May 2010 – Page 4 – The Prayer Link

Friday

“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.

As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.”

~Psalm 119:33 LB~

Jesse Dean was moved to a private room at North Oaks. He is doing better and will be monitored through Tuesday. Please continue to pray for Jesse and his family.

CaringBridge

Ivy Keith Forrest

(October 7, 1955 – May 13, 2010)

Ivy Keith Forrest was born October 7, 1955 and passed away at 7:50 p.m., Thursday, May 13, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Keith was 54, a native of McComb, MS and a resident of Kentwood.

Additional information will be added on Friday.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
MAY 14, 2010

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” (Psalm 5:3)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Chairman Kim Jong Il of North Korea (eastern Asia, between China and Japan).

HAITI EARTHQUAKE. Thank you for praying for the medical team from Georgia as they ministered tirelessly on March 22-26 in Haiti. Their clinic was held at the Carrefour (pronounced car-FOO) Baptist Church, in an area where the earthquake had left thousands dead and thousands of homes destroyed. The team treated more than 1,200 patients, and volunteers prayed individually with each patient. Many came to be seen by a doctor because of stomach disorders. Volunteers listened intently as IMB missionary nurse Delores York translated the patients’ stories of grief and stress and their fears of sleeping in their homes. Volunteers learned that teachers had moved their classrooms outside the building into the open air because of children and parents’ fears. God worked through the volunteers’ prayers, listening ears, and comforting words intertwined with medical care. An unforgettable scene occurred at the conclusion of one day when Haitians began singing hymns and volunteers joined them. One group sang in Creole and the other in English, blending their voices to make beautiful music to the Lord. Give thanks to God for the volunteers and for four Haitians who surrendered their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. Intercede for those living in Carrefour to experience God’s salvation and His peace, enabling them to heal from their emotional scars. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2). praying4haiti@mail.com

TSWANA OF BOTSWANA (t’SWAN-ah). On dusty dirt roads, missionaries, volunteers and national believers prayerwalk villages in the country of Botswana. They come across people who are desperate financially, physically, but most of all, spiritually. The evil one has confused the minds of many. Alcoholism, witchcraft and apathy are just a few of the strongholds. Please pray that missionaries and national believers will clearly share the Gospel daily. Pray that new believers will live out this truth: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

For additional prayer requests, click here: imb.org/todaysprayer

KNOW

“WHEN YOU’RE MARRIED so long, you know what the other person is thinking before he even speaks…

Your minds are so close that you miss that too, ” says Nancy after the death of her husband.

What a blessing to have someone who knew you so well and who loved you just the way you are.

Let God fill this need in your life. He knows you inside and out. He knows even the number of hairs on your head ( Luke 12:7). Nothing about you is hidden from God. Bill Dunn and Kathy Leonard in Through a Season of Grief, 124

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.”

Psalm 139:1-4

Posted by Mike Benson at May 13, 2010

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Elizabeth Phelps Davis
(May 30, 1923 – May 13, 2010)

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law and friend passed away at 1 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at Sherwood Manor Nursing Home in Baton Rouge. She was born May 30, 1923 in New Orleans and was 86 years of age. She was a retired Tangipahoa Parish Bookmobile Librarian.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Katherine Davis and husband, Hezzie of Baton Rouge, Elizabeth Junker and husband, Dwight of Baton Rouge and Miriam Davis and husband, Dan Biles of Cypress, CA; 6 grandchildren, Greg Davis, Laura Hollis, Michael Junker, Kelly Allen, Mark Junker and Tristan Biles; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law is Hollis Ann Hayden of Amite and she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry F. Davis and her parents, Thomas and Miriam Phelps.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Interment will follow in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in His Care, 3233 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite 102, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church.

“Miss” Liz was a special lady. I have some good memories of her and her family.

Thursday Addition

Jesse Dean (from Jason)

My dad was admited back into north oaks on wednesday. He has developed blood clots in his lungs. This will be tricky to treat in conjunction with his ulser. Thursday morning his physician said he was looking good. He will have to stay in the hospital til at least next tuesday. Thanks for all the prayers and concerns.

Thursday

By faith,

Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land.

He was warned about something he couldn’t see,

and acted on what he was told. . . .

As a result, Noah became intimate with God.

~Hebrews 11:7 (MSG)~

Pray for Scott Lindsey. He will be undergoing surgery May 19th.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

LIGHT

ALL OF US know how much comfort and reassuring light can be in certain situations…

Think of the child in the nursery. Light affords a degree of security and comfort.

Think of the patient who suffers though the long, dark night. How often he or she will pray for the dawn and coming of day.

