Speaking from the Heart

As you near the end of your Encouragement Challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat?

This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against God (Gen. 39:9).

Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that today-and express your gratitude.

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Published by Revive Our Hearts, © 2005. Permission granted to photocopy in the exact form, including copyright. All other uses require written permission.
Revive Our Hearts * P.O. Box 2000, Niles, MI 49120 * 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

The seed to homeschool was planted three days after dear son was born. The town’s newspaper had an article about a local homeschool family. Grandpa read it and asked me if I was planning to do the same. I thought the question was premature and left the question hanging. Unfortunately, Grandpa did not live long enough to see the outcome of his question.

Dear son attended a private Christian school when he was in Kindergarten. It took an hour to drive round trip. Traveling to and from, twice a day, got old fast. I jokingly told dear husband that I would consider homeschooling if his company relocated him.

My famous last words became a reality a month later. Dear husband announced that we were moving to the other side of the state. Of course, I had to live up to my end of the bargain. I prayed about it. Actually, I challenged God. “God, if you really want me to home school, show me a sign.” The only time I was willing to wait forever for His answer, He came back with a quick response. Every time I went to the public library after that, I met at least one homeschool family.

Looking back, Our Father gave me many signs through the years. First, there was a newspaper article. Second, My son's teacher, Mrs. Ellis, taught him to work independently. Seven years later, he continues to be an independent learner. Finally, as a homeroom mom, I was exposed to Mrs. Ellis’ teaching techniques.

Imitating Mrs. Ellis’ teaching styles, and receiving co-operation from dear son , the first two years of homeschooling were a breeze. However, when it was time to teach dear daughter, I felt incompetent.

“Lord,” I said, “teaching dear daughter is going to be harder. I have to start from scratch (teaching her ABCs, vowel and consonant sounds, blends, etc.). I don’t think I can do it. Where do I start?” The Lord gently reminded me that He didn’t leave me in Vietnam when I didn’t know Him. He wasn’t going to abandon me now. He has kept his promise.

When school doesn’t go as well as planned, I must learn to cast my doubt to the LORD. He will sustain me and will not let me fall (Psalm 55:22).

P.S.

• Moms,
  What led you to homeschooling? We would love to hear from you.
• The HomeSpun Life is hosting Share Your Faith Carnival. Share your testimony about how God led you to decide to homeschool.

• Young Ladies,
  What is your point of view of homeschooling. The HomeSpun welcome your point of view as the student, so long as it builds up the body of Christ. For more information, click on the clipart.

This week, I am thankful for:

• my friend's husband making it through an emergency gall bladder surgery and is back home today.
• husband's continuous love for me and our children.
• blogging buddies, who bless me everyday.
• an awesome children's ministries at my church.
• being able to homeschool my kids, and seeing daily what I have sowed.
• Coach Thomas. Although his daughter will not be homeschooling for another 5 years, he volunteered his time to teach our kids basic soccer skills.

Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.

As part of your Encouragement Challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.

The humility that comes from a right relationship with God - the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word - is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matt. 26:39).

Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how precious this is to your marriage relationship.

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Published by Revive Our Hearts, © 2005. Permission granted to photocopy in the exact form, including copyright. All other uses require written permission.
Revive Our Hearts * P.O. Box 2000, Niles, MI 49120 * 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

You have almost completed the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of encouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.

There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?

Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from "waiting" on the Lord for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your home.

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Published by Revive Our Hearts, © 2005. Permission granted to photocopy in the exact form, including copyright. All other uses require written permission.
Revive Our Hearts * P.O. Box 2000, Niles, MI 49120 * 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3

Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home. Do you promote an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with your Encouragement Challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of peace to your family today.

Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home? Is his presence a calming influence? Does he bring music, entertainment, books or people into your home that build a sense of serenity? Let him know how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.

If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving. Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Published by Revive Our Hearts, © 2005. Permission granted to photocopy in the exact form, including copyright. All other uses require written permission.
Revive Our Hearts * P.O. Box 2000, Niles, MI 49120 * 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

To Do List:

• Clean the house thoroughly
• keep track of kids' school work, less blogging
• Make sure daughter finishes her story for Florida Studio Writing contest
• Speech and soccer practice on Tuesday
• Homeschool P.E. & choir on Wednesday
• Make it a priority to exercise at least 3 times this week

Children In Training: Do assignments with a good attitude, and don't ask "why do I have to do all of this".

