JJ, Janet, Sissy, Jaunita... Mom

Tonight at bible study, we decided to have a low key hang out... it was just what we all needed in the middle of this crazy week. As part of our hang out time, we all shared our highs and lows of the week. My high was my MOM!!!

My Mom is really one of my best friends, and I feel so blessed to be able to say that truthfully. There is really no one else I would rather talk to or share my joys and sorrows. She is amazing! Tonight, I was particularly struck with how much I have enjoyed talking to her recently. It has been so refreshing to laugh, cry, vent, and chat about all that life has brought to our family and our lives lately.

My Mom, you would say, is the glue of the family. She keeps us all sane, and sometimes I wonder how she juggles it all. We are a pretty tough bunch. She makes life so exciting and never ceases to show my brothers and I all that the Lord has to offer us. Here are some of my favorite things about my mom:

- Her sense of humor: It is magnanimous! People are naturally drawn to my mom and her lifegiving personality!
- Her genuine love of the Lord: My mom's love of the Lord is real and genuine. I am so thankful that she shared Jesus with my brothers and me, and have raised our family with Christ at the center.
- Her selflessness: For the past few years, my mom's main role has been caregiver, on top of mom, wife, sister, business partner, friend, daughter, etc. She has more than risen to the occasion and has done it joyfully! However, she has always possessed this quality. She continually gives of herself, expecting nothing in return. You will never find a harder worker than my mom.
- Her creativity: She is organized and creative! Very few people work both sides of the brain, but Mom does. She is so talented! I love to brag on her and her work.
- Her "mom" skills: She has three completely different children and has the ability to meet each of us right where we need to be met. We are so blessed that she doesn't have the same expectations for us or need for us to be something we are not. She fosters our strengths and continues to sharpen our weaknesses. She is our biggest fan!
- She shared Doodah with me... enough said.

As I was writing these attributes of my mom, I began to see a pattern, she possesses so many of the same characteristics of Christ! How blessed I am! I only hope I can have half her strength, half her courage, and half her wisdom one day. I dream to be a mom and wife that she has been and continues to be. I am so thankful for you Mom... I LOVE YOU!