NEWSLETTER for Mothers Day
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM IN A BAG
MOM OF 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ARRESTED -- CAN YOU IMAGINE WHY?
We search the world for truth;
We call the good, the pure, the beautiful,
From graven stone and written scroll,
And all old flower--fields of the soul;
And, weary seekers of the best,
We come back laden from the quest,
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read. - John Greenleaf Whittier
I have often taken for granted the rich heritage of Christian example my mother modeled before me growing up, but the older I get, the more precious those memories become. My mother is 89 years old now and is still faithfully living a life of trust in her Lord. In many ways, she made (makes) the spiritual life seem easy, but I know she knows as well as I do that often it is a downright struggle against the forces of darkness that wish to destroy our inner rest.
Michelle at three and a half prayed, "Thank you Jesus for coming to save sins. Well, that's about it for now." One day she colored a birthday picture for Jesus and exclaimed proudly, "I want to give this picture to Jesus when He comes to our house."
One evening, Rachel (three) proudly proclaimed, "I'm all prayed up for several months." During my third pregnancy, requiring bedrest, Rachel at two and a half explained to me that she was going to bed, "God will be in here (my bedroom) with you, mommy."
Stephanie also had her creative array of questions and comments. One of my favorites was when we were in the foyer of the bank one day around Christmas time. She saw a giant tree decorated with all sorts of dolls imaginable. She commented on the way out that the preacher talked about that tree in his sermon the Sunday before. "Mommy, Pastor talked about A-Doll-Tree." I thought and thought about this one, until suddenly in the car on the way home, I remembered his sermon was on ADULTERY. OOPS!
Other endearing comments included, "Does Jesus hurt?" "Does Jesus spank?" "Is God bigger than a rock?" "How does a bunny laugh?" "I know I'm not bigger yet, but I'm sure growing up hard." "Dad, you're just like a mom." "Mom, you need to save your strength so you can find my block." Upon styling grandma's hair one day during a visit, Rachel concluded with, "Fashioned by Rachel's hand." Three-year-old Rachel had just been going about the house that day singing a Sunday School song titled, "Fashioned by the Master's Hand."
As a child, when I came out in the mornings before school to see mom reading her Bible at the kitchen table, I felt a calm security. I never doubted that she would be right there as always, diligently pouring over the Scriptures. She was helping to fashion me, to set the course for my life, to lay a pattern that I could follow with my children, and so I have tried to do accordingly.
She made it very plain by her actions that God's Word was the dearest book in the world to her. Everything she did was governed by the Book and she taught me to test every thought and action by the Scripture.
After breakfast, I would walk by her bedroom door to see it cracked--mom kneeling by her bed talking to God. I often wondered later if she left the door cracked for my benefit. I'm glad she did.
Gift Baskets, Survival Kits and Candy Grams! Make your own this year. You can use the ideas below and add to or take away, Just make it personal for the recipient.
Mother's Day Gift Basket
Subscription to her favorite magazine
Bath salts or aroma therapy bath powder
Her favorite scented candles
Her favorite chocolate
Coupon book you make (nights that you cook, or leave mom alone for a day or an hour)
A soft back romance novel or romance movie
Comfy, warm slippers
A coupon to visit a spa for the day
A gift certificate to her favorite clothing store
A personal handwritten letter telling her why you love her and what you admire about her
Her favorite flowers
Mother's Survival Kit
Band-Aid to fix hurt feelings
Button to button lips and count to 10 when angry
Cotton swab to clean out little ears - for better listening
Flower to remind you that the dandelion your child offers you is better than any bouquet
Glitter for a glimpse of how the world looks through the eyes of a child
Hug&Kiss Candy to make everything alright
Lifesaver for one of those days
Marble for when you've lost yours
Rubberband for when you are stretched beyond your limits
Sweet/Sour Tarts to help you find the sweet in the sour times
Toothpick to pick out the good in difficult situations
Penny for your thoughts
Pen & Journal to write down your thoughts
Clock to remind you that time will pass by too quickly, enjoy every moment.
Tissue to dry those alligator tears, the babies and yours.
Fireball for times when you are burnt out
Lollipop to lick all your problems
Eraser to remind you that every Mom makes mistakes
Puzzle Piece because you are an important piece in your child's journey through life.
