“
Anastasia, you are the best thing to ever happen to me, and to call you the love of my life does not do justice to how much I love you. My existence doesn’t make sense without you by my side. For the rest of our lives, in the next life, in every alternate reality, I’ll be yours if you’ll have me. You are my best friend, my greatest gift, and Mila—and Bunny—are so blessed to have you as their mom.
”
”
Hannah Grace (Icebreaker (Maple Hills, #1))
“
Clean it up, hell. Do you know how many cameras just caught your stunt-jump from upstairs? My mom now thinks you’re on the drugs she suspects Kyrian sells. We’re screwed. My life is toast. I’m about to get lectured about working for drug dealers…again. My mom, bless her heart, is so goofy, she doesn’t even realize she works for bears. I’m so screwed. (Nick)
”
”
Sherrilyn Kenyon (Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter, #2))
“
With everything that’s going on, what can she say? “Sekani saw cops harass his daddy, but he’s doing so well in school. #ProudMom.” Or, “Starr saw her best friend die, keep her in your prayers, but my baby made the honor roll again. #Blessed.” Or even, “Tanks are rolling by outside, but Seven’s been accepted into six colleges so far. #HeIsGoingPlaces.
”
”
Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give)
“
(I pull the second to last item out of my bag. Her purple hair clip. She told me once how much it meant to her, and why she always keeps it.)
This purple hair clip?
It really is magic…just like your dad told you it was.
It’s magic because, no matter how many times it lets you down…you keep having hope in it.
You keep trusting it.
No matter how many times it fails you,
You never fail it.
Just like you never fail me.
I love that about you,
because of you.
(I set it back down and pull out a strip of paper and unfold it.)
Your mother.
(I sigh)
Your mother was an amazing woman, Lake.
I'm blessed that I got to know her,
And that she was a part of my life, too.
I came to love her as my own mom…just as she came to love Caulder and I as her own.
I didn’t love her because of you, Lake.
I loved her because of her.
So, thank you for sharing her with us.
She had more advice about
Life and love and happiness and heartache than anyone I've ever known.
But the best advice she ever gave me?
The best advice she ever gave us?
(I read the quote in my hands)
"Sometimes two people have to fall apart, to realize how much they need to fall back together."
(She’s definitely crying now. I place the slip back inside the satchel and take a step closer to the edge of the stage as I hold her gaze.)
The last item I have wouldn’t fit, because you’re actually sitting in it.
That booth.
You’re sitting in the exact same spot you sat in when you watched your first performance on this stage.
The way you watched this stage with passion in your eyes…I'll never forget that moment.
It's the moment I knew it was too late.
I was too far gone by then.
I was in love with you.
I was in love with you because of you.
(I back up and sit down on the stool behind me, still holding her stare.)
I could go on all night, Lake.
I could go on and on and on about all the reasons I'm in love with you.
And you know what? Some of them are the things that life has thrown our way.
I do love you because you're the only other person I know that understands my situation.
I do love you because both of us know what it's like to lose your mom and your dad.
I do love you because you're raising your little brother, just like I am.
I love you because of what you went through with your mother.
I love you because of what we went through with your mother.
I love the way you love Kel.
I love the way you love Caulder.
And I love the way I love Kel.
So I'm not about to apologize for loving all these things about you, no matter the reasons or the circumstances behind them.
And no, I don’t need days, or weeks, or months to think about why I love you.
It’s an easy answer for me.
I love you because of you.
Because of
every
single
thing
about you.
”
”
Colleen Hoover (Point of Retreat (Slammed, #2))
“
His mom lived in Long Island for ten years or so. God rest her soul. And- although, she's- wait- your mom's still- your mom's still alive. Your dad passed. God bless her soul." --Joe Biden, on the mother of Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, who is very much alive, Washington, D.C., March 17, 2010
”
”
Joe Biden
“
You’re lucky to be alive,” I told her. “I still can’t believe you didn’t have any health insurance.” “Oh but I do have insurance,” she said. “You do?” “Yes. Jesus.” “Jesus?” “Jesus.” “Jesus is your health insurance?” “If God is with me, who can be against me?” “Okay, Mom.” “Trevor, I prayed. I told you I prayed. I don’t pray for nothing.” “You know,” I said, “for once I cannot argue with you. The gun, the bullets—I can’t explain any of it. So I’ll give you that much.” Then I couldn’t resist teasing her with one last little jab. “But where was your Jesus to pay your hospital bill, hmm? I know for a fact that He didn’t pay that.” She smiled and said, “You’re right. He didn’t. But He blessed me with the son who did.
