Here's to Moms!

Offered for your enjoyment, moms! First the sweet, then the silly, and--last but not least--my all-time favorite quote about mothers.

The Sweet

• “My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart--a heart so large that everybody's joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.” Mark Twain
• “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” Billy Graham
• “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” Abraham Lincoln
• “I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”Abraham Lincoln“
• She who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages…deserves the highest honor that man can give.” David McKay
• “The real religion of the world comes…from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
• “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.” George Washington
• “There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness.” Andrew Jackson
• “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” Washington Irving
• “The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.” Henry Ward Beecher
• “I cannot tell you how much I owe to the solemn word of my good mother.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon
• “The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.” Honore De Balzac
• “A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.” Victor Hugo

The Silly

• “I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them.” Phyllis Diller
• “An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.” Spanish proverb
• “There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Working mothers are guinea pigs in a scientific experiment to show that sleep is not necessary to human life.” Author Unknown
• “My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it.” Buddy Hackett
• “Spend at least one Mother's Day with your respective mothers before you decide on marriage. If a man gives his mother a gift certificate for a flu shot, dump him.” Erma Bombeck

And my all-time favorite quote about mothers?

“Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young.”
Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day!

Karen

Ideas for Celebrating Mom!

You've read my thoughts about my mom, now it's your turn. Share your thoughts about your mom, or about mothering with us. Sweet, tender, working through issues...whatever your "Mom" relationship is, I'd love to hear from you.

And for those looking for new ways to say "We love you!" to the mom in your house? Check out this site--and enjoy!

Peace.

Karen

The Gold Standard of Mothers

Seven years.

2555 Days.

61,320 hours.

That's how long it's been since I heard her voice. Felt the soft touch of her hand. Felt her laughter lift my spirit. Let my head rest against her shoulder.

Seven years since my mom, Paula Ann Sapp, left us for eternity.

I can't believe it's been that long. It seems like yesterday...it seems like forever. The good news is that I can talk about her now--most of the time--without breaking down. In fact, as often as not I end up laughing because the thoughts and memories of her are steeped in joy and love. The bad news? The void deep inside that mawed into existence the day she left us is still there. Will be until I see her again in eternity.

I think about Mom a lot, but most especially this time of year, as Mother's Day approaches. Part of me doesn't like that day anymore. All the flowers and cards and even the sermon at church just amplify the fact that Mom's not here. But at the same time, Mother's Day reminds me how blessed I was to have the mother I did. She was the Gold Standard of Mothers. Here's why:

• She loved without reserve. I saw it every day in her eyes, felt it in her touch, heard it in her voice and words.

• She believed in my brothers and me. Big time.
• She knew the value of laughter, and let it become the music that rang freely in our home.

• She liked us, and loved spending time with us. Picnics, playing games at home, trips...it didn't matter what we did. It was a joy just to be together.
  

• She always knew the right thing to say--and when not to say anything at all.

She nurtured us and our passions with love and tender humor.

• She directed us to God. Unfailingly. Her rock-solid faith in God was evident in the way she lived.
• She loved Dad. I mean...LOVED him. Admired and respected him. Found no other's company more delightful or desired.

• She taught us how to celebrate both the big and little in life. And that the little celebrations are often most important.
  

People have told me I have Mom's hands or her smile. I love that. And I pray I exhibit her spirit and heart as well. I want to be a reflection of this woman who was such a beautiful reflection of God.

So as Mother's Day approaches, be mindful of all your mom has done for you. Good, bad, or indifferent, our mothers are a part of the fabric of who we are. If yours is still living, cherish her. Let her know you love and appreciate her. Ask her to tell you stories about her childhood, about her growing up. And capture those stories, her voice, her laughter, on video. Take the opportunity to hug her or hold her hand. Because the day will come when you can no longer do that, and--and trust me on this--you'll miss it. Like you never knew you could miss something.

If, like me, your mom has entered eternity, know I'm thinking of you. And I'm praying for you. That God will fill your heart and mind with wonderful memories, with the sweet sound of your mom's voice, with the music of her laughter, the warmth of her hug. And celebrate with me that one day...one glorious day!...we'll see them again. These women who birthed and cared for us, who nurtured and encouraged us, who blessed our lives in countless ways. We'll see them again.

And oh! What a joyful reunion that will be!

Karen