The Gratitude Jar
Peggy K. Mack
August 10, 2013
It's curious and amusing to me to know that I have opened my eyes to how little passing moments can be linked together to effect our lives in a positive way. Last November I was scrolling through the endless photos, posters and messages that greet me on Facebook each morning. They range from grand baby or pet photos, to pictures and descriptions of family or friend events, to posters to make us laugh or inspire us, to the unusual and disturbing, to the political rant and rave, oh yes and the views of beauty around the world. Facebook is a smorgasbord of images, the grand, endless buffet of entertainment through words and images.
One morning in November, a friend had posted a photo of a glass jar with slips of paper in it and included a description of the Gratitude Jar. I was immediately intrigued by the thought of an idea like this working in a positive way in my own life. Knowing me, at the time, I had great doubt that I would "stick to it" and commit to writing on a slip of paper each day, based on my own understanding that I am one to change from habit often in search of new ideas.
However, the idea of starting my day with an activity that included less than 5 seconds of my time combined with a tactile, visual and mental connection to an appreciation for all I have made it seem like it was worth giving it a try.
I searched the cabinets for an aged, tall, octagonal shaped, glass mason jar with the open and shut snapping clasp. I cut a circular shape from a sticky note and sank it to the bottom for color, I suppose. I tied a tiny, printed, Christmas satin ribbon around and under the lock to brighten the old jar up a bit. I took a regular multicolored pack of post-it notes and folded the sheets in half. I gathered two or three working pens. I reached up in the cabinet to find a small tea cup we rarely use for storing the clean strips of paper and pens. Finally, I set it up, the jar and cup filled with paper and pens, next to my Kuerig coffee maker knowing that without fail on 100% of my mornings I go straight for coffee every morning.
It is now August and I am pleased to see that the jar has over 200 slips of paper in it now, with the stack growing taller each day. Yes, I missed a few mornings, but for the most part I now have a tiny reminder of 200 reasons I am grateful. There's a sense of joy in knowing what I suspected to be true. There are endless reasons for us to be grateful and to give thanks for all we have in our lives. The list, I would suggest, could be endless.
One morning, last May, I opened the jar and gently poured its contents onto my dining room table. I slowly read through each one and was surprised to find there were some repeaters. I wrote several times that I was grateful for my husband and for my children, Allison and Patrick. I, also, realized with this quick review there were several obvious ones missing, like food, water, light and God. I do not know how I missed God except to offer that maybe it was because the little slips of gratitude are directed to God and all he provides for us.
I made two little versions for my Spring reunion with long-time, high school friends, Pat and Sandi, who met me for a weekend trip down the east coast of Ga. It was a small way of connecting us in positive thoughts for each other and to offer strength when we returned to our own homes. I loved gathering the materials and making them as tiny gifts. I, also, sent the idea suggestion to a few friends who teach Sunday school or Bible school classes as a simple project to share with the children they teach.
All of this came from one simple idea posted on Facebook last November. People complain about wasting time on Facebook, which I am guilty of, I admit. But, there is good that can come from positive posts and wonderful new ideas. I took the idea of the Gratitude Jar as a suggestion and a challenge and got so much more. I realized by looking at those tiny sheets of paper, that part of the process of being grateful involves closing out all thoughts of the world, our to do lists,etc...and focusing, even if only for a few brief seconds on gratitude to God. It gave me a way to connect with old friends and with new ones in their never ending pursuit of ideas for their youth groups. But most of all, it was the first of many tiny steps that lay before me in my journey back to an active faith. The simple activity of writing down one thing I am grateful for each morning, gave me an attitude adjustment over time that has trained me to look for the positive throughout each day. Beginning the day with gratitude can effect an entire day!
I have always believed in God and Heaven, but it had been decades since I committed myself to becoming part of a church and its fellowship of Christians. It's a good thing I didn't have a jar filled with all the excuses I had made up to avoid going back to church. Who needs a jar filled with flimsy excuses which, at the time, I was convinced were the truth? This returning to church has connected me with others from high school, old friends in writing and new found friends around the world who share a faith that is ever changing as we develop in our walk of faith. What followed was an amazing moment where I realized I was connecting to others through the hearts of Christians and I became more hungry each day for new information which lead to my new commitment to morning devotions.
My eyes are open and I am seeing how one tiny poster on a page on the internet can be the first step to inspiration and renewal which leads to a greater love and respect for God. Images are powerful on Facebook, but ones that are faith driven are life changing challenges for a more positive life. They give us words of inspiration to carry us on to being even better than we are today. My little gratitude jar means the world to me, now. I had no idea such a simple activity could change how I see the world!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Daddy's Unknown Blessing
Daddy's Unknown Blessing
Peggy K. Mack
August 4, 2013
I will never know the blessing my Dad asked at the dinner table. It was understood that he was the one who sat at the head of the table and he taught us to bow our heads in reverence and gratitude as he prayed the same blessing at every meal I can remember. I truly believe, that his dad had offered the same blessing at their humble table which gathered 10 children and two parents with meager belongings but full Christian hearts.
If I tried to type my Dad's blessing, it would look like this:
Ah GaSa Fa...
me ta thee
fah dees
blessweas
n Kisna
AMEN
Now my sister and I have tried to repeat the "homily" in an effort to determine what in the world he might have been saying. And, since my father spoke with no speech problems, I can only imagine this little blessing was memorized in his mind far back in his childhood. I laugh to think that maybe, because there were ten kids around the table, maybe he was far away from the sound of his dad's voice and he interpreted what he believed his dad was saying at every meal.
