Overjoyed: Mother's Day

OVERJOYED

GROWING CLOSER TO JESUS ON MOTHER’S DAY

Editor’s Letter

When the Lord told us to pray without ceasing, He must have been thinking about motherhood (1 Thess. 5:17). As children get older and mothers have less control, they find placing control back into the hands oftheOnewhocreatedtheirchildtobethemostassuringwaytoparent. We even find our relationships with Jesus strengthened through this fellowship as we talk to Him and He talks back about His path for our children. Some mothers are not mothers to their own child, but spiritual mothers who help others mature in their faith, guiding them down welltraveled paths. There is always a place for a mother in the room. I know from my own mother that the care you give never stops. The praying never ceases. The love never quits. As a daughter, I need my mom as much now as I ever did, as a mother, I need the Lord more today than I didthedaybefore.

There was a Canaanite woman who approached Jesus about her daughter. Jesus told the woman, “...I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mark 7:24). The woman, however, refused to take noforananswer.ShereasonedwithJesusthroughherbelief,impressing Him so much that He exclaimed, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto theeevenasthouwilt”(Mark7:28).Aconversationledbyfaithmadethe differenceforherandherdaughter.WhenwespeakwithJesusaboutour kids,ourfaithmakesthedifference.Hewillrespondtowhatyoubelieveto be true of Him. He will hide you in the cleft of the rock and answer your prayers.

Ineverything,always,moreJesus,

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:25-26

fervant & unfailing love

LoriStevens

Being a mother is one of my greatest privileges. I am so blessed to have my two beautiful children. I believe it my greatest role in ministry to pour into these two individuals all I can about God, to demonstrate to them who God is to me and who He can be to them. I want them to know Jesus and his love more than anything else. However, as Mother's Day approaches, I often begin to think about how much I have failed as a mom. I know I failed many times. I remember all the times I allowed myself to respond in anger or out of being tired. I remember not keeping up with all the activities and feeling like I messed up. I remember all those disappointing moments. But God reminds me daily, that his love covers a multitude of sins. “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].”1Peter4:8

IrealizethatGodseesallmymistakes and failures and he covers it all with his love. His love is the greatest and deepest love we could ever experience. His love that sweeps in full offorgivenessandgracetorespondto ourcryofrepentance,isthesamelove that covers me when I failed as a mom. My kids may have experienced my failures, but they also experienced mygreatestanddeepestlove.

My children also got to hear me pray and ask God for his forgiveness and grace. They got to hear me pray over them when they were sick, going to school each morning, and when we hadneeds.TheyknowthatIwillalways prayforthemandlovethem.Theysaw me grow in faith in spite of my own shortcomings.

My children may have seen me at my weak times, but they have also seen meatmystrongest.Asamom,Igetto extend the love I have received from Jesustomychildren.Igettolovethem when they have difficulties and make mistakes as well as when they are proud and victorious. I get to be the loveofGodsenttothem.

I pray that they too rely on the love ofGodallthedaysoftheirlives.My greatest joy is to know my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4). I want to see my children continue in the joy of the Lord that I have shared with them. My greatest success will be my children knowing God for themselves, not because I was perfect, but because I lived a life that reflected Christ to them on a dailybasis.Iwanttoknowthatthey see how Jesus loves me when I failed and when I was successful. I want them to be able to call on Jesus because they know he answeredwhenIprayedandhewill answer when they pray. I want them to love him above all, because I demonstrated the joy and peace that comes from living for Jesus. I pray I have demonstrated the grace and mercy of Jesus in a way that will causethemtodesireJesusmostof all. May our children see that even thoughwearenotperfect,weknow a Savior who is. May God be their first love over all the world has to offereverydayoftheirlives.

Rock Of Ages

By A. M. Toplady

(1740-1778)

Rock of Ages! cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleansing from its guilt and power.

Not the labor of my hands Could fulfil the law's demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears for ever flow, Nought for sins could e'er atone But Thy blood, and Thine alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thyself I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die.

Found by Thee before I sought, Unto Thee in mercy brought; I have Thee for righteousness, From Thy fulness grace on grace; Thou hast washed me in Thy blood, Made me live and live to God.

to be an influencer JanisDuvall

Influence: the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions of anotherorothers.

There is something about a mother that defies definition. You can write the words found in the dictionary, but you can’t find the essence of mother in those words. She has strength, courage, endurance, fortitude, determination,ingenuity,andall these things are engulfed in the love that is portrayed every day even though most days she feelsnoneofthosethings.

There are so many women who dread Mother’s Day. It is one emotion that I can relate to all to well. Forty-two years ago, on this Mother’s Day was the worst days of my life. Our son, Joshua Claytonwhowasoneweekfrom his third birthday died on May 12th.

Just six months prior to that on November the 7th we had a stillborn baby girl who we named Erin Brooke. I’m saying all of this because I want you to know that I understand the complexitiesofMother’sDay.

