Matthew 15:4
"For GOD commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death."

    The above scripture is a combination of Exodus 20:12 and 21:17.  When I was a teenager, I did not honor my parents.  Yes, I behaved myself; however, my attitude was far from honoring towards my parents.  I remember when they would ask me to do something, I would sigh and roll my eyes and then go do it.  I did not joyfully help my mother.  Once I became a mother with children, little by little, my heart softened towards my mother.  I started to understand why she had been so stubborn about my doing housework, cooking, ironing, and much more.  It was her job to prepare me for life as a wife and mother.  Boy, did I need preparing!  I became a mother of seven children and I have been married to my teen sweetheart for almost 34 years now!

    I grew to love my mother very much as the years went by.  I called her often with problems with the kids, my insecurities. and to share the many joys of my life.  Even though we were miles away from each other; I always felt so close to her.  I lost her in November of 2005.  I miss her every day, and I rejoice in the love and life she left behind in my heart. Mother's Day can be a both a happy and sad time for us, due to the loss of loved ones. However, this year, I want to honor my mother once more and express the great joy that she was mine.  

    Mother's, whether they are the one who bore us or the one who raised us, or stood by us, are truly a gift from GOD'S heart to ours  Let's take time this year to open our hearts to honor our mother for the life she has given us.