"WOW, WHAT A MOTHER"
TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 21:1-14
INTRODUCTION
Erma Bombeck writes;
For the first 4 or 5 years after I had children, I considered motherhood a temporary condition -- not a calling. It was a time of my life set aside for exhaustion and long hours. It would pass. Then one afternoon, with 3 kids in tow, I came out of a supermarket pushing a cart (with four wheels that went in opposite directions) when my toddler son got away from me. Just outside the door, he ran toward a machine holding bubble gum in a glass dome. In a voice that shattered glass he shouted, "Gimme! Gimme!" I told him I would give him what for if he didn’t stop shouting and get in the car.
As I physically tried to pry his body from around the bubble gum machine, he pulled the entire thing over. Glass and balls of bubble gum went all over the parking lot. We had now attracted a sizable crowd.
I told him he would never see a cartoon as long as he lived, and if he didn’t control his temper, he was going to be making license plates for the state.
He tried to stifle his sobs as he looked around at the staring crowd. Then he did something that I was to remember for the rest of my life. In his helpless quest for comfort, he turned to the only one he trusted his emotions with -- me. He threw his arms around my knees and held on for dear life.
I had humiliated him, chastised him, and berated him, but I was still all he had. That single incident defined my role. I was a major force in this child’s life.
Sometimes we forget how important stability is to a child. I’ve always told mine, "The easiest part of being a mother is giving birth.... the hardest part is showing up for it each day..."
Mother’s day is traditionally the day when children give something back to their mothers for all the spit they produce to wash dirty faces, all the old gum they held in their hands, all the noses they wipe, and all the bloody knees they "made well" with a kiss.
This is the day mothers are rewarded for washing all those sheets in the middle of the night, driving kids to school when they missed the bus, and enduring all the football games in the rain.
It’s appreciation day for making your children finish something they said they couldn’t do, not believing them when they said, "I hate you," and sharing their good times and their bad times.
Their cards probably won’t reflect it, but what they are trying to say is, "Thank you for showing up."
Today we want to thank all moms out there for the DIFFICULT and often thankless job they do -- Mothers are so very important... We could not of made it without them, they have provided great comfort and stability for their children through the years.. God says Honor thy Mother, and I think MOST would agree that mothers are worthy of honor. Be sure to let your mom know that she is special... That you really appreciate her.
I’ve titled today’s message, "wow! what a mother." And actually I picked the title first, and then I went looking for a mom in the Bible to preach about..... And I came across a mom that is probably not that well known -- Her name is Rizpah and we read about her in the 21st chapter of Second Samuel, she is certainly a mother worthy of honor.
Let’s do some necessary background work so we can begin our study today.
Rizpah was one of Saul’s concubines (now a concubine is simply a wife who did not bring a dowry into the marriage). And she had 2 sons by Saul. And at this time Saul is dead and David is the King....
As chapter 21 opens there is a famine in Israel, a famine that had been going on for 3 years... And David in the midst of this famine realizing that it was probably a judgment from the Lord, sought God’s face (a good thing to do I might add when we are facing famines in our own lives; be they physical, emotional or spiritual). And the Lord told David the reason for the famine, He said, "IT IS ON ACCOUNT OF SAUL AND HIS BLOOD STAINED HOUSE; IT IS BECAUSE HE PUT THE GIBEONITES TO DEATH..."
What the Lord is talking about here, is a treaty that Joshua had made with the Gibeonites, shortly after Israel had enter the promised land and defeated Jericho. In the name of the Lord Joshua swore that Israel would always protect the Gibeonites... Well 400 years later when Saul was King things changed, Saul as you know towards the end of his life was ruled by pride, self will and ungodly desires, and he therefore broke the treaty and attempted to annihilate the Gibionites... And this is way God had brought a famine on the land God’s people had broken a treaty that they had made in His name.
So David called the Gibeonites to His throne room, and asked them what he could do to make amends for what Saul had done. And what they asked for was for 7 of Saul’s decedents to be delivered to them, so they could kill them and disgrace the house of Saul. David agreed and delivered the 7 men to the Gibeonites 2 of them were the sons of Rizpah.