For so many it is a day of mourning insteadofjoy.Theyareremindedthat they have never had a child, lost a child or a mother, or those who had the misfortune of having a mother that isn’t at all like the one I have described above. To some it is a heartbreaking day that can remind youofthethingsthatyouhavelostor neverhad.

not actually have to have borne a child to exhibit all those wonderful things that I have described above. There are thousands of women that exemplify those descriptive qualities andbecauseoftheverywaytheylive, their lives will bear influence on people around us that will change their lives in ways that are unimaginable. These are women who raise someone else’s child, stepparents who have loved the children that came into your life by marriage, women who have loved children whose mothers were not capable or never shown how to demonstratethatlove.

What a great thing it is to be able to influence another in this life. We have that opportunity to reach out and touch another human being and change their life. To reach into their heart and ease hurts, to show love, to teach them kindness and understanding.Toteachtheminways that can change not only the way they see themselves, but the way they, in turn, will see their children or others that can be influenced by them.

One of the most familiar is that found in 2 Timothy when describing Timothy’s mother and grandmother. It states, “When I recall to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and they mother Eunice; and I am persuadedthatintheealso.”

What a great and wonderful gift that is to be able to share your faith and instill that in another human being. To nurture them and cause them to not only believe but to have life altering faith.Whataprivilegeitistogive the gift to be able to cause them toseewhatcan’tbeseen.

Another example is Deborah out ofJudgesChapter4and5.

If you are familiar with this story at all you will remember they were in bondage to Jabin, the KingofCanaanandhadbeenfor 20 years. In Chapter 5 it tells the story how life had ceased to be normalduringthistime.Alandin bondage, without hope of change. But then there came a womannameDeborah.

We find many examples of these womenintheBible.

She was a judge that made judgements for the people and after 20 years of seeing the bondage of her people she had had enough! She called herself “a motherinIsarel!”Whethershehad children is unknown, but she saw herself as an influencer! Somehow,shecametohersenses and said I must shake myself! I can’t sit here any longer and see my children, my children’s children, my family, or my friends stay in this bondage. I must do something about it and she did! She influenced her whole nation by standing strong in the face of much danger because of her mother’sheart

Sara Josepha Hale wrote “There is noinfluencesopowerfulasthatof the mother.” We get to choose even if we have borne no children tobecomethatvoiceofinfluence. To speak into others’ hearts, to changethetrajectoryoftheirlives, to enable them to become better thanwhenwefoundthem. Icanthinkofnothinggreaterthan tobeabletobeaninfluencerasa motherwould.

“There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother.” Sarah Hale

Psalm145:16

hands

DebbieYoung

“You open Your Hand and satisfy the desireofeverylivingthing.”

Ourhandsareawonder!Designedby amarvelousMasterCreator,wecould scarcely do without them. Nor would wewantto.

Justthinkofthethingshandscando; brain surgery, ditch digging, piano playing, flower planting, signlanguage,texting,wecouldgoonand on.

Hands can be unadorned, bejeweled, scarred, smooth, rough from working, ink-stained from writing, sticky little kid’s hands, or gnarled, arthritichands.

Hands can be used to show anger, or toexpresslove.

Our hands can be used in greeting with a firm handshake, a high five, a fistbumporahug.

Ecclesiastes9:10

“What ever your hand finds to do,doitwithallyourmight.”

Hands can be influential. William Wallace (1865) is credited with the saying, “The handthatrocksthecradlerules theworld.”

Our mother’s hands fed us, diapered us, bathed us, blew our noses, wiped our tears, bandaged our skinned knees, cooked delicious meals and most likely worked hard to help makeendsmeet.

Our mother’s strong hands raised us up to face the world andthenwhenwelaunchedout on our own she raised that hand to wipe her tears and wavegood-bye.

The years go by and those precious hands that cared for us are old and feeble. They can no longer thread a needle or sew on a button. Most days, those hands arequietinherlap.

Soonerthanlater,wefindtheroles have reversed and we are using our hands to nurture and care for her. With one hand she grips her caneandtheotherholdstightlyto our arm. It’s then you remember all the times she insisted on holding your hand when you crossedthestreet.

One day those loving, gentle hands will be folded across her tired body, only to be raised in newnessofGloryinEternallife!

Those hands will clap and praise God with wonder and joy when theyenterthoseGates!

For her wonderful Home is made possible by another set of Hands. Hands that reached out to heal the sick, feed the multitudes and toblessthechildren.

Hands that willingly stretched out to receive the nails that fastened Him to the Cross. Yes, those scars in His nail pierced Hands contain all the names of thosewholoveHim.

One day soon, He will reach out HisHandstowelcomeusHome. His Word says, “At Thy Right Hand are pleasures forever more!”Psalm16:11.

Recently, I held my mother’s wrinkled, old hands while I watchedherlifeslipaway.(April 27th, 2024) I’m looking forward toseeingheragainontheother side. I will slip my hand in hers as we walk together on those streetsofGold.Herhandswillbe smooth and young and there will be a spring in her step. Together we will walk, hand-inhand as we reminisce of our lives together and enjoy all the wonders of Heaven that are preparedforus.

