What Does Mother's Day Mean To You?
 

Mother's Day is this Sunday and I was wondering what that day means to you? For many, it is a day to celebrate your mother and be with family. To others, it may be a day of reflection and memories of a mother who has gone on to meet her reward. Still others may feel a void of separation from their mothers or children, which brings much sorrow on that day.

This is a very personal issue for me and I hope that you feel comfortable sharing your feelings regarding this holiday.

chosen

One of my favorite days! My mother is and has always been such a Godly influence on my life that I enjoy the opportunity to celebrate it with her. Since she is now 74 (75 in August) I realize that each mother's day is more precious than the last because it may well be the last I have with her. Although she appears to be in perfect health and the doctors tell her she will live to be in her 100s if nothing changes, I know that things can and do change quickly.

My mom is a prayer warrior and possessed of a loving and kind spirit. I think she and Sis. Alvear would be a great match... they love much the same.

I love mother's day because I love my Mom!

This Mother's Day will be a special one for me. In 1977, while I was a senior at Jackson College of Ministries, there was a teacher there that God sent to minister to me.

Background:

When the chorale came back from touring that summer Bro. LW told me he had seen my sister in Ohio. I told him that he couldn't have because my family was in San Diego, California. Bro. LW in his not so tactful way told me that my parents had seperated and they were divorcing. I was only 19 at the time and devastated [not that here is a good age for something like this to happen].

Like a Mother:

I went to seek out Sis. Jewel [Yadon] Dillon. She held me and let me cry. She told me about her loss of David her son. She told me about her special memories. She let me talk, she listened, she comforted me. She will never know how much I needed her at that time.

My security had been ripped out from under me, my family was split apart, some in Memphis, some in San Diego, and others in Elyria, Ohio. I was in Jackson playing on again and off again with a three year relationship and felt like a fish out of water...funny...kind of like i feel now! I just realized that. As a therapist I would ask the client...what gave you the strength to get through the past situation? How can this be applied to this situation.

I leaned on Sis. Dillon, although she herself was still hurting from her own losses. I kept the attic above the girl's dorm filled with prayers. I could not start out my day without the presence of God covering me. Just a word, or a hug from Sis. Dillon to remind me that someone cared helped me make it through my Senior year of Bible College.

This Mother's Day:

Tomorrow morning I am flying to Caldwell, Idaho to spend Mother's Day with my dear friend of 30 years...Mom Dillon. I want her to know that I will always be thnkful that she allowed herself to be the vessel of God that I needed to help me through one of the worst periods of my life. Gloria, her daughter and joy of her heart is in Ohio with her family this year and I wanted to have this special time with a Godly woman whom I admire and cherish.

I thank God for Mothers that God provides during times when a Mother's love is needed and there is no mother in sight.

Thank-you Jesus for sending Sis. Jewel Dillon into my life in 1977.

I give Jesus all the praise, Rhonda

I am there for the gifts and the trip out to eat with my children..lol...
It means alot to me that my son is driving two and a half hours to come
be in church with me.My own mother is with the Lord.

I'm big into holidays or even finding an excuse to celebrate something, sooooooo with that said, Mother's Day has been a disappointment in the past for me.

When the kids were younger, they needed help doing something and they rarely got that. My very first Mother's Day, my son was three months old and I was looking forward to going to church as a new mom on Mother's Day. My other half decided he didn't feel very good and didn't go to church with us so that disappointed me. I had the youngest child that morning and received a gift, so that was fun - I just wanted to share it with the one that made me a mom.

One of my best memories is when a dear friend was visiting us for the weekend and it happened to Mother's Day weekend. She got up and helped the kids make me breakfast in bed and they LOVED it and felt so proud of themselves. She later took them shopping and bought me a rose bush for my garden. It was so sweet that she, as a mother herself took the time to do this with my kids!

Not having a mom for the past two years has made me shift my focus off me and what I would like to happen and realize how blessed I am to have had such an awesome mom that in turned created a pretty cool mom in me.

I miss being able to do something special for her.