All we know, for certain, is that he believed wholeheartedly in saying the blessing before each one of our meals and expected us to do the same. He was not a teacher by words, but a man of soft spoken action and believed in teaching by example. As a small child, I am certain I believed he was truly saying something, and to God, I am certain he was. For me, I must have decided that his blessing was how blessings were spoken because both mom and my older sister by six years seemed to think he was praying, so who was I to ask?
I look back, now, at Daddy's blessing and wish I had said to him, "Daddy teach me your blessing." I will never know why I never asked because I know I was a curious and talkative child. Maybe, it was because he said it with such conviction and discipline and reverence. He made the choice to lead us to begin each meal gathered as a family at the table, to bow our heads in reverence and to feel gratitude to God for all we had and the food we were eating. And it was not an option. We never questioned it and found, as children, a comforting foundation to the beginning of our faith. I regret not clinging to that ritual through life. Add that to my long list of things I would have done differently.
I think Dad's blessing and probably our grandfather's blessing was a simple one, much like the gentle men who prayed it. But they were men of faith, close to God in their heart, never asking, "why me?" and always facing life with a deep, everlasting joy that prevailed throughout their entire lives. I will thank Dad and ask him in Heaven, "what were you saying?"
For now, I have a sweet memory of a homily that held our family together through good and bad times. It remains one of many memories that my sister and I share with sweet joy.
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Job 36:31
This is the way he governs the nations and provides food in abundance.
Psalm 104:27
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
Psalm 145:15
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
If I attempted to translate the words of Daddy's humble blessing, they might read:
Our Gracious Father,
We thank thee
for these blessings.
We ask in Christ's name,
Amen
Peggy K. Mack
August 4, 2013
I will never know the blessing my Dad asked at the dinner table. It was understood that he was the one who sat at the head of the table and he taught us to bow our heads in reverence and gratitude as he prayed the same blessing at every meal I can remember. I truly believe, that his dad had offered the same blessing at their humble table which gathered 10 children and two parents with meager belongings but full Christian hearts.
If I tried to type my Dad's blessing, it would look like this:
Ah GaSa Fa...
me ta thee
fah dees
blessweas
n Kisna
AMEN
Now my sister and I have tried to repeat the "homily" in an effort to determine what in the world he might have been saying. And, since my father spoke with no speech problems, I can only imagine this little blessing was memorized in his mind far back in his childhood. I laugh to think that maybe, because there were ten kids around the table, maybe he was far away from the sound of his dad's voice and he interpreted what he believed his dad was saying at every meal.
All we know, for certain, is that he believed wholeheartedly in saying the blessing before each one of our meals and expected us to do the same. He was not a teacher by words, but a man of soft spoken action and believed in teaching by example. As a small child, I am certain I believed he was truly saying something, and to God, I am certain he was. For me, I must have decided that his blessing was how blessings were spoken because both mom and my older sister by six years seemed to think he was praying, so who was I to ask?
I look back, now, at Daddy's blessing and wish I had said to him, "Daddy teach me your blessing." I will never know why I never asked because I know I was a curious and talkative child. Maybe, it was because he said it with such conviction and discipline and reverence. He made the choice to lead us to begin each meal gathered as a family at the table, to bow our heads in reverence and to feel gratitude to God for all we had and the food we were eating. And it was not an option. We never questioned it and found, as children, a comforting foundation to the beginning of our faith. I regret not clinging to that ritual through life. Add that to my long list of things I would have done differently.
I think Dad's blessing and probably our grandfather's blessing was a simple one, much like the gentle men who prayed it. But they were men of faith, close to God in their heart, never asking, "why me?" and always facing life with a deep, everlasting joy that prevailed throughout their entire lives. I will thank Dad and ask him in Heaven, "what were you saying?"
For now, I have a sweet memory of a homily that held our family together through good and bad times. It remains one of many memories that my sister and I share with sweet joy.
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Job 36:31
This is the way he governs the nations and provides food in abundance.
Psalm 104:27
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
Psalm 145:15
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
If I attempted to translate the words of Daddy's humble blessing, they might read:
Our Gracious Father,
We thank thee
for these blessings.
We ask in Christ's name,
Amen
These Old Eyes
These Old Eyes
Peggy K. Mack
August 4, 2013
One of the challenges in growing older and entering into our Golden Years, as they are euphemistically called, is to face the changes our bodies are going through as we age.
My latest challenge began two years ago when I noticed little "halos" or "sparklers" were forming around light sources. They were a problem when I drove at night or went to the movies. While driving, all of the on coming car headlights turned into a sea of bright blurry lights that made it almost impossible to distinguish anything else in the dark. The moon was no longer just bright. Now it was bright but twice as large with a huge ethereal ring around it that made it twice it's size only fuzzy. Television was blurry and the light coming from the tv made it uncomfortable to watch so I adapted by listening to it while working on my laptop or word books and then the print became fuzzy. The lamps were too bright so I turned most of them off or changed the bulbs to ones with lower watts. I was accepting life's changes to my eyes by making adjustments. One day I tore off a piece of waxed paper and held it over a grocery ad. I showed it to Bill and said, "Try to read the print on this page. This is what my eyes see all the time." He was astounded!
