Mother’s Day has always been a cherished day for me. But perhaps not as you think. Mother’s Day is a day that I can’t help but rejoice in my heart and in my Lord for my children. My heart is always swelled with gratitude to, first of all, my Lord for allowing me to be a mother and blessing me with children, and secondly, my children for who they are to me not just on Mother’s Day, but every day of the year.
  
​You see, girls, it’s who you are every day to your mother that makes that day so priceless. No gift bought for her one day a year can replace daily love, honor, and obedience. I encourage you, girls, to never forget that you were first a gift given to your parents by the Lord, and as you get older, you are a gift given to your parents by yourselves.

In a day and age when skinny jeans, fair-trade vanilla soy lattes, and iPhones are commonplace, it may seem like the idea of honoring your parents is archaic. However, as Christians, we understand that the Scriptures are timeless. They were written for a people, both then and now, with an aptitude to concoct all sorts of sin and rebellion in their hearts. I find it comforting to know that the roads we travel are well worn, and that the very malady that strains our familial relationships, relies on Scripture for its cure.

Throughout the New Testament, there are several verses which speak about showing hospitality to others. In 1 Peter 4:9, we are told, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Two other passages list  hospitality as a requirement for leaders in the church. There are numerous examples of people who showed hospitality to others, in the Bible. Think of Mary and Martha, who with their brother, Lazarus, received Jesus into their home! Later, we see believers opening their homes to other Christians as thy traveled through each area. And in Romans 12:13, we read that we should be “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Last month I was privileged to host a father/daughter banquet for our church. Tiffany asked me to share about it with you. I pray that you might be edified and inspired to have your own banquet if the Lord so directs!

​This was the third year our church had a father/daughter banquet. A young lady in her twenties had started doing it three years ago with the desire to be an encouragement to younger girls. Last year I helped another young lady put it on, and then this year I was in charge! I really enjoyed putting it together, though it was a lot of work! The greatest thing was seeing the different ways that the Lord blessed my endeavors and those of the ones who were helping me. 

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall
it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot
be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:13–16

“We could really use your help at the children’s ministry next week,” a friend mentioned as we stood on the church sidewalk. “Are you available?”
   
​I had volunteered for this particular conference in the past. However, that summer was one of the busiest of our lives, with various other ministry projects piling up and the three youngest members of the family still in diapers. “I’m sorry I can’t help out this year,” I smiled to my friend, “but, you know, God has given me a ‘children’s ministry’ in our own home right now!” We both laughed.

Do you have a heart for missions? Have you ever wondered how to practically prepare to maybe one day go into the missions field?
  
​One idea that our family has implemented to learn about the nations, pray for laborers to enter His harvest field, and to get a heart for missions is to have a monthly missions night.

What do you think are the most desired qualities in a wife and mother? That she can cook a mouth-watering roast? Or bake up scrumptious scones? Or maybe keep the home neat as a pin? Maybe running a household of ten smoothly? Or maybe being able to knit a cardigan, teach seven homeschoolers, and feed the baby all at the same time?! All these skills are wonderful and would be greatly appreciated by a husband :), but the most important thing as we prepare to be a godly wife and mother is…

our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you looking for an inexpensive, nice, fun Christmas gift to make?  Maybe one of these will be just what you’re looking for!  Have fun! :)
 
Soap by Sharon
Buy melt and mold soap base and cut off a small section that will be easy to work with.  Cut into small chunks.  Put the soap chunks into a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave for 15 seconds.  Stir and melt 15 seconds again until fully melted.  Add soap coloring of your choice and a scent you like.  Stir.  Pour in to your mold and let cool.  When it is completely set and cool, pop it out of the mold.  Wrap in plastic wrap.  These make wonderful presents.  Grandmothers especially like the wonderful smell and feel of this soap.  Enjoy!!
 
Coat Hangers by Tiffany
Get a wired coat hanger that is not bent. :)  At Wal-Mart on the crafts section you can find a bag of Craft loops by “Create A Craft”.  (The directions may be on the back of the bag.)  Join the loops to make continuous yarn, and then when you have what you think is long enough, wrap it around the coat hanger.  Where the hanging part goes, use one loop to make a bow at the top.  These are so pretty!! 
 
Potholders by Tiffany
At Wal-Mart on the craft aisle you can find a potholder making set.  It has a loom and the craft loops.  Probably the kit will come with nylon loops, but when you are done with those, the cotton loops are much bigger and nicer.  Follow the directions on the box.  Try making a pattern when weaving such as all white across, and then pink and purple across.  Or for Christmas, red intertwined with green.  These make great gifts for moms and grandmothers.  Even younger kids can do them, with the help of a big sister or their mommy. Have fun!! 
 
Creative Gift Ideas by Cheryl

1. Soup or soup mix- “Wishing you a ‘souper’ Christmas!”
2. Wire whisk-(filled with Chocolate kisses) “We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!”
3. Christmas Tray- “We ‘Tray’sure your friendship.  Merry Christmas!”
4. Measuring Cup- “Wishing you joy beyond measure!”
5. Flowers- “You make friendship bloom all year. Merry Christmas!”
6. Bananas- “If we could chose our friends, and searched the whole world through, we’d go bananas trying to find a better bunch than you!  Merry Christmas!”
7. Candle- “May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!”
8. Filled Basket- “Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings!”