This week I had an opportunity to appear on “Clergy Talk”, a podcast hosted by Michael Vertner. It was a lot of fun, Michael is a great host. Would love for you to check it out and let me know what you think. Podcast episode with Michael Vertner
As many of you know, along with my daughters, I am co-founder of Heart2Heart Women’s Ministry. We began the ministry in 2006 to bring small group Bible studies to women. Heart2Heart currently has 3 chapters in NC. I invite you to visit them at Heart2HeartWomen.org. Within our leadership team we have a lot of talent which is being “put to use” as each month we encourage our readers with original devotions. Just like here, you can be notified of all new post, delivered to your inbox, just by clicking on the FOLLOW button in the site footer.
Speaking of Heart2Heart, things are busy right now getting ready for our first Women’s Retreat. We’ve done conferences in the past and this year we decided (prayerfully) to step out on faith and take it on the road. The Renew, Restore, Refresh conference will be held October 10-12 at the beautiful Fort Caswell Retreat center. There will be speakers, classes, worship and of course, lots of fun. Accommodations are limited but there are still some available. If you’re interested you can get all the info and get registered through the Heart2Heart Website. Would love to see you there!
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:32)
This morning I remember.
How can it possibly be 15 Mothers days have gone by since I last shared the occasion with my mama? In all those years not one day has passed when I didn’t think of her.
As I think about her this morning I wish I could have one more chance to talk to her, to say all the things I should have said when she was here. I would tell her how wise I think she is, how all the advice she gave years ago has served me in the years that followed. I would tell her how I have come to appreciate her for all the sacrifices she made for us; her tireless work, her selfless giving. I would tell her how her feisty spirit and determined attitude have helped me through some hard times. I would tell her how her sense of humor continues to bring joy to me and so many others. Most of all, I would tell her how much I love her, love that she taught me by the way she loved.
I will always regret that I did not honor and appreciate my mama the way she deserved. My heart aches when I think that she probably never knew just how much we loved her; only when we looked back, did we know ourselves how very special she was. If only we could turn back time.
The year of her passing I wrote a devotion dedicated to her. In her honor I share it here each Mother’s Day. I hope it will bless you.
Turning 60 had a profound effect on me. It seemed that everything either sagged, wrinkled or just plain quit working. Aside from the changes my body experienced, I notice some changes mentally as well. Thinking more about today and worrying less about tomorrow became easier; after all as one gets older, it becomes a fact of life that today is pretty much all you’ve got. And, I bought a red purse. Now, you would have to know me to appreciate what a big step that was. As I am pretty much a black, white, and navy blue kind of gal, purchasing a big red pocket-book was a bold move. Over the past couple years, that red purse has become a dear friend. As constant companions, we have come to know and depend on each other. Like me, she is becoming worn in spots and more than a little frayed around the edges. Her zipper doesn’t work quite as smoothly and her lining is ripped.
My daughter constantly mentions that I need to replace my red purse. “I like it” I tell her, “there is nothing wrong with my purse”. “But Mom”, she says, “the stitching is coming loose and the leather is worn down. It’s all worn out.” She’s right. It is all worn out. But in spite of how frayed it is on the outside, my red purse still serves a purpose. I can still put all my treasures inside with confidence that they will be secure. It still carries my eyeglasses, phone, tissue, lipstick, and a myriad of other “necessities”, and rarely complains about the strain.
We live in a world where the new and improved is mostly preferred over the old and proven. It’s like that with people as well. The world looks at those who have become frayed and worn on the outside and judge that their usefulness is spent. But, if they would just take the time to look on the inside, they would discover treasures. They would find a bounty of experience, wisdom, counsel; and wealth that can only come from living.
This attitude toward the aged is not new. As King David was in the later years of life and faced his son Absalom’s rebellion to take over the kingdom, David prayed, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent” (Psalms 71:9).
My Mamma now lives in a nursing home with many others who, like her, have lived out the better part of their lives. She has advanced dementia and can barely speak in sentences. Her eyesight has failed so that she can barely see and her legs are so weak they can hardly support her frail frame. It would be easy to spend a few minutes with her and conclude that she has nothing to offer. I know better. All those years of living, learning, and experiencing are still inside her mind. Just because she has lost the ability to express her wisdom, doesn’t mean she no longer has it. Thinking back to Mamma’s advice through the years, advice which most of the time, (regrettably) I ignored, I wish with all my heart, I could ask her just one more time what she thought. You see, it’s now clear; Mamma was right about most everything. It is no longer possible to ask her for her thoughts, but it is not too late to seek her advice. How Mamma lived, how she loved, has taught me more about life than all the world could ever hope to teach me.
