Bosom Buddies and the Gift of Grace

Colton's Steakhouse, comfort food at its finest.

"Meet me at Colton's for lunch. Get started on the peanuts, and I'll be there soon." This sweet invitation a few days ago from a dear friend, a bosom buddy, was honey to my soul.

She had no idea.

Even though we had spent time talking on the phone a few days prior to our lunch date, she had no idea how much I was really hurting. She had no idea that I hadn't really eaten much for days, and that even the thought of food made me nauseous. As I stared at the bucket of peanuts on the table, I tried so hard not to let the tears fall.

 

And then she walked up to the table.

 

My dear friend of 16 years who knows me so well smiled as she gave me the warmest hug ever, and it was all over. The tears came. My thoughts and fears came bubbling up out of my heart in words that I could only say to a friend who I knew accepted me. She allowed me to voice my doubts, fears and questions about my future without judgment. She offered no easy solutions, no "this is what I think you should do, Teresa." Nope. She just listened. With warmth, love, compassion, trust, and grace. Because that's what bosom buddies do . . . they believe in us no matter what, and extend to us unconditional love and grace. By the end of the meal, I felt so much better. I was renewed and strengthened once again in my faith. Sometimes a meal with those we love does as much to feed our soul as it does to nourish our body.

 

How incredibly thankful I am for the wonderful friends God has blessed me with over the years. Friends who have been with me through the highs and lows of life, the joys and sorrows, the blessings and the losses, the victories and the defeats. Close friends . . . bosom buddies. Those who continually point me to Jesus in every season of life. I am reminded over and over each day that we need one another.

 

We need to have friends.

And we need to be a friend.

We need friends who encourage us and extend grace to us during times of testing and questioning.

And we need to be the kind of friend who encourages others and extends grace also.

 

Because everyone has a story, a struggle, a burden that is too heavy to carry, and everyone needs grace.

 

The incredible gift of grace. Where would we be without it?



Grace is the free and unmerited favor of God and is demonstrated by forgiveness and salvation.

Grace is the love and kindness of God shown to all of us.

Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.

Grace is extravagant demonstrations of care and favor.

Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of suffering and brokenness.

Grace transforms our desires, motivations and behavior.

Grace brings life and strengthens the heart.

Grace is unconditional love.

 

How thankful I am for the love and grace of God!

 

God's grace has been with me and my family every day and in every circumstance over the years. His grace has always been there in every time of need. His grace has restored and strengthened each one of us in unimaginable ways. We are a picture of God's healing power and His Amazing Grace. And even when things don't make sense, we have learned to rest in the grace of God.

 

When I began this blog journey 2 months ago, I really had no idea the direction it would take. I had topics and titles in mind that I wanted to explore. I wanted to tell the stories of God's grace and faithfulness in our family for my children and grandchildren to read and remember. I wanted to brag on God, and I wanted to have it written down for all to see. And my hope and prayer was that anyone reading about these "pearls" - these stories of pain becoming beauty - would be encouraged and inspired in their own life situations. I truly did not expect this to become a daily/weekly journal of my current life events. And I certainly never expected to be writing about the twists and turns and questions and confusion of the past couple of months. But you know what?

 

I think this is exactly what the Lord had in mind. Through each season of life, we all have unexpected opportunities to experience the gift of God's grace. And the gift of friendship. We need both.

 

So . . . kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, family, friends near and far/old and new, please be encouraged today with this post no matter your age. Please, be a friend - a true friend. The friends that God brings into your life are gifts - they need you and you need them. You will have a few bosom buddies in your life - treasure them.

 

Take them to lunch.

Have fun.

Listen with your heart.

Be the world's biggest encourager. Use words.

Care and stoop and rescue.

Be honest and loyal.

Love unconditionally.

Extravagantly demonstrate your care for them.

Pray with them and for them.

Accept the grace of God for yourself.

And then extend the gift of grace to all you meet.

And so, my precious friends, because of your love, acceptance, support and encouragement, I consider myself to be one very rich lady! You are my heart. Thank you once again for your prayers.

