A MOTHER'S LOVE

Mary: A Model of Strength for Mothers

Jeannine Norris

Author, Tonight You Are My Baby

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34 Even as a child, I always loved the beauty of Christmas Eve service – the hushed tone, the reverence of the night and the anticipation of the miracle that was about to take place. With the lights dimmed low and the spotlight on Mary and her baby, I felt snugly wrapped in the wonder of it all. It wasn’t until years later, now a mother myself, when I realized that part of the miracle of Christmas was Mary’s own quiet strength. I sat in the pew, with my new baby in my arms, and wondered how Mary ever had the courage and faith to share her baby with the rest of the world – knowing His future held great and dangerous things. What was it like for Mary when she held her baby for the first time? A mother’s love is like no other, fierce and universal. The words roll around on our tongue – “miraculous,” “incredible,” “amazing,” “my very heart.” Yet, even while we say these words, we know they can never, ever convey our true feelings. The words are too small for what now exists as part of our very being. Our person is fully changed, forever. I could certainly identify with the profound love and joy Mary must have felt with baby Jesus. Every new mother knows the excitement of meeting your baby, the certainty that a miracle has truly occurred, the desire to hold them close and never let go. A mother wraps her baby in kisses and then hope that life will be kind. Upon seeing that tiny face for the first time, a mother’s dreams are no longer her own. We women fill many roles in life – wife, daughter, sister, friend, and co-worker. We may have unique gifts such as a talent for art, writing or healing others. We may be students, teachers, bosses or in political office. We may have high-powered jobs or choose to be farmers of our own land. What defines us though, what truly defines us, is our role as mothers. “Now I understand,” I thought to myself on that first Christmas Eve with my baby in my arms. With tears in my eyes, I thanked God for the clarity to see that this is the oldest love story…a mother’s love for her baby. I marveled at the strength of Mary whose "yes" made her part of the greatest miracle of all time, yet I know she must have been grateful for the gift of that one, quiet winter night all her own. As the other nights came, she would have to share Jesus and her life would be difficult. But a mother is thankful for the gift of motherhood; our joys will always outweigh our hardships. And Mary was, above all else, simply a mother.As I pondered Mary's strength and the task that lay before her so many years ago, I prayed for the gift of her strength, the ability to know when to hold close and when to let go. I prayed for the power to say the right words and be a spiritual guide for my two children on their life’s journey. And I prayed for the faith to hold me up when the journey was hard. I imagined Mary prayed for these same things, perhaps even more fervently.Several years later, I would come to rely on her example in a way I never anticipated.When our daughter, Quinn was four years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In that moment, our beautiful, bubbly little girl was one of the 3,000 children diagnosed each year. And we were among those parents thrust into a world we wish we didn’t need to know. The night before Quinn’s surgery, I prayed to God for Mary's strength to keep my faith, to be the best mother I could be to Quinn, whatever the outcome. I vowed we would use this experience to help other children on this brave journey. Mary’s faith allowed her to trust God’s plan for Jesus, even following Him to the Cross. I had to trust that God had a plan for my baby, too.Thankfully, Quinn’s surgery was successful, her tumor benign, and God's answer to our prayers was clear: we started a foundation to support research of pediatric brain tumors. A mother’s life is filled with challenges, some small and some, like Quinn's diagnosis, almost insurmountable. The days are filled with laughter and crying – sometimes at the same time. It is our challenge, and our gift, to let our callings as mothers touch our souls.This Christmas Eve, in the silence of the night, I’ll again thank God for my abundant blessings: the health of my children, the love of my husband, family and many friends. And when the light is shining on the manger, I’ll thank Mary for showing me, through her own Christmas love story, the depth and strength of a mother's love.

Halloween Pics

Here are some Halloween pictures of Owen and Shealyn. Stephanie was at pappy's helping give out candy. She feels too old to dress up. I can't believe she will be 15 in a week !

