Thoughts on Mother's Day

Before you all get the wrong idea about what I am to write, let me assure you, I had a very nice Mother's Day. I heard from the one's that I love, I was treated to an afternoon at the Gardens and served a scrumptious meal of Soft Shell Crab by my husband. (complete with a small fire on the stove top, caused by splattering oil. I had to giggle a bit over the fire, it really was quite small, my husband is very competent in the kitchen, so this kind of thing just doesn't happen) In the end everything was delicious and he did an amazing job cleaning up the mess.

What came to mind yesterday morning when I was thinking about Mother's day was how difficult a day it was going to be for a lot of women.  I thought of those that wanted to be moms but couldn't. The moms with estranged children, or prodigals or those that have lost a child. What about those that have lost a mom or who's mom isn't like the one in the Hallmark commercial. My heart was heavy with the thought of it.

I am not anti Mother's Day, being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world, having a day to honor them is a good thing. What we need though is to be aware of is the pain that this day may magnify for so many others. (I know I'm a little late on this one) I know you know who these ladies are in your life, pray with them, encourage them, point them to the Savior who sticks closer than a brother.  Remind them of the truth of the Word. Be there for them, let the Lord direct you in how you can best serve and minister to them.

                          Photo below taken of my mom and I almost thirty years ago

Encourage When You Can

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Sometimes I have to settle for a nice chat on the phone, or a quick text. My sister and I text all the time...and then we getting to a point that texting gets way too hard because we have too much to say. During those times the texting marathon ends up with a phone call.

This week  most of my friends have been housebound due to weather and sickness (lots of sickness going around again...sigh) so I haven't had much of a chance to see anyone this week, but we've kept connected with our phones. Aren't you thankful for phones and the ability to check in on each other?

I know people can have strong feelings about texting, but I find it a great way to touch base with each other. Often times it will lead to a phone call but not always. Sometimes it might be the encouragement a person needs in that moment...you never know. (I have friends who will text scripture...love that)

Anyway today was a special day because I got a surprise real live (not phone) visit from this guy. We knew he was going to be in town but did not expect to see him at all because his schedule was tight. He had rehearsal in the afternoon and a performance in the evening, then he was headed back home.

You can imagine my surprise(and delight) when he said he was going to stop by between the rehearsal and the performance. It was a quick visit, (real quick) just enough time for a piece of leftover birthday cake and coffee, but it did this momma's heart good. The visit ended with a hug, and an admonishment to drive safely (we mom's always say that don't we?)

Is there someone you know who might be encouraged with a call or a text. Even letting someone know you are thinking about them can be a blessing. I will often text someone about any prayer needs (or practical needs) This can be more of a blessing than you know.

Photo above taken last weekend before the snow and the freezing cold temperatures, no one is out in shirt sleeves today.

Don't Journey Alone

I cherish the fellow believers that the Lord has put in my life. Those people that journey with us as we go through this life.

I am so thankful for people that will pray for me specifically and direct me to truth when I want to believe the lies the enemy tells me.  People that remind me of God's faithfulness, the good works he has done in the past and what our true hope for the future is. I count some of you as those that help remind me of truth.

We had our small group meeting this week and I shared some of what was going on in my heart, the anxiety I was feeling. The next day I received this text from a dear friend.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see  Hebrews 11:1

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

I sought the Lord and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.  Psalm 34:4

"My friend, laugh at the future, because it is out of our control, but it is safely in His loving hands."
 
She then reminded me about this notebook she came across (and bought) a couple of days ago. The cover was red with big bold letters that simply stated " I GOT THIS...GOD"

God is sovereign, He is good, always in control, and He always has a plan and a purpose for good no matter what comes into our lives.

Thankful Thursday

It has been a little rainy today, the temperatures are mild and the leaves are beginning to turn color around our area. These are just some of the things I have to be thankful for today

Other things I am thankful for

I found chicken and beef broth on sale today for 49 cents a can. I make a lot of one pot meals and soup in the winter, so I stocked up. My parents always had a pantry when I was growing up. and I used to tease them about what they were going to do with all that food, especially when they became Empty Nester's. (we now resemble this, ha ha) Husbands grandparents lived on a farm, so their pantry was full with all they had grown and canned over the summer. That mentality has influenced us...you never know who you might want to feed.

