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:
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Prepare yourself each day by spending quiet moments alone with God.
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Plan your day the night before.
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Prioritize your tasks according to their importance.
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Participate in a regular exercise and healthy diet plan.
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Pamper yourself by doing something you enjoy.
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Plant seeds of kindness in the lives of others.
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Preserve the small, penny-rich memories of your life.
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Perfect the art of laughter.
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Praise the Lord often for all His blessings.
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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?
A FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE
June 19, 2010
I wrote this tribute several years ago with my dad in mind. I thought you might enjoy it at this special time. Happy Father’s Day!
A Tribute to Dad
By Rebecca Barlow Jordan
He’s a giant of a man, with big, strong hands
that hold your heart in his own.
The words he speaks are apples of gold–
that can melt a heart of stone.
His laugh is contagious–His smile sincere;
His life is a book read far and near.
His love gives generous helpings to all;
For a father, you see, is always on call.
His thoughts are old-fashioned, and sometimes his clothes;
But godliness clothes him–from his head to his toes.
He has numerous flaws, which he often speaks of,
but his family is blind and covers in love.
Long after he’s gone, a sweet legacy stays
filling the hearts of his family with praise.
Memories of a Father
My father died 15 years ago. I still miss him. But his words and his lessons still live on in my heart. Each of the few personal letters he wrote ended with a P.S. – a powerful statement. Sometimes he penned an encouraging truth from Scripture, sometimes a homespun bit of wisdom he learned, sandwiched in between the mortar he used building missions, and the lives he salvaged for Christ along the way. I treasure those bits and pieces of a father’s love and keep them close where I can pull them out in times of discouragement or frustration. God blessed me with a great dad.
God Is the Perfect Father
Some of you can’t recall positive father figures, because of abuse or loss of your dad early in your life. Regardless of your circumstances, God assures us He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, NIV). He not only heals our memories; He is the perfect father who never breaks His promise, who loves us unconditionally, and who delights in spending time with His children.
Share a Memory
What about you? Share a memory about your dad. What made him special? How has God been a father to you?
NOTE: The winner of the drawing for the three-book series: Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, and Day-votions for Grandmothers is Patti McGoey. Congratulations, Patti!
Five Questions to Ask When You’re in God’s Waiting Room
June 17, 2010
The next time you find yourself in God’s waiting room through a personal loss, an unexpected difficulty, a severe test, or a “wilderness” time when you desperately need answers but can’t seem to find them, get alone in a quiet place and ask God these questions: Read more
Is Bad Ever Good?
June 12, 2010
Job loss, financial crisis, rebellious children, disappointments, rejection, unexpected illness–the list goes on. The list that is, we call bad. Is bad ever good? Can anything good come from a bad situation? That depends. Read more
LOVE IS SOMETHING YOU ARE
June 5, 2010
I wrote this a few years ago, but after attending the memorial service of a sweet, young friend today, (and the daughter of a very good friend) its words took on new meaning–because this described Katrina’s (Katie’s) life, especially the last few years:
Love is not something you do; love is something you are. It is often premeditated, sometimes spontaneous, and always unselfish. Read more
Thanks for Our Veterans and for America’s Freedom
May 29, 2010
Freedom–what a precious gift is ours to know! To those veterans who made it possible for us–and others– to live with protection and security, we owe a thankful attitude. To those veterans who gave their lives in unselfish pursuit of justice and freedom, we owe a debt of gratitude.
WE ALL SHARE IN THE BLESSING AND RESPONSIBILITY OF FREEDOM
We all share in this blessing of freedom, and we all pray it will remain. But we must all bear the responsibility to keep it, Read more
