Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! In our culture, our world, the role of the Godly Mother in the home is more important than ever. My own Mother has been the most Godly and greatest influence in my life.

As a young wife with four children by the time she was twenty-three, I can recall lots of meals, lots of laundry, her steadfastness in Christ, her counsel, which I still enjoy and benefit from today, her love of music, her willingness to lead when asked, her willingness to serve, her love for the Word, her hospitality, her paintscraper and paintbrush, her sewing machine hard at work making curtains or a beautiful velvet dress for me at Christmas, telling me I wasn't as skinny as I felt (of course that was then and this is now!) I remember homemade bread and butter pickles, homemade pizza, rhubarb stew (didn't care for it but I do remember it!), fish eggs in the frying pan, chocolate cakes, Mom patiently helping with my schoolwork amidst my own pool of tears, the night she braved a sleepover with a multitude of school children, hundreds of packed lunches, thousands of hugs, helping me get my bubblegum off the dog. I remember my parents not just taking us to church but being there with us, and best of all and of course most important of all, I remember the night she was attempting to grab a few private moments to take a bath, and I came next to her by the tub, and told her I wanted to ask Jesus in my heart. She was ready right then and there to pray with me. Her open heart was the door to the filled and forgiven heart resident in me today. Today, I rise up and bless my mother, Dottie....o.k. Toodie ( that one's from Gramma!). I love you Mom. A beloved Happy Mother's Day!!!