r true callings.
She has been called many negative things. Here are three that stand out: crazy, obsessed and irrational. Now here is the truth.
My mother is crazy about us. She loves to hold us, snuggle us and she never misses an opportunity to tell us we are beautiful, special and loved. She is obsessed. Along with devoting her life to us, she has never stopped supporting us. She has never missed a game, school play or important moment in our lives. She is irrational. She doesn’t think like everyone else. My mom is a dreamer. To her, any dream no matter how out of reach can be realized if we work hard to achieve it. Though she is currently unemployed, her bills always get paid on time and there is food on the table. She truly holds on to her faith in God as a Provider. She values faith rather than what the world says is rational.
I confess that I resented her for many years. I can remember times when I was embarrassed by her and ashamed. I figured that everyone was right about her …she was always going to screw everything up. There was a time when I believed the opinions that others have said about her. Those hurtful, judgmental things that can literally break a person down, especially when they are the people who are supposed to be closest to us.
As a single-parent, she did everything she could for her children. I can't even imagine how she did it. How she managed to provide again and again as best she could on a waitresses salary.
Even though she was harsh on us sometimes, her loving heart always asked for our forgiveness. When she came down on us for something we had done, afterwards she would tearfully tell us that she loved us. She would say how sorry she was for hurting us and losing her temper. Today, I personally know people including parents who often lose their temper and don't even consider apologizing for their actions.
It was through my mother's humbleness that I learned the importance of admitting when you make a mistake and taking responsibility for your actions. Since my mother committed herself to Jesus in 2004, she has asked forgiveness and the scars that once were so visible have now began to fade away.
In the summer of 2009 my mother made another bold confession. She confessed that she needed help. She confessed that the pressures of economic despair, loneliness and personal defeat had taken a toll on her ability to cope. She admitted she was not perfect. Yet, even through that tremendously difficult time, people refused to understand her imperfections. People refused to accept her for who she is.
Over the course of a year, I have married and moved out of the house my mother spent nearly her entire adult life sacrificing to keep. My youngest brother, who was taught how to play sports by my mother, is now living out his dream at a Division 1 college. Some people doubted that he would ever make it, while my mother continuously encouraged him even before he was ranked one of the top quarterbacks in the state of New Jersey. And she continues to support his goal of being a professional athlete even though some people say it is a one in a million chance.
My other brother, the first grandson and nephew born into my family has struggled to find his way ever since he was a little boy. When everyone around him has given up on helping him or reaching out, declaring that he is lost. My mother continues to lend her helping hand. She has made some tough decisions, but she has never stopped caring, she has never stopped being there, like the father in the story of the prodigal son, she is waiting for him with her arms wide open.
After heartbreaks, financial and personal setbacks, my mother has proven she is a survivor. She is the strongest person I know. Instead of giving up she continues to trust in the Lord with all her heart. Though she barely has much to call her own, she gives what she can to those in need.
My mother doesn’t have a lot of friends. Her phone doesn’t ring off the hook with invitations to this or that. She spends most of her time taking care of our family dog and our 95 year-old uncle. Her faith is constant. Though she doesn’t know what the future holds, she holds on to that truth that God will provide.
For me, my mother is easy to love. I hope that someday I am not afraid to stand up for my children as she has for hers. She has worked her whole life to make sure that the generational chains were broken. Though my brother’s and I are far apart we have not lost touch. No matter what has happened between us in the past, we have learned never to turn our backs on one another. Many criticize her for being to involved in our lives, but my mom is the glue. She holds us accountable when we are wrong and she keeps us from drifting apart as brothers and sister. When accountability is lacking in so many family units, when sides are often taken, my mother encourages unity and forgiveness.
Mom I am proud of you. I am so thankful that you are my mother. You have taught me to stand up for myself and you give me the confidence to stay true to my beliefs when others have judged me. You are a beautiful daughter of God. A beautiful queen! I am so happy for how far you have come. Keep on going… I believe in your strength.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
This is for you Mom
On Sunday My pastor talked about parents and the roles that they play in their children's lives. Here is what my mom means to me.
Growing up people often told me that my mother was going to ruin my life. They said that her decisions were not sound, and that she lived in her own fantasy world not reality.
What I remember about my mother is that she taught my brothers and I to believe that anything we imagined or dreamed could come true. She taught us that there was a loving God who loved us unconditionally. He was a God who would always provide for our needs.
Some children today are not fortunate enough to have parents who encourage strong roots in faith. Some children go their whole lives without knowing or experiencing the sacrificial love of Jesus. When I was a freshman in college, I committed my life to Christ. I would have never have done that without the encouragement, and guidance of my mother. Instead of ruining my life … she led me to my Redeemer who saved me from an eternity in hell. It was not a popular decision. Jesus is often not a popular subject, and even though I was legally an adult my mother knew the importance of encouraging this choice, the choice to accept Jesus into my heart.
I have made many mistakes throughout my life. Many of them were a result of not listening to my mother. Contrary to what people say, my mother always tried to steer my brothers and I away from things that were going to harm us, set us back, or cause us to neglect ou
r true callings.
She has been called many negative things. Here are three that stand out: crazy, obsessed and irrational. Now here is the truth.
My mother is crazy about us. She loves to hold us, snuggle us and she never misses an opportunity to tell us we are beautiful, special and loved. She is obsessed. Along with devoting her life to us, she has never stopped supporting us. She has never missed a game, school play or important moment in our lives. She is irrational. She doesn’t think like everyone else. My mom is a dreamer. To her, any dream no matter how out of reach can be realized if we work hard to achieve it. Though she is currently unemployed, her bills always get paid on time and there is food on the table. She truly holds on to her faith in God as a Provider. She values faith rather than what the world says is rational.
I confess that I resented her for many years. I can remember times when I was embarrassed by her and ashamed. I figured that everyone was right about her …she was always going to screw everything up. There was a time when I believed the opinions that others have said about her. Those hurtful, judgmental things that can literally break a person down, especially when they are the people who are supposed to be closest to us.
As a single-parent, she did everything she could for her children. I can't even imagine how she did it. How she managed to provide again and again as best she could on a waitresses salary.
Even though she was harsh on us sometimes, her loving heart always asked for our forgiveness. When she came down on us for something we had done, afterwards she would tearfully tell us that she loved us. She would say how sorry she was for hurting us and losing her temper. Today, I personally know people including parents who often lose their temper and don't even consider apologizing for their actions.
It was through my mother's humbleness that I learned the importance of admitting when you make a mistake and taking responsibility for your actions. Since my mother committed herself to Jesus in 2004, she has asked forgiveness and the scars that once were so visible have now began to fade away.
In the summer of 2009 my mother made another bold confession. She confessed that she needed help. She confessed that the pressures of economic despair, loneliness and personal defeat had taken a toll on her ability to cope. She admitted she was not perfect. Yet, even through that tremendously difficult time, people refused to understand her imperfections. People refused to accept her for who she is.
Over the course of a year, I have married and moved out of the house my mother spent nearly her entire adult life sacrificing to keep. My youngest brother, who was taught how to play sports by my mother, is now living out his dream at a Division 1 college. Some people doubted that he would ever make it, while my mother continuously encouraged him even before he was ranked one of the top quarterbacks in the state of New Jersey. And she continues to support his goal of being a professional athlete even though some people say it is a one in a million chance.
My other brother, the first grandson and nephew born into my family has struggled to find his way ever since he was a little boy. When everyone around him has given up on helping him or reaching out, declaring that he is lost. My mother continues to lend her helping hand. She has made some tough decisions, but she has never stopped caring, she has never stopped being there, like the father in the story of the prodigal son, she is waiting for him with her arms wide open.
After heartbreaks, financial and personal setbacks, my mother has proven she is a survivor. She is the strongest person I know. Instead of giving up she continues to trust in the Lord with all her heart. Though she barely has much to call her own, she gives what she can to those in need.
My mother doesn’t have a lot of friends. Her phone doesn’t ring off the hook with invitations to this or that. She spends most of her time taking care of our family dog and our 95 year-old uncle. Her faith is constant. Though she doesn’t know what the future holds, she holds on to that truth that God will provide.
For me, my mother is easy to love. I hope that someday I am not afraid to stand up for my children as she has for hers. She has worked her whole life to make sure that the generational chains were broken. Though my brother’s and I are far apart we have not lost touch. No matter what has happened between us in the past, we have learned never to turn our backs on one another. Many criticize her for being to involved in our lives, but my mom is the glue. She holds us accountable when we are wrong and she keeps us from drifting apart as brothers and sister. When accountability is lacking in so many family units, when sides are often taken, my mother encourages unity and forgiveness.
Mom I am proud of you. I am so thankful that you are my mother. You have taught me to stand up for myself and you give me the confidence to stay true to my beliefs when others have judged me. You are a beautiful daughter of God. A beautiful queen! I am so happy for how far you have come. Keep on going… I believe in your strength.
r true callings.
She has been called many negative things. Here are three that stand out: crazy, obsessed and irrational. Now here is the truth.
My mother is crazy about us. She loves to hold us, snuggle us and she never misses an opportunity to tell us we are beautiful, special and loved. She is obsessed. Along with devoting her life to us, she has never stopped supporting us. She has never missed a game, school play or important moment in our lives. She is irrational. She doesn’t think like everyone else. My mom is a dreamer. To her, any dream no matter how out of reach can be realized if we work hard to achieve it. Though she is currently unemployed, her bills always get paid on time and there is food on the table. She truly holds on to her faith in God as a Provider. She values faith rather than what the world says is rational.