”
”
Trevor Noah (Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (One World Essentials))
“
Anastasia, you are the best thing to ever happen to me, and to call you the love of my life does not do justice to how much I love you. My existence doesn’t make sense without you by my side. For the rest of our lives, in the next life, in every alternate reality, I’ll be yours if you’ll have me. You are my best friend, my greatest gift, and Mila—and Bunny—are so blessed to have you as their mom.” Okay, here are the tears. “Will you marry me?
”
”
Hannah Grace (Icebreaker)
“
Grateful For You
A gratitude poem from a Mother to her miracle child
You are a wonderful treasure
My love for you I cannot measure
In you, God gave me an Angel
Through you, I was blessed by the Heavens
An answered prayer of way back
Just when I thought it was over
My precious gift from Above, you showed up!
Filled with your bright smile and loads of fun
You make me so fine
Oh, what a privilege in life!
To be given such a sense of pride
As I call you my child
While you chose to be mine
You are so kind
You bring me hope every time
I could go through heavy tides
With you by my side
I always rise
You help me to make many strides
I cannot drown, not even once
You give me a better chance
To become a daring Mom
I have peace, even in the storm
Because you teach me to stay strong
So glad you came along
And never left me all alone
What an honour to be your Mother!
My perfect match
Such a great catch!
My very best friend
Will you lend me a hand?
To walk beside you on this land
You are all I ever need
And I am so grateful for you
”
”
Gift Gugu Mona (From My Mother's Classroom: A Badge of Honour for a Remarkable Woman)
“
A BLESSING FROM MY SIXTEEN YEARS’ SON
I have this son who assembled inside me
during Hurricane Gloria. In a flash, he appeared,
in a tiny blaze. Outside, pines toppled.
Phone lines snapped and hissed like cobras.
Inside, he was a raw pearl: microscopic, luminous.
Look at the muscled obelisk of him now
pawing through the icebox for more grapes.
Sixteen years and not a bone broken,
not a single stitch. By his age,
I was marked more ways, and small.
He’s a slouching six foot two,
with implausible blue eyes, which settle
on the pages of Emerson’s “Self Reliance”
with profound belligerence.
A girl with a navel ring
could make his cell phone buzz,
or an Afro’d boy leaning on a mop at Taco Bell—
creatures strange as dragons or eels.
Balanced on a kitchen stool, each gives counsel
arcane as any oracle’s. Dante claims school is
harshing my mellow. Rodney longs to date
a tattooed girl, because he wants a woman
willing to do stuff she’ll regret.
They’ve come to lead my son
into his broadening spiral.
Someday soon, the tether
will snap. I birthed my own mom
into oblivion. The night my son smashed
the car fender, then rode home
in the rain-streaked cop cruiser, he asked, Did you
and Dad screw up so much?
He’d let me tuck him in,
my grandmother’s wedding quilt
from 1912 drawn to his goateed chin. Don’t
blame us, I said. You’re your own
idiot now. At which he grinned.
The cop said the girl in the crimped Chevy
took it hard. He’d found my son
awkwardly holding her in the canted headlights,
where he’d draped his own coat
over her shaking shoulders. My fault,
he’d confessed right off.
Nice kid, said the cop.
”
”
Mary Karr (Now Go Out There (and Get Curious))
“
We end up at an outdoor paintball course in Jersey. A woodsy, rural kind of place that’s probably brimming with mosquitos and Lyme disease. When I find out Logan has never played paintball before, I sign us both up.
There’s really no other option.
And our timing is perfect—they’re just about to start a new battle. The worker gathers all the players in a field and divides us into two teams, handing out thin blue and yellow vests to distinguish friend from foe.
Since Logan and I are the oldest players, we both become the team captains. The wide-eyed little faces of Logan’s squad follow him as he marches back and forth in front of them, lecturing like a hot, modern-day Winston Churchill.
“We’ll fight them from the hills, we’ll fight them in the trees. We’ll hunker down in the river and take them out, sniper-style. Save your ammo—fire only when you see the whites of their eyes. Use your heads.”
I turn to my own ragtag crew.
“Use your hearts. We’ll give them everything we’ve got—leave it all on the field. You know what wins battles? Desire! Guts! Today, we’ll all be frigging Rudy!”
