Mother's Day Special: What my mom has taught me

Consistency

"Actions speak louder than words; and, my Mom's actions have always spoke volumes! Each and every morning of my Mom's life is started with prayer and devotion, knowing that putting God first and foremost in her daily life is where she draws the strength to endure whatever the day will bring. Many days, Mom will call me and ask if I read a particular devotion and/or scripture that energized her that morning. My Mom is a woman who chases the heart of God daily, and she has taught me to do the same!

Of course, we have had many conversations about our faith and the unconditional love that Christ has for us, but it has always been in her actions that she has set the example for my siblings and me, and allows me to pass the same attitude and behavior onto my own daughter.

My Mom has taught me many things in my life, but truly the most important has always been to seek Him above all and trust that He WILL love, cherish, and protect all that I do when I surrender my ways to His higher calling. They say fathers know best, but I can assure you moms do too!" - Suzie Sallee, LHM Staff Member

Stamina

"'Mom': That may well be the most powerful, single-syllable word in the English language. Full of wisdom, wit, humor, courage, stamina, love—in a word—mothers are dynamite. To the little lady who’s been there for me (and my brothers, and our families, and the grandkids, and Dad, and, well, you get the picture), thanks, Mom (Ruthie). We couldn't have done it without you." - Paul Schreiber, LHM Staff Member

Generosity

"My Mom has taught me the significance of generosity as a witness. She has taught me to recognize every resource and talent to be a gift from God, which He has filled me with so that I might overflow to others. Thru her amazing generosity, she has taught me that, by being obedient to the Holy Spirit’s prompting of sharing the resources God has given you, you can be used to teach others about God’s specific love for them: He or she may be praying for something specifically, and by being obedient to that urge to give, you can be used as a witness to express Christ’s love for that person.

I know this to be a fact as Christ has shown me, thru her, how much He loves me and thinks of every little need I have—too numerous at times to count. Although I am now grown and married, my Mom continues to bless my husband and me constantly. In fact, I think I need to install an anchor onto everything she has because she’ll give it to us otherwise!" - Sarah Guldalian, LHM Staff Member

Faithfulness

“My Mom has shown me how to be faithful to Him, to ask Him the tough questions—even getting angry with Him, because He can handle it. Then, move on when answers don’t come. It’s not about the answers, but it’s about giving voice to the unknown. And, my Mom has modeled the importance of writing Scripture on your heart!” - Traci Kohls, EtS Presenter


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Untangling the Mother Daughter Relationship

Whatever your situation, Mother's Day is an opportunity to consider ways you can care for yourself as well as care for your mothers, whether she is alive or not. Decide to make it a meaningful day. Be creative. Have a luncheon with a group of women who support and honor you as a single woman, as well as honor your mother on this day. Send a special card or make a phone call to a woman who has acted as a surrogate mother to you. Each year I send flowers to my two aunts who have supported and loved me in special ways throughout my life.

Have others help you make plans for a mother who is difficult to be with and ask them to join you for the day to make it easier. Mending relationships comes through an active search for solutions and resolutions.

Just as each of our mother-daughter stories is unique, each one calls for a unique ending. Whether it's the last chapter or the beginning of a new chapter, we can do things because we know our actions and attitudes can make a difference. Use this day to reexamine your relationship with your mother and let it prompt you to see possibilities for the future.


Excerpt of Untangling the Mother Daughter Relationship by Dr. Judy Balswick, Woman to Woman guest, taken from Woman to Woman Web site article, found in its entirety - and much more! - at www.womantowomanradio.com/articles.asp!


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Thought of the Day

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." - Abraham Lincoln


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Tips for Sharing... for women

From the Proverbs 31 woman:

· Bring your husband good, not harm.
· Work with eager hands.
· Get up while it is still dark.
· Provide food for your family.
· Set about your work vigorously.
· Open your arms to the poor.
· Cause your husband to be respected.
· Be clothed with strength and dignity.
· Laugh at the days to come.
· Speak with wisdom, and faithful instruction.
· Watch over the affairs of your household.
· Do not eat the bread of idleness.

As a result of your faithful actions, you will be a witness to your children and husband: "Her children will arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" (Proverbs 31:28).


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Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for providing all of our needs, according to your riches and glory. You know what we will face each day. You tell us in the Word that you have given us our portion, our lot is secure, your grace is sufficient for us, and you will never give us more than we can bear. Please help us cast all our fear and anxiety on you, knowing that you care for us. You tell us to worry over nothing, but instead to give thanksgiving. So, even now, as we feel stretched beyond our means, concerned about our economy and worried about our future, we cast all our burdens on you.

We thank you that you are protecting us in the midst of struggle, that you know what we will eat and what we will wear. You know the needs that we have; and, you, Jehovah Jireh will provide all of them. We thank you for your attentiveness to your children, your love for us and your provision. Please help us in our weakness, strengthen our faith that we can bring help, encouragement and strength to others who do not yet know of your faithfulness and the hope you bring in the midst of any struggle. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.


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Web Resources

"Suburbia: Can the urgency of the Cross ever be made real to those who cocoon in front of an entertainment center and insist on defining hell as dandelions and heaven as the proper side of town?" begs Pastor Calvin Miller in his article, Rethinking Suburban Evangelism.

This eye-opening and educational article discusses the importance of bridge-building with today’s spiritually needy, yet nearly untouchable society located the suburbs. Find it at www.christianitytoday.com/outreach/articles/rethinkingsuburbevangelism.html !


Provided by the May 7th, 2008 Outreach & Evangelism Today Newsletter from ChristianityToday.com.


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