I know my kids love me to death and I feel so blessed just knowing they are mine!!! Now that they are adults they are much better at making my day special.......it's just one day out of the year that moms need a break....lol!

One of the best momories I have of my mother is when I was very young, she would put me on her bed and use my lap as an alter to pray on. Mom wasn't one to pray quietly, and she almost always had lots of tears. The way she prayed has always been an influence on me, I will never forget it.

I don't make a big deal out of most holidays, to be honest with you. If I remember to call my mom on M-day I do, but lots of times I don't really think about it so I don't call her. She is one of these people that is really big on holidays and gets upset if I don't call her. I will probly call her this year though.

Great idea.I would that I could call my momma on Mothers Day and take her out to lunch.She has been dead for sixteen years.

Shame on you, unless you talk to her all the time.

As moms, since we are givers all the time, it is nice to know you are thought of on the one day set aside. Give her a call.

Sister, I should have clarified that I talk to my mom on the phone a lot. At least 2-3 times a month. Sometimes more than she wants even. LOL

The thing I love the most from my son is a card that shares his heart.Not just a card that says his heart but one with words that he penned that I can read over and over.

Exactly! Three years ago (going through a divorce), for Mother's Day my daughter drew a picture that was very symbolic of my life and what I was going through and where I was headed with God's help. She wrote what each thing she drew meant and it is framed and something that I will treasure the rest of my life.

She showed a lot of wisdom in her drawing along with love and understanding. Those gifts are priceless.

What Does Mother's Day Mean To You?
 

Sis. Rhoni,

What a lovely, beautiful tribute you have written about "your other mother",

a Mother in Zion who made a difference at a very delicate time in your life,

when it could have gone in another direction. Some have, when faced with

'tough times" turn and go back to Egypt. They make a choice to turn back in

the battle instead of standing their ground and allowing Christ to lead them

forward, one day at a time!

May the Lord Jesus continue to direct your life as it appears He has been for

a long, long time. Have a wonderful trip and Mother's Day with Sis. Dillion. I

feel sure this will mean much to her to know she has played such an important

part in your being where you are today. No doubt all that you, I and others

have gone through and continue to go through is the "education" in order for

us to do the work the Master has been preparing us to do. For HIS glory!! One

thing about it, when we have gone through the Masters school, we will not

have to worry about pride, as it will all be for His Honour and His Glory!!

Nothing less is of any importance anyway!

Create in me, Your image, O Lord,
Let me be all You've dreamed I could be.
And when You have finished Your work, Lord, in me,
I pray that JESUS is all they will see!

Blessings,

Falla39

I hate mother's day! Did I shock any of you? I also feel the same way about Father's day, Valentines Day, my wedding anniversary...and pretty much any major or minor holiday.

What I hate about it is the fakeness. I just can't stand pretentiousness, and to me that is what so many holidays are about. People buying a card or taking Mom out to dinner because they are supposed to, or out of a sense of obligation, or to alleviate the guilt.

I love my Mom, but I don't want to buy her some lame present she doesn't need anyway because they calendar says I am supposed to. I would rather find a perfect thing to bless her with, that comes out of the abundance of my heart, throughout the year.

Of course I march to the beat of my own drum :D

Michlow that is your choice but to me its not fakeness.I love my children and I always loves taking a special day out to honor my mother.Its about building memories.People are busy and they don't always stop to smell the roses.
I don't like commercialism but family life I love.

Well I like to express my love and to spend time with family. But the second that someone (or some date on the calendar) tells me that I HAVE to, its suddenly the last thing in the world I want to do.

Plus, I think it is all part of a big conspiracy between the government and Hallmark Card company. I think I hear the black helicopters coming :D

I suppose that because I am Cajun that I like to celebrate all the time.I grew up with joie de vivre ingrained into me.We celebrate all the time.Granted that their celebrations in Louisiana aren't always in Godly ways.Holidays
are another excuse for us to get together and eat and talk and laugh.
The churches in La are big on fellowship.Living in Florida I miss my brother in laws big rotissarie BBQ pit the most.lol.