Owen was a police officer--

He wasn't in the mood for pictures, can you tell

Shealyn was an Old Lady -- He He.

Last Pictures at our Old House

Here are our last pictures at the old house. I will post pictures of the new house soon. I haven't got that far. I feel bad, it seems like I haven't taken out my camera for so long. That is going to be a goal for me this week!!!

Our last picture on the porch.

My Sanity is slowly coming back!

The Move -- We moved on September 31st. Both our closings were on the same day about 2 hours apart-- anyone ever done that before? When thinking about it- Stephanie says --"we will literally be homeless for two hours". It has been almost a month now and seems as though we have a new life (I can't imagine people with children who move out of state) and it has been hard to adjust to. The only thing that seems to have remained solid is church. New address, new phone, new school, new PTA, new neighbors --I love and miss my old neighbors : ( although my new neighbors have been very warm in welcoming us. I miss my old house! I really didn't think it would affect me like this.

Stephanie and Shealyn - Most of my concern and anxiety was for Stephanie and Shealyn and the new schools. I've done so much praying and I know it is in God's hands- He will take care of it and He has. They are slowly making friends and they seem happy to go to school each morning. As a mom, it wears on your heart to think of them at school all day. Who and what are their influences, do they feel like they fit it, what are they hearing from other kids. We pray about these things and I feel confident that Stephanie and Shealyn turn to God if they feel they are in an uncomfortable position. Math is hard for Shealyn, but sooooo easy for Stephanie. Stephanie is struggling with Spanish and gym. She's not sure of the gym teacher yet. I feel children do better when they have a connection with the teacher. Some teachers are better at this than others. This is true with Shealyn and her Math teacher which she says is real mean and very judgmental. It hurts to hear this. It's only been a few weeks, I will wait JUST A LITTLE longer and I will then be scheduling a conference. Parent and Teacher relationships are important-- so I think I will be becoming her new best friend.

As for Owen-- He is still disappointed we don't live near a playground anymore and Austin is not our next door neighor. They played just about everyday in their dirt pile with tractors. We now have two little girls next door -- they are slowly starting to play. Winter is coming and we would like to start making some play dates with some church friends.

The New House- It is not my dream house, I will eventually like it-- I don't want to sound ungrateful because God has done a lot work in our lives and I've been praying about my petty attitude. We have a home and for that alone we are very thankful! A lot of people don't have that. People of today including me fall into the instant gratification need. He is doing a work in me. This is the best I've felt since we moved. The house needs work and it is not my style at all, AGAIN these are things we will slowly change, but I'm sure you know how a woman feels about her home it reflects a part of her. The yard is nice and we own some woods, which is exciting- I remember always playing in the woods with my brother when we were younger. I love nature and so do the kids. The area is perfect-- we are so close to 60 where we don't have to travel far for anything!! 8 minutes to church -- 8 minutes to the mall and movies where Stephanie is always asking to go -- teenagers--I'm learning and so is Randy.

I hear Owen waking up-- he slept in to 9:30 yeah !!

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7: 17

StEpHaNiE aNd HeR fUn PhOtOs !!

Stephanie has fun with her camera. Great imagination!

One of my favorites she took a year ago.

Picture of Stephanie and my niece Breanna.

It's Not About Us!

