It seems that lessons learned can be painful - and as a Mom, it has always been my desire to help my children avoid pain. I am learning a valuable lesson. When we try to help our children avoid pain, we may be taking away a lesson God wants them to learn - something that will bring lasting happiness - more than a temporary fix.
Whenever I give advice - it is not because I think I know more - well, maybe I sometimes think I do - but it is usually because I want to help others.
David always said "Our strengths are Our weaknesses" - and my strength of helping others - or desiring to - can be a weakness when I try to help without them asking.
Now, that sounds simple - just wait to be asked for my opinion. Doesn't it?
But, it is not - it is a battle in my mind not to say something that I think will bless someone.
Recently, some things exploded in my family and God has done wonderful things with the pieces.
After the explosion was reconciled, I promised myself not to say anything to my children until I was asked - and within hours - yes hours -
I found my mouth giving advice to another child! Hours?? Really??
Yes. And, unsolicited advice!!
Well, God bless our Mother's hearts - God bless the love we feel so strongly that we do not want our children to experience pain - and God bless us to allow God to work in our children's lives - instead of us - and trust Him to teach them with His gentle love - even if the experience is painful for a little while.
And, I do believe that your Mom - and however she said it - did mean the advice she gave you as a help - not a hurt. I really do. That is a Mother's Love. Please forgive her and pray for her - and watch what God can do with the pieces.
Thanks -
For Jesus' Glory,
A Mom
"GIVE ME A MARY STORY"
Friday, June 28, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
And I Wonder
Wonder is a sweet word - brings thoughts of things that take your breath away.
Wonder also implies thinking - pondering - and this morning, I am wondering.
Can I keep my focus, during this wonder, on the positive thoughts - things that take my breath away?
It begins with parenting - a lot of thoughts of parenting today.
I heard that my parents, while my Mom was pregnant with her fifth child, were homeless - all belongings were put on the street because they did not have the rent money. I believe it was caused by my Dad's gambling - but only think that because I know he had a good job with the electric company. I do wonder, though.
What could it have done to my Mom? What thoughts did the enemy fill her head with and what fears became her companions during that time?
Here, I arrive, years later - and, though I was a blessing from God, what did she have to give me as an infant? Did she have any security in her life to provide for so many children? Or, did I receive her fears? Just wondering.
Because, here I am today. A blessed, grateful woman of God. A grateful Mom and Grandma -
and I sit in wonder about what God has made of my life and what He will make of my children's lives. And, it takes my breath away :)
"God will work all things out for good, for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
God can take all I have been - all of my past - and all of my present - and make a beautiful future out of it because I love Him - and want His purposes to prevail in my life.
Have your way, Lord - Take my breath away :)
You are a wonder-ful God!!
Blessings,
Mary
Wonder also implies thinking - pondering - and this morning, I am wondering.
Can I keep my focus, during this wonder, on the positive thoughts - things that take my breath away?
It begins with parenting - a lot of thoughts of parenting today.
I heard that my parents, while my Mom was pregnant with her fifth child, were homeless - all belongings were put on the street because they did not have the rent money. I believe it was caused by my Dad's gambling - but only think that because I know he had a good job with the electric company. I do wonder, though.
What could it have done to my Mom? What thoughts did the enemy fill her head with and what fears became her companions during that time?
Here, I arrive, years later - and, though I was a blessing from God, what did she have to give me as an infant? Did she have any security in her life to provide for so many children? Or, did I receive her fears? Just wondering.
Because, here I am today. A blessed, grateful woman of God. A grateful Mom and Grandma -
and I sit in wonder about what God has made of my life and what He will make of my children's lives. And, it takes my breath away :)
"God will work all things out for good, for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
God can take all I have been - all of my past - and all of my present - and make a beautiful future out of it because I love Him - and want His purposes to prevail in my life.
Have your way, Lord - Take my breath away :)
You are a wonder-ful God!!
Blessings,
Mary
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sweet Memories
I can still see him - lying on my lap the day he was born. And, then I see him sitting up on the bed for the first time as I place a baseball cap on his head for a picture. And, of course, the first time I handed him a bat - he started to swing and turned around to bat lefty - I had set him up righty - and he changed his stance.
Now, I see him riding his big wheel and wrestling with his brother. And, again, graduating. First from Kindergarten, then eighth grade, then high school and, finally, from college - walking proudly toward us behind the professor at NIU.
So many other memories flood my mind as I think of a son the Lord entrusted to my care. So many emotions of gratitude that I was given the honor of being a part of his life.
And, on Sunday, I will dance a mother-son dance with him at his wedding. He will continue to make memories with a beautiful lady - a true blessing to all of our lives.
Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to love people. Thank you for all those You have given us to love.
I am overflowing with gratitude.
May God bless you today with sweet memories of those you love - and may He bless you with making new memories and new friends and family to love.
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
Now, I see him riding his big wheel and wrestling with his brother. And, again, graduating. First from Kindergarten, then eighth grade, then high school and, finally, from college - walking proudly toward us behind the professor at NIU.
