Heather and her family in front of the barn
I’ll never forget that morning. I woke up and my spirit quickened within me that I had conceived a baby. An immortal soul was within my womb. I jumped out of bed without telling Dale because of course I needed confirmation. I went to the store as quick as I could, got a pregnancy test, and rushed back home. Within minutes it was confirmed what God had already revealed to me- I was pregnant.
I got light-headed and tears filled my eyes over the magnitude of such a high honor. An immortal soul was within me I repeated to myself. This is one whose days and eternity I would influence greatly.
Dale was as excited as I. Our life changed that day.
I knew that when much is given, much is required. So that day I went into intensive training with the Lord. I asked Him to show me how to live in a way that would draw this child to Him; to be pure and holy. With tears I asked Him to keep this divine awe struck reverence over me all the days of my parenting.
Our first child, Heather was born 30 years ago today. I can barely type these words right now because I can’t see through the flood of tears. All 9lb and 3ounces of her, was perfect. I wept looking at her and I weep over her today- 30 years later. She is even more perfect today than she was that day. How can this be?
She is the picture of a Proverbs 31 woman. She is pure and lovely in every way. She is led by the Spirit of God and is in active pursuit of more of His presence and power every day. Thank You God, You have answered abundantly.
God has been overwhelmingly faithful to give me more than I could ever ask or think in parenting.
He has indeed kept my heart in that divine awe struck reverence toward parenting the immortal soul.
A mother’s day can be long and hard but when we put it into perspective that every day is shaping the destiny and eternity of an eternal soul, what sacrifice is that not worth that?
I pledge to God almighty that until the day I take my last breath on earth I will never ever lose the awe of raising immortal souls.
When I’m 100 years old I expect this passion to be even greater. . .
Proverbs 31:26-31, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.”
How beautiful! I never knew this high calling of motherhood, Sharon. Having lived through a broken childhood (and my mom also living through one), it was very difficult for me to even conceive of being a mother. After the years went by, it was even difficult to physically conceive my daughter. All I can say is that I’ve learned what a redeeming God He really is! He was so patient and kind with me, as I healed and grew into my motherhood. And I am so thankful! Happy birthday to your sweet daughter Heather. Blessings to you, Barb
Barbara- thank you so much for sharing this Barbara! God is so redeeming, patient and kind with us all!! Thank you!
Sharon, I only wish that every potential mother in this wonderful universe could read this post. Your love of being a mother and the love you have for your children and husband, burns onto this page. You are a blessed woman because you have been such a blessing to others in your life.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for the sweetest message. Today is our son’s 31st birthday and I share the same wonderful blessings our God has graced us with as mothers. I also shared your thoughts on Facebook so others may be blessed as well.
Thank you Suzi! That is so cool that their birthday is on the same day and we share the same blessings!! Hugs,
Sharon
I have a daughter of whom I am extremely proud also. She will be 35 this month and she is my youngest rather than my first-born, but she is my only girl. Her conception, unlike her brothers’, was unexpected, but she is living proof that God’s surprises are always just what you need. She grows ever-closer to the Lord, and as a teacher, she in turn influences young lives. I thank God for all my children and, though I have not been a perfect mother by any means, all three acknowledge Him as savior. Praise be to the God Who knew what I needed before I did!
Amen Veronica! none of us are perfect by any means but He sure helps us through it all! Thank you Veronica! Hugs, Sharon
Sharon — As always, your words are precious and bring tears, from the heart, to my eyes!! I am blessed to say that I totally understand what you are saying!!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful Heather!!
Thank you Lori! yes- you do totally understand!! Hugs, Sharon
So beautiful. Honestly…..too precious for words. The picture is lovely. Heather is a treasure….and she is blessed to have such a godly mother (and father). The Lord has honoured your prayers and commitment. My prayers and delight in motherhood mirror yours. What a gift and honour to love and raise an “immortal soul”. Thanks for causing me to pause and thank the Lord again for this privilege.
Happy birthday Heather.
Hugs,
Joy
Thank you Joy! That is why we have been drawn together, we are like minded in soul and spirit! Love and hugs,
Sharon
Catching up on some posts. This one really spoke to me. I, too, have loved every moment of being a mom to my precious 16 and 11 year old daughters although I’ve never thought of it in such poetic terms as you expressed. An “immortal soul”–what a precious and thoroughly overwhelming thought. Thank God He is there to help us with this awesome responsibility! I love the way your heart shines through in your writing. Happy belated birthday to your beautiful daughter. What a precious family!
Thank you Mary Lou!Your words have encouraged me tonight! Love and hugs,
Sharon
Hi Mary Lou I have discovered one of the greatest joys in this life is being a mom! Your words always seem to encourage me! I have three little girls ages 8, 6 and 1 and it is so hard to be a Godly Parent but through your words I am I know that I can be the Parent God wants me to be .
Thank you