Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sleep is Over Rated!

My daughter, Carley, goes on lots of weekend camping trips with her girl scout troop. She’s got a wonderful troop leader, so I don’t worry about her too much when she’s gone. But, I also keep my phone nearby when she, or any of the kids are away from home, just in case.

On this recent trip, that “just in case” became reality when, in the middle of the night, my phone rang. And, you guessed it. It was Carley’s troop leader on the phone. Apparently, Carley had developed a sore throat and an ear ache during the night and it had gotten so bad that she couldn’t sleep. She just wanted to come home.

So, I got out of bed and hit the road at 3 AM to get my sick kid. Her illness wasn’t life threatening and she certainly would have made it through the night if I had chosen to stay home and go back to sleep. In fact, at my request the troop leader gave her some Tylenol to help with the pain, and by the time I got to there she was already feeling much better. I found her bright-eyed, happily chatting away with her leader, sipping lemonade and eating Cheetos.

So, was I aggravated that I made a midnight ride to pick up a child who, now, looked pretty healthy? No, not at all. Instead, I was grateful that her troop leader had called and that I was able to come get her. She’s my daughter! I’d do anything in my power to comfort her and I want her to know that whenever she’s hurting and in need of help, that I’ll be there…no matter what time of day or night and no matter how seemingly big or small the problem.

As children of God, isn’t it comforting to know that we also have a devoted, loving parent who waits for our call for help? Just like any caring mom or dad wouldn’t want their children to endure painful times on their own, God doesn’t want us to suffer alone either. He’s not concerned with the size of the problem or whether or not you’re the one who caused it in the first place.

Be encouraged by Psalm 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

So, what’s hurting you right now? Take it to your heavenly father with the assurance that he does not want you to face this by yourself and he doesn’t want you to seek comfort in the wrong places. Cry out to Him, and he will answer, even in the middle of the night. After all, there’s no wiser counsel to seek, no broader shoulder to cry on, no stronger arms to fall into than those of our Father God.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

No Deal!

Hi. I’m Tami and this is a Moment for Mom.

Among my many titles: Mom, Wife, Morning Show Co-Host, is the title Official Game Show Reject”. You see, I was one of the thousands of people who auditioned at open casting call for Deal or No Deal when it came to Winston-Salem. And, you guessed it...I didn’t make the cut.

At the audition, I had 20 seconds to “sell” myself to the show’s casting director. And, I gave it everything I had. I tried to be enthusiastic and personable. I even threw in the fact that, if I won big money on the show, I’d buy a bigger house so my poor, widowed mother could move in with us.

But, evidently, what I gave just wasn’t good enough. I knew I was finished when I got the whole, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” routine. And, as much as I hate to admit it, it hurt! The feeling reminded me of my single days when I was interested in a guy who didn’t feel the same way about me.

Thankfully, my dejected state didn’t last too long. I realized that there were lots of other people auditioning that day who wouldn’t make it either...many of whom had camped out overnight and waited for hours in a cold rain for their chance at instant wealth. So, at least I was in good company. Still, nobody enjoys rejection. Think about the way you felt the last time it happened to you. Unfortunately, we’ll all probably have plenty of experience with rejection over the course of our lives.

But, I can promise you this. There is One who will never reject you. Your heart is safe with God. Romans 8:38 & 39 confirms it: “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, be assured….God will never tell you that you are not good enough. His love and acceptance are 100% guaranteed by the blood Jesus shed on the cross.