Happy Birthday Mom, We love you!

It's Monday most places in the world but maybe Tuesday is soon coming somewhere on the globe. I've always been intrigued by that time zone stuff. I recently talked to a man about his trip to China. I get kind of confused anytime you talk about getting somewhere before you left. But that's not unusual for me and here we are on this special Monday, since it is May 3rd, 2010, and it happens to be the anniversary of the birthday of one of the most remarkable women who has occupied space on the planet, my mom, and she is 86 today! I had planned on driving over to see her this past Saturday but they had a weekend excursion already in the works. She's 86 and still able to do weekend excursions? Wow! What a blessing and what a privilege for me to honor her on her birthday. Her life story fully told is the stuff of legend. The reality of it all seems unreal to the extent that one can only conclude that it's an amazing testimony of trials, tears, faithfulness, and blessings. If I am in my right mind, which can be challenged on most days, I always try to remember to thank God, every single day for the mom that He gave to us. Us four remaining children of her six, can without hesitation, fulfill in every aspect the honor given in Proverbs 31, by rising up in her presence and calling her blessed.

You may not be familiar with this famous passage, therefore, I think it appropriate, in her honor, to share it from Proverbs Chapter 31:

10) Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.

11) The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.

12) She does him good and not evil
All the day of her life.

13) She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.

14) She is like the merchant ships,
She bring her food from afar.

15)She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.

16) She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17) She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.

18) She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.

19) She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.

20) She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

21) She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22) She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23) Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

24) She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25) Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.

26) She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27) She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28) Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

29) "Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all."

30) Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31) Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

When I read this passage I see my mom's face. Happy Birthday to our wonderful mother. Thanks for all you have done over all these years to point us in the direction we should go. May God bless you, on this, your special day. Amen. ........More later.