Category: Family

  • Fond Memories of Mom

    Today would have been my Mom’s birthday. I miss her. All three of her siblings miss her a lot. A celebration would have been planned had she still been here. Instead, 22 years ago there was a celebration: her promotion into Glory where she now resides happily in Heaven. My Mom, the party planner, lived to invite family over for any celebration — large or small. She just loved entertaining with food and gifts. If there was any possible excuse to see her children or grandchildren, she took advantage of the occasion.

    Mom was not ashamed to tell others about her faith in God. People gravitated to her kind, gentle and caring spirit. She didn’t hide her light under a bushel, but eagerly told anyone how blessed she was and that God was the center of her life. She felt a special connection to anyone needing emotional or physical help.

    She’s a witness and reminder to me of Timothy’s words in 2 Timothy 1, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God … For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

    I need not fear what others may think of me when I confess my belief in God. God gave me that same spirit of power, of love and a sound mind too. So today, I thank God that he blessed me with a Mom who was respected and loved, worked hard, and spoke wisdom to all. I choose to model her godliness to my children, grandchildren, and to those whose lives I touch.

    Ask: Is there someone in your life who models similar positive traits … maybe a relative, friend, or mentor who has your best interests in mind? Have you carved time in your busy schedule to walk alongside this individual and learn from them?

    ***

  • Where did January go?

    “The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you” — Numbers 6:25.

    Looking at my calendar, I see the first month of January is nearly over. Where did it go? There are 31 days in the month — just like last year and the year before, so why did it seem like it flew by so quickly?

    Maybe it’s because all my resolutions were not completed. I’d hoped to squeeze in a bit more writing and reading, but that didn’t exactly happen. However, I do know God’s face did shine upon me when I took the time to spend with family, rest and renewal.  Those were blessed times. I also know that God’s plans are not always the same as my plans.

    Maybe it’s more quality time with your spouse or children that you crave. Or, it might mean making the effort to spend time on you … relaxing in a bubble bath, reading scripture and meditating on God’s promises. As you look forward to the month of February, my prayer is that God’s face will shine upon you and he will be gracious to you.

    ***

  • “Deliver Me From Evil,” by Kathi Macias, a novel

    Deliver Me From Evil, by Kathi MaciasNew Hope Publishers, Birmingham, Alabama, 2011 (www.newhopedigital.com) – Fiction/Christian/General 

    An inside look into sexual trafficking and various plots to aid in the abolition of this heinous crime. 

    This story begins with a young girl named Mara who was sold by her parents in Mexico because they didn’t have the money to feed or take care of her. Mara was smuggled across the border and ended up in San Diego, California. Unfortunately, she ends up in conditions worse than before when she’s cast into money-grubbing, evil sexual slavery.

    The plot is infused with hope as Bible-college-bound Jonathan, his family and church friends rally together in a dramatic rescue putting their own safety and comfort aside. 

    I’d recommend this book to anyone who isn’t afraid to open their eyes and learn about this horrific crime taking place right here in our own U.S. cities.

    *** 

  • Are you ready for Christmas?

    Only two more days before Christmas. Just two more sleeps before the big day. Reality check time again. Am I calmer — more rested? Am I ready to properly celebrate the birth of the Christ-child? His birth is a big deal and worth preparing my mind, body, and soul. His death manifests the ultimate sacrifice. How can I offer any less to God than to prepare myself in readiness for Christmas Day? He gave his all for me and any who believe in him.  

    Back to the verse in Colossians 4:2 — “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” 

    1.      I must “continue to pray” for family members and friends as I become aware of their needs such as: broken relationships, freedom from addiction, a vehicle to drive, housing, employment, zest and yearning for God’s approval vs. man’s approval.

    2.      “Be watchful.” Ever present and aware of people and needs around me. Take the time to pause, smile at a harried clerk and wish them a Merry Christmas before I depart on my way. Many retail personnel work extended hours away from their families this time of year often dealing with short-tempered, frazzled and frustrated customers.

    3.      “Be thankful.” I am thankful for a warm home to come back to, a faithful husband, loving family, delightful grandchildren and caring friendships — just to name a few. I truly am blessed and have much to be thankful for this Christmas season!

    John 3:16 – “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.”

    *** 

  • Devoted to Prayer

    Just five days before Christmas and I need to do an emotional and physical check. To be perfectly honest, I’d have to say not so good. My emotions are all over the place between elated and depressed. I’m totally elated and eager to see my son and family with three young grandchildren; yet sad that I won’t be seeing other family members. Other relationships are still not what I’d hoped for given the past history. 

    Last night I met a friend for our Christmas gift exchange. She remarked how she could barely contain herself with glee on the drive over. Really? Seriously? She wasn’t kidding. I found myself envious that I wasn’t able to muster up such feelings of joy.

    Just what was the matter with me that I wasn’t feeling glowing and happy all over? Immediately I began to question my circumstances and lot in life. Why weren’t those same positive feelings invading my heart and life? After all, it is Christmas — the season to be happy and jolly. So why wasn’t I feeling happy or jolly? What am I investing my time doing? Running here and there, or investing in eternity where present and future rewards emerge.

