Annie's "Stepmother's Day" Page

~Celebrated the Sunday after Mother’s Day on May 15th, 2011


Can you tell which one is the Stepmother?
They look just like any other mother but have a very different family dimension then a "regular" or
"adopted" mother. We know that they are defined differently but they are both responsible for the care
and love of children. Obviously the Lord designed the family unit for a mother and father and children.
Divorce is never a good situation and is difficult on the whole extended family. But despite our feelings
the children should be our biggest concern and focus. The question we should constantly ask is: "How can
we make life the easiest for the kids?". No one can replace a mother or father and no one should ever try
to. Even when a child calls the parent the wrong name it is hard to not feel just a little pain and hurt. I am
divorced. Believe me it is not my first choice. BUT please remember that the Lord can use us regardless of our
past and even our present. He just needs a willing heart to use people for His perfect PLAN and PURPOSE.

The Dictionary Merriam Webster Online defines a "stepmother" this way:

Main Entry: step·moth·er
Pronunciation: -"m&-[th]&r
Function: noun
Date: before 12th century
: the wife of one's father by a subsequent marriage

Baker's Bible Dictionary tells us this about "Adoption":
"Old Testament Legal adoption was not prescribed in Jewish law or practiced by the
Israelites. In fact, the term "adoption" does not occur in the Old Testament. While
there are several possible allusions to adoption, such as Moses (Exodus 2:10),
Genubath (1 Kings 11:20), and Esther (Esther 2:7), the incidents recorded take
place in foreign societies (Egyptian and Persian) and there is no evidence
that legal adoptions were enacted."

I guess the most famous "adopted" mother would be the Pharaoh's daughter. She
adopted Moses and his "birth" mother was his nurse maid. You can read Exodus 2:6-10
to learn more about them. Here is Easton's page about Pharaoh's daughters.

Bible Verses about Mothers & Adoption:
There are 292 Bible Verses with the word "MOTHER" in them
There are 7 Bible Verses with the word "MOTHERS" in them
The word "STEPMOTHER" is not mentioned specifically in the Bible
There are 5 Verses with the word "ADOPTION" in them
There are 0 Verses with the word "ADOPT" in them

OF CHILDREN - INSTANCES OF
Of Joseph’s sons - Genesis 48:5,14,16,22
Of Moses - Exodus 2:5-10; Acts 7:21; Hebrews 11:24
Of Esther - Esther 2:7

Bible Study Links:
Adoption from Nave's Topical Bible
Adoption from Torrey's Topical Textbook
Adoption from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary
Adoption from Easton's Bible Dictionary
Adoption from Smith's Bible Dictionary

Related Words in the Bible:
The word "REMARRIAGE" is not in the Bible.
There are 1 Bible Verse with the word "DIVORCE" in the Bible.
There are 6 Bible Verses with the word "DIVORCEMENT" in them.

"And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had
put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared
not, but went and played the harlot also."
~Jeremiah 3:17~

"For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth
violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit,
that ye deal not treacherously."
~Malachi 2:16~

Bible Study Tools:
Nave's Topical Bible has Bill of divorce & Divorce
Torrey's Topical Textbook has Divorce
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary has Divorce
Easton's Bible Dictionary has Divorce
Smith's Bible Dictionary has Divorce

These are the SIX things that the Lord HATES:
I don't know why but I always thought that divorce was in this list. But I was wrong!
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud
look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth
wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness
that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
~Proverbs 6:16-19~

What did Jesus say about DIVORCE?
Jesus said that DIVORCE was forbidden except for adultery. But remember when he went
to defend the woman caught in adultery He asked the crowd "Whosoever among you is
without sin may cast the first stone"

"But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of
fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that
is divorced committeth adultery."
~Matthew 5:32~

"He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you
to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."
~Matthew 19:8~

Christian Step-Parenting Pages:
Smalley Relationship Center -Strategies for Stepparents
Stepfamilies from a Christian Stepmother & her Internet Resources for Stepfamilies
"Divorce Care" is a divorce recovery program that many churches are using
Step Carefully for your Step Family

General Step-Parenting Related Links:
Step-Mother from "Split Up - Helping people with Divorce"
Stepfamily Consultation and Counseling has this page Concerning Stepfamilies
Taking on someone Else´s Child by Liz Garment ‘Step’ is becoming a norm
Rainbows - a site for Kids who are grieving a death, divorce or any other painful
transition in their family
Step-Parenting from About.com
Stepmoms Penpal Network
How To Be A Successful Summer Time Stepmom!
FamilyPlay Tips for Stepmoms
Do's & Don'ts - Dedicated To Successful Stepfamilies!
Celebrate Mother's Day With Your Stepmother
Celebrate Mother's Day as a Stepmother
The Stepfamily Life.com

Free Email Hugs to Send:
Send a stepmom you know this "Hug" Greeting today!
In the Mother's Day Cards they have 2 Stepmom Cards but they are for Mother's Day
and not for StepMother's Day! If you want to look at all the Mother's Day Cards
you may find one that might work or be appropriate for your situation!

Continue on to: Annie's How Stepmother's Day Began Page
Back to: Annie's Mother's Day Welcome Page

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