STARBUCKS AND THE CHURCH

Part One

“ONWARD”- Howard Schultz

“How Starbucks fought for its life without losing its soul.”

           Once and a while you come across a book that speaks to your soul. This was one of those books for me.

           From the beginning to the end, its passion, empathy, dedication, love, honesty and humility touched me.

           I was left with the question, how can the church fight for its life without losing its soul?  And who is the church; we are, you and me.

           The economy was going down, the forecast didn’t look good. The year of 2008 brought a lot of changes to Starbucks, not only Starbucks, but really the whole world.

           I can relate to this in some degree, as the last year or so Michael and I’s world has been rocked, our boat had been turned upside down. To feel like you have lost control of your world is not an easy place to be.

           I was so taken by Howard Schultz book: first how it related to what I believe is the modern day church and also the business side in me. It brought me back to when I was finishing my schooling in Toronto. My accounting teacher had me into following the stocks, weekly we would discuss this. I was heading home to a new life, but he wanted me to stay and pursue a career in the business field.

             Mr. Schultz came from a humble beginning, born in the Bronx. He described how he grew up before all the electronic age. And kids spent most of their time outside. How the kids from the Bronx would all gather together, sports’ playing was an out to escape the home life. His father did what he could to support his family and due to health reasons lost his job. This left the family with very little and little help. Life throws us some pretty big hurdles. This has left a very big impact on Mr. Schultz’s life and the direction that he leads his life. He relates to his former years and understands what poverty is. He once had nothing, that he was nobody.

             I will take you on a journey through his book with opening questions for us to apply- be very interested in your precepts on the book as well.

            “Onward.”

          “Mr. Schultz describes as one morning he went into the very first Starbucks in Seattle; before the hustle and bustle of the day began. He walked into the dark quiet store. As he entered he ran his hands down the wooden counter where it all began.”

            I remember in the fall of 2011, after my husband lost his job, and having no idea where our lives were going. I walked outside around our property with tears running down my cheeks, looking at all my flower beds and all the work we have put into our home. For us nothing has come easy- no money tree in the backyard. We moved here one year after being married. And like most, we have had to pinch and save to get anything. But we do appreciate everything we do have. The knot in the pit of my stomach would not go away. Will we lose this; will we have to move, what does the future look like?

          “Mr. Schultz stood in the dark and made two commitments to himself.

One, I would not return to the role of CEO dwelling on our storied history. Instinctively I understand that we had to return to our roots, but if that heritage was not linked to a willingness to reinvent and innovate, then we would fail.

Second, I would not cast blame for the mistakes of the past.”

                Do we see this need in our churches today?  Again, returning to our roots and are we willing to reinvent and innovate so that the church can move forward? I ask again, how can the church fight for its life without losing its SOUL!

          “Introduction”

“But I have always refused to abandon that purpose (its soul)-even when Starbucks and I lost our way.”

          My question have we lost our way?

          “Love”

           “Then Starbucks has lost the essence of what we set out to do 40 years ago: inspire the human spirit,”

          Have we (the church) lost the essence to inspire the human spirit?

“I love Starbucks because everything we’ve tried to do is steeped in humanity.

Respect and dignity.

Passion and laughter.

Compassion, community, and responsibility.

Authenticity.”

          How do we bring this back into the church?

“Aspiring to build human relationships in an age when so many issues polarize so many.”

“In the beginning of 2008 I deeply wanted people to fall back in love with Starbucks.”

          How can we get people to fall back in love with Christ?

“Doing so meant taking a step back before we could take many steps forward.”

          Do we have to look to the past first to look to the future?

          We have to look at what worked then or didn’t.  We have to begin to fall back in love with Christ.

 “There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe (my underline) that the path we are choosing is the right and best thing to do. We refuse to be bystanders, even if we do not know exactly where our actions will lead.”

“This is the kind of passionate conviction that sparks romances, wins battles, and drives people to pursue dreams others wouldn’t dare. Beliefs in ourselves and in what is right catapults us over hurdles, and our lives unfold.”

““Life is a sum of all your choices,”- wrote Albert Camus. Large or small, our actions forge our futures, hopefully inspiring others along the way.”

               

                I am at a stage where I no longer want to be a bystander.

I see so many things, movements, unsettlements-searching for what? I remember Sunday nights were more for the youth. People gathered at homes after Sunday night church.  Have we lost the romance, the passion of what it means to live a Christ centered life? I know times have changed, our work life styles have changed as well- we have been spending the last 6 months adjusting with my husband’s new job. It almost seems the more we have the less of God we need.

          We have very little compassion anymore. Have we forgotten where we came from? We can see pictures of depleted people and at that moment think “oh my” but as soon as we turn the page, it’s forgotten.

Luke 12:48 (NIV) “ From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

          Our responsibility is to our community. It used to be that the church was the place that brought it all together. Support was found in the church. We need to be that “city on the hill”, letting our light shine. The community needs to see that we are different. We need to take a stand and be true.

“Believe.”

           We were so surprised at Christmas with a “visit” from Santa, and with two VERY barky dogs, we were not sure how he did this. I remember the excitement as we were pulling out the packages and stockings for all. Everything so carefully wrapped, but on the top was a gift bag that said to a family who “believes”. I was stunned; no words could express my thoughts. You see, in my growing deeper this was something I held on to. In my devotions one day it was on John 11:40. “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?” We claimed to use our story for the glory of God. And this verse was a promise that I held on to. As I write this we are also still holding on to this verse. “I do BELIEVE.” “Santa” didn’t know the miracle he did that day. God, using others to speak through to others.

  “Early one day in Milan, I was strolling from my hotel to a trade show when I popped into a small coffee bar. “Buon giormo!” an older, thin man behind the counter greeted me, as if I were a regular. Moving gracefully and with precision, he seemed to be doing a delicate dance as he ground coffee beans, steamed milk, pulled shots of espresso, made cappuccinos, and chatted with customers standing side by side at the coffee bar. Everyone in the tiny shop seemed to know each other, and I sensed that I was witnessing daily ritual.”

   “I nodded and watched as he repeated the ritual for me, looking up to smile as the espresso machine hissed and whirred with purpose.”

  “This is not his job, I thought, it’s his passion.”

          When we serve Christ, do we serve with this much passion? When people enter our churches or our lives, do they feel this passion as we serve?

“This was so much more than a coffee break, this was theater. An experience in and of itself.”

           Does the church give an experience in and of itself? This is what will reach the younger generation. In order for the church to carry on; we have to reach the younger generation without losing the church’s “soul.”  How can we do this?

