Mother and Child Paintings by Mary Cassatt

I'm going to add a bit of class to my blog today. Mary Cassatt is my favorite artist. I don't know much about art, but I know that I like this impressionist's paintings. I find it interesting that Mary Cassatt never had children of her own.

A Lesson Learned from Mom

The Internet Cafe Saturday Meme

The question for May 10th is:

What is the greatest lesson you learned from your mother or a mom like figure in your life?

One of the greatest lessons that my mom taught me is that there are many roles of a Christian woman. I saw through her example how to do it all. The key to doing it all - is not to do it all at once. In her early adult years, she graduated from college, got married, participated in Christian ministry work, and worked full time. When my sister and I were young, she dedicated much of her time to taking care of us and doing creative things for the home like baking, canning, painting, macramé and other crafts. When we were in grade school, she got involved in our school, worked part time, and led clubs like Blue Birds and 4-H. When we were teens, she went back to work full-time as a teacher and devoted more time to writing and speaking. Through out my childhood, I observed my mom raise us, support my dad, work, serve God, volunteer, encourage others, follow her own interests and hobbies, and spend time with friends. As a Christian woman, my mom had it all. She kept it all well balanced and I don't remember seeing that it ever overwhelmed her. I learned that there are different seasons in a woman's life. It's a wonderful blessing to be a woman and to be able to have so many different opportunities and experiences in my life.

Happy Mother's Day Mom. Thank you for being such a good example to me.

When God Ran

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I first heard this song back in 1988. I can't believe that I was able to find a You Tube video of Benny Hester singing this 20 year old song. This song was special to me when I was18 years old. I was so touched that God could love me this much. He doesn't leave us. We may ignore Him. But He's standing there with us trying to get our attention, waiting for us - still loving us. (I hope you have a tissue handy.)

When God Ran by Benny Hester

Ministry Idea - Make Disaster Relief Kits

You can help people by making disaster relief kits. These kits provide basic toiletries to people who have lost everything in a natural disaster. They will be distributed by the Christian organization Operation Blessing.

Instructions -

Fill one or more 1-gallon size Ziploc bag(s) with...

1 new wash cloth 1 new hand towel 1 new bar of soap 1 new comb 1 new fingernail clipper 1new pack of dental floss 1 new toothbrush 1 small travel size tube of toothpaste 1 small travel size shampoo 1 small packet of tissue 1 small package of adhesive bandages NOTE: All included items need to be new and unused. Shipping Information: Label the outside of each box – Disaster Relief Kits Have an inventory sheet in each box listing the number of kits enclosed. Send To: Operation Blessing International Disaster Relief Kits 977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463

Thankful Thursday - Motherhood

Thankful Thursday Meme

Sunday is Mother's Day, so I am appreciative and thankful for motherhood.

• I'm thankful for my own mother who still shows me her love.

• I'm thankful that I get to be a mother. I am honored that I am able to raise and influence my children.

• I'm thankful for mothers who teach their children about Jesus and raise their children to have godly character traits.

• I'm thankful to all the mother's who have chosen life for their babies.
  

• I'm thankful for the importance that is put on motherhood and that it is an honorable profession.

• I'm thankful that God cares about us mothers - that he encourages us and strengthens us.

Here is a Mother's Day Outreach Project

Get a bunch of long stemmed roses or carnations. Go to a park and look for mothers. Pass them out along with Happy Mother's Day cards and an invitation to your church (made from Mother themed church bulletins.)

It's probably too late to order these, but here are some Mother's Day tracts and bulletins that you may be interested in getting next year.

A Mothers Love, Pack of 25 Tracts 25 tracts for $2.49 Through the illustration of a mother's love for her child we can learn much about God's love for His precious children.

Thank You, Mom, Mother's Day Bulletins 100 for $5.99 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26 KJV

Being A Mother Bulletins 100 for $6.99 Being a mother is a gift too great to comprehend. Having a mother is a blessing too great for words. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father. James 1:17 KJV

A Mother's Heart, Mother's Day Bulletins 100 for $6.99 A mother's hands are gentle as she wipes away our tears; a mother's arms bring comfort as she helps us face our fears. A mother's heart is loving --a true reflection of the peace found in our Savior and His everlasting love. The blessing of the Lord be upon you.Psalm 129:8

Alluring, Restoration, and Blessings

Tuesdays in Other Words Meme

This week's writing prompt is:

Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. Hosea 2:14

I needed a bit of help understanding this section of Hosea before I was ready to write. Pastor J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible commentary was helpful to me.

Hosea 2 goes on to say in verse 15 "There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt."

J. Vernon McGee explained that The Valley of Achor is where God judged the Israelites sin. It is in Achor where the Israelites learned important lessons and were restored. Verse 15 says that God will also bless the Israelites in Achor. However, this is a prophecy yet to be fulfilled. Ancient Achor is near Shechem and is still controlled by Arabs.