(SeeyoulaterMom!)

Our mother’ s strong hands raised us up to face the world and then when we launched out on our own she raised that hand to wipe her tears and wave good-bye.

mothers rise up

GailReeve

I believe one of the highest positions a woman can hold in this world is that of being called Mother(mom).

Motherhood is such a miraculous giftfromourcreator.Itallbeganin Genesis. Adam called his wife Eve becauseshewasthemotherofall living. Eve was the first woman to give birth to a baby, so the continuing cycle of giving birth as we know it began with her, the motherofallliving.

In Judges, chapter four, we find the story of another mother. Her name is Deborah. Deborah was one of the judges of Israel that God would raise up to speak on hisbehalf.Shejudgedandledthe people according to His word and law.TheBiblesaysDeborahwasa prophetess and the wife of Lapidoth, so she could have had children also. God raised up a woman to a position that was usuallyoccupiedbyamaninthis

time. Even here God shows He is no respecter of persons. Our God is sovereign and He will choose and use whomever He wills. Deborah was a prophetess, so she spoke as theoracleofGod.

At this time the children of Israel were mightily oppressed by Jabin theKingofCanaanfortwentyyears after the judge Ehud died because they turned to do evil in the sight of the Lord. God allowed their enemies to war against them because of their disobedience, but God raised up “Deborah the prophetess” to judge Israel. Every day you would probablyfindDeborahseatedunder the “Palm trees of Deborah” settling disputes and controversies that would come up between the childrenofIsrael.

Why do you think God chose this woman? First of all she had a relationship with her God and she believed in Him and He saw a qualityofmotherlywisdominherto bealeaderthatwouldleadand

directHispeopleinwhatwasright. And she would nurture them as a mother does her child. She would provide for them the Godly wisdom that they needed to grow and develop into God’s chosen children.

Now that the enemy was coming against them, Deborah called for Barak, the captain of the army of Israel.ShetoldhimtogotoMount Taborandtaketenthousandmen with him and go against their enemy Jabin and his army. God saidHewoulddeliverthemintohis hands.KnowingthatDeborahwas a woman of God and that she trusted in the God of Israel, Barak said to Deborah, “If you go with me,I’llgo,butifyoudonotgothen I’m not going.” Deborah said to him “Okay, I will go.” When they arrived at Mount Tabor, Deborah toldBarak,“GetUp!Thisistheday the Lord has delivered the enemy into your hands.” God gave Israel victory that day because a womanofGodroseupandledan army according to God’s command.

up and mothered (nourished) the children of Israel. She rose up above the stereotypes of her day and obeyed and followed after the trueGod.Sheledanationtovictory overtheirenemy.

I would say to Mothers everywhere, itistimetoriseupandtakeastand against the enemy of our soul (Satan) and lead your family, friends, and those around you to the saving grace of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Lead by example. Let those around you see you rise up in the power and strength of the Holy Ghost. The enemy will have to flee. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. So rise up above the enemy and this world and let Jesus use you for a victory forHispeople.

Deborah rose up and made her callingandelectionsure.Sherose

Remember, a mother is one who nurtures those around her with the WordofGod. Beanexampletothe younger generation to see that living for and trusting in our God is the best life there is. Let those around you see you pray, praise, and worship our Jesus. When you arenotafraidofthenaysayersand thetricksoftheenemy, peoplewill notice and call you blessed of the Lord.

Be the leader God called you to be. You may be the Deborah that leads a family to salvation, or an evangelist that brings revival to a community.

Proverbs31:28:Herchildrenriseup and call her blessed; her husband also,andhepraisedher.

Proverbs 27:2: Let another man praise you and not your own mouth.

Mothers, Iapplaud you and thank God for Godly Mothers that will lead their daughters, sons, and familyinthewayofrighteousness, saying “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Beblessedalwaysismyprayerfor you.HaveahappyMother’sDay!

I miss my precious momma

Imissmypreciousmomma

She’sinHeavennow

MarylouForrest

Iknowtheangelscametogethermanylonelyyearsago

Myheartwasoh-so-heavy

Astheylaidherintheground

Mytearscamelikerain

Asthefamilygatheredaround

Thencametheburstofsunlightthroughcloudssosilverlined

Andletusknowshecrossedover

Justinthenickoftime

Areunionnowhasstarted

Withthefolkswhowentbefore

Allgreetingmysweetmomma

Asshepassedthroughheaven’sdoor

in search of you

amother’sjourneyof loveandpurpose

HeidiMcCullers

Mothers–thoseremarkablebeings who embody love, sacrifice, and tender care. Webster's dictionary defines them simply as female parents, but their significance stretches far beyond mere words. In the book of Isaiah, God, in His infinite wisdom, chose the metaphor of mothers to illustrate His boundless love and nurturing naturetowardsHischildren.