A blond boy whispers to his friend, “Who’s Rudy?”
The kid shrugs.
And another raises his hand. “Can we start now? It’s my birthday and I really want to have cake.”
“It’s my birthday too.” I give him a high-five. “Twinning!”
I raise my gun. “And yes, birthday cake will be our spoils of war! Here’s how it’s gonna go.” I point to the giant on the other side of the field. “You see him, the big guy? We converge on him first. Work together to take him down. Cut off the head,” I slice my finger across my neck like I’m beheading myself, “and the old dog dies.”
A skinny kid in glasses makes a grossed-out face. “Why would you kill a dog? Why would you cut its head off?”
And a little girl in braids squeaks, “Mommy! Mommy, I don’t want to play anymore.”
“No,” I try, “that’s not what I—”
But she’s already running into her mom’s arms. The woman picks her up—glaring at me like I’m a demon—and carries her away.
“Darn.”
Then a soft voice whispers right against my ear.
“They’re already going AWOL on you, lass? You’re fucked.”
I turn to face the bold, tough Wessconian . . . and he’s so close, I can feel the heat from his hard body, see the small sprigs of stubble on that perfect, gorgeous jaw. My brain stutters, but I find the resolve to tease him.
“Dear God, Logan, are you smiling? Careful—you might pull a muscle in your face.”
And then Logan does something that melts my insides and turns my knees to quivery goo.
He laughs.
And it’s beautiful.
It’s a crime he doesn’t do it more often. Or maybe a blessing. Because Logan St. James is a sexy, stunning man on any given day. But when he laughs?
He’s heart-stopping.
He swaggers confidently back to his side and I sneer at his retreating form. The uniformed paintball worker blows a whistle and explains the rules. We get seven minutes to hide first. I cock my paintball shotgun with one hand—like Charlize Theron in Fury fucking Road—and lead my team into the wilderness.
“Come on, children. Let’s go be heroes.”
It was a massacre.
We never stood a chance.
In the end, we tried to rush them—overpower them—but we just ended up running into a hail of balls, getting our hearts and guts splattered with blue paint.
But we tried—I think Rudy and Charlize would be proud
”
”
Emma Chase (Royally Endowed (Royally, #3))
“
Four Years Since
Today I remember the day but to be honest it is everyday
That day then, the moment then, when you left us all here
More than just a father I call, a gem I treasure, that day I lost
We four girls, my mom’s other half, my brothers best bud, our first love, we lost
Holding the key to the future called You, I stand still facing the gate of the past
Why I keep on asking the same question?
Why you? Why out of all those people? Why too soon? Why?
It has been years, 4 years exact, it seems like yesterday yes
You were taken too soon, words aren’t enough to express
It’s not fair, but who I am to blame, who Am I to question?
My eyes express longing you cannot fathom
From my open mouth my broken heart pours
Words that try to capture that image so faint
He is the picture I could not ever paint
Yet our memories is in the solid bowl being kept
Spare me even just 5 or 10 minutes of your presence
To build up this longing I feel, I am asking
I want to hear your nag; I want to hear your laugh
In my dreams please see me there
I won’t get afraid nor get frightened
Like a waterfalls my tears keeps on flowing
Like a bubble your voice keeps on vanishing
He, his shadow, he himself starts from fading
I don’t want to forget you please stop time from ticking
I don’t want to open my eyes don’t wake me from dreaming
You are the art of my painting, the muse of my poem
My strength, my inspiration why I’m still holding on
My king, my superman, name them all, you are my only one
I miss the old golden days when you used to carry us one by one
Look papa, how I am now, hoping always, you’ll be proud
It pains me to know this inevitable truth, yes
That I can’t see you for now yes it’s the truth, but
My father’s love undeniable not easily obtained
Something that few, many people rather don’t have
But I’m blessed and proud I have mine claimed.
