The hydrangea in this post is from my yard. I consider it one of the "prizes" from my yard. As prized as it is, there is something on this earth that I (we) prize even more. To say that my brother Paul and I are blessed with the Mother that God gave us, would be an extreme understatement. To say the very least, our Mom is the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. Now, in her humble way, she would probably try and think of a million reasons why she was "not" this woman. But trust me, she is every bit this woman, and then some.
Thank you Mom....for putting up with us as ratty kids, for helping us cross the border into adulthood and for encouraging us as married adults. Thank you for loving both of our spouses as if you had birthed them yourself. As the verses say, we do rise up and call you blessed.
10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
(Proverbs 31:10-31, New King James Version)
Much love to all of my family and friends who are Moms....enjoy this day of honor!
