mothersday

"What Makes a Mother's Day?" talk #1 of two "mini-talks" in the service

When I think of mothers, one of the first words that comes to my mind is "responsibility." I've never met a mom yet that hasn't felt the heavy weight of responsibility that goes along with motherhood. I'm convinced that without moms we wouldn't have the word "multi-tasker" in our vocabulary.

This back pack represents the weight of responsibilities that every mom has carried at some point in her life:

Weight of disciplinarian (paddle) "Don't fail to discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them."
Prov 23:13

Weight of your own appearance (dumbbell) (most women think this represents their husband ;-)

Weight of your kids' appearance (bottle of saliva--drama ref)

Weight of spiritual growth (Bible--also serve at church, sm grp)

"Supposed to be something in here representing recreational fun---I can't seem to find it"

Motherhood is a lot of other things: it's loving and it's nurturing and it's full of all kinds of warm-fuzzy Hallmark® moments and Holy moments where you feel blessed to the point of tears overflowing

But there's no getting around the reality that every mother walks around every day with a back pack full of responsibilities.

And this is not a new phenomenon. This isn't necessarily the product of the modern Jetson's age we live in. Listen to this passage from Proverbs ch 31 called the Wife of Noble Character:

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.

She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone (thanks to her) has warm clothes.

She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

From thousands of years ago to todaymothers shoulder a back pack of responsibilities.

Before we go any further, I would like to honor every mother and soon-to-be mother. We'd like to appreciate you and encourage you for everything you do. Moms would you please stand?

(getting everyone to shout "amen" after I offer statements of appreciation---moms stay up)

Moms, if your kids aren't here today--allow us to be your surrogate kids--let our words speak for those who can't be here.

2. We think you're unbelievable for EVERYTHING you do for us! (amen!)

4. We appreciate and love how you've nurtured & will nurture our children! (amen!)

5. We are amazed at your ability to keep it all together during tough times! (amen!)

6. We are humbled by how many times you put other people's needs ahead of your own! (amen!)

7. We love you more than our words and actions can convey! (amen!)

8. We are going to cook dinner and clean the house everyday for the next 3 month ;-)

That little thing we just did---appreciating moms with simple words---is something that husbands and children of all ages need to do everyday

Everyday mom's wear the back pack and everyday it's husbands and children's responsibility to LIGHTEN THE LOAD with words of appreciation and helping hands.

A minute ago we read Proverbs 31. We didn't read it all. Here's the next couple lines:

'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'"

God tells husbands and kids to lighten the mother's load with words of encouragement and appreciationby blessing her verbally.

GuysI think we miss this because we're not like this! Sure we appreciate a verbal "atta boy," but we'd appreciate a new Makita cordless drill even more!

And I think guys' are guilty of faulty thinking on this subject. We sometimes think, "She's just doing what she's responsible for doing everydaydo I have to notice everything?..."

"Hey honeylook I fixed that railing that's been loose since Easter 2003...pretty cool huh?...look at itcheck it out!..."

We're like dogs who want a treat if we do anything---"throw me a bone---give me a treat---notice me!"

Guys---we need to notice & appreciate. Noticing & appreciating is one way we can take our marriage OFF auto pilot like Keith & Jon said last week. And this is not complicated. It's not hard.

(To illustrate) I emailed a bunch of women in our churchnew moms to empty nest momsand I asked them specifically---"What makes your day?" Specifically what does your family do that perks up your spirit?

(Notice the simplicity and the ease of the things that matter most to them)

I love it when someone does something that was on MY to-do list.

One thing that makes my day is when we can all sit down for a meal together and enjoy each others company.

An "I love you" out of the blue is great to perk up my spirits. For example, my 3 year old was enjoying KidStuf on Sunday, and ran over to me, put his arms around me to tell me "I love you mommy" and then was right back to dancing and singing with the rest of the gang.

I feel honored when my family cleans up after themselves, picks up their rooms, and clears the dinner table without being asked, or without complaining.

I can be having the worst day and then I get an email or call from one of my 3 children - just to ask how my day is going and to tell me they love me, and that is all it takes.

It's so awesome when my husband comes up to me and gives me a hug and kiss before heading out the door. I really appreciate when HE initiates it---I feel so much more loved.

I went to my daughter's tennis match (as I always do) and she said afterwards, "Thanks Mom for always coming to watch me"

I love it when they make me something. One year for the week leading into mother's day, I went out to my car to go to work and my girls had put a note on my car telling me that I was special. I found a different note every day till Mother's Day. I saved those notes and have them framed and in my bedroom.