So many other memories flood my mind as I think of a son the Lord entrusted to my care. So many emotions of gratitude that I was given the honor of being a part of his life.
And, on Sunday, I will dance a mother-son dance with him at his wedding. He will continue to make memories with a beautiful lady - a true blessing to all of our lives.
Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to love people. Thank you for all those You have given us to love.
I am overflowing with gratitude.
May God bless you today with sweet memories of those you love - and may He bless you with making new memories and new friends and family to love.
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
Friday, April 26, 2013
Words
I heard a new song by a group called Hawk Nelson and it is called Words.
God gave us power through words - demonstrated by the power of His Word in our lives. And, this morning, I wonder how much thought we put into our words.
For me, it seems that I can blurt out everything I think - and a lot of it does not need to be uttered.
As a writer, I hope to convey His Love through my words.
Very often I am amazed - totally amazed - at thoughts of God. If I stop and think of all He has given me, starting with the gift of living this life - just breathing - and I stop to look at the sun rise this morning - that I get to see the sun rise - that I have eyes to see - and the beautiful glow the sun brings to a patch of grass - or look at a blade of grass - knowing it receives nourishment from soil and water and gives off oxygen for us to breathe - and then think that I get to breathe - my lungs going in and out in rhythm without me thinking about breathing - and this keeps me moving all day - God's gift of breath!!
It is so easy to become amazed at God - and these tents He created for us to walk this earth in - and that we get to walk the earth - it is all so amazing - that - I should not probably say anything - my words are so - well - so inadequate.
Yet, I am compelled to write - so may my words honor Him.
Whatever you do today - may you have a few moments of amazement at Our Creator's touch in your life - or in your body.
And, may any words you utter be full of awe for God and thanksgiving. We serve an amazing - truly amazing God.
I am praying my words honor Him today.
God gave us power through words - demonstrated by the power of His Word in our lives. And, this morning, I wonder how much thought we put into our words.
For me, it seems that I can blurt out everything I think - and a lot of it does not need to be uttered.
As a writer, I hope to convey His Love through my words.
Very often I am amazed - totally amazed - at thoughts of God. If I stop and think of all He has given me, starting with the gift of living this life - just breathing - and I stop to look at the sun rise this morning - that I get to see the sun rise - that I have eyes to see - and the beautiful glow the sun brings to a patch of grass - or look at a blade of grass - knowing it receives nourishment from soil and water and gives off oxygen for us to breathe - and then think that I get to breathe - my lungs going in and out in rhythm without me thinking about breathing - and this keeps me moving all day - God's gift of breath!!
It is so easy to become amazed at God - and these tents He created for us to walk this earth in - and that we get to walk the earth - it is all so amazing - that - I should not probably say anything - my words are so - well - so inadequate.
Yet, I am compelled to write - so may my words honor Him.
Whatever you do today - may you have a few moments of amazement at Our Creator's touch in your life - or in your body.
And, may any words you utter be full of awe for God and thanksgiving. We serve an amazing - truly amazing God.
I am praying my words honor Him today.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Joy
It is contagious! When a friend calls to ask you to write on your blog site - you are filled with joy - just knowing someone likes your stories :)
I love to tell stories! My latest is a story of joy.
It seems possible for God to continue to bring joy - more and more of it - when we ask and look. I believe it is a Biblical command: "seek and you shall find".
Well, I have been seeking joy since my David passed - looking in all kinds of faces and places. It has been found - more times than I can count - and, now it is in abundance in a new friendship.
This new friend lost his wife 2 1/2 years ago. Just this January, he asked God for joy - and got the courage to call me. A mutual friend gave him my number last summer.
In God's perfect timing, he called and our first "date", which he called an "interview" was March 1st. Each "interview" has gotten better and better and we are now officially dating.
It seems to me that new relationships can bring added joy to an already joyful life.
When we laugh together - alongside someone - the joy is multiplied.
So, my prayer for you is that you are asking God for more joy - and that your joy becomes multiplied.
It is a tremendously thrilling way to go through each day.
And, I believe Christ invented joy and laughter - I think He was laughing before he designed man - because He had already designed giraffes!
Enjoy today :)
I love to tell stories! My latest is a story of joy.
It seems possible for God to continue to bring joy - more and more of it - when we ask and look. I believe it is a Biblical command: "seek and you shall find".
Well, I have been seeking joy since my David passed - looking in all kinds of faces and places. It has been found - more times than I can count - and, now it is in abundance in a new friendship.
This new friend lost his wife 2 1/2 years ago. Just this January, he asked God for joy - and got the courage to call me. A mutual friend gave him my number last summer.
In God's perfect timing, he called and our first "date", which he called an "interview" was March 1st. Each "interview" has gotten better and better and we are now officially dating.
It seems to me that new relationships can bring added joy to an already joyful life.
When we laugh together - alongside someone - the joy is multiplied.
So, my prayer for you is that you are asking God for more joy - and that your joy becomes multiplied.
It is a tremendously thrilling way to go through each day.
And, I believe Christ invented joy and laughter - I think He was laughing before he designed man - because He had already designed giraffes!
