happy time as well. If we have raised our children to serve God and we've instilled Godly morals and values, we will see that our baskets have sent them down the right path. Like Moses, they too will have times that will make us question as to wether we built the basket correctly, but God is in control and He will honor the time, sweat and tears that we've put into our children.
Perhaps your children are not to the point where they are ready to be sent off yet. Now is the time to instill those Godly morals and values. It is never too late to start.
If your children are not yet grown, determine to raise them they way God want's them raised. Instill the Godly values and morals NOW. If your children are grown, determine to pray DAILY for them, pray that they will remember the things that you've taught them and that they will strive to be a Godly young man or woman.
Moses was a basket case and your kids can be too!
However, her fear, anxiety and apprehension was not over. She then had to put Moses in the basket, place the basket in the water and push it down the river, not knowing if she would see her son again. Her heart must have been beating out of her chest as well as breaking in two.
We too are like Moses' mother, while raising our children, we are weaving baskets for them. Training is weaved in with love, protection, care, sorrow, happiness and memories. One day that basket is finished and it is time for our children to "go down stream" to a life of their own. We feel the same apprehension, fear and anxiety that I am sure Moses' mother felt. We can only hope that our basket will keep them on the right path, keep them serving God and one day help them become the man or woman that God wants them to be. It is a very scarey thing to watch your children go and build a life of their own, yet it can be a very happy time as well. If we have raised our children to serve God and we've instilled Godly morals and values, we will see that our baskets have sent them down the right path. Like Moses, they too will have times that will make us question as to wether we built the basket correctly, but God is in control and He will honor the time, sweat and tears that we've put into our children.
Perhaps your children are not to the point where they are ready to be sent off yet. Now is the time to instill those Godly morals and values. It is never too late to start.
If your children are not yet grown, determine to raise them they way God want's them raised. Instill the Godly values and morals NOW. If your children are grown, determine to pray DAILY for them, pray that they will remember the things that you've taught them and that they will strive to be a Godly young man or woman.
Moses was a basket case and your kids can be too!
Friday, August 3, 2012
God is a God of do-overs
I haven't been blogging for a while because I've been in the middle of a move. I am finally in the new home and out of the old one, but I still can't find a lot of things. Oh well, I'm sure I will find everything before the next move. LOL
The other night I was thinking how nice it is to finally get all of my possessions into a new home and start decorating the new home. Even though I hate moving, I like the fact that I get a fresh start. If I fell behind on coordinating the closets, organizing the cabinets or drawers or just let a few things go, I can always start over fresh in a new home.
It is the same in our every day lives. A lot of times we mess up our days by saying the wrong things, doing the wrong things, not doing what needs to be done, kicking the dog or whatever. God allows us the chance to start over fresh the next morning, as children we used to call it a "do-over". Perhaps it wasn't just a day that we messed up, perhaps it was a whole year. God lovingly provides us a new year to start fresh.
Everyone has bad things happen in their lives, the key is to not dwell on the bad things, ask for a do-over and start fresh. If you have a last name that has bad people or bad deeds tied to that name, determine to start over fresh and make your last name a good name. If you have a household that is not serving God, start today having family devotions, attending church regularly and living for God.
Maybe you have a broken relationship that you would really like to see repaired. Go to that person today, ask for forgiveness and repair that relationship.
Let's determine to remember that we are not doomed to live a life filled with mistakes. Let's ask God to forgive us where we have failed and ask Him to bless our fresh start. He truly is a God of do-overs!
The other night I was thinking how nice it is to finally get all of my possessions into a new home and start decorating the new home. Even though I hate moving, I like the fact that I get a fresh start. If I fell behind on coordinating the closets, organizing the cabinets or drawers or just let a few things go, I can always start over fresh in a new home.
It is the same in our every day lives. A lot of times we mess up our days by saying the wrong things, doing the wrong things, not doing what needs to be done, kicking the dog or whatever. God allows us the chance to start over fresh the next morning, as children we used to call it a "do-over". Perhaps it wasn't just a day that we messed up, perhaps it was a whole year. God lovingly provides us a new year to start fresh.
Everyone has bad things happen in their lives, the key is to not dwell on the bad things, ask for a do-over and start fresh. If you have a last name that has bad people or bad deeds tied to that name, determine to start over fresh and make your last name a good name. If you have a household that is not serving God, start today having family devotions, attending church regularly and living for God.