Starburst for energy
Mirror to remind you to take time for yourself
Jewel because Good mothers are a precious jewel to their family
Mother's Day Candy Gram
(Write this on poster board and where the candy name is, you can substitute the candy bar!)
I know I haven't been an ALMOND JOY to you all my life. I have been down some ROCKY ROADs, but you have always been there to help me pick up the REESE'S PIECES and pave a better MILKY WAY for me. You are truly a SPECIAL TREASURE in my life. A CAREFREE spirit and never without HUGS & KISSES for her child. You are the RIESEN they made Mother's Day BAR NONE. Happy Mother's Day. I love you GOOD & PLENTY.
Your SUGAR BABIES,
(Sign your name here)
_________________________________________________________________
Used by permission from Angela Billings, a stay at home wife and mother who publishes an online newsletter Home and Family Ezine. http://www.homeandfamilyezine.com
Somebody said that a child is carried in its mother's womb for nine months.
Somebody does not know that a child is carried in its mother's heart forever.
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.
Somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, normal is history.
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct.
Somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
Somebody said being a mother is boring.
Somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good."
Somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.
Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices.
Somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.
Somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.
Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first.
Somebody doesn't have five children.
Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books.
Somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery.
Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back.
Somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married.
Somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.
Somebody never had grandchildren.
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.
Somebody isn't a mother.
FINE - This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine" to describe how a woman looks - this will cause you to have one of those arguments.
GO AHEAD (With Raised Eyebrows) - This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine!"
GO AHEAD (Normal Eyebrows) - This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care." You will get a "Raised Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.
LOUD SIGH - This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing."
man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a "Raised Eyebrow."
GO AHEAD - At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.
PLEASE DO - This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay."
THANKS - A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say you're welcome.
THANKS A LOT - This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot"
when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have offended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing."
2 tsp. sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Ice
Salt (table salt is OK)
Quart-sized freezer zip lock bag
Gallon-sized freezer zip lock bag
Put ice and salt in large Zip-lock bag. Put sugar, milk, vanilla in the quart size. Close the quart-sized bag and put in with ice and salt, then close larger bag. Just shake until mixture forms soft serve ice cream (usually only takes about 5-7 minutes). -- Cindy, 46, from NJ
SAHMs of Teens - By Patti Chadwick - [email protected] - Copyright 2005
Used by permission
Philippians 4:12-13 says, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
The Bible teaches us many life lessons. One of the most useful of those life lessons is that of being content with what you have.
We live in a material world. Hollywood tries to instill in us the belief that it is what you have that counts. According to the media you need the right clothes, the right car, the right shoes, the right hair, the right "look" to be a worthwhile person.
We often spend much of our time striving to obtain more and more of the luxuries that this world offers. We want all the gadgets and all the latest fashions. We want the best cars and houses and our kids want all the latest toys. It is so easy to get caught up in all these "wants" to the degree that we spend all our spare time working toward obtaining "things" instead of investing our time into making this world a better place.
We need to remember that it is not our outward appearance that really matters, but it is what we are inside that counts. It doesn't matter what you have, but WHOSE you are.
To be honest, sometimes I struggle with being content with what I have. A new rug in my entryway would be nice and so would a new living room chair...
If I am able to earn a little extra to purchase these things, that's great. But I need to remember my priorities. I need to remind myself that I've chosen to live a simple lifestyle so that I could have the time and energy to invest in relationships with people.
So when I look around my house - or in my closet - and start dreaming of things I would like to have, I need to remind myself that God is good and he amply supplies for all my needs - even many of my "wants". I don't always need the latest gadget and newest clothes. These things don't bring true happiness. But being content with what you have does bring peace.
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Patricia Chadwick is the creator of History's Women an online magazine highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history and recognizing the obstacles they've had to overcome in order to reach their goals. Visit her online at http://www.historyswomen.com and sign up for the FREE newsletter. Also visit her bookstore at http://www.pcpublications.org.
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=3627&refcd=CE05DCZL7tvar=no
Moms can get so busy that they often miss out on the best moments of motherhood. "The Mom You're Meant to Be" urges moms to forget the formulas and lean on God's wisdom to raise their children. You'll be energized and encouraged by the wisdom of this book, which captures what it means to be a mom. Item Code: BL265
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/05/05apr09w.htm </a>
There was a huge nut tree by the cemetery fence. One day two boys filled up a bucket full of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight and began dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said the boys.
