Savannah Veale Memorial Fund
May 15, 2013 - Discussion
West Ridge Church will be hosting a viewing and Memorial Service for Savannah Joy Veale on Saturday, May 18th. Public viewing will take place from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Memorial Service will follow at 4:30pm. West Ridge is located at 3522 Hiram-Acworth Hwy, Dallas, GA 30157.
What Do Moms Really Want For Mother’s Day?
May 08, 2013 - by Rodney Hunt - DiscussionMother’s Day is this Sunday. Children and husbands will be scrambling to try and figure out what to get moms and what to do for moms on this special day.
Quite honestly we must get it wrong rather often. In a recent survey, only 3% of moms expect to get what they really want on Mother’s Day. So I set out to ask some different moms what they really wanted. Here are their answers. It may surprise you. Ultimately, I hope it gives you insight into the mom in your life.
Sincere appreciation for who they are and what they do.
This was the underlying theme to all the answers. They want to be appreciated. They don’t want forced appreciation but sincere appreciation. Whatever you decide to get or do for the mom in your life needs to communicate your genuine respect, admiration, and appreciation.
“I'd really like my kids to show in their own little way that they think of me as an individual who loves them instead of a maid, chauffeur, chef, and babysitter.”
“Understanding that I love them and want the best for them. Being treated as someone special. Not just on Mother's Day, but every day.”
“I want to know that I am loved and appreciated. In my world, a hug I didn't have to ask for would be great.”
“Tell her: "Hey mom, I was thinking about the time when you __________. That was a really great memory and I really appreciate that you did that for me. Thank you. I love you."
And every mom has a different love language. What shows appreciation to one mom won’t work for another mom. Which brings me to the next point.
Ask them what they would like or would like to do.
Take her desires and wishes into consideration. This communicates appreciation. One mom said she simply wanted to be the one to determine what was done that day. Some husbands and children just forget to simply ask. Ask the mom in your life, "What would you like for Mother’s Day?” or “Would you like to plan your day for Mother's Day or would you like us to surprise you?"
A handwritten card instead of a card written by someone else at a greeting card company.
It’s not that pre-written cards are bad, but a handwritten card typically better communicates that you took time to think about what makes her special.
“I have a 20 year old in college, and he has no money. So a lovely card with a handwritten note saying he appreciates me, and listing some reasons why would be all I want.”
"My son wrote me a letter that talked about some of our funny memories together, some of our difficult times and how we made them through them and why he thought I was an awesome Mom. It cost him zero dollars, but it was so thoughtful I know he put some time into it. (If you do this one don't rush it or she'll know. We always know.) He said he enjoyed writing it because of the walk down memory lane as he was writing."
Uninterrupted time to herself.
Uninterrupted showers, naps, bathroom visits, and silence. This really depends on the mom and this is why it is important to ask. While some moms really want to be with their kids, other moms really want some time to themselves. This is especially true of moms with small children at home.
They simply want time to take a nap and get some rest. Uninterrupted of course. Some say they would love eight hours of continuous sleep more than a weekend away at a luxurious resort.
“A day off from doing anything except what I feel like doing.”
“To use the bathroom without being interrupted. Not to be pulled on, poked, etc.”
“One day without homework, forgotten projects (that are due tomorrow), soccer, chorus, cooking, laundry, taxi service, cleaning, etc. And maybe a cupcake. That I don't have to share with anyone.”
Time with her family.
Time is a gift. Some moms want uninterrupted times to themselves, other moms want time with their family. Then there are moms who may want both time to themselves and time with their family. Ask her what she would like.
Listen to the heart of this mom. “It tears me up that my kids don't think of me as a friend and barely even talk to me. My son just comes home from school and goes straight to his room, my daughter comes home from school and barely talks to me and just sits there texting. I want to be a part of their lives but they just shut me out. For Mother's Day I'd just like them to open up to me a little and spend some time with me. I don't know if it's because I'm a horrible parent or what, I don't know what went wrong.”
To be served rather than be of service.
To have twenty-four hours where they don’t have to clean up after anyone else.
“I want to be the one that sits on the couch while everyone else cooks and cleans...lol...and more importantly not to feel guilty about it.”
“Just one day of being pampered and to be the one being taken care of instead of taking care of everyone else. To go where I want to go and eat what I want to eat without whining. And to not feel guilty about enjoying it.”
