I could get all sappy, but there is no need. To mothers, daughters, surrogates, sisters, women and girlfriends...
Happy Mother's Day!
Blessings!
Showing posts with label Holidays and Seasons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays and Seasons. Show all posts
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
EASTER CONFESSION
I have a confession: I don't care as much for Christmas as I do for Easter. As a Christ follower, I am blessed by our Savior's birth, but it is his death and resurrection that defines my moment. It's the moment when you know that you know you will follow him, no matter what. There are some who remember it as the day they gave their hearts to Christ. I know it as much more. I was five years old when I gave him mine, but he captured my heart in a chain of events several years later...
I sat on the floor between my family's living and dining room watching the once-controversial, made-for-television movie, Jesus of Nazareth. At the time, there was a buzz over the possible graphic depiction of the crucifixion scene on national television. Quite unheard of then -- commonplace now. As I sat amidst the frivolity and mayhem of my family, I was transfixed over the destruction of my Sunday School tales. The reality of nail-pierced hands and feet revealed gaping holes where nails the size of railroad spikes were driven in his innocent flesh. His blood more than trickled from a neat and tidy cross. It wasted fully from a rugged, gnarly tree support.
"Why?" I wept quietly that night. I felt I had to ask in light of new evidence, new truth, new reality. If you had to confess, wouldn't you want to know why Jesus would endure such torture? My defining moment was being addressed. With each wrongful blow, he was setting things right between us and the Father. He came to conquer sin, not in birth, but in death and new life!
Christ's Easter confession...Isaiah 53:5, 6 - Be he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
I sat on the floor between my family's living and dining room watching the once-controversial, made-for-television movie, Jesus of Nazareth. At the time, there was a buzz over the possible graphic depiction of the crucifixion scene on national television. Quite unheard of then -- commonplace now. As I sat amidst the frivolity and mayhem of my family, I was transfixed over the destruction of my Sunday School tales. The reality of nail-pierced hands and feet revealed gaping holes where nails the size of railroad spikes were driven in his innocent flesh. His blood more than trickled from a neat and tidy cross. It wasted fully from a rugged, gnarly tree support.
"Why?" I wept quietly that night. I felt I had to ask in light of new evidence, new truth, new reality. If you had to confess, wouldn't you want to know why Jesus would endure such torture? My defining moment was being addressed. With each wrongful blow, he was setting things right between us and the Father. He came to conquer sin, not in birth, but in death and new life!
Christ's Easter confession...Isaiah 53:5, 6 - Be he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Friday, November 25, 2011
BLACK FRIDAY'S ULTIMATE PURCHASE
Up until now, the concept of Black Friday repulsed me. The impulse to spend hard-earned money and waste well-deserved rest time for the sake of cinching the best deals before Christmas was nothing short of insanity. If I knew the marketer who came up with this inferno idea, I would have hung him (or her) on a tree next to Judas Iscariot! Community got swapped out for commercialism; gratitude for greed. I wondered, “How high a price were we willing to pay for stuff with a limited shelf life?”
During our Thanksgiving Eve service, as I wept in my piety over the lost souls of man, the thought of another Black Friday loomed over two millennia. A lone shopper took His place in line for the ultimate purchase: Sins past, present and future. This purchase came at a premium no previous, earthly sacrifices could satisfy. Yet the lone shopper willingly took His place in line for the ultimate purchase. To Him, His sacrifice was worth the price. To Him, His sinless, yet gruesome death was worth sin’s gruesome exchange.
On that first Black Friday, the lone shopper paid the price at Golgotha on a rough and rustic timber between two sinners. But after the long exchange, the lone shopper emerged with the ultimate purchase: The keys of death, hell and the grave! No bartering for souls. No bait-n-switch for salvation. No bargain for Susie, Sally, Sarah or Sandy (or anyone else, for that matter)!
Although I still don’t agree with the concept of Black Friday, who am I to judge the beauty of the ultimate purchase from the lone shopper on that first Black Friday over 2000 years ago! To this, I repent and offer instead of criticism, Christ's ultimate purchase of eternal life.