Isaiah66:13tenderlyportraysGod's promise:"Asamothercomfortsher child,soIwillcomfortyou;andyou will be comforted over Jerusalem." The imagery is profound – a mother's embrace, a haven of solaceamidstlife'sstorms.

Reflecting on mothers, I often hear people proclaim, "I have the best mom."Iechothosesentimentswith heartfelt gratitude. My mother, a gift from God, painted my childhood with hues of love and acceptance.

Sheusedtoweaveataleofhowshe soughtmeoutamidstaseaoffaces, declaring,"Ipickedyou."Inhereyes,I wasnotjustchosen;Iwascherished.

Imagine a young child, wide-eyed and curious, listening intently as his mother spins a tale of love and longing. With each word, her voice carries the weight of a mother's devotion, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I searched high and low," she'd say, "through bustling orphanagesandquietcorners,untilI found you. " Her words painted vivid pictures of countless faces, each with its own story, its own hopes and dreams. But amidst the multitude, her gaze fell upon a solitary figure –a child, small and vulnerable, yet brimming with untapped potential. "I picked you, " she'd whisper, her voice trembling with emotion. And in that moment, a bond was formed, unbreakableandpure.

Similarly,God'sWordreassuresusof our divine selection. He intricately fashioned us in the womb, knowing us intimately before we even took our first breath. We are not accidents of fate but deliberate creations, handpicked by our HeavenlyFather.Understandingthis truth infuses our existence with purposeandsignificance.

A godly mother embodies strength, wisdom, and grace. She nurtures her children, imparting life's lessons with gentleness and conviction. Her influence extends beyond the confinesofherhome,touchinglives with kindness and encouragement. Even if motherhood hasn't graced your journey, the opportunity to comfort and mentor others awaits. Every interaction is a chance to reflect God's love and spread His messageofhope.

My mother's love was a testament to Christ's love. As she shared her story with foster children, I realized her aim wasn't merely to make me feel special, but to reveal the profound love of Jesus. Her life became a living testimony of God's boundlessgraceandaffection.

This Mother's Day, let's honor the mothers in our lives –biological, spiritual, and surrogate. Let's celebrate their unwavering devotion and emulate their example of love. Above all, let's remember that just as a mother's love knows no bounds, neither does the loveofourHeavenlyFather.

As we reflect on the love of mothers,let'salsoconsiderthe greatestloveofall–theloveof JesusChrist.Hewholaiddown His life for us, demonstrating the depth of God's love in its purest form. If you ' ve never experienced this love, if you ' ve never felt the embrace of a Heavenly Father who chose you before the foundation of the world, I invite you to open your heart today. Embrace His love, accept His grace, and experience the truest sense of belonging–forinHiseyes,you are chosen, cherished, and deeplyloved.

Jesus & moms

ShannonYarbrough

A couple of years ago, I read an article about Microchimerism; the study of the transfer of DNA from an unborn child to the mother and vice versa. Scientists had discovered the DNA of a child that a woman had carried YEARS after she had delivered her child. They were shocked to see that she had the DNA of another human within her. For years she had been walking around with a piece of child within her…..! That got me thinking about the uniqueness of motherhood.

A Mother’s Love is indescribable and without measure. Her love for her family will take precedence over her own life. To her, creating life, giving life, nurturing life and surrendering life, is what makes up her life. There is something so uniqueabouthowtheLordcreated a woman to care for His creation. Remember that all aspects of the familyareareflectionoftheimage ofatriuneGod.Itisundeniable

that motherhood is a reflection of God himself. Here are a few unique qualitiesofmotherhoodinrelationto ourCreator.

Creation- Only a mother can create life. When God created a woman, he did so for her to be a reflection of Himself. She was the only one blessed to create life. She would needapieceofman(Adamsrib)but life was created and developed in the women. God knew that creation wasaverydelicatethingandhadto be dealt with by tender hands. He knew that human existence and his relationship with mankind was dependent on woman. The entire process of conception is a reflection of our relationship with God. The reason the Lord created mankind was to have a relationship with him. That is why it requires a relationship to conceive and bring life. It is to remind us of our need for a relationshipwithGod.

All aspects about creation goes back to relationship. (Genesis 1:26 -28, “Then God said, “Let Us make maninOurimage,accordingtoOur likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”27SoGodcreatedmaninHis own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that[h]movesontheearth.”)

Life Giver-The woman was chosen to create life because it would take a unique bond with a “new” life to ensurethatlifewouldhavethebest chances of survival. God instills into women what He feels himself concerning life. Since a women carries life, she knows from the beginning at the moment of conception what life feels like. (Jeremiah 1:5"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.")

Pregnancy-The bond between a mother and child is a reflection of our relationship with God. A women feels the child grow and move. There is something indescribable when a woman feels the first “flutters” of her child,thehiccups,thatfootinthe ribs. It is in the growing that the bond between a mother and child is developed. Women know what it means to be pregnant with a promise and the sacrifice she will make for the Lords new life.(Ps139:13-16:Youcoveredme in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;[b] Marvelous areYourworks,Andthatmysoul knows very well. My frame was nothiddenfromYou,WhenIwas made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written,The days fashioned for me,Whenasyettherewerenone ofthem.)

this earth that would be sensitive enoughtoHisleadingtoprayforHis creation. (Matthew 6: Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Phill 4:19: But my God shall supply all yourneedaccordingtohisrichesin glorybyChristJesus).