“Someone else to pack lunches, remember to buy wipes and pull-ups and keep clean laundry in everyone's drawers.”
“To have a day where everything in the house is clean, laundry done, meals are cooked by someone else, and all I do is enjoy the day with family, whether that is sitting home watching a movie or going out. Just a day of total rest with no responsibilities.”
Many moms mentioned that a nice professional massage would be welcomed also. The point is they want a time to be served rather than being the one who is serving.
Seeing their children and husband love and follow God.
I think this is the reward of all the hours, prayers, and hard work they put into their role as a mom.
“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your husband and your children serving God by serving others or watching them worship God.”
“To know He will always walk in the truth and that God will continue changing me so that I can be a more Godly Mother!”
“To raise GOD fearing, loving children into adults. That they are also caring, compassionate, loving adults that will call their mama every day when they leave the nest.”
A thoughtful gift.
You can give a gift, just remember that moms want it to be thoughtful. It could be flowers or something else. One mom said she really wanted a vacuum cleaner. But again it is always important to ask. Some moms won’t see a vacuum cleaner or lawn mower as a very thoughtful gift.
“I'd love a thoughtful gift. This could be a letter, a hand-made something, or something store bought. I'd like something tangible to keep as a touchstone to remind myself of the mutual love that is the foundation of our relationship during the weeks/months when it feels like the only conversation my kids want to have with me is "What's for dinner?"
A nice meal.
She would like to eat a nice meal with her family on this day but she doesn’t want to have to be required to prepare it or clean it up. If you grill out, make sure she doesn’t have to fix any of the side dishes. Take care of everything including the clean-up. And she doesn’t want any bickering, name calling, or fighting at the dinner table.
I hope this helps you as much as it did me as we plan to show appreciation to our moms this Mother’s Day.
Comments
The Story & Impact of Breakaway
May 04, 2013 - Discussion
Check out this video about Breakaway, a free respite events for the parents of kids with special needs. If you'd like to be a part of this ministry on a weekly basis, or serve at the next Breakaway, contact GregG@westridge.com.
CommentsNew Series “The Road To Freedom” Begins April 14
April 09, 2013 - Discussion
Many people carry around religious baggage. Baggage packed with bad church experiences, failed attempts at religion, guilt from the past, and the feeling that you just can’t measure up - no matter how hard you try.
For many, Christianity seems to be based on what you do or don’t do, rather than what Jesus has done on the cross. We find ourselves weighed down with religious expectations rather than experiencing the freedom that only Jesus can bring to our lives.
The Road to Freedom is a teaching series that will blow up this mindset as we discover what the New Testament Book of Galatians has to say about religion and God’s expectations. It’s a call to free ourselves from unbiblical thinking by discovering the amazing road to freedom that the true Gospel offers.
CommentsBurkina Faso Well Digging Team Update
April 02, 2013 - Discussion
A 3D Easter Kids Ministry Experience
March 22, 2013 - DiscussionComments
RUSH Scholarships Make Life Change Possible
March 22, 2013 - DiscussionEvery summer our Student Ministry puts on the biggest event of the year called RUSH Camp. And each year hundreds of students are impacted for eternity. Last year alone, we had 40 students give their lives to Jesus, 38 additional students make decisions for Jesus, and 28 students were baptized!
Because of the cost of RUSH and the financial difficulties many families face, we do our best each year to provide scholarships to students who need it. We never want a student to not be able to come to RUSH because of cost. Last year, scholarships made it possible for over 70 students to attend RUSH.
We are able to provide scholarships through your generous gifts. There are 2 ways you can give: by dropping a check in the offering or bringing it by the church office. The check can be made out to West Ridge Church with the note "RUSH Scholarships". The other way you can give is by making a donation at the World Café on Sunday mornings. When you purchase coffee, just let the cashier know that you want to make a donation for RUSH Scholarships.
In order for us to reach the greatest amount of students in this community, we need your help! And every amount you give helps make life change possible!
NOTE: If you need a RUSH Scholarship, go to westridge.com/rush, register your student, and download the scholarship application.
Comments“Here To There” Begins February 17
February 09, 2013 - DiscussionHave you ever heard someone say, “Someday, I’ll get there.” What they really mean is, someday I’ll become the person I want to be, achieve the things I want to achieve, and do the things I want to do…I will arrive. So they spend their lives trying to get there: relationally, emotionally, professionally, financially, etc. We spin around here, there, and everywhere.
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