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” Matthew 4:15-16

Here is a picture of Christ coming and offering a ray of hope. Yes, He is the light of the world. J. Winfred Clark in Expositions of “The Expositor,” 251

Posted by Mike Benson at May 12, 2010

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

Pray for Rev. Bobby Eads as he has heart surgery on May 26th in Alabama. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Stacey Scarle has a port and will meet with the oncologist on May 19th. Again, your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Caleb Estay was seen by a specialist yesterday. He continues to be a living miracle! Thank God for this little miracle.

Jesse Dean had a check-up and seems to be past that set-back he experienced. Continue to pray for Jesse and his family as they work to get Jesse better.

Harrell Sharkey continues to have back pain. He will have an important appointment next week to determine his treatment. Hip surgery will probably be scheduled at that time. Pray for relief from pain.

Please pray for Mason Carter. He has an infection and is out of school for a while.

Both my parents seem to be doing better. Thank-you for praying for them and asking about them. The family appreciates you.

Know

IT SEEMS STRANGE that one can know for sure the basic laws of the land, but he cannot know the basic laws of God…

All people are in agreement that their automobile should have a state license tag. They agree that they should drive their automobile on the right side of a two-way street in the United States. They agree that a traffic light showing red is an indication for them to stop. It may be true that all people do no abide by these traffice rules, but it is not because they cannot know what they should do.

To say that one can know the laws of the land and yet cannot know the laws of God is a reflection on God. Is God incapable of revealing truth that man can understand? Obviously not. The problem is not with the Author of truth, but with man who is the subject of truth. William Wardlaw

KneEmail: “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God exceptthe Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11-12

Posted by Mike Benson at May 11, 2010

“Count Your Blessings” today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Therefore he is able to save completely

those who come to God through him,

because he always lives to intercede for them.”

~Hebrews 7:25 NIV~

“Father, I want those you have given me

to be with me where I am,

and to see my glory . . . .”

~John 17:24 NIV~

Please pray for Mark D. Hutson (25 year old nephew of Donna and Abear Yarborough). He is having a brain biopsy this morning at 10 o’clock in Jackson, Ms. They had originally determined he had MS and have since then decided they can’t find the diagnosis. He is in severe pain. Mark Douglas has been sick since Easter and in and out of the hospital with severe headaches, temporary paralysis, high fevers, seizures, etc. No definite diagnosis as of yet. He has two small children under the age of 5. Please pray that his pain is relieved and they find out how to treat him soon. Thanks, Tammie Roberts

Please pray for Donnie Simpson. He will be going for tests Wednesday in New Orleans. Please pray for my sweet cousin Dawn as she takes care of her Dad.

Thanks
Melissa S. Johnson

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Mr. Felix R. Arnone, Sr left this world on May 9, 2010. He was a native of Louisiana and a former resident of Amite. He lived in Theodore, Alabama for the past 25 years.
Survived by wife of 52 years, Bonnie Arnone; 2 daughters, Pauline (Bobby) Lambert and Lela Arnone; 2 sons, Joe (Barbara Small) and Felix, Jr (Tammie); 2 sisters, 2 brothers, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Arrangements are with Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, Alabama: Tuesday–visitation 5p-8p; then on Wednesday at 9a till services at 11a. Burial at Serenity Memorial Gardens, Theodore, Alabama.
Obit is in the Press Register is anyone would like to leave a message for the family.
Thanks,
Cheryl (hughes Green

Thelma “Nathalie” Rhodus Dick McKinney

(November 1, 1917 – May 10, 2010)

“Nathalie” Rhodus Dick McKinney entered into her heavenly home surrounded by her family on Monday, May 10, 2010 at the age of 92. She was a nutritionist with the Louisiana State University extension service for over 20 years and a member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood. She is survived by her devoted sister, Shirley M. Rhodus Booty and husband, Ray Booty, Kentwood; one daughter, Sylvia McKinney Sims and husband, Talmadge Sims, Pumpkin Center; one granddaughter, Debbie Sims Berteau and husband, Sherwood Berteau, Jr., Pumpkin Center, one grandson, Kevin Sims and wife, Sondra Sims, Pumpkin Center; two great-granddaughters, Krissi Sims, Pumpkin Center and Ashley Sims Bergeron and husband, Anthony Bergeron, Ponchatoula; two great-great-grandchildren, Christopher Bergeron and Logan Bergeron, Ponchatoula; dedicated nephew, Talmadge A. Booty, Kentwood; dedicated great-nieces, Ashley N. Booty, Clinton and Stephanie M. Booty Arnone and husband, Sal Arnone, Amite; also survived by a host of other nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her first husband, Stanley Dick, second husband, J.W. “Mack” McKinney; mother, Lillie Cutrer Rhodus; father, Willis Dock Rhodus, sister, Eula Rhodus Crites and great-grandson, Sherwood “B.J.” Berteau, III. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller and Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation.

