Mary Monologue

The following is a monologue I wrote for advent at my church this year.  I hope it will encourage you this Christmas!

“There’s a star, Mary.”  Joseph’s words still ring in my ears.  I was sitting by the manger entranced by the splendor of new life.  Baby Jesus was sleeping and I couldn’t stop drinking in the beauty of his dark eyelashes brushing against his cheek.  The profile of his tiny nose, the smell of his soft, warm skin, his ten little fingers…ten tiny toes…  it was a moment I’ll never forget.

I turned at Joseph’s words, “A star?”

He nodded, “Yes, you should come see it.”

I turned back to gaze at my newborn son.  If I were to be honest, I was tired.  Stepping outside to gaze at the stars didn’t really appeal to me.  By that point, my body ached and I was still weak from the hours and hours of labor I had just experienced.  More than that, I was weak in spirit.

I had just witnessed the miracle of birth, yes.  I knew that the Child laying there before me was the Son of Almighty God.  I knew that what I was living through was unlike anything any other woman had ever experienced before me… still a virgin, yet I had given birth.  

But even that couldn’t stop the doubts racing through my mind.  Why had God chosen me?  ME!  Mary of Nazareth!  I was a simple girl from a simple town and there was nothing exceptional about me! 

I had never doubted God the Father’s wisdom before, yet now as I sat there, alone, far from home, overwhelmed and afraid, I couldn’t help but question.

Thankful though I was for a roof over my head, I squirmed in embarrassment and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.  What had Joseph and I missed?  How was it that we hadn’t been better prepared for Jesus’ arrival?  When had everything gone so wrong?  The Messiah should never have entered the world in these conditions!  What must God be thinking of us?  Was He even now questioning His choice in calling me to be the mother of His only Son?

As I sat staring at the most beautiful and precious Child I had ever seen, I was filled with fear.  Panic gripped at my soul as I considered all I had studied in the past nine months.  I knew why He had come!  I knew what He was called to do!  Still, I fought it with every fiber of my being!  The love I felt for Jesus was so strong it consumed me.  I grabbed His tiny fist, terrified, longing to run away with Him – to protect Him from the evil in the world.  “Why?”  I began to cry softly.  “Why had God called me to this?  The path before me was daunting.  If God knew me better than I could ever know myself, why, in all His infinite wisdom, did He call me, this ordinary young woman, to such an extra-ordinary life?

“Mary?”  I saw Joseph again through the soft glow of the doorway and I quickly brushed away my tears.  “Come love,” his voice was full of an excitement I didn’t feel. “Come see the star.”  As he spoke, he came to me, and gently lifted me up into his arms. With great care, he took me outside.  The night air was cool against my skin, and I remember being surprised by the group of shepherds that had gathered outside our door.  Most of the men were gazing up into the dark sky, pointing excitedly as they called to one another.

Joseph set me to my feet and I turned to see where everyone was pointing.  What I saw left me breathless.  I gasped in disbelief!  There, above that little stable, shone the brightest and largest star I had ever seen.  It was unlike anything I had ever witnessed before.  The light glowed so brightly, I could feel it’s warmth on my face.

Immediately, my mind went to my encounter with the angel nearly a year ago.  Then I recalled the moment when I experienced the presence of God’s Spirit coming over me.  Like those significant moments, I knew that this, too, was a miracle.

A shepherd behind me spoke, softly, “This star!  It has led us to the Messiah!”

Tears filled my eyes as I realized what the star signified.  Just moments before, I had felt like a failure.  I was certain that I couldn’t be the person God was calling me to be.  I felt terrified and alone.  But now, here, I was reminded of the faithfulness of the God I served.  He had been with me during the difficult days of announcing my pregnancy to friends and family.  He had provided my every need throughout the past nine months.  He had changed the heart of Joseph, the man I loved, to believe that this Child was, indeed, the promised Messiah.  And…I turned to look again at the simple little stable before me, and yes, He had led us to this place.

I was immediately reminded of the words in the Holy Scriptures of Isaiah where the Lord declares, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways!”

The star was there to lead people to Jesus.  And on that beautiful silent night in Bethlehem, that star led me to the feet of the One who loved me.  There I discovered it wasn’t about how weak and frail I was, it wasn’t about my inadequacies or my doubts – instead, I realized what He had called me to, was for the purpose of bringing glory… and honor… and admiration… and praise to Him!  The star stands to remind us that God uses our weaknesses to convey His power to a world that He so desperately loves!

