WHEN GOD WANTS TO BE YOUR COMFORTER

July 27, 2010

When you need a personal whisper from your Heavenly Father, where is He? In times of stress, distress, or tragic loss, do you ache for His arms to hold you and carry you through? The loss of some precious friends recently–a father and his teen-age daughter–prompted me to post this simple devotion. When does God want to be your Comforter? For all who need God’s comfort–and we all do–this one is for you: Read more

Grandma, Pe-po, Gee-ma, or Gramps? What’s in a Name?

July 21, 2010

Depending on whether you want a traditional, trendy, or playful grandparent name, you’ll find an ample list to choose from, like this one. Sometimes, you may not have a choice in the matter. When we became grandparents, my husband and I discovered there’s more to a name–than just the name:

What’s in a Name?

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14

Choosing the Name

When my husband and I learned we would soon be grandparents, we casually discussed with our children what the grandkids might call us. I ruled out some common names like “Grandma,” “Grandmama,” “Granny,” and “Grandmommy,” since they reminded me of my own or my husband’s grandparents and great-grandparents.

My girls agreed. So I suggested “Mimi,” and my husband selected “Papa.” They just sounded good together.

No-no Names

Somewhere in the discussion my husband announced some no-no names: Forget about “Pe-po,” “Po-Po,” or “Paw-Paw.” Or “Me-ma,” I added for myself. By this time, we were on a roll. Then Larry remembered one more name from an old Jimmy Stewart rerun where Jimmy’s grandkids called him “Boom-paw.”

“Whatever you do, don’t call me Boom-paw.”

Big mistake. Read more

TEN WAYS TO REFILL THE EMPTY NEST

July 13, 2010

Wikipedia describes the empty nest syndrome as “a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home; it is more common in women.” Just as a bird prepares a nest out of bits of twigs, grass, and other sturdy ingredients to serve as a home and refuge for its babies, so we moms have built a nest through the years for ourselves and our families. When that nest begins to empty, how do we fill the vacuum? Read more

LET TRUE FREEDOM RING–A GIFT OF PEACE

July 1, 2010

 

 

 

Most of us celebrate our country’s birthday watching fireworks. But there’s something more we can do that will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of others. As you read this short inspirational piece, I hope it will encourage you to celebrate–and share–the Gift of true freedom and peace.

 

The Gift of Peace

by Rebecca Barlow Jordan

If I had the power, I’d give the gift of peace,

So all could live in harmony, forcing wars to cease.

I’d turn all hearts to love again in brotherhood and truth,

so death could never steal away a life within its youth.

With seeds of tender mercy, I’d sow a crop of care

to bloom within each gentle soul and water it with prayer.

I’d soak each life with kindness and plant contentment there

and cultivate its goodness, so every heart could share

the reaping of a harvest, on firm but gentle soil–

where weeds could never choke the life, and pest could never spoil.

I may not have the power to give this peace away,

for we will always hear of wars engaging in some way.

But I can give a treasure, worth more than anything:

I”ll give the world my Jesus, and let true freedom ring.

How will you share Jesus, the true gift of freedom and peace, this summer?

10 SIMPLE STRESS BUSTERS FOR WOMEN

June 28, 2010

Is your life blessed or stressed?  Whether working inside or outside the home, today’s moms, grandmoms, and women of all ages deal with stress. Here are ten simple stress busters you can practice daily:

  1. Prepare yourself each day by spending quiet moments alone with God.

  2. Plan your day the night before.

  3. Prioritize your tasks according to their importance.

  4. Participate in a regular exercise and healthy diet plan.

  5. Pamper yourself by doing something you enjoy.

  6. Plant seeds of kindness in the lives of others.

  7. Preserve the small, penny-rich memories of your life.

  8. Perfect the art of laughter.

  9. Praise the Lord often for all His blessings.

  10. Pray without ceasing (throughout the day).

“You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.” Psalm 23:5, The Message.

What about you? What Scripture verse is your favorite stress buster?

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