[2 SAMUEL 21:9-14]
Today as we look at the life of this devoted mother who lived nearly 3,000 years ago -- we will see that Rizpah is a good example for all mother’s today...
It is my hope to both challenge and encourage mothers today -- as we look at some of the qualities of Rizpah.....
I. GODLY MOTHERS LIKE RIZPAH, LOVE THEIR CHILDREN
What was it that drove Rizpah to that groutess scene on the hill? It was her love for her 2 sons.
And the love that Rizpah displayed on that hill has not been forgotten, many who have heard of it still comment on it today.... I for one have not forgotten this story of a mother’s love since the day I first heard it nearly 6 years ago....
Rudyard Kipling -- heard of this mother’s love, and Rizpah was no doubt the inspiration behind his peon title "MOTHER O’ MINE" here is a section from it:
"If I were hanged on the highest hill,
Mother O’ Mine, Mother O’ Mine.
I know whose love would follow me still,
Mother O’ Mine, Mother O’ Mine...."
A. One thing worth noting about Rizpah’s love for her children is that it was an unconditional love -- her sons were executed as criminals -- yet she still loved them.
A mother’s love (and let’s me point out that the Hebrew word for mother not only refers to a biological mother, but for a step mother who has assumed the role of mother in a child’s home), a mother’s love is to be unconditional... Mother’s are to love their children just as they are....
Now, they may not approve of what their children are doing, but their love is always there... Much like God loved the world/loved us, and sent His Son to die for us when we were still sinners... God hates our sin but He loves us.... (and He has given us a way to deal with our sin, if we so choose). A mother’s love is to be unconditIOnal...
B. LOVE MADE PRACTICAL
Before we leave this concept of a mother’s love, I think we need to define love a little bit... Sometimes simply saying you need to love is not enough, since our world has so perverted love many don’t know really know what do or how to make it practical....
I want to try to make love very specific and practical today for mothers and for dads as well... And I intend to accomplish this by looking at some of the facets of "the jewel of love" that shine so brilliantly in I Corinthians 13.
[I CORINTHIANS 13:4-7]
I KNOW WE USUALLY USE THESE DESCRIPTIONS IN WEDDINGS AND TO TALK ABOUT THE LOVE BETWEEN A HUSBAND AND A WIFE -- but AGAPE love applies to all relationships, including the mother - child relationship (and for that matter dads, the parent - child relationship, as well)....
I received much of my stimulation for applying I Corinth 13 to mothers from a book written by Julie Staton, entitled "WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT WOMEN."
1. LOVE IS PATIENT.
How do we apply the truth that love is patient to the mother child relationship (and as I already said and I say it once more, much of what I will say applies to dads too).
Raising children requires patience doesn’t it? And God says love is patient (not might be, should be, -- but is patient)... As I wrote this I was convinced of a child’s need for patience and convicted of my own lack of patience at times....
"OUR CHILDREN MAY BE INTELLIGENT, BUT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE AN ADULT GRASP OF CERTAIN CONCEPTS, THEY ARE STILL KIDS -- THEY ARE CHILREN NOT LITTLE ADULTS. THEY ARE FORGETFUL, SO WE MUST PATIENTLY REMIND THEM OF THEIR CHORES, OF THEIR HOMEWORK AND OF THE NECESSITY OF PICKING UP THEIR TOYS AND CLOTHES. WHEN THEY ARE HAVING FUN, HOURS CAN SEEM LIKE MINUTES; AND WHEN THEY ARE SITTING STILL OR STANDING IN LINE MINUTES CAN SEEM LIKE HOURS TO THEM, SO WE MUST BE PATIENT AS THEY WHINE, FUSS AND FIDGET..."
Now don’t get me wrong I am not telling parents to be permissive (I believe in discipline and responsibility), but God does tell us to be patient doesn’t He? Do you think He wants us to be patient with our Children? -- our kids are kids -- and our patience can go a long way in demonstrating our love. Is God patient with His children? Does this mean that God is permissive? CERTAINLY NOT!! Love is patient........
2. LOVE IS ALSO KIND
Kindness refers to tenderness and affection.