“The blend of craftsmanship and human connection, combined with the warm aroma and energizing flavours of fresh coffee, struck an emotional chord.”

          Are we (the church) presenting this craftsmanship and human connection and energizing flavours for Christ?

“For people who seemed more like friends than customers. In every bar I felt the hum of community and a sense that, over a demitasse of espresso, life slowed down.”

          In our crazy, busy world can people come into our churches and feel the sense of friends, community and a peace?

“We take something ordinary and infuse it with emotion and meaning, and then we tell its story over and over and over again, often without saying a word.”

          Does the world see this in our lives? Can we tell the story over and over, and sometimes without saying a word?

“Where people can connect with others and reconnect with themselves.”

          Our churches should be a place to connect with others and themselves (in a spiritual way).

“When we went to automatic espresso machines, we solved a major problem in terms of speed of service and efficiency. At the same time, we overlooked the fact that we would remove much of the romance and theater that was in play…”  (my underline)

“We achieved fresh roasted bagged coffee, but at what cost? The loss of aroma-“  (my underline)

“Finally, the stores’ design, so critical to atmosphere, seemed to lack the warm, cozy feeling of a neighborhood gathering place.”   ( my underline)

          The senses- of the church. We need to bring back the senses- the warm, cozy feeling of a neighborhood gathering place!

“Without these sensory triggers, something about visiting a Starbucks vanished! The unique sights, smell, and charms that Starbucks introduced into the marketplace define our brand. If coffee and people are our core, the overall experience is our soul.”

“We desperately need to…get back to the core and make the changes necessary to evoke the heritage, the tradition, and the passion that we all have for the true Starbucks experience! I could not allow us, or myself, to drift into sea of mediocrity after so, many years of hard work. I just could not do it. The time had come to speak up, from the heat.”   ( my underline)

          Let’s get back to the core!!!! Have we lost the vision, the goal, the mark? Let’s go back to our heritage, the traditions and the passion. Let’s look at our sensory triggers. We can learn from the past, take what we can, bring it to new heights. Let’s make visiting church check the boxes of all our senses to make it a drawing place. Yes, the way we present may change, but we can’t let go of the core!

“Technology was redefining the nature of relationships and how people spend their time.”

“The times were changing, with or without Starbucks. I knew we could no longer tell our story only in our stores.”

 The times are changing, with or without the church!

“I sensed a second challenge on the horizon. In addition to tackling mounting problems inside our company, we also had to innovate in the digital domain, to discover new ways to reach out and be relevant to consumers. I was not sure exactly where to begin, but we had to do something.”

          We have to discover new ways to reach out!

“Only by not speaking from my heart do I betray that trust.”

           Let’s find our voice!!!!

                                                               Part II to follow,

 *All quote credits given to- Howard Schultz with Joanne Gordon,

"Onward How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul."

THERE YOU ARE!

  I knew I had one in there, just couldn’t find it. The flax was drowning you out!

  I was cleaning out one of my flower beds the other day and knew that somewhere in this jungle there used to be a princess spirea shrub.

  We had some work done in that area, so I had to let it be; the new grass had to get established. But, it was time for an overhaul. The flax had made themselves right at home.

  I started to weed this mess away, knew that there was a spirea in there somewhere. After some weeding and pruning I found my “little spirea shrub”.  The flax had smothered my poor shrub.

  Then it hit me, that little shrub reminded me of our daughter.

  Mom is having a hard time realizing that in about a year’s time our “baby” will be going off to school somewhere. Naturally, I just want to keep her here where I can take care of her and protect her, even to make sure she takes time to eat right.

So I may be giving some of you a call next fall, to those that have gone through this before. We have enjoyed our daughter’s time with us. She has been such a gift to our home.

  Life is full of stages, some easier than others. Those sleepless first few years seems just like yesterday; yet at the time like it would never end. The first day she took those big steps of the school bus, first sleepover. All the fun planning her birthday parties, grade 8 graduation, to a beautiful young woman. I am such a blessed mom.

  This mom also realizes that my stage now is to prepare to let go. I don’t want to be like the flax and smother her. My prayer for her is that she will allow God to use her. She has so many talents and such a great personality. She leaves her touch on everything she does.

  And, if I want her to allow God to use her, then I also have to allow God to use her.

  If I allow my natural instinct to smother and keep her with me, then she will never reach her full potential.

  Motherhood is such a complicated job; we carry, bring forth, nurture, and then have to let them go. The day we bring them home we start preparing them to grow their wings and fly.

  I think of Hannah how she prayed for a child, how she yearned for one, and then made a vow to God that she would give her baby back to God.

  We see this story unfold in 1 Samuel chapter 1 and 2. Hannah poured out to God expecting God to answer her prayers and God blessed her with Samuel. I also prayed and poured out to God for our daughter, after losing one and thinking that we would not be able to have anymore.

  After Hannah had Samuel, she didn’t forget her vow to God. She gave her “baby” back to God, to do the work the Lord had called him to. We also gave our daughter back to God at her dedication service. We made a vow as well. We have loved on her, enjoyed her being a part of our home, and now it’s time to let her spread her wings and fly (in a year). I know God has a great plan for her life and what a blessing it will be to watch as her story unfolds. And I am sure it wasn’t all that easy for Hannah to leave her child, after waiting and praying for him.

  “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

  Blessings,

My Prayer Basket

  I have felt led in a new direction with my prayer/devotional time.

  I am sharing it with you today; may we all encourage each other as we share. May we join together! I believe as we join great things can be accomplished for HIS glory; mountains can be moved, hurdles over come and healing (yes, we do live under Abraham’s blessings today as well).

  Sunday’s: Special request and worshipping. It’s usually on Sunday that we are made aware of a special prayer request or needs. Let’s take those requests and needs to our Heavenly Father or if we can help in some way then do it.

  But let’s also set this day aside to worship and praise our Heavenly Father. Where ever we are, whatever we are doing include worship in that. Even if you are working, we can still worship in our attitude. What better way to start the week!

  Monday’s: Missionaries. We need to cover them in prayer. They are the ones that are on the front lines. I have been trying to put myself in their place, the load they carry. All the day to day things we take for granted, that they have been willing to let go.

  They have left their homes, jobs, family to serve. They have laid everything on the line.

  Do they battle loneliness, homesickness, isolation, security,

sickness, finances etc…?

  As it is summer here and let’s face it, our work life revolves around our holidays.  We plan, we anticipate it, and it motivates us. Do they get holidays?  Their lives revolve around service.

