A Mother's Joy

A Mother's Joy

One of my joyous roles is that of a mother,

graced in God's goodness with two very beautiful daughters.

As I celebrate Spring I also celebrate the birthday of my youngest daughter,

Stephanie, from The Enchanting Rose

Happy Birthday, Dear Stephanie!

"The garden of God's little girl-how grand!

It began with a dream, a prayer, a plan.

Nothing this splendid just happens, we know:

It takes time and care for flowers to grow."

       -Elizabeth George-

This blog is in honor first and foremost, of my God. It belongs to Him.

In His perfect leading and design this blog was created.

"For without Him, I can do nothing." (John 15:5)

For without Stephanie, I am helpless!

Over the last two years I have watched Stephanie touch many lives through her blog.

I have met ladies around the globe, both young and old,

through The Enchanting Rose that I have become dear friends with.

This post - my first - is in honor of my dear daughter,

my little girl who grew up to be my friend.

I thought it was perfectly fitting to begin my journey in "blog land"

on her special day, as she has been my inspiration and encourager every step of the way.

Mother,

"I never tell you enough how much I love you and how thankful I am for you.

You have truly been a blessing and joy in my life, and you always will be!

You labor to make your home a place of comfort, happiness, warmth,

and most importantly, LOVE.

You rise early in the morning to spend time meditating in God's Word

and you prayerfully seek the Lord in every direction of your life.

You are not ashamed of Christ and what He has done for you,

but rather you proclaim His love and joyfully tell

others about Christ.

His light is always shinning in and through you.

You may be my mother and you may be 27 years older than me,

but you are my very close and best friend!

You will forever be in  my heart as my Mother and Friend

who is always there for me with her arms wide open with love

and who always has a caring and compassionate heart.

A mother and a friend who always has a gentle and meek spirit,

who willingly humbles herself before the Lord.

A mother and friend who desires to teach her children

and grandchildren about Jesus Christ and His Holy Word.

A mother and friend who always has a listening ear

and encouraging words to help me through my struggles.

The list could go on, but to sum it all up,

you are a Proverbs 31 Woman, and my prayer is that as I grow older

I will be just like you!

You are my role model and I thank the Lord everyday

for giving me you as my Mother and as my Friend.

Thank you for being such a wonderful example in my life!

I love you With All My Heart!

Stephanie

This was a gift from Stephanie placed in a frame

and surrounded by photo's of herself in her growing up years.

I received this precious gift for Mother's Day when Stephanie was 17 years old.

"You are a Proverbs 31 Woman and my prayer is that as I grow older

I will be just like you!

You are my role model and I thank the Lord

everyday for giving me you as my Mother

and my Friend.

Thank you for being such a wonderful example in my life!"

These were Stephanie's heart felt words to her mother.

She had a desire to follow the example of whom she saw as a Proverbs 31 Woman

(I fall short by the way)

She desired to be a woman that God teaches us we can all be.

Stephanie allowed the hand of God to mold her and make her what she is today.

What an honor as her mother to see her life reflect Christ.

I chose this as my first post as I begin this new journey,

"With purpose of heart" (Acts 11:23)

because it sets the stage, if you will,

for the purpose of this blog.

As women, the Bible instructs us to "teach the young women" (Titus 2)

to be godly role models as we live out the Word of God.

Is it an easy task? Not at all.
But it is attainable through the grace of God.

He is the one who works in and through us when we allow Him too. (Philippians 4:13)

As we reflect Christ in the lives of others,

He receives all the honor and glory due His name.

Thank you Heavenly Father,

for the gift of Your Son, and the salvation we can have through Him.

May we as women desire to follow after You,

and live our lives for Your glory