Proverbs 31:30

Psalm 96:4

Psalm 119:114

Psalm 115:8-9

Psalm 71:19

Psalm 24:4-5

Jeremiah 31:25

Ezekiel 37:6

Isaiah 61:10

Psalm 121:1-2

Acts 3:19

Hebrews 11:1

Who Loves Ya Baby?

By Brenda Boen
March 29, 2012 

Years ago that was the trademark line of Detective Kojak on TV.  But have you ever really thought about who really loves you?  That is the inherent need for every human being, to love and be loved.  It doesn’t matter what we have in life, where we live, what we do or how we spend our time.  The bottom line is that we want to love and be loved.  We can be at the top of our game or be at the lowest point in our life.  We still want to be loved, by someone who cares about us and our well-being. 

Recently my grandson got his feelings hurt while playing with all of his cousins and sort of disappeared for a very brief time to see if we had missed him.  It didn’t take him long to appear in front of me crying “Doesn’t anyone even care?”  To be honest, I’ve said the same thing many times over the years.  We all want verification that we are important.  We all need affirmation that we are loved on a regular basis.  Without love, what is left? 

We are loved by family and close friends.  Often times it comes from strangers.  “How can that be?” you might ask.  “How could someone who doesn’t even know me love me?”  What about loving you before you were even born?  Ever thought about that?  Your parents loved you even before you were born because you were, most likely, a product of their love between each other.  And they had already decided beforehand that you were going to be loved and loved dearly. 

There is someone else who loved you before you were even thought about.  In fact He created you.  God loved you so much before you were even born many years ago.  He created a world for you to live in.  He created the food you eat.  He created the water you drink and bathe in and wash your clothes in.  He created the air you breathe.  In fact, He created you in His image!  Think about that for a moment.  God thinks so highly of you that you were created to bear His image and provides everything you need to sustain you. 

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”   Genesis 1:27-31 

So do you feel loved now?  God made you more important than the fish and the animals.  And there are some very beautiful fish and animals that He created.  He created you special.  You are beautiful.  You are God’s masterpiece. 

Think about what life would be like if God created it differently from the way He did.  We could have had dark skies all the time, grass that hurts when we walk on it, food that doesn’t taste good and people incapable of love.  God made this world and it is so beautiful.  If you are in doubt, try Googling nature photos.  When visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time my comment was “If anyone doubts God created everything, they won’t now!” 

Do you go through daily living appreciating people and the things around you?  Or do you complain about what is wrong with the world.  God created everything and said it was good.  The bad in the world is a result of sin and Satan.  We can exist, even with the bad, and realize how loved we are and appreciate everything.  Don’t miss life by being preoccupied by its flaws.  Instead of taking off your shoes to feel the feathery grass beneath our feet, we complain that it’s growing so fast we don’t have time to mow it.  We complain that traffic is too slow.  We look in the mirror and find that our nose is too big or our hair looks terrible.  And we complain about all the sin in the world.  But guess what?  God loved you so much that He did something very profound so that you can be free from sin which results in death. 

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   John 3:16 

God made a way for you to escape sin’s grip.  All you have to do is accept His gift of eternal life!  When you do you will find that you are truly living.  So let me ask you again.  Who loves ya, baby?  God does!

The Comfort Zone

By Brenda Boen

March 28, 2012

Have you ever heard the statement "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink?  This statement can apply to so many situations in life. It can be the same way in the Christian life as well.  Some of us have a desire to grow in the Lord and our faith increases daily as we learn to depend on Him.  Others can become stagnent and never really grow because they are not taking those steps to learning and growing as they should.  As we grow in our Christian faith we are often times asked to step out of our comfort zone and do something for the Lord.  It's not always easy but if God is leading He will help.  But the key is that WE have to step out and trust God. 

I don't know about you but I refuse to just sit back and let life pass me by.  I don't want to just get by and always be in the comfort zone.  As good as that sounds, there will be many blessings that will not come from the comfort zone.  God doesn't ask us to be qualified or skilled, He just asks that we be willing.  Has he asked you to step out and do something for Him lately?  Maybe the following poem will motivate you.

Butt Prints In The Sand

 

One night I had a wondrous dream,

One set of footprints there was seen,

The footprints of my precious Lord,

But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,

And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"

Those prints are large and round and neat,

"But Lord they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,

"For miles I carried you alone.

I challenged you to walk in faith,

But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,

The walk of faith, you would not know.

So I got tired, I got fed up,

and there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,

when one must fight, and one must climb.

When one must rise and take a stand,

or leave their butt prints in the sand."

author unknown

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  1 Corinthians 9:24-25

How is your race going?

Determination

By Brenda Boen
January 28, 2009

Have you ever met a woman who seems to have it all together?  She knows just she wants and how to make it happen.  She is task oriented, covers all her bases and people take notice when her name is mentioned.  If you need something done you just let her know and it’s gets taken care of.  There isn’t a shy bone in this woman’s body.  She is aggressive, won’t take no for an answer and somewhat bigger than life at times.   In the corporate world this woman is a highly prized employee.  In other areas of life she is valued because she can be in charge of something and see it successfully through to the end.  Imagine all the good this woman can do if her focus is pointed in the right direction.  A woman of God could accomplish much for the Lord in this area.  But on the other hand, a woman with evil intent can do much against the Lord.  One such woman is mentioned in I and II Kings.  Her name was Jezebel. 

Jezebel was a princess who married a king, a very powerful woman.  She was a woman of great conviction and unwavering devotion.  The problem was that her intent worship was not of God, but directed to the pagan god, Baal.  She was determined that she was going to convert Israel to her own religion.  She went so far as to hunt down and kill all the priests and prophets she could find and replaced them with 850 or her own.  She used her strong convictions to get whatever she wanted.  She even had a man falsely accused and killed so her husband the king could have his vineyard.  What an evil woman she was.

Let’s think for a moment.  What if Jezebel had been working for the Lord to further His kingdom?  Oh, what she could have accomplished.  Can you just imagine it?   You know, it’s not enough to be committed or sincere.  What’s important is where your commitment lies that makes the difference.  Where do your commitments lie today?  Is your life showing signs that you are working FOR the Lord or AGAINST Him? 

Taming the Tongue

By Brenda Boen

February 12, 2009

 

When it comes to our tongue, we are all tempted at every turn to use it wrongly.  But remember that regardless of the circumstances or our surroundings, we still make the choice about what comes out of our mouth.  Temptation is always there but we choose whether or not to fall into it. 

 

Something we don’t usually think about when we read these verses on the tongue is that gossip and profanity are not the only way we can misuse it.  Are you a hypocrite teaching others something you don’t do yourself?  Do you criticize others, especially behind their back?  During solemn moments do you engage in levity or small talk that distracts from what is going on?  When you retell a story do you exaggerate to impress others?  Do you always tell the truth even if it means you loose face, friends or finances?

The best way to avoid falling into the temptation trap is to make up your mind beforehand what you will and will not do.  Discernment goes a long way.  Be on your guard and watch for what is wrong and recognize it for what it is. Be prepared before you face the situation and pray for God to keep you strong so you will not so easily slip into participating in it.

 

“Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 

 

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Draw a line in the sand and say I will not go there.  Then when you hear or see things you shouldn’t or are tempted to say the wrong thing you will recognize it for what it is and since you’ve already committed to stay away from that, you will have an easier time resisting.  Our bodies are weak, but the Holy Spirit is stronger and God can help us to resist it.

Seek The Truth

By Brenda Boen

February 10, 2009 

Has anyone ever told you something and you immediately gasped and then told the next person what you just heard? Sometimes, we tell others out of concern and also to inform them so they can be concerned as well.  On the other hand, if it’s juicy gossip we just can’t seem to keep it to ourselves, whether it’s true or not.  As a kid I was told to keep things a secret.  Oh, my goodness how difficult that was!  Still is.  It’s like putting a “fresh paint” sign on something. You just want to touch it to see if it’s still wet.  Admit it.  You’ve done it or wanted to do it.  The temptation is too great. 

In God’s Word Jesus said “If you hold to my teaching, you are my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8:31-32)  Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free.  When we know and seek Him we are free from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception and from deception by Satan.

A few years ago God really impressed on me the need to always tell the truth and seek the truth in all things.  At times I would wonder if I was just suspicious of people or not trusting because sometimes it’s hard to know if something is true.  If I hear something and don’t understand it, the best way is to find out is to seek it out on my own.  If that is not possible I go to sources that “should” know.  Of course, God’s Word is absolutely true and I can rely on it.  I also ask for God to show me and guide me in the truth.  Knowing what is true sure helps to know when people are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.  The bottom line is if you don’t know the truth you can be easily deceived and believe a lie in a heartbeat.