  I think of how I love to have my family around during our holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc… What would it be like not to have this?

  What a blessing it was to be able to share some time with one of our church missionary families. They were in a foreign country learning their customs and language, preparing to be where they were called to be.

  We have so much freedom here. Try shopping where men are standing by the doors with guns; not able to go out after dark, for fear.

  One of my most noted memories is how after our meals, they always made a plate up for the guard that was outside. Their work of service had already begun.

  Tuesday’s: Our Town Brockville, Ontario, Canada. (Or where God has called you to be)

Jeremiah 29:5-7(NIV)

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters, find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease? Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

  God has placed each of us exactly where we are. We were all born at the right time- God’s great plan.

  Spring 2012, Brockville job forecast plain and simple- no jobs, Brockville at the bottom of the list. The younger generation is leaving and not returning; nothing to keep them here.

  I want to challenge you to pray for our city. We can together through prayer bring this city to prosper again. It no longer has to be on the bottom of the list. The younger can be staying and coming back. This excites me so. Imagine the great things; our churches could prosper, filled like never before. It’s a chain reaction, and it’s biblical. Let’s pray for our city, province, and country. I’m ready, are you?!?

   Wednesday’s: Our Workplace.  When your work place prospers, you also will prosper. Pray for your place there, that you will be an example of Christ to your co-workers. This is your missionary field. Even if you are self-employed, or at home taking care of the home- it’s still your work place. Pray for the people that cross your path. Get to know them, their needs so that you may reach out to them.

Hebrews 13:17(NIV)

  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

  Guess what, if you make it a joy for your boss to have you as an employee, do you not think favour will be upon you? Let’s not make ourselves a burden to our bosses.

  Thursday’s: Others that need a Touch of the Lord.

Praying for others is a privilege. I don’t know about you but I don’t think a week goes by without someone having a need. We are to carry each other’s burdens and be encouragers to each other. I am finding that my list these days is getting longer. We are to carry each other’s needs in prayer to present our request to God. Matthew 18:20(NIV) “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

  Friday’s: Family Day. To most it’s T.G.I.F. day. I don’t really like using that term, but to most it’s a common term. But what better way to end the “work week” than by starting the day with prayer for your family. Praying for our husbands, wives, children etc…Pray for their specific needs; cover them in your love, that hedge of protection around your little ones. I have even heard about taking a day for fasting and prayer for your spouse. What better “show” of love could there be. Our family is the only thing we can take with us.

  Saturday’s: Our Pastors- who Shepherd us.

  I am sure we are not the only crazy house on Saturdays. Everyone’s busy and running. For our Pastor’s I’m sure that this day they are also preparing themselves for Sunday. So, what better day to set aside for our leaders who shepherd us. Pray for them, encourage them. Pray for their spouse and that relationship, their children and family. They are no different from us and deal with our problems as well as their own family problems. We sometimes forget this. We need to hold them up and now is the time. Get to know them as people, find out if they have needs, share, encourage and build them up. They carry a heavy load- a load that most of us do not understand or want to understand. So lift them up today as they prepare themselves to lead us that they would be attentive to what God has for us.

  BLESSINGS

Empty Words

Have you ever had something happen and you think, wow! Well today was one of those days. My morning walk is my thinking time. I’m not one that likes to have music pumping in my ears when I’m walking, although I love music. I enjoy the sounds of nature and at 5 am the world is still in stillness.

 I love to reflect, sometimes it’s a sound that brings on a thought, or even the day before events that might trigger my thoughts.

 I have been praying for an individual, I really don’t know this person, but through friends know this individual needs prayer. We need to see God’s healing power here. I have informed my friends that we would be praying and to pass this along to the family.

 As I was walking this morning I was thinking of this individual. Then my thoughts were led to how many times do we say we are praying for you or thinking of you and nothing more becomes of it.

 I humbly admit that I am guilty of this. How many times do I say empty words? How can I improve this in my life? Maybe it would help if I were to put it in a prayer book. Carry it with me, so when I say I’m praying for you or thinking of you I put that person’s name in it. This could be my daily reminder in my prayer time.

 As I returned home from my walk, I did my devotions- here was the wow moment! We look in Ephesians 1: 15-23. We see how the apostle Paul wrote prayers to encourage other believers. Bingo! Wow! As I see an area that I need to improve in my life; instead of using empty words. What an encouragement this passage was to me. When I say to someone I’m praying or thinking of them, why not back it up as Paul did with a written prayer sent to that person. With all the technology we have now, there are no limits. And then there is the good old fashion way of pen and paper.

 My prayer for me is to try and stop using empty words without action. I want to try to follow Paul’s example to back my words up with a written prayer to encourage others.

 It is so easy for us to use our words “loosely” and not follow up. Right now I’m imaging the great things that could happen in our lives, believers or not, if we would allow the Spirit to move.

 Praying for others is a privilege!!!

The Family Scrapbook

Deuteronomy 6:4-9(NIV)

  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

 The family scrapbook; what did God have in mind when he designed the family?  He designed the family, first knowing that it was not good for man to be alone. The family is to encourage each other, to build up, to be there for each other. The design of the family has changed over the years; not so sure this is what God had in mind?

 The other day I was listening to the radio and they were doing the birthday announcements. There was a birthday wish for a 2 year old from her mom, step dad and her dad. I thought how sad, she is only 2 years old.  Where is the love that her parents had when they had her? If it is confusing to me, how much more confusing must it be to her.

  I think back to when Michael and I decided to get married, to start our home and family. You are filled with so many hopes and dreams as to what you want to build together. It takes a lot of work doesn’t it to keep everything working together.  It’s all about togetherness. We build our homes together; raise our kids together and now preparing our home for our next phase of our life.

 We see in Deuteronomy how God wants us to build our home. The commandments and promises are to be pressed upon our hearts. But, not only on our hearts but our children as well, to make it a part of our everyday living. Our whole lives are to be an example of who God is.  We are to walk daily with God. He beside you and you beside Him.  It’s a partnership.

 When we watch our children closely we can see them imitate some of our actions and attitudes, hopefully they are good ones. Funny little story; one day one of my kids shared “that when I grow up I want to drink lots of water and watch the Ellen show, cause that’s what my mom does.” When we spend time walking with God, reading His word, and living His word out we imitate His likeness, which rubs off on our kids. Even as they grow older. There is a song that Keith Urban sings about as the older he gets the more like his dad he becomes.  Another song called the Cat’s Cradle. Where the dad was always too busy but now the roles are reversed and the son is too busy to have time for his dad. Our kids watch how we react to things.