Blood Transference- The mother’s blood will be mingled with the child'sblood.Herbloodwillbringthe saving life source for the growing child. All creation had to have a “blood transfer” from our Creator, Jesus Christ. He was the Creator of all life and the only one qualified to redeem His creation. In all of mankind’s attempts to save ourselves, we still require a blood transfer. What Christ did on Calvary was just that. He shed His life blood for us. (Hebrews 9:11-15: But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made withhands,thatistosay,notofthis creation;andnotthroughtheblood ofgoatsandcalves,butthroughHis own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternalredemption).

Chosen-God Chose a mother to be the life giver for his son. He choice a woman to conceive and bring forth a son. A young virgin woman. That’s why Jesus was born to a woman. Mary was with him from the beginning of Jesuslife,totheendandthenhis resurrection! Jesus needed his mom and she never left his side (Isaiah 7:14:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive andbearaSon,andshallcallHis name Immanuel.[b] 15 Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before theChildshallknowtorefusethe evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsakenbybothherkings.)

A woman will not understand how she knows what her child needs but will instinctively find a way to provide for her child becauseapartofherchild’sDNA willalwaysbeapartofhersnow. She wasn’t born with her child's DNAbutbecauseshewaswilling to create life inside her, Her child willalwaysandforeverbeapart of her. It is impossible to separatethetwo.

What makes up her child will always and forever be a part of hermakeupnow.(John17:2323I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you havelovedme.)

Onemorething….herchildrenwill ALWAYS and forever have a part ofherwiththem!Howamazingit is to see the remarkable similarities of our Heavenly Creatorandwomen!

God knew that creation was a very delicate thing and had to be dealt with by tender hands. He knew that human existence and his relationship with mankind was dependent on woman.

the joy of being a mother

AnitaTilley

I think one of the greatest joys of a woman is the treasure of creating life. Not all women get to experience that and my heart truly breaks for them. Our family is in a season of birth. The role of a motherhaspassedfrommetomy daughters and during this season mother belongs to my grandchildren. What a joy it is to watch my granddaughter can Kaylee and my grandsons girlfriendJayceetransformintothis glowing beauty right before my eyes. They are both beautiful women but this glow is supernatural. Just a glance tells you something very wonderful is happening inside them. They are carrying inside them life, their bodies are creating life. What a paradoxmotherhoodis.

On one hand the child inside their bodies will cause them to know extreme joy, pride, and discovery thathasnowords.Eachdaywillbe anewchallenge.

Not only will the child change but bothJayceeandKayleedailyaslove molds and shapes them into mothers. I think the greatest statement describing motherhood is like “ having your heart walking aroundoutsideyourbody.”Ibecame a mother for the first time a week after I turned 16. I gave birth to a son Christmas Day 1973 and became “mother”. I labored with Eric for 9 hours and thought of Jesus mother Marythewholetime.Shewasyoung, unprepared for this new position in life that would require her to be moldable,itwouldteachherthatshe must rely on something or someone much greater than herself, to help guide this life. She will experience daily the struggle of giving God controlofthingsshewon’tbeableto control.

Beingamotherisanxiouslyawaitingto hear your child form the word “momma” and then a short time later wishing they would stop shouting “momma” so often. It’s like the word “why”,bothwordsdemandaresponse and you struggle to pull up all the wisdom and help inside the sum of your days. How ironic it is to be a mother. You have never known such joy nor such pain. From the moment thatlittlelifeleavesyourbody,youare teachingthemtosurviveandadaptin aworldwithoutyou.

As a mother you pray the world appreciates and is kind to your child yet you also know how cruel the world can be. I marvel at Mary’s strength, on her child's shoulders would be placed the weight of sin. Her son would become a sacrifice. Her son would savetheworld.

I don’t think anyone has watched JesusofNazerethorthePassionofthe Christ who didn’t become wrecked as Mary watched Jesus growing up. I remember a couple of scenes that ripped this mommas heart to shreds. As Mary watched Jesus skin his knee and as he shouted for his momma, everything Mary was ran to his side. She pulled him so close it was almost an attempt to pull him back inside herself.

This made me wonder, what did Jesussaytoacryingmother?

The Hebrew word for mother is Ima. And then the final scene in The Passion of the Christ where Mary runs behind Jesus as he carries his cross through the streets. Her eyes were always on her son. She pushed people aside, ran, and fell to keep availableforhereyeslockedwith her son’s eyes if he looked up. The universe couldn’t contain what that mother’s eyes were telling her son. “You are strong enough” “I’m so thankful for who you are” “YOU ARE NOT ALONE, I AMHEREWITHYOUMYSON”

And then what she hid from her son was the loudest sound, the breaking of a mother’s heart in surrender.“Notmywillbutthywill be done” isn’t that the response ofallmothers?

