21 Days of Joy E-Book

Kathy Ide

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 191

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

Oh, the joys—and struggles—of motherhood! 21 Days of Joy honors mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. "Second moms." Even men who "mother" children when circumstances put them in that position. Whether you are a mother, have one, or know one, these heartwarming fictional stories will touch your soul and help you see that you are not alone. The work you're doing will have an impact for eternity. And those rewards will make the trials all worthwhile. God knows every sacrifice you make for the children He has brought into your life. So take a few moments out of your busy schedule to read this book, and get a glimpse of your daily routine from a divine perspective. 

Leseprobe

Published by BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC Racine, Wisconsin, USAwww.broadstreetpublishing.com

21 Days of Joy

Stories that Celebrate Mom

Copyright © 2016 Kathy Ide

ISBN: 978-1-4245-5227-6 (hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-4245-5228-3 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The Holy Bible: New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible The Holy Bible: English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible, which is the Public Domain.

Cover design by Chris Garborg at www.garborgdesign.com.

Interior by Katherine Lloyd at www.TheDESKonline.com.

Stock or custom editions of BroadStreet Publishing titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, ministry, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [email protected].

Printed in China

Contents

Foreword

by Deborah Raney

1    If Only

by Anne Mateer

2    Worthy of Praise

by Sherry Kyle

3    Here with Us

by Nancy Ellen Hird

4    Haiti’s Song

by Deborah Raney

5    Distant as the Horizon

by Kara Swanson

6    A Long Way from Monroe High

by Julie-Allyson Ieron

7    The Real Mother

by Ann Tatlock

8    Blustery, Beautiful Love

by Cindy Woodsmall

9    The Invitation

by Julie Saffrin

10  Jesus and Bunny Slippers

by Lynette Sowell

11  Reaching for Redemption

by Lori Freeland

12  You Can Take this Job and Love It!

by Martha Bolton

13  Lightning

by Mary DeMuth

14  My Son, the Swamp Creature

by Pasquale “Pat” Russo

15  The Gift

by Christina Weeks

16  Pieces and Quiet

by Barbara Curtis

17  Where I Belong

by Jan Cline

18  Treasures

by Larry J. Leech II

19  A Good Mom

by Roxanne Anderson

20  God Blesses Me Too

by Jeanne Marie Leach

21  But I Still Love You

by Julie DeEtte Williams

Closing

by Kathy Ide

Other Books in This Series

Alphabetical List of Contributing Authors

Foreword

by Deborah Raney

The subject of Mother’s Day brings a mingling of emotions. Not all of us are mothers, but all of us have or at least had a mother. Whether we knew her or not, whether our relationship was warm and fuzzy or cool and distant, each of us was brought into this world by a woman who wore the label “Mother.”

If you were raised by a wonderful mom, you are blessed. If your mom is still living and active in your life, you are blessed beyond words.

The Ten Commandments exhort us to honor our mothers and to not forget their teachings. For me, that’s easy. I was blessed with a loving, caring, godly mother who taught my brother and three sisters and me to cherish one another, to honor her and Daddy, and to obey God’s Word. Today we all live in the same town, and while my mother’s health and mind are failing rapidly, she continues to be a source of joy and comfort to me.

One of my mother’s greatest gifts was introducing me to the joy of story. I had severe asthma as a child, which meant I was often left out of the outdoor activities on the farm. It could have been a lonely childhood, but my mother turned it into a blessing by taking me to the library each week and reading every book we came home with. Not only did I learn about the world, but I learned of God’s love as well.

I am also blessed to be a mother. Although doctors told me as a young teenager that I probably would not be able to conceive, God had a different plan. My two sons and two daughters are the greatest blessings in my life.

Even if you’ve lost your mother to death, or some circumstance prevents you from having a relationship with the woman who gave birth to you or adopted you, there are likely other women in your life who have fulfilled some of the roles of a mother. And even if you don’t have children, you may very well be a mother figure in someone’s life.

God’s diversity in assigning the role of “mother” is as varied and creative as He is. Our neighbor up the road from the farm where I grew up had no children of her own, but she “adopted” every neighborhood child, making each of us feel welcome in her home and throwing a cookie-baking party for us every Christmas. If I hadn’t had a mother, Jewel would have filled that role beautifully. There are many other children, now grown, who will never forget the kindness and motherly affection Jewel poured out over the years.

The book of Isaiah speaks of God’s love being like that of a mother who comforts her child. That certainly places a mother’s love in high esteem.

Whether you’ve been the recipient of such love, the giver of such love, or both, you are blessed. And if you’ve not experienced one or the other from an earthly perspective, take comfort in knowing that God loves you and wants to gather you to Himself as a mother hen gathers her brood (Luke 13:34). Cherish the motherly love you give and receive, but more importantly, be secure in the love of the God who created you and gave you life, for that is the greatest story any of us will ever have to tell.