I pray you and yours enjoy this holiday season immensely! Allow the “Lone Shopper” (aka Jesus) to be the real reason for the season!
During our Thanksgiving Eve service, as I wept in my piety over the lost souls of man, the thought of another Black Friday loomed over two millennia. A lone shopper took His place in line for the ultimate purchase: Sins past, present and future. This purchase came at a premium no previous, earthly sacrifices could satisfy. Yet the lone shopper willingly took His place in line for the ultimate purchase. To Him, His sacrifice was worth the price. To Him, His sinless, yet gruesome death was worth sin’s gruesome exchange.
On that first Black Friday, the lone shopper paid the price at Golgotha on a rough and rustic timber between two sinners. But after the long exchange, the lone shopper emerged with the ultimate purchase: The keys of death, hell and the grave! No bartering for souls. No bait-n-switch for salvation. No bargain for Susie, Sally, Sarah or Sandy (or anyone else, for that matter)!
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16, 17 – NLT).
Although I still don’t agree with the concept of Black Friday, who am I to judge the beauty of the ultimate purchase from the lone shopper on that first Black Friday over 2000 years ago! To this, I repent and offer instead of criticism, Christ's ultimate purchase of eternal life.
I pray you and yours enjoy this holiday season immensely! Allow the “Lone Shopper” (aka Jesus) to be the real reason for the season!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
SINGING OVER MOMS - 100th POST
Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. - Isaiah 54:1
I am not in the habit of bringing attention to myself. Some call it maintaining a private moment. I just call it discernment. I wait on God for His timing. When it's right, I do; when it's not, I wait...and wait. The waiting and doing transforms into winter and summer, layering and shedding. Each one necessary, yet only one having its own set of challenges.
Over the years, my husband and I met multiple miscarriages and eventual infertility head on. And much like a blizzard, we needed all the love, understanding and support to cover our mental and spiritual bare parts. In that season, my waiting scarcely resembled the singing nor joy I read in Isaiah 54:1. In fact, I wore tears like a long scarf, questions like a wool cap and sorrow like a parka.
Eventually came the shedding season. Psalm 40, Psalm 121, Psalm 124 and Isaiah 54:10, to name a few, brought hope and a choice to our circumstances. Hope that our help came from the Lord and a choice to believe Him for the strength that comes with each new day. The shedding season may have started with a touch, a kind word, an encouraging note from a friend. No matter. My seasonal garments were no longer fitting the season. He had "taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!" (Psalm 30:11b-12 - NLT).
This Mother's Day, whether...
I am not in the habit of bringing attention to myself. Some call it maintaining a private moment. I just call it discernment. I wait on God for His timing. When it's right, I do; when it's not, I wait...and wait. The waiting and doing transforms into winter and summer, layering and shedding. Each one necessary, yet only one having its own set of challenges.
Over the years, my husband and I met multiple miscarriages and eventual infertility head on. And much like a blizzard, we needed all the love, understanding and support to cover our mental and spiritual bare parts. In that season, my waiting scarcely resembled the singing nor joy I read in Isaiah 54:1. In fact, I wore tears like a long scarf, questions like a wool cap and sorrow like a parka.
Eventually came the shedding season. Psalm 40, Psalm 121, Psalm 124 and Isaiah 54:10, to name a few, brought hope and a choice to our circumstances. Hope that our help came from the Lord and a choice to believe Him for the strength that comes with each new day. The shedding season may have started with a touch, a kind word, an encouraging note from a friend. No matter. My seasonal garments were no longer fitting the season. He had "taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!" (Psalm 30:11b-12 - NLT).
This Mother's Day, whether...
- you can't be a mom
- you wannnabe a mom
- you missed being a mom...several times
- you would be a mom for the 1st time
- you would be a mom...for the umpteenth time
- you just became a mom
- you're soloing as a mom
- you became a mom in another way
- you're in the throes of muthahood (Anita Renfroe reference here)
- you're adjusting in the mental, physical, spiritual & emotional challenges of momhood
- you're grieving a life payment from disease as a mom
- you have a mom
- you're an empty nester mom
- you're caring for an elderly mom
- you had a mom...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
(belated) CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
Okay, the holidays got the better of me! Although my tree is still up (yes, it's true), I need to announce the remaining winners of the Christmas Giveaway contest...