 

Much love,

Teresa/MamaT/GrandMama-T

 

May The Lord bless you and protect you.
May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May The Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.

God's grace is enough, even in our weakness. Beautiful pearls are in the making.



Stuttering, Hiccups, and Swirling Waters

Yes, I believe every word of this scripture. It has been a lifeline of hope for me during my lifetime, especially in recent weeks.

 

Faith. The foundation of our walk with God begins with faith. And hope. And trust. Even when circumstances in life shake us to our very core . . . we cling to the Lord, trusting that He has everything under control.

 

Moses and I have become best buddies in the last couple of months. I feel like I understand him a little better than I did previously. Moses was a man who was selflessly devoted to the Lord, but he knew his weaknesses. He struggled with anger. He knew that God was going to use him to deliver the children of Israel out of bondage, but he didn't know how. He felt insecure and inadequate. He stuttered. He asked God to choose someone else.

 

How did Moses go from that to standing before Pharaoh and exclaiming boldly, 

"Let my people go!" No stuttering there!

 

And then to this at the parting of the Red Sea . . .   



"Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord which He will show you today."

 

Again, no stuttering. Moses, knowing himself all too well and understanding his weaknesses, took hold of the mighty hand of God and trusted Him. He took God at his word and realized that God was doing the delivering. Moses did not part the waters, God did. Moses was His servant. And God strengthened him and used him.

 

While I don't suffer with a speech impediment, I do realize that sometimes in life there are hiccups. And it's not the end of the world. Hiccups slow down our ability to talk and interfere with us being able to communicate clearly, but - not to worry - our full voice of clarity and confidence will return.

 

As I tried to explain in my last post, the past 4 years have been incredibly difficult for me. As I have struggled to know the will of God in my life, I have been "hiccupping" all over the place.

 

"God, I miss my kids and my grandbabies."

"God, should I move to Chicago?"

"God, should I stay in Springfield?"

"God, should I get a new job?"

"God, I don't know what to do."

"God, I'm so confused."

"God, please just tell me what to do and I'll do it."

 

And guess what? God was silent. God was never far, but He was silent.

 

And I just figured it out 2 weeks ago. God was asking me what I wanted to do.

 

I've always had a tender heart regarding the things of the Lord, and I just wanted Him to give me clear direction as to what I was to do. And all along, God was asking me. In the same way that I want my adult children to be happy, I can't tell them what to do in life anymore. They have to figure it out for themselves. They have to hear God's voice for themselves. And many times, God gives us choices.

 

I went to Chicago to be near some of my children and grandchildren as well as to help my son with his new church plant. Without going into much detail, the job that I took in Chicago did not turn out exactly as it was presented to me. Working long hours, working every weekend (every weekend), and not at all the pay that I expected. So, I would never see my kids. I would not be able to help with the church. And the most practical aspect of all, there is absolutely no way I would ever be able to live on the income I most likely would earn. This was quite a shock to say the least. So, on a very real level, I need to live. Also, I simply know that I don't belong in Chicago. Staying there longer will not change this simple fact. "Teresa, what do you want to do?" God knew all along.

 

I belong in Springfield. And I'm not stuttering or hiccupping anymore. My voice is clear and strong for the first time in years. This is where I want to birth the dreams and plans I believe are from God. These dreams are my Promised Land.

 

I've learned that our journey to the Promised Land is not simply a destination, a geographical location . . . it's a destiny, a calling. God wants to fulfill His purpose in our lives no matter what turns we take in life, and He will always put us back on track. And while it may look like we're at a dead end road, a Red Sea scenario, I do believe that God is swirling the waters. He wants to part the seas and do whatever miracles need to take place in our lives to bring about deliverance. For us individually, and for our families.

Probably one of the hardest things for me during this time is that I don't feel very "courageous" or full of faith. But I'm learning that this is exactly what faith looks like - sometimes spectacular and amazing, sometimes a little messy and confusing. It's a journey. It's the "confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we don't see." My theme song for the past 2 weeks has been an old song by Andrae Crouch, "Through It All."