The bucket was so full, several rolled out towards the fence. Cycling down the road by the cemetery was a third boy. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, "one for you, one for me. One for you..." He knew what it was. "Oh dear Lord," he shuddered, "It's Satan and St. Peter dividing the souls at the cemetery!"
He cycled down the road and found an old man with a cane, hobbling along. "Come quick!" he said, "You won't believe what I heard. Satan and St. Peter are down at the cemetery dividing the souls." The man said, "Shoo, you! Can't you see I'm finding it hard to walk as it is?" After several pleas, the man hobbled to the cemetery and heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one...", the old man whispered, "Boy, you's been tell'n the truth! Let's see if we can see the Devil himself." Shivering with fear, they edged toward the fence, still unable to see anything, but they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me. And one last one for you. That's all. Let's go get those nuts by the fence, and we'll be done."
They say the old guy made it to town 10 minutes before the boy!
ANOTHER WORD FOR LOVE
Copyright 2002 © ~ by Diane Alvarado, my precious niece in PA ~ Used by permission
If you are interested in Diane's music with her husband, Michael, please reply to this newsletter and I will give you more information. Their music is about the Christian life and family.
Who saw the stars when she looked in our eyes?
Who picked us up when we cried?
Who rocked us to sleep with her lullabies?
It was Mother.
Who told us stories, who read us books?
Who made us laugh with her silly looks?
Who was always the very best cook?
It was Mother.
Mother is another word for love;
She's God's treasure from above.
She was always thinking of us.
Mother, thank you for the love you've shown;
By your nurture we have grown.
You're another word for love.
Who helped us learn our ABC's?
Who helped us count our 123's?
Who cleaned us up when we skinned our knees?
It was Mother.
Who taught us how to bake a cake?
Who got rid of our tummy aches?
Who'd hang up every picture we'd make?
It was Mother.
Who took a picture of our first date?
Who told us we'd have to be home by eight?
And who said we'd get it if we were late?
It was Mother.
Who watched us grow from year to year?
Through all the laughter and the tears?
As time goes by she grows more dear.
It's our mother.
She may not be perfect, but I'm glad that she's mine;
She reminds me of an angel, she's special – one of a kind!
Springing out from her heart is a love that's sweet and pure.
Oh, we've just got to tell her so we know she knows for sure –
That Mother, you're another word for love;
You're God's treasure from above…
You were always thinking of us.
Mother – thank you for the love you've shown;
By your nurture we have grown.
You're another word for love.
Mother, you're another word for love.
A PERSONAL NOTE ABOUT MOTHER'S DAY
Ladies, I know Mother's Day is not a happy day for every woman. If you are having a difficult time celebrating Mother's Day because of desperately wanting to have a child and not being able to have one, my heart goes out to you. Diane Alvarado herself, who wrote the words and music to the song above, went through many years of having empty arms, until the Lord brought two beautiful and precious children for Michael and Diane to adopt. Several years ago, Diane wrote an article on that subject for me. Let me know if you would like to read her article or contact her for a CD.
Maybe you have lost a baby through miscarriage. If so, JoAnn Taylor, a precious "Heart to Heart" friend can minister to you in a very caring way. Operation Angel's web sites are http://fly.to/OperationAngel & http://opangel.angelcities.com/index.html Or e-mail JoAnn at [email protected].
Maybe you have lost your mother as I have. If your mother is no longer available to share times with and be your mentor, as I so often miss even after twenty years since my mother's graduation to heaven, why not seek out an older woman who could fill in as a mother figure? It may even grow into a mentoring situation. I hope this newsletter is serving to do a small part in that direction, but an older friend whom you can call on for advice and spend time with would be even more encouraging to you. Why not take the initiative by inviting her to breakfast or lunch some day and build up a friendship?
Or maybe you have had or still have a terrible relationship with your mother. The Lord can heal those years of bitterness and unforgiveness, if you make up your mind to ask and allow Him to restore your relationship.
For those young ladies who are not yet married or are just newly married, you have a lot to look forward to, as you anticipate motherhood!
Happy Mother's Day to most of you and Happy Daughter's Day to all of you!
You are most definitely the King's Daughter if you are a Child of the King!
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