far more precious than jewels...

To me, Mother's Day is not just about being honoured as a mom or receiving gifts and recognition.  More importantly, I like to use this day to reflect on my role as not only a mother, but as a woman in general...to compare myself with the Proverbs 31 woman and see where I am lacking. As I think about the Proverbs 31 woman, three women come to mind.

1) my mom



I am so much a part of this woman, it's not even funny.  Not only do we look like we could be sisters, but we also have alot of the same personality traits.  So, thank you mom, for making me a neat freak! I'm kidding. But in all seriousness, this woman is my best friend. I tell her everything and I do not have to worry about whether or not it will be repeated. And she is a great listener and patient when I need to vent. Though I moved away from home almost four years ago and now live seven hours away, our relationship is stronger than ever. The distance between us has not kept her from coming to stay with us and seeing her grandbabies, even while holding down a full time job. When I think back on memories growing up of my mom, this little statement from Proverbs 31 comes to mind: ^"She rises while it is still night..."..........for as long as I can remember, my mom has always been up-and-at-em early in the morning...sacrificing sleep to make sure her children got off to a good start each morning with the least amount of chaos as possible.  She is one of the most self-less people I know...She has a huge heart that generosity just pours out of. I could type away all day and still not account for all of the ways she is wonderful. I think one of the most important things that she taught me was the importance of sacrificing a career to be a stay-at-home mom. She was always there for us....to cook meals, do laundry, kiss a boo-boo, support us at school events and games...you name it, she was there.  Thank you, mama, for always being there! I love you.



2) my nana

Nana is my rock. Growing up, I would go spend days at a time with her.  When most teenagers were out getting drunk, you could find me with Nana. I will never forget her fixing me bacon and hot chocolate before school and eating icecream with her and Grandpa at night while watching movies. When I think of someone who loves God and seeks to bring Him glory, Nana always comes to mind. Like my mom, she is so generous. She loves with the deepest part of her heart. While she is strong and steadfast, she is equally gentle and kind.  And she has the best sense of humor and loves to laugh.  This is her verse from Proverbs 31: ^"Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come."

She is my role model.  I wanna be just like her. I love you Nana.

3) my deedee

I could write a book about this beautiful lady.  Though she is no longer with us in this world, I know I will see her again in the next.  DeeDee was one of those people that this world needs lots more of.  You only come across a soul like hers once or twice in a lifetime.  This is her verse from Proverbs 31: "Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy." DeeDee never married or birthed any children, but she was a bride of Christ and all the children that she came in contact with were hers.  I use to wonder why God had not given DeeDee a husband. I now know the answer.  She took her life of singleness and poured everthing she had into the lives of everyone around her...especially children. She is the person to whom Paul talks about in Romans...the person who can focus all of their time, energy and resources on the ministry because they are single.  I loved this lady so much and if she were here today, I would tell her Happy Mother's Day. I love you DeeDee.

DeeDee, Nana and Mom