What's a Mother to do??

It’s never easy being “Mom”-watching our babies stumble through this life and wanting to kiss their booboos and smack down anyone that hurts them.  It’s difficult to watch them make mistakes as they grow into their teen years. It hurts most when they do things that hurt so much that you’re not sure you’ll ever get over it---but you do, and welcome the hugs and presents and just get past it and bury the pain.

As they become adults, you hope that all the stuff you told them has made some sort of positive impact on their lives.  A bit of wisdom to guide them on this adventure called “life”.  Getting angry with them when despite all that you’ve tried to tell them, they make dumb mistakes and decisions that ultimately hurt them and all the hopes and dreams they had in their younger years are slowly eroded into what amounts to everyday living, Work, families of their own, and all the sweet simple stuff.

They settle in to their routine and you come to love and accept them just as they are.

As I write this, my first born is in ICU in “guarded” condition fighting for his life.  If you follow me on Facebook, you know the whole story so I’m not going to go through it here. Today, this space is for my selfish side.  To get out all that’s going on in my head. 

I never imagined for a moment that I would be where I am. And I don’t like it one bit! Realistically and logically I know the seriousness of the situation and the possible worst case scenario. Because of my faith, I’m just not accepting THAT outcome. 

Over the past week, since this trial began my faith has grown by leaps and bounds. While I pray all the time, I confess my prayer life in general hasn’t been my strongest spiritual discipline. However, the other day, as I was reading all the comments and support I saw a little seed grow into a prayer tree!  As I posted, I saw friends of friends tell me that their prayer group or church was also praying for John.  And as more folks posted…more groups and churches adding John to their prayers….and so this Prayer Tree is blooming and growing….and I do believe that it reaches all the way into God’s lap!

My laptop wallpaper says it all : “God is in control”.  I’ve yelled at Him, screamed at Him, and most of all, thanked Him for surrounding me with His love-and all of you!

Remember...

This year, I've made the decision to get past this day.  If you've read any of my previous posts, especially for this date, you know where I've been - you know where I was.  Today, I'll be sharing some past photos ... reflect, remember those who died, and please, remember those of us who survived that day, forever changed!

I REMEMBER THIS...

These were taken from my balcony pre 9/11 2001.  My sons Eric and Kevin came to celebrate entering into the new Millenium Dec. 1999

I WILL NEVER FORGET...
As you may know, I was there that day, in the heart of lower Manhattan.  You can read the full story if you like. This was taken 9/12/2001.  Nuff said.

I had a few months on my job before I was laid off...this was taken December 2001, NYSE

MOVING FORWARD...
These were taken in June 2004...the first time I actually ventured out to face the past, to get beyond it. Needless to say, despite my resolve...I still cried, even as I gained hope.

Trinity Church

The Escalator-WTC 2 is one I took regularly before 9/11.  It was good to be able to ride it again!

YES!!

Construction goin' on!

June 2004, the famous IRON CROSS

The WTC "bathtub" that restrains the Hudson

This globe originally stood in the WTC Plaza

The Eternal Flame

That day in June 2004, I came home sad, remembering and to some extent reliving that day-AGAIN
Having the awesome view that we're blessed with, I hadn't let go of what was done...

...the HOLE in my sky!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last year, on September 13, 2011 I visited the 9/11 Memorial  ...and there I found solace and more importantly HOPE...these were taken that day, and if you ever visit New York City, please don't miss this beautiful place. I look forward to going again soon.

TODAY...
I'm sure that no one, especially in the U.S. will ever forget...completely. As for me, as I look out from my balcony this evening, I will look forward to a new Freedom.  Free of the anger, the fear and the horror of that day.  Full of hope and moving forward!

Taken by my husband, Scott Cole, from our balcony September 10, 2012

Toward UNITY

Aren’t we glad the conventions are over?  I know I am! I’ve been silent due to a really horrendous cold (or allergies?)  which may have been caused by staying up too late to watch all the hullabaloo and post speeches commentary by all the newsies.

There is definitively a stark contrast and a choice that we, as Americans, are privileged to make in November! And I hope you will take the time and effort needed to let your voice be heard.  One of the greatest travesties in our 21^st century America is that only about half of us that are able to vote, actually do. With the changes in some states’ voting laws, please be sure that you are properly registered with the proper credentials.  I am not going to go into the controversy surrounding the changes – my message on this is to BE PREPARED-GET REGISTERED-VOTE!!!

One of the things I’ve noticed is the increased proliferation of “picto-memes” on Facebook.  You know, those created signs, graphs and political statements posted to let us know what’s on their mind.  Much to my embarrassment, even as I desire to be a source of information rather than division, I’ve gotten caught up in a bit of discussion.  Thankfully, I nipped it in the bud before it became a battle of “your guy vs. my guy” and trying to prove the truth or fiction of it.

In my opinion, one of the reasons there’s so much division is because we all want to win; we all want to be right… our way really is the BEST! …and then, in the midst of the heatedness, I’m blessed to remember many of Jesus’ words that bring me back to what’s truly important-especially in the Christian community of believers I belong to and more importantly the Church as a whole.  As Christians our “first love” is to be our God and Lord.  Confession time: I get carried away as I support my candidate! I want him to win.  I believe in his values, his hope and vision for our country…and I bet that you feel the same way about your candidate too.  And it may be that our candidates are not the same!

The last few weeks, I’ve had to re-think my words and comments a number of times…and again, heard stories of anger and dissension because of political discussion.  Family members resort to name calling, friends removing friends from everywhere.  Saddest for me are folks leaving my church family because of the opposing views of others.  Being me, I sought out what Scripture says on how we, as Christians are to conduct ourselves, especially in these highly charged emotional times.  I hope you’ll take a little time to reflect on these things.

• ·         Mark 9:35  Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
  In other words, it’s not REALLY that important to win, be the best, or be right.

• ·         Luke 20:25 “He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
  I suggest you read the whole passage in context.  But I like the statement as a reminder of what’s truly important.

• ·         Matthew 5:9   Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (And check out James 3:18 for back up)
  We are all called to be peacemakers… and again, read the entire Sermon on the Mount-it’s a reminder of our need for perspective.

Paul wrote quite a bit also, and for a biblical view on all things government, check out Romans 13:1-10 and remember that we, as Christians are called to LOVE.

Submission to Governing Authorities

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”  and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Lastly, consider Paul’s warning in Romans 16:17 - ¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.

From the very beginning, our shared spiritual enemy has used lies, and division to keep us from our greater purpose which is to love God and our neighbor. Those are the commands, and true values we should seek in electing our leaders as well. These, to my way of thinking and believing are our HIGHEST CALLING.