Refuge for a Single Mom

Have you ever heard people say something like this?  “I`d rather have a few flowers now, while I`m alive, than dozens when I`m dead and can`t appreciate them”?

I`ve heard it a few times, and it makes a whole lot of sense if you think about it!

We all get so absorbed and bogged down with our own lives and problems that we often don`t take the time necessary to nurture our relationships – before it`s too late.

It`s really easy to fault-find, nag and get frustrated with each other.  We get SO upset when our kids don`t clean their rooms or they leave their dirty clothes on the bathroom floor.  And it drives us totally bonkers when our good friends at church go on and on about the same things time and time again.

But the fact of the matter is - love is of God.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  I John 4:7

We spend SO much time complaining, griping and being offended - really it all boils down to being judgmental and intolerant of others – being `UN`loving!

Personally, I`ve been working very hard to stop judging people.  To stop pointing out their shortcomings and love EVERYONE as a brother or sister in Christ – just as I wish to be loved.  (Yes, this is very difficult!  Sometimes it is done with little or no appreciation – in the natural anyway.)

This is why we look to God for strength and encouragement.  This is one of those things we can only do through Him – FOR Him!

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Philippians 4:13

Last week, there was a lot of fear, tragedy and death – all over the country!  For most of us, it triggers an intense sense of loss and sadness, whether we knew the individuals or not.  We mourn the loss and grieve for the families.

Amidst all of this, I got to thinking about how futile life seems sometimes, how mundane and routine our lives become.

I`ve often heard pastors preach on the importance of acknowledging your love for family and friends and doing it often.  (There must be something to this!)

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  James 1:17

Let them know you love them, let them know you care and appreciate them.  Tell your kids that you`re proud of their accomplishments and love the people they`re becoming.  Give them a hug before school – even if they`re not too thrilled about it!  Say a prayer over them as they go, ask God for His protection and guidance for them – always thank Him for your beautiful blessings!

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Philippians 4:6

We never know how long we have together or when we`ll leave this Earth.  It`s important to make life matter – make everything you do matter!  -Do it from your heart!

Take a moment today to show those most important to you how much you care.  Show everyone you care!  Give out a few extra smiles, say an extra `thank you` or `excuse me` at the grocery store or shopping mall today.

Give out some flowers!

19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:19-25

Labels: Blessings, Encouragement, Friendship, Generosity, Godliness, Kindness, Way of Thinking