 Are we unloving, too stern, undisciplined, not accepting, selfish? Or do we have a home that is always accepting, warm, welcoming, loving and giving? I want this for our home. I want my kids to want to come back “home” (to visit) and my grandkids to feel the love at Opa’s and Oma’s. A special place for them to feel invited. I want to share and make memories that will stay with them.

 I remember when our daughter was in grade 3 and she came home one day from school, and shared that her teacher said that if you are being raised by your parents, how lucky you are.

 From the first creation of the family to now in 2012, our kids are lucky to be raised by their own parents. Something God created to be beautiful has become so distorted.

 I also appreciate a comment that was shared on “Mother’s Day.” “That once you are a parent you are always a parent; no on/off switch. Just because they get older doesn’t mean we stop parenting. Our role just changes a little.”

 It’s a commitment we made the day we choose to build our families. It doesn’t end when they turn 20, 30, and 40 etc...it’s a life time commitment to “the family.”

 We have a joke in our home (my daughter might object to me sharing this). I say this little thing to my daughter, “but I carried you for 9 months, kept you alive for 6 months”- her reply, “that was your choice, not mine, you chose to have me”. We joke about it in our home, but our daughter is so right isn’t she.

  I think of my own mom and how her grandkids always know they can run to grandma for help. She always makes a way for them. She has a connection with each of them; she has a very powerful influence on them. She plays a very vital role in their lives. I am so grateful that she is using her time to impress upon their hearts. She could use her time for herself and rightly so, but to her it is more important to see her kids, grandkids and great grandkids being lead to God. The legacy to be passed on from one generation to the next. I think God must have a great big smile on his face when he looks down on her. She is fulfilling her role that He has designed.

The design of the family is falling apart. Not only in our personal family, but the design of the “family of God” as well. The lack of commitment to the family has also crept into the commitment to the “family of God.” There seems to be little value in either one anymore. We have become a very self serve society. We serve the family and the “family of God” with this same on/off switch. When it’s convenient or it works for us at the time. We concern ourselves with just doing enough to get us by. How could we ever out serve our Lord?

 If the “constitution” of the family has dissolved, then where will the church be in 5, 10, 15 years from now? You say that could never happen- oh never say neverJ.  We (including myself) are putting, it seems, the big I before loving the Lord with all your heart and impressing them down from one generation to another.

  Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t have an on/off switch? Could you image what would happen? Then, maybe again, it would be a good lesson for us all!

Keith Urban - Song for Dad

Harry Chapin - Cat's In The Cradle 

Compassion

Luke 10:27 (NIV). “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

  This past year has been a very deep, growing time for me.  I am still growing and leaning on God for some unanswered prayers and still at times filled with a lot of anguish.

  In the beginning of 2011, my husband was dealing with a lot of stress related to his job.  It was one thing after another and he was trying to hold it altogether.  I’ve seen him at his breaking point.  We didn’t share a lot of this with anyone, trying to be strong and protecting everyone.  It was our hearts desire to be a witness to his boss and family.  I had also taken care of their children over the years as well.

  I had watched things develop and didn’t like what was going on.  I had told Michael many times that “John” (his boss) needed to watch.  I had seen this before with my father and his business.

  We were trying to be careful with our own finances, the future was unsettled. Yet at the same time, praying for his boss and company so that we could use it as a witness to him.

  My husband’s stomach started to bother him a lot.  I started to worry about his health and how much more he could handle.

  My husband’s sanctuary was Sunday.  He is the voluntary worship leader at our church.  He loved Sunday and worshiping.  This was my husband’s passion and where I knew his heart was.

  We were also praying for this.

  We decided not to go anywhere for our holidays.  Still very concerned how things were going.  Michaela was going to visit her friend in Calgary for her holidays.

  Michael had bought a motorcycle in the spring so that was our holidays.  He wasn’t going to but I encouraged him to get the bike.  My husband is such an unselfish man.  He gives and does everything for everybody else.  I felt with everything he had been going through for the past two years, he needed a treat.

  The bike was also good for both of us. We actually spent some time together. And I used the time on the bike as a prayer time.

  So we stayed “home for the holidays” which was nice.  We live such busy lives that it was nice just to wake up and sit out on the deck having our morning tea/coffee.  What a treat.  And we enjoyed day trips on the bike.

  We also did our daughter’s bedroom over for her 16^th birthday.  I think Michael painted her room on one of the hottest days there were.

  We enjoyed our time even though I took sick on our first week.  They thought I had pneumonia or was having some asthma attacks. They switched my medications around and after a chest x-ray ended up saying I had some upper respiratory infection.

  Then the second week of our holidays, which was the end of August, I went to my doctor’s and he informed me that he found two lumps on my breast and we needed to have a mammogram right away. He ordered a ton of blood work as well.  He did inform me that lots of times it’s a fibrous breast. So we had all this testing done.

  Then for the next two weeks, I waited.  For those two weeks I had everything going through my mind.  Even, Lord, I need to be here for my daughter.  I have to be there for her wedding etc…… So Michael and I decided that we would deal with things and were hopeful for the best.

  I empathize with anyone that has been in this spot.  I was thinking a lot of Michael’s cousin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and everything she had been through.  How did she do it and she always had a very positive outlook.  She has two children.  Her son is Michaela’s age and the other a younger daughter. The daughter was having a hard time dealing with everything.  You could only imagine, but really none of us could.  What was going through that young girl’s mind?

  Then I took a fall and hurt my foot.  First they thought it was broken.  X-rays confirmed a bone spur and when I fell, it splintered.  So I had floating bone pieces in my foot. The doctor said it would feel like a break.  I found out that crutches are a pain in the butt. 5 minutes of this and I informed the doctor that there was no way I was using them.

  I was in a lot of pain and could hardly put my foot down to walk on, but work was calling.  Or my husband would say I was too stubborn to give in.   I say why start now.

  Then our car died and we had to get another car. Which was not in the plans or budget- is it ever?

  I was also having another kind of pain.  I was in pain every day.  An ultrasound on my uterus confirmed that I had three tumors that were growing and causing all kinds of problems and pain.

  But my blood work was still all good; fibrous tumors.  The doctor informed me that he had only 3 cases where they turned cancerous.  That was good news.  But in the back of my mind I am wondering because I have a family history here.

  So, lucky me.  Fibrous breasts and fibrous tumors.  But we are grateful it’s not cancer.