 

I've had many tears and sorrows,

I've had questions for tomorrow,

there's been times I didn't know right from wrong.

But in every situation,

God gave me blessed consolation,

that my trials come to only make me strong.

 

Through it all,

through it all,

I've learned to trust in Jesus,

I've learned to trust in God.

 

Through it all,

through it all,

I've learned to depend upon His Word.

 

I've been to lots of places,

I've seen a lot of faces,

there's been times I felt so all alone.

But in my lonely hours,

yes, those precious lonely hours,

Jesus lets me know that I was His own.

 

Through it all,

through it all,

I've learned to trust in Jesus,

I've learned to trust in God.







I'm holding on tightly to the hand of God, keeping my eyes on Jesus, and simply saying, "God, through it all, I trust You." I know that one day all this will make sense.

 

And so, dear friends, this is the update on my life as God continues to make pearls in this very difficult, emotional, and humbling time of life. I pray that if any of you are also going through similar journeys, you will be encouraged that you're not alone. God is helping all of us in each stage of life - through the stuttering and hiccupping, the swirling waters, and the parting of each Red Sea. We're on our way to the Promised Land.

 

Thank you so much for reading and for the outpouring of love, support and encouragement. Your prayers and friendship mean the world to me. As always, you are my heart.

 

With much love and a heart of gratitude,

 

Teresa/MamaT/GrandMama-T

 

May The Lord bless you and protect you.
May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May The Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.

One tiny, precious pearl among many-the product of pain. Conceived through irritation, born of adversity, nursed by adjustment.

 



Grandma Moses in Labor

Young Teresa 7 months pregnant with firstborn, Danny

Yes, dear friends, I'm alive. I apologize for my silence the past 3 weeks, but I've been in labor. 

 

I've been laboring to bring forth the new life, vision and purpose God has ordained for me. And it has been harder than hard.

 

Please journey with me as I take a little side road and tell you the story about my labor and birth of my firstborn son, Danny. Trust me, this will make sense - just stick with me for a moment.

 

When I first found out that I was pregnant with Danny, I cried. Not because I didn't want him - actually, quite the opposite! I dearly wanted a house full of children and I was thrilled that God had quickly answered one of the deepest desires of my heart. I cried because I was scared.  What does a 19 year old girl know about raising kids?

I soon got over my fear and began preparing for pregnancy, labor and delivery. I truly loved being pregnant. I was young, strong and healthy. As you can see from the photo above, I really only had a belly for about 2 months. Somehow I instinctively knew that I would love my child and care for him well, but I was super afraid of the actual delivery. Even back in the 1970's, there were so many birth options to consider that it made my head spin. All I knew was that I wanted the best possible start in life for my precious little baby. Long story short, we chose to have Danny in a birthing center with a midwife. No sterile environment, no bright lights, no epidural, no invasive/unnecessary procedures - just a gentle atmosphere to welcome Danny into my loving arms. 

But there was a hospital nearby . . . just in case.



I went into labor on a Friday night and we headed to the birthing center. After 24 hours of very hard labor with very little progress and a baby who was starting to show signs of stress, we went to the hospital. 7 hours later, with the help of Pitocin, forceps and skilled doctors and nurses, Danny was safely delivered into this world. What a joy! Danny was a tiny little baby weighing in at only 6 lbs. 12 oz. I learned then that my body did not have the ability to carry and deliver 10 pound babies. And there is no shame in that - it's how I'm built.

To save the life of my child (and myself), there was a necessary change in birth plans.

 

So now . . . back to me. 38 years later and I am laboring to bring forth new life again.

 

3 weeks ago I moved to Chicago to begin this next chapter of my life. "Grandma Moses stepping out" into the unknown, trusting God to part the waters for me and to lead, guide, and provide. Mama T wanting to be near my children, grandchildren, and to help with the launch of my son's new church plant, VIVE Church Chicago next September. Well, dear friends, I have been miserable.

 

That's right. Miserable.

 

The very hardest part of labor is transition, the time when a laboring mama wants to give up. And this transition in life for me has been unbearably, excruciatingly painful. Please, just hook me up to the epidural! I have cried more tears in the past 3 weeks than I have in the past 3 years. I have doubted everything.