I feel really good when one of my kids compliments me on my clothes or hair, etc. It's easy to assume that your kids don't really 'notice' these things, and when they do---it makes me glow inside, and out!

I love it when my husband spends time doing things with me that most men don't really enjoy. Last night he went with me to shop for flowers. It was nice to have him along since I usually do this alone.

Compliments on my cooking are always a big plus! It's also an extra perk when someone offers to carry in the groceries without my asking.

(teen's mom) What makes my day is when my kids give me a hug and/or kiss no matter where we are or who is around. I LOVE IT!

Spending time with me....no video games, computer, or cell phone texting

I would rather have one meaningful conversation with my children than gifts of any type. This is what is of value to me.

What mother's want & need on Mother's Day is both simple and hard. It's simple because what they want is words---simple words of appreciation. Words that are about how they're doing as a person--not just their role as a mom. Words that cost us nothing but when leaving our mouth become priceless.

It's hard because it's not something we can go out, throw down a few bucks and take back home. It's a gift that husbands and children need to give daily. And if it only happens once a year, it's not much of a gift...

Husband and children: will you help lighten the load of the mother in your home not just today, but every day?

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30

"Fear of God" is an old school phrase for "putting God first in your life."

God reminds us that real beauty comes from a soul that reflects Christ.

And even though husbands and children will do our best to encourage and appreciate you, your true worth and true identity is found only in Jesus Christ.

And the patience, peace, strength, wisdom, love and joy you need to be a mother is not found in your husband or kids---it's found only in the amazing power of the RockKing of the Ages, Jesus Christ

In the spirit of Prov 31:28---we hope you will be blessed by the words of our UpStreet kids before Ronda Malin comes to share with us.



