The Gift Of A Praying Mother

​My family moved 5 times while I was growing up. To some that might seem like a lot and to others it might seem like nothing at all. When you move that often, you don't get the sense of history and memories that a home can hold. After Mike and I were married, we moved 4 more times before settling in Caseville. It might seem silly to some, but this house we have lived in for the last 22 years holds so many memories that at times I feel like my heart could burst from the goodness of God on our lives. I'm such a sentimental sap. Little things like going down to my cellar to do laundry bring back so many memories of the endless loads of laundry I did for my family of 6. At the time I'm sure I felt overwhelmed but now it brings tears to my eyes and some days 'crazy' me will just stand down there and remember. Every day when I walk upstairs and pass by the little window at the top, I can picture my children playing there~they loved to sit on the top step looking out that window for Santa's foot prints on the roof or excited for the snow to melt so they could play on the swing set daddy built them. Time went by so quickly but each nook and cranny this house has holds memories for me. Their little fingers holding on to the stairway banister. Their angelic faces as they were nestled under blankets, fast asleep. The music of their laughter coming through my open windows in the summer. I would give anything just to hold each of them on my lap one more time and have them snuggle into me. When they were so tiny, I had no idea that one day they would all still live in our beautiful hometown. I had no idea that each would be such a blessing to our ministry here. One thing I knew for certain though was that I needed to bring my children before God in prayer each and every day. I knew that it was my responsibility as their mama to show them what a real relationship with Jesus was all about and that they too could not only call Him Father, but also Friend. It was my job to show them that Jesus was just as real in our day to day tasks at home as He was when we were in church on Sundays and Wednesdays. With Mothers Day just around the corner, I want to challenge our mamas out there to be sentimental saps. To cherish every single second you get to spend holding their tiny little hands and listening to their sweet baby laughter. Hold it close in your heart and don't ever forget it, but most of all bring those babies before the Lord. Pray for them daily and show them that knowing Jesus and the joy He gives can change their lives forever. I'm so thankful for who my children have become. They are not only my babies but now they~ and their spouses~are my best friends. I don't know what I would have done without the strength of my Savior to guide me through their growing up years. I made plenty of mistakes but I never gave up and I continued to bring my kids before the Lord. If you haven't already, this year give your babies a gift for Mothers Day~the gift of praying for them every single day. Their tiny hands might soon be grown but their hearts will be yours forever and one day as they all sit around your table with their own children, laughing and reminiscing, you will be so thankful you did.