The Lesson of Brokenness

By Charles Stanley

READ 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

No one enjoys the feeling of brokenness, but we cannot ignore its wonderful benefits to our spiritual growth. Being broken gives us an entirely new perspective on the Lord’s plan for our lives. You see, enjoying a steady, uninterrupted stream of blessings has an interesting effect on most people: it distorts our view of the Father, often leaving us to assume He exists for us.We ask God for healing, for success, for financial security. We ask Him to bless our family and our relationships. We ask and ask and ask. And the truth is, much of the time we aren’t really talking to the Lord at all. Instead, we’ve replaced Him with some sort of cosmic errand boy—we tell Him what we want and then send Him off to get it for us.In all of this, who is actually at the center of our prayers? It certainly isn’t almighty God, our eternal Savior and Creator of the universe. No, instead we find ourselves at the center of these prayers. Therefore, the end result is the subtle belief that God exists for our benefit. This distortion breaks God’s heart and leads us far away from truly knowing Him for who He really is.The antidote for this self-centered idolatry is brokenness. When God says “No,” when He takes away instead of adding more, when He divinely manages what we have, how much we have, and how long we have it, He is helping us keep our eyes on Him. Do not despise these moments. Instead, recognize them as the voice of your Father calling you back into His loving arms.

Owen's First Day of Preschool !!

WOW ! My little boy started preschool. Wasn't it just yesterday I brought him home from the hospital--so tiny in his carrier-- only weighing 5 lbs 15 oz. Today I thought this should be easy, I went through this with Stephanie and Shealyn- that clearly was not true! It is sad no matter how many children you have. Actually, I think it just gets more sad because it just shows how fast all three of them are growing.

When you are having a bad day your little ones always find a way to bring a smile to your heart. Today is a big day that will be cropped in my books.

Owen and Mrs. Phlegar

Summertime!!

Kozy Rest Kampground

We camp here every summer. Here is Owen and Randy swimming. We did a lot of that this weekend. We also painted ceramics, wagon rides, games, smores, trails. We have a lot of fun. If your family camps, this is great place to go. It is Harrisville near Slippery Rock.

Here is Steph at the pool too. She is our goofy child. If you ever need a laugh-she will give you one!! You may even have seen her at church acting weird. She wants to be an actress- I think comedy would fit her perfect. She makes these silly Youtube videos. What an imagination.

Owen riding the train. He really liked the rides this year. They take you around the campground. He also rode the fire engine and the wagon at night. He is getting independant :( and did not want to sit with us--he had to sit in his own spot accross from us.



Shealyn (right) with friend, Halla. They have been friends since they were 3. We are good friends with the family, The Henry's. They own Bullfrogs and Butterflies Daycare in Fallston. Jo Marie Henry was a big help and watched the girls when I was a single mom. It is amazing how God has worked in our lives. Leave all to Him and He will provide.

Shealyn Owen and Me- went to Erie for 2 days with Tammie, Stevie, and Brooke. Steph was in Florida and Randy was at a ball tournament. Cheesy smile Shea !! :)

We were being silly and taking a bunch of pictures at the restaurant.

- Boston's Gourmet Pizza- !

Owen had fun in the sand. It was a beautiful day.

Me And Shealyn !

Steph is too COOL to take pictures with her family. I don't have that many :( This is Stephanie playing fast pitch this year. She is a pitcher for NB --GREAT Ball Player.





We missed her soooo much. She went to Florida for a month with a close friend. What a big mom moment. We took her to the airport and watched her get on the plane. I didn't cry until I went into her room to pick up some things. She went to Universal Studios, Bonita Springs Beach (Fort Myers). Stephy is on the left and Tanner(friend) on right.



Tanner's mother works for the airlines and they got a tour of the plane and cockpit before boarding in Florida on their way home.

Shealyn is my artist/craft girl! She was vendor at the Pittsburgh Arts Festival this summer where she sold some of her crafts. She made jewelry, bathsalts, hair ribbons photography, ect. She also likes to scrapbook with mom.

She wants to be a photographer and scientist when she gets older. It was so fun that day. It was a Mom and Daughter day. Of course we had to get a funnel cake! She made $32.00 altogether!!

Owen was helping us wash the car. I think the water went everywhere except the car. He is our little helper. We planted his very own tomato plant and his job is to make sure it is watered. We couldn't believe how fast that thing grew. He is so proud of it!!

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Inside Joke!! Stephanie got bit by a squirrel leaving for school one morning. She is okay. We pick fun anytime we can--To my Squirrel Girl!!