1

If Only

by Anne Mateer

Jessica slid another cookie from the package and brought it to her mouth, almost without thought. Two days until the law firm’s twenty-fifth anniversary party and still she had nothing to wear. Another cookie found its way to Jessica’s lips. She did have half a dozen dresses hanging in her closet, but none of them would do. The other women would wear dazzling outfits with designer labels, their feet encased in strappy sandals with price tags higher than Jessica’s monthly grocery budget.

Another cookie crunched between her teeth. She looked down at the plastic tray and scowled. Thin, flower-shaped butter cookies. The kind that cost a dollar a package. She’d thought that by the time John reached his fourth year as an associate in the law firm she’d have moved beyond cheap preschool snacks.

After sealing the remaining cookies in a plastic bag, Jessica put them in the pantry. One day she’d be able to buy the good stuff. Pepperidge Farm Milanos. Even Oreos would satisfy. Something other than the most inexpensive item in the snack aisle.

A whimper from the back of the house let her know Josh was awake. She smiled, in spite of her grumpiness. How could she lament a nice dress and shoes when she had a baby instead? Finally. After five years of trying. Four failed in vitro procedures. Three years waiting to adopt. Putting every spare penny—and some not-so-spare pennies—toward their dream of a family.

Jessica lifted Josh from his crib and cradled him. “Hush now, little man. Mama’s here.”

Mama. Her heart swelled every time she realized God had granted the dream of her heart.

She kissed Josh’s warm cheek, carried him to his high chair in the kitchen, and pulled out his favorite snack. He banged his hands on the tray, eager for the small cubes of cheese she scattered within his reach. He popped one in his mouth.

Jessica sighed. If only she could have Josh and a nice outfit. Like the other women she’d see at the firm party. They all had children—many had more than one—but they never seemed to lack anything for themselves. Maybe if she went back to work, made some money just for her.

“Ma-ma-ma.” Josh slapped at the empty tray, grinning.

But going back to work would mean leaving her baby, missing the days she wanted so much to enjoy. She picked up a cereal box and shook a few oat rings into the palm of her hand. Not Cheerios. Too expensive. The knock-off brand. Just like her wardrobe.

“Annalee, come back here this instant!” Belinda hated the screech in her voice but saw no alternative. She refused to let her daughter out of the house looking like—well, a streetwalker.

The teenager didn’t even turn her head. She slung her backpack over one shoulder and slammed the door behind her. The hum of the garage door preceded the roar of Annalee’s Mustang, which Rick had given her on her sixteenth birthday. Tires screeched as she peeled out of the driveway and onto the street. Then the noise faded to silence.

Belinda clenched her hands into fists. This wasn’t the life she’d signed up for twenty-four years ago when she said “I do” on a warm May evening, the moon glowing over ocean waves lapping the beach. Love, honor, and cherish. Ha! Rick hadn’t done those things since he gave himself body and soul to a six-figure salary at a prestigious law firm. He spent weekends working—or fishing on his ridiculously expensive bass boat—instead of at home with Belinda. Or Annalee.

She sank onto the leather sofa and looked around. No dishes cluttered the granite countertops or the wide farmhouse sink. No shoes littered the hand-scraped hardwood floors. Not even the throw pillows sat askew. Nothing out of order. Nothing out of place.

Nothing except every relationship in her life.

Belinda let herself sulk for five minutes. Then ten. A half hour later, her phone buzzed. She rose, legs stiff, praying Annalee had texted. An apology would be amazing. A notice of her daughter’s clothing receiving censure at school would do. But when she picked up her phone from the counter, the screen showed only a reminder.

Firm Anniversary Party. 7 p.m.

Belinda closed the screen, then poured herself another cup of coffee. She had a walk-in closet full of nice clothing, but today she needed a distraction. Something special to buoy her spirits. To allow her to play the part of gracious wife of the managing partner. She carried her coffee to her spacious bedroom, ready to plan her evening.

“Are you sure I look all right?” Jessica bit her bottom lip and turned to the full-length mirror attached to the back of the bedroom door.

From behind her, John slid his arms around her waist and kissed the base of her neck before meeting her gaze in the mirror. “You look fabulous.” From his reflection, Jessica could tell he meant the compliment.

Warmth spread through her as she turned into his embrace. “Thank you.” She pressed a kiss to his lips, then hugged him tight.

Of course, John didn’t know the difference between an off-brand dress and one with a designer label. She doubted he’d notice that her outfit didn’t measure up to the other women’s tonight. But she would. And she wanted the approval of the other women. She ached to fit in. To feel part of their world. Or at least pretend to for an evening.