I marvel at Mary’ s strength, on her child's shoulders would be placed the weight of sin. Her son would become a sacrifice. Her son would save the world.

worthy to be honored

AlleneDuvall

Pondering “honor”-a word I have never related to myself! I see all the failures and flaws! The times I missed it being a mother!Does there come a time when being a “godlymother”istoolate?

As the Holy Spirit begins to reveal what God’s Word has recorded about Mothers my flesh wants to condemn me; judge me and capture me in a failure I can’t recoverfrom!

Then my Spirit begins to take the Word and assure me God’s Word is timeless and ever working to perfectthesaints!

He reveals “Proverbs 31:31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praiseatthecitygate." Iworkedlonghoursandneglected mychildren,missedballgames!

Proverbs 31:27: "She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn'teatthefoodoflaziness"

Then there were times I was selfish! The years continued to pass. Now here am I, a grandmother! Memoriesofprecioustimeswithmy childrenfloodmymind!

Deuteronomy 4:9: "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fadefromyourheartaslongasyou live. Teach them to your children andtotheirchildrenafterthem."

Nowinthisseason,Godissofaithful, He gives me grandchildren to shine thelightofJesusintheirlives!Thank you Jesus that you always make a waytoredeemtheyears!

Luke 2:51: "And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart." He allows me to share the “joy of my heart” that over flows when I see what He has accomplished in my childrenandnowmygrandchildren! (Eph. 2:8). For by grace you have beensavedthroughfaith.Andthisis not your own doing; it is the gift of God”SalvationisagiftfromGod.

Had I been a great mom I might try to take credit for something only God can do! The work He has done in my own life and still doing is reflectedinmywalkwithJesus!

1Peter3:4:"Youshouldbeknownfor the beauty that comes from within, theunfadingbeautyofagentleand quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." I am so humbled by the work God had done in me through the power ofJesusChrist!

Proverbs 31:26: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

Today as I celebrate Mother’s dayitbecomessoapparentit has never been about my doing the work but how and when Jesus does the work! Continue to bring your children and grandchildren (great grandchildren) before theLord!

Matthew 19:14: A mother asks Jesus to call her children to himself

Romans 10:9: A mother asks that her children confess JesusasLordandbelievethat Godraisedhimfromthedead Enjoythisdaymothers!It’snot uptous;it’suptoGod!

Now in this season, God is so faithful, He gives me grandchildren to shine the light of Jesus in their lives!

Thank you Jesus that you always make a way to redeem the years!

Heaven is celebrating

MindyAlvarez

“There are many valiant and noble ones, but you have ascended above them all! Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades,butthisvirtuouswomanlivesin the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity.Sogoaheadandgiveherthe creditthatisdue,forshehasbecome a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!”Proverbs31:29-31

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the Moms and Women who have blessed and made a difference in the lives of others! I believe that God’s heart is evident in the lives of women who have brought forth life, in either a natural birth or a spiritual one. I believe Heaven is celebrating each one of these women today! To you Moms who were committed and unrelenting to bring forth your natural children and who have stayed in faith for their lives to be submitted to God, wepraiseandthankGodforyou!

To you Women who were diligent and obedient to bring forth spiritual children and continue to encourage them to live their lives submitted to God, we also praise andthankGodforyou!

Proverbs 31:10-31, speaks of a womanwhoGodsaysisvirtuous–honorable, excellent, faithful, pure and upright before Him, before her family and before everyone aroundher.Sheisawomanwhose characteristics and principles are based on what is pleasing to God. ShelivesherlifetothegloryofGod and for the betterment of others. This woman has made God the Onesheplaceshertrustinandhas chosen to live for. This woman has made “His way of doing and being right” her standard and lifestyle (Matthew 6:33). This woman has placedtheneedsofherfamilyand thewell-beingofothersbeforeher own interests or gain. This woman knows that “what she sows is what shewillreap”(Galatians6:7).

So, she remains steadfast in her generosity of time, talents and treasures – wanting only the purposes of God, in and through her,tobewhatisexemplified.

Everywomanwhohaschosentolet Jesus Christ be the Lord of her life, living surrendered to Him, is who God sees as being that virtuous woman. The Lord sees this woman as that one He chooses to show Himself strong through because He sees her committed and dedicated heart that is submitted to Him. This woman has made God’s Word her final authority. She follows the leadershipoftheHolySpirit,pursues God’sabundantlifeandisconfident in His unfailing love working in and through her. This woman lives by the Fear of the Lord – a life that stands in awe of God’s Presence, draws from His Grace and Mercy, andlivesbyfaith–exercisingGod’s Love in every relationship and througheverysituation.Thiswoman stands on God’s Promises. This woman lives to Love God and Love people! This woman recognizes the privilegeshe’sbeengiventobelong toGodfirst,andeverythingshesays anddoesisbasedonthatpriority.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT- As a womanofGodwhohastheamazing honor of being His girl first, I recognize that I am not my own (1 Corinthians6:19-20).