"CHILDREN NEED KIND AND GENTLE WORDS OF LOVE AND CONCERN AND LOVING EMBRACES. HOW OFTEN DO WE TELL OUR CHILDREN WE LOVE THEM? HOW OFTEN DO WE PRAISE THEIR EFFORTS? HOW OFTEN DO WE TELL THEM WE APPRECIATE THEM? DO WE SPENT MORE TIME CRITICIZING THEM AND SHOWING IRRITATION WITH THEIR ACTIONS AND ATTITUDES THAN PRAISING THEM. HOW OFTEN DO WE HUG, KISS OR EMBRACE OUR KIDS.... I AM SURE THAT MANY OF YOU HEARD OF THE TEST YEARS AGO PREFORMED WITH A MONKEY WHO WAS GIVEN FOOD AND WATER, BY DENIED THE TOUCH OF ANOTHER AND HE DIED.... TOUCH IS SO IMPORTANT (IN THE OT A FATHER ALWAYS MADE PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH HIS CHILD WHEN HE GAVE HIS BLESSING TO HIS CHILDREN..) AND PARENTS IF YOU HAVE A HARD TIME DOING THIS -- YOU NEED TO WORK THROUGH IT (GOD WILL HELP YOU) YOU NEED TO BREAK THE CYCLE... YOU ARE A PARENT AND YOU NEED TO GIVE YOUR PARENT WHAT THEY NEED... (DAD’S AND LITTLE GIRLS PREVENT PROMISCUITY)
3. LOVE IS NOT RUDE /DOESN’T ACT UNBECOMINGLY
I’d like to quote directly from JULIE Saton right here, what she says really makes sense...
"A MOTHER SHOULD BE POLITE AND COURTEOUS TO HER CHILDREN. I WONDER HOW MANY OF US HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS ASPECT OF LOVE. WE EXPECT OUR CHILDREN TO SAY "PLEASE", "THANK YOU" "EXCUSE ME" AND "I’M SORRY." BUT OFTEN DO WE TREAT THEM WITH THE SAME CONSIDERATION? WE DON’T WANT OUR CHILDREN TO INTERRUPT US WHEN WE ARE TALKING BUT WE THINK NOTHING OF INTERRUPTING THEM. WE KNOW LANGUAGE AND SAYING "SHUT UP" SHOWS DISRESPECT, SO WHY DO WE SOMETIMES USE SUCH TERMS WITH OUR CHILDREN? WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO SHARE FOOD, TOYS..ETC BUT HOW MANY TIMES DO WE GUARD OUR OWN POSSESSIONS FROM OUR CHILDREN’S TOUCH OR USE? WE MUST BE ALERT TO HOW WE ARE TREATING OUR CHILDREN AND DETERMINE TO BE POLITE AND COURTEOUS TO THEM AS JUST WE EXPECT THEM TO BE TO US AND OTHERS.."
THAT’S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT ISN’T IT?
LOVE DOES NOT ACT UNBECOMINGLY...
4. LOVE KEEPS NO RECORDS OF WRONG
We need to forgive our children AND when we forgive we need to really forgive and not bring up past mistakes that we said we’d forgiven.... We need to be like God the Father. When is the only time God is pictured as being in a hurry... when he is forgiving his repentant children...
5. LOVE REJOICES IN TRUTH
A loving mother will maintain her honesty and integrity no matter the circumstances. Her children will be able to trust her word and her promises.
They will see her honesty displayed in all aspects of her life... No white lies , half truths and situational lying..
And She will not excuse her child action by blaming a school teacher or others when her child makes mistakes. She will encourage her children to pay their debts and take responsibility for all wrong doing. And she will not tell "stories" or lies to appease their child’s curiosity or silence their questions...
6. FINALLY LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS...
A mother must instill at an early age her belief in her child -- she must let him or her know that they have a bright future -- That they are a special and that they are a vital part of the family..
GODLY MOTHERS LIKE RIZPAH LOVE THEIR CHILDREN.
