Saturday, May 12, 2012

Happy Mother's Day!


As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor our own mother and are remembered by our children, but we should also give thanks for all the women in our lives who have inspired, encouraged, supported and loved us. For me, that includes all of you ladies!

As we remember our beloved Sisters in Christ who have served as Godly examples and real-life examples of the Proverbs 31 woman, it should also encourage us to be a Proverbs 31 woman to bless our children, our husband, and all those in our household, community, and sphere of influence. The Godly woman described here is virtuous (v. 10), faithful (v. 11), hard-working (v. 13-16, v. 27), morally and physically strong (v. 17), generous and charitable (v. 20),

She is a blessing to her family (v. 12), has a realistic opinion about herself (v. 18), provides for her family through her hard work and planning (v. 21, 24), and enhances the reputation of her husband (v. 23). She is kind, speaking the truth in love (v. 26).

This kind of woman, although rare, is a tremendous asset to her family and all those around her, and they recognize that the blessings she gives them are priceless (v.10, 28, 29). We can become this kind of woman not by relying on our social skills or our physical charms, but by fearing the Lord – by putting His will for our life ahead of all else (v.30).

As important as it is to provide for our family, even this can become an idol in our lives if we put it ahead of our obedience to God and our desire to please Him. Rather, if we put God first in our lives, He will provide for our physical needs (Matthew 6:33), let us be a blessing to others (Prov. 31:30), enlarge our sphere of influence in this world and give us eternal life in the next (Mark 10: 29-30).

On this Mother’s Day and until He comes again, may our gift to all we encounter be our example of faith in Christ, that they too may accept and follow Him (2 Tim 1: 5; Acts 16:31).

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.



© 2012 Laurie Collett

Photo credit: Mother and child in front of home near Gandhla in Lahaul, June 2004, John Hill

39 comments:

Shari said...

Excellent wisdom! I also love the picture you picked. The picture made me wonder where she was from and what her story of motherhood was.

Shari said...

I'm now a follower. :)

Denise said...

God bless you on Mother's Day, and always.

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Shari, for following and for your encouragement!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Denise,
Thanks so much for always being a blessing! May you and yours be blessed in Him always!
Laurie

momto8 said...

Everything we could ever want to know is already written down for us...

Nadwrażliwiec said...

In Poland we have Mother's Day later - at 26th May. But I want to say best wishes for all Mothers, who read this blog and not only. Greetings for You :)

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Annmarie! God recorded His Word so we could know Him, if we take the time to study it.
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Zim,
Thanks for the good wishes! Many blessings to you!
Laurie

a joyful noise said...

Laurie your wisdom and insight blesses me so - - as it also does others. We can honor all our sisters in Christ even if they are not a biological mother. Your photo is precious. Mother's do love their children, as babies and through adulthood. Never stop loving just as God loves us unconditionally.

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, A Joyful Noise! Your kind words are a blessing, and you are one of the sisters in Christ who is like a spiritual mother through your encouragement and inspired writing. Praise God for the unconditional love of God and of Godly mothers too!
Laurie

Donald Fishgrab said...

Great post, Thanks for sharing it.

Pamela said...

The Proverbs 31 woman snows me under! I'm thankful God doesn't expect perfection but sees the desire in our heart. You always have a way of wisely "serving the word" that urges me to be more of a woman of God.

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, dfish! Have a blessed week in Him!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Pamela for your encouraging words! Our pastor always says that God cares more about the direction we're heading than the place we are at the moment. I'm thankful that God rewards obedience rather than success, and that His grace is sufficient.
God bless,
Laurie

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing how even our serving family can become an idol? Let me do everything for His glory.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, journeytoepiphany! May we have wisdom to discern His perfect will.

Charlotte said...

This is a good point. At our church on Mother's Days all the women are asked to stand and be recognized, not just the ones who are mothers. I like that.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Charlotte said...

I should have added that all the women received a beautiful red rose as we left.

Laurie Collett said...

That is a lovely idea, Charlotte! I am grateful for all the Godly women in my (including you!) who have encouraged me in so many ways.
Blessings to you!
Laurie

Brian Miller said...

nice bit of encouragement there in the women that are called to be....and in how the family can def become an idol...

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Brian, for your visit and kind comment!
God bless,
Laurie

Marissa Writes said...

Just came across your blog from Raising Might Arrows, and really enjoyed it! I also like your little bio. I'll be stopping by again I'm sure!

Marissa @ forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Marissa, for your kind comment and for following! I'll check out your blog also!
God bless,
Laurie

Ms. Kathleen said...

What a beautiful tribute to Moms :) Have a wonderful day!

http://theemptynestexpress.com

Unknown said...

He always shows us the way doesn't He!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Ms. Kathleen! Hope you had a blessed Mother's Day!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Amen! Thanks so much for your visit and comment!
God bless,
Laurie

Anonymous said...

What a fine lesson for me as I am not a mother, but have been a teacher to many hundreds of children over the years, have been a sister in the Lord to many women. I pray God continues to use me in His purposes, whatever they may be. I am so grateful for the mother I still have at 98 and love her dearly. And know that you are in my prayers as well.
I ws slow getting my post ready for Soli Deo Gloria so could not link up, but I want to visit our small group. Wishing blessings of our Lord upon you, Laurie.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
http://beingwoven.blogspot.com/2012/05/createcreativity.html

Joan Hall said...

Laurie - you are so right. We guard ourselves not to place others before God. When we put Him first, "all these things will be added..."

Blessings and I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day!

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Linda,
May God bless you for the children and women you have mentored and encouraged. I know they are deeply blessed by your influence. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Love in Him,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Joan! God must have the pre-eminence in our lives. I had a lovely Mother's Day and hope you did too!
God bless,
Laurie

Sylvia R said...

I love the well-rounded perspective of this post, how it includes all women of Christian influence, and especially how you brought the essence of Proverbs 31 womanhood around to the bottom line statement: "We can become this kind of woman not by relying on our social skills or our physical charms, but by fearing the Lord." It's always really all about looking to and honoring Him, isn't it? Blessings!

Kelli Woodford said...

Oh, that family idol thing you mentioned. Yes. Been there, done that.

It's good you have pointed it out here, and encouraged toward the larger sphere of where God would expand you. Even if it's just faithfulness at home, that is never the end of the influence.

Glad I linked behind you today!

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Sylvia R,
Thanks so much for your encouragement! It really does all boil down to honoring Him!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Kelli,
Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing your thoughts and experience. Our goal must be to follow Christ, no matter where that leads us.
Love in Him,
Laurie

Elaine W. Miller said...

Love your blog. Thank you for following mine. God has done miracles in our lives. What joy to follow Him! Blessed to walk the Jesus road with you via our blogs.

Be blessed!

Elaine W. Miller
www.SplashesofSerenity.com

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Elaine, for your kind words and for following Saved by Grace! God is good, all the time, and it is truly a blessing and privilege to serve Him. May all we do and say be to His glory!
God bless,
Laurie

Alecia Simersky said...

I love reading about the Proverbs 31 woman, though I have long way to go to being like her it gives me a good example to model. When you put Christ first everything else will fall into place.
Blessings!