I draw from Him living big in me to help me to be who He needs me to be (1 John 4:4). As I yield to Him, He helpsmetobewhoHeneedsmeto be in my marriage, with my children and grandchildren, with my sister and brother, my extended family, leaders, church family, friends and the community of people around me. I pursue His Kingdom and righteousness because I am God’s girl.

I pursue His Presence and yield to live abandoned to His miracle working power! I commit myself to receiveHisbeliefinme,toliveasHis VirtuousWomanbythepowerofthe Holy Spirit. I take His Word and the principles of a life abandoned in His hands, and I live by faith in the truth ofHisword!“IamYourGirl,Jesus,so continuetohaveyourwaywithme!”

This woman lives by the Fear of the Lord – a life that stands in awe of God’ s Presence, draws from His Grace and Mercy, and lives by faith – exercising God’ s Love in every relationship and through every situation.

I can’t even imagine

ThoughtsonMary’sAmazingGift

KimHon

Most Mother’s Days are just that to me, a day that I am able to spend withmyfamilyandbethankfulforall that the Good Lord has blessed us with. My daughter, granddaughters, andson-in-lawaresoveryspecialto me, and I feel so very lucky to have them in my life. I am truly grateful for the experiences that we share together and all of the love and laughterthatweshareaswell.

This Mother’s Day, however, has me thinking about sweet Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all of the happiness and heartache that she endured. When the angel visited her with the news that she, an unwed virgin, was chosen by God himself to bear his child, who would be God incarnate in human form, can you imagine what she was feeling in that moment?! Overwhelmed, shocked, possibly feelings of unworthiness, doubt, and fear I am sure of these, along with a laundry list of other feelingsmixedintheretoo.

Ontopofallofthis,shehadtotell her betrothed, Joseph, that she was with child and try and help him to understand that this pregnancy was without a doubt the ultimate miracle from God. I am sure that Joseph was himself filled with doubt and unbelief in the beginning, until God stepped in,andthehealingbegan.Joseph married that sweet, precious girl, and raised Jesus as his own son. To Mary, this had to make her heart leap with love and pride. Watching Jesus grow up had to besuchanamazing experience.Ialways wonderifthepeople aroundhim couldfeelhis electricity aswedowhen wearestanding inhispresence.

Still, amid all of the happiness and pride that she had in her son, you know that there was at least a tinge of fear that would creep in here and there, not knowing exactly what the future wouldholdforherspecialson.

You know that her heart had to leap with pride to see him preaching and loving on people ashedid.Youknowthatshehad to look at him and still see that sweet baby in the manger, or that little boy stepping on her toeslearningtowalkandplaying with wood and dirt as she performed her daily duties. All the while I can just imagine her silently praying that God would take care of him, and calm her fears.

As the years went on, and Jesus’ ministry grew and his followers grew with it, I am sure that it became harder and harder to get any time alone with her precious son, time that we all want with our children as mothers. I know that had to be hardaswell.

Then the unthinkable happened, the people who were supposed to love her son turned on him and threw him before the government, who, in turn, let the people choose between freeing a murderer or freeing a man that only ever loved people and tried to help them see the light. The people freed the murderer,andJesuswasconvicted as a common criminal to be crucified on a cross to make an “example”forallotherswhotriedto express their love for God in any other way than they were told by thegovernment.

As I put myself in Mary’s place, watching in the background as they violently beat her flesh and blood, my heart breaks. Can you imagine the heartache she felt? I imagine all she could see was that smiling baby boy bouncing on her knee,orthetoddlerforminghisfirst words and the cuddles and the hugs. Girls, that momma had to have been in complete agony! Did shecallouttoGod?Didshefeellike he was far away from her in that momentandthemomentsupuntil Jesus’deathonthecross?

Myguesswasyes,andIimagine that up until he was gone from hisEarthlybodythatherpaindid notend,eventhen.Yet,onlydays later when he rose again, her heart had to jump for joy when she saw him and knew he was ascending to our Father, the one who sent him here for us, to give humanityachance.

So today I ask you, if God asked you to do the impossible, would youhaveasmuchfaithasMary? Could you step out for him and prove your love for him, even thoughthehitsmightcomeover and over? We all face uncomfortable situations when we go to battle for God. We all face fear and uncertainty so many times when he asks us to doboldthings.Today,Ipraythat we all ask him to give us just a mustard seed of the faith that sweet Mary had. I am so very thankful that she had unsinkable faith,becausewithouthersweet, selfless act, where would we be today?

“Theproblemwith ourworldisthatwe drawthecircleof familytoosmall.”

Leah the lesser

ToniDouthit

InGenesis,chapters29&30isthestory of Jacob marrying Leah and Rachel. Thisstorywhenyoureaditisprettycut anddry.BUT...whenIdissectthisstory,I seeawholelessonwithinalesson.

