Today is Mother’s Day 2020.  It is a day to give special recognition and appreciation to our Mothers.  I hope you are able to express appreciation for or to your Mother on this occasion.  I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to three important Moms in my life.

First, for my own mom Jan.  My mom lives in Texas along with my Dad.  I am blessed to have living parents in their 80’s.  My mom raised 4 sons which I know gave her grey hair very early.  She cared for and nurtured us as we walked through various stages of life, and as we moved to different places because of my Dad’s work dealing with challenges and trials in doing so.  My Mom loved the Lord and the church, and without question she loved her boys, and still does.  My greatest appreciation is that she taught us about following Jesus and demonstrated that truth by modeling that lifestyle for us. As a result, I have become a man who loves Jesus, the church, and my family. I am grateful for a Godly Mom who was instrumental in God making me who I am today.

Second, for my wife’s mother Carolyn.  We said good-bye to Carolyn in September of 2019.  She now dwells in the presence of Jesus.  Carolyn became my second mom when I began dating and then married Debbie. Carolyn’s love language was food, and could she cook and bake.  Whenever we would return home for a visit baked goodies and meals came from everywhere, the freezer, the cupboards, you couldn’t believe she could stash so much away.  She loved her grandkids too.  Carolyn loved the Lord and the church and her family.  She was an avid support to me in my first church staff position as I worked with youth.  As her son-in-law she treated me very well and encouraged Deb and me as we traveled away from Texas to the ministry work God had for us.  We miss her presence on this earth, but her legacy lives on through her children.  I am very grateful for the life, influence, love and support my mother-in-law gave to us.

Third, my wife and the mother of our children.  She indeed is a grace gift from God to me and has faithfully supported the work of ministry as we have served full-time vocationally in Oklahoma, Utah, Oregon, Colorado and now Wyoming.  She mothered our children Candace and Colby.  She loves them deeply and has done an amazing job of nurturing and encouraging our kids to be independent and courageous.  She has taught them how to care and love like Jesus.  She has helped guide them through challenges in their lives through prayer and support. She still actively does so.  As a mom, she has always been tenderhearted and has always desired to give the kids what they need whenever they need it, including some tough love.  I am proud of my wife; she has grown in her relationship with Lord immensely over the years and has continued to grow in her love for her family as well.  I am very thankful for her.

I am thankful for Christ-centered Moms, Happy Mother’s Day.