Consequences

My boys know to come in the house when it gets dark, yet last night they must have had a case of amnesia. They didn't come in until 6 p.m. I was truly upset. Did they think I wouldn't mind? Am I supposed to be so loving and forgiving that I would overlook their disobedience? Well, I showed love in the form of a butt spanking. They each received five licks. It hurt me, yet all I could think of as I watched the sky grow darker was two teenage boys with a car and a curfew. If they didn't have consequences today, they would think it was okay to stay out late tomorrow. This was the first time they pushed the envelope to this extent. Daddy wasn't home, so why not try? A few minutes after dark I can deal with, yet not an entire hour. Yes, I believe they had a small case of amnesia, yet Mama helped cure it with consequences they can feel and remember.

Already?

I walked into a store yesterday and signs were up for Valentine's Day. Already? Good grief, can we get our Christmas decorations down? My goodness! The sign reminded me of a child always asking "What are we going to do now?" "What's next?" Do we ever just enjoy the present moment? Do we always have to look ahead at what's next to keep us satisfied and interested in life? People are already talking about plans for the New Year. Stop this train and let me off! It's going toooo fast for me! This coming weekend, my family is having an after Christmas Gathering in Alabama and while I was at my parent's home for Christmas, everyone kept asking if I was coming back for the gathering. My answer was, "That's my plan." Only God knows what He has planned for me this weekend - tomorrow - even today! Taking one day at a time sure does relieve the pressure of commitments and scheduling. Yes, planning is necessary, but God orders our steps. Soooo, back to the Valentine's Day signs...we may not be here in February, so let's LOVE TODAY!

Tell It!

It’s Christmas Eve and thoughts of the many MW readers preparing to celebrate this very special day raced through my mind. Many of us have various things going on that could easily damper the merry in Christmas – if we allow it to. Dealing with the death of a loved one, a troubled marriage, children who have gone astray, financial difficulties, and career changes, are just a few issues that life offers. I couldn’t wait to receive the words for this meditation that would bless us this season.

A very soulful rendition of Go Tell it on the Mountain keeps playing over and over in my mind – probably because I’ve been listening to it over and over again. No matter what situations we may be dealing with, our Savior was born to set us free. Our Savior was born to give us life more abundantly. Our Savior was born to give a peace that surpasses all understanding. We must tell this good news to another troubled soul. This classic song isn’t a seasonal message, yet a life long obligation. This good news brings me comfort as I think of the Mother who can’t afford to buy her child presents or the Mother who isn’t in her right mind. We must share our good news! Christ’s birth is our life – our joy – our strength – in spite of what life throws our way. Just because the Christmas season passes, the good news will last forever. Go tell it!

Mark 5:19 (NIV)

... "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."

Wife Off Duty

My husband left for an out of town funeral and for some reason I'm happy. Okay, I know what the reason(s) are. I don't feel any pressure to be a wife. I don't have to cook, clean, comb my hair, or wash my butt if I don't want to (lol). I should feel guilty for being so happy, yet I'm not and if he had taken the boys with him, I'd probably jump and shout. My goodness...I must need a break more than I realize (smile). Anyway, the boys will cook their own hamburgers tonight and if they want them again tomorrow - have at it! Of course I'll be happy to see my dear husband when we reunite and I'll miss him dearly, yet I will enjoy these off duty days as much as possible. I'll be nurturing, loving, supportive, and encouraging from a distance until his return.

Countdown

It's almost 9 p.m. and I'm counting down for my sons' bedtime. They are full of life, laughing, playing with each other, making silly boy sounds and Mama is TIRED of hearing it and full of hormones. Dear Jesus, give me your peace that surpasses all understanding and give me patience as I countdown and await the glorious moment they are gone to bed. Ahhhh...the sweet sound of silence. I can hardly wait! Today was no screen day - no tv, no playstation, and no computer and they are in rare form. I almost told them they could watch television just so I could enjoy the quietness, yet I was strong. I KNOW there is a God! COUNTDOWN - 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1.....BEDTIME!!

Thank God for Life!

If I didn't know the true meaning of Christmas, there would be nothing merry about this year's Christmas. I've been surrounded by so much death and grief that it's almost unbelievable! A close friend just lost her daughter last week, my husband lost a childhood friend/cousin this week, and my prayer partner just lost a college friend. My goodness! One thing all this death is doing to me is drawing me closer to the throne! It's making me realize more that every waking moment belongs to God and there is no room for silly attitudes, grudges, or PRIDE. What matters most in this life is showing love at all times to all people. If this very minute was your last minute on Earth, would you be ready to go? Are you at peace with everyone? Is there anyone you need to forgive or be forgiven by? Did you hug your children last night? Did you kiss your husband before he left for work? Did you thank God for another day with your health, life, and strength? Thank God for the mind to be thankful and live each minute to the fullest. Thank God for life!

A Pregnant Angel

While shopping for a baby shower gift this weekend, I saw an unusual figurine – a pregnant angel. She was dressed in white with glittering wings and was holding her stomach. I don’t particularly care for figurine angels, yet the longer I studied her the more appropriate she became. Mothers are God’s angels chosen to care for His babies. Sometimes we need a reminder of just how valuable we are to God. I thought of Mary and how special she was to be chosen to bring baby Jesus into the world. There is no higher calling than to nurture and protect God’s children. Not only are we called to be caretakers, yet just as Mary is an example of a Godly woman and Mother, we are called to be examples also. Each of us should strive to be a Paradigm of Motherhood.

It’s easy to fall into a rut and think our role is another ordinary job with mundane responsibilities, yet there is nothing ordinary about being a Godly Mother. Everyday is full of purpose and opportunity. This is the perfect season to reflect on our calling as Mothers and I encourage you to encourage another Mother either in your words or deeds. We are all traveling this challenging journey of Motherhood and there is nothing easy about it. Remember you are chosen – you are called - you have purpose! Let’s walk in our calling and not forget the younger Mothers traveling behind us. Yes, I decided to purchase the pregnant angel, yet was also reminded to give the gift of being an example of a Godly Mother.