Maybe you have a broken relationship that you would really like to see repaired. Go to that person today, ask for forgiveness and repair that relationship.
Let's determine to remember that we are not doomed to live a life filled with mistakes. Let's ask God to forgive us where we have failed and ask Him to bless our fresh start. He truly is a God of do-overs!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Clutter
My son and I are in the beginning stages of packing boxes and looking for a place to move in to. When you live in a place, you start buying items to decorate your house and you go to yard sales to get things that you never needed in the first place. When it comes time to move, you find that during your stay in the house, you've become a pack rat and you have more possessions than you know what to do with. So, you begin to wade through all of your possessions, put what you "don't need" in a yard sale, only to start over again once you reach your new destination. I know I can't be the only mom that does this..... I hope! Moving has always been one of the things that I just detest. I love once all the boxes and furniture are in the new place and the decoration begins, but I really dislike everything that occurs before that.
Tonight I was sitting in my chair thinking of all the things that needed to be done and I begin thinking about possessions. Many times in our quest to get more things or the quest to find that one special thing that would look good in that one special place, our possessions become clutter. No one likes clutter, but everyone has it.
Our lives are a lot like our houses. When we are first saved we begin reading our Bible, having our quiet time with God, going to church any time we can and craving for spiritual things. Then slowly but surely the Devil starts bringing things into our lives and he convinces us that we just have to have the world's toys so we soon begin allowing those things to enter into our lives and then our lives become like our house, cluttered. We forget to have our devotions because there are so many worldly things in our lives that blind us and demand our attention. We can't see spritual things any more because the worldly possessions have us blinded to the things of God. There is a saying that goes like this, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" Don't make the trash of the world your treasure and don't let your children do it either.
Let's determine to clean house, get rid of the worldly clutter, get back to family devotions, praying together and going to church. Let's clean house!
Tonight I was sitting in my chair thinking of all the things that needed to be done and I begin thinking about possessions. Many times in our quest to get more things or the quest to find that one special thing that would look good in that one special place, our possessions become clutter. No one likes clutter, but everyone has it.
Our lives are a lot like our houses. When we are first saved we begin reading our Bible, having our quiet time with God, going to church any time we can and craving for spiritual things. Then slowly but surely the Devil starts bringing things into our lives and he convinces us that we just have to have the world's toys so we soon begin allowing those things to enter into our lives and then our lives become like our house, cluttered. We forget to have our devotions because there are so many worldly things in our lives that blind us and demand our attention. We can't see spritual things any more because the worldly possessions have us blinded to the things of God. There is a saying that goes like this, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" Don't make the trash of the world your treasure and don't let your children do it either.
Let's determine to clean house, get rid of the worldly clutter, get back to family devotions, praying together and going to church. Let's clean house!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!!!
What is a single mom?
A single mom is someone who tirelessly takes care of her children even when she has no energy left.
She gives medicine and kisses away the boo-boos even when she has no one to take care of her.
She makes sure her children's stomachs are full, even though she hasn't eaten a good meal in days.
She makes sure that her children's birthdays are special and fun even though no one has recognized her birthday in years.
She spends her last dime to buy warm clothes for her children even though she is in dire need of warm clothes herself.
She sees potential in her children even though no one else does.
She forgives her children even though they have not asked for her forgiveness.
She makes a home where her children feel safe.
She loves her children unconditionally, and wants nothing but the best for them.
She prays for her children and believes in them even when everyone else has given up hope.
She wears the "jewelry" that her children make for her and she wears it proudly to work and the grocery store.
She makes sure that her children get as many gifts on their Christmas list as she can possibly afford on Christmas even though she has not been able to get anything on her Christmas list for years.
She showers her children with unconditional love even though she herself has not felt love for many years.
She spends the day with her children because here is nowhere she would rather be.
To all of the single mothers out there, I salute you. I know exactly what you are going through and I encourage you to press on. I encourage you to be the best mother you can be because you are the one your children believe in and rely on. You are raising tomorrows future.
Happy Mother's Day to the best mothers there could ever be!!
A single mom is someone who tirelessly takes care of her children even when she has no energy left.
She gives medicine and kisses away the boo-boos even when she has no one to take care of her.
She makes sure her children's stomachs are full, even though she hasn't eaten a good meal in days.
She makes sure that her children's birthdays are special and fun even though no one has recognized her birthday in years.
She spends her last dime to buy warm clothes for her children even though she is in dire need of warm clothes herself.
