MOMS ROCK EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Today however, the second Sunday of May, was designated by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 (after lengthy campaigning by individuals in the United States) an annual national holiday called Mother’s Day.
This announcement caused 21-year-old Joyce Hall (founder of Hallmark Greeting Cards) to jump up and down with glee for decades while it plunged most good children into annual stress and angst, trying to conjure up ways to adequately appreciate their mothers by sundown on the stated day.
OK, let’s be honest, how many of us have paid Fed Ex the price of lunch for four, just to get that package to Mom ON TIME?! Those of you who have Mom in town, well, you have no excuse and should just count your blessings every May. 
I’m a mother of 5 boys and by God’s marvelous grace I am loved every single day of the year, so Mother’s Day does not make or break the year for me. My kids know there isn’t pressure to produce something more to make me feel special (they do that for me just by being who they are, loving and serving God, honoring their Dad and I, and being there for us 24/7 in their hearts, prayers and practical expressions - yes, on occasion even gifts!) but how many mothers across the earth (now that this holiday is celebrated everywhere) do you imagine have been bereft of spirit at the end of THE BIG DAY when they felt ‘forgotten’ by their offspring?
I think I just want to take a moment to remind us not to allow our culture’s imposed customs to push us into their mold and cause us to somehow feel we don’t measure up, we aren’t valued or we didn’t do a good job based on what we get, don’t get, who remembers, who forgets, blah, blah, blah. I’ve always tried to honor my mother and father on Hallmark’s special days, but I’m sure I could never measure up to society’s huge expectations. I do my best with what I have, but more than that, I endeavor to do far more on all the other days of the year with my prayers, emails, calls and constant love.
Here is a big yellow sunflower for YOU, Mom, who ever you are and where ever you live, and a hug to go with it. Keep on doing all that you do with all your heart as unto the Lord and you will receive rewards so rich, Hallmark’s gold crown will pale in comparison.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!…and remember, every comment you post on my blog during May will automatically enter you into our NO ORDINARY BIG MAY CELEBRATION DRAWING! XOXO
May 11th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Hi Denise,
Happy Mom’s Day to you too! I am a little like you and don’t put too much value in the actual hallmark day. With a sick family all week and my husband working this weekend, it felt so good to say to him yesterday, “Don’t EVEN do anything just so it’s something on Sunday!”
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and just yesterday finished “No Ordinary Child” that a friend had loaned to me. Still processing. Feeling convicted because I am that parent who desires more, but feel a little lacking at the moment! Thanks for the great inspirations and insights! I will be on my knees in a new way!
Take care,
Annie Holt
May 11th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hi Annie,
Thanks for sharing your heart so honestly. I know what it is to have to ‘process’ as God’s promptings come my way. It’s often painful. But, I think we have to be encouraged that He is bringing us something new and fresh while being gracious with ourselves as we move from the ‘real’ place we’re living into the ‘ideal’ that He wants for us. There is no condemnation! Receive His grace today,
In His Love,
Denise
May 11th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Hi Denise,
I SOOO appreciate you and your light-hearted, loving, convicting way in which you say things! I was given your book about a year ago from my good friend (Kristy Crum-a mutual friend). I am mom to four boys and one little princess and I LOVE your book! I am buying several copies tonight to hand out to other friends! There’s been many times, I wanted to hand my copy to someone, but selfishly hung on to it.
I feel like a schmuck at the end of this wonderful day for the self-pity I bought into today and guilt I put upon my children. I bought into the “custom-imposed culture” and expected my children to have a little deeper thanks than just “thanks for always cooking for us and teaching us the things you have”. What the heck was I thinking! Your email today really brought conviction to realize the love my kids show me EVERYDAY of the week and I refuse to take my time with them for granted! Thanks for your wisdom and encouragement! Bless you and this ministry!
May 12th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Hi Jen,
You certainly have your hands full - what a blessed woman you are! I completely understand feeling like a schmuck…more times than I can count - especially now that my oldest 3 are grown and on their own and at tender moments I’ll recall my failures and have regrets…but I must refuse to live in them and I’m so grateful for God’s amazing grace and love and He does fill in the gaps we miss. Thank you for popping in and generously encouraging me and all the other schmucks who stop by to read your honest mom-thoughts. May God’s grace fall ALL OVER YOU today!!!!!!!!
In His love,
Denise
May 12th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Thank you for this post, Denise! I had an all-day internal battle yesterday since it was my first Mother’s Day and I KNOW the right way to think about it but my flesh was screaming “BUT I want what I want and I want it MY way!” I had a few emotional spin-outs and had to go back and apologize to my husband who did remember the holiday AND get me flowers and brought me a Starbucks treat and a little gift and a card from him AND a card from our baby! Wow how selfish can I get? I just didn’t have my guard up and I bought into the lies of our culture via the devil. I will be prepared next year on Mother’s Day! Hmmm…maybe I’ll even surprise my husband and get HIM a gift to safeguard against selfishness.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I celebrated my first Mothers Day this year. I really enjoyed it…not that i got big gifts or flowers (though my sweet husband did spoil me with an awesome homemade card) but I like that America pauses for a moment to celebrate and recognize mothers. Granted, America should probably stop every day and celebrate mothers!
Sure, I know it’s commercialized (every holiday has become commercialized! sad but true.)…but i think the heart of it is sweet. I really enjoyed the extra lovin! 
May 14th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Denise, thanks for your thoughts about Mother’s Day. It is good to hear from a Godly woman that it is okay to not to expect a “big party”. I know that my family loves me anyway!
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Mother’s Day… always being on a Sunday… gets overlooked for me personally all the time. This particular year our wedding anniversary fell on this day so that superseded Mother’s Day as well.
Dave says a big hello!!
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Helloooooo Dave and Shannon! It’s been ages..it’s great to have you stopping by and sharing with us here on the blog. Trust all is well for you as you faithfully lead your local congregation. Thanks so much for serving!
Every blessing,
Denise