Confessions in the Bathroom Mirror

By Cheri, on May 14th, 2013

After a busy travel season this Spring, I am home. I’ve been cleaning and de-cluttering and, generally, trying to catch up on things. Every time I complete a “project”, no matter how small, I feel a little lighter. A couple days responding to backlogged emails and Facebook messages and I should be good to go. Where am I going? I’m not exactly sure, but there is something stirring in me and I recognize the feeling. It’s a motivation to get my house in order because I feel a season of writing coming on.

Someone gave me a scripture card with Jeremiah 29:11 nestled into a little garden scene. Who hasn’t clung to that verse at one time or another. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” After wiping the water spots off my bathroom mirror, I decided to tuck the card up under one of the small clamps that holds the mirror in place. That way I could be reminded of this comforting promise each day. The only trouble is, the card kept falling into the sink or onto the floor. Each time I would patiently pick it up and tuck it back under the clamp, until it happened one too many times…

This girl was frustrated. I actually said out loud, “Well, fine! I guess I’ll just have to write it on my heart.” Don’t ask me why I didn’t simply reach for a piece of tape and get on with it. Anyway, realizing the sheer irony of getting frustrated over a verse that was meant only to encourage, I had a good chuckle and smiled at the truth of it all; that the scriptures, the very words of God could be written on our hearts. Oh, what a wonder.

Still, it begins with the initial exposure. We read the Word, hear it in a song or a sermon; we may even put it to memory. However it comes to us, the repeated exposure does something powerful. Over time it becomes a part of us, a part of who we are. And we carry it with us wherever we go.

I want to be a part of that chain. To tap into the Source…to reach for it, understand it, obtain it, live it, and let it flow out of me onto the page that others might “pick it up” for encouragement. Something in me needs to do this. To continue to expose Him. Not just for others, but also for me. Because the constant and deliberate exposure seeps way down to the inside places. The core places. The places of the heart.

And so I will clean my house, clear my head, and go to the Writing Place. Will it be another album? A book? A post-it note? Time will tell. And I can’t wait to read what’s next!

Trusting the Author to meet me there…
Cheri

“…these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name.” John 20:31

 

 
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The Proverbs 31 Mom

By Cheri, on May 9th, 2013
“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”  -Mark Twain
 
Funny quote. As you know, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. Today, in an effort to collect some “public opinion” about this high and holy office called motherhood, I decided to post a simple, mom-themed status on Facebook. Within an hour or so, the following comments came flying in…

STATUS:  Name one thing your mother did well. Go! 
Jim – Me !! Actually it was the work of Mom and Dad. 
Anothony – Cook…
John – Laugh!
Angie – Loved me unconditionally.
Rick – Loved me unconditionally.
Jenni – Taught me by example how to be a godly woman.
Robin – Ditto with love, but she also made great eggs, which I make now, too.
Dana – Laugh and love!!
Lynn – Taught us the Bible at an early age.
Nancy – Made others feel very loved, special and welcome in our home!!
Lou – She did everything well.
Edith – Taught me about Jesus.
Andy – Spanking!
Ray – Everything! That’s all wrapped up in ONE thing.
Becki – Taught me that confidence comes in knowing God made you exactly. how He wants you to be. He makes no mistakes.
Charmyn – Love of Jesus and Hospitality!
Bill – Taught me that whatever we do to do it with love.
Michael – Led her three sons to the Lord!
Sissy – Loved us, unconditionally:-)!
Darrin – Instilled in me my love of music.
Julie – Listened to me.
Melissa – Loved everyone unconditionally.
Johnathan – Adopted 7 kids.
Matthew – Lovingly submitted to my Dad. My Dad in return adores her. So blessed to have wonderful godly parents!
Debra - Taught me to cook and take care of a house.
Karen – She is a strong woman with a strong mind and opinion. She taught me that these qualities were valuable in a woman. She is a hard worker and taught me that was important as well.
Cheri – Forgive others…
Debbie – She loved the inside of a person, never cared about the outside, and she listened, I do think it is very special to know how to really listen!
Susie – Laughed!!
Gary – She taught me to be gracious towards people.
Dana – Great sense of humor!
YOU! – (add comment here)
 
The Bible’s description of the Proverbs 31 woman has something to say about a good mom…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; she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness; her children arise and call her blessed…
 
…A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Thanks for publicly honoring your dear mother today. I enjoyed your comments. And thanks for giving me this week’s blog material. You’re a big help!
 
In closing, let me leave you with a sobering quote from 19th century English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray…“Mother is the name for God on the lips and hearts of little children.” Wow. Yikes.
 
Lord, give us the grace and wisdom to love our little ones and not so little ones well, to love them straight into your Everlasting Arms where they can know Perfect Love. Amen.
 
Because He first loved us,
Cheri
 
 
 
 

 
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