Remembering Mom

Today, May 10th, is Mom's birthday. She would've been 100.  The parties we've had for her pale in comparison to what she is enjoying in her Heavenly Home.  She is is ageless, never again to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, never again to experience painful joints, disappointments, or grief.  She has been there with Jesus for 9 years.

I miss her.
I miss her when the fragrance of lilacs fills the air.
I miss her when Mother's Day and her birthday show up on my calendar.
I miss hearing her voice on the telephone.
I miss her wise and practical advice.
I miss her prayers for me and my family.
I. Just. Miss. HER.

But I am thankful.
I am thankful that she was my mom. 
I am thankful for the things she taught me. 
I am thankful that she raised me then launched me. 
I am thankful for her strong faith in God.
I. Am. Just. THANKFUL.

Here’s a quick list of 25 things my mom taught me – in no special order.
I could add many more but you'd probably stop reading.     

• God is faithful. Trust Him.
•  Memorize Scripture.
•  Pray about everything.
•  Ministry is a family affair.
•  Give to “the Lord’s work.”
•  Be in church.
•  Put God first.
• Go to school.
• Work hard.
•  Everyone in the family pitches in and works together, “like it or not!”
•  Family is important.
•  Whining doesn’t get you anywhere.
•  Get back up when you fall down.
•  Waste nothing.
•  Take responsibility and be accountable for your actions.
•  No excuses – “No ifs, ands, or buts!”
•  Be home for supper at 5:30. Everybody sits at the table and eats together.
•  Eat what she makes and be thankful for it – she’s no “short-order cook.”
•  Share with others.
•  Enjoy what you have - don’t pine for what you don’t have.
•  Respect your elders.
• Be honest – lying is a capital offense!
• Love reading.
• Enjoy flowers and plants.
• Play Rummicub. 

Be thankful for the people God puts in your life.

People who encourage, support, and teach you, 
People who challenge you to be your best self, 
People who help you prioritize the important things, 
People who make you smile.
Then tell them!   

Mom did all that (and more) for me and I am thankful.

Blessings,
Ruth
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you …”
2 Corinthians 5:8 “…absent from the body…present with the Lord.”
Philippians 1:21 “…to live is Christ and to die is gain.”