 

You know, as humans we tend to want to trust everyone.  If this person seems knowledgeable of facts, seems to have it all together, then surely it’s true.  Also we tend to believe if it’s in print, on the news or on the internet, it must be true.  Wrong!  Granted, if you know the person and trust them chances are they are going to be straight with you.  But what if they have the wrong facts?  What if you believe them and then you pass it on to others and it’s completely wrong?  Then you have been instrumental in passing on incorrect information.  Before long several people are believing a lie. I certainly don’t want to be responsible for that. 

If you have ever opened an email you have certainly dealt with rumors, myths and shared information.  As Christians we want to make sure that everyone else is informed about things that should concern us.  We are compassionate and our heart goes out to the cause.  But is it true?  Check it out before blindly forwarding it others. It only takes a few minutes.  Otherwise you have been part of a big lie, whether intentional or not.  Ignore the claims that it was checked out and true.  Go find out for yourself.  Often times it’s not true.  Be responsible.  Break that email chain of deception!

In the same way, if you hear gossip, find out if it’s true.  If you don’t know if it's the truth, then don’t tell spread it around.  I don’t know how many times I’ve said this and heard this:  “I don’t know if this is true, but…”  Gossip can be very destructive.   Sure we all want to be concerned and pray for situations and people.  But think about this.  If we are praying for something that is not true, can you imagine what God hears?

The thing about gossip is that if you’re not part of the problem or part of the solution, it’s none of your business.  It’s like a fire.  If you let it go on and on and fan the flames it will spread quickly and do a great deal of damage.  On the other hand if you throw water on it pretty soon it will go out.  Make sure you are not part of the problem fanning the flames!  Throw that water where needed.

Always seek the truth in all things, God’s truths.  Remember the truth will set you free.  Jesus Christ came to set us free.  He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

Do You Feel Defeated?

By Brenda Boen
January 2, 2009

Often times we feel attacked by the enemy and want to lash out with all the strength we can muster.  We have hurtful words and circumstances hurled at us from every side.  The unrelenting attacks keep coming and we eventually begin to get tired and weak.  Then we begin to feel defeated when all our strength is depleted.  We then begin to give up.

In the book of Samuel (1 Samuel 17) there was giant of a man who intimidated the people with all his strength and stature.  His name was Goliath.  He was a giant with an attitude.  He immobilized an entire army of Israelites who had forgot that their champion was the Lord their God.  Goliath had weapons, size and arrogance on his side.  The people were overwhelmed by the mere size of this man and his threats.  But there was a bold young boy who brought Goliath to his knees.

 

David was a shepherd boy.  He took a bold stance.  “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26).  He took action and stood up to Goliath.  What an unrealistic approach you say?  He was a mere shadow next to Goliath.  But what we have to remember is that David had faith in God and knew that with His help that he could defeat Goliath. 

 

David was given suitable armor and weapons to defeat Goliath but turned them all away.  He knew that all he needed to rely on was his trust in God and his shepherd’s sling.  When others looked at Goliath they saw someone way too big to defeat.  But David saw a target too big to miss.  When David stood up to Goliath he used his sling and one of the stones he hurled at him found a weak spot and defeated the huge giant in a single blow. 

 

What we need understand here is that God used a small boy to defeat a huge giant.  He transformed Goliath’s strength into weakness and David’s weakness into strength.  You see, David was equipped with God’s spiritual armor.  Ephesians 6:10-18 describes all the armor that is available to Christians every day at every moment.

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

God makes these weapons, our spiritual armor, available to us any time we need them.  How sad it is that we often neglect them and try to defeat the enemy on our own.  God’s armor will never fail us.  Be sure to put your armor on daily and it will always be available to you when the enemy attacks.

Dumping Rocks

June 16, 2009

Often times Christians begin to feel overburdened, overworked, and overwhelmed.  We start out excited and ready to work for the Lord, putting all our efforts into what we are doing.  We take on one thing after another and feel like we are accomplishing God’s work.  But then all of a sudden what started out joyful quickly becomes drudgery and we feel like giving up.  What’s wrong?