  We looked at a surgery that I would be a candidate for.  But that fell through. Then it would be a hysterectomy.  I didn’t really want to have this. I still live with pain just about every day- no I haven’t had surgery yet.  You see in the same week I went back to the doctors and told him that I couldn’t have any surgery at that time.  Why, you may ask?  The reason was because on October 29^th, my husband came home and crashed.  They closed the doors.  The company went bankrupt without any notice, other than my husband cornered his boss that week and questioned some things.  His boss just said things weren’t looking that good.

  So in no way could I take six weeks off.  We would only be living on my income until Michael received his unemployment.

  Then, in all this, I fell again and reinjured the same foot. Give me a break! I think I have had enough pain.

  Our whole world was coming down on us.  I can’t explain all the feelings and emotions that one goes through, other than the bottom falling out from under you.

  I spent so much of my time crying and not dealing with things very well.

  In the middle of all this as my husband was trying to find a job, he was also producing the Christmas production at our church. I was so mad at God for this. Why would he allow all this? It was so unfair for Michael to do all this and be a complete mess inside.

  I am so proud of my husband.  He managed to hold it all together and did a wonderful job on the Christmas production.

  After six weeks of feeling like you are living in a fog, my husband, as most know, got a job. We were so excited and so thankful.  His first day was December 12^th, my birthday.  What a gift!!

  We have claimed from the beginning to use this all for God’s glory and the way it all unfolded we know without a doubt that it was God.

  I did find it very hard though as Christmas was a different one.  We had no money for this.  It was hard to watch everybody else getting ready for Christmas and hearing people talk about everything they were getting.

  I love to do lots of Christmas baking, but I didn’t do any, because we had no extra money for it.

  We are so thankful to our church family for helping us through this time and their gifts that kept us going.  Our mortgage was due and Michael was a little (well a lot) worried about where the money was going to come from. That week we received a card with the amount to cover our mortgage.  What a blessing.  And with another generous gift we were able to get Michaela just a few things for Christmas.  She was such a trooper through all this and was the one that would remind us to stay positive.

  Yes, Christmas was a different one, but we were together and we had a great Christmas.

  Then I was so crushed from someone that thought it was terrible that we would accept help from people. They thought we should be using our credit cards and credit line.  I felt like I was slapped in the face.  Lord, how much more?  This was not an easy place to be, because we were used to being the giver, not the receiver.  It puts you at a very humbling place.

  And just a few weeks ago, I was talking to someone.  They had asked me to help out with something.  Michael and I talked about it and felt that it just wasn’t the right time yet.  Plus, my blood pressure is riding a little high and I need to get this down and not take on more things.   I have also been dealing with another issue this past year.  I am not able to share about this right now to protect those involved, but it has been very taxing on me.

  Anyway, I was explaining to this person my reasons why and stated that it has just been a very long year.  Their reply was, “yes I know, it has been a long year for us too”.  It just hit me.  How could they say that?  They have no idea the year we have been through?  To me, they are busy, but have a good life and just came back from a holiday.  Oh, how I would love to have a holiday right about now!

  I do not take any hard feelings from this.  I would probably respond the same way.  Nor do I want people to feel sorry for me story either. But it just hit me at the time like a brick wall came down on me.  Did they have to wait two weeks to hear if they had cancer or not?  Did they lose their job?  Nor did I really know all they have been through either.

  Let’s look at the rest of Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan. We see first the priest, who passes by. Then the Levite passes by. Then the Samaritan, who took pity on the man and took care of his needs.

  To the Samaritan it didn’t matter that the man was a Hebrew. His race was not the issue.  He only saw a man in need.

  Luke 10:36-37(NIV). ““Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

  The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

  Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.””

  We know nothing really about each of these men.  Nor do we know any of their personal struggles.  Which I’m sure they had some-we all do.  But I do know that sometimes life can rob us, whether health, finances, death of a loved one etc…and we are pulled down.  We don’t go out and ask for it, life just happens.

  I want to learn from this time, and no matter what I may be going through, I want to be the one to pull others up, not down.  I don’t want to walk on the other side just because it’s easier.  I want to be the one that says, “Take my hand, we can walk this one together”.  I am so thankful that we had friends that walked the journey with us.  There are still Good Samaritans out there.

  2 Corinthians 1:7 reads, “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our suffering, so also you share on our comfort”.

      “Go and do likewise.”    

 

               An Ear To Hear

Have you ever felt drained, can’t handle too much more?

I remember being a parent for the first time. Reading all the books and thinking I knew all the right answers. Yet, in trying to be this perfect parent, I was wearing myself down. Then I was creating this very needy child.

In my daycare, I have seen it over and over again. Mothers frustrated, exhausted, at wits end. “Where do I turn next? They just demand so much of me, Lisa.  What am I going to do?”

I have the hard part, sitting back seeing the answer. But are they willing to hear?

I remember after I got married, my grandmother took me aside one day with a warning.

My son was 6 years old when I got married to my husband. We had an instant family. Not only was I getting use to married life, but now sharing my son. After just the two of us for those 6 years, this was not always easy.

My grandmother said, “Lisa, if you want him to be his father, then you have to let him be his father.” This even meant allowing my husband to discipline my son. She gave me an example of a marriage that was destroyed because the mother wouldn’t allow her new husband to do this. The boy caused lots of problems and played one against the other. Well, the marriage ended and the son turned out not being so nice. He got himself into some trouble.

So, the day came when my son needed some discipline and after Michael had given him many warnings, I said to Michael, “I think it’s time the warnings stop and action is taken.”

My husband did his fatherly role. I hope my son realized how hard it was on my husband, who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.

But to this day, I believe this was a bonding time for them. They built that true father/son relationship. That might not have happened if I had not allowed it. Think of what my son could have missed out on.

Let’s look in Exodus 18: 13-24(NIV).  Moses was wearing himself down, allowing the Israelites to be demanding on him. Like our children can be to us. We spend way too much of our time doing everything for them. Not allowing them to spread their wings and learn for themselves.

The Israelites surrounded Moses day and night; first because he wanted to be a good leader and second because he allowed them to demand on him.

How many of us moms have had days feeling like this. Our kids surrounding us day and night, whining and demanding on us. We all want to be that perfect parent. We need to stop allowing our children to do this to us. We are still going to be a great parent, maybe even better than we thought.

Moses’ father-in-law was watching (like my grandmother). He saw all that was going on. This is not an easy place to be these days, because people don’t want to listen.

So Jethro asked Moses “what was going on and it was not good.” It was not a healthy place for Moses or the Israelites to be. It’s not a healthy place for our children either.  

Jethro gave Moses some advice. Now, many of us at this point would close our ears to this. “What do they know, they don’t understand anything. They don’t know me.”  

