Freedom

I have been focusing on our freedoms this past week as we prepare to celebrate our country's Independence Day. I have thanked our troops and their families for their service and protection, and I have thanked God for my being able to live in this country of freedom. As I've pondered, many thoughts have popped into my head, so decided to share them here today. I put myself in another woman's shoes that lives in a country without freedom-especially because she is a woman. I wondered how she would view us and all that we get to experience on a daily basis, only because we live in America. We are allowed to dress however we desire, we can style our hair, wear makeup or not, enjoy whatever jewelry catches our eyes and be a woman. We can walk the streets and malls without an escort, and enjoy a meal in a restaurant without a chaperone. We can have a conversation with our husbands, and speak our needs usually without fear of reprisals. We can walk beside our man, holding his hand if we so desire, and not look shameful. We can be silly, fun and free spirited with our children and not suffer the looks of disdain that others must suffer. Can you imagine what she must think, as she looks at her daily life in comparision to ours?
Another freedom I am thanking the Lord for today is the freedom to grow. I am not held back by society or my family, but instead am encouraged to grow and blossom. God is the best at encouraging me to grow and become whom He wants me to be. I am truly enjoying this time in my life, as I am growing by leaps and bounds. I am proud of the woman I have become and look forward to the amazing growth that I'm sure is yet to come.
Thank you Father for our tremendous freedoms. I pray that everyone would look upon the 4th of July, not only as the celebration of our nation but also at the freedoms that You have bestowed upon us as individuals and that we will be a more grateful people.

Suffering

As I write this, I am suffering. It is an almost constant in my world, but some days are far worse than others. Today, I am up and able to move around-albeit slowly. Having daily suffering has taught me so much, and I am pretty sure that is why God has allowed me to suffer so. I have had Fibromyalgia for 27 years. I also suffer from horrific migraines and a lower back injury that creates intense pain in my lower back and causes my back to go out at any minute. 8 years ago, I was bedridden most of the month. Homeschooled from bed, cared for my granddaughter from bed, quite often. Thankfully, I had very caring boys to help me, and a fabulous husband who covered me when I couldn't do a task. Now, I am up and running, and forever grateful. I have to remember to rest, and I will admit I am not good at that. So, every once in awhile-my body shuts down and demands that I rest.
I suffer unbearable pain on a daily basis, yet have figured out a way to deal with that pain-and lead a productive, happy life. I am thankful that God made me such a courageous, big hearted person who loves to meet the needs of others and do His bidding. That keeps the focus off of my troubles and keeps me busy doing His work. I enjoy working for the Lord, and find much comfort in knowing I am there to be a help to someone else.
When my suffering goes past bearable, I can fall into the trap of feeling sorry for myself. I get meloncholy, teary, and usually will try not to care about anyone but myself. It surely doesn't last long though, as I feel God knudging me to get back to Him. I usually will remember what Jesus suffered for me, and give myself a good kick and get back to life once again! How could my pain possibly trump His? How dare I, feel my suffering is more than what He suffered everyday. Every once in awhile, I have a good pity party, then get back to my precious life. Thank you Jesus, for suffering for me and for preparing a place for me-where I will never suffer again.

My Hubby

So many thoughts run through my head throughout each day. My heart swells many times a day as I think of my many blessings. One of my favorite blessings is my husband, Bob. He is amazing. He treats me so well. He is always going above and beyond to care for me, and to help me in everything that I do. He encourages me always. He lifts any heavy burdens I may have, and is always there to lend me a hand. He takes my load and makes it so much lighter. He makes me laugh, and makes me proud. He knew I was ill when he married me, so he knew it would be a rough road. He doesn't complain, nor does he treat me like I am a burden to him. He is my friend, my confidant, my love, and I am so thankful that God gave him to me to love. God also gives me a nod when my tired husband has had too much. He tells me that it is Bob's turn to be cared for in an extra special way, so that he can continue on knowing that I love him and always appreciate all that he does for me. He's good to my friends and always has a smile to offer. They tell me often how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man. I know! I try to always remember to tell him how thankful I am for all he does for us. I write him notes that I hide in his lunchbox. I buy him the movies and music that he enjoys. I try to find time for us to go out, alone and just enjoy each others company without the distractions of home. I am an amazingly grateful woman. God has blessed me so much by giving me this generous, thoughtful, faithful man to love. Thank you my darling husband-for being who you are, and for loving me so.

Spring Thankfullness

At last-glorious spring has arrived! No matter where you live, spring is the signal that new life is awakening. You can hear the birds chirping, the smell of new roses, and all the other spring flowers are so exciting. The sun warming our bodies, our minds-telling us that it's almost finished. Another school year is coming to an end. Even for year rounders like myself, spring seems to awaken new hope in me. Excitement for what will come in the next year on my journey. Hope that I'll survive as I can see the end of these books, classes and the same daily routine. I believe that God created spring to give us that hope-for whatever we need to conquer. This is the time that we homeschool moms are looking at new curriculum, deciding what to do next year and praying that we'll make the right choices. I love this time of year. I feel refreshed, my spirit is renewed and I'm ready to continue my daily walk with the sunshine upon my face. Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." I thank God for spring. He knew we moms would be weary after a winter indoors with our blessings. Many of you are celebrating the warming days, the snow disappearing, and God's bountiful beauty awakening-once again. I think that God also made the seasons, so that we would stop, breathe and remember to praise and thank Him for giving us everything. As you finish up your winter's work and look forward to the lazy days of summer, remember to thank Him for these glorious short days of spring. Days to get so much more done as our spirits are lifted and we have a happy tune in our hearts.