”
”
Venancio Mary Ann
“
it isn’t also true for a poor single Christian mom in Haiti, it isn’t true. If a sermon promises health and wealth to the faithful, it isn’t true, because that theology makes God an absolute monster who only blesses rich westerners and despises Christians in Africa, India, China, South America, Russia, rural Appalachia, inner-city America, and everywhere else a sincere believer remains poor. If it isn’t also true for a poor single Christian mom in Haiti, it isn’t true. If doctrine elevates a woman’s married-with-children status as her highest calling, it isn’t true, because that omits single believers (whose status Paul considered preferable), widows, the childless by choice or fate or loss, the divorced, and the celibate gay. If these folks are second-class citizens in the kingdom because they aren’t married with children, then God just excluded millions of people from gospel work, and I guess they should just eat rocks and die. If it isn’t also true for a poor single Christian mom in Haiti, it isn’t true. Theology is either true everywhere or it isn’t true anywhere. This helps untangle us from the American God Narrative and sets God free to be God instead of the My-God-in-a-Pocket I carried for so long. It lends restraint when declaring what God does or does not think, because sometimes my portrayal of God’s ways sounds suspiciously like the American Dream and I had better check myself. Because of the Haitian single mom. Maybe I should speak less for God. This brings me to the question at hand, another popular subject I am asked to pontificate on: What is my calling? (See also: How do I know my calling? When did you know your calling? How can I get your calling? Has God told you my calling? Can you get me out of my calling?) Ah yes, “The Calling.” This is certainly a favorite Christian concept over in these parts. Here is the trouble: Scripture barely confirms our elusive calling—the bull’s-eye, life purpose, individual mission every hardworking Protestant wants to discover. I found five scriptures, three of which referred to
”
”
Jen Hatmaker (For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards)
“
Missy and I became best friends, and soon after our first year together I decided to propose to her. It was a bit of a silly proposal. It was shortly before Christmas Day 1988, and I bought her a potted plant for her present. I know, I know, but let me finish. The plan was to put her engagement ring in the dirt (which I did) and make her dig to find it (which I forced her to do). I was then going to give a speech saying, “Sometimes in life you have to get your hands dirty and work hard to achieve something that grows to be wonderful.” I got the idea from Matthew 13, where Jesus gave the Parable of the Sower. I don’t know if it was the digging through the dirt to find the ring or my speech, but she looked dazed and confused. So I sort of popped the question: “You’re going to marry me, aren’t you?” She eventually said yes (whew!), and I thought everything was great.
A few days later, she asked me if I’d asked her dad for his blessing. I was not familiar with this custom or tradition, which led to a pretty heated argument about people who are raised in a barn or down on a riverbank. She finally convinced me that it was a formality that was a prerequisite for our marriage, so I decided to go along with it. I arrived one night at her dad’s house and asked if I could talk with him. I told him about the potted plant and the proposal to his daughter, and he pretty much had the same bewildered look on his face that she’d had. He answered quite politely by saying no. “I think you should wait a bit, like maybe a couple of years,” he said. I wasn’t prepared for that response. I didn’t handle it well. I don’t remember all the details of what was said next because I was uncomfortable and angry. I do remember saying, “Well, you are a preacher so I am going to give you some scripture.” I quoted 1 Corinthians 7:9, which says: “It is better to marry than to burn with passion.” That didn’t go over very well. I informed him that I’d treated his daughter with respect and he still wouldn’t budge. I then told him we were going to get married with him or without him, and I left in a huff.
Over the next few days, I did a lot of soul-searching and Missy did a lot of crying. I finally decided that it was time for me to become a man. Genesis 2:24 says: “For this reason [creation of a woman] a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” God is the architect of marriage, and I’d decided that my family would have God as its foundation. It was time for me to leave and cleave, as they say. My dad told me once that my mom would cuddle us when we were in his nest, but there would be a day when it would be his job to kick me out. He didn’t have to kick me out, nor did he have to ask me, “Who’s a man?” Through prayer and patience, Missy’s parents eventually came around, and we were more than ready to make our own nest.
”
”
Jase Robertson (Good Call: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Fowl)
“
Introduction
This book is devoted to the blessed Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Daily working together as unified Godhead for our best interest. Would be incomplete without Jesus direct love bestowed upon me, through a perpetual act of faith in God. Fully trusting Jesus to lead me into a carefully laid-out plan.
Dedicating this book to my children: Faith is 6, Christian 11, Christina 12 years old. Izzabella, my niece, is also featured in the story, Sally Saved Three Times. These Children are the inspiration for the characters in the stories. Added some personal experiences acquired during my childhood.
Appreciate the support of my Mom, Dad, brother, Jacob, for being here for me the last five years. They helped me through hard circumstances when I needed them the most. Thank You!
My second family is at the Erie Wesleyan Methodist Church on the corner of 29th and Liberty. They covered my life with prayer; great friends from the Lord; Supporting me on my journey towards my heavenly home.
