It Makes a Mama Proud

Probably by now you've all seen the video I posted with my youngest son, Zack, jammin' on the drums in "Sing, Sing, Sing." If you didn't, here's a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUgeKRSne7w&feature=youtu.be

I smile every time I watch it.

Since I am an equal-opportunity mom, here's a video of my youngest daughter, Danica, who is now a college Freshman...soon to be Sophomore, singing "Tell My Ma." She is the one in the upper left-hand corner.





Last Sunday was Mother's Day.

My husband has been known to say on special days like these, "Every day is Mother's Day at our house."

This year, I think I'd have to agree with him. When I look at how great ALL of my kids have turned out I just have to say a prayer of thanks. These are 4 amazing people.

My oldest daughter, Mandie (or Amanda as she's known professionally) is one of the most successful 24-year-olds you'll ever meet. And soon, she and her equally amazing husband, will be buying their first home.

JJ, my oldest son, has faced all sorts of challenges this year, but honestly, I've never been more proud of him. He's one of the coolest, nicest, smartest people I know. I'm so happy to be his mom.

Danica, seen in the above video acting like a ditsy girl, is quite the opposite. She's clear-headed, down to earth, fearless, and faithful in all she does. I couldn't even begin to list all of her interests and accomplishments. But believe me, they are many.

Zack, my baby, isn't a baby any more. He's matured this year in every way possible. Everyday I see new ways in which he displays his growing dedication, intelligence and kindness. He really makes a mama proud.

They all do.

And ironically, it also makes a mama humble.

When I think about all the years I've been a mom I realize, I've made a lot of mistakes. More mistakes than I care to admit! But God is merciful. He's been there for my kids when I was clueless, and pulled them through more scrapes than I'll ever know.

And so I thank the LORD for giving me Amanda, Jonathan, Danica and Zachary. I'm both proud, and humbled, to be their mama.

My Easter

I have a story to tell you this week. I know you’re all busy boiling eggs and ironing dress shirts, so I’ll keep it short.

It happened when Mandie was either 3 or 4. I don’t remember. But I do remember it was in the springtime, just before Easter. Mandie knew what Easter meant. She knew our Savior, Jesus, died and was buried in a cave, but that on Easter morning he became alive again. She knew because we told her about it. And she remembered what we told her. She’s always been very bright.

Anyway, it was an evening in the spring of 1991 or 1992, and I was helping her get ready for bed. She had a necklace on, but I told her she needed to take it off. “If you go to bed with a necklace on it may choke you, and then you’d die.” I know this sounds pretty graphic for a 3 or 4 year old, but I wasn’t sure if she knew what “choke” meant, and I felt it was my job as a mother to explain the consequences of this and all dangerous behavior, no matter how frightening such lessons may be.

Mandie was not fazed. She calmly added, “Then I’ll come back to life on my Easter.”

It took a second for me to realize how profound her statement truly was. "Yes," I replied, smiling. "You'll come back to life on your Easter."

My Easter. I love that idea.

Death is a terrible thing… a scary thing. But with Jesus as our Savior, we can know with child-like faith, death is nothing to fear. It’s lost its sting. When Jesus returns we will all celebrate a joyous resurrection. We will have our Easter. We will rise, just as Jesus did, and live in glory and light with all our brothers and sisters in Christ forevermore!

So as you celebrate Christ’s resurrection, think about this story. Remember that there’s another Easter Day in your future, when you will be the one who once was dead, but now is alive in Christ. Alive in body, mind and soul. Alive to praise the Lord forevermore.

Happy Easter, everyone!