Ezine-Issue 6

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Contents
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1. Introduction
2. Just for fun
3. News from TheLillyPond.com
4. From Reader Gladys
5. From Reader Debra
6. What's your story?
7. Reach out
8. Contact me

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1. Introduction
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Thank you for subscribing to my ezine. We're all working to
improve our relationships with our mothers and daughters and
the other important women in our families.

I've found strength and direction when I remember lessons and
stories from my mother and from reading your stories. I hope
you enjoy them.

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2. Just for fun
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One of my most distinct memories of my mother is her
responses when we would try to whine. Having been raised in
the Depression Era, she was unimpressed with many of our
woes.

If she announced pie for desert and we asked, "What kind?"
she always responded, "There are two kinds of pie - hot and
cold." We eventually learned to say "yes" we wanted pie
because I don't remember anyone ever saying "no" we didn't
want pie.

If we ever complained that something was not fair, her usual
response was, "Life is not fair". This was completely
ingrained in me. And obviously at some point, I passed it
along to my young daughter, Karen. Since my mother babysat
her quite a lot when she was very young, Karen got this
message with both barrels.

When Karen was about 5 years old, she was invited to a
birthday party. My mother was visiting in our home and went
with me to pick Karen up after the party. When she got to the
car, Karen was a obviously in high dudgeon. She was furious.
When I asked her what was wrong, she said that another little
girl would not let her take a turn on the swing set. Asking
nicely did not work.

I was curious as to the tactic Karen would use so I asked her
what she did next. "I just told her those 2 verses in the
Bible that Maw Maw always told me. That all men are sinners
and llife is not fair and that she better let me swing!"

I was trying too hard not to laugh and drive at the same
time, but mother looked Karen right in the face and said,
Well, it's not in the Bible, but it ought to be, because life
is not fair!"

### Lillian Hinds ###

(p.s. I don't think Karen ever got to swing at that party.
Quoting scripture doesn't seem to go very far in getting your
way!)

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3. News from thelillypond.com
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More articles are going on the website. So watch this space
and the right border of the website for current info.

And if you've missed any of the ezines, they are now posted
on the website in the archive. Go to the "Subscribe" page and
scroll down to the bottom for the "Archive" link.

So check back to www.thelillypond.com and stay connected.

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4. Reader Gladys
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Hello Lillian:

I want to introduce you to the type of motherhood I
experienced from my mother. She is still alive and well, and
I praise God for that. My mother is mentally ill and she is
also Japanese. When I was little she did her best to furnish
good meals, a clean home and physical comfort. She cooked
well, sewed and sang little songs to me. She was very
protective of me.

When I reached puberty my mother changed towards me and
started to abuse me. It was a very difficult time. Many days
I would run away and stay with a friend until my father came
home that evening. I left home as soon as I turned eighteen.

In the years before I was saved I lost five children through
abortion. Two of the five were lost while I was married.
Almost nine years ago, I was saved. And the Good News is that
God has mercy and healing for the brokenhearted. Some
favorite verses are

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up
their wounds

Hosea 2:14, 15 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and
bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And
there I will give her her vineyards, and make the Valley of
Achor a door of hope.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all
unrighteousness.

Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who
belong to Christ Jesus.

After I was saved I worked through forgiveness of my parents,
especially my mother. I gave her a Japanesse Bible and she
was saved from reading God's Living Word.

The big turning point in my relationship with her came when
one day she asked me to pray for healing over her hands. They
had been plagued with a fungus problem. As I held her hands
and prayed, I realized that since she had started abusing me,
I had never touched her hands in any way except to intercept
a blow. It was a very important moment.

Today, our relationship grows slowly but surely. Despite the
abuse and her mental illness, she is very special to me. If
this story would bless anyone, I am grateful and my hope is
that God will be glorified. Your web site is a real blessing
to me! May God bless you for your loving and compassionate
heart!!!

Sincerely,
Gladys

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5. Reader Debra
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Dear Lillian:

I lost my son 5 years ago. For the past 4 years I have been
working with boys in a Department of Youth Services, ages 12
to 18. They are there due to troubled lives. You already know
all the ways that they come to us.

But out of this, my relationship with my mother has healed.
Strange, how some things bring other things about, but not
really so strange when you know the God behind it all. So
thanks for allowing me to share a very quick sketch of my
life right now. I'm looking forward to reading your writings.

Debra

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6. What's your story?
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One of the most valuable resources we have in this world is
each other. I'm hopeful that stories and lessons my mother
taught me will be a blessing to you. Perhaps you have a
lesson your mother taught you or a story that lifts you up
and would be of help to someone else.

Maybe you learned to deal with the loss of your mother, or
you have a tip to help mothers survive their teenagers. Maybe
you have a story that's just plain funny. Whatever it is, I
would be delighted if you'd send it to me for sharing here in
this ezine. Include your name, city and state and tell me
whether you want us to publish your full name, or just
initials, or your location only.

Just send your story by email to stories@thelillypond.com

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7. Reach out
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If you know someone who would enjoy having The Lilly Pond
ezine, please feel free to forward this email in its entirety
to them.

If you received this ezine from a friend and you would like
to subscribe and receive your own copy of The Lilly Pond, you
can go to thelillypond.com and subscribe for free or just
send an email to thelillypond@thelillypond.com and put
"SUBSCRIBE" in the Subject line. Thanks.

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8. Contact me
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Your comments are welcome. Click here to email me.

Thanks for reading!

With all my heart, Lillian

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