The Perfect Gift

This is a week that any Christian mother can relate to. I cannot fathom how Mary endured watching helplessly as her son was beaten, abused, spit upon, shamed and crucified. I cannot fathom what she must have been thinking. She knew that God had given her this son, for a purpose--but I cannot imagine she thought it would be for this! Think about it. We have the Bible. To explain so much, to guide us and to tell us God's will and plans for us. What did she have to guide her? She was right there in the moment, dying of heartbreak along with her child. It brings me to my knees in sorrow that Jesus would endure such a thing-for any of us. Do you think He explained to his mother what was happening? It doesn't say so, anywhere that I'm aware.
Having children, we can have but a minute inkling of what she went through. I don't know if I could do that. Could you?
I am so very grateful that Jesus went to the cross, so that we may go to heaven. What an amazing gift. A sacrifice that beats any sacrifice. My heart cries this week, as I spend time reflecting on this perfect son, who loved His father enough, to do His will-and loved us enough to suffer a most horrible time, so that we may be free.
We all suffer here on Earth. He said it would be that way. When I am suffering, I try to remember how He suffered-and that makes my suffering seem so small in comparison. Thank you Jesus! For your most precious gift. I am not deserving of such a fine and perfect gift-but accept it with gratitude. I will do my best to be your loving, faithful servant and spread the message of Your gift--everywhere I can.

Growing Up As A Mom

I listen to so many moms that are mired in the day to day caring of babies, toddlers and young people, that get frustrated because they have no time to do what they want to do. They are delighted with their young ones, but long for some creative time, or personal time for themselves. I too felt that way many times, but alas, age has me in a place now where I have one (not so small) young one left at home. Being a teen, he doesn't need me for every little thing anymore, and I'm okay with that. He's growing into the man God created him to be, and it's very important to me that he learns to be independent, so he will have a full life. After having many birds fly from my nest, I have seen what is good, and not so good. I am pleased with how my last one is growing. I am also thrilled to find time to do all of those many things I wanted to do forever, but just couldn't-- because of my duties as a mother. I am growing into the woman God created me to be. Yes, He created me to be a mother, and don't get me wrong, I love my job. I have been raising children for more than 30 years. By the time my youngest is 18, I will have been a full-time mom for 38 years. Imagine that. You will probably be a full-time mom for about 20 or so. God knew my heart, and gave me many blessings to raise-including some that didn't actually belong to me! I am thankful. Now, seasons in my home are changing. I will have more time to do what I've always longed to do. This is very exciting! Becoming the bloom that God planted so long ago, is an amazing adventure. I am realizing many dreams as I grow older. I am writing, teaching, creating, learning, and enjoying those moments I do get to myself.
I want to encourage you moms who are weary from your house full of young ones. It does not go on forever, no matter how much you think it will. Honestly, you will turn your head and it's over. Your babies have flown the coop-if you've done your job correctly. Self-sacrifice is a must for you to have children that grow to be great adults. Our job is long, time consuming, many times thankless, and can be very frustrating. It is also the most rewarding job on the planet. You are shaping the future. God's men and women, that He will use for His glory. March on my friends! Hold on to your little ones, as they will be gone before you know it. Enjoy the journey, and know that your future holds great times of self, after you finish this job that God has given to you.

A Mother's Love

It's an amazing thing-a mother's love. Our hearts hold so much more than we think is even possible. The love we have for our children is immeasurable. It does not matter how young or old they are, we love them-period.
I am ever so thankful for God's wisdom when He created a mothers heart. He knew there would be many hard roads we would travel upon, so He gave us a heart that seems to continually grow to hold all that needs holding.
Watching a grown child hurt emotionally, is almost too much to bear. You want to treat them like the adult they are, to respect their need for independence, and at the same time, you want to cradle them in your arms and tell them that it's okay, and make their hurt go away. You remember the days of long ago, when they were little and a hug from you was all it took to make rainbows appear in their eyes once again.
I was able to have a rare opportunity with one of mine, to be there when he needed me the most. To be his confidant and to help guide him through his heartaches. I feel so very blessed to have a heart that can see my children's hearts. We've had our rough patches, but we are still connected, he and I. To look at your grown son, is to see the little boy you once bounced on your knee. The little boy who asked you to marry him, because you were the most wonderful girl in his world. The little one who knew he could count on you; forever.
No matter how old your child becomes, he is your little one, always. A love story of its own. He will marry, have children of his own and become the man you have trained him to be. Yet, somewhere in that man's frame is your cherished sweet boy.
What a blessing it is, to be able to have such a relationship, and a love that lasts a lifetime.