We have a tendency to write something in "memory" of someone after they pass away. I want to give honor while those I love are alive. Today is my daughter's birthday. She is thirty-seven today if I remember correctly, lol. I'm thinking back when she was so small, first born. She weighed six pounds and 13 ounces. What a tiny person she was. I can't remember exactly how long she was but sure it was around 19-21" in length. At that time she was the smallest baby born to my side of the family.
I'm going to share something with you that I've only shared with one or two other people. I was a backslider when I had my daughter. I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was fifteen years old. One day I'll share with you how I know I was really a child of God then. I was going through so many family problems that I blamed God for not working everything out for me the way "I thought" it should be worked out. So I turned my back on him and took my life back into my own hands at the age of 17. There was not a day that went by that I was not aware I was living my life against the Father's will. I became very rebellious. Even though I turned my back on God and tried to live a good life on my own, temptations were worse. [2 Peter 2:20-22 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.] When I realized I was expecting a little girl I chose the name "Christina" as my way of letting the Lord know I was so aware of his presence and I still loved him. I know it may not mean much to you but it meant to the world to me.
I've worked hard at being a good mother and raising my children in a good loving home. I've enjoyed raising my daughter. She's been very special to her dad and myself. I remember stories my mother use to tell us about our own childhood. She would tell us how she would line my brothers and sisters up on the couch so she could mop the floors and they would sit there until the floor dried. My daughter was the same way. I would sit her on the couch when she was big enough to sit there by herself and I'd give her a couple of books to look at. She'd sit right there until the floor dried. I enjoyed shopping for her. The cute little dresses with bows to match. I could play with her hair all day. It was like playing with a doll. I guess in a sense we never grow up. My greatest desire for my daughter was that she grow up to be a strong woman of God and serve him for the entirety of her adult life. I can't be there to control her and I can't be there to make sure she never gets hurt or make the right decisions. Once she came to the age of accountability she became responsible for her own soul. The only thing I can do is pray for her and be there for her when she needs me.
She is now the mother of two teenage boys and my prayer for her is that she raises them in the admiration and godly fear of the Lord. I know I'm being prideful but I have two of the sweetest grandsons God could bless anyone with. I love my family.
Happy Birthday Christina. My prayer for you today on your birthday is that you are so aware of God's calling on your life and you submit to his will. You will never find true happiness without the Lord to guide you. I pray safety and health over your life. I'm proud of you sweetie! I love you forever and a day!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
You're Asking Me? Are You Really Born Again
Isn’t it amazing how many claim to be “Born Again” yet they are nothing like Christ. They don’t appear to be following in his footsteps. Matter of fact they do more harm to the name of Jesus Christ than good.
To my understanding to be a Christian is to be Christ-like. To be Christ-like a person strives to please God not man. When I was born into the Lawson family I took on some of my dad’s attributes and some of my mother’s. Jesus Christ does not have any other "ways" but being upright and truthful. He helped the poor when no one else would, he healed the sick, he was not a respecter of persons. I wonder at times if anyone even take time out to think about how Jesus Christ would feel about the cruel and provoking remarks others are getting ready to say. How can a person be so cruel and consider themselves a Christian? Matthew 7:21—Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. I think this scripture sums it up really well, don’t you.
Jesus instructed an un-named gentleman in the Bible, when asked what he should do to inherit eternal life,in Mark 10:14—One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Jesus wanted to know what was more important to this man, him or the world. That is what he is asking us today. Are you more interested in serving the world by what you say, how you act, or what you gather or are you going to follow me knowing I’ll supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) and give you the words to speak (Luke 21:15) in the time that you need them.
Take time today to clear it up. Are you truly born-again (living a life for Jesus Christ) or are you living religiously (claiming to be something your not because the words you speak and the actions you take does not reflect Jesus Christ).
"BEING A GOOD DAD"
Being a good dad is not hard to do if you depend on the Father to direct your path. Believe me, after raising two children I’ve learned hind sight is 20/20. Hearing your children out and not being quick to judge or discipline is a number one strong point. Reasoning with your children accomplishes more peace and harmony in the home than raising cane. I know it’s hard to do but standing your ground is what your children really want you to do. There are too many children out there that tells their parents what to do and when. No way in my household!God made the parent first, then the children came along. My husband worked third shift for 28 years and I had to be the so called villain in the family. I could not expect him to come home and correct the children when he wasn’t even around to see what they were up to. I had to swallow my pride knowing they appeared to love their father more because mom was always correcting them but deep down I know my children love me and respect me. Their dad was there for backup and would have been there for more if not working a grave yard shift. Working graveyard takes a toll on a family where children are involved but I made sure they were aware their dad would do some correcting if need be. Was this a threat? Of course not, it was the hard truth. I believe in tough love.(I'll elaborate on tough love in an upcoming blog).
Fathers are special in their own right. They are and should be the strength of the family. There is nothing like a godly father who seeks our heavenly father’s face for guidance.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
To my understanding to be a Christian is to be Christ-like. To be Christ-like a person strives to please God not man. When I was born into the Lawson family I took on some of my dad’s attributes and some of my mother’s. Jesus Christ does not have any other "ways" but being upright and truthful. He helped the poor when no one else would, he healed the sick, he was not a respecter of persons. I wonder at times if anyone even take time out to think about how Jesus Christ would feel about the cruel and provoking remarks others are getting ready to say. How can a person be so cruel and consider themselves a Christian? Matthew 7:21—Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. I think this scripture sums it up really well, don’t you.
Jesus instructed an un-named gentleman in the Bible, when asked what he should do to inherit eternal life,in Mark 10:14—One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Jesus wanted to know what was more important to this man, him or the world. That is what he is asking us today. Are you more interested in serving the world by what you say, how you act, or what you gather or are you going to follow me knowing I’ll supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) and give you the words to speak (Luke 21:15) in the time that you need them.
Take time today to clear it up. Are you truly born-again (living a life for Jesus Christ) or are you living religiously (claiming to be something your not because the words you speak and the actions you take does not reflect Jesus Christ).
"BEING A GOOD DAD"
Being a good dad is not hard to do if you depend on the Father to direct your path. Believe me, after raising two children I’ve learned hind sight is 20/20. Hearing your children out and not being quick to judge or discipline is a number one strong point. Reasoning with your children accomplishes more peace and harmony in the home than raising cane. I know it’s hard to do but standing your ground is what your children really want you to do. There are too many children out there that tells their parents what to do and when. No way in my household!God made the parent first, then the children came along. My husband worked third shift for 28 years and I had to be the so called villain in the family. I could not expect him to come home and correct the children when he wasn’t even around to see what they were up to. I had to swallow my pride knowing they appeared to love their father more because mom was always correcting them but deep down I know my children love me and respect me. Their dad was there for backup and would have been there for more if not working a grave yard shift. Working graveyard takes a toll on a family where children are involved but I made sure they were aware their dad would do some correcting if need be. Was this a threat? Of course not, it was the hard truth. I believe in tough love.(I'll elaborate on tough love in an upcoming blog).
Fathers are special in their own right. They are and should be the strength of the family. There is nothing like a godly father who seeks our heavenly father’s face for guidance.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
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