 

What have I done?

Did I just make the biggest mistake of my life?

How am I going to make it?
Where's my faith?

God, what am I going to do?
My kids are watching; what will they think?

How do I tell my friends?
People will think I'm indecisive and crazy.

I'm so embarrassed.

I'm never, ever, ever, never going to fit in here.

I want to go home.

 

From day one I have felt out of place in Chicago. I came here for all the wonderful reasons stated above, but I also came here to find myself. What I want out of life. To birth the next chapter in the life of Teresa. Not just MamaT/GrandMama-T, but Teresa.

 

I think I've been in the throws of a pretty intense, pretty serious 4-year "Mid-Life/Empty Nest" crisis. For 4 years now, I have been agonizing over the loneliness I have felt being away from my 5 children, and now my 5 grandchildren. I have just wanted to be near them again. I have questioned daily, "Should I move to Chicago?" After all, it makes sense that if I'm in Chicago living near some of my children, and work together with them in ministry, then it'll be easy to go visit the other children and grandchildren during the year. Right? So, I made the jump. And even though I have been miserable and have questioned whether or not I hear God's voice at all, I'm glad I did it. And here's why.

 

Because I found Teresa.

Silly me.

I want to dance again.

 

For the health and safety of me and my future vision, there is a change in birth plans. While God allowed me to labor for a while, I won't be having my "baby" in Chicago.

 

I'm going back home to Springfield, MO.

 

I don't feel like I made a mistake in moving to Chicago, and I have no regrets. Because now I know.

 

Now I know that I don't belong in Chicago. I could stay there for 100 years, and I'll never fit in. I have wrestled with this for 4 years, and now it's settled. I belong in Springfield. I would never have known this had I not tried. I figured it out, and I have my answer. And I finally have peace regarding where "home" is for Teresa. It's Springfield.

 

And yes, I am still laboring over this new phase, this new child, in my life, and I have many questions. But I do know this: I am not designed to give birth to one 10 pound child - I am built to give life to several 6 and 7 pound children. And there's no shame in that. It's how I'm built. 

 

There is a grace on my life to continue to write. My prayer is that I will make many new friends and that this will grow and give me the ability to help many people in need. I still desire to birth ministries that will help provide shelter, food, clothing, and encouragement for families and single mamas - in Springfield, Chicago, and beyond. While I may not be involved in the capacity that I thought I would be with VIVE Church, I still desire to help in any and every way available. May God take my heart and vision and use them in ways I have never dreamed possible.

 

So, there it is. My heart splattered all over this post. More pearls in the making. Thank you for reading and for allowing me to share my journey openly and honestly. Thank you for your friendship. And mostly, thank your for your encouragement, support and prayers. You mean the world to me. My plan is to move back to Springfield within the next 2 weeks. I appreciate your prayers as I settle back into my home and begin searching for a new job. Please pray that God will order my steps and lead me to a job that is deeply rewarding and will use my heart, gifts and talents fully. I will keep you posted.

 

Once again, you are my heart.

 

Much love,

Teresa/MamaT/GrandMama-T
 

May The Lord bless you and protect you.
May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May The Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.

One tiny, precious pearl among many-the product of pain. Conceived through irritation, born of adversity, nursed by adjustment.

 

Grandma Moses Steps Out

Moses parting the Red Sea

From the beginning of his life to the end, Moses was a man of faith. God had a plan for him that was much bigger than he could have ever imagined.

 

Let's take a quick look at the life of Moses.

 

Moses was born at a time when the children of Israel were living in slavery in Egypt. Pharaoh was so threatened by the growing numbers of Israelites that he put out an order to have all the male babies killed. Moses' mother put him in a basket in the river where he was found by the daughter of Pharaoh. Pharaoh's daughter raised him as her own in Egypt. But that did not change the fact that Moses was a Hebrew.