No Place Like Home

My firstborn wasn't feeling well last night, which means today I'll be trying to help him fight off whatever germ is trying to attack his body. We won't be going anywhere today and I'm so happy! Since I've started the cake business, it's been almost a month since we've had a day to stay home all day and I miss it; I'm sure they miss it also. It's a shame someone had to get sick in order for us to stay put for a day, yet I'll take it however it comes! Yippeeee! I hate that my son isn't feeling well, yet I'm soooo grateful that I don't have to hop in the car to go anywhere nor do I have to bake any cakes. Ahhhhh...there is no place like home....there is no place like home. I'm convinced; I'm a true home body and being 'JUST' a Mother is fiiiiine with me!

Take the Time

My oldest won a box of magic tricks at a recent party he attended and now every 15 minutes he is showing someone in the house a trick. Yes, the tricks are cute, yet good grief...he seems to pick the most inopportune times to put on a magic show (lol). I'm so thankful he can't read my mind because I can be in the middle of something important, yet obviously not so important to him and he wants me to STOP and watch his magic trick. What do I do? I watch his magic trick. I look at his long legs getting longer. I listen to his voice getting deeper. I look at his smooth skin beginning to grow hair. My time with my babies is short and before I know it, they'll be men. Take the time to spend some time enjoying what is important to your chidren today.

Be Still

I was trying hard to prevent busyness in my life this wonderful month of December, yet it isn’t working. It’s funny how December calls for more of our time and attention. I become irritable when I’m swamped with the stuff of life because my main concern is making sure everything I do is ordered by God. I attempt to avoid my plate being full of self served actions and events, yet I’m not always successful. The weekend was so busy for me I felt like I was running ahead of Jesus and waiting for Him to catch up with me. I couldn’t wait to get in the presence of God this morning to just sit and listen. It was time to be still. No television, no radio, and no people in my ear…I only wanted to hear the voice of my Heavenly Father. I need Him to order my steps, guide me, lead me, and help me to stay focused on Him as I prepare for another week. This time of being still and listening helped to renew my mind and review my priorities. I feel refreshed and empowered to do what I’m called to do as a wife, mother, and every other hat I wear. It’s easy to forget who is in control as we schedule meetings and plan activities. Thank God for the mind to stop, be still, and know God is in control of my life today and everyday!

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Perfect Peace!

I baked three cakes this morning and each one of them stuck to the pan when I tried to remove them. I didn't have any Pam Cooking Spray and didn't want to rush to the store at 6 a.m. this morning, so I went back to the old school way and greased and floured the pans. Hmmm...it didn't work for me. It's ironic that the name of the cake is Perfect Peace and yes, even in the midst of my cake mess this morning, I had perfect peace! Was I angry and disappointed? Of course I was, yet after a minute of feeling bad, I had to remember that ALL things work together and it's alright!! It WILL BE OKAY. It doesn't matter what my mess is or how great or small it is, I choose to believe in the promised perfect peace of God. I also choose Pam Spray over the old fashioned way! Perfect Peace to you today and the rest of the weekend.

The Deliverer

The Couples' Bible Study Class was awesome last night! The topic was Deliverance and every one of us needs The Deliverer at some time or another. It doesn't matter what we're going through in our marriage or what our spouse may be dealing with - we have The Deliverer to deliver us! Addictions, strongholds, our past, and everyday situations are light afflictions in the eyes of God and He has the power- ALL POWER! We can unleash that power through prayer. No prayer - no power! If you're dealing with a situation in your marriage and it seems like there is no hope - be encouraged! God is able and I'm a witness. Don't look at the situation; keep your eyes on God. GOD DELIVERS! Keep praying!

Don't Forget to Pray!

With the many extra things calling for my attention these days, my prayer life is definitely more than active. Praying without ceasing has a new meaning to me! A distracted Mother can become so absorbed in other tasks, that we forget to keep our children, our husband, and our home covered in prayer. Busyness is truly a trick. Yes, I pray at the beginning of my day, yet I also pray ALL DAY! A praying spirit is a Mother's secret weapon. The forces of this world never stop tugging at us, so a Mother must never stop praying. Our family is our first priority and we must stay focused and keep them covered in prayer. Don't forget to pray!

The Prince of Peace

Saturday morning as I sat in my car waiting for my sons’ flag football games to begin, I observed a mother of four completely stressed out, drinking coffee, and smoking cigarettes. She was doing all she could to keep her young children in order and was doing a great job at it. I have difficult moments with my two children and can’t imagine having four; I began praying for her. It was only eight in the morning and she had the whole day ahead of her. Lord, have mercy. Although observing her was like watching an action packed movie, it was probably second nature for her. I wanted to help her, yet remembered I had three football games ahead of me and was in no position to help anyone else, so I didn’t. Christmas came to mind and how appropriate it would be to share the Prince of Peace with the many hurried and frazzled Mothers I’ll come in contact with. So many Mothers are counting pennies to buy presents, looking for part-time jobs for the holidays, over decorating, and splurge spending. The seasoned Mothers who have gone through these early Motherhood moments should share words of wisdom and I should have shared with the Mother of four I observed. I’m sure I’ll see her again on the field and when I do, I will. Who wouldn’t benefit from hearing comforting words about the Prince of Peace? Who doesn’t want peace in their life? What Mother doesn’t want her peace of mind? Because this beautiful season can be hidden with the busyness of the season, we can easily miss the priceless gift of peace. Let’s give the gift of peace this Christmas – the Prince of Peace.