dear emily,
have you ever noticed that some women are just naturally gracious? one of my idols is an 80 year old great grandma, who sings like an angel, looks perfectly beautiful ALL THE TIME, and always has the most gracious and kind words for everyone. it is so tempting to hate her...except she is just too lovable!
today, a man said that she should teach classes to young women, because they don't seem to understand how to be ladies.
here's what i think she would say:
1. love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength...and your
neighbor as yourself.
2. take a little time each day to put yourself together (hair, make-up,
clothes that flatter.)
3. if you think kind thoughts about people, your kind words will follow.
4. stand up nice and straight.
5. be well prepared for everything you do.
6. have a sense of humor and don't take yourself too seriously.
7. encourage those who need it and be a friend to the lonely.
i'm going to ask her for some more tips...
Thursday, December 3, 2009
lonely moms
dear emily,
a sweet, young friend was telling me how lonely it can be as a mom and how much she longs for more encouragement and adult companionship. as much as she adores her little boys, they can't really converse about cultural events, politics, or fashion. her precious husband can only answer so many, "does this make me look fat?" questions.
my friends and i, along with our numerous kiddos, had standing play dates at the park, lunches at mcdonalds, and bible studies at the church. the children enjoyed these outings as much as we did and were motivated to finish chores and school to have some fun.
it's much more rewarding to push the swing for the 100th time, while commiserating with a friend about her marriage, lack of sleep, and Christmas errands. exchanging a glance with someone who understands, helps ease the frustration of untangling another skirmish on the playground.
as women, we have such an intense need for fellowship that we have to feed it...or become lonely. in the olden days, they sewed or canned together. we have to figure out what we can do.
a few things come to mind: take turns helping each other with housework, let the kids watch a movie while we wrap packages together, have baking days, etc. any chore is more fun with a friend.
it is comforting to know that the Lord understands all about our need for companionship and even described Himself as a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He also gently leads those with little ones. how precious is that?
a sweet, young friend was telling me how lonely it can be as a mom and how much she longs for more encouragement and adult companionship. as much as she adores her little boys, they can't really converse about cultural events, politics, or fashion. her precious husband can only answer so many, "does this make me look fat?" questions.
my friends and i, along with our numerous kiddos, had standing play dates at the park, lunches at mcdonalds, and bible studies at the church. the children enjoyed these outings as much as we did and were motivated to finish chores and school to have some fun.
it's much more rewarding to push the swing for the 100th time, while commiserating with a friend about her marriage, lack of sleep, and Christmas errands. exchanging a glance with someone who understands, helps ease the frustration of untangling another skirmish on the playground.
as women, we have such an intense need for fellowship that we have to feed it...or become lonely. in the olden days, they sewed or canned together. we have to figure out what we can do.
a few things come to mind: take turns helping each other with housework, let the kids watch a movie while we wrap packages together, have baking days, etc. any chore is more fun with a friend.
it is comforting to know that the Lord understands all about our need for companionship and even described Himself as a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He also gently leads those with little ones. how precious is that?
deep and wide
dear emily,
a wise woman steered me to the scriptures when praying for my children. i just insert their names and pray, believing He is able to do what He says.
ephesians 3:14-19
"for this reason i kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. i pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen ____ with power through His Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith.
and i pray that they, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-
that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
love,
lea
ps. i include your little ones, too.
a wise woman steered me to the scriptures when praying for my children. i just insert their names and pray, believing He is able to do what He says.
ephesians 3:14-19
"for this reason i kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. i pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen ____ with power through His Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith.
and i pray that they, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-
that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
love,
lea
ps. i include your little ones, too.
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