Glory, Glory, Here’s the Story

What better time than Memorial Day to talk about Jesus. The sacrifice of our men and women in uniform speaks best to the love one man has for his country. Jesus’ sacrifice speaks of the love God has for mankind.

When I ponder the sacrifice of our soldiers and sailors, I am overwhelmed at the horrors many endured in their quest to “redeem” us from enemies, foreign and domestic. It makes me grateful for the freedom their actions have afforded me and my family.

My dad served in WWII and although he survived and lived a full life, his enthusiasm to serve his country was admirable. The son of immigrants, one of six children, his patriotism and love for America was very genuine. I’ll never forget how proud he was to represent our state on the Honor Flight that brought veterans to Washington D.C. He even wore a flag in his cap.

He and his 4 brothers all represented the US in all the branches of the military (except the Coast Guard.) I want this Memorial Day to be a “shout out” to all 4 (one still with us,) for their contribution to this country and their sacrifice in service!

Let me go a step further and “shout out” my appreciation and praise to all of our fallen military and their families. Those that are retired or currently serving have my full appreciation and thanks as well (we can revisit this on Veteran’s Day!)

My son retired from the Navy 3 years ago, he’s another one of my “heroes” of service, we are thankful that he’s just a coffee cup away now.

But getting back to my sacrifice theme, these men have carried out the true love of their “brothers” and we should remember them and honor them with waving flags and parades. Thank you for your service dear Daddy and Uncles, and men and women that I hope to meet in Heaven. And because the sacrifice of Jesus, we can go there.

When I think of sacrifice, I think of Salvation. God did not spare his only Son to redeem us from Death and Hell. As we honor our fallen, let’s not forget how important it is to share this message with all we meet.

I wrote a Gospel tract, “Why Do You Want To Go To Hell,” that can help you share the Plan of Salvation. I will attach it to this post for you to read. Please leave a comment. If you would like one (or up to 5) my husband’s ministry, Joe McDonald Ministry, has agreed to send them to you free of charge, just email me on my contact page with your address.

Joe McDonald Ministry Gospel Tract:

This is my second Mother’s Day post. I wanted to share this encouragement in loss because I want to tell you to be aware of some of these sad events when offering your Mother’s Day greeting.

Some who have lost their moms could “adopt” a mom at church, help a lonely neighbor or aunt who is childless.

You can help bring “the Joy back” by being a friend, sending a card or bringing food or flowers.

Don’t forget Mom on Mother’s Day and remember to think outside the box for ways to make this Mother’s Day great, for mom or bring Joy to someone who is alone. And by the way, it doesn’t have to be Mother’s Day to be a help and encouragement to someone.

PM

Sadness and Joy: Sharing A Mother’s Heart

Psalms 73: 26 says, “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”

Have you experienced something in your life that caused your “heart to fail”? Whether it was a sickness, your own or a loved one, death of a friend, spouse, parent, or most tragically, your child, there is a gripping hold on your life and heart that you think will never end. I am here to tell you, that sometimes it will not end the way you think. But there is “Hope in God” that the pain will ease, you will come out of that tunnel on the other side, and you will experience Joy again.

Give yourself time to heal. Time. To. Heal.

I was reminded recently of a young man that lost his wife to cancer. I would see him around the church on occasion. He looked really bad. He was in such a bad place for a long time. We were patient with him, not pressing him to “put on a happy face” and join us, but prayed diligently for his healing and that he would find himself again.

Fast-forward 4 years later and I just saw his wedding pictures on Facebook. God sent him a precious woman, not to replace his first wife, but to step in and be mom to his children and love him. He looked so happy! It took time. Time to heal. Trust God. Joy will come.

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Check out some of the things Joe and I have been up to with the ministry these days! All of his monthly newsletters are available on his website:

Joe McDonald Ministry

My mentor in child rearing is Dr. James Dobson. He’s been around to help me raise my 6 children and he’s still at it through Focus on the Family. Please use his insight to help with your kids, marriage or any issue that comes with being a family!

Focus on the Family