Do you want to know what’s important? Spend time with those who have actually lived life. Do you want to learn how to get through the trials of life? Visit with someone who has gone through season after season and survived the storms that came with each one. Do you want to be wise? Watch and learn from those who have gained wisdom that can only come from the experiences of living through good times and hard times.
Start your own “Red Purse Society”. Seek out those whose leather is worn and whose stitching is loose; look inside and I promise, you will find great treasure.
I am not alone in my memories. To know her was to love her. She was and will always be unforgettable Maggie!
Margaret (Maggie) Bivens May 21, 1931 – September 30, 2010 My Mama
Confession. I get really annoyed when I see Halloween,Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise cohabitating on the shelves of every store I visit. And, too often they are joined by end of summer clearance and back-to-school supplies!
Whatever happened to seasons?
In their efforts to maximize profits, our retailers have trapped us into “planning ahead” which all but robs us of the joy of today. I suppose it’s a byproduct of the technology age. Can we really call this progress?
Where are the days when moms scrounged through closets to pull together the items needed to create a costume for the little ones to wear as they went from one neighbor’s house to the next collecting candy and saying “thank you”?
Whatever happened to the simple things?
Where are the days when the family, the whole family gathered around the table as they gave thanks for and enjoyed mom’s turkey and dressing, aunt Sally’s squash casserole, cousin Laura’s sweet potatoes and grandma’s pumpkin pie. Always lingering there for a while to hear uncle George’s stories of the loves and lives of loved ones whose chairs are now empty?
Whatever happened to our doing life together?
Where are the days when the long awaited Sears ”wish book” arrived in the mail (that’s US mail, not email)? Kids, moms and dads would all pour over its glossy pages, folding them to mark what they hoped to find under the tree on Christmas morning.
Whatever happened to anticipation?
Don’t get me wrong. I am a huge fan of technology. As a matter of fact it was my cell phone which motivated me to write this post. While going from one room to the next, carrying my phone with me, as always, it dawned on me that it hasn’t been that many years since extension phones and answering machines in our homes were the thing; how much simpler life seemed then. That prompted me to ask my husband his thoughts on the subject. He uh-hued in agreement while barely looking up from whatever he was watching on his own phone!
Whatever happened to conversation?
I know. We can’t go back, we never can. But wouldn’t it be wonderful, even if only for a day, to try?
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
Do you ever feel, as I do, that the world in which we live is growing darker by the day, in the sense of its wickedness? That it has become increasingly difficult to find a “bright spot”?
We are told that “in the beginning” God’s first act was to speak light into existence and then to separate that light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4). What God began in Genesis, He made manifest in Jesus Christ.
If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by what seems like impenetrable darkness, you only need to turn your eyes toward Jesus and be reminded of these words from 1John 1:5 concerning Him. Should you need further reminding, just go to Jesus’ own words about Himself: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
For followers of Christ, one day we will leave all this darkness behind and bask forever in the glorious light of our risen Savior. While we eagerly wait for that day, I am so glad that even though we live in a world darkened by sin, we need not walk in darkness. Aren’t you?
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (1 John 1:3-4)
Lord, let these words be the attitude of my heart.
Jesus, make my joy in You complete. Fill me with the joy of your salvation. Give me a burning desire to share You with those who do not yet know You. Empower me by Your spirit with boldness and confidence. Give me focus of purpose. Give me eternal perspective.
Remind me of the why. Not for self-gratification or to feed my pride, but to bring Your truth to others __ to scatter salt, to shine light. To share Your Good News so that others may know the joy of fellowship with You, that same joy that You have given me.
Above all, in all, to bring glory to Your holy name.
and the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— (1 John 1:2)
Eternity is more than a term, it is a reality. In our finite minds we cannot comprehend eternity, but this we can know – it is promised and it is certain.
While we cannot fully know what our eternal future life will be like, this God has made known to those of us who have put our trust in Christ: We will be in the presence of Jesus. We will be surrounded by His glory. And it will be wonderful!
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— (1 John 1:1)
As you read these words, if you can, let your mind go back 2,000 years in time. Try to imagine the time when our Lord walked on earth; the time He came down from heaven to bring and life to those who were dead, to give hope to those who had no hope.
What great joy it must have been to spend time in His presence, to see Him, to touch Him, to listen to His voice.