Week 2 - The Gift of God's Son...LeeBird
Week 3 - The Gift of God's Grace...The Old Geezer
Week 4 - The Gift of God's Response...Sailor & Co.
Contact me via email and I'll make sure to mail out your choice of the jeweled lanyard or eyeglass holder!
Make 2011 a fabulous year!
Week 2 - The Gift of God's Son...LeeBird
Week 3 - The Gift of God's Grace...The Old Geezer
Week 4 - The Gift of God's Response...Sailor & Co.
Contact me via email and I'll make sure to mail out your choice of the jeweled lanyard or eyeglass holder!
Make 2011 a fabulous year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S RESPONSE
12.30.10...Revelations 3:19-23
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE
12.23.10...Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S SON
12.16.10...John 3:14-18
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
12.09.10 CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY WINNER
For week #1 of the Christmas Giveaway, give it up for...
"Watered Soul" (name unknown..yet)
A message has been sent to her, but if you also like to contact me on embracehistruth@gmail.com to claim your prize, that would be great!
Blessings and get ready for next week's Thursday Thought!
"Watered Soul" (name unknown..yet)
A message has been sent to her, but if you also like to contact me on embracehistruth@gmail.com to claim your prize, that would be great!
Blessings and get ready for next week's Thursday Thought!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S PROMISE
12.09.10...Hebrews 6:13-20
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
HAPPY HOLIDAYS GIVEAWAY
"Kick
up a notch!" That's what I'm hearing as I vascillate between making time to write and actually getting it done. And then the idea hit me. "Doris, it's the holidays and you love crafting. Why not give away the gifts I've given you to create?" Okay, I'm game for just about anything and so here goes.
During the month of December, I will conduct a weekly drawing (let's say, posting every Friday). For every person signed up to follow my blog, I'll place your name in the drawing and give away either a jeweled lanyard or eyeglass holder (see the pics). Here's the kicker...for every person you introduce to my blog (and they must sign on as a "follower"), I will add your name again. The more people I meet of yours, the more chances to win for you. Haven't figured out a grand prize yet, but I will!
So far, I have close to 30 of you entered and here are the "rough & sketchy" rules:
- All names stay in the drawing (except the one selected).
- If you invite someone to join my blog, I'll collect information through comments to a special weekly Thursday post. Leave your name and email address with "I've asked [PERSON'S NAME]
to join your blog" as your comment (the information in the brackets is the person you invited). - Winners will be notified by email for correct mailing information.
I'll post something on Thursday. Submit your comments on that post by MIDNIGHT to increase your entries. Drawing held on Friday and winner announced over the weekend...that simple. Thanks & blessings!
Friday, December 3, 2010
DECK THE PORCH W/DECORATIONS - PT. 2
Lately, random thoughts seem to be the order of the day with me. Yesterday, I went from decking my porch to chuckling over God's sense of humor challenging my comfort zone. Thus, posing the question, "what spirit possessed me to operate out of my normal fare?" Well, a well-addressed question stems from a well-covered background. And so, here's my story...
My poor, small-framed porch, which consists of a paint-chipped wooden folding chair and millions of scaly-looking paint chips all over water-logged and worn wooden slats. Quite frankly, my "stoop" is a wannabe porch looking for attention. It tries so hard to be the best at what it is. It supports the grocery bags we transport from the car. It supports the weight of the guests who knock on our door. It supports our family's comings and goings. You might not want to linger on it for long periods of time, but eye sore and all, it holds up fulfilling its purpose.
