From Generation to Generation (Written by my Mom, Bernice Blewitt)

My Mom, Dora Henriksen died last Thursday, February 18,2016.   She was 94.  We had a memorial service at our church this past Sunday.   As I was preparing what to say in her honor, I realized how much my Mom has shaped my life.

I don’t ever remember my mother giving me any advice – you know, the sit down and let’s talk – about how to get along in this world.    And yet, she taught me everything.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”   Galatians 5:22, 23

My mother taught me, not by words, but by how she lived.  She lived the fruit of the Spirit.  And how she lived her life would forever direct my life.  I watched her love people – she took in anyone who needed a place to live for a while (and there were quite a few of them), I watched as she comforted those who were mourning, as she was a friend to the house-bound, as she provided for more people than I could count.  My Mom made sure we knew about Jesus and showed us how important it was to live accordingly.

She taught me how to be a wife to by husband: respect, obedience, and yes, submission.  My husband, when we were dating, told me part of his attraction to me was my parents – that he wanted what they had.

I am a grandma now, but my Mom showed me the responsibility never ends to be the example to our children (and grandchildren) that leads to a life well lived. 

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.   And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.”   I John 3:18, 19

Prayer Warrior Momma

Has the beginning of this year been as full for you as it’s been for me?  I am totally excited about this year though – don’t know what (or Who) it will bring but I’m expectant for Jesus to return!  What about you, momma?  This and the current events give me all the more reason to pray over our children Scripture prayers.  Here is a LITTLE list of Scriptures I read aloud in prayer to our kids at bedtime.  (I hold the Bible in my hands and read it so they get a visual to remember forever.) 

Deuteronomy 30:20 "that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days..."

Philippians 1:9-11 "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Philippians 2:14-18 "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.  Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me."

Deuteronomy 6:5 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."

Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”

And SO much more.

Jordan, our 2 ½ year-old daughter says, “Mommy, can you pray me the Bible?”  That works for me, SURE!  (Sweet moments.)  Another nightly tradition is to spend moments running my fingers through our kids’ hair and around their face reciting Numbers 6:24-25 (see above)… However, I said it from memory the first time years ago and stuck with that “version” to this day.  I say, “May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you, giving you peace and comfort through the night…” and their part is (really loud), “AND JOY IN THE MORNING!”

Lord, I pray that this post serves as an encouragement for mommas to pray for their children out-loud, from Your word.  I pray your favor upon them as they raise the generations, blessing their household with faith and much grace.