	< back "What Makes a Mother's Day?" talk #1 of two "mini-talks" in the service morgan young 5.13.07 (wearing big heavy back pack) When I think of mothers, one of the first words that comes to my mind is "responsibility." I've never met a mom yet that hasn't felt the heavy weight of responsibility that goes along with motherhood. I'm convinced that without moms we wouldn't have the word "multi-tasker" in our vocabulary. This back pack represents the weight of responsibilities that every mom has carried at some point in her life: (pull each item out as I talk about it) Weight of childbirth & raising kids (bowling ball) Weight of disciplinarian (paddle) "Don't fail to discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them." Prov 23:13 Weight of meals/grocery-getting -- (big 10 can) Weight of being the family doctor (stethoscope) Weight of house-cleaning (Windex) Weight of your own appearance (dumbbell) (most women think this represents their husband ;-) Weight of your kids' appearance (bottle of saliva--drama ref) Weight of chauffeur / taxi driver (license plate) Weight of working outside the home (name plate) Weight of spiritual growth (Bible--also serve at church, sm grp) "Supposed to be something in here representing recreational fun---I can't seem to find it" Motherhood is a lot of other things: it's loving and it's nurturing and it's full of all kinds of warm-fuzzy Hallmark® moments and Holy moments where you feel blessed to the point of tears overflowing But there's no getting around the reality that every mother walks around every day with a back pack full of responsibilities. And this is not a new phenomenon. This isn't necessarily the product of the modern Jetson's age we live in. Listen to this passage from Proverbs ch 31 called the Wife of Noble Character: Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies (here we go filling the ancient backpack of responsibility) She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone (thanks to her) has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Proverbs 31:10-22, 24-27 NLT From thousands of years ago to todaymothers shoulder a back pack of responsibilities. Before we go any further, I would like to honor every mother and soon-to-be mother. We'd like to appreciate you and encourage you for everything you do. Moms would you please stand? (getting everyone to shout "amen" after I offer statements of appreciation---moms stay up) Moms, if your kids aren't here today--allow us to be your surrogate kids--let our words speak for those who can't be here. 1. Moms and wives we love you! (amen!) 2. We think you're unbelievable for EVERYTHING you do for us! (amen!) 3. We appreciate your unselfish serving heart! (amen!) 4. We appreciate and love how you've nurtured & will nurture our children! (amen!) 5. We are amazed at your ability to keep it all together during tough times! (amen!) 6. We are humbled by how many times you put other people's needs ahead of your own! (amen!) 7. We love you more than our words and actions can convey! (amen!) 8. We are going to cook dinner and clean the house everyday for the next 3 month ;-) (pray for mom's---be seated) That little thing we just did---appreciating moms with simple words---is something that husbands and children of all ages need to do everyday Everyday mom's wear the back pack and everyday it's husbands and children's responsibility to LIGHTEN THE LOAD with words of appreciation and helping hands. A minute ago we read Proverbs 31. We didn't read it all. Here's the next couple lines: "Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: (saying things like) 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'" Proverbs 31:28-29 NLT God tells husbands and kids to lighten the mother's load with words of encouragement and appreciationby blessing her verbally. GuysI think we miss this because we're not like this! Sure we appreciate a verbal "atta boy," but we'd appreciate a new Makita cordless drill even more! And I think guys' are guilty of faulty thinking on this subject. We sometimes think, "She's just doing what she's responsible for doing everydaydo I have to notice everything?..." But do you notice how husbands are? "Hey honeylook I fixed that railing that's been loose since Easter 2003...pretty cool huh?...look at itcheck it out!..." We're like dogs who want a treat if we do anything---"throw me a bone---give me a treat---notice me!" Guys---we need to notice & appreciate. Noticing & appreciating is one way we can take our marriage OFF auto pilot like Keith & Jon said last week. And this is not complicated. It's not hard. (To illustrate) I emailed a bunch of women in our churchnew moms to empty nest momsand I asked them specifically---"What makes your day?" Specifically what does your family do that perks up your spirit? (Notice the simplicity and the ease of the things that matter most to them) For Mother's Day, these days, I cherish hugs. My husband praising me in front of the children is huge. I love it when someone does something that was on MY to-do list. Take time to talk to me. One thing that makes my day is when we can all sit down for a meal together and enjoy each others company. An "I love you" out of the blue is great to perk up my spirits. For example, my 3 year old was enjoying KidStuf on Sunday, and ran over to me, put his arms around me to tell me "I love you mommy" and then was right back to dancing and singing with the rest of the gang. I feel honored when my family cleans up after themselves, picks up their rooms, and clears the dinner table without being asked, or without complaining. I can be having the worst day and then I get an email or call from one of my 3 children - just to ask how my day is going and to tell me they love me, and that is all it takes. It's so awesome when my husband comes up to me and gives me a hug and kiss before heading out the door. I really appreciate when HE initiates it---I feel so much more loved. I went to my daughter's tennis match (as I always do) and she said afterwards, "Thanks Mom for always coming to watch me" I love it when they make me something. One year for the week leading into mother's day, I went out to my car to go to work and my girls had put a note on my car telling me that I was special. I found a different note every day till Mother's Day. I saved those notes and have them framed and in my bedroom. I feel really good when one of my kids compliments me on my clothes or hair, etc. It's easy to assume that your kids don't really 'notice' these things, and when they do---it makes me glow inside, and out! I love it when my husband spends time doing things with me that most men don't really enjoy. Last night he went with me to shop for flowers. It was nice to have him along since I usually do this alone. Compliments on my cooking are always a big plus! It's also an extra perk when someone offers to carry in the groceries without my asking. (teen's mom) What makes my day is when my kids give me a hug and/or kiss no matter where we are or who is around. I LOVE IT! Spending time with me....no video games, computer, or cell phone texting (like that's gonna happen in this lifetime-LOL) I would rather have one meaningful conversation with my children than gifts of any type. This is what is of value to me. What mother's want & need on Mother's Day is both simple and hard. It's simple because what they want is words---simple words of appreciation. Words that are about how they're doing as a person--not just their role as a mom. Words that cost us nothing but when leaving our mouth become priceless. It's hard because it's not something we can go out, throw down a few bucks and take back home. It's a gift that husbands and children need to give daily. And if it only happens once a year, it's not much of a gift... Husband and children: will you help lighten the load of the mother in your home not just today, but every day? One last verse from our passage in Proverbs: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30 "Fear of God" is an old school phrase for "putting God first in your life." God reminds us that real beauty comes from a soul that reflects Christ. And even though husbands and children will do our best to encourage and appreciate you, your true worth and true identity is found only in Jesus Christ. And the patience, peace, strength, wisdom, love and joy you need to be a mother is not found in your husband or kids---it's found only in the amazing power of the RockKing of the Ages, Jesus Christ In the spirit of Prov 31:28---we hope you will be blessed by the words of our UpStreet kids before Ronda Malin comes to share with us. (video of kids saying what they appreciate about their mom) top o'page <back