And so, I couldn't help but chuckle as I stood back and marveled "my" handiwork. God uses us all, right? Whether battle weary or warrior ready, our purposes are well crafted in the hands of God. You see, in my deck the porch with decorations moment, God was singing "fa-lalalala-lalalala!" over my random absurdity to think my well-placed swags, lights and wreaths would somehow transform this worthless-looking landing. Our porch has purpose. And like so many others who may not look the part or fit the bill in the eyes of the world, they still serve a beautiful purpose in the body of Christ. They volunteer wholeheartedly. They serve insightfully. They donate sacrificially. They intercede faithfully. They exhort passionately. They challenge strongly. They listen dutifully. They choose with no regret to become pliable in the Lord's hands. Simply, their beauty comes from within and no outward adornment will ever define their true intent. If that weren't enough for God to get his point across, He reminded me of David's humble ascension...
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, Surely the Lord's anointed stands here before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -- 1 Samuel 16:6, 7
In the eyes of his strapping siblings, David may have been good enough to tend the family's herd of sheep, but God anointed this shepherd to tend to His chosen nation.
Ah, "my" handiwork, how absurd of me! From decking the porch with decorations, I thank You, God for Your willingness to see the beauty and purpose within us all regardless of our outward adornment. May we always serve You well.
Enjoy the holidays, my dear sweet readers!
My poor, small-framed porch, which consists of a paint-chipped wooden folding chair and millions of scaly-looking paint chips all over water-logged and worn wooden slats. Quite frankly, my "stoop" is a wannabe porch looking for attention. It tries so hard to be the best at what it is. It supports the grocery bags we transport from the car. It supports the weight of the guests who knock on our door. It supports our family's comings and goings. You might not want to linger on it for long periods of time, but eye sore and all, it holds up fulfilling its purpose.
And so, I couldn't help but chuckle as I stood back and marveled "my" handiwork. God uses us all, right? Whether battle weary or warrior ready, our purposes are well crafted in the hands of God. You see, in my deck the porch with decorations moment, God was singing "fa-lalalala-lalalala!" over my random absurdity to think my well-placed swags, lights and wreaths would somehow transform this worthless-looking landing. Our porch has purpose. And like so many others who may not look the part or fit the bill in the eyes of the world, they still serve a beautiful purpose in the body of Christ. They volunteer wholeheartedly. They serve insightfully. They donate sacrificially. They intercede faithfully. They exhort passionately. They challenge strongly. They listen dutifully. They choose with no regret to become pliable in the Lord's hands. Simply, their beauty comes from within and no outward adornment will ever define their true intent. If that weren't enough for God to get his point across, He reminded me of David's humble ascension...
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, Surely the Lord's anointed stands here before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -- 1 Samuel 16:6, 7
In the eyes of his strapping siblings, David may have been good enough to tend the family's herd of sheep, but God anointed this shepherd to tend to His chosen nation.
Ah, "my" handiwork, how absurd of me! From decking the porch with decorations, I thank You, God for Your willingness to see the beauty and purpose within us all regardless of our outward adornment. May we always serve You well.
Enjoy the holidays, my dear sweet readers!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
DECK THE PORCH W/DECORATIONS - PT. 1
Some people just have the knack to decorate. I am not one of those people. I can rearrange furniture, kitchen cabinets or personal items in dresser drawers, but I am a novice, HGTV-diva wannabe! No worries because the other day I decked my porch with Christmas decorations. Needless to say, I not only surprised my husband and child, but stepped back and marveled at my handiwork (and God's wonderful sense of humor). "What festive spirit possessed me to operate outside of my comfort zone?"
Interesting thought for another day, don't you think?
Interesting thought for another day, don't you think?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
THANKSGIVING PRAYER
What a wonderful bunch of people you are! And in the pure spirit of this festive, family season drenched in tradition (and turkey gravy!), I pray this simple prayer...
Lord, may You "carve" patience and love upon our hearts. As we connect with our family over the holidays, teach us to guard our tongues and "pour" out love. May we not become "overstuffed" with trivial issues, but "garnish" hope to all who are weary and offer daily "bread" to those hungry for the word of truth. This Thanksgiving prayer we pray...AMEN!
GOBBLE - GOBBLE!!
Lord, may You "carve" patience and love upon our hearts. As we connect with our family over the holidays, teach us to guard our tongues and "pour" out love. May we not become "overstuffed" with trivial issues, but "garnish" hope to all who are weary and offer daily "bread" to those hungry for the word of truth. This Thanksgiving prayer we pray...AMEN!