Jessica picked up the small black purse edged with rhinestones and followed John to the living room, where Deena, their babysitter, played patty-cake with Josh.

“We won’t be too late,” Jessica said.

John curled his hand over hers. “Unless we’re having such a good time we can’t pull ourselves away.”

Deena laughed. “No problem. Josh and I will be fine.”

Jessica knew it was true. And she was grateful. But as John held the car door open and she slid into his ten-year-old Camry, she couldn’t help wishing her life had turned out a little bit different.

At the country club, Belinda stood next to Rick, greeting each attorney and spouse as they arrived at the party. A shimmery black dress hugged her curves and accentuated her long legs. Hours at the gym had paid off. And her stylist had worked a lovely up-do with her frosty-blonde hair. But her feet already ached in the four-inch Jimmy Choos. She’d slip them off for a little while once they sat down to dinner. Maybe give them to Annalee after the party.

“John, Jessica, how nice to see you.” Belinda glanced over Jessica’s outfit and frowned. Someone needed to teach that girl to shop. Another few years and John would be a partner. His wife couldn’t go around looking as if the firm didn’t give him adequate compensation.

Belinda leaned in for a quick hug and remembered that the couple had recently adopted a child. “And how is that little guy of yours?”

Jessica hesitated as her gaze roved over Belinda, cut to the floor, then lifted. “He’s good.” Her smile brightened. “Great, actually. We’re so thankful to have him.”

“I’m sure you are. A long-awaited gift.” Belinda wished she still thought of Annalee as a gift.

“Yes, he is.” John beamed.

When his gaze met his wife’s, Belinda’s heart constricted. What would it be like to start again? To have a little one. To do things differently. Especially if you could have a man who looked at you the way John looked at Jessica. He didn’t seem to mind the obviously covered dark circles that ringed her eyes or the poorly cut dress that bulged in all the wrong places.

John’s hand found the small of his wife’s back. He led her toward the buffet table. Belinda glanced at Rick, who’d angled away from her, lost in conversation about a recent case. She’d give up the house, the clothes, the cars, and the vacations to have a relationship with her husband and her child.

Life Application

Exodus 20:17 tells us not to covet anything our neighbor has—house, spouse, children, transportation, or possessions. But in today’s culture, we often desire the things, circumstances, or relationships we see in the lives of others. We think if we could just have what they have, we would finally be happy.

The truth is, a lack of things or relationships isn’t what makes us dissatisfied. The problem lies within our hearts. When we covet, we are essentially saying, God, I don’t really trust You to provide the things I need. And I don’t believe that You alone can give me peace and contentment.

Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

How do we eliminate covetousness? By trusting God to provide. And then trusting that what He provides is everything we need to live a life pleasing to Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

About the Author

Anne Mateer is the author of four historical novels and a contemporary short story in Guideposts’ A Cup of Christmas Cheer, volume 4. Anne and her husband live in Texas and are the proud parents of three young adults. To find out more about Anne, visit her at annemateer.com.

2

Worthy of Praise

by Sherry Kyle

I stared into the eyes of my twelve-year-old daughter, wishing I could take her pain away. Really, Lord? Braces and glasses at the same time? How much can one middle-school girl take?

Even though Hannah had picked out designer frames, her expression told me she hated them, and no amount of compliments from me would change her mind.

We scheduled a follow-up appointment and walked to the car.

The spring promised new leaves on the trees, warmer air, and longer days, all things my daughter looked forward to and enjoyed, but today Hannah shuffled, her steps slow and measured.

“Wow, what a beautiful day!” I clicked the unlock button on the remote and slid inside our SUV. Hannah slunk into the passenger seat beside me. At least she didn’t sit in the back.

Once on the road, I turned on the radio to my daughter’s favorite Christian station and sang along, my shoulders moving in time to the beat.

Instead of joining in, Hannah stared out the window, still and quiet.

Lord, this is going to be harder than I thought.

I flipped off the radio and opened my window, welcoming the breeze.

“So, how was school today?” I immediately cringed. Stupid question. According to Hannah, every day was sheer torture. Too much drama. I racked my brain to think of a different topic of conversation.

I couldn’t come up with a single thing. So I kept silent and prayed my daughter would make it all the way home before she burst into tears so I could gather her in my arms.

Kids need their space—and time to understand their feelings before they’re able to verbalize them to anyone else. My girl might not even know how she felt about the new lenses sitting on the bridge of her nose. Frankly, I didn’t know how I felt either. A little guilty, perhaps, since she inherited my less-than-perfect eyesight.