But the most amazing thing happened…Moses listened (vs.24) and did what his father-in-law suggested. What a blessing Moses gave himself and the Israelites that day.

Now, think how many times someone has given us some advice, seasoned advice done in love (hopefully). Were we open to it?  Did we heed to the advice?  Oh, how we short cut ourselves at times. Not only us, but our children as well. Think of the blessings that we are throwing away. It’s funny how we want our kids to listen to us, but we don’t want to listen to others!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Acceptance!

  What is it to be accepted- we are all looking to be accepted. This can happen in all economic and social levels. Acceptance can be a good thing or a negative thing. But it is the driving force of our core center.

  When I look back in my past, this driving force has led me into not always doing the right thing or making the best decisions.

  I see this in very young children. I see children at an early age who are not getting the acceptance they need at home and then seeking it elsewhere.

  I see a little girl who has a very complicated home life. She didn’t have any little “girlfriends” at school, just this little boy “John” was her friend; she liked to play with him. He was her commander, he told her what to do and she did it. Now I don’t know about you but I see this as a big “danger sign” as to what could be lurking ahead- how do we stop this? Another discussion for another time.

  I looked in the back of my bible’s subject index. First subject-guess- acceptance. Yeah, I know, first letter of the alphabet. But it’s the core.

  Let’s look at Matthew 9:9-13(NIV)

  When Jesus invited Matthew the tax collector to follow him, he (Jesus) accepted him-the magical word- if I can say that. Matthew can represent anyone here. We meet people every day; people come and go into our lives and churches. Do we take the time to accept them as they are, Jesus did. Did he not accept you?

   Now let’s be honest! We see some pretty scary looking people- guys with funny hair, make-up, nail polish-looking for acceptance. Would you invite that person to sit with you? If a prostitute were to walk in would we accept her or reject her without knowing anything about her or her story? If the mayor came in would we care anything about him or just accept him because he was the “mayor”? If someone were to come in very well dressed- looking like a person of some importance, then another with dirty clothes and smells- which would you be drawn to? Now are you seeing the picture? Who would Jesus be drawn to?

In Galatians 2:6(NIV). It reads “As for those who seemed to be important- whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance-those men added nothing to my message”.

  We see a single Mom or Dad that has a family trying to do their best, but is drawn to another source “being accepted”- at what cost?

  We see children being put aside because of the lack of commitment and seeking acceptance in all the wrong ways or the need of acceptance takes over from their commitments.

We have Matthews’s everyday in our lives. People of the “unacceptable”. Do we really want to miss out?  If Jesus didn’t accept Matthew – who was despised by many then we would have missed out on the life and work that Matthew did for the kingdom. How many people have we passed by never giving them the time of day? What story is not being completed? What work of the kingdom is not being done?

  What about the single parents, the busy young parents, the widows, the singles. While the rest of us do our thing, concerning ourselves with the “clique” we are involved in. Not reaching out to others outside our circle.

  Sometimes it’s sad to see people making plans of going or getting together at somebody’s house and doing  it right in front of you without thinking of including you. Oh right, not part of the “clique”! Does this remind you of grade school? When everyone is invited to the party, but not you.

  What about the one that is always called upon to do meals for someone that is in need or sick? Then when that person is down and the tables are turned, no one bothers to worry about doing meals for them. If that person were to slip through the cracks, would anybody care, or would the only care be now who are we going to get to do the meals?

  Or, it’s Mother’s Day, what about that young single mom that’s doing her best to serve the Lord and be a good parent to her young children? Would we take the time to accept her and give her a card or do something special for her? Just to make her feel special!

  We will be drawn to where we are accepted.

  Are we truly being like Jesus? I think we let too many loop holes go by. Too many Matthews slip through the doors of our lives.

  Aren’t you glad we were accepted and not forgotten by our heavenly Father?

A Mother Teresa’s Heart

Mothering Sunday

  -Let’s look at her life

  -Her Passions

  -Her Ambitions

   -Her Style

How can we apply this to our lives?

It’s Mothering Sunday did you know this is what it’s called in England and there is special cakes made for Mothering Sunday. It is custom to take one of these cakes to your mother.

Well, it’s Mother’s Day and men you know that we women are very emotional people- go ahead you can say your Amen now! Mother’s Day is a very emotional day to some of us. I can remember being at the old Highway Temple on King St. on Mother’s Day. That little washroom was filled with teary eyed moms, hugging and consoling each other. It’s a day of mixed emotions isn’t it?

Some of us have children that have walked away from the Lord and we’re still praying for them. Will they remember what day it is, will they call or maybe they are just too busy with life to remember.

Some of us wanted to be a mother and naturally it just never happened. Some were able to be blessed by adopting your children- what a gift for both of you. Others, that hole is still a void.

Some of us have lost a child and this day brings back hurt and memories- maybe we don’t want to acknowledge this day. I remember the first Mother’s Day after we lost ours; due just before Mother’s Day. We prepared ourselves for the worst. Having the nurses taking us aside and telling us that sometimes things like this just happens, maybe the baby had some deformities etc….After having our baby, they brought the baby in for us to see. I still see this picture so clear curled up in the fetal position. There was my perfect baby; its head was shaped just like Michael’s and we both counted its perfect 10 little toes and fingers- no visible deformities. The autopsy later revealed the cause of death was starvation.

As I look over all the women here today you are all mothers. We are all born with this mothering instinct in us. An example of this is in my daycare I have a doll buggy. The boys get a hold of it and they ram it, banging it into whatever is in its way, furniture, walls etc….The girls will put their babies in it and cover them gently, with a gently mothering stroll off they go. It’s already there.

I think of Ruth Stenbridge, Ruth we honor you today. No, I know that physical you didn’t have children, but for those that don’t know you you mothered many years teaching Sunday school. You poured yourself into each and every child planting seeds that are still there today. Your crown of glory.

For some this is a hard day because you have lost your mom. I think of Patty and her family, the Carkner’s and the Hamelin’s. This is the first Mother’s Day without mom. We are praying for you.

As I was trying to put this altogether I was thinking of the women in my life, and now that I am a couple of years away from being able to join “young at heart”, thinking of what I want my home to be to my family. And now that we are Opa and Oma to a second beautiful granddaughter, what do I want for Charly and Meya.

And having to realize that soon my baby will be leaving, off to school we go. I have well informed Michael already that I will not handle that very well- so be prepared.

The family unit has taken on a great change in the last 45-50 years hasn’t it? I have the privilege of remembering the milk/bread man coming to your house, using an outhouse and the good old Eaton’s catalog- I won’t explain the use of this.

