A MOMMA'S JOY

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John verse 4)

This verse, has for many years, been my hearts cry for my children.  Now they are both in the "vicinity" (LOL) of age 30 and it still remains my constant desire... not only for them but now for my three beautiful grandchildren.  There is a part of me that I will be vulnerable and honest enough with you to share... I also take joy when I see them at times walking in mine and Steve's shoes/footsteps or trodden roads we have traveled... doing things we loved.

For several years Steve had the privilege of having our son Stephen Jr., work side by side with him in the Surveying Business.  I now enjoy the fact that Stephen Jr. loves to write.  As a "blogger" it is obvious that is a passion that I too aspire to do in some feeble way - whereas his talent far surpasses anything that I have attempted.  He has a gift with words that he uses to help, encourage, and give voice to when they have lost their own - those who most people would not approach or give the time of day. 

Probably if you would ask either of my children... for as long as they can remember - their momma has been involved in some form of "Ladies Ministry."  Their growing up years were often filled with watching or sitting at the table with me - while preparing devotions, making crafts for doorprizes or favors, table centerpieces, meeting with ladies on planning committees, being nervous and excited all at the same time about speaking before a crowd,... etc.  Jessica - being of the female gender... was present at many of the events from the time she was a little girl.  This morning when checking my computer for messages and happenings in friends lives on Facebook... our son-in-law Jeff (Missionary to Thailand) had posted the following pics of our lovely daughter:

Jessie had a great time sharing with the ladies at the 

Streams of Blessing Church conference in Cha-am.

I could not help but be moved with joy at the fact she was sharing my love for Ladies Ministry and God was using her on the other side of the world to proclaim His love to a wonderful group of Thai ladies.  Again, the Lord using our adult child in ways we could of never dreamed!  The tears flowed and my heart was so humbled that it drew me to my knees in PRAISE OF HIM!

When I look back I know that there were many mistakes that I made as a mother.  I spent a whole lot of time teaching them to follow the rules and the expectations of others (because that is the way I was living my life at the time)... but I'm so thankful that in spite of my failures - the Lord can teach them far greater "life lessons" - and the major one is this:  

HAVE SUCH A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THAT YOU KNOW WHAT PLEASES AND PRAISES HIM... 
AND GET BUSY DOING IT!

Signed:  A Blessed Momma