I confess that I resented her for many years. I can remember times when I was embarrassed by her and ashamed. I figured that everyone was right about her …she was always going to screw everything up. There was a time when I believed the opinions that others have said about her. Those hurtful, judgmental things that can literally break a person down, especially when they are the people who are supposed to be closest to us.
As a single-parent, she did everything she could for her children. I can't even imagine how she did it. How she managed to provide again and again as best she could on a waitresses salary.
Even though she was harsh on us sometimes, her loving heart always asked for our forgiveness. When she came down on us for something we had done, afterwards she would tearfully tell us that she loved us. She would say how sorry she was for hurting us and losing her temper. Today, I personally know people including parents who often lose their temper and don't even consider apologizing for their actions.
It was through my mother's humbleness that I learned the importance of admitting when you make a mistake and taking responsibility for your actions. Since my mother committed herself to Jesus in 2004, she has asked forgiveness and the scars that once were so visible have now began to fade away.
In the summer of 2009 my mother made another bold confession. She confessed that she needed help. She confessed that the pressures of economic despair, loneliness and personal defeat had taken a toll on her ability to cope. She admitted she was not perfect. Yet, even through that tremendously difficult time, people refused to understand her imperfections. People refused to accept her for who she is.
Over the course of a year, I have married and moved out of the house my mother spent nearly her entire adult life sacrificing to keep. My youngest brother, who was taught how to play sports by my mother, is now living out his dream at a Division 1 college. Some people doubted that he would ever make it, while my mother continuously encouraged him even before he was ranked one of the top quarterbacks in the state of New Jersey. And she continues to support his goal of being a professional athlete even though some people say it is a one in a million chance.
My other brother, the first grandson and nephew born into my family has struggled to find his way ever since he was a little boy. When everyone around him has given up on helping him or reaching out, declaring that he is lost. My mother continues to lend her helping hand. She has made some tough decisions, but she has never stopped caring, she has never stopped being there, like the father in the story of the prodigal son, she is waiting for him with her arms wide open.
After heartbreaks, financial and personal setbacks, my mother has proven she is a survivor. She is the strongest person I know. Instead of giving up she continues to trust in the Lord with all her heart. Though she barely has much to call her own, she gives what she can to those in need.
My mother doesn’t have a lot of friends. Her phone doesn’t ring off the hook with invitations to this or that. She spends most of her time taking care of our family dog and our 95 year-old uncle. Her faith is constant. Though she doesn’t know what the future holds, she holds on to that truth that God will provide.
For me, my mother is easy to love. I hope that someday I am not afraid to stand up for my children as she has for hers. She has worked her whole life to make sure that the generational chains were broken. Though my brother’s and I are far apart we have not lost touch. No matter what has happened between us in the past, we have learned never to turn our backs on one another. Many criticize her for being to involved in our lives, but my mom is the glue. She holds us accountable when we are wrong and she keeps us from drifting apart as brothers and sister. When accountability is lacking in so many family units, when sides are often taken, my mother encourages unity and forgiveness.
Mom I am proud of you. I am so thankful that you are my mother. You have taught me to stand up for myself and you give me the confidence to stay true to my beliefs when others have judged me. You are a beautiful daughter of God. A beautiful queen! I am so happy for how far you have come. Keep on going… I believe in your strength.
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Mountain of God
By Susan Perry
Contributing Blogger
1 Kings 19:9
And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
Even though I had read this passage before, something entirely new came to light. At the beginning of these verses, God asked Elijah what he was doing here. God wasn’t asking this because He didn’t know what Elijah was doing there. God is all knowing. God was testing Elijah to see where his heart and his motives were. God did the same thing with Adam and Eve back in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:7-9). God wasn’t looking for a literal answer. However, in order to fully grasp the implications of God’s question, it is important to understand what happened right before Elijah had this conversation with God.
Elijah was a prophet, speaking the words of God to the Israelites. The Israelites had been messing up and were failing to listen to God's instructions. They were following false idols and putting their faith in Baal. In order to bring the people back to Him, God used Elijah to call them out on their actions. Obviously, Elijah was not the most popular guy around, because he was challenging how others were living their lives.
I am paraphrasing here:
1 Kings 18:22-39
Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. Get two bulls for us. Let them choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”Baal never answered.
The Lord answered with fire from heaven; “when all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!’”God just came through for Elijah in a huge way. Elijah was probably feeling on top of the world, until his life was threatened.
Later, when God questioned Elijah about why he was on the mountain, Elijah didn’t mention this spiritual victory. Elijah only saw the death threat from Jezebel. One circumstance completely changed his outlook so drastically that Elijah ends up whining and complaining to God. Instead of answering Elijah with words, the Lord simply tells Elijah to go outside because He, the Lord, is about to pass by. God simply reminds Elijah of who He is. After passing by, God with the tenderness of a father again asks Elijah the same question.
Sometimes God does not give us an answer directly. He often leaves us questioning or in the dark about what His plan is. God allowed Elijah to end up in the wilderness in such a dire situation to test him. I was reminded of a sermon that my pastor gave last summer. Part of what he spoke about was why God allows us to end up in the “wilderness”—why we go through trials. Sometimes, we end up there by our own choice because we disobey God. Other times God takes us to the wilderness as part of a “time-out.” God can also allow us to enter the wilderness after a major spiritual victory. This was the case for Elijah.
Hebrews 12:7, 11 tells us:
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
No discipline seems pleasant at the time. However, later on it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have endured and learned. Verse seven in this passage is especially crucial—the command to view hardship not as hardship, but rather as discipline. In this context, “hardship” and “discipline” are interchangeable.
“How might God’s healing of a person who’s suffering affect those around us today?”
When God heals someone who is suffering, He is doing the same thing that He did when He passed before Elijah on the mountain. He is showing that He is still God. He is showing that He still cares. He is showing how He has a bigger plan in store, of how He is painting on a canvas bigger than we can ever see or imagine.
Times of trials and suffering never seem good at the time, but keep trusting God. He will remind you of who He is, and He will carry you through. He will give you a glimpse of Himself, and once you've seen God, you are never the same.
Editors Note:
Nicole Bryan
Another thing to consider about this story is how Elijah spoke for God, even though he was outnumbered. Elijah was not afraid because He trusted in God and stood strong to the belief that there is one God and no other is more powerful.
I am sure many of us know friends and family who worship false idols. Who put their faith and trust in things that are inconsistent, unreliable and self hurting. (Drugs, Alcohol, Television, Popularity, Sex, Money)
As believers it is our calling to stand strong and reach out to those who are lost. God is all knowing, and when He puts us in situations where we are outnumbered He gives us the opportunity to save people's lifes. As we are seeing others living their lives in the darkness we must show them the light.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Busy Busy
After looking over my blog I realized that my entries have been slacking lately. It seems like my world has been tossed and turned like the waves.
Unfortunately sometimes our lives can become too "busy" with work, our social life, vacations, family .... did I mention work? That we often forget or push aside the things that matter.
A bible verse that keeps replaying again and again in my mind can be found in the book of James... (which is a great book to start with for any new Christians or if you are seeking wisdom and discernment from the Lord)
James 4:14
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone.
This verse is convicting. In the whirlwind of our busy days we rarely stop to think about how short our life is and how little time we have to truly LIVE.
Frustration sets in for me at times. Since I've graduated college I have struggle to find my place. My focus is often what my worth is in the world instead of seeking what my worth is to God. I feel the pressure of having a sucessful career, going to a job everyday that is more fulfilling, that I don't even hear God calling out to me, "Let me fill you!"
"Your life is like a morning fog"
When we are in the midst of a fog it is hard to see anything around us ...let alone ahead of us. We can only take one step at a time, slowly moving forward unable to really comprehend what is beyond the haziness.
Have you ever driven in a fog? Your vision is almost temporarily impaired. No matter what direction you look in, clarity is nonexistent. Fear can set in, which will cause you to slow the vehicle down. You may know exactly where the destination is, but you have to trust that you are heading in the right direction.
Yes, our lives are like a morning fog. Tomorrow is uncertain, we cannot see or even imagine what it looks like sometimes. Worrying and stressing will only leave us drained and depressed.
Who can we trust to guide us through? Who can we lean on as we try to make it to the other side, often crippled by our sinful nature?
The answer is God.
I remember going to a service and the pastor challenging, "How are you going to spend your minute?" He was talking about how short our life was. Like a morning fog you can blink and it is gone.
So how are you spending your minute? Do you occupy your time with mindless trivial things that will not matter in the long run? Are you surrounding yourself with people that are going to move you forward spiritually or hold you back from reaching your true potential?
It kills me sometimes when I think about the time wasted in my life. How I spent countless hours worrying if I was ever going to find a job after college, instead of using my free time getting to know the Lord more, through prayer and bible study. How I worried about my future with my future husband, instead of appreciating being home in a familiar place with my family and friends.
Place your life in God's hands.. He will iron out the details. I challenge you to spend your minute living your life to the fullest and by that I mean, seeking God's will in everything you do.
One of my other favorite verses: Matthew 19:26
26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Believe.
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