Mother's Day Thoughts.......

With messages going forwards and backwards and many thoughts of ‘mothers’ being shared –

It’s easy to see why some people are able to say ‘sweet’ words of love to their mothers and demonstrate their love for their mothers. This day is set aside to ‘spoil’ mothers. It’s easy when relationships with mothers are good or with mums who have a vested interest in your spiritual, social, emotional and mental well-being, with mums that have been ‘there’ for you though the highs and lows and even when you are an adult with children of your own, mothers continue to be mothers through the generations.

There are those whose relationships with their mothers is toxic or has been toxic and no matter how hard they tried, they never measured up or heard the words ‘I love you’ from their mums. Words that build confidence or self-esteem were scarce or non-existent. Instead of “Mother’s Day” being special and full of sentimental thoughts, it’s a day that brings back raw pain. Forgiveness and healing are needed – much easier said than done!

Others still have only the memory of the mothers who are no longer with us. Those memories can bring a smile to your face as you treasure them or bring unwanted tears to your eyes.

Mothers are there to love, care for, nurture, guide, protect, pray for …….. their children, be it biological, within a family, within a community and within the body of Christ.

Here’s wishing you a peaceful Mother’s Day.

By Molly Manhanga

The kind of woman to marry

It was great visiting Hope City Church this morning. Tapiwa Chizana shared a word -

Title: The kind of woman to marry

Text: Proverbs 31 : 10 – 31

Summary

Some qualities of a good wife

·         A woman who fears the Lord

·         A woman who is generous

·         A hardworking woman

·         A woman who knows Gods word

Don’t disqualify a woman

1.    Who earns more money than a man

2.    Who is able to purchase fields with her earnings

3.     Whose trade is profitable

4.    Because of her job

5.    Because she is not like your mother

We ended up by praying for the single men.

Be encouraged...(2)

Be encouraged...(1)

Psalm 121 :: NIV. I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Be encouraged. God is with you every step of the way.

Memories...

Fascinated at how the human brain works? I am! My experiences over the last decade has 'forced' me to take note of how my brain works, what memories are stored whether pleasant or unpleasant and how to 'carry on' regardless of the circumstances in front of me.

I have read that memories are stored in "various areas of the cerebral cortex, which is the large outer area of the brain more commonly known as 'gray matter'. When your brain stores a memory, it makes another decision about how important that memory is..." 

I am so thankful to God that I have MANY pleasant memories. I thank God for creating me in His image  and likeness and for making me so unique. Psalm 139:1 - 18.  The plans He has for me are to give me a hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11.

Then there are the memories that are not so pleasant that have been stored away. Memories that have mainly been created by external forces. Because of my belief in God, I have been able to rise above whatever has come my way. Spiritual battles  - there are many, especially the battle for the mind. There are so many distractions/temptations that are deliberately created in this digital age we live in but, like Joseph, we need to be able to refuse 'things' that are wrong because it would be a great sin against God.

We need to know who we are in Christ, that the battle is His and not ours. We need to live lives worthy of our calling and no matter what comes our way, to stand firm in Christ. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

By Molly Manhanga.