Grandma. I thought "Mama" was the most precious name I could have. Even to this day, as old as my kids are, I love to be called Mama. However, I have a feeling that my heart strings are about to move to the sweet sound of baby calling out "Grandma" or "Mee Maw" or "Nana" or whatever this precious one will call me. Yes I am going to be Grandma. The role of Mom is amazing and the role of Grandma is beyond words.
I am looking forward to many things. Naps, reading books, snuggling, baking cookies, outdoor walks, playing in the snow, days on the lake, overnighters while mom and dad are gone or simply need time away, movies, projects...wow the list is endless.
So pass this on to other women. I would love to hear from you. What are your favorite memories of your Grandma? What made her special to you? If you are a Grandma, what do you love to do with your grandkids and how are you creating memories for them?
Please comment and send out the word!
Thanks,
Cathy
Friday, January 29, 2010
Words For The Tough Days
Today I woke up feeling attacked. Sharing this with a friend via text, she emailed back words that I believe God wanted to me to hear. I am simply going to pass her email along to you. May it refresh your heart and soul as it has mine today.
Habbakuk 3:17-19
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."
I think it's interesting to note that it says at the end: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments." So, it's likely that this was a song.
You invest in people, you invest in projects, you work hard to sow into those you've been called to. And, yet, there are times when there is no crop. Nothing to show for it. Sometimes there's been a spat of bad weather. Sometimes bugs have gotten in the way. Sometimes there is no explanation for why there is desolation where there should be life.
Sometimes, like Elijah's servant, we just can't SEE the things that are real. We see only an enemey's army and not our Protector's. Sometimes, like Elijah himself, we survive and thrive in the midst of an awesome test and showing of God's power, like with the prophets of Baal, and yet we end up defeated beneath a tree, asking for God to take us to Him rather than let us be swallowed up in lonelineness.
Regardless of the whys and hows and even the whats, our God is merciful. He doesn't expect us to see everything. He doesn't expect us to rejoice in the lack. He, in his lovingkindness, helps us survive. Yes, he came to give us life, and more abundantly. But, the Author of your heart surely knows its limitations.
I am praying for you to take your joy in God...your strength. Your provision. Your rescuer. Your answer. Your crop.
Thanks Jena for your obedience in sharing.
Habbakuk 3:17-19
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."
I think it's interesting to note that it says at the end: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments." So, it's likely that this was a song.
You invest in people, you invest in projects, you work hard to sow into those you've been called to. And, yet, there are times when there is no crop. Nothing to show for it. Sometimes there's been a spat of bad weather. Sometimes bugs have gotten in the way. Sometimes there is no explanation for why there is desolation where there should be life.
Sometimes, like Elijah's servant, we just can't SEE the things that are real. We see only an enemey's army and not our Protector's. Sometimes, like Elijah himself, we survive and thrive in the midst of an awesome test and showing of God's power, like with the prophets of Baal, and yet we end up defeated beneath a tree, asking for God to take us to Him rather than let us be swallowed up in lonelineness.
Regardless of the whys and hows and even the whats, our God is merciful. He doesn't expect us to see everything. He doesn't expect us to rejoice in the lack. He, in his lovingkindness, helps us survive. Yes, he came to give us life, and more abundantly. But, the Author of your heart surely knows its limitations.
I am praying for you to take your joy in God...your strength. Your provision. Your rescuer. Your answer. Your crop.
Thanks Jena for your obedience in sharing.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Spiritual Space
This week, I have been challenged to make space for God in my life. Giving Him permission to work the way He wants rather than what I am merely willing to accept is a huge step for me. As life changes, I am beginning to recognize that so much of what I had planned for He has changed. Prayers tend to be directed about what I desire rather than listening for what He wants.
God is leading me to quiet green pastures beside still waters where He longs to restore my soul. Funny thing is that is a place within my soul. It isn’t simply a departure from life but a place where my soul resides even in the midst of chaos. This “place” is not in the physical. I definitely have a responsibility to quiet my soul, making space by pulling away for moments of silence with God. But as I return to those quiet places, I may be in a meeting, doing household chores or taking a walk.
Friends, without sounding pink, take some time to sit in silence with God giving Him permission to speak as He desires instead of telling Him what you want. Then after some time of silence, lay your greatest need before Him allowing His light to shine on this challenge you face. Listen to Him. Allow Him to show you what you need to see. Give Him space to speak, move, direct and give you all you need.
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