Happy Mother's Day!!!
Bottom photo is Erik and I with his mama. Can you see where Erik get's his beautiful eyes?
Top photo is my mama in the middle of all of my siblings. Brothers in back from left, Jeff and Joel. The beautiful blonde next to mom is my sis Kate. The brother in front is the baby of the family, Alex.
Jesus all I have is you
Your the hope I'm holding to
I may weep but still my faith
Rests in you
(Song Lyrics - unsure of title)
Your the hope I'm holding to
I may weep but still my faith
Rests in you
(Song Lyrics - unsure of title)
What a beautiful Mother's Day it was yesterday. The sun was shining and it was a great day. For the first time in 3 years I felt joy in my heart as I celebrated this day. God's grace got me through the day! It wasn't until I lay in bed last night, that I my heart began to ache for my babies in heaven. Oh how wonderful it would have been to have them with me on this joyous day.
I got out of the house yesterday and it was great. I hadn't been out all week and it was much needed. I started the day at church. Our pastor prayed for all the mom's and gave a great message for mom's as well. He talked about how influential we are in our children's lives. Because I'm a stay-at-home mom, I realized how much daily influence I will have in my girl's lives. He encouraged mom's to always be ready to pray with your children, and to have scripture always ready to give them. He emphasized having God as the standard in your home and being an example for your children. I left church encouraged and excited. Motherhood is the best gift I've been given and I pray that God will use me in a mighty way in my children's lives. I have a distinct memory of my mom when I was growing up. I always remember her working on her bible study in her chair in the living room. She talked then, and still does, about bible study and how important it was and is in her life. When I became an adult I realized how important bible study is and it is a passion of mine now. Thanks mom for loving God and His word!
After church we went to breakfast with Erik's parents. We had fun visiting and spending time together. That afternoon I spent time doing my bible study and Erik and I laid around and read for several hours. It was very relaxing and peaceful...just what God intended Sunday to be! At one point I did look over to him and say, "Babe, these quiet days will soon be behind us and when we have quiet time to read we will most likely be snoozing." Ha ha! That evening we went to dinner with my parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. We had a great time....fun and loud as always. It was quite a day for me..but I loved it all!
Bed Rest Book Club
I finished the book, Take One, from the Above the Line Series by Karen Kingsbury. I, of course, loved it. I love how she writes about people with such amazing faith and this book really showed the power of prayer. That phrase that use to be popular - Pray Until Something Happens, was really brought to life in this book. I highly recommend it. Now I am onto the second book, Take Two. I am also heavily into reading, Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. Another great book. An amazing woman who shows her vulnerability and that she is a real person and struggles like all other Christians do. One quote that stuck out to me thus far in my reading this book is, "Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of gratitude." (Simone Weil) We are continually reminded throughout scripture to consider it pure joy when we face trials. It's most difficult to see joy when you are in the midst of a trial. But I've found that if you purposefully wait and watch...God is at work and and that joy will come.
Here's Mollie checking out our new double stroller. I'm sure she's thinking...get me out of here mom, I'm not a baby. Ha ha!
Here's Erik modeling with the double stroller with the car seats in it. We both had to practice pushing it around. It's pretty heavy empty. Then Erik decided to put 2 12lb weights in it and that was really heavy. I am going to have amazing muscles from using this stroller!
My Love to you all...my faithful friends!
Jamie
I thought of you and closed my eyes.
ReplyDeleteAnd prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a mother and
I know I heard him say,
A mother has a baby.
This we know is true.
But God, can you be a mother
when your baby's not with you?
Yes, you can, He replied
with confidence in His voice.
I give many women babies.
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime
and others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
but there's no need to stay.
I just don't understand this. God,
I want my baby here.
He took a breath and cleared His throat
and then I saw a tear.
I wish I could show you
what your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile
with other children and say,
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
of life and love and fear.
My Mommy loved me, Oh so much,
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a Mom
who had so much love for me,
I learned my lesson very quickly.
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy, Oh so much,
but I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep,
on her pillow's where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
and whisper in her ear,
'Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here.'"
So you see, my dear sweet one,
your children are okay.
Your babies are here in MY home
and this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with ME
until your lesson is through.
And on the day that you come home,
they'll be at the gates for you.
So now you see what makes a Mother—
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of,
right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realize you are a Mother,
until their time is done.
They'll be up here with ME one day,
and know you're the best one.