“Miss Nat” is among the Kentwood people I have know for the longest. She and Mr. Mack camped with my parents for several years.

Baptist Press Stories for May. 10, 2010

—————————————

Nominee Kagan has record supporting gay causes

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32903

IMB’s Rankin leads final appt. services

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32904

Korean Baptists to meet in Orlando

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32906

Korean leaders meet at NAMB

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32905

LifeWay store mgr. loves the ‘mystery’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32907

FIRST-PERSON: God uses ‘nobodies’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32908

May you feel blessed today!

Anna Lee

Monday

This will continue until we are . . . mature,

just as Christ is,

and we will be completely like him.

~Ephesians 4:13 (CEV)~

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
MAY 10, 2010

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world

as a witness to all the nations,

and then the end will come.”

~Matthew 24:14~

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Mahamadou Danda of Niger (western Africa, southeast of Algeria).

SOUTHEAST ASIAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES. The Eastern Cham people of Southeast Asia stem from a very ancient civilization that once ruled the area. Once a majority people with many skills and know-how, they now find themselves a very small group that is much persecuted and neglected. The Eastern Cham live in rural locations, with limited opportunities for schooling and healthcare. They take much pride in their great heritage and practice a mixture of various religions: Islam, Hinduism, Brahminism, animism, and ancestor worship. Unfortunately, they have only a few Bible portions in their language. The “JESUS” film is available in the Western Cham language, but that language is quite different. Please pray that the Lord will raise up workers to reach the Eastern Cham, and that many resources and avenues will be created to allow them to hear the truth of God’s great kingdom.

SWAZI OF SWAZILAND (SWAH-zee). Thank you for praying for the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services that were held on April 1-4. Join the Swazi Team in thanking the Lord for the blessings of these services. One leader remarked, “This is the first Easter in two years!” The last two years, problems occurred when certain individuals promoted speaking in tongues and the prosperity gospel. But this year, there was a spirit of unity and fellowship and a desire to see everyone work together. Lives were moved by the preaching of God’s Word, sessions were geared toward learning more about Baptist polity, and the theme of the children’s program was “New Beginnings.” The Swazi Team writes: “The ‘spirit of Easter’ definitely came to this year’s services! Pray for a continued spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention. Pray that the spirit of Easter will be with us all year long!”http://www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com

Maxie Simmons Hale
(May 6, 1927 – May 9, 2010)

A resident of Baton Rouge, died on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was born May 6, 1927 in Fluker and was 82 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Services conducted by Bro. John Fulda. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. She is survived by her husband, George L. Hale, Baton Rouge; 2 daughters, Susan Hale, Baton Rouge and Karen Kirschbaum, Prince Frederick, MD; 2 grandchildren, Nicholas and Joshua Kirschbaum; 3 sisters, Elva S. Pulliam, Amite, Ruthie S. Cazaubon, Metairie and Elizabeth S. Spears, Denham Springs; a brother, Joseph Simmons, Metairie. She was preceded in death by her 2 brothers, Raymon and Dorman Simmons.

Elsie Varnado McElveen
(January 15, 1931 – May 9, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, died at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born January 15, 1931 in Osyka, MS and was 79 years of age. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Shumock. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Ann Thomas, Kentwood; son, Dennis Gordon McElveen and his wife, Rosalee, Spokane, WA; 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth McElveen, Marc Huber, Lori Burch and Matthew McElveen; 4 great-grandchildren, Amber Huber, Kelsey Milton, Kylee Burch and Eathan Burch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Ricks McElveen; brother, Eddie Laverne Varnado; parents, Kermit and Mae Varnado.

Have a happy Monday!

Anna Lee

Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day!

Spend time with your mother if you can.
Call your mother if you can’t be with her.
Pray for mothers who cannot be with their children.
Pray for children who cannot be with their mother.
Pray for mothers who have lost children this year.
Pray for children who have lost their mother this year.
Thank God for motherhood.

National Day of Prayer

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32878CaringBridge

CaringBridge

LEGACY

HER WRITING CAREER spanned three decades, from the mid-1960’s through the mid-1990’s…

She wrote 12 books and received 16 honorary doctorate degrees. But 3 years before she died of cancer in 1996, popular humorist Erma Bombeck told an ABC TV interviewer that no matter how many columns she had written, her legacy would be her three children. “If I did a bad job with them,” she said, “then everything else [I] do isn’t very important.”

Bombeck had riches and fame and the goodwill of millions of readers, but she realized that her top priority was taking care of her children.