Weekly menu: See weekly menu tab

".... but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4

Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.

Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing their character? Praise him for these important life skills.

If you don't have children - is your husband positive and encouraging around other people's children? Let him know that you have noticed.

If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent - while still maintaining his authority in the home.

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

You're moving toward the home stretch of your 30-day challenge! Just a reminder of what you've committed:

"You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. "Each day, say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband!

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." Titus 2:7a

Does the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" seem like hard work? Or is it becoming a pleasant exercise in genuine Christ-likeness in your home? You are only scratching the surface of ways to encourage your mate.

Is your husband organized? Is he diligent? Is he persistent? These are all related to a pattern of personal disciplines that are worthy of your praise. Affirm him for one or more of these traits that you see in him.

Some men have not developed these qualities because they are naturally more spontaneous. You can praise his spontaneity! Perhaps God has called you alongside to help him with disciplines he has not yet developed - but this does not include nagging. You can keep him organized.

Whatever the need, you can be your husband's cheerleader, encouraging him when he wants to give up.

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

Focus today on how you represent your husband in your home, your church, and your community. In this challenge to encourage, ask: "If all my family and friends knew about my husband came from a filter of what I've said about him, what would they think of my husband?" Do you need to change the filter?

Do you talk positively about your husband to others... or do you complain and criticize? Your speech should reflect 1 Cor. 13 love. Your words should be kind, and should never "rejoice in iniquity" (v. 6). Refrain from listing your husband's faults to others. Satan likes to trick us in this area - be wary of sharing barbed "prayer requests."

Remember, "Love will cover a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8b). Present your husband before others today in a strong, positive manner. Slip in a "good word" for your spouse. Resist the urge to correct or belittle him in front of others. Some of what you say may come back to him - and you want your words to be sweet, building him up and never tearing him down.

Don't forget: you are always criticizing - or encouraging - before an audience. God hears your conversations when you are alone with your husband in your own home. May your speech be always seasoned with grace.

While you are considering how your speech can reflect the grace of the Lord in your husband's life, don't forget that your words can also encourage others. When you share what God is doing in your life through this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge", others will be blessed. Perhaps other wives will be moved to take up this challenge.

Please take a few minutes and comment on how you are doing with the challange.

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

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Thank you for joining the final reading of

A Mother's Journey

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

She heard her children callling, "You will always walk with us, Mother!"
They stood and watched as the gates closed after her: and she heard her children saying,

A faithful mother is more than a memory;
a faithful mother lives with us forever.

And her children grasped the hands of their own children and looked at the path before them.

"Is the way long?" they asked.

and their Shepherd answered,

"Yes, and the way is hard,

and you will be old before you reach the end of it...

But the end will be better than the beginning. "

I would like to tribute this Thankful Thursday to my children. They are on loan from above. I must diligently use this time period to shape them. In my bias opinion, they are the best kids parents could ever ask for.

• They love God, and obey me and Dad (most of the time).
• They have such a generous hearts to those in needs.
• They always showing their gratitude towards their parents.

Read on to see their big Valentine's Day surprise for me and Dad.

My dear husband and I dined at Restaurante de la Chez, which sits in a cul-de-sac somewhere in Florida. The waitress spent all day planning a romantic dinner for us.

As the female waitress escorted us to our seats, I faintly heard soft music in the background. The table was beautifully decorated . Each placemat had a tulip on it.

While the chef was in the kitchen preparing the food, the waitress took our orders, which consisted of:

• Baked B.B.Q & Mediterranean chicken
• Homemade macroni & cheese
• Sweet peas
• Specialty House Salad created by the waitress.
• Water

My dear husband and I enjoyed the quiet dinner, as we talked about our day and reminisced our memoriable Valentine's Day. It was nice just to sit there, talked and listened to each other.

After dinner, the waitress served us a plate filled with a Russel Chocolate Candy and Strawberries, topped with cool whip.

We sat in the lanai, while the chef and the waitress ate their dinner. Afterwards, They joined us in several games of Old Maid, and dancing. To remember this special night, the waitress gave each of us a good night gift.

Thank you, Chef and Waitress for making our 20th Valentine's Day together so special.

for more Thankful Thursday, click on the T & T clipart

and all these things shall be added to you." Matt. 6:33

If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do or say is seen from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful.

Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject materialism and temporal values? Express your gratefulness for his value system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other things of this world.