I am also thankful for Mike Lawrence who encouraged me to keep writing. Thanks, brother! This spectacular close friend of mine wrote the Forward of this book. He is God-given for moral support and prayer. Friends forever from Erie, Pennsylvania!
There are scripture references, along with Bible lessons featured in each story. These short stories are ideal for devotions or bedtime stories. Suitable for parents and grandparents to read to children, grandchildren.
Forward
It is rare today to find Christians who are in love with doing the Lord's service. Many would sit to the side and let others bush-wack the path, but Bryan has always been the one who delights in making the way clear for others. His determination, commitment to producing these writings was encouraging to watch come to fruition. Take time now see for yourself how God is directing these works to provide something sincere, pure, innocent for families to enjoy. A pleasant respite from a sin-sick world. So, please, feel free to find a quiet place today and enjoy them alone or with your family. This body of work calls upon us to take time to be holy. I believe with all my heart that this is the authors intent, the Lord's plan, my hearts prayer that they bless you as much as they have blessed me. May God bless the time and energies sacrificed by the author in its production. Sincerely in Christ, Michael Lawrence.
When writing with Shirley Dye on messenger about editing the book, she commented that this book would be a blessing to many people. That is my solemn humble prayer.
Short Story Content
1. Mr. B.G. (My Testimony)
2. Trevor Wins Three Times
3. Winning The Man ON
Rock-Hill
4. Sally Saved Three Times
5. Jonathan and Family Find
God
6. Upright and Prideful
Key Text, (Matthew 18:3), “And (Jesus) said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
”
”
Bryan Guras (Kids Following Jesus: One Step At A Time)
“
Grateful for you
You are a wonderful treasure.
My love for you I cannot measure.
In you, God gave me an Angel.
Through you, I got blessed by the Heavens.
An answered prayer of way back.
Just when I thought it was all over.
My precious gift from above,
You showed up!
Filled with your bright smile.
And loads of fun.
You make me so fine.
Oh! What a privilege in life.
Being given such sense of pride.
To call you my child,
And that you chose to be mine.
You have been too kind,
To give me hope, every time.
I could go through heavy tides.
With you by my side,
I always rise.
You help me make so many strides.
Shall never drown, not even once.
For you always give me a better chance.
To become a daring Mom.
I have peace, even in the storm,
Because you help me stay strong.
So glad you came along.
And never left me, all alone.
It’s a great honour to be your Mother.
My perfect match.
Such a great catch!
My very best friend.
Will you lend me a hand?
To walk beside you on this land.
For you are what I ever needed.
And I am so grateful for you.
”
”
Gift Gugu Mona
“
My niece, Anna, told about a poignant moment with her eight-year-old daughter. I love myself but I hate my thighs. I do. I also hate my post-baby, three-times-C-sectioned tummy. No matter how many planks, sit-ups, or miles I run, it will never be like it was when I was in college. And that makes me sad, frustrated, and sometimes angry. When my sweet husband tells me I look beautiful, instead of just thanking him, I answer back with a caveat: “Thanks, but I look fat.” I do this in front of my kids sometimes without realizing it. My boys always come back with, “No way, Mom. You look awesome” or “We think you’re beautiful!” But my daughter is just quiet. Watching. Listening. Later she’ll come up to me, hug me, and whisper, “I love you so much, Mommy.” A couple of months ago, when she was all dressed up, I saw her looking at herself in the mirror. I stopped and said, “Lillian, you look absolutely stunning!” She turned around and said to me very matter of fact, “No I don’t. I look fat.” I gasped! Doesn’t she know how precious she is? Doesn’t she know how beautiful she is? What a blessing she is? Doesn’t she know what a miracle her very existence is? And then I remembered all the times I answered her dad with the very same words. I was sad, ashamed, and most of all heartbroken. Lillian was eight years old. She understood that “fat” was how I felt about myself, so she decided she should feel that way too. Lillian and I had a long talk that day. I told her what a blessing her life is, and how God made her special, unique, and beautiful. I also apologized to her, my two sons, and my husband for not loving myself like I should. Lately, I’ve been saying “thank you” when I get compliments—something new to me—and it’s made all the difference. Now when I tell Lillian how gorgeous she is (which is all the time), she looks at me with her bright hazel eyes and says, “Thanks, Mommy! I think you’re really beautiful too!
