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Friday, August 12, 2011

Returning to Their Land

Being a mom is hard.  There, I said it.  I'm raising number 6 and I've earned the right to say it.  Don't get me wrong, being a mom is rewarding, fulfilling, and brings great joy...but it's hard.  As mothers, we pour our hearts and souls into each little vessel, giving of everything we know of, to give.  Sometimes we don't know what to give so we rely on prayer, guidance from the Lord, our own mothers, friends and even still...we're at a loss...so we just love.

The hardest part for me is pouring out my very life, giving my all and then watching grown children make choices that I would never have dreamed they would make.  Then, you just step back, pray, observe and have faith that what you did put in them is enough.  Enough to get them through wrong choices, through situations they shouldn't even be in.  Is that what we do to our Heavenly Father?  He pours Himself into us and whoops, there we go, walking down a path of destruction or calamity.

What does He do when His children take that path.  Remember the prodigal son.  The father didn't drag him back kicking and screaming.  He waited for him to get to his lowest point and when that son came home for the love he knew was there, his father ran to him, celebrated him and brought him back into the fold.  He had faith that his son would remember the blessings and the love he had poured into him and that he would return.

Scripture tells us a story of a mother weeping for her children.  Jeremiah 31:15-17 (NIV) says, A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more (rebelling).  "Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears," declares the Lord.  "They will return from the land of their enemy.  So there is hope for your future," declares the Lord.  "Your children will return to their own land."  What a promise!  What a hope!


Dear Ones, if you have grown children who look like they've left behind, all that you've poured into them.  If they seem to be looking for a life that can only lead to destruction, have hope in the mercy and grace of your Heavenly Father.  He will leave the 99 sheep to go look for the 1 who is missing.  He will use dire circumstances to remind them where they came from and the love they had there!

Yes, as a mom, sometimes it's hard, but we find our peace and strength in the joy of the Lord.  And we can rest, knowing that He cares for our children even more than we do.  I thank God that He watches over all my children and gives me the peace to wait for them when I need it!

From His Lap,

34 comments:

  1. Lisa, Several of my sons have chosen a life that is so contrary to their up bringing. My heart is grieved for the loss they have allowed to come into their lives and ours, but, like you say, the Lord is mindful of them...He loves them even more then I do. He will put the right people and experiences in their lives that will give them every opportunity to grow.

    Sometimes I feel like I have wearied the Lord with my pleadings.

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  2. Erin, your children are beautiful and I don't have a doubt in my mind that you are such amazing mother and positive role model in their lives. What a blessing. I can only imagine the range of emotions that comes over you with 6 children.
    I know there were plenty a times my mother worried...I tried to always b honest...telling the truth no matter what.
    I know God is watching over you and your beautiful family.
    Have a wonderful weekend! Xo
    Maria :)

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  3. Becky Jane,
    He never tires of hearing from you! You just keep speaking His promises where your children are concerned!!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  4. Maria,
    Thank you so much for your kind words. We are never sure of the legacy that we have left our children. I worried my mom at times too, so this is something that has gone on since Adam & Eve!
    Bless you for your kindness!
    ~Erin

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  5. Sweet Erin,
    I know personally the depth of concern you are feeling. I wish I were closer so I could put my arms around you and tell you that you really can trust the Most High God to supply your every need....I know you already know that but I want you to know I am standing with you and I will pray for you and your man child.....Don't take it personally, even though that's hard, it's not about you because I know he loves you. He's just trying to find his way and sometimes take they take the wrong road. But God will guide him back in His time.

    Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will give you peace......the kind where you take a deep breath....

    Hugs and blessings,
    Nancy

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  6. Beautiful post my dear sweet Erin! "Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears," declares the Lord. "They will return from the land of their enemy. So there is hope for your future," declares the Lord. "Your children will return to their own land." Touched my heart so deeply as you are well aware. Sometimes as a parent, we are forced into letting go and letting God. That is my focus now. Big hugs to you my sweet friend~MR

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  7. Nancy,
    I treasure your thoughts and prayers! They do find their way back home, don't they!! I could feel your hugs!
    You are a blessing!
    ~Erin

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  8. Oh, Mitzi, I'm getting lots of hugs here today and I need everyone of them. I'm sending one back your way. She will rise up and call you blessed!
    Love you,
    ~Erin

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  9. I have a prodigal. That was the reason I started my blog, because God led me to a pond and healed my heart before there was a return. I was convinced to share. I had to really learn how my hope, peace, and joy really were in Him and I could go on despite the circumstances. I know He watches over my precious one and I believe he will return all the way some day.
    Praying for all prodigals!

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  10. Thank you for sharing that with me, Kristin. It gives me hope to see that other moms are believing for the same thing. He DOES watch over our prodigals. Thank you for blessing me!
    ~Erin

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  11. Oh, Erin... I so needed these encouraging words. My heart has been broken for several years waiting for my daughter to return to Him. She has so much anger toward me and her Heavenly Father. I try to keep my eyes on Him but sometimes I feel so alone and such a failure as a mom. This post was such a blessing to me. Thank you!