Let me tell you a story about a man who met God in a lonely valley one day.  He asked God if there was something he could do for Him.  God responded that He had a wagon with three stones in it that needed to be pulled up a hill.  The man gladly responded, happy to do something for the Lord.  So God gave instructions where he wanted the stones carried. He was to go through the woods and up the road that winds up the side of a hill.  As the man began his journey he noticed it was easy and began to whistle and praise God.  What a joy it is to help the Lord, he thought.

As he rounded the third bend, he walked into a small village.  A man there stopped him and asked him what he was doing.   The man pulling the wagon explained that God gave him a job to carry three stones up the hill.   The other man said that he had been praying about how to get his rock up the top of the mountain and wondered if he wouldn’t mind carrying his for him.  Joyfully, the man responded that he was sure God wouldn’t mind.  The wagon seemed a little heavier but the man didn’t mind, knowing he was helping another brother as he served God.

Soon the man came to another village and ran into an old friend.  He explained what he was doing for God and his friend said he too had a bag of pebbles he needed to take to the top of the hill but just hadn’t had the time to do it.  The man responded that he’d be able to help him out and it shouldn’t be much trouble and was glad to help his friend.

The wagon began tugging at his arm and swaying, however it wasn’t too uncomfortable.  As he started up the incline of the hill he began to feel the weight of the stones, rock and pebbles.  Still, he was glad to be working for the Lord and helping his friends.  He thought to himself how proud God would be of how energetic and helpful he’d been.

One little stop followed another as he took on more and more in his wagon.  The man began to feel the weight and strain of the heavy wagon.  The joyfulness and praise suddenly began to turn into resentment.  Surely this is not what he signed up for.  God had given him a burden heavier than he could bear.

The wagon began to sway and the man began to have visions of giving up and letting the wagon go.  Finally after much sweat and bruises of the heavy load slamming against his legs, he thought “This is it!”  He called out to God and told Him that the burden was too heavy and that someone else would have to do it.  It was just too hard for him.

God walked over to the wagon and began to ask the man about all the extra weight in it, removing each piece and asking what they were.  The man began to explain how he was helping others because they needed his help.  God removed all the extra weight and told the man that if he would be content to let others carry their own burdens He’d help him with his task.  The man protested that he promised he’d help his friends and couldn’t just leave them lying on the ground.  God told the man to let others shoulder their own belongings.  He told the man “I know you were trying to help but when you are weighed down with all these cares, you cannot do what I have asked you to do.”

The man jumped to his feet suddenly realizing the freedom God was offering him.  He asked God if he really only had to take the three stones after all.  God responded “That is what I asked you to do.  My yoke is easy and my burden is light, I will never ask you to carry more than you can bear.”

The man was excited and a new song filled his lips. With great joy he reached the top of the hill.  It had been a great day because he had done what the Lord asked him to do.

Have you ever felt like this man trying to bear a burden that you were not called to carry?  God does tell us we are to bear one another’s burdens, but He has not asked up to step in and do what other people are not willing to do themselves.  There are many needs but God has not asked us to meet every one.  We can’t do it all.  If you are like this man, maybe you need to pray about out how to dump out all the extra rocks that you were not intended to carry in the first place.  Spend time with God and let Him show you what He wants you to do. 

God Stories

Ever had a God story?  I know I do all the time.  God is so good and He is always at work.  I will be posting my God stories on a regular basis.  Here is my most recent.

My husband has Stage 4 Colon Cancer and over the weekend he started running a fever and apparently had a sinus infection of some sort.  Well, his immune system is way down so getting to the doctor and getting on meds is crucial for his condition.  So first thing Monday morning he called the doctor and the earliest appointment would be 5:30 the same day.  Well, I posted a prayer request on FB for everyone to pray and within just a few short minutes the doctor’s office called him back and said they had a cancellation and could he come in at 11:00.  That is a GOD STORY!

Please reply to this post with your own God story.  We'd all love to hear yours.

Welcome to My Blog!

So glad you stopped by!  Hope you find something to inspire you today.  You will find devotions, funnies, inspirational graphics, poems and scrapbooking stuff.  Have a great day and come back and visit again.  I will be constantly adding new stuff.

Psalm 91:1

Scrapbook Pages

UPDATE:  It's been a few years and I never did add my scrapbook pages.  Sorry about that.  Maybe in the future.

In this section I will be posting photos of some of my scrapbook pages.  I hope they will inspire you or give you ideas.

Genesis 1:1,31

Ephesians 3:20-21

John 7:37-38

Philippians 4:13

Storms Rage

Psalm 119:133

Psalm 113:3

Psalm 89:8-9

Lamentations 3:22-23

Micah 6:8

Sitting on the Sidelines

By Brenda Boen
March 25, 2012

Recently I watched my grandson Michael play baseball. This was one of the first games of the season and his coaches had chosen to play an older team for a scrimmage. These boys were taller, older and much more experienced at playing baseball. They were very good at working together and throwing and catching the ball when needed. They could hit the ball very well and actually where they intended it to go. One boy was very good at bunting too. They were also very aggressive in stealing base, which netted them several runs because the younger team made bad throws and were not as quick reacting. When it was all said and done, the other team won 12 to 1. I talked to Michael after the game and pointed out all the things that the other team did and how they could learn from them. When I asked him what he learned from that game he said “Don’t play with older kids!” A somewhat wise remark but it got me to thinking about how we sometimes avoid things in life because they are too hard.

Life is like this. We can sit on the sidelines and observe what to do and what not to do. We can get in the game or sit and watch it from the stand. I always used to tell my daughters that you don’t always have to experience things for yourself. You can watch others make stupid mistakes and then just not do what they do. You can observe how others live and pick up pointers in what is good and what is not. And you can also sit on the sidelines and not participate in life at all thinking you will make mistakes. Sometimes life involves risks. Most are not life threatening or result in disaster. Some things are actually good to experience. Most are things we can experience and make a difference in our life or the lives of others. And some things will teach us much needed life lessons.

Are you afraid to get in the game for fear of failing or making mistakes? Do you prefer to sit by while life passes you by? Or are you willing to get in the game of life and live even though it does sometimes take risks on your part? Often times what we fear is the unknown. Do we lay it all on the line and hope it doesn’t turn out bad? Or do we just go for it praying for the best? Or do we play it safe and just avoid it altogether?

What are some risky things in the Christian life for you? Is it telling others about Jesus? Are you afraid you are going to fail because you don’t know enough scripture or just the right words to say? Are you afraid to commit to a ministry because you feel inadequate? Are you afraid to play in the big league because others know more than you? You know, God doesn’t call the qualified and the experienced. He calls the willing. When we step out in faith and do things for Him He will bless it and He will be with us through it. 

God tells us to have faith in Him. He will not give us more than we can handle. “I can do all things through Him who give me strength.” Philippians 4:13 The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do His will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. So don’t be timid, God is your strength. Rely on Him and have faith. And get into the game!

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited…

“Yet in all these things”

It cannot cripple love, it cannot alter hope.
“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”

It cannot corrode faith, it cannot destroy peace,
“For I am persuaded that neither death, or life...”


It cannot kill friendship, it cannot suppress memories,
“Nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, depth,”


It cannot silence courage, it cannot invade the soul.
“Nor any created things, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,”


It cannot steal eternal life, it cannot conquer the spirit.
“Which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:37-39

NOTE:  In April 2011 my daughter lost her 3 year battle with colon cancer.  Seven months later my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer as well.  It's been 4 months and after chemo and radiation and 2 major surgeries, the doctors beleive all his cancer is gone.  We are praising and thanking God for that.  And we are praying it will not come back.

20 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In-Box."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds."

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation.

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot,Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity....... Send This To Someone To Make Them Smile. Its Called therapy."

Troubled Times

By Brenda Boen
2012

Have you ever been down and out and wonder how things would turn out? We’ve all been in that place at one time or another. We can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s at these times in our lives we have to trust God to work all things out in His way and in His timing. In Isaiah 42:16 God says “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Did you get that? God is still on the job, girlfriend! He knows what you are going through. You may not know how it’s going to turn out, but He does. He is going to make the rough places smooth.

He goes on to say in the next few verses “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end --- Because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you.” (Isaiah 43:1-3 Message version) If that doesn’t lift your spirit I don’t know what will.

Just remember one very important thing as your tread through difficult times and difficult waters in your life. If you try to go through it on your own strength you are likely to drown. But if you invite the Lord to go with you, He will protect you. So call on Him. Call on Him….and live!

Awesome Mom

AWESOME MOM!!!

by Brenda Boen
May 6, 2008

(I put this together for a Mom's Luncheon at our Church a few years ago)

Many women do noble things.

… but you surpass them all!