II.GODLY MOTHERS LIKE RIZPAH, ALSO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN
From the beginning of the harvest until the rains poured (a period of 6 months), Rizpah protected her children. This devoted mother each day with the sun shining and the heat rising, fought off the birds that came to feed on the bodies of her sons -- and night time was a time for rest from only the heat of the sun, because every night for 6 months this devoted mother fought off the wild animals that came to devour the bodies of her dead sons...
She was protecting them, protecting her sons from further disgrace and humiliation. There wasn’t much she could do for her sons now, but she did what she could... Rizpah protected her sons....
AND GODLY MOTHERS WILL PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN.....
Do our children need to be protected today? Are there dangers in the day that seek to harm are children and are there terrors at night that seek to devour them?
Thursday night 11 concerned adults from our Church, joined with thousands of other concerned parents from this area at a seminar called "A GENERATION AT RISK."
Friends whether you want to believe it or not -- our children, your children are at risk! The pictures we saw the sounds we heard at this seminar were just a fraction of what our kids see and hear every day. And it was frightening; ask Judy, Liz, Bessie, Kim, Margie -- ask Mark Johnson, ask someone who was there.
Whether you want to accept it or not (and some have ignored the risk and in so doing surrendered their kids to the enemy) there is a war being fought for the soul of your children!
THE MUSIC, THE MEDIA, THE MOTIONS PICTURES ARE MERELY PAWNS, IN A DIABOLICAL MASTER PLAN WEAVED BY SATAN TO DESTROY YOUR KIDS.. "OUR BATTLE IS NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD -- BUT AGAINST THE RULERS, AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES, AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS...
"OUR ENEMY THE DEVIL PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR..."
And he wants to devour our kids, He wants to devour your kids!
Parents can hide their head in the sand and ignore it, pretend things are not that bad: disregard the fact that the teen suicide is the number 1 killer of teens, that the over 1 million girls get pregnant each year, that teen sexuality has increased over 400% in recent years and that kids "Christian Kids" are getting less and less godly all the time -- they don’t care about church about God. And they don’t really even know who Jesus is anymore... Ask your kids, have them tell you what Jesus really means to them (you may be shocked by what they say). If you don’t believe there is a problem and that your kids are in danger/serious danger, you are either deaf, dumb, blind, stupid or all four.
And if you feel I am exaggerating things, come talk to me after church -- I’d like to here what you have to say.
Why does satan want your/our children?
Because if he gets them early, IF HE GETS THEM WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG -- he’ll have them the rest of their lives -- and he’ll have their kids too. Satan is real and he seeks by whatever means necessary to turn your children hearts from God.
Wake up parents, Wake up!! Before it is to late, PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN!!! BE A RIZPAH!
LET ME TELL YOU BRIEFLY HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN....
1. LEARN TO DISCERN YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND BE AWARE OF WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING TODAY IN OUR SOCIETY. YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THINGS WITH A DISCERNING EYE TO BE ABLE TO UNCOVER THE HIDDEN AGENDA THAT IS SEEKING TO DESTROY THE HEART, MIND AND SOUL OF YOUR KIDS TO TURN THEM FROM GOD. YOU’LL BE SHOCKED BY WHAT OUR KIDS ARE REALLY GETTING BOMBARDED WITH.. THROUGH MUSIC, FILM, TELEVISION, MAGAZINE ..ETC. READ BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT -- I CAN RECOMMEND MANY).
2. HAVE A STRONG MARRIAGE ONE OF THE EST WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS IS TO HAVE A STRONG MARRIAGE WITH BOTH MOM AND DAD IN THE HOME (NOW OBVIOUSLY THIS IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE). MEN AND WOMEN ARE DIFFERENT (IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED) AND CHILDREN NEED BOTH IN THE HOME, IT IS HOW GOD DESIGNED THE FAMILY TO BE.... KIDS NEED A MOM AND KIDS NEED A DAD IN THE HOME... A SINGLE PARENT TRYING TO RAISE KIDS ON THEIR OWN HAS A HARD ROAD TO HOE. KIDS NEED BOTH MOM AND DAD AT HOME PRESENT WITH THEM -- AND MOM AND DAD NEED EACH OTHERS PERSONAL SUPPORT. WE ARE IN WAR AND ALL AVAILABLE SOLDIERS NEED TO BE THERE TO FIGHT THE BATTLE. FAMILIES NEED EVERY PARENT ARMED AND IN THE TRENCHES...
