Mother’s Day

Posted on May 8, 2016 by jberdych

Mother, Mom, Mommy, Mama, a day to honor those who gave us life, regardless of our age or gender.

Grandma Noah 2

As a mom, it is the probably the one day I treasure the most. Is there any higher calling? I think not. Having been told I would never have children and then to birth two and adopt one has been one of the greatest joys I have known. But it’s also a day with painful memories, having been brought up by a mother who didn’t know her true calling and transferred her pain to her children. Maybe that is why it is such an important day for me. I’ve experienced the best and worst of what the day can mean and choose to focus on that which is good.

Over the years I’ve heard more often from others regarding the negative words Mother’s Day has attached to it.

  • Loss, as “Mother” is not a title many will own for a variety of reasons
  • Heartache, as “Mom” is the most difficult title to own and live up to
  • Pain, as Mommy wasn’t capable of raising children in a happy or safe environment
  • Sorrow, for the longing of a beloved Mama no longer here

Regardless of who we are, we can relate to one or more of the above.

What molds us as a person is what we do with those emotions, are you:

  • Bitter
  • Full of regret
  • Angry
  • Resentful
  • Grateful
  • Thankful
  • Blessed
  • Forgiving
  • Accepting

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

So on this Mother’s Day what word do you choose?

As for me, I choose blessed. On the Journey, Jackie

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

On the Outside Looking In

Posted on April 24, 2016 by jberdych
outside-looking-in

Photo from Christ the Truth

Leaning on doorpost straining to hear, tears streaking my make-up, I felt like an outsider. Inside were friends. Friends singing, worshiping, praying, hearing Gods truth. Allergies to the scents in the room prevented me from joining in. While they all sought a quiet place in the room to seek God, I quietly slipped away to return home. Laughter, fellowship, food and fun were to follow.

Is this what the world sees when she looks into our church buildings? People singing, praying, laughing, smiling. Is this how the world feels when they are not a part? Alone? Vulnerable? Unworthy?

Are we putting up invisible barriers that prevents the world from coming in? By something we say? Or don’t say? Something we do? Or don’t do?

It’s been several years since that day. I’ve not been back. Not because I don’t want to be. Not because I’m not welcome. Because I can’t.

But what about the rest of the world? How many of them have “cant’s” in their life? Will they try again?

Who are the outsiders in your life? Are you still reaching out?

Feeling the pain of the outsider in the world, on the Journey, Jackie

Colossians 4:5

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Bacon and Eggs

Posted on April 17, 2016 by jberdych

It is funny the things you remember from your childhood. With my grandmother it is her fried bacon and eggs. She would make them for me on Saturday or Sunday mornings when I had spent the night.

She would fry the bacon until it was nice and crisp and then break two eggs into the bacon grease frying them up in her cast iron skillet until the white edges were crispy  (more grease and crispier than what is shown below) and the yolks warm and runny. 

cooking-eggs2

Photo from inthekitchenwithkath.com

I am allergic to pork, (and no, turkey bacon wouldn’t do) eggs and wheat, but what I wouldn’t give to sit at her table right now hearing the sizzling hot grease, smelling the bacon crisping up, the toast baking in her toaster knowing in minutes I would have the perfect eggs, salted, peppered and ready for me to dip my bacon into. 

 

breakfast2

Picture from inthekitchenwithkath.com

I don’t remember the conversations, but that could be because she didn’t talk much. But I can close my eyes and see her standing at the white gas stove, while I sat in my spot at the metal Formica top table waiting for her to join me.

formica-kitchen-table-ideas

I can see the tiny sink, counter and metal cupboards tucked into a corner, a fraction the size of most closets today. The old ice box with a small freezer on top for ice, sitting next to the wringer washer.

b078d7c0f1a0787b3b60d3a6f9ed07b8bradross5-21-2012-16-07-23

 

What will my grandchildren remember? Our camping trips? Baking cookies, making pizza? Sewing? The Christmas party string game?

I didn’t get my faith heritage from my family, but I have it to pass on. My prayer is that the in addition to the warmth, love and memories that are being built, my grandchildren will also see and experience the presence of God in my life and that those memories will become the greatest treasure they have.

Loving the Grandkids 2014

Psalm 71:18

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Passing on the faith and so much more. On the Journey, Jackie

Posted in Family, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Why This Story – A New Start

Posted on April 10, 2016 by jberdych

Sunrise His Mercies are newThis blog/journal started 2 years ago when I finally pushed “publish” after months of trepidation. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why the hesitation. I have a quilting blog, now going on its 5th year so it’s not because blogging was new to me. I thought it was because I wanted it to be well written and I am not a professional writer. But it was much more than that. I think it is because it is God’s story in my life and it is sacred and I wanted to do it well. I have come to realize that in my attempt to keep it sacred, I was really trying to keep it perfect. But I am far from perfect. In order for this to be authentic, it will be written by an imperfect me. Not that I want it to be done poorly, but if I wait until I have it all perfectly crafted it will never happen. So when you find the grammar and sentence structure errors, my prayer is you will look past them and see Him and not me. The story doesn’t change. It’s God work. Not mine.

The original reason for the God story is told on this page. But as time has passed, it is for much more. I have children and grandchildren that will be here long after I am gone. And while they will have their own stories to tell, I think it is important for them to be reminded of the stories before them. So Tom and Wendy, Kristen and Carlos, Melissa, Kynzi, Bryce, Camden, Colson, Caiden, Noah, Grace and Christian, this is for you. I love you and can’t imagine life without all of you.

Tom and Kristen, you heard this often while growing up and I’ll repeat it here as a reminder and to tell your own children, “Don’t take for granted your faith and all the promises and hope it brings.

A new and imperfect beginning on God’s Journey, Jackie

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Easter Blessings

Posted on March 27, 2016 by jberdych

He is Risen

Saved by grace by my risen Savior. On the Journey, Jackie

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Finding Hope

Posted on April 27, 2014 by jberdych

Job 11:18

     You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your                rest in safety.

When I was six years old there was a woman who would come and pick me up and bring me to church on Sunday’s. She wasn’t a friend or relative or neighbor because I remember conversations my parents would have about her that gave me the impression that they didn’t understand this woman’s motive. I know my brothers were invited to go along but I am not sure they ever did.

 

I remember little of the time with the woman other than she would hold my hand as we walked down the long tall corridors of the church. Our steps echoed in the hallways. In spite of the intimidating surroundings I felt safe. She has no face or name in my memory. I don’t remember if she was young or old, nor the sound of her voice. What I do remember is the safety, security and love I found when I was with her and I would draw on that memory when I faced times of fear and uncertainty as a child.

She gave me a glimpse of hope of something unseen, a picture of God in the flesh.

Still finding hope on the Journey in the kindness of others, Jackie

Posted in Hope, Rest, Safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Morning Glories

Posted on April 6, 2014 by jberdych

Lamentations 3:22-23                                                                                                                  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion’s never fail.      They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Morning Glories are one of my favorite flowers, though I have been told they were weeds. Weed or not, I consider them a sign of hope, and I have loved them since I was a child.

My mother had a friend, Lois, that I loved to go visit. She was kind, loving and gentle. She had a large house with many foster children and I used to wish I could go live with her. I realized that my desire to own a large home that was a safe place for children may have stemmed from the solace and safety I found at her house in spite of all the chaos 8-10 running, playing children could bring.

In her yard were morning glories. I was fascinated that they would open up in the morning and then be gone by afternoon. Like God’s mercy, new every morning.

Lois died young, with her my hope for a safe and fun place was lost, along with morning glories.

I have since learned and experienced God’s hope and yes His mercies are new every morning.

What brings you hope?

Experiencing God’s faithfulness each morning, on the Journey, Jackie

Posted in Compassion, Hope, Love, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Before I Was Born, I Was Set Apart

Posted on March 30, 2014 by jberdych

Jeremiah 1:5
     Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

I truly believe that God knows and call us to Himself before we are born.

Naturally I don’t remember life before I was born or even when I was very young. I do remember the conversations my parents and grandparents would have about me. Isn’t it funny how grown-ups will talk about you as if you are not in the room.

I wasn’t supposed to make it, though I am not sure why. I was born prematurely, and weighed just under 5 pounds but with no other issues that I am aware of. I was always sick and the doctor was called to the house many times. Pneumonia and hospitalizations was something that plagued me often in my infant through preschool years.

So while the discussions around me stated, “I would not make it” God knew otherwise. His words were not words of doubt, but one of hope and promise.

What words were spoken about or to you as a child? What was God saying about you?

Known and set apart before I was born, on the Journey, Jackie

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Your Servant is Listening

Posted on March 23, 2014 by jberdych

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” these are the words Eli told Samuel to say when God called Samuel’s name. (Samuel 3:9)

Samuel 3:1-9
     The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of  the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am. ” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.8 A third time he Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel! ”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Why did it take Eli three times to realize it was God calling Samuel? (Samuel 3:1-9)

Have you missed the call of God?

Do you have the courage of a child to utter the words, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening….”

Listening for the whisper of God on the Journey, Jackie

Posted in Servant, Trust | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment