Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Mother's Job

For more reverential ponderings on Mothers Day, stop by Angie's place!
From the dawn of the human race, mothers have struggled with guilt. Mothers have made mistakes. Mothers have wondered which of their children's woes could be ascribed to the hand that rocked the cradle. This Mothers Day, I think of the age old tradition of mother-guilt.

Can you imagine what Eve suffered in this department? Eve blew the family's chance to live in the very best neighborhood. She let her husband run around without a clean shirt and slacks. She raised her sons, but one turned out to be a murderer.

Poor Eve! How many times did she replay her mistakes in her mind? Did she worry what the other mothers must think of her? Did she resent Adam for her own bad judgements? Did she look at her polar opposite offspring and wonder where she went wrong?

Mothering is the biggest job on the planet. Tonight, I am thankful for Eve, the mother of all mothers. No offense to her, but her story reassures me I'm not doing so badly after all. Here's to every mother who ever did the best she knew how to do - a blessed and guilt-free Mothers Day to us all!

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.

The last Word:
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31: 28-31, NIV.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Back from the Brink

We all have distinct signs that we have officially gone "over the edge." Friday morning, I dashed off to work with a million things on my mind. Work, family and my expanding thighs vied for the lead in my racing thoughts. By midmorning, I realized I had not even visited the ladies room.

Thankfully, no one was walking by to hear my belly laugh from this tiny retreat. You see, it was the first time in the day that I had occasion to look at my feet. Looking back at me were two different styles of shoes. In my defense, I have several pairs of white work shoes, allowing them to "breathe" a day or two between uses. And I did have a right shoe for my right foot, a left shoe for my left foot. They just weren't the same make.

As I drove home Friday evening, I noticed the slogan on this panel truck. "AAA Batteries Delivered and Installed". From the dense fog of my mind came the question, "Why on earth would somebody need a tiny AAA-sized battery delivered and installed?" Once I recognized the AAA emergency road service logo, God treated me to another belly laugh. I knew I shouldn't be operating a motor vehicle, so I carefully drove home and hung up my keys.

How about you? What are your "Stick a fork in me, I'm done" signs? I'd love to hear I'm not the only maniac out here on the loose!

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.

The last Word:
So the Lord scattered them from there all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel - because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world.
Genesis 11: 8, 9, NIV.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Bubbles for Sydney

Sydney believed in God and the precious name of His Son. She loved her dog as well as all other animals. She rarely argued with her younger brother. She always took her friends' side in teenage breakups. She mugged for the camera in the lingerie department of Target.

She was an honors student and a formidable athlete. She went to her junior prom. Two weeks later, a speeding tractor trailer with a distracted driver sent Sydney into the waiting arms of Christ. One year ago this week, I answered my phone and heard my youngest daughter sob, "Mom, one of my friends got killed on the way to school today."

This afternoon, we stood in the cold rain to see a garden overlooking her childhood soccer field being dedicated to Sydney's memory. As the rain subsided and the ceremony closed, the crowd blew bubbles into the air from tiny bottles provided by the family.

Tonight, I have more questions than answers. How do you put one foot in front of the other? How do you continue to breathe? How do you ensure the shock of a child's death does not eclipse the joy that was her life?

Tonight, I covet your prayers for everyone touched by Sydney's journey through this world. I thank my God that you are there to ask.

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.
Photo credit

The last Word:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . . And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21: 1-4, NIV.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Dollar Store Delights


When my daughters were little, the Dollar Store was my best friend. There I could dazzle the tots I loved without breaking the bank. I think of those days wistfully, especially when paying a teenager's car insurance or a semester of college tuition.

Tomorrow, my youngest daughter takes her SAT's. I wanted to do something to encourage her. So tonight, I once again enjoyed the thrill of a Dollar Store bonanza. If you promise not to tell, I will share my recipe for a discount boost of an anxious teen's heart.

Assemble the following Dollar Store items and label them as indicated:
  • Bratz Doll Lip Gloss - SAT Tip #1: Look Good to Do Good.

  • SpongeBob SquarePants wrist watch - SAT Tip #2: Be on Time.


  • Mickey Mouse Car Keys - SAT Tip #3: Drive Carefully to the Test Site.


  • Squirt gun - SAT Tip #4: Take Care Against Cheaters.


  • Deck of playing cards - SAT Tip #5: Take a Break During the Test.


  • Snack bar - SAT Tip #6: Keep Up Your Blood Sugar.


  • Blowing bubbles with wand - SAT Tip #7: Enjoy Yourself When the Test is Finished.

Place the labeled items into a tissued gift bag. Watch said teen smile and protest the silly gift while you know she's loving it. Praise God for His great mercy and care.

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.

Photo Credit

The last Word:
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7: 9-11, NIV.