Tag: Mom

  • Vicks VapoRub = comfort & healing

    Just opening the blue jar of Vicks VapoRub® brings back fond memories of my Mom. Whenever I was sick, she would gently rub the ointment on my throat and chest and carefully cover the area with a towel. Then I’d top the cloth with a tee shirt or pajamas – something to keep the healing vapors in place.

    As I rub the balm in today as an adult, I consider this downtime a waste of time. I should be going somewhere/doing something. Yet, due to a nasty cold, I’m resigned to coughing, blowing my nose and taking medications. I feel unproductive and count these days as lost. But are they really? I’ve been able to enjoy time at home watching movies with my husband who is also sick.

    Days spent horizontal can be rejuvenating. There’s nowhere to look but up! And maybe that’s why I’m down. I’ve been in such a panic to make the holidays special that I’ve failed at the most important item: always remembering the Christ that makes Christmas possible.

    The season should be all about Him (not decorated cookies, presents, or visitors). Since the noise has diminished, hecticness subsided, quiet reigns around me now. As I lay facing the ceiling, I realize what I missed. Chats (in the form of prayer) with my heavenly Father and time spent reading from my Bible.

    God is the one who grants me breath, health and life. I’m not promised tomorrow. But I do have this day on earth to rejoice and give Him the glory — even if it’s spent in bed or on the couch.

    Prayer: God, thank you that I am alive. I don’t feel well, but I can still find a reason to be thankful. Amen.

  • From tears of sorrow to tears of joy

    I began the day in tears thinking about missing my own dear Mom. One word that described my mother would be “Encourager.” My Mom was my biggest cheerleader. If she only knew how far I’ve come along with my dream of writing and publishing … she’d be waving those imaginary pom-poms and saying, “You go, girl. I am so proud of you!”

    But she isn’t here to wish a Happy Mother’s Day. On July 23, 1990 (a very sad day indeed) God chose to bring her home to him. How could such a good woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter be taken from us at such a young age? Yet I know that God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

    I wasn’t even sure I could hold it together enough to attend church, but I’m happy to say that the day ended with me feeling thankful and blessed! Our church orchestra and choir played and sang awesome music. God knew just what I needed to hear — He is all we need (Sing to the King). I spent time after the service chatting with some friends.

    I felt blessed beyond measure on all counts by the end of the day. God is indeed awesome! God filled in the gaps of missing my own Mom with other’s love and generosity …

    • Amanda, our daughter, came to the house bearing cool gifts for me (she has excellent taste!). Steve’s (my husband) mother came over to visit.
    • The 4 of us enjoyed a picnic on the deck under beautiful sunny skies
    • Andrew, our son, and his wife called from Minnesota and wished me Happy Mother’s Day. I also received a lovingly hand-crafted card and bookmark from the family.
    • Steve grilled yummy steaks and asparagus on the grill
    • Chat time on our patio swing
    • Later, Amanda, Steve and I toured on our motorcycles up north and walked around Long Lake Park. The 2 photography geeks took photos of spring bursting forth.

    ***

    Sing to the King

    Come, let us sing a song
    A song declaring that we belong to Jesus,
    He is all we need.
    Lift up a heart of praise,
    Sing now with voices raised to Jesus,
    Sing to the King.

  • 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?

    ***

  • We love you, Mom!

    This song entitled, “Draw Me Close to You,” is for all of you who have no Mom to celebrate with on Mother’s Day. I feel your pain. My Mom, and best friend, was promoted to heaven 21 years ago this July. The pain has lessened, but every holiday still hurts. Especially on Mother’s Day. Take comfort in a God who longs to draw you close to him.

    The words are a good reminder that God is all I’ve ever needed…all I want and begs the Maker of the Universe to help me know he is near. “Draw me close to you and never let me go…you are my desire and no one else will do. ‘Cause nothing else could take your place—to feel the warmth of your embrace. Help me find the way, bring me back to you.”

    It softens the blow to know you are in heaven, Mom, with your precious Savior. I draw comfort in the fact that someday we will be reunited. But we still miss you a lot…especially today!

    We love you Mom and always will,

    Teresa, Karen, and Lonnie