”
”
Sharon Jaynes (Enough: Silencing the Lies That Steal Your Confidence)
“
Now you get the mom talk.” “The mom talk?” She nods. “The way I look at it, everything in space and time happens for a reason. There are billions of planets and billions of years of time. Millions of creatures have gone extinct before the first mammal ever existed. Out of all the creatures on Earth, out of all the people on Earth, your ancestors were born. I won’t even get started on the billions of sperm that had to lose in order for the one that fertilized the egg that Librarian Rosalind was created from, and then you were picked from billions of humans on Earth and cloned specifically from. You landed here, at this tiny spot in the vast universe at this specific time. You immediately resonated to R’jaal, who has been lonely and longing for a mate. That’s a lot of very, very specific things to happen all at once—a convergence of happenstance—to create you and him and bring you both together at the right time. You think that’s not by a greater design? Maybe this is exactly where you’re supposed to be.” Jesus. She’s making my head hurt with how big she’s thinking. “You think I’m special enough to warrant all that?” “You tell me. Do you think R’jaal is?” She gestures at her sleeping son. “Because I look at my mate, and I look at my son, and I think that they’re so incredible and unique and that I feel very blessed to end up where I am right now. Maybe this planet didn’t need a paleobiologist, but N’dek absolutely needed Devi in his life. So chew on that for a bit the next time you feel like you don’t belong.
”
”
Ruby Dixon (R'jaal's Resonance (Ice Planet Clones, #1))
“
Anastasia, you are the best thing to ever happened to me, and to call you the love of my life does not do justice to how much I love you. My existence doesn't make sense without you by my side. For the rest of our lives, in the next life, in every alternate reality, I'll be yours if you'll have me. You are my best friend, my greatest gift, and Mila - and Bunny - are so blessed to have you as their mom."
Okay, here are the tears.
"Will you marry me?
”
”
Hannah Grace (Icebreaker (Maple Hills, #1))
“
When the Lord blesses you with your harvest, those people who were flocking to discourage you will almost seem to disappear into thin air. You might hear a few murmurings of gossip, but not many of them will be able to be happy that you are blessed, so they won’t be swooping in to “check on you” anymore. God has a way of vindicating His children. He has way of closing their mouths. He will not be mocked! Fear is like a weed. If allowed, it will grow and choke out the power, sound mind and love that God has given you.
”
”
Lynn R. Davis (The Life-Changing Experience of Hearing God's Voice and Following His Divine Direction: The Fervent Prayers of a Warrior Mom)
“
We must be intimate with the Word so that we know the authentic from the counterfeit. Counterfeit blessings, like weeds, grow and try to take over. Continue your days, knowing in the promise of seed, harvest time will produce what you are believing for. There are many factors to consider when sowing the Word. Some of your seeds may be stolen away before they are given a chance to germinate. Therefore, you need the Word sown in your heart so solidly that the enemy couldn’t possibly steal away all of it. You will have begun the perpetual process of sowing and reaping the promises of God that continues to produce harvests, for all of your days on the earth.
”
”
Lynn R. Davis (The Life-Changing Experience of Hearing God's Voice and Following His Divine Direction: The Fervent Prayers of a Warrior Mom)
“
Mr. Caster sits down across from me and rests his elbows on the table. He blows out a breath. “My daughter’s no longer talking to me.” I don’t respond and shovel a spoonful of spaghetti into my mouth so I’ll have an excuse not to. “Apparently, she likes you a lot.” I take a bite of bread. I still don’t speak. The food is hard to swallow. “Her mom’s not speaking to me, either,” he says. He grins a sideways smile. “I kind of like having sex with my wife, so I figured I better come over and clear the air.” I choke on my spaghetti. I look up at him as I try to catch my breath, coughing into my closed fist. “Women have ways of getting what they want, Pete,” he says. “And my wife wants Reagan to make her own choices.” He inhales and exhales deeply. “I guess you’re her choice.” He jabs a finger at me. “But if you hurt her, so help you God, I will hunt you down and do things to you that can’t even imagine.” “Yes, sir,” I squeak out. I clear my throat. “I just met her,” I remind him. He shakes his head. “She’s known you in her head for two and a half years, son. You didn’t just meet her. You became her hero the night you took care of her. Now, how much of that is in her head and her head alone remains to be seen. But she feels a connection to you, and you’re the only one she’s ever let in. So, you’re in, with my blessing.” I grin. “Thank you, sir.
