Monday, May 17, 2010

Day One Hundred Sixteen

"While I worked, I listened to a talk show on Christian radio. "I feel like I'm not doing anything for God!" moaned one mom who called in. "I'm just stuck here at home with four kids, wiping noses and doing laundry. Nothing I am doing is making a difference for God."

I nearly fell off the stepladder! How could this dear woman think that being a mom was not making a difference for God? Mothers make a Kingdom difference, every day. At first glance, wiping noses, doing laundry and even painting a bathroom are tasks that may not seem to make a huge difference, compared to the work of a missionary or a minister. Do not be deceived! Every mom has a mission field, a ministry platform, and multiple outreach opportunities.

-- Moms have a mission field. Where do people get the idea that missions is a glamorous job? My friend Mary just completed her first year of serving as a missionary teacher to Palestinian children in Jerusalem. She went overseas to wipe noses and dry tears, something that moms do every day. Mary says, "Your mission field is the next lost person you see." That little person asking for juice or needing a diaper change is your mission field.

-- Moms have a ministry platform. Candidates want the votes of the soccer moms. Most books are written to a female audience. Advertising caters to women. Moms have a platform, and the world has noticed. Just like a pastor who takes on the challenges of the pulpit every Sunday, mothers take on the challenges of the breakfast table, the carpool, and the PTA. Are you speaking with wisdom? Is faithful instruction on your tongue? Because you are the mom, you have your children's attention. Because you are a mom, you have a voice that needs to be heard.

-- Moms have multiple outreach opportunities. Birthday parties. School field trips. Team sports. Church activities. Do you see the potential for building relationships? Your house serves as a mission outpost for every friend your child brings home. Your kitchen table can serve up love from a heart that genuinely cares for others. Your desk at work can radiate God's love with a framed verse of Scripture, a dish of candy to share, and your own big smile. Even your car can serve the Lord. When it is your turn to carpool, be sure your car is clean and comfortable, and play Christian music to create an atmosphere that both kids and adults will immediately recognize as different.

How can we look at our daily lives as being anything less than missional? Are you viewing the role of motherhood from the right perspective? Missionaries make their mark on a culture by living among and working with the people. They make a difference by their love. In the same way, even a pastor cannot make a difference unless his congregation has seen his life, and his actions have proven him to be real. Perhaps your attitude could use some spring cleaning. Get rid of the clutter of wrong thinking. You are Christ's hands and feet. You are making a difference because you are investing your life, your love, and your gifts in the eternal souls of the children around you. You are right where you are supposed to be, Mom. Wake up to your mission field!"   Live It


When Mirjan was taking Ryan to school, this song came on and Ryan started singing.  Amen, brother!




When I got home, everything was quiet....too quiet.  I found Ryan and Davianna playing together and enjoying one another.  Then they wanted to take a bath.  Hmmm....what is wrong here?   Then they ate their dinner.  Alarm bells going off.  I'm not sure what happened today, but I like it.  Mirjan must have put the hammer down today...or just a lot of love.

Mirjan said Emma ate like a hog today, which is a good thing because she didn't eat much last week.  I think she had a mild stomach virus, but she is definitely over it now.  On that lovely note, I'll add another...her potty training is off and on, but her comprehension of her situation is getting better.  If she doesn't let us know beforehand, she'll spank her rear and say, "Caca!"   As if by that time, we all couldn't tell by the wonderful aroma. 

 We had a wonderful dinner that was provided by Kendra and Bob.  They called and said that they left some brisket in the refrigerator at church for us, so Mirjan quickly picked it up. We didn't have too much of a problem getting the kids to eat tonight. :)  It was great!  They are such loving and kind people, and we are thankful that they thought of us.

After dinner, the kids started watching a movie together.  I think "Polar Express" was the best movie investment that I have made.  I guess they are ready for Christmas already, and so am I.  It will be a great one this year, as we have so much to be thankful for.  I think Santa is going to be very good to the kids this year...as long as Santa's helper approves.

Mirjan ran to the store this evening, and as the kids watched the movie, Emma and I played around.  She loves flipping through pictures on the phone.  Every picture that she sees, she'll yell the person's name and then blow them a kiss.  She was more than ready for bed, and she kept putting her head on me.  What a good feeling.  Then Mirjan came home, and Emma turned into a tornado again. 

Davianna received another package in the mail from Supersibs!  It was a pillow case with the words, "Strength, Courage, Hope, Dream" on it.  There was also a nice little poem as well.  We'll get it washed, so she can put it on her pillow tomorrow.   I'm consistently amazed at the love and caring of so many organizations.  They truly are a blessing.

As I was putting the kids to bed, I received a work call, so the bed time routine was expedited.  I was on fire in "I Spy"...I was winning 4-0, but when I got off the phone, Davianna found 5 in a row.  Oh, well, I'll get her tomorrow night.

Father, thank you for blessing us with a wonderful day and a healthy one for Ryan.  Thank you for the love displayed between Davianna and Ryan, and I ask that you continue to strengthen that bond.  Father, be with us this week and help us continue to grow closer and enjoy the wonderful, little things of life that you continuously bless us with.  I ask that you continue to heal my little boy.  In Jesus' name I pray.  amen.

0 comments: