NEVER an Option

 One of my favorite movies is the Untouchables.  This 1987 film is based on the life of American Prohibition agent Eliot Ness as he tries to take down Chicago crime boss Al Capone.  You might wonder what would attract a Mom to this movie about the mob. A well-written script, handsome characters and great acting are part of it. One memorable moment in the film comes when Ness is challenged by a friend who admits that bringing Capone to justice won't be easy and then he asks him, "So what are you prepared to do"?

That same question can be asked of all of us when times get hard; the job, the kids, the finances. How can we keep looking up when things appear to be going down?

Psalm 31:24 (ESV) says, Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

Believe life is worth fighting for, because Giving Up is NEVER an option.

Enjoy the Journey

As I look at my daughters who are now in college, it's unbelievable to see how quickly they have grown. I think about the days when they were born; toddlers taking their first steps. Now they are independent adults charting their own paths. But as I reminisce, I must also realize that's what life is all about. You don't stay in the same stage forever.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Sometimes I may romanticize about those early Mommy days. Still, I miss when my daughters were younger, discovering new things.

But no matter which phase we are living, we must enjoy the journey.

Better Than It Appears

Have you ever had an eye floater? It's like having spots in your vision. When you try to look at that floater directly, it seems to get further away from your view.

Life can be like that too. You can see that new job, loving relationship or rewarding opportunity in the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to get a better look, it goes out of focus.

Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Keep reaching for that goal, that dream no matter what it may look like. Stay positive and stay strong. Because your vision may be better than it appears.

A New Name

There are two well-known brothers in my community whose last name is Wise. And that name fits them perfectly. One is a Pastor of a large church; the other is a talented Musician and College Professor. Their children and grandchildren are just as gifted. That Wise name really represents who they are. That made me think: What does my name say about me?

Genesis 17:5 says, God told him, I am changing your name. It is no longer Abram (Exalted Father) but Abraham (Father of Nations) for that is what you will be. I have declared it.

Maybe you don't need a new car or a new wardrobe to define who you are. Maybe you need a New Name!

 

Act Like a Child

Take turns; don’t hit others; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That’s what I tell my Preschoolers in class every day.  Maybe we need to remind adults too, because in today’s climate, it looks like children have better manners than the grown-ups. We see too many adults behaving badly. Aretha Franklin shouldn’t be the only person talking about R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Matthew 7:12 says, So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The bottom line: Treat others the way you want them to treat you. Instead of telling an unruly adult to act their age, maybe we should tell them instead to act like a child.

Stay in Touch

 Since the Pandemic began, it’s been a challenge being separated from family and friends. But technology can keep us connected during this weird abnormal time.  See your loved ones online by hosting a virtual gathering.

Here’s a few tips:

1.       Make a Plan: Select the theme of your event

2.       Send Invitations:  Hosting 20 people or less makes the event more intimate

3.       Make an Agenda: This lets your guests know what to expect

4.       Keep the event fun and flowing: Everyone can’t speak at once & one person can’t dominate.  Remember: You control the mute button!

5.       Afterwards, learn what worked and what didn’t: Plan for a future gathering!

Enjoy new ways to stay in touch.

A New Foundation

When I was a little girl, as my family celebrated New Year's Eve, I remember my parents saying, "Time really flies!" As a child, it felt as if the time from the first day of school in September to Christmas took forever! Now that I'm older, I understand what my parents meant. The years are quickly passing. That's why it's crucial to plan and build the foundation for your life every year.

2 Timothy 2:19 (a) says, God's firm foundation stands.

Make sure your new year has a:

1. Fitness Foundation:  Set realistic goals and find the best way to make healthy choices. Go to the gym or get a fitness app on your cell phone and workout at home.

2. Financial Foundation: Be a good steward of your money. Speak to a financial planner for professional help.

3. Future Foundation: You're never too young or too old to plan for your future. What are your hopes and dreams? Share your desires with a family member or a trusted friend to keep our vision on track.

For more inspiring messages like this one, get my latest Christian Devotional: Mommy Matters: Why every little prayer makes a BIG difference! Available for purchase on Amazon.