 

Fast forward 40 years. Again, 40 years - a time of testing followed by a period of blessing. God heard the cries of His people under Egyptian bondage and told Moses that he would be the one to lead them out of captivity into a Promised Land - a land flowing with milk and honey. Moses felt completely inadequate and told God that he was slow of speech and tongue. God took what was in Moses' hand, his staff, and his mouth - God would use both. Moses needed to obey God and have faith - to trust Him even in his weaknesses.

 

Moses went to Pharaoh and asked that he set the children of Israel free. And of course, Pharaoh did not. Even after God sent 10 plagues to Egypt, Pharaoh's heart never softened. The final plague though, the death of all Egypt's firstborn, broke Pharaoh enough that he agreed to let the Israelites go. But of course, once again, Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his entire army to bring them back. The Israelites were stuck at the shores of the Red Sea and had nowhere to go. If they went forward, they would drown in the Red Sea. If they went back, they would be captured by the Egyptian army. The only thing that would save them was a miracle from God.

 

Moses stepped up in the middle of a hopeless situation and told the Israelites to stand still and watch as God went to battle on their behalf. As Moses lifted his rod to the sky, God parted the Red Sea, and the children of Israel were able to cross on dry land. What an incredible sight that must have been! Millions of Israelites crossing the Red Sea with columns of water being held up on each side of them. God provided a miraculous way of escape for them. 430 years of slavery and bondage have now become a future of freedom.

 

Amazing story, right? But why am I talking about Moses today?

 

Because Moses is my hero. His life was spared because God wanted to use him.

I desire for God to use me. 

 

Even in his lack of self confidence and his inability to speak, God spoke through him.

I desire for God to speak through me.

 

Even though he had only a rod in his hand, God used it.

I desire that God use my gifts and talents for Him.

 

Even though he faced insurmountable obstacles, God miraculously delivered him.

Through every midnight, and every valley, and every Red Sea, God has delivered me.

 

And even though he knew that God instructed him to follow without knowing where he was going, Moses obeyed. And he trusted.

That I, like Moses, will always have the courage to follow God's leading and step into the unknown.

 

I feel like Grandma-Moses. Today I am announcing that I am leaving the safety and security of the life I have known for the past 17 years. I am moving to Chicago.

 

Millions of souls

Yes, it's true. I am following after what I believe is God's next step for me in this journey of life. I am following after my heart. God has opened a door of opportunity for me, and I feel that this is the time to walk through that door.

 

For more than 20 years I have worked 2-3 jobs to provide for my family. God has strengthened and sustained me through the years, but honestly, it has been exhausting to say the least. I am proud of the fact though, that all 5 of my children have followed this example and also value a job well done. My youngest child graduated from college 2 years ago, and I have remained in my home and jobs even though none of my children have lived near me for the past 5 years. I have felt isolated and alone.

 

Two of my adult children live in Chicago - my son David, his wife Brittanica, and 3 of my grandbabies, as well as my daughter, Heidi. I want to be near them. In addition, David and Brittanica are starting a new church plant, VIVE Church Chicago, which will launch in September, 2018. I want to be involved in this new church. I want to be close to my children as we work together in life and ministry. Plus, for the first time in forever I will only work one job. Hallelujah!

 

Truth is, though, I am scared. I'm nervous about leaving my comfort zone, my "cocoon." Facing a huge life change with all of its "what if's" and uncertainties and adjustments.

 

 

So I, like Moses, am pulling my self together, gathering up all of my courage, and I'm stepping into the waters of my future. My Red Sea. I will trust and obey. I know that God will part the waters for me and will do miracles on my behalf. The same God who has miraculously provided for me in the past is the same God who will provide for me now. Because in the end, it's not all about me. It's about the many, many souls out there who are hurting and who need to experience the truth of God's love. Precious souls who need deliverance from bondage. This is more important to me than my comfort and security. 

 

My heart is full knowing that I will be closer to family. But I am also praying that as I go into this land of the unknown, that it become a Promised Land for me, and for many others! I'm giving God what's in my hand - my rod. My prayer is as I write, and as I speak, and as I make new friends, that God will use my life to touch and encourage many. I desire to birth ministry to help provide basic needs - shelter, food, clothing - to families in need. Especially single mamas. To give them dignity, respect, safety, and encouragement. Life. To provide community to the lonely. To give people Jesus.