GOBBLE - GOBBLE!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
IT'S NOT TO LATE TO SAY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
A friend from church must have known I'd go hog wild over a video she sent via email. And she was right. If you get the chance, go to an awesome site called MomsRising.org. I've attached a link for you moms to view. Once you get a load of it, honor your favorite moms for this coveted award. More thoughts later.
http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=p0COqxXSpJ5vPzfkkuYeDjg5NDY3MjI-&referred_by=15577314-K6k3OWx&p=moveon
God's word says that her children and husband rise up and call her blessed. And that's what you as mothers, daughters, girlfriends, businesswomen, homemakers, homeschoolers and women are. You are truly blessed by God. A whole chapter was written especially about your wonderful deeds (Proverbs 31).
We may not be faster than a speeding bullet, but step back and watch us whip up a batch of cookies and a hug!
We may not be more powerful than a locomotive, but harm our loved ones and the Incredible Hulk will run and hide from the sheer force of our resolve.
We may not be able to leap tall building in a single bound, but we will run interference for our families, tackle homework and housework effortlessly and transform the grumpiest hearts into joyful ones with just a single stroke of our hands!
Your network of dedicated, spiritual sisters pray for your success and intercede in your fears. You are valued...You are important to so many...You are beautiful when you wear makeup and even more so when you wear colorful attire adorned in throw up!
Embrace HIS Truth About You, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Friends!
http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=p0COqxXSpJ5vPzfkkuYeDjg5NDY3MjI-&referred_by=15577314-K6k3OWx&p=moveon
God's word says that her children and husband rise up and call her blessed. And that's what you as mothers, daughters, girlfriends, businesswomen, homemakers, homeschoolers and women are. You are truly blessed by God. A whole chapter was written especially about your wonderful deeds (Proverbs 31).
We may not be faster than a speeding bullet, but step back and watch us whip up a batch of cookies and a hug!
We may not be more powerful than a locomotive, but harm our loved ones and the Incredible Hulk will run and hide from the sheer force of our resolve.
We may not be able to leap tall building in a single bound, but we will run interference for our families, tackle homework and housework effortlessly and transform the grumpiest hearts into joyful ones with just a single stroke of our hands!
We are MOTHERS - here us roar like a lionness and purr like a kitten!God has endowed us with strength in our submission and wit in our wisdom. We love because we were designed with an inner capacity to store and dispense vast amounts for future knee scrapes, crayon wall art, terrific two-ezes and three-ezes, puberty angst, ambivalent cat-like responses from what remotely resembles our teenage daughters and out-of-control, near-steroid enduced, adrenal-gland, bonehead feats from our teenage sons. We share in singleness of mind regardless of our marital state. We outwardly hope, dream and dance for others just as much as we quietly reflect on the role we played in making their hopes, dreams and dances a reality.
Your network of dedicated, spiritual sisters pray for your success and intercede in your fears. You are valued...You are important to so many...You are beautiful when you wear makeup and even more so when you wear colorful attire adorned in throw up!
You are daughters of a King and joint heirs with Christ!
Embrace HIS Truth About You, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Friends!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
In the chaos and madness this holiday season has become, I truly wish you a Merry Christmas filled not only with a calm and Silent Night, but a Holy Night as well. May those who do not know the Christ child find that He is as near as the First Noel and that He alone brings Joy to the World. And those who find Him faithful, I pray you share the hope and good news that comes with a lost world’s ever-perplexing question – “What Child is This?” He responds as to say, Come All Ye Faithful and all who are weary and I will give you rest. Find Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and peace daughters of Ava Maria. May kings and paupers, sinners and strugglers, faithful ones and friends, celebrate the true meaning of this glorious season. Angels Hark Your Heralding with Song as we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel! In Christ we pray – Amen.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
THE ETERNAL CHRISTMAS GIFT
The verdict is still out on whether to ban every radio station that plays Christmas music before Halloween! I certainly understand the rationale. Who wouldn’t want to quickly usher in a season that promotes peace on earth, good will towards men? But as Christians, do we need a special season to give the gift of Christ who was born to take away the sins of the world? You already know the answer and that’s why I posed the question for several reasons…
FIRST, WE LIVE IN A FALLEN WORLD – Though our hearts should break for the things that break the heart of God, we are called to be a “light” to a fallen world. The world is looking for illuminating answers to their dark issues. And without hope and purpose, they continue to stumble and succumb to the often inescapable darkness that claims their souls. This season provides us with the opportunity to give the greatest gift of all – Jesus. He is a lover of their souls and a light that leads to salvation.