I am thankful for my DIL's sister who came over yesterday morning and helped me clean up around the house before Care Group. My first response was to refuse (it's that self sufficiency thing going on) but the truth was, I did need the help.

I am thankful for flowers that are still blooming in the garden

I am thankful that all is well with Sweet Lady, her most recent MRI should no changes from last year.

I am thankful for people that the Lord has put into my life that take the time to encourage.

Encouragement should be sincere and is different from flattery. I love when someone shares a scripture or comes up to me and mentions how they see a change of attitude or behavior that I may have been struggling with and praying about, or the encouragement to continue to press on.

I am thankful for praying friends, for those that tell me how they are praying and are willing to encourage with scripture. (It spurs me to do the same for others)

How about you, are there things in your life today you can be thankful for.

"So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthen in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness"
Colossians 2:6-7

Building Relationships

In an effort to help people develop relationships in our church, we have Care Groups that meet on a weekly basis. Our group consists of about ten couples and a couple of singles. We met four times a month, twice as an entire group, then one week the ladies meet and one week the men meet. These small groups are where you really get the opportunity to build relationships and do life together.

I treasure the people the Lord has put in my life through my small group. These are the people who know the things I am praying for and the sins that I struggle with. These are the people who will reach out when I want to isolate, will point to scripture when I need encouragement, will rejoice when I rejoice and will comfort when I am hurting and will always be willing to pray. Meeting as a small group gives us opportunity for going deeper in the Word, mentoring, and serving one another in a practical way.

These are the people who cooked, drove me to doctors appointments and did laundry for me after my mastectomy. We have helped each other move, cooked meals after births of babies and watched children so parents could have a night out. Most recently one of our members stayed with a hospitalized friend round the clock until her husband could fly home. 

Last month our group decided to do an activity called Supper Club. Besides being fun, we thought it would be a great way to continue to build relationships. We divided our small group into even smaller groups by drawing names out of a bowl. Each group would have five to six people in them (we have two singles in our Care Group) After the groups were drawn they would get together and decide when they wanted to meet, who would host and what each person would bring. The meal doesn't have to be elaborate, we did Stew, Salad and Bread, another group did Tacos. This month we will meet again but with a new group of couples. that's the fun part, the group you meet with changes each month.

No small groups at your church, don't let that stop you from inviting someone over for lunch after church or dinner or even dessert, it's the in smaller get togethers that relationships are built.

Linking up with Roxy at Living From Glory to Glory

We Are To Encourage One Another

Tonight we are having the Secret Sister reveal for our ladies group. The ladies in our small group have
done this annually for about four years now. I know there are different takes on this but, this is how our group does it. First of all it's for a two month period, we picked the name of our Secret Sister out of a bowl the beginning of February. The main goal of this activity is to pray specifically for that lady and to encourage with notes and cards. Gifts are optional but if you do want to include we encourage them to be small, like chocolates, flowers from the garden, note cards, tea etc. The main purpose of this event is to pray and encourage. The fun part is trying to be stealthy about your identity when sending those notes and gifts. Tonight after we try to guess who our Secret Sister was we will have the reveal. We were also asked to keep a list of the things we were praying about to give our Secret Sister.

This is a fun activity, but you don't need an organized event to encourage one another. Look around your circle of people you come in contact with, who could you encourage. Is there someone in your life who could benefit from a hug and and an offer to pray. How about sending a note to someone who is struggling with a scripture that might encourage, or a note saying that you are praying for them, thinking of them. Phone calls and texts work too, it only takes a moment to encourage

Some examples of those that might need some encouragement would be young moms of little children, elderly people that are not able to get out to church, those going through illness, those that are caregivers for other family members, those with family problems or are going through a difficult season in their life. The list is endless, sometimes I need encouragement just because it's just been a bad day.