 

So, dear friends, thank you for reading today. And thank you for praying for me in the coming days and weeks of transition. Please pray that God will lead me to the perfect little home where joy will be plentiful and friends will be welcome. And if any of you are in the Chicagoland area, please visit me!

 

Once again, thank you for your love and support. My heart is greatly encouraged by your friendship. Let's all have the courage to have faith, trust God and "step out."

 

All my love,

Teresa/MamaT/GrandMama-T

 

May The Lord bless you and protect you.
May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May The Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.



Pearls of the future - Chicagoland and beyond.



Dads, Hold Open the Door

Baby Teresa holding my dad's hand as I take my first steps.

Happy Father's Day, dads! 

 

We pause today to celebrate you, to say thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make daily to lead and provide for your families. You are the first glimpse we have of the love of our Heavenly Father.

 

We need you. We mamas need you. As children of all ages, we need you. We need your strength, your playfulness, your work ethic, your guidance and wisdom, your discipline, your presence, and most of all, we need your godliness. You make us feel safe and secure as you seek God in everything you do. You make us feel loved.

 

We want you there in the delivery room when we're born. We want you to take us to church and teach us how to pray. We want you to play with us on the floor when we're babies. We want you to teach us how to catch a ball. And how to swim. And how to ride a bike. There when we're sick. We want you at our first T-ball game. We want you to hold our hand and walk with us on our first day of school. We want you to take us to father/son banquets and father/daughter dances. We want you to protect us from bullies. We want you to teach us how to drive. We want you to let us know when the influences from friends are not healthy. We want your counsel as we are making career choices. We want you there on our wedding day. At the birth of our children. Not only do we want these things, we need them. We will never stop needing YOU.

 

But what if we don't have the love of that kind of father?

 

Yes, that's a very hard question. I am aware that this day is especially hard - hard for single mamas who feel overwhelmed, hard for children who just want to have their dads in their lives no matter how imperfect he may be.

 

And I completely understand these feelings from experience. The adorable little picture at the top of this post of me as a baby with my dad is one of the only pictures I have of him. My dad helped teach me how to walk, but he was not there to teach me how to live. His addiction to alcohol robbed both him and me of a lifetime of memories, love and relationship. Because of that, I struggled when I was younger with trusting the love of a Heavenly Father. How did I know that He wasn't going to leave me also? Thankfully God's love has chased after me my entire life. He has never failed me. I have learned that I can trust God fully.

 

My children have also learned to trust in the love of their Heavenly Father in the absence of their father. God has loved them perfectly and has fathered them completely. God has also brought into the lives of each of my children wonderful, godly men who have served as mentors and role models. Especially for my sons. God provided exactly what each son needed at exactly the right time. And because of this, I am honored to say that my sons have grown into amazing men of God who have learned, and continue to learn, that God can be trusted. They love God, their wives, and their children. They work hard. They are faithful. I'm proud of them. I am forever grateful - to God, and to those men.

 

Two of my sons are married and both have very young families. I honor them today on this Father's Day. They love their wives completely and humbly seek God's guidance daily as they raise their children. They are striving to represent to their children the love of God so that these babies will never doubt their value or the "realness" of their Heavenly Father. They are giving their children the best possible start in life. Lives that will be whole and secure as they begin learning lifelong lessons of the nature of God. Lessons that also serve as reminders to us all.

 

They will understand from birth . . .

 

that God longs for relationship with them and that He is thrilled when they come to Him with all of their needs, for all of their lives, just as newborn babies.     

Jason and newborn Evan.



that they don't need to clean themselves up first and have everything perfect before coming to the Lord. He will help them. He just wants us to come to Him.

David and newborn Johnny after first bath.

that God loves them, and us, wholly and unconditionally and smothers us with love.

Kissing the face of perfection.




that our Heavenly Father is happy when we come close to Him; we don't have to be afraid. 

