Happy Birthday, Mom!!

I'm cheating and predating this post even though I am writing it on the 30th of November... I wanted to honor my mom with a post on her birthday as I have done with a couple of other important people who have somehow made an impact in my life, but between work, a birthday dinner outing with the family, and helping my mom with a project last night, I just didn't have time to blog on her actual birthday. So, forgive the fib and read on!

with my mom at Bryce Canyon in September

I really can't even begin to describe what my mom means to me, so I'll actually keep this fairly short. The best thing I can say is God knows what He's doing and I couldn't be more thankful that He chose the mother He did for me. My mom has a heart for the Lord like you wouldn't believe. She looks beyond the surface of EVERYTHING (and I do mean EVERYTHING) to find spiritual truth. If she sees a new movie, you can expect her to come away with some sort of illustration of the Christian life. If she's giving you a gift, she must include a message of Godly encouragement or it is nearly worthless in her eyes to give it. Ever heard of GORP ("Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts")? It's basically a trail mix that my school classes made at Thanksgiving when I was growing up. Each student would bring a different food to add to the mix to symbolize the Pilgrims and Indians combining resources for the first Thanksgiving. My mom has given the tasty treat a whole new spin with specific components that each have a meaning relating to the Thanksgiving story (for example, she includes Bugles to signify the cornucopia or "horn of plenty" representing the abundant harvest), and she has renamed it "Pilgrims' Journey Mix." With my mom, everything means something. Nothing is empty. It's a trait I've picked up through the years, and it's one I'm glad to have.

Aside from being one of the most devout Christians I've ever known, she has also become one of my very best friends through the years. I always know she is there to listen when something is bothering me, plus, we just have a good time together. God has blessed me TREMENDOUSLY by giving me the mother He gave me, and I will always be more thankful than I can express for the ways she has influenced and shaped my life.

after seeing The Nutcracker Ballet
last Christmas -- an annual tradition!

I love you, Mom!!!