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  12. Donna,
    Look how many of us moms are in the same boat! Isn't it encouraging to know that moms everywhere are on their faces before God, praying for their prodigals. Rest in knowing that He loves her so much!!! We can't all be failures, right??
    You are a blessing to me!
    ~Erin

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  13. Wise words of experience Erin, for those of us yet to travel down that road. It's hard to look in the twinkling eyes of my three year old girl and imagine the challenges ahead, but I'm not foolish, I know they will come. Thank goodness for grace, big enough for me and big enough for her!

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  14. Beck,
    You are so right...it's all in His Grace, in His Grace. I love what you said, "it's big enough for me and big enough for her." Always remember that!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  15. Hi Erin - This is such an encouragement. My daughter is 18 and starting to discover her independence and I think I pray more now than ever before for her. I am trusting in the Lord to keep her close and not let her slip too far into the world. Its hard not to want to drag them back kicking and screaming!
    God bless
    Tracy

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  16. Very touching Erin; I encountered the same experience with my oldest daughter, and after a lot of guilt and blame and many tears I finally turned it over to God completely. My emotions and prayers went down a different path of hope and trust in the situation and I am overjoyed that she is now in a perfect place in her life! :)

    Many hugs and prayers that God will keep your child safe and lead him on the journey home soon! :)

    Denise

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  17. Erin, Your words brought me much needed encouragement today. I have four grown children, and I know that you need to let go and let God. They are God's children, too, and He loves them even more than we can. A mother's prayers are precious, and avail much. Keep praying. God makes all things beautiful in His time.

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  18. Tracy, that's the best thing you can do!!! Keep her covered in prayer. She will always know her mama and God are there for her!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  19. Denise,
    I'm so glad your daughter has gotten to a perfect place in her life! She what the prayers of a mom can accomplish. God loves mamas on their knees!

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  20. Patti,
    I'm so glad that my post brought you encouragement. It's so hard to "let go and let God". Be He won't ever fail your children!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  21. I have a daughter who I pray over regularly. I know God will lead her back where she needs to be. The waiting is hard.

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  22. Terri,
    The waiting is hard. Rest in his grace knowing that she will return one day to her land. The prayers of a righteous mama avail much! Maybe all of us moms should be praying for each other!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  23. Dear Erin: this is a beautiful entry, and reading it to Sara Maclaughlin's song which I love so much only made it more lovely. As a mother of five sons and stepmother of two daughters, I am blessed to understand what love is in a very fortunate way. I know I don't know it all yet, but every day is a precious learning experience. My third grandson is on his way!
    When I get uneasy, I feel my own dear father's wings close over me in comfort, if I am feeling lost or confused. I am always here for our children, with my loving husband close by by side. Amazingly, they are always here for us, as well. It is a source of wonder to me.

    Thank you, jean

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  24. Aw, thank you, Jean! Your words are so encouraging and uplifting!
    I will get the Traveling Journal in the mail to you tomorrow. I can't wait for you to get it!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  25. What a great post and inspirational as always. That's why I love to read your posts and to visit; to read the many life stories and to really appreciate your posts. That's probably I awarded you the 'Blog on Fire' award because your blog is truly 'muy caliente'.
    Wishing you the best and have a wonderful weekend,
    Barbara
    Español para Niños (Spanish for Kids)

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  26. Barbara,
    You rock!! Gracias gpor el premio! I never thought of my blog as muy caliente before! Woo hoo!!!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  27. Thank you, Erin. I am in constant prayer for my adult children and too easily fall into hopelessness. Thank you for these scriptures. It is amazing how worries over your prodigals can consume you!

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  28. So happy you stopped by, Shanda! You are so right about worry! Scripture and prayer gives us hope and chases worry away!
    You are always a blessing!
    ~Erin

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  29. I know this is and will be an encouragement to many people. Thanks for sharing your heart. Yes, it is hard to be a mom, but oh, so rewarding!
    Susan

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  30. Thank you, Susan! I know you know what it's like! Our babies are covered by the blood of Jesus!!!
    I love you!
    ~Erin

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  31. Erin,
    I was just talking about you and your family last night to Mr. Fishy... You are an amazing example and it is through your love of the Lord you will continue to reach people... thank you... I am watching... and changing...
    Love ya,
    Lisa

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  32. Oh Lisa,
    That means more to me than you will ever know! Thank you and bless you! You inspire me with your encouragement and joy!!!
    Love you!
    ~Erin

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  33. This is my first time at your blog. I'm a follower! My friend has a daughter who went off the deep end. I sent her this post. My friend is not very emotional, but she said your post was so wonderful it made her cry. That's saying a lot for her!! She really needed to hear that! You touch more people than you'll ever know. From Tennessee.......

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  34. Oh, my goodness, I will pray for your friend, FM! I know the pain that it causes when one of your own is lost. A mom's heart can't find perfect peace if it is always aching for a child.
    Thanks for letting me know!!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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Thank you for giving us a little nugget of truth from your heart!

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