January 23, 2012
Today's Photograph . . . . Mom and Her Boys On An Outdoor Adventure (Robert S) |
Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (NIV)
Thoughts
These verses were written about my Mother, aka, Mom. Mom was very patient with me and supported me in all my adventures, even when they scared her to death! If Mom had seen the mountains where we hunt sheep, she wouldn't have slept well when I was on one of those hunts.
When I went bear hunting by myself, I know she spent most of the day and a good part of the night praying (Mom was afraid of bears). When I jumped in the ocean with a scuba tank strapped on my back, well, she understood and just asked me to be careful. It was like she had read Wild at Heart before John Eldredge wrote it.
Mom knew that I needed adventure in my life. From my early days on the farm to a few days ago, Mom just knew how I was wired. I say "a few days ago," because last week Mom passed away.
(Cliff S)
Action Point
The Bible states that we will all stand before God some day. We just don't know on what day that will be. Mom had over ninety years before she went home to be with the Father. Only God knows how many days you or I will have.
The thing is, Mom had faith in Jesus and had accepted Him as her personal Savior. Mom's sins had been forgiven. Whoa, Mom sinned? Yes, as hard as it is to believe, even Mom was a sinner and was in need of God's gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. Because of that faith Mom was at peace and was joyful when she passed.
You see, in John 15:11 Jesus stated that He came so that His joy would be in us, and so that our joy would be complete. Mom's joy was made complete when she went to be with Jesus last Wednesday! During the last few days of Mom's life many people were there for her and the family and I am thankful for the prayers and support during Mom's last few weeks of life here with us.
Now Mom is enjoying eternal life with God the Father. Mom lived in God's will during her life here on earth. But, the only thing better than being in the center of God's will is to be in His presence!!! That's where Mom is now!!!
I also know that the last thing Mom would want me to say to you is to please join her in the family of faith and accept Jesus as your personal Savior so you, too, can experience the peace and joy that only God can provide. I have. Will you?
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Take great joy in every day you have with your family, especially those spent outdoors! We don't know what hunt will be their last, or for that matter, what day will be our last in the field.