    In sheer desperation, I opened my Bible. Colossians 4:2 jumped out at me and I captured three valid pointers:

    *  “Devoting yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” In all honesty, I certainly was not “devoting myself to prayer.” A quick SOS here and there (in between searching for a parking spot) probably did not qualify as devotion. But I’d grown weary of praying for the same individual year after year with no evident change. No matter. God honors persistence. My job is to continue to pray believing change is possible because with God nothing is impossible.

    *  “Being watchful” — searching the store shelves and making countless phone calls for the hot ornament of the year is not what God intended by that phrase.

    *  “Being thankful” — naming my list of complaints does not equal a positive spirit. It would serve me well to remember the words to the old hymn by Johnson Oatman Jr., (1897) , Count Your Blessings …

    When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
    When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
    Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
    And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

    *** 

  • Do not be afraid

    Moses and the tablets of Law (Wikipedia)

      “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” — Joshua 1:5. 

    We need not be afraid because God tells us he will never leave or forsake us. When bills mount, the car breaks down, and our body doesn’t work like it used to, God still cares. God won’t abandon us when times are tough.

    Some suggestions for times of crisis found in Joshua 1:  

    1. Be strong and courageous
    2. Obey the law and do not turn away from God’s word (the Bible)
    3. Meditate on God’s word day and night
    4. Do not be discouraged

    These are not easy things to do especially when the going get rough. But this is exactly what I need to do during the bleak hours and days. No one else will come through for me like my God. I need to trust and obey — for there’s no other way.

    Have you told the God of the universe your troubles today? Isn’t it time you confide in the One who cares the most about you?

    ***

  • Longing for the basics of life

    My five-year old granddaughter, Liberty, called me the other day to report that she had just watched a TV show that came out when I was only five years old (just like her!)

    “Did you watch that show, Nana? There’s a little boy named Opie who goes fishing with his Daddy.”  Just like her and her Daddy.

    “Oh, I loved that program, Liberty. It was one of my favorites!”

    “Nana, you were five years old too when you watched the program … but it only comes in black and white. There’s no color on the TV.” The show: The Andy Griffith Show.

    Out of the mouths of babes! I love hearing wonder and excitement come from young children’s mouths and minds. So innocent and sweet. I want to record and remember her every insightful spontaneous saying and observation.

    After doing some detective work, I discovered that the popular sitcom first televised in 1960 and ran for eight seasons. Apparently her Mother already had done the homework.

    Do you ever long for the good ole days? Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about them.

    1. A time when doors were never locked.

     2.  All the neighbors knew your kids and if they were doing something they shouldn’t, they called them on it. 

     3.  Very little objectionable material on television or the radio. Media was informational, but not immoral.

      4.  Anyone could walk the neighborhood streets after dark without fear of harm. 

      5.  Recreation meant bicycle riding, skateboarding, downhill sliding on a sled, building a snow fort and throwing snowballs, or playing dolls and a game of Sorry.

    I don’t want to repeat my childhood or my teen years, but there is a part of me that longs for simplicity and a return to the basics of life. How about you?

    *** 

  • Order Info for “31 days”

     

    Totally thrilled with our  “31 days” collaborative book with hubby, Steve!  

    "31 days"

    Just an FYI – some of you have asked about ordering. If you’d like to order, go to blurb.com.  You can save 25% thru 11/28 by using the word “MIRACLE” code; 15% thru 11/30 with the word “HOLIDAY” code. Must insert code in all CAPS. 

    https://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2675578

    *** 

  • Our book is here!

    This project started with Steve suggesting he take a photo every day of the month regardless of rain, snow, sun, no sun, or mood of the photographer. The goal was to take more pictures and write more by writing or photographing something every day for a month.  After capturing the picture in color, black and white, or infrared, Teresa agreed to write text to accompany the chosen daily photo. Some days it proved hard to choose just one picture (especially while on vacation in Mexico). Other days, due to busyness and darkness of the hour, it proved a challenge to come up with even one photo. 
     
    Journey with us through the 31 days of January and discover the beauty and majesty of our Creator who is in all the details of life.
     
     
    (31 Days is available on Blurb.com)

  • Traditions, part III

    I remember my Mom during the holiday season … when family members walked through her door — we were the CENTER OF ATTENTION. I loved her loving me, my husband, my children and grandchildren. She set the table with her best china and glassware, but more importantly, she gave us her undivided and devoted attention.  

    photo by Steve Lasher

     

    I can only imagine this is the way God is preparing a place for me and all who are his children. He is readying a banquet table and mansion for my homecoming. When I pass through heaven’s gate, he’ll be waiting with arms outstretched. No other business will be on his agenda. Angels will rejoice accompanied by my Mom, Steve’s Dad, grandparents and loved ones.  

    This banquet will equal no other in history. All will be perfect — down to the last cranberry and piece of pie. Nothing lacking. No sorrow or tears. Only singing, laughter, joy and contentment will be heard.

    Listening to the words to the song, “I Can Only Imagine,” helps to picture what being in God’s presence may be like.

     ***