Snuggling with daddy - touching his face. Relationship is born.





that they see themselves in the faces of their children. In the same way, God smiles when He looks at them, and us.

Like father/like son. Love at first sight.



 that life can be fun!

Crazy love!

that they will not only teach their children how to drive, but they'll also be there to help them navigate through life.

It starts young!

 that they are perfect and beautiful and deserve only God's best.

First father/daughter dance.

 

that they are to respect authority, both God's and man's.

Oh, Johnny!

 And, most importantly . . .

 

that they will honor God first and always seek God in all things.

that they will pray with and for their wives,

Unashamedly praying privately and publicly.

that they will also pray for their children always, and take them to church from an early age.

Praying with the pastor.

 that when life gets too hard, they can rest in the arms of God. They will be safe.

Perfect picture of rest and peace.

Thankfully these babies never have to worry about daddy leaving them.

 

They say that chivalry is dead. Well, dads, let's bring it back. Little eyes are watching.

 

Monkey see, monkey do.

Dad's, please serve your families. I am writing from the perspective of a single mama who no longer needs daily help around the house, but who understands what moms really need and appreciate . . . help washing the dishes, and cleaning the floors, and changing the diapers, and playing with the children - whatever needs to be done. It speaks love to us.

 

Open the doors for your wife. Be chivalrous. Women are incredibly strong and capable. We can manage our homes as well as have successful careers.  We are more than capable of opening our own doors, and cooking our own meals, and cleaning our own homes, and paying our own bills, and raising our own children. And doing it on our own if necessary.  But that doesn't mean that we should. Or that we want to. It's not God's way and certainly not His best. Children need both a mom and a dad . . . for all of their lives. Please don't let anything or anyone come before your family. Choose them first, last and always.

 

Dad's, as you are wholeheartedly serving your families and are modeling unconditional love to your children, you are opening the door for each of them to know God personally. And to trust Him. There is no greater reward.

 

And now, to all the single mamas out there - I know that today is one of the hardest days of the year for you. Whether single, or divorced, or widowed - whatever your circumstance, today reminds you of your pain and loss. What you don't have. It may be unbearable pain. Heart pain that you don't think will ever go away. I understand.

 

Please open the door of your heart to the love of your Heavenly Father.

 

Don't try to be both mom and dad - it's impossible. Just be mom. Lean in, look up, and hold on. Forgive. Pray. Trust. It will get better, I promise. I believe that God has carved out a very special place in His heart for single mamas and their children. He will hold you close and comfort you. He will protect you. He will provide for you and your children in ways that will leave you speechless. He will be a husband to the husbandless and a Father to the fatherless. He will love you personally. And He will help your children to know Him and to trust Him. God will meet the needs of your babies, toddlers, small children, and teenagers. As you keep the door of your heart open to the Lord, your children's hearts will also lean in to God and learn from Him. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. You will look back over the years and see the miracle-working ways He sustained you and provided for you - how he was a Father to your children. God will make beautiful pearls out of all the mess. He will turn the heartache into joy. Just like he did for me.

 

We will see that our children have grown into God-honoring, responsible adults. 

 

Lastly, if you are a child (of any age) and you have a dad who is absent from your life, again, I have the same encouragement for you. Keep open the door of your heart for God. Talk to Him about anything and everything. Take all your problems and emotions to Him. He understands your pain, sadness, emptiness and anger. He wants to heal you and provide everything you need. Trust Him. He will be tender with you. He cares for you. God is watching out for you and longs to have relationship with you. Thankfully, He is not distant - He is as close as your next prayer. He will never leave you or forsake you.

 

God is a perfect Father.

 

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for holding open the door for us to know you and spend eternity with you. We are forever grateful for Your love and tender kindness.

 

Thank you for joining me today as we celebrate dads of all ages. You are my heart.

 

All my love,

MamaT/GrandMama-T

 

May The Lord bless you and protect you.

May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May The Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.

 

Happy Father's Day, Jason! 

Jason with Olivia and Evan.

 Happy Father's Day, David!

David with Johnny, Jovi and Jack