I think back to that night often and the truth is this, many unknowns still lie before us, but look to the star! 

There are times we are called to take steps on a path we cannot see - follow to the star! 

There are circumstances we are called to face – but remember… remember the star!

There will be sorrows and joy!  There will be gain and loss… but my people, never forget the Star!  There you will find the One who came to give you a life of joy, peace, and love.  He will never leave you alone!  He is and always will be faithful.

There’s a Star, my friend.  Come to Him to find peace.   His name is Jesus and He is the Bright Morning Star.

Titus2Woman: Nancy Nunemaker

Nancy is a woman I have known my whole life.  I have always admired her gift of being able to create beautiful things.  She has a knack at being able to take items and turn it in to a thing of beauty!  Her home is gorgeous and surrounded by equally gorgeous flowerbeds!

By Nancy's own admission, she didn't experience any major difficulties as a young wife and mother, but I'm sure you'll agree that there is value in what she has to say still.  In her life, we can see a woman who is dedicated to serve her family and care for those around her.  It doesn't always take a exceptional circumstances to bring out the exceptional qualities that we possess.  

 

Nancy's life is a reflection of that.  She found value as a wife and mother and in creating beauty for others to enjoy.  Here's what Nancy had to say...

My name is Nancy Nunemaker, and I have been married to Brian for thirty-three years.  We have 2 grown children, John & Emily.  

John lives in Mishawaka, IN, with his wife, Stephanie.  He has his own business, and it's technical computer stuff that's way over my head. He is a Computer Programmer, does Web Developing, Consulting and Speaking.   

 Emily lives on our home farm, near Burr Oak, MI, with her husband, Brandon, and their 3 children, Nicholas (8), Sadie (5) and Jack, (6 months).  She is a Dental Hygienist, but is currently a stay-at-home mom.  We are happy to have the grandchildren growing up in the same home that our children did.

I have always enjoyed listening to my children talk.  They said the funniest things.  Here are a couple of favorite memories from when they were small:

When John was quite young, we were driving through a small town, and saw a Postal Worker, on foot, delivering the mail.  John was intrigued because we had a rural carrier, he'd never seen one walking.  He asked me a few questions, then turned to me with a look of utter disbelief, and said, " You mean he has to WALK to deliver the mail?"  

I responded, "Yes", and was kind of shocked by how horrified he was.  He loved to be outside, so what's so bad about this job?  

His next words made it clear to me why he was so shocked, "Even if you send a letter to Indiana?"

When Emily was little, she went through a phase where she wanted to do everything herself.  She was quite proud of herself when she learned to use a cheese slicer and I had to watch that she didn't help herself to the cheese too often.  

One morning, I was getting ready in the bathroom, when she came in carrying a piece of cheese.  I was about to scold her, when she declared that she had cut two, and this one was for me.  She said, " I'm giving you this one, because it's the biggest".  Now, what mother could turn that down? I felt my heart burst a litte with pride, since I had raised this unselfish little girl, so I took a bite to please her.  Then, she turned to go, stopped, and said, "It's also the one that fell on the floor".

Some of my very favorite times when they were little, were after their baths, when they were freshly washed, sweet smelling little bodies all snuggled in with me in our recliner, and I would read to them before they went to bed.  I am a huge believer in reading to your children.  I read to them from the time they were babies.  They don't even have to understand the words, to appreciate your tone and the cadence in your voice.  I think if you develop a love for books and reading in a young child, they will do well in school and even life.

   

I spent a lot of time with them in that rocking chair.  I always loved to rock my babies.  Later, statistics showed that it's even good for their inner ear, and in developing good balance.  I always knew it was good for them (and for me).

     

I, also, loved to hear them playing in another room.  John made all the loud banging, motor and crashing noises that are common to little boys, and Emily sang as she played.  Now I enjoy hearing Nicky and Sadie play in the same ways.

     

Other good memories were in their teen years.  I did a lot of driving to and from games.  I heard a lot of information on those drives.  I knew about them and their friends.  If you make the effort to be available to them, they will share a lot of good things with you.  We had a lot of late night talks.  Develop a relationship early, if you don't listen to them when they are little, they won't be interested in talking to you when they are older.  Also, pick your fights carefully.  If it's not indecent, illegal or immoral, then leave them alone.  It isn't worth damaging your relationship for personal preferences.  Hair and clothes are not really that important in the grand scheme of things.  I'm sure everyone has worn or done something that their parents didn't like. 