If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same. Only two things will go into eternity...the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Eph. 4:32

It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband - by God's grace and in His power - you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.

Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.

Does your husband - rightly or wrongly - harbor grudges against you? Again, are there things you need to change, or do you need to ask for his forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

For more Wordless Wednesday, please click on the above clipart.

Look at the pictures above and you can see where this guy broke through the guardrail, right side where the people are standing on the road (pointing). The pick-up was traveling from right to left when it crashed through the guardrail, flipped end-over-end, across the culvert outlet, and landed right side up on the left side of the culvert, facing the opposite direction from which he was traveling.

If this guy didn't believe in God before, do you suppose he believes now?

Read this description of a wife's description of her beloved - Song of Solomon 5:10-16

Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies.

Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks - by the standards of the world - a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight. Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.

As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad smile?)

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy...Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Ps. 16:11a; 144:15b

It's hard to criticize others when we are enjoying their company. Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him! Encourage him! As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.

Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart?

This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

If your husband can sometimes be overly serious, coax him out occasionally for some play times. It will help him relieve stress and relax.

Is your husband serious, playful, or a little bit of both? How do you coax him to be less serious and more playful?

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

I had the liberty of dissecting a mother's heart. As I approached the heart, I was aware of a thick red substance oozing out of it. I studied this weird substance and found it to be love. The heart appeared to be so full of love that it couldn't hold it all in!

In examining the heart, I found nerves that were attached to every part of the body. At first I didn't see a nerve going from the heart to the hands. But in looking closer, I found that this nerve had been used so much, forgiving and helping, that it was worn and thin.

After cutting into the heart, I could see that there had been many times when the heart had been broken. But the red substance had filled the cracks and, in time, made them disappear.
There are many cavities in the heart. The first one I explored contained patience. On the walls of the cave, I observed markings (like high-water markings) that indicated the levels of patience she had during her life.

All through the heart, I noticed huge orange clumps. At first they didn't look like anything special; but in taking out my microscope and examining them further, I found them to be clumps of caring and understanding.

The next cavity I entered looked to me like a library. The shelves were full of books of wisdom. Most of the books are old and worn. From this cavity, there was a special cord to the mouth. It appeared that this had been used a lot for teaching others.

Everything in the heart seemed to be very warm and bright until I came upon one small area. It was dark and cold and hidden way back in the heart. There were protective vines growing through this little space; intertwined with these vines were little petals of worry.
I have seen these vines grow in other hearts and finally strangle and kill them.

Surprisingly enough though, through this whole heart, I could not find a trace of vanity or conceit. Everything that was seen exuded love and kindness

by Jennifer Jones

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

-Author unknown

As we go through this life,
we will make many friends.
Some, we will know for only a short while;
others, for much longer time.
Some, we'll always have close to us
to share our daily lives;
others, we don't see so often,
yet we'll think of them just the same.

Whether they're near or far, long or short,
friends are important to have.
Friends are the best there is in life.

-Lindsay Newman

Our family has never maintained a healthy weight. Because of my poor eating habits and lack of exercise, I am suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I want my kids to be in better health when they are my age. For the next twelve weeks, Our family lifestyle (dining and recreation) is going under construction. Hopefully, this change will last a lifetime for dear husband and me, as well as for the kids.

I have been doing some research, and have found this book to be very helpful.

by Melinda S. Sothern, T. Kristian Von Almen, & Heidi Schumacher

Note: This review is taken from keepkidshealthy.com

Parents can usually recognize when their kids are overweight and they basically know what they have to do to help them reach a more healthy weight, namely eat healthier and exercise more.

And when they see their doctor, that is the basic advice that they get. Diet. Exercise. No more fast food. No more snacks. No soda.

But making those changes isn't usually easy and they are even harder to stick to, so overweight kids usually stay overweight, eventually becoming overweight adults who might have to try The Atkins Diet or South Beach Diet.

Trim Kids, The Proven 12-Week Plan That Has Helped Thousands of Children Achieve a Healthier Weight, is the perfect book for parents of overweight kids. The only thing better would be if your child could particpate in a Pediatric Weight Management Clinic, like the ones the authors worked in as they developed their program and wrote this book.

Like other weight management books, Trim Kids talks about healthy nutrition and encourages exercise, but it adds an important component that is missing from many other books, and that is behavior modifcation. By learning to modify the behaviors that led your child to become overweight, you will help him lose weight and keep it off.

