Mothers and Daughters

The bond between a Mother and Daughter can be a precious thing. I am blessed to have a wonderful daughter who loves me. I am also blessed to have an amazing Mother who taught me how to love by example. The Lord has been very good to me.

There are mothers and daughters with strained relationships who probably don't feel blessed. We live in a fallen world where life is not perfect. My prayer is that each mother and daughter might discover a deeper love.

Which category do you fit into? The first one where you have an amazing, close relationship with your mother? Or are you someone who could care less about being with your mom?

The Bible tells us we are called to love, even to love our enemies. We are also commanded to pray for our enemies. How is that going for you? Have you ever prayed for your enemies? If you have, you know it is really hard to stay mad at someone when you pray for them. Right?

Mothers are not perfect...we are human just like everyone. However, mothers do have life experience and a lot to teach you if you will listen. This week I challenge you to pray for your Mother and to do something nice for her. Chances are God might bless you with a daughter someday. What would you want her to do for you? How would you expect her to treat you? Think about it, pray about it, and then follow your heart.

Team Spirit

How many of you have attended a football game in your life? Probably a lot of you go to your high school football games on Friday nights. I recently went to a Friday night football game after many years of not attending. Remember, it's been a while since I was in high school! The very next day I had the opportunity to attend a football game at The University of Iowa.

The most outstanding thing I noticed was the excitement and energy of the fans. Those cheering were football parents, cheerleaders, alumni, students, and even young children. All spectators had the same thing in common. They love their team so much, it spills out with raised hands and raised voices.

The last time you went to church, did you stand up and cheer for Jesus? I'm guessing the answer to that is probably "no". If you are like me, I grew up in a church more concerned with being quiet and somber than joyful. My husband loves to say, "the spirit is willing, but the hands are Lutheran." However, during both games the thought occurred to me that this was what Heaven will be like. We will be surrounded by millions of fans praising God and cheering with all our hearts. As the marching band came on the field, I was reminded of King David. The Bible tells how King David returned to Jerusalem with the ark of the covenant with great joy:

"So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." 2 Samuel 6:12-15

We could learn a lot from King David, and a lot from football games. Expressing our joy for God and the gift of salvation He gives us should be from our hearts. If we can let our hearts express our joy freely for our team, and for team spirit, why not for Jesus as well? Think about that the next time you go to a football game. And why not quietly say to Jesus, "my heart cheers for you" during the joy of the game. I know you will make Him smile.