Sis. Rhoni,

I had one of those too. Her name was Sis. Mittie Phoenix she attended Bro. Fauss' church in north Houston. I have tried over the past 8 years, since I came back to God, to get in touch with Aunt Mittie (that is what I called her) to no avail. I did speak to Bro. O.R. Fauss 4 or 5 years ago and he told me she was still living at that time. I am not sure if she is even still alive. But she was sure there for me when i needed someone. We used to go to the Phoenix home out off of Little York Road for a good dose of comforting! :)

CountryRev, if you read this, do you know if Aunt Mittie Phoenix is still alive and if she is still in the Houston area.

Land mine fields that I cannot negotiate.

Brother Phil -

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt expression of love for your mother. I pray that this Mother's Day will be very special for both of you.

chosen

Rhonda,

I'm glad that you are spending Mother's Day with someone special. By the way, I'll be thinking of you.

Many blessings to you, my friend.

chosen

Your mother instilled in you so many great, spiritual things in your life during those prayer sessions. You are a remarkable man because of those times.

Be sure to do something very special for the new mom in your life this weekend. By the way, how's the boy doing?

Sis Falla39,

Tell me about one of your favorite Mother's Day and what you'll be doing this weekend.

chosen

Mothers Day this year means I can force my husband to eat at Nori, the Japanese place!! I love sushi and he wont even try it - but this place also has a grill so he can have his food cooked.

I think he's going to be surprised at how much he likes it.

Oh, and my mom has to go - she'll like it too - she just will go kicking and screaming with us b/c I say so

they will thank me in the end

or they can go to McDonalds afterwards.

I'm eatin sushi!

I have to run out for an appointment, so I'll catch up and respond to all of you. It makes my heart smile to read so many good things that you have written on this thread.

God bless you.

What does Mother's Day mean to me? Oh my ~ do you have all day to listen?

It'll mean more this year than it has ever meant in the past, that's for sure. Last year on Mother's Day evening and into the early morning hours of Mother's Day, Walt was in surgery for a ruputred aortic aneurism. He's only alive because GOD granted us a miracle. There is no doubt in my mind that all of the prayers of my friends here, as well as our friends and family at church, school, the fire dept. and all over the world - all of those prayers are the reason that Walt is here.

So what does Mother's Day mean to me? It means I have more to be grateful for than I ever thought possible. And I definately AM grateful :)

Now let me tell you about some Mother's Days that happened before 2006.

There were many years when Mother's Day was the most painful day of the year for me. We were going thru infertility treatments, trying everything doctors knew for us to have a family. And then watching people who had no business being a mother - who abused or neglected their children - get all kinds of accolades just for being a mom.. Those wer painful, painful Mother's Days. If you know someone who is in the middle of infertility treatments right now - please reach out to them this Sunday!!!

And then there was the year before we got to bring our oldest son home. I spent Mother's Day taking my nephew for a special day. After we got back to my sister's house, we were sitting on her porch swing. Ricky was 2. He was on one end and I was on the other and we were swinging high, when the chain broke. My leg was under the swing when it crashed down. Broke my ankle in 5 places. Shattered my heal. This was definately NOT my best Mother's Day.

So, yep, I think that this Sunday will be the best ever. I have 2 sons now. That in itself makes it a day to celebrate! PLUS we still have Walt with us. What more could anyone ask?

We're having a party to celebrate!!!!!

It means that I get to choose where I want to eat - for once - without- feeling guilty.

That I can buy something new to wear - without - feeling guilty.

:nod :killinme

What Does Mother's Day Mean To You?
 

