A Tribute to Mom

A mother's love who can bear, only those who have no heart.  This past Friday, I received word at midnight that my mother went to be with the Lord at 10:30pm at night.  She was being comforted by my niece, Kelly, who was cradling my mother's face with her hands and singing "Jesus loves me."

Words cannot explain the feelings of love, admiration and comfort that I have when it comes to my mom, so I am not even going to try.  She has taught me to love.  She has taught me to be gracious even when the circumstances call for poor reactions, not that I always listened.

The thing that you learn from people in death is the special things about that person that may not have been constantly reminded.  I don't say that to offend, rather, I say that as to remind us how busy we let life get and how often we forget the things that matter so much: Family & Friends.

My mother's death is bitter sweet.  Bitter because she is no longer here on earth for my dad and to be with my dad.  Bitter because I love her so much and I get welled up when I think of how much she loves me.  The sweet comes in knowing that she is in Heaven.  Knowing that she is no longer in pain, no longer tired and no longer frustrated with poor health - she has been redeemed and been made anew in Christ.

I look forward to the day when I know that I will meet her again.  In the meantime, I pray, "Dear Lord, please be gracious to my dear mom as she loves you and I so.  Please give her all the comfort and joy that you can while she is away from us.  And Lord, if it be your will, remind me of the little things of her every so often so as to make my soul no longer yearn, but to feel the depth and warmth of your Love."

The Lord gives and He takes away, but blessed be His name.

I love you mom,

Your Son,

Dante

Grace Based Parenting Video Study Giveaway

Could you use some help on parenting? It might be as easy as pushing a button!

In two weeks, I'm leading a small group study of Grace Based Parenting Part 1.  We have around 9-10 couples participating and it should be interesting.  

Here's a chance to win Part II of this Video Study by simply following the directions below from the Family Matter Blog.

You love your kids.  You feed them, clothe them, give them an education, and fix their broken bones.  But what if there is something more…

Remember when we gave away a Grace Based Parenting Video Study (Part I) to all of you? Well – we’re THRILLED to announce that we just recently released the second part!

This second part of the Grace Based Parenting small group video study will give parents the confidence and skills to raise kids who flourish in their culture by building character for life.

The Grace Based Parenting Video Study (Part II) is a dynamic study ideal for small groups, church classes and individuals.  Regardless of the health and dynamics of a family configuration, Grace Based Parenting works!

And the best news??!!! We want our Family Matters Blog readers to be the first to have a copy of it! We’re giving away a copy of the Grace Based Parenting Video Study (Part II) (a $130 value!) to one lucky FM Blog reader – woohoo!!!

Like all of our giveaways, you have to do a little something…

WIN IT!

Post a comment here telling us which 2 products from our store you would especially love to have.

After completing the above mandatory first entry method, you can gain additional entries by doing any or all of the following (but be sure to leave a different comment for each thing you do!): 1.Follow Family Matters on Twitter 2. “Like” Family Matters on Facebook OR 3. Blog about this contest

Giveaway ends Friday, January 14th at midnight. Winner is chosen randomly and will be announced here as soon as they’ve accepted the prize.