The Message version explains vs. 14 and 15 like this "I'm going to start all over again. I'm taking her back out into the wilderness where we had our first date, and I'll court her. I'll give her bouquets of roses. I'll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope. She'll respond like she did as a young girl, those days when she was fresh out of Egypt."

Although these verses were written about the Israelites, they can provide lessons for all Christians. God wants to get us away from our temptations to sin. Once we let Him deal with our sins and restore us, then we will be ready to participate in His perfect will for our lives and to receive His blessing.

I've spent many years wondering why God didn't bless me. I said the special prayer of salvation and tried to live a good life. However, I've realized this past year that God isn't interested in me performing the bare necessities for Him. He wants me to consciously stop sinning on a daily business, to grow closer to Him, to study His word and to spend time with Him, to serve Him and follow His will daily.

I want the Lord to start all over with me - to allure me and draw me close to Him. I want Him to restore me and give me a passion to serve Him. I'd like for Him to bless me, when He sees fit. The Israelites still haven't received their blessing in Achor, so I understand that my blessing my take awhile to come. But I have all of eternity.

Heather at Titus 2 Woman is hosting Tuesdays in Other Words this week.


A Sermon for Hosea Chapter 2

Turning to God for Comfort

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

Earlier this week, my sister was in the hospital fighting for the life of her 22-week old unborn baby - Sadie Grace. She was loosing amniotic fluid and was at risk for infection. It is possible that the baby could be born any time, however the baby is not completely developed and will probably not live if she is born this early. My sister is at home now and will be in bed until the baby is due. Her blood pressure has increased and the doctor is concerned that she may get preeclampsia.

I've been praying that God will comfort my sister's family with His peace. My two young nephews lost their father, last October, and they are afraid that their unborn baby sister may die too. With the news of this scary and uncertain time, I decided to turn to prayer and worship music for comfort.

Chris Tomlin's song, The Everlasting God, was very uplifting and comforting. God is our hope and our strong deliverer. He is a defender to the weak and He comforts those in need.

Thankful Thursday - Prayer

Thankful Thursday Meme

I'm thankful that the Lord has been teaching me about prayer this year. I'm thankful that He urges me to pray. I'm thankful that my faith in Him has been growing as I turn more to prayer instead of fear.

Today, May 1st, is the National Day of Prayer. There is power in prayer. Our prayers to God can change the course of history.

Today, I am going to pray:

• that my husband and kids will grow closer to the Lord
• that God will show us His will
• that God will strengthen our marriage
• that God will bring the perfect pastor to our church
• that our church will grow in fellowship with each other
• that our church will reach out to help and witness to the community

What are you going to pray for?

Christian Prayer Growth - Ideas for improving your prayer life
Pray Others to Christ
31 Days of Praying for Your Husband
31 Ways to Pray for Your Children
7 Ways to Pray for Your Ministry

Please Pray for My Sister

My Walk Monday Meme

I would appreciate your prayers for my younger sister. She is in the hospital fighting for the life of her 22-week old unborn baby - Sadie Grace. She is loosing amniotic fluid and at risk for infection. It is possible that the baby could be born any day, but the baby is not completely developed and will probably not make it if she is born this early.

Please pray that:

• this baby will make it to full term without further complications.
• God will give my sister and her husband His peace.
• God will comfort my two young nephews. They lost their father to suicide last October and are afraid that their unborn baby sister will die.

Thank you for supporting me and my sister's family during this scary, uncertain time.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Update:

My sister has been released from the hospital and has been commanded to lay flat in bed for the next 4 months. While she was in the hospital, the Dr. told her that she had an option to abort the baby, because if it came that early there were be physical problems with the little one. That gave my sister the opportunity to state her pro-life view and her trust in God.It's so heartbreaking that women are given this option and out of fear chose abortion because the Dr. suggested it.

This week’s Bonus Question: What is the very first scripture you ever memorized? Or the one you first - remember - memorizing? And when was it?
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (As a young girl, I sang this verse as a song. It was one of my favorites.)

Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

I'm Thankful for My Mother

Thankful Thursday Meme

Today is my Mother's Birthday. I am so thankful for my mother. The older I get, the more I realize how wonderful she is. She was a good example to me, by the way she lived her life.

My mother was very involved in my childhood. I remember her being active at my grade school: volunteering as a room mother helper and being the PTA President. My mom was my Blue Bird, 4-H, and Stamp Club leader. She kept us busy during the summer with fun outings and at Christmas with family traditions. One summer, she took me on a vacation to the beach - just the two of us. My mom went back to work as a full-time teacher just so my sister and I could go to a private Christian high school for free.

As a child, I saw my mom serving God - as a Christian writer, leading classes and volunteering at church, and being a Christian speaker. She had our family visit and take gifts to elderly ladies in a nursing home. I saw when she gave canned food to the Boy Scout food drive and made dinners for those who were ill. I listened when she told stories about being a student missionary in Mexico, and when she sang worship songs around the house. I noticed when she worked Christian words and topics into a conversation with non-Christians. I learned about perseverance when she endured through the difficult times.

