Today is Monday, May 15th, 2006; Karen's Korner #801

This is a Mother's Day greeting which I received on Saturday via email. It is the first time that I was sent a handful of email greetings from others. I have never sent an email card, but it seems to be getting more popular. And they are fun to get! This particular greeting was complete with a white rose graphic and colored background.
 
Whether you are a mother or not, all of us know that it takes more than one "mother" to help us "grow up". One line in the writing I especially liked; it says something about "mothers and those who have nurtured us and/or influenced our lives in positive ways."
 
We all have lots of "mothers" who do that for us, not only when we are young. But throughout our lives. Thank God, we never grow up completely and are always learning new things:
 
HAPPY  MOTHER'S   DAY

"I thank God when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your mother. "

II Timothy 1:3,5

  At this season of the year, our thoughts turn to the one who gave us birth. Like so many modern customs and practices, "Mother's Day" which is celebrated the second Sunday in May, dates back to a festival derived from the custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. With the coming of Christianity, it soon became a worship of the mother church as a religious, holy day during Lent, when children brought special gifts to their mothers. In the US, official recognition of Mother's Day as given by Congress on May 8, 1914. The white carnation, or rose, signifying sweetness, purity and endurance, was adopted as the emblem.

  Mother's Day is here and though we attach no spiritual significance to it, it is well that we be reminded of the blessings of godly motherhood. This is a day of celebration of love and appreciation for Mothers. Today let us give thanks for our own Mothers and also for those people who have nurtured us and influenced our lives in positive ways.

  Throughout history, the motherly rose is one of honor and respect, so we extend a special blessing to these honored individuals, for they have helped nourish and mold our lives through their loving support and gentle encouragement. The have inspired and guided us to express our God-given talents and abilities.

  How do people know that you are a Mother and wise disciple of Jesus? Do you pray before meals, attend church regularly, wear a cross, carry a Bible? These may be appropriate ways to express faith, but Jesus tells His disciples that there is another crucial distinguishing mark of a true follower of Jesus: "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

~~~

  The things in my life that are worthy, were born in my mother's breast;

and breathed into mine by the fragrance of her life by Jesus blest.

~~~

Our thanks, O God, for mothers who show, by word and deed,

commitment to Your will and plan, and Your commandments heed.

~~~

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