Enjoy today :)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Ash Wednesday
Ginger Creek held an Ash Wednesday service last night that was inspiring.
We were given the opportunity to worship God in song, worship Him by receiving communion, worship Him through Scripture teaching and worship Him by receiving ashes on our foreheads. Each experience opportunity was Scripture-ally explained.
It was a wonderful service and I walked out of there thinking of what I can give during these next 40 days - preparing for Easter - instead of what I can give up. I decided to give Him my thoughts - and to focus more on His Holiness and less on my life.
Upon arriving home, I muddled through some TV and, on Channel 11, found an amazing program about outer space. The program had satellite shots of our planet and the sun that were so marvelous - really beyond my words - and I saw God's HUGENESS in pictures of His creation. The scientists acknowledged how little we know about our "outer space" and planet. I sat and basked in thinking of our Holy God - who knows.
This led me to thoughts of The Knowledge Of The Holy - A.W. Tozer's book - which I have read and then given away numerous times - yet it remains my favorite choice for a book on my nightstand. Each chapter speaks of one of God's attributes and reminds me of how HUGE and how HOLY Our God is - which I love to be reminded of as I close my day.
Looking it up on Amazon, I was getting ready to order it - again - and saw it was available on Kindle for $.99. Really? I received a Kindle for my birthday last month and have yet to really dive into it. So, I ordered it and was able to sit and open this wonderful book in my Kindle early this morning.
I am amazed at what $.99 can purchase!! I have the most amazing book (next to the Bible) available forever on this computer device - and I can be reminded to focus on God's Holiness not only for 40 days - but for the rest of my life!!
May your thoughts enjoy our Holy, Amazing God - however you focus on His attributes :)
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
We were given the opportunity to worship God in song, worship Him by receiving communion, worship Him through Scripture teaching and worship Him by receiving ashes on our foreheads. Each experience opportunity was Scripture-ally explained.
It was a wonderful service and I walked out of there thinking of what I can give during these next 40 days - preparing for Easter - instead of what I can give up. I decided to give Him my thoughts - and to focus more on His Holiness and less on my life.
Upon arriving home, I muddled through some TV and, on Channel 11, found an amazing program about outer space. The program had satellite shots of our planet and the sun that were so marvelous - really beyond my words - and I saw God's HUGENESS in pictures of His creation. The scientists acknowledged how little we know about our "outer space" and planet. I sat and basked in thinking of our Holy God - who knows.
This led me to thoughts of The Knowledge Of The Holy - A.W. Tozer's book - which I have read and then given away numerous times - yet it remains my favorite choice for a book on my nightstand. Each chapter speaks of one of God's attributes and reminds me of how HUGE and how HOLY Our God is - which I love to be reminded of as I close my day.
Looking it up on Amazon, I was getting ready to order it - again - and saw it was available on Kindle for $.99. Really? I received a Kindle for my birthday last month and have yet to really dive into it. So, I ordered it and was able to sit and open this wonderful book in my Kindle early this morning.
I am amazed at what $.99 can purchase!! I have the most amazing book (next to the Bible) available forever on this computer device - and I can be reminded to focus on God's Holiness not only for 40 days - but for the rest of my life!!
May your thoughts enjoy our Holy, Amazing God - however you focus on His attributes :)
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
Monday, February 11, 2013
My Past Idol Worship
I have spent several weeks trying to discern my feelings in several relationships. Processing and the mental torment that can come with some thoughts do not seem like they are from God. And, thoughts have taken up a lot of my gift of time
- which is so precious.
This morning, when I woke up, I immediately went to my knees and prayed for discernment. I am amazed at how quickly The Lord can answer our prayers! Within an hour, it was revealed to me that I have made an idol out of relationships. I have spent way too much time on thoughts of others - and how we relate. I repented of idol worship - which had made relationships huge in my life - and am now free :) When my focus was spent on what others thought - or what I should do about what they did or did not do, I was spending precious time on thoughts that could, instead, be thoughts of love - and focus on how big God is - and what He did for me.
Our time and our thoughts - what do we spend them on?
I choose the verse in Philippians - 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on THESE things."
Sweet - God's Word gives us directives on our thoughts - and a way to focus for today!
Lord bless each of us with a Philippians 4:8 day - may our thoughts be focused on these lovely things.
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
- which is so precious.
This morning, when I woke up, I immediately went to my knees and prayed for discernment. I am amazed at how quickly The Lord can answer our prayers! Within an hour, it was revealed to me that I have made an idol out of relationships. I have spent way too much time on thoughts of others - and how we relate. I repented of idol worship - which had made relationships huge in my life - and am now free :) When my focus was spent on what others thought - or what I should do about what they did or did not do, I was spending precious time on thoughts that could, instead, be thoughts of love - and focus on how big God is - and what He did for me.
Our time and our thoughts - what do we spend them on?
I choose the verse in Philippians - 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on THESE things."
Sweet - God's Word gives us directives on our thoughts - and a way to focus for today!
Lord bless each of us with a Philippians 4:8 day - may our thoughts be focused on these lovely things.
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary
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