A Tribute to Mother

My mother taught me to paint: watercolor, acrylic, puffy t-shirt paint and beautiful oil on canvas. As I child I was awed by her masterpieces, and she was never bothered by my messes or imitations.

She taught me how to make paper come to life in cards, crafts, scrapbook pages, and stamped art. Beauty was found in everything (And don’t forget the confetti!)

My mother works magic with wire and stone. Her magic is handcrafted, wire wrapped, one of a kind, wearable, jewelry art. I aspire to her level of mastery, and she applauds my attempts at greatness.

My mother’s love for beauty and the act of creating it is a treasure that has filled my life with much joy, (much confetti) and many wonderful memories.

My mother often traveled to distant lands and ancient times from the comfort of her own room.

She took us on many daring adventures to the library story time circle, and on wondrous excursions to the children’s corner where time stood still as we wandered the world from the safety of colorful vinyl bean bag chairs.

She read books, she borrowed books, she loaned books, she gifted books, she encouraged us to explore the world through books. Reading was never homework, or schoolwork, it was an adventure!

I have caught the “fever” from my mother’s love of literature, and have yet to recover. I fear I may never return from the happy lands and far away places to which she first introduced me.

Without you Mom, my world would have been small, colorless, and boring. Thank you for giving me wings and a paint brush. I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Tribute to Mother Linky Party Guidelines:

1. Post topics can include anything that would be a tribute to mom, or that would encourage or honor a mother, yours or another’s. Especially ways she has impacted your life for good, but please refrain from including giveaways, sales, or linky party posts.
2. Link as many posts as you like that are tributes to mothers. It doesn’t have to be from this month. Remember, link to a SPECIFIC post, not your whole blog.
3. Add a party button or text back link to your post.      Html for a text link back:<a href=”http://paradisepraises.com”>ParadisePraises</a>
4. Visit at least two other links and share some encouragement.
5. Although not mandatory, I’d love it if you’d follow me on social media! I always enjoy making new friends! And, if you subscribe via e-mail before June 6, you’ll receive a FREE download code for my ebook Divine Design as a thank you!

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Dear Young Mother,

You are a good mom! A bad mom would not care or voice a desire to change as you did in your letter yesterday. You want to thrive in the little years, and you can!

I know your frustration. I’ve been there. I understand the survival mode. The sympathy you felt oozing from those “older moms” comes from our own memories of survival.

Thriving doesn’t happen over night, but it can begin to happen today. Here is what I recommend:

First, take your frustrations and your desires to the Lord.

Here are some of his precious promises to you:

Faithful is he who calleth you [to motherhood], who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Casting all your care [frustration, exhaustion, desires] upon him for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

He can help you through these little years of motherhood. He will give you what you need to accomplish the job he has called you to, if you are willing to acknowledge your own inability and depend on his help. Your home can be peaceful and you can trust him.

Second, your heart attitude must follow your stated priorities.

Yes there are certain responsibilities that must be accomplished, but if your work, or outside of the home ministry or other non-priority obligations are causing stresses and displacing any of your other priorities, (like time to enjoy your children and be enjoyed by them) you need to curb your activities and re-align your schedule with your priorities.

And third,

Messes are temporary, memories are for ever.

You must make a conscious choice each moment of your day to live the memorable and not the regrettable. What is one more mess compared to memories of Mommy never letting us have fun? It’s the little steps, faithfully and purposefully taken that get you closer to your goal each day.

Success is a marathon. Stay in the race. I’ll be cheering you on from the finish line. You are a good mom. And God will help you each day to be a better mom. Ask for his help. Trust him to give it. And then live it! I am praying for you today.

Love,

Your Friend

Dear Reader,

Are you a struggling young mother? I would encourage you to read Toni Anderson’s 10 Tips for Becoming a Yes Mom. She shares some great tips that you can incorporate into your busy day little by little to help you be a “yes mom” and begin to thrive at home with your little people. Practical I-could-do-that kinds of things like routine tweaks, organization tips and … well, go read what she says. I guarantee you will be encouraged and inspired just as I was!

Are you an “older mom”? Did you take the challenge yesterday to reach out to a young mom? I hope so. You have so much life experience and wisdom to share. Please don’t miss out on the blessing of blessing that younger mom that God has laid on your heart!

Shared with Cornerstone Confessions

Hugs for all of you moms today! Love,