My friends went to Israel a few months ago and brought me this bookmark. It commemorates Israel’s 70th year as a nation!

Today is the day!

Seventy years ago, on May 14th, the Jews who immigrated from everywhere established Israel as a nation. It was born in one day, see Isaiah 66:8.

Isaiah 27:12, “…And you, people of Israel, will be selected grain by grain.” The Message

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Isaiah 27:6, “The days are coming when Jacob shall put down roots, Israel blossom and grow fresh branches, and fill the world with its fruit.” The Message

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Isaiah 29:17, “And then before you know it, and without you having anything to do with it, wasted Lebanon will be transformed into lush gardens, and Mount Carmel reforested.” The Message

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Isaiah 28:26, “They know exactly what to do and when to do it. Their God is their teacher.” The Message

These verses were fulfilled! Israel raises enough food to feed her people and export it. You can read “The Top 12 Ways Israel Feeds the World” which Israel21c.org posted today.

Israel becoming a nation is a sign that Jesus will return soon. He said the generation that sees these signs will not die before He returns, see Matthew 24:34.

How long is a generation? Some believed it was 40 years. In 1988, there was a group convinced Jesus would return that year. They set a date. The day passed. They set another date. That day passed.

Others believe a generation is 70 years, 80 years, and 120 years. If the first group is right, Jesus could come today! The Bible is clear – only God knows the day and hour, see Matthew 24:36.

In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus told the “Parable of the Ten Minas.” The moral of the parable is to “Occupy until the master comes.” Whatever God gives you, work it to the best of your ability. Be fruitful and multiply it. Stay busy but look up! Jesus is coming soon!

Happy 70th Birthday, Israel!

David and I waited 4 years before having children. Mother’s Day didn’t bother me but I dreaded “Special Person’s Day.” It was the day they honored adults who were not parents. (Their heart was in the right place.)

Each year we stood with a handful of unmarried women and they told us we were special. (The single men wisely stayed home that weekend. The piano player and drummer were never excused.)

I remember feeling as if we didn’t belong. We didn’t fit the mold. We never have! We married young, waited to have children, and didn’t stop at 2!

I had a small taste of how women still waiting for their children feel on Mother’s Day. They do not choose to wait – they are forced to wait. Some have several children who went before them to heaven. They are mothers but go unrecognized. Their arms are aching and they feel like they don’t belong.

But they do. God has a plan that only He knows. He promises to banish death and wipe away every tear.

Isaiah 25:8, “Yes, He’ll banish death forever and God will wipe the tears from every face. He’ll remove every sign of disgrace from His people, wherever they are. Yes! God says so!” The Message

We get Mother’s Day turned around. It’s not about our children – it’s about our mothers. Every woman has a mother, grandmother, favorite aunt, or the surrogate mom who is there for them. Married women get additional support from their mother-in-law. (Hi, Jane! I know you are reading this!)

My oldest is married with a young daughter. I did not expect him to spend the day with me. I expected him to spend the day teaching his daughter to honor her mother. I was happy with a hug, a few minutes, and red velvet cupcakes.

My youngest plans to live in the basement until his wedding. (In 4 months and 8 days, but who’s counting.) He provided lunch! I still didn’t expect him to stay all day. They spent time with his fiancée’s mom, too.

You don’t need children to belong – you already do. And it’s not about my children honoring me – it’s about me honoring Mom. She is why I belong.

“Oh, can you feel the gravity falling,

Calling us home?

Oh, did you see the stars colliding,

Shining just to show we belong,

We belong?”

“Deciphering Me” – Brooke Fraser