We Bless All the Mothers

By: Nancy H. Abiera

 

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” Proverbs 30:31

“Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.” Ephesians 6:2-3

I just love the month of May. Why? It’s because of the following reasons for celebrations: National Day of Prayer, my birthday and Mother’s Day.

Happy Mothers Day to all!!! We bless all the mothers for who they are and for all they have done. Motherhood is a very challenging yet honorable vocation. Looking back thirty years ago when I first got pregnant, I was very delighted. Then the day came, Nathan was born and the challenges of being a mother began.

I never realized how hard it was balancing my roles as a wife, mother, employee, and church leader. It was such a different experience compared to the Philippines where there was so much family support and full-time maids available.

On the bright side, my life was radically changed when I became a mother. My selfishness stretched to selflessness which greatly helped me mature fast. Motherhood surely brought transformation in my life.

When it was time for the baptism/dedication of my firstborn, I was caught in a dilemma. My husband and I had different religions. Questions popped up in my mind: “Which faith tradition should we go?” I remembered my mother and father’s counsel to have unity in faith. I prayed about it and eventually decided to have our son baptized in the Christian Church. During the ceremony, I remembered three questions the pastor asked: “Who is your Lord and Savior?” I responded, “Jesus.” “Will you renounce any form of darkness and reject evil ways? Will you raise your child in the Christian faith and promise to teach him to know, honor and love The Lord our God?” I answered, “I will, with God’s help.” This was the best decision I made for myself and family. In addition to “a family that prays together stays together,” I also believe a united family agrees and are stronger together. There is power in agreement.

I started reading and meditating on the Bible which helped me greatly in the day-to-day challenges. This inspired me to change some of my values and beliefs. I began to recognize the power of the Word of God influencing every aspect of my being. My thoughts, words and actions started agreeing with my heart. This brought me unspeakable joy and inner peace that money can’t buy.

Fast forward to this past weekend, I rejoiced celebrating my birthday and Mother’s Day. I had a wonderful time with my husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends at the “Transforming My Now” gathering. It was a blast!!! Most of all, my firstborn son gave me a very touching Mother’s Day card which deeply inspired me.

“Dear Mom, I love the way you live your life with grace and gratitude. You see the sacred and the simple and find joy in the everyday. And the way you bless others with such pure love and kindness is a reflection of all that’s good and true. You’re a light and a gift and you make my world a better, more beautiful place to be. Happy Mother’s Day! (Carlton Card, USA)

P.S.

I thought, this was the perfect card for you and sums up how people see you. I love you always, Nathan”

A mother is likened to God in the eyes, lips and hearts of precious young children. Genesis 1:27 says “God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.” And that includes mothers. Let us all honor our mothers not just on Mothers Day but everyday.. Smile and be a blessing.

Dr. Jonathan Abiera, Rev. Nancy Abiera (Pastors of Global Glory Congregation, Rockford Illinois) and Dr. Tafforest Brewer, (Pastor of House of Faith, Bloomington, Illinois) all speakers at the gathering of “Transforming My Now”. The next gathering will be in Bloomington, Illinois..

Abiera Four-Generations-Family with Dr. Belinda John (Founder of Shulamite Women SW). Nancy Abiera and Dr. Jonathan Abiera at the First Gathering on “Transforming My Now” in Rockford, Illinois for men and women of all ages.

 

ONE MORE DESPEDIDA PARTY FOR VERNIE & BOB MORALES

Just one more despedida dinner out of a series of despedida parties in honor of beloved couple Vernie & Bob Morales hosted by Flor & Don Kramer at Siam Cafe in Niles, IL. L-R: Flor Kramer, Veronica, Vernie Morales, Bob Morales, Joe Mauricio and Flor Kramer. Vernie, who has served as Regional Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism for 15 years, is being transferred to PDOT Manila at the closure of its Chicago office April 2015. You will surely be missed, Bob & Vernie!