A Mother's Blessings

are not found in the makings
of a holiday, the gifts recieved,
the cards opened or even
the dinners prepared in her honor.

While it is nice to be recognized
for our efforts, the countless
sleepless nights, the many meals
prepared, the piles of laundry we've
washed and ironed, the clean house
and the hours of guidance we have
provided, our blessings are
found in the faces, hearts and
minds of our children.

My blessings are my children,
I am ever thankful that God
entrusted them to my care.

(My five sons)

I have been blessed by watching them grow
from sweet smelling, tiny infants
to sweaty youngsters with dirty hands,
to sometimes rebelious teens
searching for their independence,
to young men finding their way
and now to adults contributing
to society and sharing their gifts
with the world.

(Alex is the youngest at 17)

(Joshua & Jason)

(Tom, the oldest)

(Josh is second oldest)

(Jason comes next)

(Doug is fourth)

My role in their lives has changed
over the years since they were
first placed in my arms. I have gone
from providing food, shelter
and comfort to leading by example,
serving as advisor and ultimately
trusting in their choices.
While they may remain my babies
in my heart they are
God's children and I must trust
that they are in His loving care.
I am a mother and a stepmother,
but I have also been a mentor
and mother figure to many teens
in our church youth group.

You don't have to be a bilogical

mother to have the heart of

a mother. Many women provide

love, comfort and guidance

by mentoring, teaching, and sharing.

We are role models to

our nieces and nephews.

We encourage and lead our students.

Some times we are called to

befriend the child of a neighbor.

To all of my amazing friends here in

blogland I wish you the sweetest

of Mother's Days,

may you always recognize the

gifts you have to share and be willing

to pour out your blessings

on the children that surround us,

for they are our future.

Happy Mother's Day!