Scripture of the Day: Luke 12:34
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
I'd like to insert a word there; so it reads: "Family, where your treasure is, there your heart will be." Yesterday was Mother's Day and I couldn't write a FaceBook post fitting to the mothers in my life! Here is a much lengthier version :)
Next comes Ann, who up until yesterday, I wasn't sure how to classify! "Ex-step mom" seemed so harsh; but on the phone she made a comment about me being in her "forever family." Yes! So, Ann is in my forever family. She has a gift of being affirming and I am so thankful for her words of encouragement and the steadfastness of her love. Through the experiences of her life, I pray she knows the power of hope (Romans 5:3-5): "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Both Ann and my mom have gone through near-life-ending experiences. And both have come out fighting - grateful for everyday and with a knowledge that we don't all have - that God wants them here to fulfill a purpose that only He knows. Life isn't always easy for either of them; but they fight. And my prayer for them is that through the fight, they grow closer to Him and find Rest in the only place it can come - from Him!
Next we have Marian. Yet another blessing (and she's not even the last!). There are horror stories of mother-in-law / daughter-in-law relationships. I don't have one of those! I have a mother-in-law who welcomed me into her heart from the first and has never made me feel like anything other than another child. Her heart is big enough to love all the people she calls family - old and new! Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And what amazing plans those are and will be.
And then we have mother-in-law number two: Becky. The Ritter's adopted my husband into their family in Christ and in love long before me. But she too, had enough room to welcome in a daughter-in law (and a grandson)! The whole family, but Becky in particular, demonstrate how big God's love is. I think she lives out the Law, as Jesus explained in Matthew 22:36-39:“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." Becky has much love for everyone; and with much love comes the vulnerability of getting hurt. I know I am not alone in that all of her family would like to keep her protected from any hurt she may experience. She also has a gift of being affirming and sending words of encouragement when they are need most.
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
I'd like to insert a word there; so it reads: "Family, where your treasure is, there your heart will be." Yesterday was Mother's Day and I couldn't write a FaceBook post fitting to the mothers in my life! Here is a much lengthier version :)
There are so many. There is Trish, my mother-mother, who took care of me in my sickest times and demonstrated the importance of staying strong when your child is weak. A lesson I appreciate more now as a mother myself with a son who has had hospital stays! She will fight for what is right, remain loyal to the end and has a strong desire to help those who need a little (or a lot) of accounting help. It has been a blessing to see her in her work element this last year.! My verse for her because of my health issues and then hers is Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Courage (thanks to Days of our Lives with Patch and Kayla!!), has always been our word when times get tough.
Next comes Ann, who up until yesterday, I wasn't sure how to classify! "Ex-step mom" seemed so harsh; but on the phone she made a comment about me being in her "forever family." Yes! So, Ann is in my forever family. She has a gift of being affirming and I am so thankful for her words of encouragement and the steadfastness of her love. Through the experiences of her life, I pray she knows the power of hope (Romans 5:3-5): "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Both Ann and my mom have gone through near-life-ending experiences. And both have come out fighting - grateful for everyday and with a knowledge that we don't all have - that God wants them here to fulfill a purpose that only He knows. Life isn't always easy for either of them; but they fight. And my prayer for them is that through the fight, they grow closer to Him and find Rest in the only place it can come - from Him!
Next we have Marian. Yet another blessing (and she's not even the last!). There are horror stories of mother-in-law / daughter-in-law relationships. I don't have one of those! I have a mother-in-law who welcomed me into her heart from the first and has never made me feel like anything other than another child. Her heart is big enough to love all the people she calls family - old and new! Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And what amazing plans those are and will be.
And then we have mother-in-law number two: Becky. The Ritter's adopted my husband into their family in Christ and in love long before me. But she too, had enough room to welcome in a daughter-in law (and a grandson)! The whole family, but Becky in particular, demonstrate how big God's love is. I think she lives out the Law, as Jesus explained in Matthew 22:36-39:“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." Becky has much love for everyone; and with much love comes the vulnerability of getting hurt. I know I am not alone in that all of her family would like to keep her protected from any hurt she may experience. She also has a gift of being affirming and sending words of encouragement when they are need most.
Mother's - I am thankful for each of you. For how you teach me and how you love me! I am beyond blessed to have you all! I love you :)
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