”
”
Tammy Falkner (Calmly, Carefully, Completely (The Reed Brothers, #3))
“
I want to be the kind of mom she wasn’t.” She blinks her pretty blue eyes at me. “I think you’re already succeeding at that.” I stay quiet for a minute. “I always said the same thing. I wanted to be the dad my dad wasn’t. He just took off. And I swore I would be better and do better.” I mentally shrug. “Now I can’t have kids, so I guess it’s a moot point.” “I don’t want to jump the gun or anything,” she says. She winces. “But if we ever got to the point where we wanted to make this permanent…” “I’m already there,” I blurt out. She laughs. “Do you think you might want to be a father to my kids? Like an all-the-way kind of dad? They have dads, you know that, but they’re not active in their lives.” My heart swells in my chest, and I have to blink hard. “Yep,” I say past the lump in my throat. “I’d adopt them, if they’d let me, and be an all-the-way kind of dad.” I roll her over and settle between her thighs again. But I just want to look into her face. “And you can be an all-the-way kind of mom, and we can be ecstatically happy with the three we were blessed with. I already love them.” She brushes my hair back from my face. “You do, don’t you?” “I think I fell in love with them around the same time I fell in love with you. On day one.” I laugh because I’m baring my soul here and it feels damn uncomfortable.
”
”
Tammy Falkner (Maybe Matt's Miracle (The Reed Brothers, #4))
“
want to be someone who really celebrates the gift of the people God has given me to love. Here are a few simple ways to celebrate friends.
Hold a special tea for your friends and their mothers. Celebrate with a tea for graduates, Mother's Day, or the first day of spring. Put on a birthday tea with special attention on the "big 0" ones. The anniversary of a special event or even a cup of tea to celebrate the end of a bad week or month are also good reasons to commune together.
oday why not do a spontaneous act of kindness? Write a note to someone who would never expect it. Put a rose in your hubby's briefcase. Return a shopping cart for someone. Let someone merge into traffic and give him or her a big wave and smile. A thank you note out of the blue to someone who's said something nice about you will bless his or her day. Give another driver your parking spot. Leave a gift of money for someone anonymously. Call your mom or dad for no special reason. Send a letter to a teacher and thank him or her for all they do. Ask an older person to tell you his or her life story. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to "entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
”
”
Emilie Barnes (365 Things Every Woman Should Know)
“
Grateful For You
A gratitude poem from a Mother to her miracle child
You are a wonderful treasure
My love for you, I cannot measure
In you, God gave me an Angel
Through you, I was blessed by the Heavens
An answered prayer of way back
Just when I thought it was over
My precious gift from Above, you showed up
Filled with your bright smile and loads of fun
You make me so fine
Oh, what a privilege in life
To be given such a sense of pride
As I call you my child
While you chose to be mine
You are so kind
You bring me hope every time
I could go through heavy tides
With you by my side
I always rise
You help me make long strides
I cannot drown, not even once
You give me a better chance
To become a daring Mom
I have peace, even in the storm
Because you teach me to stay strong
So glad you came along
Never let me all alone
What an honour to be your Mother!
My perfect match
Such a great catch!
My very best friend
Will you lend me a hand
To walk beside you on this land?
You are all I ever need
And I am so grateful for you
”
”
Gift Gugu Mona (From My Mother's Classroom: A Badge of Honour for a Remarkable Woman)
“
My Lovely Child
Life has never been this great
Since I had you, my superstar!
My shining light in the night!
In you, I found delight
You captured my heart
For making me proud
By calling me Mom
Oh, my ray of hope!
Your beautiful story is not yet told
But you are so bold
One day, you will be in history books
Because you know your worth
To me, you mean a lot
That is why I am content
And will always protect
The bond we have
As much as I can
I will hold your hand
Until the end
Be blessed,
My lovely child!
”
”
Gift Gugu Mona (From My Mother's Classroom: A Badge of Honour for a Remarkable Woman)
“
I Understand Mom
The fog wraps around her mind
bits and pieces of tattered thought
become blank within her eyes
minutes ago is gone, the sadness inside.
Reaching for a wonderful memory
that was just an hour ago
you fight so hard to bring it back
until you finally let it go.
I’m sorry, I don’t remember
as the tears reach her face
tears roll down a beautiful smile
while your days are being erased.
I understand Mom; I’m here for you
there’s blessings at our door
God is here, He will guide us through
with His love and so much more.
”
”
Ron Baratono
“
I Understand Mom
The fog wraps around her mind
bit and pieces of tattered thought
become blank within her eyes
minutes ago is gone, the sadness inside.
