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"Heroes of Faith"

5/31/2016

This Memorial Day, we are reminded of the millions of men and women who have laid down their lives, paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom's sake.

This day always causes me to reflect on whether or not I would have the courage to "lay down my life" and it also turns my attention toward "heroes of Faith."

I have a long list of people who I consider true heroes and role models of faith . . .

Abraham, Noah, Job, Moses, King David, Abigail, Joshua, Esther, Deborah, Naomi, Ruth, Rahab, Peter, John (and all the Apostles) Mary (the Mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Adrian Rogers . . .

My list could go on and on, because there are so many men and women whose stories are part of "His-Story" in the Bible
and throughout time. I have known and know some amazing heroes in my life, including my Dad, who is the one who introduced me to my faith in God the Father, the Son and Holy spirit.

When I think of a hero, I think of someone courageous, brave, steadfast and resolute in standing (and willing to die) for what they believe in and are devoted to something or someone greater than themselves and thinking of heroes always brings to me to mygreatest hero of all - JESUS!

Without a doubt, Jesus is my "Super-Hero." There is no person that I can think of who I love more, look up to, admire, aspire to please, honor, praise, worship, trust and follow-after, like Jesus. It will take me an eternity to express my love and gratitude for who He is and what He has done for mankind as our Redeemer King.

Because the "presence of God enlightens the world" I believe that the heroes of our faith come to a place in their lives where they realize that to love, honor and serve God first and foremost is the greatest act of heroism, especially in a world that seemd to be moving rapidly toward a spirit of "anti-Christ."

What does faith heroism look like to me? . . . "true heroes of the Faith are enlightened by God's presence and they are prepared and committed to sharing the "Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ" even if it means that they are misunderstood, laughed at, persecuted, despised, hated and suffer for the Faith." - Dary Northrup

People who live with this calling on their heart are easy to spot because they . . .

Praise God in happy moments
Seek God in difficult times
Worship God in quiet moments
Trust God in painful moment
Thank God every moment.

"Lord, I want to be a "hero of the Faith!"

With Faith, Hope and Love - all for and because of HIM!
Angie "a mom like you"
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme@gmail.com

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"Following God's Direction" By Beth Dailey

5/15/2016

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Beth (L) and a friend at Brunch

My son graduated from high school, reluctantly pushing me into the empty nest. It was another loss, bringing past ones to the surface, the biggest being the loss of his sister the summer after she had graduated high school. I felt really lost, praying that God would show me some direction.

While internet searching cities on the western coast, pictures of Coeur d’Alene filled my screen. I had never heard of this town, but my body was filled with an incredible feeling, from my head to my toes. I knew I was supposed to go there, so I went on a road trip with my “other” child, my 50 pound husky/retriever.

We traveled thru Montana, which I had never seen. It was beautiful! I reached northern Idaho and when I drove into Coeur d’Alene, my body was filled with the same amazing feeling! I stayed a couple of days and found the community to be very welcoming and beautiful. I felt sure that God wanted me to live here, and it filled me with incredible peace.

A couple of months later, an apartment became available that allowed my dog, and without even seeing it, I quit a job I truly enjoyed and got rid of most of my belongings. It forced me to simplify my life in a few weeks and go through everything I owned; a task I had avoided for years. I moved out of Colorado, feeling strangely calm about leaving the place I had lived for such a long time. I could almost hear my daughter, Tara, cheering me on like she had in the past, “You Go Girl!” It felt like I was beginning a great adventure, and following God’s direction.

I didn’t know anyone in Coeur d’Alene when I arrived last November, but quickly became involved in Christian groups, adventure groups, and volunteering. I found a job working at one of the colleges, and am also working on getting more education. Often, I am told I am brave, inspiring, and strong.

I am not sure of all that God has planned for me, but I know that I am supposed to be here right now. My faith has deepened, things are brighter, clearer, and I feel more alive. I am living in one of God’s masterpieces, enjoying the lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and wonderful people every single day!

I realized I was just going through the motions before, numb from the loss of a child, among other things. Children are not really our's, but a gift from God, to raise while we have them. What a blessing to have the precious memories and love that we share!

May God bless each one of you and lead you on the path that He desires for you.

Beth Dailey "a mom like you"

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Mother's Day 2016

5/8/2016

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This Mother's Day weekend marks the 56th, since my Dad died on Mother's Day weekend May 9, 1966. May 9, 1978 is the day that my niece, Natalie, was born and a blessed reminder that "the LORD gives and the LORD takes away - blessed be the Name of the LORD!"

Mother's Day is the day that Moms everywhere celebrate our life's greatest blessing(s) - the blessing of being mothers and grandmothers to our children and grandchildren.

Our family means so much to me, I cannot imagine a life without children. My children and grandchildren are indeed a very significant part of the joy of my life and to be loved by them truly puts a smile in my heart and my sons have always made Mother's Day special in their sweet and simple ways.

Intermingled with the joy of being a Mom and "MiMi" is always that touch of sadness, as I remember that fateful Mother's Day 1960, when I suffered the loss of my Dad, and then there's the reminder that not all of my children are here with me on this Mother's Day, as the reality of not only my dad's passing, but also of my precious youngest son, Kevin, taints the celebration with a touch of sadness.

Because of the loss of my son, Mother's Day is another day that turns my attention toward my loss and the countless number of other "moms like me" who are living with the loss of a child, or in some cases the loss of their only child or children. And, there's also those who have suffered the loss of their own mother, so I know that there are others who are wanting to celebrate this day, but who are also being drawn into tht sacred place in their hearts where they hold a measureof sadness.

So, what do I do at Mother's Day to make it a special day, while also accepting the touch of sadness? I accept the celebration with gratitude and I accept that along with the joy, there is and always will be that touch of sadness and that's just the way it is now.

As I consider what I have lost and who is missing this Mother's Day, I also consider what I have and the balance is obvious, I have so much to be grateful for . . .

I am grateful that Bob and I were able to announce the birth of our first-born son to my Mom on Mother's Day 1966.

I am grateful for our niece, Natalie, who was born on May 9th (the same day that my Dad died 18 years earlier), which changed the day completely, turning our family's attention away from loss to new life.

I am gratetful that my Mom is still with us this Mother's Day - she is 88 years old and she means so much to me and to our family.

I am grateful that God keeps His promises and that I have personally experienced that "He gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning and praise for the spirit of heaviness . . . " Isaiah 61:3.

I am grateful for my life's "greatest blessings who call me Mom" (and MiMi) and I name them one-by-one . . . Eric, David, Kevin, Velaine, Vonda, Joey, Nicole, Brianna, Josslyn, Grant, Blake, Jayde,, Kevin and Greyson!

What blessings do you name "one-by-one?"

MAY THIS MOTHER'S DAY BE A BLESSING, DEAR " MOMS LIKE ME!"
With Love and Hugs,
Angie
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme@gmail,com

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"Heroes of Faith"

"Following God's Direction" By Beth Dailey

Mother's Day 2016

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