I pulled into the driveway, turned off the engine, and got out of the car, finally finding my voice. “Are you hungry? We could make smoothies. I just bought fresh strawberries, and we have orange juice and yogurt.” I infused my tone with cheeriness, hoping my attitude would change Hannah’s mood.

“No, thanks.” She hooked her backpack over one shoulder. “I have a lot of homework. I’ll be in my room.”

Her sad tone was just about more than I could take. “You sure?” I called after her.

“Yes, Mother.” She rolled her eyes and let out a breath.

“Well, I’ll make you a smoothie and stick it in the fridge. Come get it whenever you’re ready.” I smiled, suddenly thankful for the break between us before Hannah’s unhappiness rubbed off on me.

Before I could make fruit smoothies, I had to pay the babysitter. And greet the twins. I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and was grateful to be available for my three girls, but I liked my time away too—a chance to step into the big world and socialize with adults. So every Tuesday, I went out to lunch with my friend Sandra. Today I was away longer than usual since I had to take Hannah to her orthodontist appointment and pick up her glasses at the optometry office.

“Mommy!” Ava and Lily ran toward me when I entered the family room, leaving their coloring books and crayons splayed across the dining room table.

“How are my girls?” I dropped to my knees and grabbed my four-year-olds around their waists, hugging them tight. They were miracle babies, born six weeks early, but you’d never know it by their endless supply of energy. And intelligence. I wanted to put them in kindergarten early, but Jason chose to hold them back, saying there was plenty of time for them to be in school. I’m glad I listened. Kids are only little once.

Samantha, our twentysomething babysitter, stood and grabbed her purse. “I tried to clean up, but every time I put something away, they grabbed something else off the shelf.”

My life story.

I reached into my purse for money and handed it to Samantha. “We’ll work on that, right, girls?”

Ava and Lily nodded, appeasing me for the moment.

“Same time next week?” I asked Samantha, hoping nothing had changed in her busy college schedule.

“I’ll be here. Bye, girls!” Samantha scooted toward the door—dodging baby dolls, puzzle pieces, books, and stuffed animals.

When she closed the door behind her, I motioned Ava and Lily toward the couch to have a heart-to-heart chat. “Hannah is sad today, and we need to cheer her up. Who wants to help me?”

They both raised their hands.

“Why is Hannah sad?” Lily asked.

How could I explain to my little girls what it’s like to be in middle school?

Philippians 4:8 came to mind. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (NLT).

The verse was a good reminder. How many times had I dwelled on things that made me sad or anxious instead of things that were true and honorable, right and pure? All God’s gifts were worthy of praise.

“We have to cheer Hannah up because she’s thinking about things that make her sad instead of things she’s grateful for—like trees with spring leaves, music, and fruit smoothies.”

Ava smiled. “I like smoothies.”

“Me too,” I said. “But before we can make them, we need to clean up this mess.”

Ava and Lily jumped to their feet, gathered toys, and put them back on the shelves or in the toy box. I watched my little munchkins work, relieving me from cleanup duty. At least for today.

Fifteen minutes later, Ava, Lily, and I gathered in the kitchen. We took turns dumping strawberries, yogurt, and orange juice into the blender, then mixing them up into Hannah’s favorite drink. Before I poured the smoothies, the girls and I raced into the yard with a basket and picked anemones, azaleas, crabapple blooms, and a few sunflowers to create a beautiful spring bouquet. I placed the arrangement in the middle of the table next to a notecard with Hannah’s name on it.

Next, we pulled up Hannah’s Spotify account on the computer and blasted the music. Ava and Lily danced around the room, and I smiled, praising God for the gifts of my beautiful children.

But Hannah didn’t join us.

Lord, please help her see all that is excellent and praiseworthy.

I poured the sweet pink liquid into glass cups, filled to the top, and set them on the table.

“Where’s Hannah?” Lily asked.

Before I had a chance to answer, my tween girl entered the room. Her eyes were a little red and puffy behind her new frames, but she tipped her lips into a smile, showing the turquoise-colored bands around her new braces. “I love this song.”

I tuned my ears to listen, but I didn’t recognize the tune. Didn’t matter. My daughter had said something positive!

Lily grabbed her sister’s hand. “Are you still sad?”

I sucked in a breath, hoping Lily’s question didn’t catch Hannah off guard, pushing her back to her depressed state and ruining the nice moment.

“No, I’m not,” Hannah said.

“Oh, I’m so glad.” I motioned for the girls to take a seat at the table to enjoy their smoothies. “Pretty soon you’ll be in high school with gorgeous straight teeth, and in a few years you can get contacts.”

Hannah furrowed her brows. “I wasn’t sad because I have to wear glasses and braces. There are a lot of kids like me in middle school.”

“Then why the cold shoulder today?”