Mom always had her colored pencils on the kitchen table where she worked hard preparing to lead her precept Bible studies. If we had a problem – mom had the solution with a verse attached and if mom said she was praying – we knew – something was going to happen – because mom’s prayers were powerful!
One of my favorite memories growing up were after school snack time – not just for the snack – but the time mom spent listening to all my boring stories! Mom listened and listened and listened as my two older sisters and I told many many stories. We are a chatty bunch! But I always knew I could talk to my mom about ANYTHING!
Mom introduced me to one of my all time favorite authors – Elizabeth Elliot through the book “Through Gates of Splendor.” It changed my view on life for forever. It gave me a passion to live for God and a hunger to live life to its fullest for God’s glory and it planted the seed in my heart to go to Bible college.
Mom MADE me practice piano for 8 years even when I hated it lol! and now I’m so glad I have that skill!!! She taught us girls to never quit and to always do everything to the best of our abilities. Thanks mom!
Mom is so generous – and I know she would not be pleased if I gave details on her giving – but mom and dad were always supporting many ministries or sharing with others in need. She is a gift giver and loves to give in abundance. She taught me both in words and deed that everything she has came from God and belongs to God. And that we must be good stewards – she is a great deal finder!
Mom is a woman of conviction. I am thankful that she sees things as black and white and did not let us girls settle for lukewarmness in our lives. She pushed us to righteousness and to high standards. She had strict television and movie rules and I am so thankful now for how she protected my mind.
Mom protected my purity by not letting Keith and I stay out too late when we were dating and she always allowed us to hang at the house where she could keep an eye on us! She and dad also led Keith and I in a marriage Bible study to prepare us for having a Biblical marriage.
And finally – mom (and dad!) gave me a childhood filled with joy, love and peace. I always knew I was unconditionally loved by them and by my heavenly Father. I cannot thank my mother enough for leading me to my rock – Jesus Christ my Savior. Thank you mom. I love you!
***For those who do not have a good mom as a role model – it’s our chance to be the mom to our children that my mom was to me. With God’s help we can do this too – we must saturate ourselves in God’s word and obey it. Join me on the journey!
You are so lucky. Happy Birthday to your mom.
Crystal – indeed I am deeply blessed!
I love my mom and we have a great relationship now… but it was not always that way growing up. What a blessing it must be to carry with you those wonderful traits and qualities from your mom that have enhanced your life and the lives of others…. rather than what some of us struggle with… the negative traits that our mothers may have passed on as they did not know the Lord! Thanks for sharing your experience! happy Birthday to your mama!!!
Wow, Courtney! I want so much for my daughter to say some of this of me someday. I think I'm printing this for inspiration. Thank you for sharing! And birthday blessings to your mom!
It was very special to read how you honoured your mom in this way. What a blessing for her…and for you! Thank you!
You are blessed sis I long for that mother daughter relationship yet have not a relationship at all with my mother and father because I have chosen a relationship with God they have opted out of a relationship with me and my family sad so be blessed and grateful always!!<3
Courtney….what a Blessing and very accurate tribute to your Mom. She is an amazing woman, who is such a Godly example to me and many other women. She truly is a Gift from God to many of us!! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! You are a Blessing to many also!! Thank you for sharing about your Mom to so many people! Many, many Birthday Blessings to your Mom!!
Aww…God bless your mama! Thank you for sharing her godly influence on your life. My mom wasn't such a good influence, so I have to turn to God, the Bible, and the example of women such as your mom for inspiration.
She sounds so wonderful! What a blessing you have in her. 🙂
What a perfect tribute to a wonderful lady. I know all about her Precepts studies! I sure learned a LOT! She is an incredible leader and role model for all women. You are especially blessed, Courtney, that she is your mother. Wish her a very happy and blessed birthday from me. 🙂
Thank you for sharing her with us. I can see she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!
beautiful post!! thanks for sharing 🙂
i'm sure your kids will grow up and say the same wonderful things about you!!
A very nice tribute to your lovely mother. I hope she has a great birthday.
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
what a nice post thank you for sharing!! i love your blog-cant wait to follow!
http://dailycrushes.blogspot.com
Your mom sounds wonderful. Happy Birthday! Like other commented, my mom wasn't such a good influence, so I have to turn to God, the Bible, and the example of women such as your mom for inspiration. I became a Christian 4 yrs. ago and would love it if you could post tips for raising godly children. Thanks for all you do. You're such a blessing to many.
What a wonderful example of womanhood your mother has been and continues to be! May God continue to bless her abundantly. I'm sure she's very proud of you Courtney! I hope she has a blessed and happy birthday.
Oh Courtney, your final note to women who do not share your blessed mom experience, was absolutely precious and encouraging. I would share more about my own experiences, but in line with part of what you shared, I will simply "honor thy father and mother." I'm choosing to walk in that command, and I'm so grateful the blessing I receive in doing so. Thank you for sharing your mom with us.
Blessings,
Toni
I think I am going to read this everyday and make sure I am covering all of my bases as a mother!! You need to write a book about this. Your mother basically led you right to the throneroom of Christ!
Praise the Lord!
What a blessing a godly mom can be, hope I can train, love, and teach my little ones as your mom has!
http://www.dontwasteyourhomemaking.com
Your Blessed. Thanks for sharing your Blessing. I hope that my daughter one day will feel and do the same.
Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Sherry
Wow, I can only pray that someday my kids will feel this way about me! I am striving to be that kind of Mom but sometimes I think I fall short.
I loved hearing about your mother Courtney, thank you for sharing!! I really hope and strive to be this kind of mother!!
Its encouraging to hear!!!
What a beautiful post! And what a wonderful example (and Mom!) your mother is!!
I know your mother was super Blessed by this post! What a very thoughtful way to honor her.So glad I found your blog!
You are blessed to be able to say this about your mother! What a GIFT you were given! I hope to be this kind of mother to my children…. By His Grace!
Wow, what a testament! God bless your mom. Can you get her to blog too???
Lisa V – lol! I'm working on it!!! 🙂 Writing happens to not be her thing – I think I might have to become her ghost writer hehe!!!
Courtney
How awesome that you had such a great role model in your mom. Mine was the total opposite and so was my upbringing, I pray I don't make the mistakes that she did so I can be the Godly mother that my children need and deserve.