Encouraging one another is not hard, and it has it's benefits, when you encourage others with the truth of scripture you are also reminding yourself of those truths...it's a win win

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today" lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin Hebrews 3:13

Random Monday Thoughts

This photo was taken yesterday, the temperatures were spring like and the daffodils were beginning to bloom. We went to the Gardens after church for a little walk....we knew what was on the way. You know the saying, if you don't like the weather wait a minute it will change...that's how it rolls around here. Today the temperatures have dropped 45 degrees and it's been sleeting/snowing most of the day (hopefully the snow/ice will provide a protective little blanket for those newly opened flowers)

I have celebrated another birthday, and am a year closer to ending yet another decade. I am trying to figure out how I feel about that...getting older that is. There IS a lot that I like about this age, I love being a grandparent and I enjoy having an empty nest again. (raising sons was fun too) I like being one of  the "older" woman in my group of friends, and the opportunity it gives me to mentor younger woman. Mentoring is a wonderful thing and I would encourage you to befriend a woman who is in a season or two younger than you and encourage them in their journey. I am liking this season of change I have been in, I am beginning to find a new rhythm, my days as a homemaker are full and it's been a good thing.

The things that are more challenging about this age are mostly physical. After a full day of grandchildren I am just as tired as they are. I nap when they do. 

I used to be able to dig out new flower beds, now I just spray the outline where I want them and let the men do the digging. I probably should have been doing that all along. Most lifting is out and I don't see any marathons in my future. (not that I ever did any before) I wonder how things will change as I continue to age. My parents are in their eighties and still living independently in their home, it would be my desire as well. I try not to spend to much time worrying about the future, but birthdays have a way of making you stop and think.

Another thing about this age, I've seen a lot of stuff, I've experienced good times as well as bad, I have had to trust the Lord in some difficult things (and continue to do so) and I have learned that the Lord is faithful. Situations that seemed hopeless, he worked for good, difficulties experienced that he used for his purposes. There are still things that I don't get, situations that seem hopeless, prayers still not answered but I know He doesn't change, I know he will continue to be faithful no matter what the future holds

The Will Of God

**THE WILL OF GOD**

The will of God will never take you
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you

Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,

Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, 

Where the army of God cannot protect you,

Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the love of God cannot enfold you, 

Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,

Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,

Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Author Unknown

Came across this little poem this morning and thought it was too good not to share. I need to be reminded of these truths often.

Encourage When You Can

Monday, I spent the entire morning in a dentist chair getting work done in preparation for some crowns. I came home with my head pounding and my bank account much poorer. Wasn't a great morning and it wasn't looking much better for the afternoon.

The first thing I did when I got home was to check my voice mail, much to my concern I had a message from my mom, I say concern, because I am the one who usually calls, mom generally doesn't call unless something is wrong, AND I had just talked to her on Saturday.

Called mom back to see what was up and to my surprise she just wanted to tell me she had been thinking about all the trips we had taken together through the years and she wanted me to know how much she appreciated being included. "I wanted to make your day" Kind of an out of the blue call, but one that lifted my spirits. I spent the rest of the afternoon remembering those excursions myself, it was a lovely distraction from what was going on.

Mom joined us on our trip to Italy (we were stationed overseas at the time)

Day trip to DC, that's my oldest son in the stroller, and my sweet hubby

Florida with her grandsons (two of those little guys are my sons)

Another trip to Florida with our family

The point of this post....a bit of encouragement can go a long way, it can change someones day. My mom had no idea what was up with me that morning, but the call was right on time. I have been so focused on fighting my own little battles in recent weeks that encouraging others hasn't even been on my radar. It is now, the call from mom was a reminder to me of how necessary encouragement is from others... I can think of at least a half a dozen people that could use my encouragement today...and BONUS...when I start to encourage others and remind friends of God's truths, I get to hear those truths too!!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus   Philippians 4:6-7

Comfort Those That Mourn

A Prayer in Response to the Newtown, CT Tragedy

This prayer was written yesterday by Scotty Smith after the tragic events in Newtown:

Dear Lord Jesus, we abandon ourselves to you tonight—we come running with our tears and our fears, our anger and our anguish, our lament and our longings. We collapse in your presence, with the assurance of your welcome, needing the mercies of your heart.

Some stories are just too much for us to absorb; some evil just too great to conceive; some losses  beyond all measurability. We need your tears and your strength tonight. That you wept outside the tomb of a beloved friend frees us to groan and mourn; that you conquered his death with yours, frees us to hope and wait.

But we turn our thoughts from ourselves to the families who have suffered an unconscionable violation of heart and all sensibilities. Bring your presence to bear, Lord Jesus, by your Spirit and through your people. May your servants weep with those who weep and wail with those who wail. Extend your tear wiping hand—reach into this great tragedy with an even greater grace.