My Mom used to sing a special song about the precious gifts of a mother. I think that this song should be sung about her. I couldn't find the lyrics anywhere, so I'll try to do my best to remember.

My Mother is a Precious Jewel
author unknown

My Mother is a precious jewel
she's priceless, too, this one.
I love her and I'm grateful
for all the things she's done.
Forgiving, understanding,
considerate, and true.
She taught me by example,
the things I ought to do.
In closely watching Mother,
I've discovered how to live.
True happiness is loving
and learning how to give.

Mother's Day Tradition

Our church has started their Mother's Day tradition. This time, every year, there is a baby bassinet set up outside of the church nursery. It gets filled with baby items - clothing, diapers, toiletries, even Bibles. Around Mother's Day the items are donated to the Pregnancy Care Center and given to the new expecting mothers.

I love this tradition and it's a great one to get the kids involved in. If your church doesn't do this, you can still participate and drop your items off at the Pregnancy Care Center.

Last night, I discovered that Wal-Mart has the rest of it's winter clothing on clearance. We found baby sweatshirts for $1 each. You might want to check your local Wal-Mart and see if they have any left. They are perfect to add to the baby bassinet.

Seeing God's Influence on my Family

God Stop Friday Meme

This week, God has shown Himself to me in these ways:

• God brought my husband home, safe and sound, from his business trip. After 2 1/2 months, I see a personal growth in him. I can tell that God encouraged him and helped him to grow, while he was away.
  

• A few days ago, I overheard my little girls singing praise songs to the Lord. This shows me that they love God and enjoy singing to Him.
  

• After being gone from church for 2 1/2 months, our church was very welcoming on Sunday. One family even invited us over for lunch and games. It was a great time of fellowship and getting to know their family better. I feel like God made us feel special and welcome through fellow Christians.
  

• I feel like God wants me to enjoy His creation. We are finally getting Spring weather here. He has sent back some of the song birds, there is a small patch of grass where the snow has already melted, and the sun is warming up the air.
  

• Today, as my son and I watched a TV show about the moon, we learned many neat things about this part of God's creation. It's amazing how God designed the moon and gravity to effect the ocean tides. Although the show was promoting the Big Band theory, we clearly saw God's handiwork.
  

Growing Closer to God

Tuesdays in Other Words Meme

One of the most wonderful things about knowing God is that there's always so much more to know, so much more to discover.Just when we least expect it, He intrudes into our neat and tidy notions about who He is and how He works.

~ by Joni Eareckson Tada ~

My husband is back from his business trip. His 3 week trip turned into a 2 1/2 months. Though there are negatives, I want to write about something positive that came out of this long separation.

God used these past months to show more of Himself to us. I didn't realize this for awhile though. When we first knew that my husband would be gone for a lot longer than we had anticipated, my initial thoughts were - "This can't be part of God's will for us. God would never want a man to be away from his family for so long. It will hurt the children. Since he has the van, we won't be able to go to church for a few months. God wouldn't want us to not go to church, especially since we volunteer."

I had it figured out - logically. But, God doesn't execute His will with human logic. He knew that my husband and I needed time apart from each other - time to grow spiritually. Without my husband around, I spent more time learning about the Lord, worshiping Him, praying, and reading the Bible. I thought about the things that I want to do for God, and how I want to use my time to make an eternal difference.

When my husband came back, I quickly realized that he had gone through a time of growth, too. God taught and encouraged him. He came back with more passion and ideas for how he wants to serve the Lord. I can tell by the way that he is talking that God made an impact on his way of thinking.

God shook up our lives a bit. It was an inconvenient and lonely time for us. But it was also a time when God showed us more of who He is. There is so much more to learn about Him and we need to spend the rest of our lives growing closer to Him. God has a plan for us and I believe that He is encouraging us to trust Him with the timing and the details. He wants us to concentrate on growing stronger spiritually and surrendering ourselves to His will.

Read more posts about this quote at Susan's blog - Forever His

A 2-year-old Sings the Lord's Prayer

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

Lately, I have been feeling more convicted about doing better at raising my children as Christians. They go to church and youth group, but I feel like I should be doing more at home. They are growing up so fast and I want them well prepared for when they go out on their own.

For years, my son has enjoyed listening to Adventures in Odyssey on the radio. He has learned so many Biblical truths and character lessons through this show. My daughters haven't had the same enthusiasm about listening to it. They want to run around outside a 4:00. So this week, we started listening together on the Internet, right before bedtime. It has worked out well, so far. These episodes are quite entertaining for adults, too.

I'm also trying to add more impromptu family praying. Yesterday, the neighbor boy (from a non-Christian home) borrowed our Thou Shalt Laugh DVD. It's a Christian comedian DVD. He wanted to watch it with his Dad. Right after he left our house, I got the kids together and I prayed that the DVD would be a witness for this family.

I'd like to continue trying more ideas. I want Jesus and Christianity to be part of our family life throughout the day. Does anyone have any ideas for me? Please share.