14 Days of Thankfulness - Day 1

Day 1
A Christian Home

As I walked through my house this morning, I counted nearly 30 displays that my Mother created by hand to promote the Word of God in our home. Many adorn the long hallway of our home. One hangs on our refrigerator to quench one's spiritual thirst as they fill up their glass to quench their physical thirst. And quite a few hang in my room, daily encouraging me in the way of the Lord.

Lovingly creating my graduation invitations
which reflected my love and devotion to God.

Marmy has always been my best friend. I love her so much more than I can even begin to say. We've laughed together, cried together and grown together.

Marmy, age 20, cradling me, her first born.

She has always set the example of a faithful wife in my eyes - never trying to balance the raising of her children with the demands of a career or outside-the-home ministry. She began to homeschool me at eight years old, founding the "Morning to God" elementary school in our home. Each day we practised just what the name of our school implied - a routine of seeking God early in life and in the day. She has always been creative in her approach to teaching us. I remember making posters to illustrate memory verses; daily rehearsing of our memory passages with expressive motions to help us remember; and waking up to praise music engulfing our home in joyfullness, and then marching around the livingroom in our pajamas, shaking tamborines and maracas while singing along.

Marmy and me when I was nine or ten.

I can only remember happiness in my childhood, thanks to the daily labor of my Mother. I'm only beginning to see how much tireless work she had to put into making sure we were always clean, fed and educated - let alone the efforts of her tending to our spiritual necessities!

Marmy pauses the Math-U-See video to explain a problem to Jasco.

She has always taught us in the kitchen, at the supermarket, in the car. From every situation, she's presented a practical, and a spiritual lesson which has sharpened our skills and wisdom.

Marmy directs the placement of the tomato cage.

Perhaps, most importantly, her support to Daddy has been unwavering. She loves him even more than the day they married, and has faithfully served beside him. She strives to put his needs and visions first.

Marmy helping Daddy finish the wall of our screened-in pool room, this past Summer.

She would say that she is still learning what is is to be a godly woman. Such meekness is commented upon by many friends and family who have been touched by this amazing woman of God. It is her excitement in learning God's plan for women which makes it such a lovely task - one which targets the heart and then works it's way out to radiate naturally.

Marmy holds little Melody Borne during a bookclub meeting.

I have learned so many things from this lady whom God has graciously put over me as my dear Mother. I could never express the gratitude I feel toward her, and toward the One who gave me to her.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,