Today my sweet mother turns 48...
I pray that I age as gracefully and graciously as she has,
and that in 48 more years, MY children,
and THEIR children
will be gathering around her,
delighting to listen as she tells
of God's sustaining faithfulness
and persistant glory
in her own story.
and that in 48 more years, MY children,
and THEIR children
will be gathering around her,
delighting to listen as she tells
of God's sustaining faithfulness
and persistant glory
in her own story.
Katie [Lewis] gave me Sandra McCracken's Best Laid Plans for my birthday, and I've been listening to it over and over again (great driving music-- both easy to listen to, and thought provoking...singeable, and forcing me to listen). I'm sure I'll post more about it later, but the last song applies to my desire of "rising up and calling blessed" my mom today:
"Age after age
Of heroes and soldiers
It gives me sight and makes me brave,
Standing on their shoulders"
I am truly priveleged to be able to say that I am standing on my mother's shoulders; she has taught me so much, and still does everyday. I would not be who I am today were it not for her faithful teaching from God's Word (I remember reading through the Bible, Chronicles and all!, a little more every day when we went home for lunch in France-- my sisters and I were 4- 10), her countless ways of encouragement and service (the best cards EVER, gluten-free goodies, my lamp on every night for me when I get home), her example of service and hospitality, her correction and counsel (she's always giving me great snippets to read) and her persistant prayer-- I don't think there's a day in my life she hasn't prayed for me. This past year has brought us closer than I ever thought possible, and it is with amazed thanksgiving to God that I say she is one of my closest friends, and one whose counsel I value highly.
"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers [or mothers]." (Prov. 17:6)
I thought this captured the way I want to think of and relate to my parents, especially my mother, and their hearts toward me and my sisters:
"Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." (Prov. 23:22-26)
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." (Prov. 23:22-26)
I love you, Mom, and God is getting glory from me for His gift of you today!!
tu hija,
la Cristinita
Happy birthday, Mrs. Thompson! I would echo Christina in that I am thankful for the women in our church who have been such beautiful examples of grace and perseverance throughout the years, including my own mother. We have a godly inheritance!
ReplyDeleteLet's see...we had Care Group just this past Sunday. So the next one will be not this coming Sunday, but the next.
ReplyDeleteThe Marshall's are doing well for the most part. They've had some ups and downs, but have continually been thankful and mindful of the Lord's care and provision. They are of SUCH encouragement.
I'm still kind of a goof at this posting comments thing. Am I supposed to post my response to your comment here or on my own blog where you put your comment? I'm so confused :)
Please wish your Mom a Happy Birthday! What a beautiful sentiment, that is incredible the realtionship you have with your mother. You know that is one thing I am grateful for is the example of women such as your Mom in they church who are such prayer warriers, and awesome examples of godly wives. I am also so thankful for my closeness with my own Mother, what a wonderful thing we can say this!
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