Although no parent can be guaranteed that his or her child will turn out to be a godly model citizen, those of us who are parents must start with Erma’s attitude. Our motivation is to provide spiritually, physically, and emotionally for our children. They will be our legacy. This means introducing them to the Savior, providing spiritual guidance, praying for them, and encouraging them to find mentors who can guide them in godly living. Sometimes it’s a battle. Often it’s expensive in time and toil. But the value of a child overshadows it all (Dave Branon).

“Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not depart from it”

(Prov. 22:6; cf. Psm. 34:11-22; 3 John 1:4).

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

~Psalm 4:1~

Daddy is home! It will still take weeks to kill the bacteria in his bloodstream. Please continue to pray for him and for our family.

Mrs. Catherine Yatborough’s sister and sister-in-law

Alma McNabb Ashford passed away Thursday, May 6, 2010, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. She was 89, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Baton Rouge. She retired from Baton Rouge Credit Bureau and was a member of Zoar Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Bordelon, and Nola Burleson and husband Robert Burleson; three grandchildren, Debra Bordelon, Kelli Jumper and husband David, and Jody Burleson and wife Jan; and three great-grandchildren, Troy and Trey Burleson, and Matthew Jumper. She is also survived by two sisters, Marry Kelley, of Baton Rouge, and Catherine Yarbrough, of Kentwood; numerous nieces and nephews; many friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon S. Ashford; son-in-law, Ronald Bordelon; parents, George and Ethel McNabb; brothers, Claude McNabb, Frank McNabb and Fred McNabb; sisters, Emma Gardner, Sally Nettles, Mamie Allen, Moute Edwards, Joyce Travis, Alline McNabb and Allie McNabb. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, May 10, from 9 a.m. until chapel funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Bob Burleson, Jody Burleson, Troy Burleson, Trey Burleson, David Jumper and John Perdue. Honorary pallbearer is Matthew Jumper. The family thanks the many friends and family who have made her life so special. Also many thanks to the staff and friends at St. Claire Manor who have been so kind and caring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zoar Young At Heart or Baptist Children’s Home.

Published in The Advocate on May 8, 2010

Louise Violet Tate McNabb

A former homemaker and a retired LPN with Baton Rouge General Medical Center and LSU Earl K. Long Medical Center (labor and delivery), she died Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at her home in Baton Rouge after a long battle with lupus and Sjorensen’s syndrome. She was 81, a native of Tickfaw and a resident of Baton Rouge since 1953. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Glen Miers, of Zoar Baptist Church. Graveside service at Tangipahoa Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. She is survived by two daughters, Linda McNabb Shaffer, of Baton Rouge and St. Francisville, and Phylis McNabb Richmond, of Amite; a son-in-law, Harrison Shaffer Jr.; six grandsons, Charley and wife Michelle Richmond, of Denham Springs, Randall Richmond, of Hammond, Shawn and wife Kristie Shaffer, of Covington, and Franklin, Stirling-Alexander and Christopher Shaffer; great-granddaughter, Savannah Richmond, of Denham Springs; an expected great-grandson, Jackson Richmond, scheduled to be born May 10; stepgreat-granddaughter, Victoria Richmond, of Dothan, Ala.; sister, Irene Stewart, of Albany; and brother, the Rev. Jesse Tate, of Hammond. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Frank McNabb; parents, William Thomas Tate and Sarah Jane Blount Tate; and siblings, Julia Tate, Ouida Bankston, Ella Carrol, Johnnie Hutchinson, Eula Nails and Nancy Bankston. Pallbearers will be her six grandsons. She was a member of Zoar Baptist Church.

Published in The Advocate from May 7 to May 8, 2010

I spoke with Jesse Dean. He sound great! Pray for him as he continues to improve.

Continue to pray for Larry Bankston of Arcola as he recovers from heart surgery.

Join the George “Porgy” and Joanie Scarle family in praying for their daughter, Stacey, who has cancer. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Please continue to pray for those who share God’s love to others, those who serve to make our world a better place, and for those who have experienced tragedies lately.

I invite you to this website to read a devotional that may help you see others in a better way.

http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2010/05/eyes.html

Have a great day as you prepare for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

God is working in you,

giving you the desire to obey him

and the power to do what pleases him.

~Philippians 2:13 (NLT)~

CaringBridge

BEFORE I WAS A MOM. . .
(author unknown)

Before I was a Mom,
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom,
I slept as late as I wanted.
I never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom,
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys.
I never forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom,
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
spit on
chewed on
peed on
or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a Mom,
I had complete control of my mind, thoughts and body.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so that 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 it 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.
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

Before I was a Mom,
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.

“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:27-28a).

May God’s richest blessings be with each of you mothers.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina