Ruth Bell Graham was a wonderful example of the legacy that a godly woman can have as she serves her family in the sphere where God has placed her.

Ruth was born in China to missionary parents. She came to Christ at a young age and was full of zeal to reach the lost. Could Ruth’s mother have imagined the plans God had for her daughter? Ruth believed she would never marry and would stay in China as a missionary. Instead, the Lord led her to marry Billy Graham, who would become the greatest evangelist of the 20th century.

Ruth’s life was not an easy one. Billy’s work as an evangelist took him to all corners of the earth. Ruth faithfully served at home, out of the spotlight, raising their five children. Often Billy would be gone for weeks or months on end.  Many wives in Ruth’s circumstance might have become bitter.  But Ruth always seemed to think of Billy, how she might bless him and minister to him. She was not consumed with getting her husband to serve her needs. She was passionate about ministering to him as he served others.

Ruth faithfully prayed for her children, and loved them unconditionally. Two of the five Graham children were prodigals in their youth. Franklin Graham, who is now president of Samaritan’s Purse and a worldwide evangelist in his own right, credits his parents love with bringing him back to the Lord. Every one of the Graham’s five children is walking with the Lord and serving in public ministry today.  Franklin’s son Will follows in his father’s and grandfather’s’ footsteps as he preaches the Gospel at crusades around the world.

At her funeral, Ruth’s daughter said these words: “I don’t believe Mother has adequately been recognized and honored for what she had done because, without her, Daddy’s ministry would not have been possible. How does one live with one of the world’s most famous men?

“God began training my mother for this position years ago in China. Her parents exercised a profound effect upon the development of her character, and laid the foundations for who she was. What she witnessed in her family home, she practiced for herself–dependence on God in every circumstance, love for His Word, concern for others above self, and an indomitable spirit displayed with a smile.”

I wish I knew more about Ruth’s own mother. Did she live to see the fruit of her own faithfulness to the Lord as it was revealed in the character and life of her daughter, and ultimately in her grandchildren and great grandchildren?  Both Ruth and her mother spent their lives serving their families, and we see in their legacy a testimony of multi-generational faithfulness.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 28-31

July’s featured blogger post is from Glenys Hicks at Sacrifical Home. If you would like to join our blogroll and become a featured blogger, click here.

God allows things to come into our lives for a reason — and often that reason is so that we may, in some way, be a comfort to others.

These are just some ideas and some things that I have found to be helpful whether it’s physical pain, or emotional pain, or really any kind of painful situation. God made each one of us differently, so what is helpful to me may not be helpful to you — but perhaps one or two of these ideas will be an encouragement — and I know for sure that anything related to the Bible will be helpful to anyone and everyone, because the Word of God never returns void — it always accomplishes a good work when put to use in any one’s life.

God has been so gracious and so good to me. Yes, every day and every night I have pain in my body that never goes away. It hurts to walk, it hurts to talk, it hurts to lay down to sleep, it hurts to fix my hair, it hurts to get dressed, it hurts to drive… it just hurts all the time, and it’s not going to go away, unless God chooses to take it away, and that’s His business. But whether or not He ever takes it away, as a wife and mother and Christian, I still need to be involved and maintain a happy spirit for those around me. By no means do I need sympathy — prayer, yes! Sympathy, no.

It is very important to focus on the goodness of God — every day — but especially when you are in constant pain or prolonged discouraging circumstances. Pain is powerful and distracting. Sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can make it better. These are the times that we need to realize that God is with us and He is truly all we need. There are times when all you can do to deal with the pain is to focus on God. That’s not a hyper-spiritual-make-ya-feel-good catch-phrase…it’s the truth.

How do I focus on God? I have a certain place where I sit, and a certain Bible that I use and a notebook beside that Bible. Again, this is just a testimony — I’m not giving advice — what works for me might be different than what works for you — but these are the things that have helped me live with chronic pain for many, many years.

First and foremost, above all else….get to know God. Get to know Him intimately. God is truly the only safe one, the only safe place to pour out your heart, without fear of rejection or consequence. Developing a close relationship with someone only comes by spending time with them. No shortcuts there! If you want to know God better, spend time with Him! You may not notice it right away, but if you continue to meet Him every day, at the same time, in the same place if possible, you will discover a closeness that is unexplainable, sustainable, and unmatched by any human relationship.

For many years, I spent time with God in the early morning hours. Eventually my health declined to where I was not able to get up in the mornings any longer. I now meet with Him as soon as I am physically able, usually by 10am. It took a few months to feel comfortable in a new place, a new time and a new way to spend time with my God. But for me personally, spending time with God is not just a sweet little daily ritual — it’s survival, plain and simple. I am the kind of person that can get off track easily and distracted by circumstances if I don’t get my time with God. It’s a necessity and it means the difference in every day between success or failure, joy or discouragement.

[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8

Glenys Hicks lives in Australia where she is a married mother/stepmother of six adult children and twelve grandchildren. She loves to encourage Christian women in their walk as wives, mothers, and homemakers. As a chronically ill woman, she has particular empathy for the struggles of others.

Hello all! My name is Tracey, and I am the most recent addition here at Mentoring Moments. Since I am new, I want to share a bit about who I am and how I got here. I grew up in a small town with an awesome family. My parents are still married to each other and still live in the house they built in 1972. I am the oldest of their four daughters. The whole family went to church every week, and I accepted Christ at age ten. I wish I could say that from that point, I found God’s path for me and never once veered from it. However, I cannot.

This small-town girl always had big-city plans. After leaving my hometown, I made some poor choices and traveled a path that obviously was not God’s best for me. In his grace and mercy, He allowed me to turn back to him. Soon after, my high school sweetheart made a reappearance and almost 18 years and four children later we remain committed to each other. Our family has moved frequently and is currently living in rural Georgia and loving it here. It is humbling when you realize what you want is what you already had.

Today I am many things: Christian, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I try to play an active part in my local church and community by teaching a women’s Sunday school class, facilitating Bible studies and contributing my time and resources to causes that I feel led to support. Although I work outside the home part time, my most important job is there as wife and mother. At home, I keep the kids clean, fed and mostly on schedule for the various activities each one has chosen. I also “help” my husband with the home improvement projects we are always working to finish. In my spare time I read a lot, sing (badly) a lot and write a lot. To learn more about the Cagle crew and me, check out my blog: Reflections in a One Light Town at http://reflectionsonelighttown-tracey.blogspot.com.

Because of the fantastic work of God in my own life, I know that His love never fails. It is my hope to share that message with those whose path might have also taken a wrong turn. So many think that the mistakes of the past define their future, I am living proof that it does not have to be that way.

Editor’s note: Diane Hale shared this moving reminder of  the power of prayer through her daily devotional Morning Light some time back. God did it before, do you believe He can move mightily in our nation once again? Would you join with MMCW and pray for revival in our nation? Follow us on Facebook as we share scriptures to  pray over our nation.

It was 1857. America had been prosperous and felt little need to call on God. In July, a church in New York City was losing members so they contacted a businessman named Jeremiah Lanphier. He was hired to visit the neighbors in an attempt to improve attendance. But his efforts were discouragingly unsuccessful.

So Jeremiah asked, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” The Lord answered with one word, “Prayer.”

In response, he rented a room and advertised a prayer meeting.

His announcement was hauntingly poetic:

When Should I Pray?
As often as the language of prayer is in my heart;
As often as I see my need of help;
As often as I feel the power of temptation;
As often as I become aware of spiritual decline,
Or if I feel the effects of an aggressive worldly spirit.
In prayer we exchange the business of time, for that of eternity.
In prayer we pause from contact with men, for contact from God.

The meeting day arrived and no one showed up. After Jeremiah prayed alone for the first half-hour, about six men wandered in. But the next week, on October 7th, forty intercessors showed up.

On October 10th, 1857 the stockmarket crashed and one of the greatest panics in American history swept away the giddy structure of speculative wealth. Banks failed, factories were shut down and vast numbers of people were abruptly thrown out of employment.

But the prayer meeting was bursting out of the building!

Within six months, ten thousand businessmen were gathering daily for prayer in New York. As a direct result, noontime prayer meetings began breaking out in cities all across the country. Every day buildings across America were jam-packed with people praying. Within two years, a million converts were added to American churches. (Only 30 million people were living in the U.S. at the time.)

The informal prayer meeting style was open for anyone to participate. They could pray aloud, encourage the others with testimony or a song…as long as they finished in five minutes or less. That five-minute limit allowed many seekers to participate. Previously, the church had usually been directed by professional ministers.