That's when I realized and accepted that sometimes the adjustments we make on our own are not enough for us to maneuver through life safely. I believe in being independent and in figuring things out for myself. I also accept changes with time. However, when I had done all I could do and I was beginning to realize I was limiting what I could accomplish, it was time to turn to someone more knowledgeable than myself with these old eyes.
I went to the Ophthalmologist for a much needed eye exam expecting a stronger prescription only to learn that both eyes were completely fogged over with cataracts. The cornea with age and sun damage had become brittle and no longer allowed my eyes to see. At that point, I was challenged to accept the news and to consider a surgical procedure on my eyes. I had experienced several surgeries in my life, but on my eyes? That was a totally different and difficult challenge to accept. So I worked through it by studying, listening, asking others who had been through the experience of cataract surgery and praying. God has walked me through every challenge I have given Him in prayer and I have never been left alone.
So in February and March of 2013, I had two separate surgeries, one eye at a time, to remove my corneas and replace them with contact lenses. At first, my follow up visits came back with the results that I had 20/20 vision in both eyes. Praise the Lord I exclaimed and I felt so much relief and happiness.
I was given another eye test several weeks after the surgery and was told that I have an astigmatism and will need glasses as many cataract surgery patients do. So I followed their guidance, accepted the diagnosis and had new glasses made for driving and reading. I believed the glasses would solve the problems and I was happy, again.
Now, I am in August of 2013, and I am experiencing problems with my eyes that I cannot adjust to because these eyes are old and things are changing as we age. My right eye can successfully see the moon as it should be seen, but my left eye sees that same old filmy ring around it and the combination is giving me problems with driving, watching a movie and enjoying tv. Within weeks, I began to lose trust in my driving ability because road signs were blurry. Oh! how I longed for my vision when I was 10! These old eyes are dimming and failing me and I am struggling with simple tasks I enjoy. All the while I face it with a positive attitude, a belief that a solution will be found that will have me enjoying the simple things in life and the adjustment and challenges will be part of the past.
The other day I put on a pair of $10 glasses from CVS that I use for the computer. My vision was clear. Oh my! I thought! Great vision this morning! Out of curiosity I tried on my $365.00 prescription glasses and looked at the computer screen. Fuzzy and blurred images were all I saw. Oh good grief I thought!
So, I am heading back to the eye surgeon and the office that made my glasses for me. At this point it remains a mystery, yet to be solved. God cannot heal my eyes. The eyes he created were damaged and the corneas are gone. God does not fly in like Superman and miraculously give me new corneas. What He does do is walk with me. He calms my mind and clears my thoughts and holds patience here as a gift to me if I take it.
What I know is this. Growing older each day is a challenge in everything we face. But it is not about the challenges as much as it is about our willingness to accept them and to stay positive and close to God. These old eyes will never be the same. They may never see the world the way I saw the world as a child. My eyes may grow dim like my Grandmother Kelley whose eyesight was gone before she passed away. Her faith remained strong. It was the core of her being and her strength, no matter what challenges came her way.
These old eyes have been good to me. We are fighting, now, for the best vision we can have with the skills of my doctor. I am not worried nor afraid. Whatever the challenge is for me in the days ahead, I choose to walk with God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Our greatest challenge as we age is to learn to accept the changes and to do all we can to care for ourselves so we can continue to worship and serve you. Give us courage to surrender our will by seeking help from professionals when we know we have adjusted all we can and need help. Remind us that professional hands, minds and spirits can be guided by your love and will help us remain active and strong. And in all we face, make us ever mindful, that by accepting the changes we see, we can then focus on the needs of those you give to us to help along the way.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Peggy K. Mack
August 4, 2013
One of the challenges in growing older and entering into our Golden Years, as they are euphemistically called, is to face the changes our bodies are going through as we age.
My latest challenge began two years ago when I noticed little "halos" or "sparklers" were forming around light sources. They were a problem when I drove at night or went to the movies. While driving, all of the on coming car headlights turned into a sea of bright blurry lights that made it almost impossible to distinguish anything else in the dark. The moon was no longer just bright. Now it was bright but twice as large with a huge ethereal ring around it that made it twice it's size only fuzzy. Television was blurry and the light coming from the tv made it uncomfortable to watch so I adapted by listening to it while working on my laptop or word books and then the print became fuzzy. The lamps were too bright so I turned most of them off or changed the bulbs to ones with lower watts. I was accepting life's changes to my eyes by making adjustments. One day I tore off a piece of waxed paper and held it over a grocery ad. I showed it to Bill and said, "Try to read the print on this page. This is what my eyes see all the time." He was astounded!
That's when I realized and accepted that sometimes the adjustments we make on our own are not enough for us to maneuver through life safely. I believe in being independent and in figuring things out for myself. I also accept changes with time. However, when I had done all I could do and I was beginning to realize I was limiting what I could accomplish, it was time to turn to someone more knowledgeable than myself with these old eyes.
