For Mother

Mother, often I remember you in prayer
And ask the Lord to keep you in His care,
And especially on your honored day,
I pray that you'll be blessed
With a peaceful heart and
All the things that make you happiest. 
                               Anonymous

Thinking about Mother's Day and reflecting on the role of mothers, thought I'd post a few poems and verses as a tribute to this special person who has influenced us tremendously in our daily lives. 

"Mother"
You painted no Madonnas
On chapel walls in Rome
But with a touch diviner
You lived one in your home.

You wrote no lofty poems
That critics counted art,
But with a nobler vision
You lived them in your heart.

You carved no shapeless marble
To some high soul design.
But with a finer sculpture
You shaped this soul of mine.

You built no great cathedrals
That centuries applaud,
But with a grace exquisite
Your life cathedraled God.

Had I the gift of Raphael
Or Michelangelo,
Oh, what a rare Madonna
My mother's life would show.
             By Thomas W. Fessenden

                                                       
                
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Considerations from Proverbs 31

Who can find a virtuous woman
Her price is far above rubies
   Her husband trusts her
   She treats  him generously
   She shops for the best linens and cottons
   She's like a merchant ship that
          searches for exotic surprises
   Up early preparing food for her family
   Considers property and buys it using
          money to provide for her family
   In the morning, she rises to prepare for
          her day's work
   She is skilled and diligent in homemaking
   She's quick to lend a hand to the needy
   She reaches out to attend the poor ...
Her children respect and bless her
Her husband joins to praise her.

Charm or Favor is misleading
Beauty can fade and can be vain
The woman to be admired and praised is
One who lives in the Fear of the Lord.

                                                             Peonies blooming in June
Open your Bible to read Proverbs 31.  You'll notice that physical beauty is not discussed.  Inner qualities are brought to light in this chapter such as charitable actions toward family and community.  Let us ladies strive to be like the strong Proverbs 31 woman with a light shining through acts of service and a virtuous character inspired by Biblical standards embraced by our hearts.