I spent a lot of time at my grandparents (from my mother’s side). They were simple people, living a simple life. I can’t say it was easy for them. My grandfather was a farmer early to rise and early to bed. Very hard workers. There was always something to be done (no holidays for them or winter’s in Florida).

My grandmother was a very quiet woman, but always busy. I still remember her hanging the laundry out in the winter; bring it in stiff as a board and hanging it by the wood stove to finish drying. And guess what I do this. I don’t remember her ever being or appearing to be upset or emotional, only once when she had it with my uncle Jeff and myself. I was older by three months (that’s just wrongness). We were not getting along very well that day for some reason. She had it with us and that is the only time I remember her raising her voice- now maybe my mother has a different story?

School mornings we would get up and grandma had already been up for awhile. I remember counting one day lined up on the counter were 13 brown bag lunches to take one as you were leaving- no special orders ( and I complain making 2).

The best memories were Sunday’s. It was off to grandma’s we’d go. Everyone would come. Now my mom had 12 brothers and sisters with spouses and children, you talk about mad confusion, but everyone was happy. We did lots of play whether in the barn, fields or yard. In the fall the boys would play football, winter was road hockey, spring walks in the fields with handfuls of trilliums (I know we are not to pick them).  

I look at our kids today and they don’t know how to play, their lives are run here and there, and being entertained by all the electronic devices that are out there. I recall one day saying to the kids that it was “free play time." One of the boys looked up at me and said “what’s play time." Have we lost something here?

Then finally we would all sit down to “Sunday dinner." Where are those Sunday dinner’s today? Where is the family?

What do I want for my family, what do you want?

Looking at the women in my life, my mind was drawn to a women we all know of or heard of. She was well known and respected all over the world. She has left us a lasting legacy. If you were like me, you probably don’t know too much about her life. But after studying her life I was blown away by her passion, ambition, strength, faith, commitment, sacrifice and how I could apply a little of these in my life.

How To Have A Mother Teresa’s Heart

I want to share her resume of her philosophy of life that she wrote in her seventies.

Life is an opportunity, avail it.

Life is a beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is costly, care for it.

Life is a wealth, keep it.

Life is love, enjoy it.

Life is a mystery, know it,

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, brace it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is life, save it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

This ordinary woman was raised in an ordinary family. She was the youngest of three children born to her parents Nikola and Drana Bojaxhiu. Surprisingly she came from a well to do family. Her father’s family did very well in the trade industry. He was a very intelligent man with a good business head and spoke several languages. Because of his business he would travel away from home a lot with gifts to follow from his returns.

Her mother would keep very busy taking care of the home and her children, but Mother Teresa could fondly remember how when her father would return her mother would stop everything. She would tidy herself and the kids up for his return.

In Mother Teresa’s (whose birth name was Agnes) early childhood there was political turbulence in her country. Her father was a sociable man whose home provided a warm welcome for guess ranging from the poor of Skopje to the town’s archbishop. He always encouraged the best from his children. Following in his political interest; Nikola attendant a political gathering only to be returned in failed health. Nikola Bojaxhiu died at 45 years old.

Agnes was 8 years old.

Mother Teresa’s mother was left with very little to support her family. Her husband’s partner claimed all the business wealth.

I hope I am not boring you with this, but you need to see this was the foundation on which her life came from-what foundations are we building in our homes?

Her mother did whatever she could to support her family taking in any mending or task. With very little she believed in helping anyone she could. The family was never sure who would be at their house or eating dinner with them.

This brings me back to the funeral of the late Jean Hamelin; her legacy open home, always accepting, ready to feed everyone, always busy.

Drana Bojaxhiu was a very devoted Roman Catholic. She insisted on the value of the non-material riches of kindness, generosity and compassion for the poor and week- remember the foundations for Agnes future apostolate were laid. Are our children seeing this in our lives today?

Agnes would later assert in her later life “home is where the Mother is."

Do you know that a large population of our children is being raised without a mom? More and more fathers are becoming single dads. The enemy is on full attack; guess what it’s the moms of the “homes." Over the last year I have worked with the social services, ask them- we wouldn’t believe what is going on.

Agnes could remember her father telling his kids “never to eat a single mouthful unless you are sharing it with others."

Agnes mother was eager that the lessons of the “love in action” and the importance of leading a Christian life- virtue’s she would instruct her kids. “When you do good, do it quietly as if you were throwing a stone into the sea."

Prayer was always an integral part of the home life- is prayer an integral part of our homes today? You see these lessons were instilled by solid example.

I would like to thank the late Jean Hamelin for instilling in her family the importance of “prayer” and “love in action." What an example she has given to us. Her family has been blessed.

Agnes’s family knew the good times, the hard times and loss- life wasn’t always easy, hardship was a part of it.

I want to share a passage from the book Where There Is Love,

 There Is God- Mother Teresa. The love and unity of the family serves as the foundation for the growth of the children, providing a sense of identity, peace, trust, openness, and joy that will prepare them to take their place in society. Small acts of thoughtfulness to those closest to us make them feel welcome, accepted, worthy and appreciated. The home offers ample opportunities for sharing joys, bearing hard ships together, providing support in suffering, putting oneself at disposal of others, seeking not to be served but rather to serve all expression of love. Where “tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule."  “The family both parents and children will grow in holiness”- is this what your home looks like?

By the age of 12 Agnes felt the call to “religious life." Her mother on more than one occasion would intimate to her other children that she believed that Agnes would not be with them for long, either she would die from the weakness in her chest- she was prone to chronic coughs or she would be called to give herself to God.

For six years Agnes prayed, by the end she believed she was called to “belong completely to God."

This mischievous child had grown into an attractive young woman whose contribution to the life of community was much valued- born an organizer, did well in school, and had already discovered the gift of communicating her knowledge to others.

She would give extra tuitoring to her classmates. There were times when Agnes had harboured hopes of a career in music or writing very musical and had a passion for poetry. And like her father very fast at picking up languages. She had hopes of one day having a family of her own. Her decision to become a nun was not an easy one.

When Agnes told her mother of her decision her mother initially refused her consent, this was not a surprise to her mother, but she wanted to test the strength of her daughter’s conviction. When her mother saw her passion she went to her room for 24 hours praying. Then came out giving Agnes her blessing with a warning that she must give herself totally and faithfully to God “only, all for God."

After joining the Loreto order and being appointed as head mistress teaching the children.

