By Betty Predmore

 ”Why me, Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I’ve known?”  The opening lines of a song I used to sing in church as a young teenager.  I’m not sure why those words came to my mind just now, but I can say that they have caused me to contemplate my blessings.

And as I ponder this, I realize that I don’t spend enough time acknowledging my blessings.  I need to make more of an effort to inventory these blessings on a routine basis, if for no other reason than to just stand in awe and amazement of what my Father in Heaven does for me.

Sure, we notice the “big things”…those blessings that are so evident that we can’t miss them.  But what about the “little things”?  Do we notice, and if we do, do we just pass them off as luck or coincidence?

God has given me so much in my life.  I have beautiful children, a husband who loves me beyond words, a home that is full of love and laughter, a job in ministry that I love!  I have a church and a church family that are awesome.  I have food, clothing, and just about anything I want or need.  My parents are still alive, and I even have the joy of having my father in my home.  I have a brother I am proud of and an extended family that I love so much.  I am able to participate in organizations and activities that make a difference in my community.  My children make me laugh and tolerate my “being me”.  The list goes on an on.

I am so grateful for all the “pleasures I’ve known”.  I am so grateful for the blessings still to come.  I am so grateful for every morning that I wake up and The Lord uses me in the way He has planned.   I am grateful for every kiss, hug, smile, and tear that I get to be a part of.  I am grateful for every prayer that is prayed over me, and every prayer I get to pray over someone else.  I am grateful for memories, that keep the past alive in our hearts.  I am grateful for the loud and boisterous times in my home, and the quiet times of solace.  I am grateful for the beauty I see in the world around me, despite the ugliness that goes on.  I am grateful for each breath that I take, and I want to make them count for His glory.

Like I said, so much to be grateful for.  So many blessings I have experienced.  But what I am most grateful for, what has been the greatest “pleasure I’ve known”, is that Jesus Christ died for me and I am loved by my Father in Heaven.  That I am forgiven and each day is a fresh start for me.  That I can find hope in the hopelessness, and faith where others may doubt.  That I have eternity to look forward to, and heaven awaits me.  ”Why me Lord?”  I ask.  And He answers, “Because I love you.”

By Betty Predmore

As I tackled my household chores the other day, I found myself humming a little tune. I smiled as memories rushed into my mind…memories of my mother, swinging her grandchildren around in a dance, while singing “Dance with me Henry…..okay baby!” This was a silly little song, but one that came from the memories of her childhood. Sharing this with my children gave them memories of their own. As I reflected a while longer, the thought came to me that life is made up of a series of those small little memories and experiences, and that life is a dance. Then came the questions. (Those who know me know that the questions always come). What are the small little memories that I am creating for my children? Who am I dancing with? When my children look back on their childhood, what will they think of me? Will they remember me as “Mamma Who Showed the Love of Christ”, “Mamma Who Smiled and Laughed”, or “Gentle & Kind Mamma”? Or will I be remembered as “Busy Mamma”, “Stressed Out Mamma”, or “Mamma With No Joy”? Will they have memories of silly dances and secret giggles, or will their childhood be remembered as something less? 1Thessalonian 5:16 simply states “Rejoice always”. In John 15:11, Jesus says “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Is the joy evident in me, especially to my children? My honest answer…some days “YES”, some days “No”. But the good news is that I can continue to work in this area, and God will be there as my guide. Galatians 5:22 tells us about the fruits of the spirit…”love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”. I CAN DO THIS!! YOU can do this! We all struggle at times, we all feel burdens and stresses. But the great truth is that we have a MIGHTY and AWESOME God who will carry those burdens upon HIS shoulders so that we might find rest. And with rest comes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness. As I dance through this life of mine, I want Jesus as my partner. I would much rather sway to and fro in His safe and loving arms than to dance to my own beat, alone and afraid. I would much rather demonstrate the love of Christ to my children, than leave them to find Him on their own. I would much rather be remembered as “Mamma Who Loved Jesus and ME!”