Always a mom

My husband and I were able to get away for a day 1/2 to Chicago. He had business and I tagged along for a break. I was so excited to have some "me" time and relax and have a break. My wonderful mom, whom I have written about before, came down and stayed with our 3 children. I wasn't even gone for 7 hours and I was flipping through the TV and came across "Sponge Bob" and "Super Why", some of our kids favorite shows. I immediately got teary and weepy and already started missing my kids. So, I guess no matter how far away I go, how desparately I need a "get away", I am still a mom who loves and misses her kids. I was thankful for the break and the change of scenery, but nothing can beat the greeting I got from my kids after returning home.

TRUST

I received this prayer in an email today...

Father in heaven, thank You for making me righteous through the blood of Jesus. I trust that You have a good plan for me, and that You will deliver me out of all affliction. Thank You for Your strength and peace in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

it got me thinking about trust. As children we put our trust in our parents and sometimes they fail us...then we put our trust in various family members who may or may not fail us...then in boyfriends/girlfriends, friends, and eventually spouses. If I look back on my life, I have been a very trusting person and unfortunately many people in my past have failed me. But, I have continued to still keep trying to trust in people. When others are struggling, either as adults or as children, you can often times look and see that someone has failed them and that the person is someone they can no longer trust. Trust is such an important trait for us and if their is no one to trust then we feel alone. Fortunately there is always someone we can trust and who will never let us down....JESUS! You can trust that He has a plan for you....He will not give you more than you can handle....He will always listen to you...He will always forgive you....and He will always love you. So, make sure that Jesus is on your list of people to trust...He won't let you down.

My Mom

Tuesday, March 11 is my mom's birthday. So, this is in honor of her. My mom is the oldest of 5 sisters. Her mom died when she was 17 or 18. From stories that my aunts have told me, she was an amazing role model and so helpful to all of them while they were growing up. She hasn't changed a bit. She then had 3 daughters with me being the youngest. I live the farthest from my mom at 1 1/2 hours away, but still talk on the phone with her several times a week. My mom is now retired, but gives of her time to so many others. She volunteers at the local nursing home, takes care of their flower garden as well as the garden at their church, serves on numerous committes at our church, watches her great-grandson at least 3 days a week, helps care for the country church and cemetery that she grew up with and where many of our ancestors are buried, makes quilts for any occasion, serves on the hospital auxilliary, etc, etc. I don't think a day goes by that my mom isn't giving of her time to someone. She is known by Grandma B to her numerous grand and great grand children. I cherish my mom so much. My husband lost his mom just over a year ago and I know how precious my time with my mom is. I just want her to know she is my role model. We have had some difficulties in our family over the years and she has been the rock for me to lean on and I hope I have been for her as well. So, for all you do for others, Mom, take a day and let's do something for you! Love you mom! Happy Birthday!

How to spot a mom

You know you are a mom when the only bandaid you can find is a Dora the Explorer bandaid! I had a small cut on my finger and the only bandaid I had that would fit and stay on the cut was a Dora bandaid. So, even though I felt a little silly wearing it today...I knew I would be spotted by other moms who would probably silently say to themselves..."I've been there." So, next time you see a woman with snot rubbed on her shirt, eating a package of fruit snacks, looking like she needs a shower, or wearing a kid bandaid...give her a smile and say, "Hey, I've been there!"

A Personal Day

One day last week I had the opportunity for 6 hours all to myself. As a stay-at-home mom that doesn't happen very often. So, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish with high hopes of getting all of them done. Of course, that didn't happen, but I did have a full day! Every year in January I go through our past photos and pick about 30 of our favorites from the year and place them in a collage frame. I have bought the same frame for the past 5 years from Michaels. Then throughout the year, I keep a special envelope of photos that I think will work in those particular spots in the frame. I had such a good time going through and placing the photos and reminiscing over our vacation photos, birthday photos, family gatherings, and just plain silliness. It was such a perfect day for me to spend alone in my own thoughts. I realized how blessed I truly am. What do you do to keep your family memories preserved? The kids were so excited to see which photos made the frame this year. They loved talking about each photo and what we were doing at the time. We have just finished our basement, so I have the perfect hallway that all of these collage frames are going to be placed to share with others. My "day off" didn't give me time to catch up on my reading, or time to take a nap, but it did fill me full of joy and laughter and reminded me of all the blessings in my life.

Holding a grudge

In December I let go of a grudge that I had been holding for 15 years. I ran into the person and just decided I was going to forgive him and let it go. I can not tell you how good that felt. I instantly felt so much lighter. I have no idea if he was holding a grudge against me, but I needed to let go of that resentment and hate that I had been holding in. We had a nice conversation and I just feel I can release that part of my past. In Proverbs 4:25 it says. "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." What a great verse to start the new year. Only looking ahead and not in your past where you are reliving your mistakes, misfortunes, the "what-ifs". Letting yourself forgive and release the past and instead look forward for focus on what is ahead of you. God has a great future planned, so make sure you are looking ahead and moving forward. Consider forgiving someone today. Consider releasing that grudge and resentment. Reconsider getting revenge on someone. Just let it go. Give it up to God and start your life looking ahead.

Our Purpose

As I look back on 2007 and look forward to 2008, I think this quote from Oswald Spengler says it all. May you find purpose in your life and use it for good.

"This is our purpose:
to make as meaningful as possible
this life that has been bestowed upon us,
...to live in such a way
that we may be proud of ourselves,
to act in such a way
that some part of us lives on.