To think, one day, those who have put their trust in Jesus will know that joy – even you, even me!
Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her Proverbs 31:28
Mothers play a unique role in the world. They nurture life. They create homes. They shape futures. So, too, in the Scriptures, we see mothers used by God to bring about, not only his special plans for those who walk the pages of the Bible, but also his grand narrative of redemption and eternal life.
Who was the mother of Samuel?
Esther
Deborah
Hannah
Eve
Who was the mother-in-law of Ruth?
Lydia
Naomi
Julia
Huldah
Who was the mother of King Solomon?
Jezebel
Bathsheba
Dinah
Bilhah
Who was the mother of Jacob and Esau?
Rebekah
Rachel
Sarah
Hannah
Who was the mother of Jesus?
Bathsheba
Martha
Miriam
Mary
Who was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin?
Keturah
Anna
Lydia
Rachel
Who was the mother of Cain and Abel?
Eve
Hagar
Delilah
Ruth
Who was the mother of Ishmael?
Rebekah
Rachel
Leah
Hagar
Who was the mother of Isaac?
Sarah
Elisabeth
Gomer
Mary
Who was the mother of John the Baptist?
Mary Magdalene
Deborah
Martha
Elizabeth
BONUS QUESTION: What words did Jesus speak to His mother from the cross?
When was the Sabbath first instituted, and by whom was it observed? A. By Noah, after the flood B. By God, after creation C. By Adam, in the garden of Eden D. By Moses, at the giving of the ten commandments
Who made the first confession to the Lord, as recorded in the Bible? A. Abram B. Jacob C. Adam D. Moses
Who delivered Israel by killing 600 Philistines with an ox goad? A. David B. Jonathan C. Shamgar D. Samson
Who was the first recorded person raised from death to life? A. Tabitha B. Jesus C. Lazarus D. The son of Zarephath’s daughter
Who partook of a meal prepared by an angel, and was sustained forty days and nights while in the mountain? A. Manoah B. Joseph C. Elijah D. Moses
What is the whole duty of man, according to the Scriptures? A. Be fruitful and multiply B. Love enemies C. Take care of the earth D. Fear God and keep his commandments
Which three men, in different periods, stood almost alone in their godliness, among a crooked and perverse generation? A. Abraham, Daniel, and Job B. Joseph, Jacob, and Daniel C. Jacob, Noah, and Joseph D. Noah, Daniel, and Job
What man, although warned, invited his murderer to a feast? A. Jesse B. Gedaliah C. Gideon D. Dan
Upon what mountain was Israel cursed for disobedience? A. Mount Moriah B. Mount Zion C. Mount Carmel D. Mount Ebal
How were the children of Israel guided in their forty years of wandering in the wilderness? A. By a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night B. By the voice of God C. By Moses D. By Aaron’s rod
BONUS QUESTION: Who beheld a vision in the valley of dry bones? A. Jeremiah B. Ezekiel C. Joseph D. Daniel
Who made the first confession to the Lord, as recorded in the Bible? A. Abram B. Jacob C. Adam D. Moses
Who delivered Israel by killing 600 Philistines with an ox goad? A. David B. Jonathan C. Shamgar (Judg 3:31) D. Samson
Who was the first recorded person raised from death to life? A. Tabitha B. Jesus C. Lazarus D. The son of Zarephath’s daughter
Who partook of a meal prepared by an angel, and was sustained forty days and nights while in the mountain? A. Manoah B. Joseph C. Elijah D. Moses
Who beheld a vision in the valley of dry bones? A. Jeremiah B. Ezekiel C. Joseph D. Daniel
What woman continued in prayer day and night in the temple? A. Drusilla B. Mary C. Anna D. Lydia
Who was the first Christian martyr? A. Stephen B. Peter C. John D. Paul
Who lost their lives for using “strange” fire? A. Nadab and Abihu B. Jacob and Esau C. Ahab and Zedekiah D. Sisera and Barek
Which three men were swallowed alive in a pit? A. Korah, Dathan, Hadad B. Jetur, Dathan, Abiram C. Korah, Dathan, Abiram D. Korah, Dathan, Rachab
Who was punished with death for touching the ark of God? A. Caleb B. Naaman C. Uzza D. Obed
BONUS QUESTION: Which three men, in different periods, stood almost alone in their godliness, among a crooked and perverse generation? A. Abraham, Daniel, and Job B. Joseph, Jacob, and Daniel C. Jacob, Noah, and Joseph D. Noah, Daniel, and Job
Sandra Bivens Smith 