I went to the Ophthalmologist for a much needed eye exam expecting a stronger prescription only to learn that both eyes were completely fogged over with cataracts. The cornea with age and sun damage had become brittle and no longer allowed my eyes to see. At that point, I was challenged to accept the news and to consider a surgical procedure on my eyes. I had experienced several surgeries in my life, but on my eyes? That was a totally different and difficult challenge to accept. So I worked through it by studying, listening, asking others who had been through the experience of cataract surgery and praying. God has walked me through every challenge I have given Him in prayer and I have never been left alone.
So in February and March of 2013, I had two separate surgeries, one eye at a time, to remove my corneas and replace them with contact lenses. At first, my follow up visits came back with the results that I had 20/20 vision in both eyes. Praise the Lord I exclaimed and I felt so much relief and happiness.
I was given another eye test several weeks after the surgery and was told that I have an astigmatism and will need glasses as many cataract surgery patients do. So I followed their guidance, accepted the diagnosis and had new glasses made for driving and reading. I believed the glasses would solve the problems and I was happy, again.
Now, I am in August of 2013, and I am experiencing problems with my eyes that I cannot adjust to because these eyes are old and things are changing as we age. My right eye can successfully see the moon as it should be seen, but my left eye sees that same old filmy ring around it and the combination is giving me problems with driving, watching a movie and enjoying tv. Within weeks, I began to lose trust in my driving ability because road signs were blurry. Oh! how I longed for my vision when I was 10! These old eyes are dimming and failing me and I am struggling with simple tasks I enjoy. All the while I face it with a positive attitude, a belief that a solution will be found that will have me enjoying the simple things in life and the adjustment and challenges will be part of the past.
The other day I put on a pair of $10 glasses from CVS that I use for the computer. My vision was clear. Oh my! I thought! Great vision this morning! Out of curiosity I tried on my $365.00 prescription glasses and looked at the computer screen. Fuzzy and blurred images were all I saw. Oh good grief I thought!
So, I am heading back to the eye surgeon and the office that made my glasses for me. At this point it remains a mystery, yet to be solved. God cannot heal my eyes. The eyes he created were damaged and the corneas are gone. God does not fly in like Superman and miraculously give me new corneas. What He does do is walk with me. He calms my mind and clears my thoughts and holds patience here as a gift to me if I take it.
What I know is this. Growing older each day is a challenge in everything we face. But it is not about the challenges as much as it is about our willingness to accept them and to stay positive and close to God. These old eyes will never be the same. They may never see the world the way I saw the world as a child. My eyes may grow dim like my Grandmother Kelley whose eyesight was gone before she passed away. Her faith remained strong. It was the core of her being and her strength, no matter what challenges came her way.
These old eyes have been good to me. We are fighting, now, for the best vision we can have with the skills of my doctor. I am not worried nor afraid. Whatever the challenge is for me in the days ahead, I choose to walk with God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Our greatest challenge as we age is to learn to accept the changes and to do all we can to care for ourselves so we can continue to worship and serve you. Give us courage to surrender our will by seeking help from professionals when we know we have adjusted all we can and need help. Remind us that professional hands, minds and spirits can be guided by your love and will help us remain active and strong. And in all we face, make us ever mindful, that by accepting the changes we see, we can then focus on the needs of those you give to us to help along the way.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Friday, August 2, 2013
Forgiven, He Whispered
Forgiven, He Whispered
Peggy K. Mack
If I could take it all away,
mistakes I've made
those wasted days
friends lost from lack of care and love
I'd find the peace I need.
I cannot change my silent past,
those chances lost,
I've paid the cost,
only to have them stored within my mind
where time will slowly heal.
What can I do?
Where do I turn?
When we fail are we forever doomed
to carry the burden of our mistakes,
No, not if we believe.
God knows I'll fall and fail,again,
I'll feel the pain,
repeat the blame,
that lingers close when answers are slow
within the wall of guilt.
What can I do?
Where do I turn?
When I fail am I forever doomed
to carry the burdens of my mistakes?
No, not if I believe.
Forgiven he whispered to my heart,
comfort is mine,
sweet peace of mind,
with freedom to live and learn and love
the life He gave to me.
Forgiven he whispered to my heart...
Now I am free, I live in love,
and I will do the same....
forgive all those who cause me pain
Oh! I will do the same.
Forgiven he whispered to my heart
And I will do the same.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Peggy K. Mack
If I could take it all away,
mistakes I've made
those wasted days
friends lost from lack of care and love
I'd find the peace I need.
I cannot change my silent past,
those chances lost,
I've paid the cost,
only to have them stored within my mind
where time will slowly heal.
What can I do?
Where do I turn?
When we fail are we forever doomed
to carry the burden of our mistakes,
No, not if we believe.
God knows I'll fall and fail,again,
I'll feel the pain,
repeat the blame,
that lingers close when answers are slow
within the wall of guilt.
What can I do?
Where do I turn?
When I fail am I forever doomed
to carry the burdens of my mistakes?
No, not if I believe.
Forgiven he whispered to my heart,
comfort is mine,
sweet peace of mind,
with freedom to live and learn and love
the life He gave to me.
Forgiven he whispered to my heart...
Now I am free, I live in love,
and I will do the same....
forgive all those who cause me pain
Oh! I will do the same.
Forgiven he whispered to my heart
And I will do the same.
Matthew 11:28-30
New International Version (NIV)
...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
You Know Better!
You Know Better!
Peggy K. Mack
When I was small and made a mess, my mother often sang the same phrase of disapproval, "Now Peg, you know better.!"
I wasn't very happy with her song and felt I had disappointed her and let her down. At the same time, her voice of approval or disapproval was never critical and almost always directed at an awareness that I could do better and not designed to demean my spirit.
I grew accustomed to her willingness to guide me through life and valued that voice of concern, advise and encouragement.
Her passing in 1996 left me wanting and needing the one voice I trusted. I cannot remember a time in my life when she ever failed me. I cannot remember a time when she was not ready to forgive and eager to encourage me to get back on track and believe in myself. I do remember the moments when she was beaming with pride for my accomplishments and made those moments all about "her Peg".
There is so much, now, that I wish I could change about her last year of life but I will leave that for another time in my writing. Now, I focus on how my mother was the blue print for my own life with my children and in my teaching.
When I look at the Bible's descriptions of Christ and His loving ways, of His never leaving us and always being there for us, I can believe it with all my heart because I was blessed to see that same kind of love in my mother. She wanted the best for me through my own hard work and sense of accomplishments. I remember standing outside our church doors, after the Sunday service and she introduced me to a friend, saying this is my daughter, Peg. She is my baby. She always will be." At the time, I was a wee bit embarrassed because I was 40, a wife and mother of two children. But now, I would love to spend one day with her, again. And I know that in spite of our last year together, she would greet me with opened arms and love me as much as she always had loved me.
What a gift she was and still is to this day! She has been with Dad in Heaven for seventeen years this October. The time simply passes, the extreme pain has healed over like a wound which is now a forever scar, but the memories are more vivid, the moments of laughter have returned in my mind to replace the sound of grieving and the smell of her cooking filling our home lingers somewhere waiting for the next time I reminisce.
I pray for the children whose mothers have lost their way and are damaging their own children. They have no clue that their selfish behavior, their cold words of hate and their homes without love. warmth, safety and care will forever diminish the child. Many children will find a way to rise above it, to grow and flourish in spite of the lack of a blueprint to follow but they will forever miss out on the memories one has if they are blessed with a loving, nourishing, encouraging mom who loves her own faith and serves God.
God bless the Christian mother who nourishes her small child with love and encouragement and is the child's first understanding of God's own love.
Because of my mother's firm but encouraging love, I DO know better and only wish I could tell her now. It would mean the world for me to share my writing. I choose to believe that just as she celebrated my accomplishments while she was living, she celebrates them now in Heaven. The greatest gift I have ever received was the love of two Christian parents. I miss them today as in all days but cherish their never failing gift of love.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As much as I continue to miss my mother since she joined you in Heaven, I know she is no longer in pain and happy with Daddy and her family, once again. I give thanks for all she did to give me a wonderful start in life and to remain close to me throughout her life. Because of her guiding love, I do know better.
She designed an invisible blueprint for me to follow in raising my children, serving God and loving others. I ask you to give them my love tonight. Tell her how much she is missed and loved. I will do all I can to remain faithful in my faith so we can be together, again.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Peggy K. Mack
When I was small and made a mess, my mother often sang the same phrase of disapproval, "Now Peg, you know better.!"
I wasn't very happy with her song and felt I had disappointed her and let her down. At the same time, her voice of approval or disapproval was never critical and almost always directed at an awareness that I could do better and not designed to demean my spirit.
I grew accustomed to her willingness to guide me through life and valued that voice of concern, advise and encouragement.
Her passing in 1996 left me wanting and needing the one voice I trusted. I cannot remember a time in my life when she ever failed me. I cannot remember a time when she was not ready to forgive and eager to encourage me to get back on track and believe in myself. I do remember the moments when she was beaming with pride for my accomplishments and made those moments all about "her Peg".
There is so much, now, that I wish I could change about her last year of life but I will leave that for another time in my writing. Now, I focus on how my mother was the blue print for my own life with my children and in my teaching.
When I look at the Bible's descriptions of Christ and His loving ways, of His never leaving us and always being there for us, I can believe it with all my heart because I was blessed to see that same kind of love in my mother. She wanted the best for me through my own hard work and sense of accomplishments. I remember standing outside our church doors, after the Sunday service and she introduced me to a friend, saying this is my daughter, Peg. She is my baby. She always will be." At the time, I was a wee bit embarrassed because I was 40, a wife and mother of two children. But now, I would love to spend one day with her, again. And I know that in spite of our last year together, she would greet me with opened arms and love me as much as she always had loved me.
What a gift she was and still is to this day! She has been with Dad in Heaven for seventeen years this October. The time simply passes, the extreme pain has healed over like a wound which is now a forever scar, but the memories are more vivid, the moments of laughter have returned in my mind to replace the sound of grieving and the smell of her cooking filling our home lingers somewhere waiting for the next time I reminisce.
I pray for the children whose mothers have lost their way and are damaging their own children. They have no clue that their selfish behavior, their cold words of hate and their homes without love. warmth, safety and care will forever diminish the child. Many children will find a way to rise above it, to grow and flourish in spite of the lack of a blueprint to follow but they will forever miss out on the memories one has if they are blessed with a loving, nourishing, encouraging mom who loves her own faith and serves God.
God bless the Christian mother who nourishes her small child with love and encouragement and is the child's first understanding of God's own love.
Because of my mother's firm but encouraging love, I DO know better and only wish I could tell her now. It would mean the world for me to share my writing. I choose to believe that just as she celebrated my accomplishments while she was living, she celebrates them now in Heaven. The greatest gift I have ever received was the love of two Christian parents. I miss them today as in all days but cherish their never failing gift of love.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As much as I continue to miss my mother since she joined you in Heaven, I know she is no longer in pain and happy with Daddy and her family, once again. I give thanks for all she did to give me a wonderful start in life and to remain close to me throughout her life. Because of her guiding love, I do know better.
She designed an invisible blueprint for me to follow in raising my children, serving God and loving others. I ask you to give them my love tonight. Tell her how much she is missed and loved. I will do all I can to remain faithful in my faith so we can be together, again.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Angels Are Everywhere
God Moments:
Angels are Everywhere
Peggy Kelley Mack
July 21, 2013
Have you ever had a moment in time when you wonder what made you do a certain thing; for example, like going to your room and taking an old book from the shelf that you have not touched in years? That's what happened to me a few days ago. In my search for a few devotional books to add to my resources to begin morning devotional time, I visited my bookshelf. There on the shelf was a tiny book I barely remembered. It is titled, "Angels are Everywhere."
It intrigued me because in recent years I have adopted this belief that WE are the angels who walk on Earth or, at least, we have the potential of being used by God as an angel to do kind deeds. I have allowed myself to be that someone who helps and I have received the blessing of being "touched by an angel." The more I believe that theory, the more I see examples of it.
I opened the book, "Angels are Everywhere" and was surprised to discover a message inside the front cover thanking me for being the teacher of her little daughter, Seela Smith. Along with the message of gratitude was a photo of Seela in Kindergarten. My memories went back to the last day of school, so many years ago, when her mother was genuinely filled with gratitude and had often called me an angel.
With that memory fresh in my mind, I took the book with me and added it to my collection with two others to read each morning. As the days passed, I kept remembering moments when angels have come to my rescue or touched my life and the incidents are too many to count or to tell. If I had collected each of them in a basket over time, the basket would certainly be full. For now, they fill my heart to the brim with so much gratitude.
There is one angel, in particular, who comes to mind and the reason is because, several months later, when we remembered her kind act, we were both in awe and knew without any doubt that God was with us in that moment. I regret that I cannot remember her name but my mind often forgets now and leaves me shaking my head. This lady and her husband had attended classes on Thursday night with me. We studied evangelism and how to make it part of our daily conversations and how to seize the moment when someone has questions that they want answered about faith. I saw the couple on Sunday mornings and greeted them on my way to my favorite pew near the stained glass window and the warm sunlight. In recent weeks, my worship often had my heart opened so widely to the heartache I was living at home and I simply could not contain my tears. On this particular morning, I felt an arm around my shoulder and a presence sitting beside me. When I quietly looked up, it was the lady from my evangelism group. She took my hand in hers and slipped a silver ring with the emblem of a fish on it on my left hand ring finger and patted my hand and closed it. After the service she said, It's important to me that you wear this. Whatever you are going through this will remind you that you are loved and you will get through this. I took it without hesitation which is so unusual for me. I just smiled, accepted it and gave her a hug. I wore that ring for ten weeks. During that time, I finally found the moment to get past my fears and to leave home with a few pieces of furniture, some keepsakes and clothing. I moved into another angel's home who had begged me three times to come live with her if it got unbearable. After I was safe in my new surroundings, I returned the ring one Sunday. That is when I learned her side of the story.
She had been sitting three pews behind me that special morning. She had seen me bow my head and wipe away my tears and felt compelled to get up and comfort me. Then she said, as clear as could be, she understood it was important that I have that ring. The simple silver band with the emblem of the fish was a visual and tactile reminder to me that I was not alone and would find the strength I needed to begin my new life.
You see, I know there are angels among us. We find them in our fellow human beings who love God and understand that we are His feet, eyes, hands and voice. Once we understand, we begin to listen for those moments that say, "reach out and help this person, they need you." I regret that I have never seen this sweet lady again and now live 500 miles away in my new home. The memory of her and her amazing act of loving kindness remains with me today.
What better way to thank God for our lives and all we have than to do simple, loving acts of kindness when we hear a still small voice say, "Help them!"
Yes, I say, there are angels among us to help us on our way. There are angels everywhere and we can be part of that amazing ministry of kind acts for others. All we have to do is open our eyes to others needs and reach out to them in loving kindness. It seems so little to ask when God gives us so much. Let us not only believe that God sends his heavenly angels to watch over and protect us, but that he invokes individuals to answer His call to serve in a single moment as an angel for someone who needs our help. We ask nothing in return because we know it is our Father in Heaven using us as instruments in His loving kindness. Consider it the now popular, "Pay it Forward". Call it whatever you like but if you have not opened your heart to the miracles that come in kindness, try it today.
Dear Heavenly Father,
When I leave home today, make me mindful of others around me and make me silent so I can listen for that still small voice that says,
"Help them as I have helped you!"
Amen
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. "Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
Angels are Everywhere
Peggy Kelley Mack
July 21, 2013
Have you ever had a moment in time when you wonder what made you do a certain thing; for example, like going to your room and taking an old book from the shelf that you have not touched in years? That's what happened to me a few days ago. In my search for a few devotional books to add to my resources to begin morning devotional time, I visited my bookshelf. There on the shelf was a tiny book I barely remembered. It is titled, "Angels are Everywhere."
It intrigued me because in recent years I have adopted this belief that WE are the angels who walk on Earth or, at least, we have the potential of being used by God as an angel to do kind deeds. I have allowed myself to be that someone who helps and I have received the blessing of being "touched by an angel." The more I believe that theory, the more I see examples of it.
I opened the book, "Angels are Everywhere" and was surprised to discover a message inside the front cover thanking me for being the teacher of her little daughter, Seela Smith. Along with the message of gratitude was a photo of Seela in Kindergarten. My memories went back to the last day of school, so many years ago, when her mother was genuinely filled with gratitude and had often called me an angel.
With that memory fresh in my mind, I took the book with me and added it to my collection with two others to read each morning. As the days passed, I kept remembering moments when angels have come to my rescue or touched my life and the incidents are too many to count or to tell. If I had collected each of them in a basket over time, the basket would certainly be full. For now, they fill my heart to the brim with so much gratitude.
There is one angel, in particular, who comes to mind and the reason is because, several months later, when we remembered her kind act, we were both in awe and knew without any doubt that God was with us in that moment. I regret that I cannot remember her name but my mind often forgets now and leaves me shaking my head. This lady and her husband had attended classes on Thursday night with me. We studied evangelism and how to make it part of our daily conversations and how to seize the moment when someone has questions that they want answered about faith. I saw the couple on Sunday mornings and greeted them on my way to my favorite pew near the stained glass window and the warm sunlight. In recent weeks, my worship often had my heart opened so widely to the heartache I was living at home and I simply could not contain my tears. On this particular morning, I felt an arm around my shoulder and a presence sitting beside me. When I quietly looked up, it was the lady from my evangelism group. She took my hand in hers and slipped a silver ring with the emblem of a fish on it on my left hand ring finger and patted my hand and closed it. After the service she said, It's important to me that you wear this. Whatever you are going through this will remind you that you are loved and you will get through this. I took it without hesitation which is so unusual for me. I just smiled, accepted it and gave her a hug. I wore that ring for ten weeks. During that time, I finally found the moment to get past my fears and to leave home with a few pieces of furniture, some keepsakes and clothing. I moved into another angel's home who had begged me three times to come live with her if it got unbearable. After I was safe in my new surroundings, I returned the ring one Sunday. That is when I learned her side of the story.
She had been sitting three pews behind me that special morning. She had seen me bow my head and wipe away my tears and felt compelled to get up and comfort me. Then she said, as clear as could be, she understood it was important that I have that ring. The simple silver band with the emblem of the fish was a visual and tactile reminder to me that I was not alone and would find the strength I needed to begin my new life.
You see, I know there are angels among us. We find them in our fellow human beings who love God and understand that we are His feet, eyes, hands and voice. Once we understand, we begin to listen for those moments that say, "reach out and help this person, they need you." I regret that I have never seen this sweet lady again and now live 500 miles away in my new home. The memory of her and her amazing act of loving kindness remains with me today.
What better way to thank God for our lives and all we have than to do simple, loving acts of kindness when we hear a still small voice say, "Help them!"
Yes, I say, there are angels among us to help us on our way. There are angels everywhere and we can be part of that amazing ministry of kind acts for others. All we have to do is open our eyes to others needs and reach out to them in loving kindness. It seems so little to ask when God gives us so much. Let us not only believe that God sends his heavenly angels to watch over and protect us, but that he invokes individuals to answer His call to serve in a single moment as an angel for someone who needs our help. We ask nothing in return because we know it is our Father in Heaven using us as instruments in His loving kindness. Consider it the now popular, "Pay it Forward". Call it whatever you like but if you have not opened your heart to the miracles that come in kindness, try it today.
Dear Heavenly Father,
When I leave home today, make me mindful of others around me and make me silent so I can listen for that still small voice that says,
"Help them as I have helped you!"
Amen
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. "Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
Prayers for My Best Friend
Prayers for My Best Friend
Peggy K. Mack
August 1. 2013
My best friend is having surgery on her heart today in Orlando, Florida at 1pm and I am walking in faith knowing how much Carol loves and trusts God with her life. She believes in His healing powers and knows that where she is today is the beginning of a new tomorrow.
I am refusing to go where we usually go when a loved one is facing critical surgery. Often times we go to a place of fear. I remember when my mother was having open heart surgery at the age of 74 to replace a mitral valve. We had been sent to "one of the best" heart surgical centers at University of Birmingham and she was in the hands of Dr. Pasifico. While I sat in a waiting room of dozens of others worried about their loved ones, I read the Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Robert Schuler. My dad had loved watching his ministry on tv when Dad was no longer able to attend church. My dad was always tossing phrases at us about positive thinking like: "What's with the negative waves!", "Be happy it makes less wrinkles" and "You chose when you put your feet on the ground what kind of day you're going to have with how you think, so think positive". I don't know if Daddy even realized how close to the Gospel he was when he raised us with positive attitudes. But God tells us not to worry. We know that when we worry in stressful times that we open the door to negativity and Satan's ways. So what do we do when we feel that wave of concern for a loved one? First of all, there's nothing wrong with being concerned. Fools are rarely concerned, but then that would be foolish.