On the surface, it is about Jacob's patience and perseverance and working for what you want. But let's look at Leah. The way God laid this out for me was like this. Leah the Lesser...she wasn't Jacob’s first choice. She wasn't as pretty or as personable asRachael.EvenherownfatherLaban, didn't love her as much as he did Rachel. The Word says in verse 17 that Leahwas"tendereyed" while Rachel was beautiful and highly favored. The words ‘tender eyed’ in the Strong’s Hebrew dictionary says the definition of tender eyed is: weak, soft, andfainthearted. it makes me picture a quiet tenderhearted plain, kind of sickly girl. As I read on about Leah, my heart broke. My word! She's like a lot of us, broken,unloved,andlonely.

God’s plan for her wasn't even on her radar. Laban gives Jacob Leah for seven years of labor saying that the oldest daughter must marry first per their custom. Jacob didn't love her, but he was a husband to her. The Word says that God saw that Leah was hated! That jumpedoffthepageatme!

WOW! Because God loved her and had compassion on her situation,Heblessedher!

As I read this story, God brought back to my remembrance of the story of Sara and Hagar. Sara was barren. She tried to give Abraham a son through Hagar. In my flesh mind, it computes to history repeating itself with LeahandRachel.

God's timing is perfect. His ways are not our ways and He alwaysknowswhatHeisdoing.

We just think we know what’s best,butifweleavethingstoHis care, there would be so much lessturmoilandheartache.

Yes,we’llstillhaveproblemsand trials, but with Him in control we can have His peace in the middleofthestorm.

Leah was the direct " way back grandma" of Jesus! The direct bloodline. When we as a people try to do what only God can do, we mess up bad. Such as Sara giving Hagar to Abraham (Ishmael),Rachael(Dan,Asher).

When we want what we want, is not always what God wants for us. He wants us to see our worth through his eyes. Have you ever noticed all through the Old Testament, the bloodline of Christ, every one of them were "lesser”? They were not the first choice. For example, Jesse showed Samuel all his sons EXCEPTthelesserDavidwhowas just a shepherd boy. Note the irony there.... shepherd boy. He was seen by GOD and He chose David to be anointed king of Israel!

Jesus wasn't "anything special" to look at. He wasn't from a rich family. His earthly father was a carpenter by trade. When he began his ministry and picked disciples, he picked the ones that society had deemed weak, outcasts, misfits, and oh my, downright common folks. He himself was an outcast and its angered God that his people (the Jews),didn'trecognizeJesusasthe messiah.

Here's where we the gentiles come in to play. We were grafted in! WE are no longer the lesser. We are blessed,redeemed,andverymuch loved by God. We are kings and priests, joint heirs with Jesus! The Word says we will make the Jews jealous in Deuteronomy 32:11 and. alsoinRomans11.

Granted, the Jews are the apple of God'seye.ButHealsoseesyouand Iandhewillblessthelesser.

Hold your head up! You ARE loved! You are NOT rejected. You haven't lost, you have WON! God knows we are human, and we will mess up. Wewillwalkinourflesh.Wewillhurt andbehurt.ButGOD!!!

Through Him, there is grace and mercy. He expects us to do the sameforothers.

When we finally come to the place where we can praise God when we are unloved, even hated, that’s when the healing beginsinourhearts. Let your light so shine, LESSER! That makes you greater in God's eyes!Itilluminatesyourwitness!

WhenI’mlesser,thenHeisMORE, right?

Intheend,Leahwasn'tthelesser. She was greater. God saw her humble and lesser status and blessedherwithgreater.Itmade the scripture from Mat 20:16 “So thelastshallbefirst,andthefirst last: for many be called, but few chosen”makesense. The lesser, the more humble, willing one will be CHOSEN FIRST! He can do more with those who are willing to trust, be obedient, andbestill!

I'vealwaysbeenafixitperson.This lesson is a hard one for me. Because honestly, I tend to want to be like Sara and Rachael...I want to fix it. Frankly, it's not mine to fix. It's God! His plan is exact, precise, and perfect for us, including timing. I, like others, have experienced deep hurt, death and grief, rejection by people I love deeply. I tend to cry out to God to fix it. I get frustrated likeMaryandMarthawhenLazarus died, and Jesus didn't come when theythoughtheshould.Godcomes on the scene in the right on time. It's not that we are forgotten or forsaken in our pain. It's not that God can't or won't use us and our paintoencourageandhealothers. When I feel like I'm lesser, I will remindmyselfofwhoIreallyam!

In the end, Leah wasn ' t the lesser. She was greater. God saw her humble and lesser status and blessed her with greater.

The Book of Ruth

“And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, an And they took them women of Moab; the was Orpah, and the n Ruth: and they dwelle years. And Mahlon a also both of them; and left of her two sons a Then she arose with law, that she might country of Moab: for the country of Moab h had visited his peopl bread.

Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. ” Ruth 1:4-17

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Hosea 10:12