Recently, I experienced every author's dream. A woman recognized me, threw her arms around me, and said, "Your book changed my life!" Before I said a word, she told me that she had an over abundance of children and an inadequate stash of cash. She could not give her children the material possessions that other mothers afforded their offspring. Guilt, jealousy, resentment, and bitterness consumed her and robbed her of joy.
Her change of attitude happened after reading "Two Mothers--One Heart" in my book, "Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms." In it, I tell the story of two mothers--one is rich and the other is poor. Both mothers share the same heart's concern that their abundance or lack of wealth will have a negative affect on the character development of their daughters.
Serenity arrived in the heart of my new friend when she realized she was not a bad mom because she couldn't give her children the best of everything. All mothers, no matter their stations in life, struggle with the financial implications of raising a family.
In these economic times, let's not focus on what we can't give our children. Instead, let's use our creativity. God gave us an amazing playground to enjoy and it costs nothing.
I asked my facebook friends what was their favorite childhood memory. Their comments were: Sitting in the tree reading a book, peeling apples on the back porch, campfires, visiting grandparents, mom reading to me, sitting on daddy's lap, camping, snowfalls, swinging and pretending to touch the stars. Notice a pattern here? Not one memory has to do with a trip to Disneyworld or owning the hottest toy on the market.
It's the simple things, mom. It's the everyday that is special. Stop putting pressure on yourselves to provide stuff for your kids. All they really want is you. Throw your arms around them and be their greatest fan. That's every child's dream and it will change their lives!
Splashes of serenity--I recommend giving some of that to your child,
Elaine
Showing posts with label Mothers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mothers. Show all posts
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lessons from a Swedish Mother-in-Law
A generation passed quickly before our eyes. Dan's mother died July 20, 2009. Dan's dad left us on February 7, 2010.
My heart praises God that I never related to mother-in-law jokes as my mom-in-love was just that--a mom I loved. I write this in tribute to her and to our God.
I learned a lot about love from my Swedish mother-in-law. When she said, "Do you want more mashed potatoes?" she wasn't asking a question. She was making a statement as she scooped more potatoes on top of the ones I had yet to eat. That was mom--no matter how much you had, she wanted to give you more.
So like Jesus. He wants to give us over and above what we ask for or imagine. He piles our plates with His blessings and then He piles on some more. Let's make sure we enjoy it all--even the ones we never expected.
I was blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law. She loved me when I wasn't loveable. She accepted me when I was rejected. She encouraged me when I was discouraged.
So like Jesus. He loves us, accepts us, and encourages us through the worst of our days. He tells us over and over, "I love you. You are mine. Do not be discouraged." Don't miss times listening to the Lord and His Voice of encouragement to you.
The sweetest memory I have of my Swedish mom happened 39 years ago. We sat in church together. I was a new and insecure bride. During the service she gently took my hand and held it. Such a simple gesture. I'll never forget its impact. I felt her love for me and the love of Christ that lived in her.
So like Jesus. Scripture assures us His Hands are holding ours. My favorite is Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'"
The days of eating Mom's mashed potatoes, hearing her encouraging words, and holding her hands have come to an end. I thank the Lord for Grace Miller's life. Her legacy lives on as I pile on the potatoes, seek to encourage, and look for a hand to hold while never forgeting the One Who puts portions on my plate, soothes my soul, and holds my hands as I journey through life.
May your plates overflow, your souls be soothed, and your hands held by the One who loves you more than any human ever could.
Splashes of Serenity to you, dear friend,
Elaine
My heart praises God that I never related to mother-in-law jokes as my mom-in-love was just that--a mom I loved. I write this in tribute to her and to our God.
I learned a lot about love from my Swedish mother-in-law. When she said, "Do you want more mashed potatoes?" she wasn't asking a question. She was making a statement as she scooped more potatoes on top of the ones I had yet to eat. That was mom--no matter how much you had, she wanted to give you more.
So like Jesus. He wants to give us over and above what we ask for or imagine. He piles our plates with His blessings and then He piles on some more. Let's make sure we enjoy it all--even the ones we never expected.
I was blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law. She loved me when I wasn't loveable. She accepted me when I was rejected. She encouraged me when I was discouraged.
So like Jesus. He loves us, accepts us, and encourages us through the worst of our days. He tells us over and over, "I love you. You are mine. Do not be discouraged." Don't miss times listening to the Lord and His Voice of encouragement to you.
The sweetest memory I have of my Swedish mom happened 39 years ago. We sat in church together. I was a new and insecure bride. During the service she gently took my hand and held it. Such a simple gesture. I'll never forget its impact. I felt her love for me and the love of Christ that lived in her.
So like Jesus. Scripture assures us His Hands are holding ours. My favorite is Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'"
The days of eating Mom's mashed potatoes, hearing her encouraging words, and holding her hands have come to an end. I thank the Lord for Grace Miller's life. Her legacy lives on as I pile on the potatoes, seek to encourage, and look for a hand to hold while never forgeting the One Who puts portions on my plate, soothes my soul, and holds my hands as I journey through life.
May your plates overflow, your souls be soothed, and your hands held by the One who loves you more than any human ever could.
Splashes of Serenity to you, dear friend,
Elaine
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