Before starting the program, you will learn about 'basic rules for healthy eating', including:

• eating fewer high calorie snack foods, fast food, sodas, and fruit drinks
• not overeating
• consuming less sugar
• avoiding foods high in saturated fats and hydrogenated fats and eating only moderate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
• increasing the amount of fiber in your child's diet
  buying healthier foods and not keeping 'temptation foods' in the house

You will also learn 'fun' ways to get your kids to be more active, such as dancing around during TV commercials and only talking on the phone while she is walking around. Trim Kids will also help you to come up with a 'formal exercise routine' for your child and help you get him motivated to be more active.

And you will learn about gradually 'making behavioral and lifestyle changes'.

What I liked best about Trim Kids is that it describes a formal program with step by step instructions on what you should be doing to help your child lose weight. In the first week, you will learn some 'rules of eating' and how to set your goals for the program.

Each week, you will also start some new exercises and starting in week 2, you will get weekly menu tips and recipes to help plan what your child will be eating.

Other great resources include:

• an activity diary
• a portion control table and list of portion sizes to help you control the size of your child's meals
• a list of the amount of calories burned during various activities and exercises
• instructions on how to record your child's resting and active heart rate
• advice on improving your child's self image and self-esteem
  tips on increasing your child's physical activity level

Trim Kids is a great book for parents of overweight kids to help the whole family adopt a healthy lifestyle of healthier eating and regular exercise. Unlike other 'diet' books and fad diets, the Trim Kids program teaches 'lifetime weight management'.

Since weight management clinics for children aren't widely available and many Pediatricians don't have a lot of training in helping kids lose weight, Trim Kids will likely be your best alternative if your child is overweight. If you don't think that you can do the program yourself, you might ask your Pediatrician for help. Visits every one to two weeks, reviewing the Trim Kids' Weekly Checklists, Report and Goal Sheets, Aerobic Activity and Food Checklists, and Strength and Flexibility Workout Charts, can help both you and your child stay motivated and stick with the program.

and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Prov. 9:10

Are you a wise woman? Do you open your mouth with wisdom, as Proverbs 31:26 suggests? As you continue in your 30-day challenge, remember that a wise woman encourages her husband.

Is your husband a "wise man?" Does he have a godly perspective that comes from knowing God and walking with Him in obedience? Does he have a sense of purpose for his life and vision for your home? Tell him how much this means to you.

If you are not sure about your husband's vision for your home, ask him, "Honey, what do you want to accomplish with our marriage and home in the years to come?" and "How can I help you accomplish that?" If he does not have a vision, your questions may inspire him to develop one.

If your husband is not walking with God - or perhaps, does not know the Lord - you have the opportunity and responsibility to practice your faith and create a thirst for God. Thank God for giving your husband a place in his heart that only He can fill, and keep praying that he will turn to the Lord to fill that vacuum!

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

"I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

God says that it is not good for man to be alone. But the way some women criticize their mates, the husbands may long for solitude. Be careful today not to criticize your mate, but look for ways to encourage him personally and publicly.

Speaking of communication, does your husband communicate with you? God has made you a companion and helper for your husband, and part of being "one flesh" with him is the privilege of sharing and discussing personal needs and concerns. Thank God for that wonderful gift. Thank your husband for communicating with you.

If your spouse does not communicate as you wish, look for ways that he communicates that are normal for him - smiling at you, nodding his head, even a pleasant "grunt!" - and then thank him for letting you know that he cares. Perhaps he needs to be lovingly taught how to communicate. Be patient with him...and listen when he does speak.

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others do; we only see our husband's faults. But take a step back. Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember - your husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.

Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise him for that.

If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://reviveourhearts.com/.

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Thank you for joining in the reading of A Mother's Journey

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

The seasons marched on and the mother grew old. She was frail and bent.
But her children were tall and strong, and walked in the way of wisdom.
When the journey was hard, they helped their mother.
When the path was rough, they lifted her.

At last they came to the pinnacle of the highest mountain.
Beyond it they saw shining road and a golden gate flung open.

There stood the brilliant tree of life. The mother said,

"I have reached the end of my journey.

I have been faithful to my children and Faithful to God.

The end is better than the beginning,

for my children can walk alone with the Shepherd."

As she passed through the gates, her Shepherd say,

Well Done.

You gave Me your hopes,

gave Me your dreams;

Though the path of life

was not what it seemed.

You affirmed your children,

were faithful to Me.

You were the Mother

I asked you to be