Honoring Mom

The gospel according to my mother: a woman who has always been about fierce love.

For at least the last 40 years, she's had a version of this on display in her and Dad's home. If she had a blog, there is no doubt this image would be prominently displayed at all times. I'm quite certain she's repressed the fact that I worked for a defense contractor for 7 years. I won't be reminding her of this today. (It's a long story.)

The Scripture equivalent (as I see it):
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Happy Mother's Day ladies and gentlemen, xoxox, Cheeky

For the Love of Mom

As I prepare for Mother's Day weekend, Mom is on my mind. My mom is a complex, passionate woman who values justice, works for peace, and loves her children unconditionally. She's smart, resourceful, modest, cocky, kind, and true.

She cares about the whole wide world and all the people in it. She was an environmentalist way before that was a good word.

She taught her children to think and to act independently. Over the years, we have rewarded and punished her by doing just that.

She's a hopeless romantic who likes to talk about how she and Dad used to go dancing "all the time." She is a complete and total flirt.

An octogenarian who never leaves the house without first "putting her face on"' she still frets about the size of her waist. If I arrive to escort her somewhere and she's not wearing earrings, I know something is seriously wrong.

When she giggles, you can't help but join in.

My mom is rarely short on opinion. She's frequently known to say, "It all comes down to love." This almost always irked me until I had my own children.

Mom and I agree on many things but religion is not one of them. She often says, "I'm Catholic; I don't read the Bible." I think she's a bit leery of people who do.

This verse reminds me of her.

"[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:7

I'm not sure if she'd be honored or peeved that that I just shared that with you. But I'm sure I'll hear about it from one of my siblings.

In honor of Mother's Day weekend, it would be really cool if you shared a thing you love about your mother. Then maybe also put that thought in a card and send it to her. Or if, sadly, she's no longer physically present here on Earth, do something fabulous for yourself.

More about Mothers next week. Now because I've written this...there is a 87% chance I will actually pull through for Mom myself this year. I've already been instructed not to bring a hanging pot of flowers because that would mess up the new siding on her garage. But I know she would really love a card. For a complex woman, she's pretty simple.

And now it is my distinct pleasure to admit she's been right all along. It really is all about love.

You are in my Cheeky prayers ladies and gentlemen, XOXOX, Cheeks

Not-So-Purpose-Driven Life

I subscribe to the “Purpose Driven Life” devotionals.

I enjoy them about as often as most things that are good for me…about 37.2% of the time.

That’s OK; I don't think they're always meant to be enjoyed.

I don't agree with everything Rick Warren says (I don't even agree w/myself 100% of the time). But his ministry has helped me stick to the "narrow path" many a day.

Occasionally, the Purpose Driven devotional includes a call for service that shuts me down. Some days my service simply cannot extend beyond preparing a semi-decent meal for my kids. And actually listening when they speak.

On those days (OK, this day), it helps to remember that Jesus said:

"The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:29

If you're having a not-so-purpose-driven day, know that to believe is an act of service.

No one lives up to their purpose every day; celebrate the moments when you do. If you feel like sharing one of your shining purpose driven moments, by way of "comments" on this blog, please do.

I pray that the unfailing love and grace of Christ uplift you today. Bless you, beautiful children of God. xoxox, Cheeky

To sign up for Rick Warren's daily devotionals click here.

One + Three Things

"Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10. Thanks to the beautiful church lady who reminded me of this verse yesterday.

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." From another really smart guy called Buddha.

You are in my prayers today. Thanks for reading. xoxox, Cheeky

Philippians 4:8

"...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Bumbling Along

Wisdom received from a kind woman this morning, "God's grace is sufficient for all our fumbling."

You are in my prayers today, ladies and gentlemen :) xoxoxo, Cheeky