We cry out on behalf of the children of Newtown, those most directly affected by this evil, and for children throughout our country and the world, whose little hearts are reeling with fear and terror. Give parents wisdom and kindness, as they seek to love their children well, this night and in the coming days. Raise up gifted counselors and care givers to serve those most traumatized.

Lastly, Lord Jesus, we cry out with a loud voice, How long, O, Lord? How long before you return to eradicate all evil, redeem all tragedies, and make all things new? How long, O, Lord, how long? Your Bride weeps and waits for you. In your merciful and mighty name we pray.


"Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted"  Matthew 5:4
Comfort those that are mourning right now Lord Jesus

Food For Thought

I had an opportunity to attend a Nancy Guthrie seminar a couple of weekends ago. Lots of good stuff to go over and review later but there was one thing she had said that has really made me stop and pause.

The question that has made me think was this..."Do you ever say, God will never give us more than we can bear? either to yourself or to someone else as an encouraging word. " I have to admit I have said it, I have said it often.

Her response to this statement was that "Jesus will repeatedly give you more than you can handle so you will turn to him"

I continued to "chew" on this after I got home. Didn't scripture say that God would not give us more than we could bear? I was sure there was a scripture that supported that, now if I could remember where...Gotta love technology, I googled the phrase and this is the scripture that popped out.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But where you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it   1 Corinthians 10:13

Hmm, perhaps she is right, it looks like God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, doesn't really say anything about our trials. Then I continued to think about it....by saying God would not give us more than we can bear, it sort of speaks of self sufficiency, what I can handle. Then I came across this scripture

We do not want you to be uninformed brothers of the hardships we suffered in the providence of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God            2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Again this seems to support what Nancy had said in the seminar, it's not about what we are able to bear but it's about getting to the point of turning it all to him...being desperate for Him.. will continue to ponder this awhile....then I found this scripture

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. that is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong....(his strength, not mine) 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

A promise that his grace is sufficient whatever my circumstances may be...I may not have it all figured out....okay...really... will I ever have it all figured out this side of heaven....but his word says his grace is sufficient so that is where I will rest

Just Thinking

We went to a memorial the other day, for a lady from our church that had passed away. It was a beautiful service.

There were friends and family that shared memories...it was obvious that this lady loved the Lord, loved his word and loved to worship. There was no doubt where her hope had been and in the process God was glorified.  I was blessed, encouraged and provoked.

The lady also journaled, apparently for many years. One of the things that was done as part of the memorial was to read a few excerpts from her journals. Some of the entries were everyday things that made me smile, but what I was struck with the most was her utter dependence on God...a place we should all be, yes?  I think about her family, those journals are a window into her life and will always be a memory of her.

What does your journal say about you? I can tell you mine shows that life has lots of twists and turns, failures, heartbreaks and struggles.Times of stability and praises and times when my plans were not his plans. Most importantly though, I hope my journals show that God is always faithful. That he is my strength, my peace, my hope and my joy. That yes I have failed but He never has. That God gives much grace. That he can be that light on the darkest days...that he gives me a future and a hope and is the one who sustains me.

A Promise

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We Must Tell Them

"After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel"  Judges 2:10

This text was the basis for our sermon on Sunday. The generation this text was talking about was the "promise land generation" Their grandparents were the generation that was led out of Egypt, their parents were the conquers of the promised land led by Joshua. The "promise land" generation was the first generation who did not see first hand what the Lord had done.

How will the next generation know about the Lord if we do not tell our stories? We must tell them.

From my sermon notes:

1.We must tell them about God's character

2. We must tell them about our deep history (this would be speaking of our biblical heritage)

3.We must tell them the gospel of Jesus Christ

4. We must tell them about the history of the church

5.We must tell them our personal history (how did you come to Christ)

6.We must tell them of the mighty deeds of God in or life

I was a little discouraged at first, my children are grown and although we continue to tell them how God is working in our lives, they have heard our stories, but then the pastor reminded us it wasn't just our children that needed to hear the stories. Are there young people in your life? I have grandchildren. What young person do you have in your life that you can tell your story to. Is there a younger person you know that needs to hear about God's character, about  his mighty deeds? Do you know  a young person who needs to hear the gospel? The next generation needs to hear these things, it's up to us to tell them.