     

The challenges that I faced as a young mother, were common to young farm wives of that time.  (Maybe still).  We didn't have cell phones and radios starting out.  I would cook 3 meals a day, starting early with the breakfast, at home.  Lunch and Dinner were served in the field.  It felt like I spent all day cooking, packing up the food & the kids, and hauling it to the fields for Brian and whoever was working for him at the time.  (They were never in the same field!)  I didn't always go to the right field either :) Then I'd haul it all back to the house, carry it in, put the kids down for a nap, clean up the lunch, and start cooking supper, just to repeat the whole process.  It was a lot of work.  At least the kids got to see their dad often.  I had to remember how my mom's generation had to do everything the hard way, and I actually had it pretty easy compared to them!  

Now, things are much easier and on the rare occasions that I need to go to a field, I can call ahead, and he can tell me exactly where to go.  I'm also, very seasoned, at spending time alone.  Not only do I not mind it, I actually like it!  I had quite a few years of feeling like a single mom.  When things were more difficult, I always tried to never complain.  I think children will emulate you, and if you complain about their daddy working too much, then the children will complain.  If you make the best of it, and mention how hard he works for your family, then they will appreciate his efforts too.  Try to be content in whatever your situation is.  The best thing you can do for your kids, is to love and appreciate their dad.  It's also best for you, because he will be there long after the kids are gone.

     

Our nest has been empty for some time.  It was a little tearful initially, I loved every minute of having my children around me.  I still do. I now enjoy their adulthood.  Our lives have gotten easier.  Two of the benefits of an empty nest are, more time and more money.  (Two things you never have enough of when they are young).  We have a lot of interests, so we have been able to do some of the things we've always wanted to.  We especially enjoy traveling.  It's nice not to have to always plan around someone else.  We can pick up and go whenever we want to. 

     

What would I say to the 25 year old me, if I could?  I'd say," Enjoy it!  It goes really fast!!!"

     

My goals when my children were young, were first and foremost, to raise children that loved the Lord.  I also, wanted them to love each other.  Don't worry, it does get better.  My kids don't fight at all any more :) I also wanted them to like reading and to do well in school and life.  I think I have accomplished those goals. 

     

I had the best childhood ever.  My parents loved each other and me.  I've tried to raise my family in the way that they raised me.  Hopefully, that legacy continues.

Living On the Funny Farm

Hillybilly Sledding

We had a heavy snowfall yesterday which resulted in area schools being cancelled.  My kids were thrilled and wasted no time in heading outdoors to go sledding.  Unfortunately, their sled had been broken somehow through the winter, so they improvised by using their kiddie pool.

I didn't realize what they were doing and looked out the window just in time to see the kiddie pool go skidding by the window with two kids sitting inside.  I wish I had a picture to show you - it was by far the most hilarious scene of the day!

Later, I was able to run to the store and get them a real sled and the kiddie pool has been retired to the barn for the winter.  I was still laughing at the picture of two bundled up heads bobbing along in the swimming pool as it raced across the snow.  Since I didn't get a picture, I hope it will remain burned in  my memory for a long time!

Conversations With Kobe

Kids are always coming up with something hilarious - and my four-year-old certainly has had his share. He has this fetish with animals - baby wart hogs, in particular. The other night, Kobe was informing his older siblings that it was time to play "animals". He told them all what to do and where to go to be the kind of animals he wanted.  Then he proceeded to lay down in a fetal position, lifts his head a little and says, "I'll be the victim."

Tim and I looked at each other over the kids' heads, and mouthed, "victim?" to each other.  We still aren't sure where he learned that word, but it did give us a good laugh!


Then last night, Corey had just gotten out of Bible Memory at church and was so pleased to show us the two toy trucks he had earned.  He opened the package and gave one of the trucks to Kobe.  Kobe was thrilled and my mother-heart was proud of my six-year-old's generosity.

Then out of the darkness of the van, Kobe pipes up, "Corey?  You know what I am of you?"

I chuckled at his choice of words and waited to hear was he "was of him".

"What?" Corey asked.

"Proud!  Thank you for giving me this truck!"

Is that not cute?  I went to bed last night thinking about those precious moments and wishing I could hang on to them forever!