Proverbs 31:29

….Faster than a speeding toddler, more powerful than a cocky teenager, able to leap roller blades and hockey sticks in a single bound!  Look up on that ladder … is that Dad changing a light bulb? a workman painting the ceiling?

NO!!!! It's AWESOME MOM sorting through the laundry pile that has accumulated over the weekend.

Strange alien to a lazy teen, she hustles through the house with power and authority far beyond that of mortal man. Yes it’s AWESOME MOM! … Who’s disguised as a "totally weird creature who never was a kid herself" fights a never-ending battle for TRUTH … JUSTICE … and time alone in the bathroom!

Yes, that’s you….AWESOME MOM!!!!

We salute you today!!

 

But you know, Mom……you’re not the average person who would go unnoticed on the street.  No!  There are many distinguishing traits most would recognize.  Here are just a few…..

You Know You're A Mom…

When your feet stick to the kitchen floor..... and you don't care.

When your idea of a good day is making it through without a child leaking bodily fluids all over you.

When you think a Popsicle is a food staple.

When your favorite television show is a cartoon.

When you're willing to kiss your child's boo-boo, regardless of what body part it happens to be on.

When you suck the dirt off your baby’s pacifier because you’re too busy to wash it.

When you're so desperate for adult conversation that you spill your guts to the telemarketer and HE hangs up on YOU!

When spit is your number one cleaning agent.

When you get up at before the sun comes up and go to bed after everyone else does and you still don’t have time to eat, sleep, drink or go to the bathroom….yet you still manage to gain 10 pounds.

When your bathroom has toothpaste on the light fixtures, water all over the floor, a dog drinking out of the toilet and body hair forming a union to protest unsafe working conditions.

When your choice of cereals is based on the fact that it has marshmallows in it.

When you count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.

When your kid throws up and you catch it…..but when someone else's kid throws up at a party you keep eating.

When you consider finger paints to be a controlled substance.

When you're out for a nice romantic meal with your husband, enjoying some real adult conversation, when suddenly you realize you’ve reached over and cut up his steak!

When you can no longer wear black, for fear of massive spit up marks

When you sing “Dora Dora Dora the Explorer” in the shower.

When the only writing utensil you can find in your purse is a crayon.

When you find Goldfish crackers in the glove box of your car.

When you wipe other kids' noses.

When you silently curse people if they call during naptime.

When you forgot your mother-in-law's first name because you now only refer to her as "Grandma."

When you arrange your entire travel itinerary based on McDonald's Playground locations.

When you consider the person who invented the Sippy Cup a genius.

When you consider it a major triumph if you shower by noon.

When you justify every excessive crying spell with “teething”.

When you keep your favorite babysitters name and phone number a secret from other mothers.

When you have your pediatrician's telephone number on speed-dial.

When you consider trading your whole life savings for just one good night of sleep.

When you hope ketchup is a vegetable, since it's the only one your child eats.

When you stop criticizing the way your mother raised you.

When you donate to charities in the hope that your child won't get that disease.

When you hire a sitter because you haven't been out with your husband in ages, and then spend half the night checking on the kids.

When your kids wear better clothes than you do.

When you can imagine yourself running down the street with your hair on fire.

When Tylenol PM's become part of your daily vitamin intake.

When you can't bear to give away baby clothes because “it's so final!”

When you’ve mastered the art of placing large quantities of food on a plate without anything touching.

When your purse contains more emergency toys, candy and first aid supplies than it does money.

When you can talk on the phone, pack a lunch & breast feed all at the same time.

When you wonder why you ever feared being alone.

When you can remove chewing gum from just about anything.

When you automatically double-knot everything you tie, including your own shoes.

When you can never go to the bathroom alone without someone screaming outside the door.

When you get soooo into crafts you contemplate writing a book called: 101 Fun Crafts to Do with Dryer Lint and Eggshells.

When you are so hungry that you search the floors and sofa cushions for cheese nips that haven’t yet been slobbered on.

You say at least once a day, "I'm not cut out for this job", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything".

Yes, AWESOME MOM, we celebrate you! So sit back, put on your pink fuzzy slippers, and bask in the glory of being a totally AWESOME MOM.

 

Many women do noble things.

… but you surpass them all!

Proverbs 31:29

 And remember …

"I will not have a temper tantrum

 nor stomp across the floor—

I will not pout, scream, shout

or kick against the door—

I will not throw my food around

or pick on another—

I'll always try to be real good

because I am the Mother …"

-author unknown