She wrote to her mother;

This is a new life. Our center here is very fine. I am a teacher, and I love the work- I am also head of the whole school, and everyone wishes me well.

Her mother’s reply;

Dear child, do not forget that you went to India for the sake of the poor.

An insight that sowed an unmistakable seed for her daughter’s future.

Are your words speaking life into your children’s lives?

Do you know your children? I have a saying from doing daycare that at times I know them better than their parents, we live such busy lives today that there is little room to really know our children.

You see I image that Mother Teresa’s mom was very devoted to prayer for her children, even thou she was busy and soul supporter of the home after her husband died that she still was very  in tuned with her children.

Mother Teresa’s passion was to help the down and out, the unwanted, the untouchable, she saw Jesus in each face.

She passed no judgement on anyone. She looked past it all just to love on them and to lead them to Christ.

 She was a woman of great compassion. She believed we must give until it hurts. It hurt Jesus to love us. Did we not just celebrate Easter?

Do you not think it didn’t hurt?

It is easy to give money right- when we hear of a need, but are we willing to give our hands to serve them? Its two different things isn’t it?

Can we love on our family until it hurts? We are leading the next generation. Are we instilling the passion to love, give, and serve not only in our families, but community?

We see her ambition to help and serve as many people as she could. Opening Missions of Charities around the world. Where there were needs she wanted to help. Do we see needs in our homes, families and are we willing to put aside our desires to help those? Do your children see this evident in your life?

We see a woman of great faith; she had many obstacles to overcome. There was always more mouths to feed, more money needed, more medical services needed; more, more, more. How many of us ever have days like this?

She was very determined and didn’t let obstacles stop her from reaching her goals. So “honey” my determination is a good thing.

If more food was needed, she would go out and find it. She trusted and believed God would provide and reading her stories you would be amazed at how things worked out, sometimes right down to the last minute. God is amazing isn’t he?

Her style Mother Teresa was a very dedicated woman. She lived her whole life for God, totally to him. Remember her mother’s saying “be only, all for God." She was sold out. She gave up her dreams of her own family but was blessed with many children. She lived a very simple, orderly life. She didn’t have much in material possessions that was not a priority to her. What are your priorities?

And mothers are you ready for this? She would rise at 4:30 am for prayer and devotion time- everyday was started this way.

There was always an urgency to do the work and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do. Who is ready to roll up their sleeves? Let’s clean the toilet, clean up a person covered with maggots. Prayer was an ongoing thing- see the foundations of her childhood home again. She also knew that rest was important to complete the work. There was more time set aside for prayer and rest in the afternoon, and then back to work we go. She expected the best out of those around her as well. She expected orderly lives built on faith. She was always teaching whether it was the other sisters or teaching the people trades so once they got better they could go out in society and keep themselves. Does this sound like a mother to you?

She believed in living like those around her. She chose to live a poor life. The cheapest cloth was used to make her three saris. She would use old second hand shoes- that caused her feet to deform. She only ate enough to keep herself going. She even let herself know what hunger felt like. How could she relate to the ones she was trying to reach if she couldn’t understand their lives. Once someone said to her how could she understand what it felt like not to have enough to eat. She replied, “I eat the same food you eat." They were amazed by this. They needed to see that she could relate.

Do you see Jesus here? I also see a former asst. pastor from here. In order to reach the bikers, he has had to be like them to fit in and relate to them to reach them.

We see a woman who lived a much disciplined life “be only, all for God." She gave and gave never asking for anything in return.

Wow! Does this sound like a mother to you?

I hope today I can leave you challenged as a mother. No we can’t all be Mother Teresa’s, but I hope it will lead you into being a better CEO of your home. Do we start our day in prayer, praying for our husbands, children, family etc….no matter the age?

Does your family see you in action: “love in action?"

Are we willing to go without, so someone else might have? Are we willing to see Jesus in every face- no matter what?

As the mothers of the home we have a big job, and the demands on mothers these days are great.

 To those women who are 50 or older look around see how many women under 30 there are here today. Do we see a job to be done? We need you here you are a part of the family. We look in Titus 2 teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children. To be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home. To be kind and to be subject to their husbands.

 Remember it’s the young moms that the enemy has camped out.

In closing I want to share a true story of a grandmother and her granddaughter. The grandmother spends her summers at their camp and winters in the south. Only around for a couple of months in the spring and fall. The granddaughter was asking the grandmother of her winter plans “oh we plan on leaving the 27^th of December." As the grandmother was taking all about their plans, the granddaughter replied “gee it’s nice to have some time with you."

Are we seeing a growing trend? Do we know them, are we willing to teach the younger?

I would love to see every young woman here have a praying older woman to encourage them, teach them, we can beat the enemy at his game.

I would like to share a devotion that I have in my bible. Many of you probably have already read it. But it sums it up.

 Based on James 5: 13-20

  Women of Prayer

In one year, Christianity lost three holy women of faith, Agnes Sanford, Corrie ten Boon and Catherine Marshall- as well as countless others whose names are unknown but who nevertheless did the work of God in this world. These are the women who knew what it meant to experience the presence of the unseen, who spent hours on their knees, who wept over the wound of the world. For them prayer was a second language. Who will take their place? (Will we take their place?)

 Frankly, there are very few candidates from our generation of women- these of us who have lavished hours in front of the television set, in the shopping plazas, (computers), in self-indulgence, in not developing a disciplined spiritual life.

Unless- unless, we begin to grow up spiritually. Unless we become convinced that we are the generation of Christian adults ultimately responsible for the spiritual condition of our nation. We must understand that there are increasingly few in that generation ahead of us left to pray over this world. We are coming of age. But are we coming to terms with our lack of spiritual depth and ability?

It is we who must learn the meaning of forbearing. It is we who must develop the disciplines of spiritual perseverance, not shrinking back from growth but doing the will of God, having faith and keeping our souls.

It is we who must become women of faith and prayer and obedience and service.

It is we who must set a spiritual standard for the next generation.

It is time for us all to grow up.

 I am ending with a quote from Mother Teresa

“Give me the strength to be ever the light of their lives, so that I may lead them at last to you”!

So let’s lead our homes!

Grandma’s we need you!

Mom’s we need you!

Daughters we need you!

This next generation needs you!!!!!

Credits-Mother Teresa an authorized biography- Kathryn Spink

              Mother Teresa CEO unexpected principles for practical leadership- Ruma Bose and Lou Faust.

              Where There Is Love, There Is God Mother Teresa- edited and introduction by Brain Kolodiejchuk.

               Bible- Women of Prayer devotional by Karen Burton Mains Page 1377.