Bro. Chosenbyone,

I had already been reflecting on what I would say about what Mother's

Day means to me. How do you even began to express in words what

Mother's Day means, but I have asked JESUS to help me with it!! How

do you express the love of a mother who was willing to go the distance

to bring not only me, but ten other siblings into this world. She went

through the pain and travail of giving birth eleven times within twenty

years. She loved her husband, her children, her grandchildren and they

all knew and felt her love for each of them. Being the oldest daughter

I remember the days of her carrying her "burdens" to term. Very patient

and gentle, never once did I ever hear her complain about carrying her

babies. She nurtured and carried them with patience. She never worked

a day of her married life on a public job. Her husband knew that his part

in the family was to provide for them. She was to care and nurture them

and make sure they were safe in their home. It was not an easy job for

either of them. But guess what!! Those burdens they bore with patience,

when matured, became their blessings in their later years. They were be-

loved and valued until their going home.

Mother's Day 1998 found her eleven children in a waiting room in a hospital

in a Dallas suburb. She had turned suddenly two days before and lost her

balance and fell, breaking her femur. On Mother's Day, the orthapedic

surgeon installed a stainless steel rod in her leg. Mom had never been in a

hospital except to visit someone else. She had her children at home, with a

mid-wife, trusting in her God. He never let her down. She never lived to see

the death of one of her children. We eleven gather together, with our families

each Memorial Day to honor our parents. We started doing this after Mom

went Home! Mom lived until just after Mother's Day 1999. A younger brother

went with a group to Israel eleven days before her Homegoing. The doctors

and nurses could not believe she lived that eleven days until John got home

from Israel. He came to her bedside, kissed her and told her he loved her.

We didn't hear her say a word for several days prior, but after John got home

and we all sung in her hospital room that night, less than an hour after we

all left, except for two brothers and their wives and a granddaughter, who

were staying the night, she slipped away. Momma knew when all the children

were in!! Then she could rest!! She and Dad could not rest when we children

were out at night. They spent the time in prayer for us. It paid off!

She used to pray that I on Jesus would rely, and always walk the shining
gospel way. So trusting still His love I seek that home above, Where I
shall meet my Mother some glad day.

If I could hear my Mother pray again. If I could hear her tender voice as
then. So glad I would be, would mean so much to me. If I could hear my
Mother pray again.

Her work on earth is done, the life-crown has been won. And she will
be at rest with Him above. And some glad morning she, I know will welcome
me, To that eternal home of peace and love.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...FallaMomma.jpg

Mom, If in heaven's grandstands you see me today, I want you to know

that I have risen up and called you blessed!

Your eldest daughter, Nancy


Falla39

wow. Sister Falla, what a wonderful and Grand lady you are.

What Does Mother's Day Mean To You?
 

Bro. ChosenInOne,

As to what I will be doing this weekend. the Lord willing, I will be

surrounded Sunday evening by our six adult children, their spouses,

and our nineteen grandchildren. But this is not a one-time a year

occasion. They honor their mother and father all year long.

These are blessings on those who have their quiver full. LOL!! Children

are God's Heritage and the fruit of the womb is HIS REWARD!! Believe Him,

Believe His Word!!!

Dad and Mom nurtured God's children in the church,. right along with their

own. God saw that they took care of their own first so He allowed them

to take care of a few more of His that needed special care!! They pastored

for over 30 yrs. after he served in WWII and came home and raised an army

for the Lord! Their direct descents, children, grandchildren, great-grands,

and great-great grands number about 95! An army indeed!

Blessings,

Falla39

What Does Mother's Day Mean To You
 

I cannot take the credit if that be so, Bro, Ferd! Can I help it if

my Father IS THE KING,...OF KINGS!!!

Blessings,

Falla39

I looooove my momma, she was strict...overly strict...and she needed to be having me for a son...and my brothers too. :D

Now she is a great gramma.

I just got a Mother's Day card from my granddaughters Sammie & Tabbie. Sammie colored me a picture of she and I together...it is so precious...I love being a Nana!

Ahhhh -- refreshing. :D

I pray that your visit with your son and the fiddles you eat will be blessed and fills your heart, and tummy, with goodness.

Enjoy your day!

chosen

It sounds like you are a great mom and I pray that this Mother's Day will be special. You're right...take a break and enjoy life.

I'm sure your uniqueness makes your mother love you that much more.

Enjoy your day, your mom and your sushi!