Once, we recognize that we are concerned, we go into prayer. We remove our minds from the world around us and fill our heads with prayer and expectation of all the good that God can do. If we have loved ones fighting a medical battle, we pray for the team working to heal that person. We ask God to guide their minds and their hands and to do everything possible for the best result. We ask God to be near, to watch over, to protect and to love the person for whom we are concerned. We have work to do. We go to a quiet place away from the noise of others who are frantic and rambling on in conversations that distract our focus. In the UAB hospital was a non-denominational chapel and I found my way in there for quiet peace, meditation and prayer.
This will not be an easy day for Carol's husband of thirty plus years or her two precious sons who have seen her battling cancer and other serious problems. They understand this process of surgery, post surgery and healing. It is a battle for certain. They also know that Carol is one amazing fighter. For someone so lighthearted and kind and funny, she is a warrior when it comes to fighting her way back to being healthy. Her sister Rosemary and brother John are frantically worried for her day of surgery and the beginning of recovery. They know it is no easy task today with a team of 12 doctors involved in the entire process.
I have them in my prayers for comfort and peace on a most difficult of days.
If I had thought that I would be a help to them I would have driven the 10-12 hours to be there, but I know the family is big and there is little time to add me in the mix of those who care. I chose to remain here and to pray for her and the team of medical staff and her family who loves her so dearly. Prayer is a mighty tool as powerful as the surgeon's skills and I know, as she knows, that God is with her.
So in these early morning hours, I am concerned for my dear friend Carol Crain. But worries have no place with me today because I am focused on God's power and His love and I know that He can do what no other can. He loves us in so many different ways and today, God is our Healer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the life of my precious friend, Carol Crain. Her heart is literally in the hands of those who have been given a gift from you of healing. Bless their minds and their hearts as they bring her back to a place of good health. Bless her family who walk with heavy hearts, so concerned about the lady who has loved and adored them their entire lives. What a gift she has been to teaching and to all those she touches with her love. God hold her in your loving arms and bring her back to us.
In the Holy name of your son, Jesus Christ, I ask these things believing,
Amen
Peggy K. Mack
August 1. 2013
My best friend is having surgery on her heart today in Orlando, Florida at 1pm and I am walking in faith knowing how much Carol loves and trusts God with her life. She believes in His healing powers and knows that where she is today is the beginning of a new tomorrow.
I am refusing to go where we usually go when a loved one is facing critical surgery. Often times we go to a place of fear. I remember when my mother was having open heart surgery at the age of 74 to replace a mitral valve. We had been sent to "one of the best" heart surgical centers at University of Birmingham and she was in the hands of Dr. Pasifico. While I sat in a waiting room of dozens of others worried about their loved ones, I read the Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Robert Schuler. My dad had loved watching his ministry on tv when Dad was no longer able to attend church. My dad was always tossing phrases at us about positive thinking like: "What's with the negative waves!", "Be happy it makes less wrinkles" and "You chose when you put your feet on the ground what kind of day you're going to have with how you think, so think positive". I don't know if Daddy even realized how close to the Gospel he was when he raised us with positive attitudes. But God tells us not to worry. We know that when we worry in stressful times that we open the door to negativity and Satan's ways. So what do we do when we feel that wave of concern for a loved one? First of all, there's nothing wrong with being concerned. Fools are rarely concerned, but then that would be foolish.
Once, we recognize that we are concerned, we go into prayer. We remove our minds from the world around us and fill our heads with prayer and expectation of all the good that God can do. If we have loved ones fighting a medical battle, we pray for the team working to heal that person. We ask God to guide their minds and their hands and to do everything possible for the best result. We ask God to be near, to watch over, to protect and to love the person for whom we are concerned. We have work to do. We go to a quiet place away from the noise of others who are frantic and rambling on in conversations that distract our focus. In the UAB hospital was a non-denominational chapel and I found my way in there for quiet peace, meditation and prayer.
This will not be an easy day for Carol's husband of thirty plus years or her two precious sons who have seen her battling cancer and other serious problems. They understand this process of surgery, post surgery and healing. It is a battle for certain. They also know that Carol is one amazing fighter. For someone so lighthearted and kind and funny, she is a warrior when it comes to fighting her way back to being healthy. Her sister Rosemary and brother John are frantically worried for her day of surgery and the beginning of recovery. They know it is no easy task today with a team of 12 doctors involved in the entire process.
I have them in my prayers for comfort and peace on a most difficult of days.
If I had thought that I would be a help to them I would have driven the 10-12 hours to be there, but I know the family is big and there is little time to add me in the mix of those who care. I chose to remain here and to pray for her and the team of medical staff and her family who loves her so dearly. Prayer is a mighty tool as powerful as the surgeon's skills and I know, as she knows, that God is with her.
So in these early morning hours, I am concerned for my dear friend Carol Crain. But worries have no place with me today because I am focused on God's power and His love and I know that He can do what no other can. He loves us in so many different ways and today, God is our Healer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the life of my precious friend, Carol Crain. Her heart is literally in the hands of those who have been given a gift from you of healing. Bless their minds and their hearts as they bring her back to a place of good health. Bless her family who walk with heavy hearts, so concerned about the lady who has loved and adored them their entire lives. What a gift she has been to teaching and to all those she touches with her love. God hold her in your loving arms and bring her back to us.
In the Holy name of your son, Jesus Christ, I ask these things believing,
Amen
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