THE ENEMY IS WORKING HARD (USING ALL HIS RESOURCES) TO DESTROY YOUR KIDS -- HOW HARD ARE YOU WORKING TO SAVE THEM...
3. THE NEXT TWO WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN KIND OF GO TOGETHER MODEL CHRIST AND GIVE CHRIST TO YOU KIDS. DO YOU BELIEVE THEIR IS A PROBLEM OUT THERE? ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR KIDS? ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THE MEDIA, SCHOOLS AND THEIR PEERS ARE PUMPING INTO THEIR HEADS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT? CLENCHING YOUR FIST -- SHAKING YOUR HEAD... IS THAT THE EXTENT OF YOU ACTION?
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE IS HIS WORD? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS AND IS ALIVE TODAY? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT HE HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT GREATER IS IN THAT IS IN YOU THEN HE THAT HE IS THE WORLD? DO YOU BELIEVE JESUS WHEN HE SAID THAT HE IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD AND NOTHING CAN HURT US IF WE ARE IN HIS HANDS?
THEN ISN’T THE BEST PROTECTION YOU CAN GIVE YOUR KIDS JESUS CHRIST... WELL HOW DO WE DO THAT?
Paul mentioned how real and active faith was passed from ONE generations to another in Timothy’s family. First his grandmother Lois demonstrated her faith; then his mother Eunice demonstrATed her faith. And she taught Timothy from God’s word and practiced her faith right before his eyes, even though her husband was a greek and did share her faith. Faith is passed on in the home.
One writer says;
"WE MOTHERS MUST REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR EXAMPLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CHILDREN’S CHARACTERS. WE MUST REALIZE THAT OUR CHILDREN CAN SEE THROUGH THE MASKS WE PUT ON. OUR INNER ATTITUDES AND THOUGHTS WILL BE REVEALED TO OUR CHILDREN BY OUR DAY TO DAY WORDS AND ACTIONS...
IF A MOTHER SAYS PRAYER IS IMPORTANT BUT HER CHILDREN NEVER SEE OR HEAR HER PRAY, THEY WILL FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE RATHER THAN HER WORDS. IF A MOTHER SAYS THE BIBLE IS AN IMPORTANT GUIDE TO LIVING BUT SHE NEVER READS THE BIBLE TO THEM OR HERSELF, HER CHILDREN WILL FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE AND NOT HER WORDS. IF A MOTHER SAYS SUNDAY SCHOOL AND WORSHIP ARE NECESSARY BUT SELDOM GOES HERSELF, HER CHILDREN WILL FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE RATHER Than HER WORDS. IF A MOTHER SAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE TO THE CHURCH BUT HER CHILDREN SEE A CHECKBOOK THAT TELLS A DIFFERENT STORY -- THEY WILL FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE AND NOT HER WORDS. IF A MOTHER SAYS, "GOD’S WAY IS THE ONLY RIGHT WAY," BUT HARDLY GIVES GOD A THOUGHT AS SHE GOES ABOUT HER DAILY ACTIVITIES, HER CHILDREN WILL FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE AND NOT HER WORDS... YES GOD’S WAY OF LIFE MUST BE TAUGHT VERBALLY, BUT IT MUST ALSO BE CAUGHT BY OBSERVING GOD’S LIFE-STYLE AT WORK IN OUR LIVES." You give your children Jesus by modeling Christ in the home -- by teaching your kids about Christ, but getting them actively involved in church.. start early.
Moms, dads, parents, do you want to protect your children? Do you want to give them something, do you want to give them the only thing that can protect them from the evil one -- then give THEM Jesus...... Start early, building your relationship with them and their’s with God... Will you determine today, now ... to protect your children... The church is here to help if you let them...
GODLY MOTHERS LIKE RIZPAH, LOVE/PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN...