Ted Lavigne, a pastor and historian, says simply, “This ‘prayer meeting’ revival brought conviction to America, and it can happen again when the conditions are met. People prayed, God moved.”

Our hope is not for the disintegration of the financial system, but that God would bless us and make us a blessing. In light of the troubling times on Wall Street, CBN.com published a fascinating 3-minute clip. (Click on the link below. Then click play below the Fulton sign). Be inspired by this revolution that God sparked through this humble businessman. Forward it to your friends; meet and pray. Who knows? Maybe He will spark a revolution through you!

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2007/September/Spiritual-Rally-on-Wall-Street/

Author Unknown

The wisest investment a person can make is an investment in the life of another person. We have a golden opportunity to affect and influence the lives of others by taking the time to mentor. The Titus 2 relationship is one that fulfills God’s command to teach the women who are younger than us and thus, influence lives and future generations. If you are seeking a life of significance, think about the impact you can have on our world by mentoring. Consider the ways that God can use you to mentor.

What are the Characteristics of a Mentor?
* A mentor is not necessarily someone who is older in years, but is one who is ahead in her walk with the Lord and in mothering.

* Mentoring can be informal.  It means being available, sharing insights, thoughts, perspective and walking alongside another woman in her journey.

* A mentor listens to her mentee and prays with her.

* A mentor doesn’t have to know all the answers, but she points her mentee in the direction of the One who can provide all answers (Christ).

* A mentor is real – sharing her own past mistakes, hurts, failures and disappointments, as well as sharing how she got through those times.

* Use your own gifts and talents to mentor – not everyone will mentor in the same way.

What Mentoring has Meant to Me
* It has been a joy to see those whom I’ve mentored go on to mentor others.

* It is a blessing to observe growth and development in the lives of the women whom I’ve mentored.

* Seeing the women develop a hunger and passion for God’s Word, for spiritual fellowship with one another, and for seeking a true intimacy with God has encouraged  me.

* “Iron sharpens iron.”  The women I have mentored have sharpened me – I have had to “walk the walk and talk the talk” by being an example to them.

Paula Daniel
Paula Daniel, married to Doug for 27 years. Mother of two sons, Paul (24) and Kyle (18) and two very lively dogs. Became an empty-nester this year and after an adjustment period grew to enjoy the extra time for my husband. I enjoy Precepts Bible studies and mentoring younger women, especially young mothers. I’ve discovered Pilates this year and am enjoying it very much.

(I realize all of our readers are not Americans, but the spiritual analogy behind what I’ve written below holds true for citizens of any country. We, as believers, are all citizens of a heavenly country.  Vicki Huffman)

In 1776 about 50 legislators gathered in Philadelphia to debate a revolutionary document—the Declaration of Independence. Congress, realizing the seriousness of the situation, called for a day of national fasting and prayer on May 17^th. The debate on the document continued until July 4^th when it was ready for the final vote.

A few were still cautious so John Witherspoon, a minister in the delegation, spoke:  “There is a tide in the affairs of men. We perceive it now before us. To hesitate is to consent to our own slavery. That noble instrument should be subscribed to this very morning by every pen in this house. Though these gray hairs must soon descent to the sepulcher, I would infinitely rather that they descend thither by the hand of the executioner than desert at this crisis the sacred cause of my country.”

On July 8^th the people of Philadelphia waited expectantly in the streets. That morning the bellringer of the State House had gone to his post determined that his bell would be the first to peal forth the news. He waited a long time. Finally he heard his boy shouting: “Ring! Ring!” Grasping the iron tongue, he swung the huge bell to and fro—a bell that was inscribed with the words of Leviticus 25:10: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”

The crowded streets were filled with cheering. As other bells echoed the message of the Liberty Bell, the people celebrated the beginning of a new land founded on the premise of “liberty and justice for all.”

Liberty comes in different ways—to countries and to individuals. During World War II, an Englishman was held in a German prison camp for a long time. One day he read in his Bible: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). He prayed, “Father, I see all these men dying around me. Will I also have to die here? I am still young and want very much to work in Your kingdom here on earth.” God’s answer came to him: “Rely on what you have just read and go home!”

The man got up and walked into the corridor toward the gate. A guard called out, “Prisoner, where are you going?” He replied, “I am under the protection of the Most High.” The guard snapped to attention and let him pass because Adolf Hitler was known as the “Most High.”

