“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”
Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭30

When you think of Mother’s Day, I am sure your mind is flooded with all sorts of emotions, memories, and responsibilities. I have been most blessed to have had a Mother that I enjoyed celebrating while she was living, and now looking back on the full life of love she lived.  For me, being a Mother has taken on many forms, and each one brings it’s own unique joy!  May I share?

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭28-29‬

 My Mother was the epitome of a faithful Christian, a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother!  She was a beautiful model of the Proverbs 31 woman, and for someone to tell me that I remind them of her is the highest compliment I could ever receive!   Her love extended to those who were in need, and we never knew who to expect at Sunday lunch or holiday meals!  Her cooking and hospitality were legendary!  To say I had a wonderful childhood would be a huge understatement! I can’t explain why, I only know it is the mystery of God’s mercy that I would be born to my parents! After my Mother passed away, only then did I realize her far reaching impact on so many people.  Dozens of stories surfaced of her generosity, encouragement, and wise counsel to countless peopleI could not begin to estimate the number of home-baked cakes that she delivered to the sick, broken-hearted, and lonely people that she lovingly and diligently ministered to.  She was truly loved by all who knew her, and the love with which she loved changed the lives of so many.  I miss her sweet voice, her listening ear, her delicious food, her gentle hugs, and her comforting words!  She loved me unconditionally!
   May I follow in her footsteps. I love you, Nanny!  Happy Mother’s Day!

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him”
‭1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

 Butch and I prayed for a child for many years!  When Seth was born, I knew that motherhood, the desire of my heart for many years, was indeed a gift.  Seth has brought so much joy into our lives!   From the very formative years to the teen years to adulthood, I have been able to teach and guide him in the truths of scripture.  Reading God’s word every morning as he ate his Cheerios as a little boy and texting him scripture as a grown man has been my God-given responsibility, but above that, my privilege.  I am beyond thankful that he continues to grow in his love for the Lord and serves as worship leader for our church!  There is nothing to compare to your son hugging you close and saying I love you!I love you Seth, and count it an honor to be your Mom!

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”
‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬

  Before I ever saw her beautiful face, I had prayed for her.  Our desire for Seth was a young lady that loved the Lord with her whole heart!  God’s timing was perfect (as always) in sending Allison into Seth’s life!   Allison is the perfect daughter-in-love!  She is a hard worker with a full schedule of teaching, earning her Master’s degree, and serving in ministry.  She complements Seth and is an amazing help mate!

  I could not be happier that this precious young lady was God’s choice for Seth. I am so thankful as I watch Seth and Allison build their marriage on the Word of God!   I am privileged to be her mother-in-love!  Allie, I love you! I so love my beautiful girls and so humbled that they love me!

 ^“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”
James 1:17
  How many times in my life has God totally surprised me with good gifts, when I least expected it…and Katy is one of those!  She came into my life almost 3 years ago, and what started as a mentoring relationship quickly turned into her being our adopted adult child!  Wow, what an undeserved blessing to be chosen and adopted!  Katy is so much fun and she helps me stay young!  She loves to learn and I love to teach, so what a perfect fit!  I am teaching her about good food, accessorizing her wardrobe, and my favorite-decorating!  God always sends people into our lives at just the right time.  During a very difficult season of life, she has been there for me, with a listening ear and a heart of compassion as only a daughter knows how!  We love doing life together!    I am so encouraged as I watch Katy grow in her walk with the Lord.  She has a servant’s heart and is gifted in so many areas.  I am blessed to call her my chosen daughter!  I love you, Katy!

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world”
‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

As a Mother, the thought of the countless orphans across the world breaks my heart.  Further still, to think of the mothers that were forced to place their children in an orphanage due to circumstances out of their control.

 These precious boys are orphans in a small village in Togo.  In 2011, we traveled to West Africa and helped build facilities to provide shelter for the precious children who had been orphaned! We support two of these boys, Modeste (sitting on my lap) and his brother, Yao (on the left). As a Christian, it is my responsibility to care for the least of these.  As a mother, it breaks my heart to see children with no one to hug them and love on them!   Little girls with no mother to do fun things with…like painting their nails!  What an honor it is to have been able to be a motherly figure to them in the short time that I was there!

 ^“…but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”  Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home”
John 19: 25-27

We can look to Jesus on the cross to see how important his Mother was to him.  In his dying moments, just before he gave up his Spirit, he was sure to make provisions for his Mother.  Today, if at all possible, hug your Mother a little tighter.  If you can’t hug her, call her and tell her you love her.  Tell her how much she means to you.  Look to the King of Kings as an example of just how much honor a Mother is deserving of.  And Happy Mother’s Day to all of you.  I hope you all feel loved and celebrated today!

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