mama's day '12

Today I post in honor of both my mom, mama-in-law & grandma. How blessed I am to have not one but two amazing moms and Grandma to look up to & by whom I am continually encouraged. Reading Ann Voskamp's blog (aholyexperience.com) she has promised that by thanking mom(s) publicly she will, in turn, help support a mothering educational project in Haiti - just through this simple act of gratitude. She calls it "the 1000 moms project" ~ she will match my (your) honoring of mothers by funding a maternity/child survival program in haiti for a whole year! You can read about it here: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/05/the-one-thousand-moms-project-make-a-mothers-day-difference/ So onto these three amazing women. I would have to say some of the greatest things I've seen in my own mom is the servant's heart she has, and her ability to spread love & joy on anyone who crosses her path. Sometimes I wonder if her cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I've never known someone to smile as much as she does! I love the lines etched in her face from years of smiling and joy. I am so grateful for her constant encouragement from early days through my own journey as a mama and I know much of what she learned, she learned from my Grandma - a woman who epitomizes one who is gentle & humble at heart, a quiet & kind spirit. I am so thankful for these generations of women... Regarding mama-Susie, she has most definitely remained committed to me since the moment I married her son! I remember when Tagen was just a few weeks old feeling like I didn't want to blow it in any way as a mama and the overwhelming task of raising this lil' human being. As Ann points out in her blog: as humans, we DO mess up and that simply exposes our need for Jesus! So it’s not so much that we aren’t going to blow it. It is what we do with it, when we do. Both my mom & mama-Susie have gently reminded me of this in many different ways over the years. Ann continues this thought by saying "perhaps there is something more powerful to experience than a perfect Mother: the wonder of a committed Mother who simply humbles herself. Like that Shepherd who knew the cost of relationship, chose to pay the price, and, staggeringly, “humbled Himself… even to the point of death on a cross” (Phil 2:8) No one gets it perfect. And that’s exactly why we sing Amazing Grace — and it really is! Motherhood does not require complete perfection and a Superman cape. It simply requires an imperfect commitment and the surprising humility of Christ. The Shepherd gently leads those with young not to be Hallmark versions of perfection — but rather persevering versions of humility. Grace stands in the gaps." I couldn't agree more. And I couldn't be more thankful for two mamas & grandma who embody such grace and humility and for all they have sacrificed for me. I know there are plenty treasures awaiting you three in heaven. I love you!!!