NEXT, WE LIVE IN A FALSE WORLD – My child asked me the other day what was the definition of “virtual.” As best as we could, my husband and I tried to explain that though things may appear real and true, virtual is only a close second to the real thing. That made me think about our society and how we depend so much on the “close seconds.” Some of us aren’t even aware that the real thing is there for the asking. As Christians, we know from the apostle Paul (and from our own experiences) that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). That’s not meant to be a sobering thought. Why? Well, because Paul was sharing with Timothy the reality and the hope of being a Christ follower. Things happen. That’s just reality, but there is nothing false or virtual about Christ’s provision, plan and purpose for those who seek Him with their whole hearts.
FINALLY, WE LIVE IN A FICKLE WORLD – The latest, greatest gadgets guarantee only one thing – soon enough there will always be another one to replace it. And if you have children…make that, know children…make sure you hold onto your receipts five minutes after the gift unwrapping frenzy Christmas morning! We want what we want in the moment and grow tired of it in the next. Sadly, this has become part of our human nature. But what of the gift that never wears out nor fades away, that never leaves us nor forsakes us, that is constant, sustainable, on time, relevant, trustworthy, faithful, believable, gracious, forgiving and unconditional? God’s gift to the world will never become obsolete because of His Son’s unchanging love for us. He tells us “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20). God’s gift to the world is eternal life through Jesus Christ. His Son waits graciously and patiently at the door of our hearts to offer this gift simply for the asking.
So the next time you’re out doing what you do this Christmas season, remember that in a fallen, false and fickle world, the gift of a Savior is eternal!
FIRST, WE LIVE IN A FALLEN WORLD – Though our hearts should break for the things that break the heart of God, we are called to be a “light” to a fallen world. The world is looking for illuminating answers to their dark issues. And without hope and purpose, they continue to stumble and succumb to the often inescapable darkness that claims their souls. This season provides us with the opportunity to give the greatest gift of all – Jesus. He is a lover of their souls and a light that leads to salvation.
NEXT, WE LIVE IN A FALSE WORLD – My child asked me the other day what was the definition of “virtual.” As best as we could, my husband and I tried to explain that though things may appear real and true, virtual is only a close second to the real thing. That made me think about our society and how we depend so much on the “close seconds.” Some of us aren’t even aware that the real thing is there for the asking. As Christians, we know from the apostle Paul (and from our own experiences) that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). That’s not meant to be a sobering thought. Why? Well, because Paul was sharing with Timothy the reality and the hope of being a Christ follower. Things happen. That’s just reality, but there is nothing false or virtual about Christ’s provision, plan and purpose for those who seek Him with their whole hearts.
FINALLY, WE LIVE IN A FICKLE WORLD – The latest, greatest gadgets guarantee only one thing – soon enough there will always be another one to replace it. And if you have children…make that, know children…make sure you hold onto your receipts five minutes after the gift unwrapping frenzy Christmas morning! We want what we want in the moment and grow tired of it in the next. Sadly, this has become part of our human nature. But what of the gift that never wears out nor fades away, that never leaves us nor forsakes us, that is constant, sustainable, on time, relevant, trustworthy, faithful, believable, gracious, forgiving and unconditional? God’s gift to the world will never become obsolete because of His Son’s unchanging love for us. He tells us “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20). God’s gift to the world is eternal life through Jesus Christ. His Son waits graciously and patiently at the door of our hearts to offer this gift simply for the asking.
So the next time you’re out doing what you do this Christmas season, remember that in a fallen, false and fickle world, the gift of a Savior is eternal!
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