Bread for the Journey

Her children rise up and call her blessed!

Proverbs 31:28

As I read about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, it is my mother that comes to mind. For her, beauty was not about outward appearances...but came from within. She was generous, kind and hospitable. She worked tirelessly from morning until night...with a strength that never seemed to fade. Everyone was welcome in her home...there was always room for one more at the table. She was a wonderful homemaker...and skilled with her hands. She sewed, knit and crocheted for all of us...and turned out needlepoint pictures that were works of art. She spent her life giving...with hardly a thought for herself. Even in the last few hours of her life, she reminded us that she had prepared a lot of food...we should be sure to cook the cabbage rolls and the pies that were in the freezer. Always thinking of others...always giving to us...and sometimes with hardly a word of thanks in return!

She left us far too soon...and with little warning. In July 2000 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer...and three weeks later she was gone.  There have been so many moments since then that I would have loved to share with her. I wish I could thank her today for all she meant to me.  If you have words of blessing for your mom...share them with her while you still can!

We here at MGCC are a group of ten women...only four who still have a mother that can be honoured in person today.  The rest of us pay tribute to our moms by sharing the memories.  Here's a few wonderful words about our mothers on this Mother's Day...

My mother is probably the most unselfish person I have known and, adding to that, she is trustworthy, honest and faithful. There are women who are more concerned about charm and beauty, which is fleeting, but she is to be praised for fearing the Lord.  ~Anneliese

My mother loved to cook and bake, nothing made her happier than having the family home for meals. She loved people and had a great sense of humour..I miss you Mom.  ~ Betty

My mother worked hard at allowing her 2 girls to be who they were called to be.  She only ever praised my homemaking skills even though they left much to be desired at times.  She supported my sister and I in all our activities. She was as quick to admit her faults and ask for forgiveness as she was to forgive when we hurt her. She was wasn't afraid to try something new and was a bundle of energy. She also exemplified hospitality and knew how to make each guest feel very special.  I miss her so much.  ~ Bev

I am one of the four that is blessed to still have their mother.  I am so thankful for her generous gift of hospitality and her tender heart toward God.  In spite of her own health being compromised she still carries on in the kitchen blessing others as she can.  Thank you for your true example to us mom, we love you. ~ Char

My mother taught me by example that it is worthwhile to make sacrifices for your family. She worked hard to feed and clothe us with very few resources. To this day her greatest example is her love, respect and loyalty to my father.~Ellen

I am thankful to still have my mother - at 87 she is still in good health and active. I do not remember my Mom ever being idle.  She was a hard worker and nothing that could be done today was left for tomorrow.   The huge vegetable garden she planted every year always yielded a bumper harvest.   Meal times were important and the family was always together around the table.  She has lived her life focused on her family - their needs always came before her own -  and I know how much she loves her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. ~ Julie

I am thankful for the  many character qualities my mom modeled for me. As her own family grew when the four of her children married and the grand kids came along, it was her desire to allow everyone to be who they were and to accept each of us for who we were. She was not a woman who sought attention for herself, but thought of others and showed grace and love in relationships. Today I thank my Heavenly Father for my mom, who I look forward to celebrating life with again one day in heaven.  ~Kathy

My mom let me get my hands in the dough when I was still little and she got a kick out of serving my odd shaped buns to company ..declaring them just fine. She valued teaching me to have an obedient and sensitive heart to Jesus and made me feel loved and cherished. If I love my children unconditionally ..it is because I learned from her example. I am thankful for my mom who is waiting for me at home. ..her heavenly home.  ~Lovella

When I think of my mother, I think of her as someone who loved unconditionally and extended a heart of grace.  She had a heart to share her life with others and more than that, she wanted to listen to others and offer them hope and encouragement.  A cup of coffee was always offered to her guests or family in a very simplistic way, but filled with hospitality.   She was always there for me.   I miss her dearly. ~ Marg

And so today we honour these ten godly women who are our mothers.   We could each have written a lovely tribute to our moms-in-law today as well.  How blessed we all have been to have such wonderful women in our lives!

To all of you who are mothers...I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day!  And be sure to 'rise up and bless' the special mothers in your life. 

Happy Mother's Day!