The same scene was repeated with a group of guards at the gate. They all stood at attention while the prisoner “under the protection of the Most High” walked out a free man. He made his way through the German countryside and eventually reached England. He was the only prisoner who came out of that camp alive.

Jesus Christ, the Most High, has set us free from the bondage of sin and death. We have been freed to serve, not to waste away in the prison camp of misery and despair. The Most High has set us free to proclaim liberty to an imprisoned world.

How do we become truly free? By relying on the truth we read in God’s Word and acting on it. Jesus said, “Then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32, NIV).

We obtain our freedom only when we are willing to sign a declaration of dependence on Him.

MMCW is blessed with a wonderful staff of women and it’s time for some introductions! Every month or so one of the staff will share a bit about herself. Feel free to comment back–we love hearing from you all!

Hi, everyone!  It’s introduction time for me and I’d like to let you know a little bit about who I am and what I do.

I’m a Christian Canadian woman, beloved wife, and homeschool mom of four kids – two boys and two girls.  They are ages 15, 13, 11 and 9.

Some things I’m not so fond of are cold feet at night, mice, pulling weeds, and bananas (even the smell of them).  But I love things like fair trade organic coffee, cooking gourmet and ethnic dishes, writing, and dreaming about house designs.

My husband and I have done a lot of moving – sometimes within Canada, other times within the United States.  In the first ten years of married life we moved nine times.  Now we’ve been in the same place for seven years!   We’re in Canada now in an itty-bitty town surrounded by farmers and beautiful skies.  Of all the places I’ve ever lived or visited, I have to say that the best skies, clouds, sunsets and sunrises are right here where we live now… on the Manitoba prairies.

I have a passion for mentoring and training young people.  I spend every Friday afternoon and evening with other people’s kids (and my own) because I love them.  I’m slowly beginning a ministry to help moms mentor their kids and their kids’ friends.  It’s wonderful to see what God is doing!

For most of our married life, my husband travelled a lot for work and I was at home with the kids.  For this reason I have a soft spot in my heart for Married ‘Single’ Moms.  I’m quite passionate about helping women in this situation stay engaged in their marriages and see their circumstances from God’s perspective.  You can read more about this as well as tidbits of my family life at www.carlaannecoroy.blogspot.com.   I’d like to encourage any of you who feel like you are a Married ‘Single’ Mom to visit the blog and fill out the survey I am taking for my soon-to-be-published book.

Please leave a comment and introduce yourself!  There are so many readers and I’ve never met any of you, so please, don’t be shy!  What’s your name, state or province, and what things are you not so fond of and what do you love?

The house was full of cheers, whooping and dancing!  Three kids were louder than any hockey game when the winning goal is shot.  It was amazing!

Why?

Because they found the library books that are so overdue… well, let’s not go there!

It reminded me of a parable that Jesus told of a man who found a treasure in a field.  He found the treasure and then hid it again.  Then he went and sold everything he had.  He bought the field with all of his money just so he could dig up the treasure and own it outright.  That’s how we’re supposed to hunt for God.

I’ve been getting tired of the emails and phone calls reminding me that these books are overdue.  We’ve looked before, to no avail.  Today I made a rash statement:  You can’t eat supper until you find the books!  I wanted them to search like their lives depended on it (okay it wasn’t their lives, but it was their dinner which is pretty much the same if you are a growing kid!).

Much dismay, grumbling, crying and stomping ensued.  (Yes, that happens at my house, too!)  After ten measly minutes, they all came back with whines of how impossible it was.  One even promised that deep in memory-land he knew he had returned the books… he just knew it and the library was making mistakes.  They said some unkind things to me and each other and thought the threat of no supper was truly unreasonable.

Many times I am just that stubborn.  It’s like God says to me that if I dig a little deeper, read a little longer, serve a little more, pray with more earnestness, fast with more willingness… then I’ll find a treasure – God Himself.  Yet I crank and complain:  I’m too tired in the morning and I fall asleep at night.  You mean I have to give up a good book in order to find you in the Word?  Yeah, there are days that I wonder if the hunt will be worth the treasure.

Yet, when the cheering started I knew in my heart that nowhere on earth were there children more excited to find library books than the ones in my house today.

