Tag: Mother's Day

Posted in Family, Uncategorized

A Tribute to my Ozzie & Harriett

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on A Tribute to my Ozzie & Harriett

I know not everyone had the upbringing that I did, and so for me to say that I had an Ozzie and Harriet childhood shouldn’t and is not taken for granted. It by no means was perfect, and our family most assuredly has its share of quirks. If you know me… enough said. But my quirks were generally products of my adulthood, not my childhood, I won’t lay those at my parents feet for blame. And the purpose in todays tribute to my Mother, is not so much to puff her up, for she is a humble lady, but it is to give hope to an up and coming generation to look to the old paths not the new for child rearing advice. 

Scripture says as much in Jeremiah 6:16 KJV

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Note the Rebellion 

“We will not walk therein.” 

 When I say I’m responsible for my own quirks, I’m serious. I was brought up in church. Every Sunday. My parents were traditional parents of their era who didn’t change with the times. They did not cuss or fuss, they didn’t yell or tear us down. They were builders and encouragers. They had work ethics and were shining examples. But when I left the nest, I thought the new paths were better and so that is the pathway I chose. Oh… to live life over. But alas we’re not given the opportunity. And so I suffered for those decisions and my children were brought up in a new era. One filled with mistakes. Until the day that I met Jesus, and I began to study the word of God and began applying verses like Jeremiah 6:16 to my life.  When I turned from rebellion and back to my roots.

Near the Roots

Isaiah 11:1 KJV

[1] And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

I didn’t realize in those Ozzie and Harriett years, how easily it was to drift away from the the roots of which I was planted. I was like a vine in the forest weaving through the brush to what ever was shiny. It wasn’t always the sun. Sometimes it was just sparkly stuff. The fluff of life. Nothing ever brought comfort. It was in those times of struggle that i would take out a bible that was dry rotted from lack of use and try to read and understand the word of God. I would remember my Dad in his recliner scribbling notes on the pages and studying the Word of God. It was important to him and I knew it. I would remember my mother doting on every second of her spare time. He was her life, and until he drew his last breath she never stopped doting on him. 

For years and years I was a “new aged” wife. Not believing I owed my husband anything, we were separate entities. But those roots never left my mind. I knew I was wrong. It’s why this world is so messed up. Children of today do not witness what I did. They don’t see godliness played out in a home in such a way that it leaves deep marks in your soul. My mother is one such woman. And as I study the word of God and realize it more and more every day, and struggle to get back to my roots once more, and be the wife and mother I need to be for God. 

Necessity of Faith

When Solomon described his mother in Proverbs 31, it’s hard for me to imagine that is the same Bathsheba.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

She obviously did not always live the life she is portrayed to have as David’s affair. 

Proverbs 31 truly, in all seriousness describes my mother. As a child I watched as she sewed hours and hours a day to give us and her clothing. She sewed hours and hours to provide money for our home, she taught us to always be kind and to this day at the age of 84, she is not idle. And we do call her blessed, and my Dad called her blessed. And none of it would have been possible were it not for the faith as a family they had in Jesus Christ. My Dad would stand and testify, while my mom was and is a quiet gentler spirit. 

So this is my word for my children, and any one else. Keep to the old paths and the old ways. It it is there you will find peace! Oh Glory to God, thank You Heavenly Father for that peace, and for an Ozzie and Harriett world that I wish would return…

My parents, Gene and Violet Hardway
Posted in Faith, Family, Life Inspiration

Be Someone’s Reason

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Be Someone’s Reason

Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

Job 2:9

What an odd scripture choice for Mother’s Day week, right?  Well, this is my thinking this morning as I ponder the upcoming weekend. Number one… I am blessed. My 83 year old Mother, who truthfully puts me to shame in her strength, ability and agility, lives next door. I watch as she meanders out at 8 a.m., fully dressed and make up donned and surveys her well-groomed lawn and flower beds. She cooks dinner for 30ish people every other weekend and not just a small meal. But multiple dishes and always amazing desserts. She is one of 8 children, 4 remaining. She has loved and lost family, including a son and husband she adored. She set the example before us; when I ask her how she did not blame God when she lost my brother Richard at the age of 19. Her response was “How can I blame the only One who will allow me to see him again.”

Yes… I’m blessed.

So now for what got me thinking about Job’s wife. Not everyone is so blessed.

Before I throw Mrs. Job under the bus, I have to acknowledge that she too had just lost ten children at once and her means for livelihood. She was no doubt fighting depression and anxiety as none of us could likely comprehend. But her response to Job was so bitter.

I’ve known bitter women. They have an ugliness inside that, regardless of their outward beauty, makes me cringe. I’ve known bitter men too, they ain’t handsome.  I’ve watched the damage they’ve done to their families, even though many are unaware that it’s an issue. It’s hard enough to face the battles of this world, without having a discouraging enemy living in your camp.

So Shari, again… how does this celebrate Mother’s Day?

We need to look at Job’s life and commit to ourselves that we will not be anyone’s Mrs. Job or Mr. Job’s friends, who added salt to his already open sores.

Learn to Respond

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

That sounds much better than having your friends and family hide from you as suggested in Psalm 64:2-3

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words.

That’s how I view the discouragement of people who without regard for what someone is going through, use their words to hurt rather than heal.

But I’ve experienced firsthand the healing words of family and friends who soothe my soul in times of trouble. I’m so grateful that God has put them in my life.

Be the reason someone is grateful.

Learn to Reason

While I know that nobody is perfect, and myself included can lose touch with logic and speak in frustration words of discouragement. But there are times when there’s no room for a lack of logic.

Someone needs you, and they need you now!

Be the reason someone never doubts your loyalty.

Learn Who to Rebuke

When Peter rebuked the Lord, which was not his finest hour, the Lord said in Matthew 16:23:

But he turned, and said unto  Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jesus said to Peter that he was Satan! While I don’t profess to understand the theological depth of that conversation, I understand that Jesus didn’t truly think Peter was Satan, but that perhaps Satan was controlling the conversation.

Ya think that happens to us? Oh yea. If Satan can use us and others to discourage us and others, under the guise of our stupidity he’ll do it.

When the feeling of rebuke comes into your mind, and you may be on the verge of tearing someone you love down further than they already are, rebuke Satan. Not your loved ones.

Be the reason someone feels supported.

Learn to Rejoice

I’ve not always appreciated or understood my Mother. I’ve been far from the perfect daughter. But I rejoice in the fact that my Mother brought me up with manners, respect and accountability for behaviors. She taught me that love was unconditional for children, therefore I understood that love was unconditional with God.

Be the reason someone feels loved and rejoices for you.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

We all have a reason to rejoice!