She sees potential in her children even though no one else does.
She forgives her children even though they have not asked for her forgiveness.
She makes a home where her children feel safe.
She loves her children unconditionally, and wants nothing but the best for them.
She prays for her children and believes in them even when everyone else has given up hope.
She wears the "jewelry" that her children make for her and she wears it proudly to work and the grocery store.
She makes sure that her children get as many gifts on their Christmas list as she can possibly afford on Christmas even though she has not been able to get anything on her Christmas list for years.
She showers her children with unconditional love even though she herself has not felt love for many years.
She spends the day with her children because here is nowhere she would rather be.
To all of the single mothers out there, I salute you. I know exactly what you are going through and I encourage you to press on. I encourage you to be the best mother you can be because you are the one your children believe in and rely on. You are raising tomorrows future.
Happy Mother's Day to the best mothers there could ever be!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
God understands
What do you think of when you hear the story of the disciples in the boat and Jesus walking on the water towards them? The first thing I think of is the disciples' lack of faith. They were friends with Jesus, they knew Jesus would not let anything harm them and yet they were genuinely scared. Each time I've heard the story it has always been pointed out that the disciples should have had more faith. While that is true, I would like us to focus on the first part of the story.
In all of the confusion of the wind and seas tossing everyone about and the disciples crying out in fear, Jesus softly calls out to them and says, "Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid". Jesus could have rebuked them for their lack of faith, but He was concerned for them and He understood what they were feeling. He was not focusing on the fact that they were not trusting in Him, He was focusing on them and how they felt during a very confusing and scary time.
Are there storms tossing you about? Are you afraid of what lies ahead of you? Do you feel as though you might be swallowed by the very waves that are thrushing around you? Jesus understands exactly what you are feeling and He cares. He wants you to know that He is right there and He is watching out for you and protecting you. There is nothing that can harm you without going through Him first. Sure, we should trust God and look to Him for directions, but in those times that we are paralyzed by fear, in those times that we cannot find the words to say, in those times that we are sure we will be swallowed up by the waves that are tearing at our souls, He understands and He cares.
Let's make a difference by reminding ourselves or maybe someone else that Jesus cares and He understands what we/they are going through.
In all of the confusion of the wind and seas tossing everyone about and the disciples crying out in fear, Jesus softly calls out to them and says, "Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid". Jesus could have rebuked them for their lack of faith, but He was concerned for them and He understood what they were feeling. He was not focusing on the fact that they were not trusting in Him, He was focusing on them and how they felt during a very confusing and scary time.
Are there storms tossing you about? Are you afraid of what lies ahead of you? Do you feel as though you might be swallowed by the very waves that are thrushing around you? Jesus understands exactly what you are feeling and He cares. He wants you to know that He is right there and He is watching out for you and protecting you. There is nothing that can harm you without going through Him first. Sure, we should trust God and look to Him for directions, but in those times that we are paralyzed by fear, in those times that we cannot find the words to say, in those times that we are sure we will be swallowed up by the waves that are tearing at our souls, He understands and He cares.
Let's make a difference by reminding ourselves or maybe someone else that Jesus cares and He understands what we/they are going through.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
God wants to hear you sing
God wants to hear you sing when the waves are crashing round you
When the fiery darts surround you, when despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice when the wisest man has spoken
and says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be,
That's when God wants to hear you sing.
My children and I are singing the song "God Wants to Hear You Sing" in church on Sunday night. Another part of the song says, "He loves to hear our praise on our sunny days... but when suffering comes along, and we still sing Him songs, that is when we bless the Father's heart"
To be honest, it's been hard to sing lately. However, I was recently reminded of the importance to sing praise to God no matter what was going on in my life by a little bird. Lately we've had a bird right outside our front door that sings it's little heart out all day long. The strange thing is, when night falls and it is very dark outside, he still sings his little heart out. I thought it was a bird that perhaps just forgot that night had come or perhaps he had more to sing and wasn't ready to quit, but this continued for about 2 weeks. God convicted my heart through a little bird. If a bird can sing even though darkness has fallen all around him and he has no idea of the prey that might be out there lurking, I should be able to sing praise to God even when it feels like night all around me. It took me almost two weeks to get the message God wanted to me to get from that little bird and then he was gone. Perhaps he is now perched outside the door or window of someone else that needs to be reminded of the same thing.
Am I saying that life is now a bed of roses and I sing every day and night just like that bird? No, I don't think God was trying to tell me that if I sing when things are going bad that the sun will instantly come out and I will have no more worries, that is just not how life is. But if we sing to God when our heart is breaking, it encourages our hearts and reminds us that God loves us and that He cares when we are hurting. Singing when we are alone and in the deepest pit of despair reminds us that God is with us wherever we are, He will never allow us to walk alone and He will give us the strength to make it through another day.
Are you faced with problems that overwhelm you? Is your heart breaking to a point that you are not sure if it will ever heal? Do you feel like no one understands what you are going through? Sing to God even though you might not feel like it, sing and remind your heart that God is there, He cares and He will be there for you.
Perhaps you are not going through a trial right now, but you know someone that is, remind that person to sing and remind them that there is not a problem too big for God.
Let's make a difference and SING!!!
When the fiery darts surround you, when despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice when the wisest man has spoken
and says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be,
That's when God wants to hear you sing.
My children and I are singing the song "God Wants to Hear You Sing" in church on Sunday night. Another part of the song says, "He loves to hear our praise on our sunny days... but when suffering comes along, and we still sing Him songs, that is when we bless the Father's heart"
To be honest, it's been hard to sing lately. However, I was recently reminded of the importance to sing praise to God no matter what was going on in my life by a little bird. Lately we've had a bird right outside our front door that sings it's little heart out all day long. The strange thing is, when night falls and it is very dark outside, he still sings his little heart out. I thought it was a bird that perhaps just forgot that night had come or perhaps he had more to sing and wasn't ready to quit, but this continued for about 2 weeks. God convicted my heart through a little bird. If a bird can sing even though darkness has fallen all around him and he has no idea of the prey that might be out there lurking, I should be able to sing praise to God even when it feels like night all around me. It took me almost two weeks to get the message God wanted to me to get from that little bird and then he was gone. Perhaps he is now perched outside the door or window of someone else that needs to be reminded of the same thing.
Am I saying that life is now a bed of roses and I sing every day and night just like that bird? No, I don't think God was trying to tell me that if I sing when things are going bad that the sun will instantly come out and I will have no more worries, that is just not how life is. But if we sing to God when our heart is breaking, it encourages our hearts and reminds us that God loves us and that He cares when we are hurting. Singing when we are alone and in the deepest pit of despair reminds us that God is with us wherever we are, He will never allow us to walk alone and He will give us the strength to make it through another day.
Are you faced with problems that overwhelm you? Is your heart breaking to a point that you are not sure if it will ever heal? Do you feel like no one understands what you are going through? Sing to God even though you might not feel like it, sing and remind your heart that God is there, He cares and He will be there for you.
Perhaps you are not going through a trial right now, but you know someone that is, remind that person to sing and remind them that there is not a problem too big for God.
Let's make a difference and SING!!!
Monday, January 16, 2012
BRB
If you have teenagers that text, chances are you know what BRB means. I was texting my son one day and in the middle of our "conversation" he sends me a message that says BRB. I could not figure out what in the world he was trying to say to me. I sent him a text to see what he was talking about but he did not respond. A few minutes later he started texting me again and picked right back up where we had left off. I later found out that BRB stands for Be Right Back.
I wonder how many times God has tried to talk to me only to get a reply from me, "BRB". Perhaps it was in church when He was speaking to my heart through the message and I was distracted by something going on around me, or perhaps I started thinking about what we were having for lunch, or what I had to do at work the following week. Perhaps it was during my devotions that God tried to speak to me and I was too tired to stay awake, or too anxious to find out what was on TV, or needed to hurry to finish up a few things before either starting the day or finishing it.
What if God told mes BRB right in the middle of my sobbing and pouring my heart out to Him? What if He got distracted during my prayer requests because I was taking too long? What if God fell asleep while I was talking to Him because He had experienced a long day and just could not stay awake?
I am so very thankful that my heavenly Father does not send me a message saying "BRB". I am thankful that God WANTS to spend time with me, He looks forward to spending time with me and He does set a time limit for me. If my heavenly Father listens to me without distraction, does not set a time limit on me and gladly hears anything that I want to say, then shouldn't I do the same for Him?
Let's determine in this new year to listen to God's voice and not become distracted. We as single parents have so many things competing for our time that it is very hard to give everything and everyone the time that they deserve. God should be at the top of our priority list and not at the bottom. Let's spend more time listening to God, He will make everything else fall into place.
Have a great week!!!