And so it is with my daily hunt.  As I sit in my rocking chair or snuggle in the corner of the couch and read words I’ve read before, slowly bits of His heart seep into mine.  I see things I haven’t seen before, read things I’m sure I haven’t read before and understand things more clearly than ever before.

You won’t usually find me cheering and hollering when I find a treasure in His Word… at least not in the house!  But if you read my journals, chat with me on the phone and watch carefully even here on the blog you will find my heart leaping for joy and running to my Savior with joy, thanksgiving and praise.  (There is the odd occasion that I’ll race through the house but, because my prayer times are usually when everyone else is asleep, I have to do it on tip-toes!)

I want to challenge you today:  Go on a hunt.  Find the treasure God has stored for you in His Word and through prayer.  He says that He has hidden eternity in your heart–why not look for it?  As women we need all the treasure we can find–and He’s waiting to be found.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)

To leave a comment:

• If you are reading this post in email form, click the article headline. This will take you to the article on MMCW’s website.
• Scroll down until you see the box entitled ‘Speak Your Mind’.
• Enter your name, email (it will not be published) and your website or blogsite if you have one (you do not have to have one).
• Click on the big empty space and then begin typing your comments.
• When you are done, click ‘submit comment’.  That’s it!  We look forward to hearing from YOU!

“One final word, friends…” [1 Thessalonians 4:1 The Message]

Let that statement hold you for a moment…one final word…from a friend, a great man of God…a man with an all consuming love of Christ as His goal—one final word—listen and take this to heart this morning.

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality” [ v. 3 NIV]. In a world gorging itself on pornography and promiscuity man will become whatever his eye beholds and will bear fruit according to what is sown into his heart.   Take heed to this word because it is written. ”Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” [Matthew 5:8].

“That each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust…” [v. 4-5 NIV]. Remember the words of David and honor the body God has given you, ”I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” [Psalm 139:14].

“And that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him…” [v. 6 NIV]

The heart of the Father is in relationships—relationships that He has made holy through Jesus Christ. ”For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” [v. 7 NIV]

In the Message Eugene Peterson writes it this way: “If you disregard this advice, you’re not offending your neighbors, you’re rejecting God, who is making you a gift of His Spirit. Be God taught this morning and receive the great gift of His Spirit which will make you more than a conqueror.”

Related Readings:  Psalm 51:10-12; Romans 8:37-39

Diane Hale
For the past 30 years, Diane has served as evangelist, trainer, teacher, mentor, and consultant for churches of many denominations. To visit her website, click here.

I’m generally a happy, joy-filled person.  I try not to put voice to my complaints.  But it’s easier to control the tongue than the mind.  My words either confirm the negative thoughts or rage a new battle:  renew the mind with the thoughts of Christ.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12: 2

This morning I knew that a gloomy cloud hung near.  This week and last held news that were heavy burdens for me to carry, a precious friend struggling with cancer, mounting financial concerns for many around us and surprise bumps in our own lives.  I sat quietly, disappointed at my own discouragement.  I could feel myself succumbing to despair.  Wanting to put words to my feelings, I said out loud, “I just feel as though someone has let the air out of my sails.”  Ever felt that way?

I pictured myself in a little sailboat, floating along when suddenly my craft came to a halt.  You’ve heard the expression  “dead in the water.”  That was me.

Why do I need to go from sailing along to stillness…not a breeze in sight …and no where near the shore?  Isn’t that abrupt?  But life is like that sometimes.

I’m seasoned enough to know when a lesson is coming so instead of complaining, I began listening.  Then I heard it:  “Be still and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10  Not just “Know that I am God….but BE STILL and know that I am God.  Notice the command?  It wasn’t a suggestion…not even a strong suggestion, rather a command to obey!  I would have missed that had my sailboat gone sailing along on its happy-go-lucky way.

It’s all right when the winds die down and your seaworthy vessel sits idle on a beautiful clear day or even amongst threatening gray clouds.  When you’re caught in the stillness of life, remember that He is God.  Put Him at the helm of your life so that when the breeze picks up again, be it a gentle breeze or a gusty gale, you’ve reevaluated Who mans the vessel you’re traveling in.

My friend will still do battle against the cancer, many I care about will still struggle with finances, and I’ll have my share of stormy days, but thankfully I’m seaworthy again because my thoughts are focused on a truth:  He is GOD.

I’m in no hurry for my sails to fill now.  I’m comfortable where I am … in the stillness with Him.