III. AND THEY SACRIFICE FOR THEIR CHILDREN
Do you think it was a pleasant experience for Rizpah to sit on that hill for 6 months? Do you think she enjoyed watching her sons bodies decay and rot right before her eyes? Do you think the smell and odors on that hill were pleasant? Do you think her arms ever grew weary trying to fight off the birds during the day and the wild animals at night? Do you think she ever dreamed of the day when this whole ordeal would be over and she could rest, really rest?
Rizpah sacrificed for her children, and godly Mother swill sacrifice for their children too.
One thing they must sacrifice is their time -- it takes time to be a godly mother and it takes time to be a godly father... We all know that, but I not sure that we all practice it... Parents you were no drafted into this position you volunteered... And God says your family comes right after your relationship to Him in importance... before your job, finances and the things you want to do.
A second thing that must be sacrificed is what I call the "The Peace of a Counterfeit Harmony." Many times parents settle for a counterfeit harmony, a truce a peace treaty, with no real issues resolved, they are content for the kind of peace you find in the eye of a hurricane (real storms and heavy winds are always at the edge), they are unwilling to stir things up.
We need to understand that being a parent is a position of leadership, and parents are not to be the kind of leader who takes a poll to see which way the wind is blowing before he or she makes a decision... A lot of things we do may not be popular with our kids....(going to church and church activities , family stuff ..etc) But we need to do what’s best for our kids, and what is right in God’s eyes. Our kids may kick, scream and fuss but so be it, We are the parents, the leaders, we are in charge of the home, we run the show --not them. And don’t forget that kids ( regardless of what they think) are many times not equipped to make the right choices (there is a barrage of confusing data swirling around in heir heads to sort out). -- God commands us to help them... Are you willingly to sacrifice your counterfeit harmony -- by doing what is right? Are you willingly to battle the rough waters of true parenting in order to achieve real harmony, or are you willing to settle for imitation peace of a temporary cease fire... "IF I CAN JUST HANG ON UNTIL THEY ARE OUT OF THE HOUSE....
GODLY MOTHERS LIKE RIZPAH LOVE THEIR CHILDREN, PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN AND sacrifice FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
IV. AND WE WILL CONCLUDE WITH OUR LAST POINT, GODLY MOTHERS LIKE RIZPAH WILL BE REWARDED.
Was Rizpah rewarded for her actions as a devoted mother? If you would read on in 2 Samuel chapter 21 you would find that King David heard of her devotion and in response to it gave her sons an honorable burial in the tomb of their fathers.. Her love, sacrifice and protection paid off..
Are godly mothers rewarded today?
Yes, they are, they earn the respect of people who observe their actions and great effort to be the mother God wants them to be.
Not to mention those priceless things they receive through the years: hugs, kisses, home made cards, letters , phone calls and appreciation.
And what mother doesn’t feel a sense of warmth and pride flow through her when her child hits a homerun, wins a spelling bee, graduates high school, succeeds a life.... knowing that she had played a vital role in making victory possible....
But the rewards also extend beyond this life... The King of Kings has seen and heard what these godly mothers have done and
even if the rewards in this life amy seem few and far between, they will be rewarded by God who is the ultimate rewarded... You see Jesus has a soft spot for mothers -- he knows just how important a mother is , he had one.
None of your efforts to be a godly mother will not, will not -- be in vain!
And for the Christian mother the greatest reward is yet to come.. Picture this scene FORM YOUR FUTURE ladies.
You are standing on streets of Gold, there are thousands of angels singing praises to God Almighty, the air is clearer than any air you have ever seen, the city up in the distance is made of pure gold and has foundations made of precious stone that are sparkling in the light of the son of God.... you have never felt more alive.
You are standing near those pearly gates that led to that golden city... And as you begin to move forward you hear a familiar voice, "HEY MOM, WAIT UP" and you turn to see your children now grow running towards you -- and they say to you with a gleam in their eyes as you embrace, "AND YES MOM DON’T WORRY WE BROUGHT THE KIDS.."
I HOPE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN BOTH CHALLENGED AND ENCOURAGED TODAY TO BE THE BEST MOM YOU CAN BE......
