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!