Tag: holidays

Honor Your Father and Mother

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens 
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. -- Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV

We are poised between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Two days of remembrance for some. Days to celebrate for others. I appreciate the celebration, the gatherings. Seeing my sons in person and enjoying conversation with them. They came bearing gifts and I appreciate those, too.

But the gifts are not as important as the giver.

In this busy world, sometimes we put off family time and visits with those who are not a part of our immediate household.

I overheard plans between my sons and their dad, looking forward to Father’s Day, and I thought it was funny that they dream of time away from their wives and family. “Guy time.” Just the guys, enjoying a few hours at some sort of play.

Yes, I thought it was funny. I’m happy that they want to spend time together. Guy time. The safe zone where they can talk about anything without fear of repercussions. They need that. Bonding and cementing their relationship with one another.

Maybe I missed an opportunity. Instead of hosting the family in my home on Mother’s Day, I could have had “girl time.” Left those guys to shift for themselves. I’m not being facetious, I really am laughing at this. And in the meantime, making a note on my calendar for next year. Girl time. Yes!

Girl Time! Moms know how to have fun! [Left to right – My mom, her mom, her sister, circa 1944]

All fun aside, enjoy your time with family, whenever possible. Honor your parents or those who are surrogate parents for you. Not just so you’ll inherit the promise of a long life. One day, you’ll be wearing the apron and wishing for time with your family. You’ll reap the benefits of the time you sowed into their lives. When you show honor to those who raised you, your children are watching. ❤

The Beauty That Remains

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens4 Comments

I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.

Anne Frank

Looking back on this year, my heart aches for all the changes and losses. But we’re still here. I’m reminded of the time we visited Mammoth Cave. The tour guide turned out all the lights, plunging us into total darkness. Then he struck a match. That single, tiny flame lit the room.

Sometimes, the tiniest blessings can brighten our day. I was unpacking Christmas decorations, and came across one of my snow globes. When I picked it up, the music box started to play “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.” Dozens of childhood memories flooded my mind.

Blessings abound. Schools are closed again in our area. I have my grandchildren two afternoons a week. I love spending time with them, though some of that time, they’re doing school work or otherwise occupied. The two older ones could have stayed home, but chose to come here. That blesses my heart.

These are tiny, match-flame blessings that light up my world. When I’m overwhelmed by the losses, I remember them and allow hope to renew in my heart. Like Anne Frank, I try not to think of the misery. I focus on the beauty that remains. What a beautiful lesson, when we know what her misery involved.

This week’s question:

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

When Christmas Comes

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens2 Comments

Christmas comes, whether we’re ready or not.

Hello, Thursday Morning readers! I hope the speedy approach of the holiday hasn’t frazzled you. If so, may the  “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, …guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

This holiday season has been a struggle in our family. After a long illness and some heart issues, we thought Mom was no longer able to remain on her own. I was going to care for her. I made myself willing and available, even if it meant I had to pause my work.

Love sometimes requires sacrifices and hers would be as great as mine. Since Dad died, she has wanted to remain independent and she has, to a large degree. But with the decline of her health, we had come to realize she could no longer remain in her small second-story apartment. Alone.

I wasn’t ready for any of this. I was busily dashing to and fro, chasing that perfect gift for each name on my list.

But Christmas comes, ready or not.

If the list was never finished, my family would understand. Some changes are not to be missed. I had a feeling this would be one of them.

But something happened to interrupt our best-laid plans—something completely unexpected.

I was on my way to my weekly bookkeeping job, where I intended to turn in my letter of resignation. But, my heart wasn’t in it. That still, small voice was whispering and I felt uneasy, as though something was off, but what? So, I prayed, “Father, if this is not right, make it plain to me. Help me do the right thing.”

I had just pulled in to the bank to make my client’s weekly deposit when the phone rang. My brother was on the phone. He’d just taken Mom for her weekly doctor visit when he was going to ask the doctor about moving her. But, he didn’t end up asking, because her heart rate had normalized. She was showing signs of renewed strength, and the infection she’d suffered for almost three months was finally responding well to the daily IV antibiotics.

Because of this new development, my brother felt that it would be best to let her remain where she is.

. . . [Pause to Breathe].

God had delivered a miracle to us. He had healed her most dire health issues and strengthened her will.

We are still guardedly watching her, but for now, she’s rejoicing and feels that this is the best Christmas gift anyone could give her. A Christmas Miracle.

Published on http://www.InspiredPrompt.com

A Thankful Heart

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens4 Comments

Hello, Thursday Morning readers! I’m back after a short break. I haven’t had a blog post for a couple of weeks. But, hey! Time is rushing by so fast, you probably didn’t notice.

Today is one of my favorite days, Thanksgiving!

Early in the morning, I’m up, preparing the bird for the oven. Yesterday, I baked pies and made a couple of family favorites, anything that could be done ahead of time.

So, today, it’s all about the turkey! And family, of course. I love watching their faces as they bite into the food I’ve spent so much time preparing.

I’m so thankful for this time to spend with those I love. I know some of you don’t have that, and I’d like you to know, you’re on my mind and in my heart.