I wonder how many times God has tried to talk to me only to get a reply from me, "BRB". Perhaps it was in church when He was speaking to my heart through the message and I was distracted by something going on around me, or perhaps I started thinking about what we were having for lunch, or what I had to do at work the following week. Perhaps it was during my devotions that God tried to speak to me and I was too tired to stay awake, or too anxious to find out what was on TV, or needed to hurry to finish up a few things before either starting the day or finishing it.
What if God told mes BRB right in the middle of my sobbing and pouring my heart out to Him? What if He got distracted during my prayer requests because I was taking too long? What if God fell asleep while I was talking to Him because He had experienced a long day and just could not stay awake?
I am so very thankful that my heavenly Father does not send me a message saying "BRB". I am thankful that God WANTS to spend time with me, He looks forward to spending time with me and He does set a time limit for me. If my heavenly Father listens to me without distraction, does not set a time limit on me and gladly hears anything that I want to say, then shouldn't I do the same for Him?
Let's determine in this new year to listen to God's voice and not become distracted. We as single parents have so many things competing for our time that it is very hard to give everything and everyone the time that they deserve. God should be at the top of our priority list and not at the bottom. Let's spend more time listening to God, He will make everything else fall into place.
Have a great week!!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Do you have a virus?
I've been without a computer for a while..... a virus was the culprit! I became victim to an old trick that has been updated. I received a message stating that I had contracted a virus and I needed to run my virus software to find it and get rid of it. Well, this wasn't the first time I've seen that trick so I did not click on the yes or no button, instead I clicked on the X in the top right hand corner to get me out of it. OOPS!!! Wrong thing to do. Because I clicked ANYWHERE in the box, I was doomed. I was not on a new website, I had not clicked on something that was forwarded to me and I certainly had not opened an attachment, I was just surfing the web and the message came up.
I started thinking that our lives are just like computers and we can pick up viruses at times we least expect it. It can be so easy for sin to sneak into our lives. We all know that we must guard our hearts and minds by being careful what we watch on TV, but sometimes if we are not careful, we will get a virus through something as "simple" as a commercial. Other times it comes in through our favorite show that has nothing wrong with it until something is "slipped" in that we ought not to be watching or listening to. Perhaps our favorite radio station that has nothing wrong with it becomes over powered by a radio station that has music on it that we ought not to be listening to, but music that is so tempting.
.
I now have a very good virus software. Of course, the virus software will not do me any good unless I take it out of the box, download it and run the scans. If I just buy the virus program and leave it sitting in the box, you think I could convince the company that they did not do their job? No, they would immediately tell me it was my fault I was infected because I did not load the virus software onto my computer. The same is true in our lives. We cannot have a Bible, leave it sitting on our coffee table, and expect it to protect us from the viruses of the devil. We must use read the Bible daily and hide God's Word in our hearts because if we don't, we will just do all the wrong things when we are tempted. The devil knows our weaknesses and he knows exactly what to tempt us with.
Let's determine in this new year to not let any viruses into our homes. Let's make a habit of having our devotions, praying and staying in church. Strive for a virus free year!
Happy New Year!!!!!
I started thinking that our lives are just like computers and we can pick up viruses at times we least expect it. It can be so easy for sin to sneak into our lives. We all know that we must guard our hearts and minds by being careful what we watch on TV, but sometimes if we are not careful, we will get a virus through something as "simple" as a commercial. Other times it comes in through our favorite show that has nothing wrong with it until something is "slipped" in that we ought not to be watching or listening to. Perhaps our favorite radio station that has nothing wrong with it becomes over powered by a radio station that has music on it that we ought not to be listening to, but music that is so tempting.
.
I now have a very good virus software. Of course, the virus software will not do me any good unless I take it out of the box, download it and run the scans. If I just buy the virus program and leave it sitting in the box, you think I could convince the company that they did not do their job? No, they would immediately tell me it was my fault I was infected because I did not load the virus software onto my computer. The same is true in our lives. We cannot have a Bible, leave it sitting on our coffee table, and expect it to protect us from the viruses of the devil. We must use read the Bible daily and hide God's Word in our hearts because if we don't, we will just do all the wrong things when we are tempted. The devil knows our weaknesses and he knows exactly what to tempt us with.
Let's determine in this new year to not let any viruses into our homes. Let's make a habit of having our devotions, praying and staying in church. Strive for a virus free year!
Happy New Year!!!!!
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