The Godmothers Club

How Faith Helped Sell My House

One of the things Beth Moore teaches in her Bible study, My Determined Purpose, is that the Holy Spirit—who resides in each of us and who was created by the union of Christ's spirit with ours (her words)—gives us the capacity to know the God we believe in, even if we don't know what he's up to. Hmm.

After 19 years of marriage, I know why I understand my husband well—we share our concerns, joys and opinions; respect our differences and trust each other. We talk to each other. But to know God? That just seems like too big an idea for me to wrap my curly locks around.

When Looking for Love Be Real

Here's a funny and honest peak on what it's like to look for real love through the Internet:

Enjoy the Journey of Aging Gracefully

There resides in each of us a guide for aging gracefully.

Let the Holy Spirit direct your mind, your talents, your creativity and your love.

Tap into this source to live well and fully at any age.

Aging gracefully is my new mantra. Here's why:

Who Asked You?

It's so easy to jump in and give our grown children the benefit of our wisdom, isn't it?

You know I mean. They confide something about their finances, a health problem, travel plans or issues with their own children and we jump in with advice, solutions and opinions. After all, we raised them and loved them through all stages and problems in their lives. They still need our opinions because we know best. Right?

Well, I'd like to offer a different alternative to giving advice and wisdom:

How Green is the Grass in Your Backyard?

My sister has a great expression that I just love. When things aren't going as she planned, or the way she would have chosen she says, "But that's okay, my grass is green."

What a positive twist on the old cliche, 'the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence'! My sister's attitude puts her on the right side of the fence. No matter what's happening in her life, she's content.

How can we make sure we live knee deep in green grass like Sandra? Here's one idea...

Unconditional Acceptance is the Best Christmas Gift

Looking for a table at Panera's the other day during the frenzy of shopping, I passed an older woman sitting at a table looking around anxiously. A Muslim, dressed for modesty in a hijab, she looked overwhelmed by the boisterous Christmas crowd. She looked different than the throngs waiting to eat their 'half and half' lunches.

When Promises are Treats

 

How good are you at keeping promises to yourself?

I'm the worst.

You'd think that by now when we get invited for an early round of golf on a Sunday morning, I'd have an automatic response, "Gee thanks for asking but I promised myself we'd make the early service at church."

Do I say that? You betcha I don't.

I ignore my inner promise and let my husband decide, "Charlie, what do you want to do, church or golf?" 

Why is it so easy to break promises to myself...ones that I wouldn't dream of breaking for others?

Getting Egg on Your Face is a Good Thing

I just get so excited when I have a good idea! Whether it's an idea for a dinner party, a blog article or buying a gift for someone my creative juices start bubbling and it's all I can think about.

Sometimes my ideas or dreams work out and sometimes they don't. And when they don't...like the time I made a fancy dessert for some good friends that tasted like whipped soap instead of mousse...I have to wash the 'oops' egg off my face.

Here are a few important things that "getting egg on my face" has taught me:

The Backyard Fence Social Media Built

When my Grandma was a young woman she traded gossip with the tradesmen, socialized with the neighbors and chatted with her friends; all on a daily basis. Anyone who was important in her life knew exactly what was happening in her family.

And as hard as it may be to believe, she managed seven children, a home, her husband's business and rental income properties without the benefit of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

So how did Grandma network without social media?

How to be a Good Mother-in-Law

My former mother-in-law had a heart attack recently and the news about her collapse dug up some latent emotions. I was surprised at my reaction.

I haven't seen Lena in over 17 years and keep track of her only through my daughters' visits with her. The disintegration of our relationship was the result of divorce between her son and me in 1990; it was next to impossible for us to be friends anymore. Not only were we separated by 150 miles but by a generation that took sides; my mother with me and his mother with him. In the process and pain of divorce, I lost a wonderful mother-in-law and, now that I'm a mother-in-law and grandmother, maybe a woman who would have been a friend.

As a young bride I moved closer to my husband's family, leaving mine far behind for the first time in my life. And I'll tell you, trying to navigate and anchor into a new family is not easy. Young and immature, I compared his family to mine and his came up short!  Of course, my self-imposed obstacles made it harder for me to fit in at first. It was Lena's simple, innate goodness that helped me find a comfortable way to be part of her family.

A traditional, Italian mother who shared recipes, family stories and advice (but only when asked), she grew in my esteem as the years passed. Never critical when I did something wrong. Undemanding when sharing holiday time. Complimentary with the way I raised my daughters. Understanding when I put her family on the back burner for mine...she was a true role model.

I also try to extend grace-filled considerations to the delightful people my children love, and I can only hope they will have the same feelings about me. I think life's all about cultivating, maintaining and remembering relationships even when separated by unexpected circumstances.

What do you think about mother-in-laws?