Reaching for a wonderful memory
that was just an hour ago
you fight so hard to bring it back
until you finally let it go.
I’m sorry, I don’t remember
as the tears reach her face
tears roll down a beautiful smile
while your days are being erased.
I understand Mom; I’m here for you
there’s blessings at our door
God is here; He will guide us through
with His love and so much more.
”
”
Ron Baratono
“
I want all the blessings that are given to those who follow Your way with intention. Help me to discipline myself so I can be effective, first for You and second for my children.
”
”
Heidi St. John (Prayers for the Battlefield: Staying MomStrong in the Fight for Your Family and Faith)
“
My Lovely Child
Life has never been this great
Since I had you my superstar!
My shining light in the night!
In you, I found delight
You captured my heart
For making me proud
By calling me Mom
Oh, my ray of hope!
Your beautiful story is not yet told
But you are so bold
One day, you will be in history books
Because you know your worth
To me you mean a lot
That is why I am content
And will always protect
The bond that we have
As much as I can
I will hold your hand
Until the end
Be blessed my lovely child!
”
”
Gift Gugu Mona (From My Mother's Classroom: A Badge of Honour for a Remarkable Woman)
“
Grateful For You
A gratitude poem from a Mother to her miracle child
You are a wonderful treasure
My love for you I cannot measure
In you, God gave me an Angel
Through you, I was blessed by the Heavens
An answered prayer of way back
Just when I thought it was over
My precious gift from Above, you showed up!
Filled with your bright smile and loads of fun
You make me so fine
Oh, what a privilege in life!
Of being given such a sense of pride
As I call you my child
While you chose to be mine
You are so kind
You bring me hope every time
I could go through heavy tides
With you by my side
I always rise
You help me to make many strides
I cannot drown, not even once
You give me a better chance
To become a daring Mom
I have peace, even in the storm
Because you teach me to stay strong
So glad you came along
And never left me all alone
What an honour to be your Mother!
My perfect match
Such a great catch!
My very best friend
Will you lend me a hand
To walk beside you on this land?
You are all I ever need
And I am so grateful for you
”
”
Gift Gugu Mona (From My Mother's Classroom: A Badge of Honour for a Remarkable Woman)
“
All of us kids walked home for lunch, anxious to see our moms and grandmas. Lunch would be waiting and the television, which I so loved, was always set to “The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show.” When he signed off with “God bless your pea-picking hearts!” I was out the door and back to my friends for the walk back to school. A better place to raise a family could never have been found. The milkman delivered quite a few quart glass bottles with the cream for coffee floating on top. A Wonder Bread delivery man lived next door. He delivered only to stores, but would bring us cute miniature loaves of bread once in a while. The scissors and knife sharpener man made his rounds. Grandma loved to work with sharp scissors and admonished us, “Don’t ever cut paper with my shears, it dulls the blades.” I felt sorry for the poor Fuller Brush man since my Mom never would buy anything, but she’d take the free samples. Maybe he just liked talking to my Mom who loved to talk. My favorite was the Good Humor ice cream truck, of course.
”
”
Carol Ann P. Cote (Downstairs ~ Upstairs: The Seamstress, The Butler, The "Nomad Diplomats" and Me -- A Dual Memoir)
“
Divine power . . . what mom would turn it down? Jesus, who is God, full of power and might has poured down and lavished on us everything we need to live and serve God. Everything? What kind of resources are we talking about here? The blessings Jesus gives transcend physical things, so take a look at the spiritual blessings He pours out. Start with faith. It’s a gift. How happy can you be if all your anxieties are lifted by Someone you can trust? Because God is good and full of glory, He tells us to give all our worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7) and to worry about nothing (Philippians 4:6); and He promises to pour down peace (Philippians 4:7). He calls us His own, and gives us “very great and precious promises”—gifts of His Spirit, blessings of greater worth than anything money can buy. He gives salvation, eternal life, and the ability, while we’re earthbound, to “share in God’s nature.” Jesus’ Spirit is our companion, so we are never without a friend. He also protects us from spiritual defeat that rises from the evil surrounding us. We have all this available to us daily as we focus on the Person of Jesus. Today, we can pray, “Lord Jesus, thank You that You pour on me everything I need to live the life that pleases You. I want to be infused with Your mighty strength and to stay under the faucet of Your provision today.
”
”
Bobbie Wolgemuth (NCV, Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers)