Are you ready?

I went to my local Dairy Queen a couple of evenings ago to enjoy time with friends and eat a shrimp basket dinner. I'd worked hard all day and felt I deserved something that was easy (no food prep), and tasted good (love shrimp!).

Anyway, while there, the subject of the recent end of the world prediction came up in conversation. It led me to repeat the question in my head that has plagued me since the prediction came to light.

Am I ready for the end of the world?

First of all, let me clarify that I hold no belief in these predictions that totally contradict the word of God. The Bible tells us that even Jesus does not know when God plans for the Son to return. I have no doubt the end of the world will occur someday, maybe even in my lifetime, but I am quite the skeptic about any human being who claims to know the date and time.

Anyway, back to my original question. Suppose the end of the world did happen next week, next month, or next year. Would I be ready?

Yes and no.

Yes because I feel I am right with God and saved by the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

Yes because suffering, pain, and poverty would end for so many.

Yes because evil is devouring the entire earth and the darkness is becoming more and more dense.

No because I have so much yet to do.

No because I don't feel I have fulfilled many of the plans God has for me.

No because there are so many who would perish because they have been consumed by the darkness and they can't find their way out.

The theme of this web site is "bringing light to the world....one word at a time." I feel I am just beginning to take steps toward accomplishing that goal.

Now that I work with a publishing company whose entire staff are dedicated to spreading the word of God, sometimes in unusual ways, I feel I am on the way to fulfilling that mission.

Recently, I attended the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. I have been attending almost every year since 2003, but this is the first year I had the honor to attend as a faculty member. It was rewarding to meet young people who are dedicated to learning the craft of writing. Not only are they learning, they are writing poems, stories, even full-length novels! They are enthusiastic, excited, and open to constructive criticism.

There was a time when I wanted more time to finish my own book and get my message out

there through the novel I am writing. I have not given up that dream, Still, though, I wonder how many people will be impacted by the writing of the young authors who I publish in Starsongs magazine. One of them may grow up to be the next Max Lucado or Francine Rivers. Many of them may see devotionals or articles published in the near future that will touch the lives of one key person who may turn the tide of history.

So, I guess when all is said and done, I'm asking the Lord to give me, and so many others, a little more time to reach others for His kingdom. Predictions may dominate the media, but I think God is listening to those of us who need just a little more time.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Was I a Good Mom?

That question crosses my mind every Mother's Day. Did I do all for my kids that I could have as they were growing up? Did I teach them all the lessons they need to sustain themselves in adulthood? Was I always there for them?

The answer to all three of those questions, I'm afraid, is NO! The reason for that answer is because it is impossible to fulfill the "all" and "always" requirement.

This morning during our adult Sunday school class, we touched on the subject of guilt as moms. The discussion started with the fact that we judge ourselves. Do I judge my abilities as a parent? All the time.

I wish my daughter and granddaughter had been in church with me this morning, but they weren't. I feel that is my fault because I didn't impress upon my daughter the importance of honoring the sabbath when she was a child. Church is important when it's convenient, but not a priority.

It would have been nice to have had a Mother's Day card or even a Facebook greeting from my son, kind of a reminder that he is thinking of me on this day that honors mothers, even though he now lives in a different country and thousands of miles separate us.

Okay, so I'm having a pity party. It's not really all that bad. This evening, my daughter and granddaughter and I will attend our church youth group fundraiser together, which entails a delicious dinner and a play that I'm sure will be wonderful entertainment.

We don't hear from our son as often as I'd like, but I'm also proud that he possesses the independence and the initiative to make his own life. Accepting the fact that we are no longer an integral part of it is difficult, but also cause for pride. He's making a substantial living, supporting a wife, and pursuing career goals.

Our daughter is a wonderful mom. She's a great cook, and she sure didn't get that from me! I like to think that I have been s a positive influence in her life. She shows initiative and works hard, She is well respected in the community, at her job, and by her friends. She's raising our granddaughter to love God and believe in herself and always be kind to others.

I'm fortunate in that she is close by, for the time being, anyway. Still, she has her own life and that is a good thing. I'm proud that she, like our son, is independent and self-reliant. I'm excited for what the future holds for her and glad that she has the courage to face whatever challenges lie in store.

When I connect with our son, usually on line, I know he is genuinely glad to be in touch. I have very little idea of what his life is like overseas. No, he's not in the service, but I'm sure things are different in the UK than they are here in the states. He, too, has faced new opportunities and hard times with a strong spirit and a desire for adventure.

I wish I could say I have always been there for my kids in the ways that they have needed me to be. Sometimes I have and sometimes I haven't. There were times when I let my own opinions, my own dreams for them, and my own pride get in the way.

As a parent, I have regrets about my shortcomings as a mom. At the same time, I am grateful for every joyful moment, every term of endearment, every hug, every "I love you" my kids have ever shared with me. They are many, and I treasure each one in my heart.

Of all the gifts God has given me, motherhood is the best! I just hope I have proved worthy of the honor.

Thanks for reading my blog.