Today we are linking with Suzie Eller!
I remember each of their “birth”days so vividly.
Cailee was my smallest baby and took the longest to come, Austin was my biggest baby and was the most painful (my epidural quit working on the middle of the delivery), and Sara was my bald baby who broke the mold the day she entered the world.
I remember telling my husband, Justin, that I was scared to have teenagers…and he calmly told me to enjoy them as babies first. “Don’t worry” he said, “we will grow with them and figure it out!” – just so you know my oldest isn’t even a teenager yet! LOL!
I remember rocking each of them and singing praise songs as I looked them over from top to bottom, praising God for blessing me with such beautiful children. I remember each birthday thus far, standing amazed that my babies aren’t “babies” anymore. I remember….or at least I try.
Left to Right – Cailee, Austin, Sara – all 6 months old
Donna and her 3 blessings now!
When my ministry partner, Jodie, approached and asked me to write for a “blog link-up” for Suzie Eller’s page I said, “Sure, what’s the topic”?
“What I hope my children remember about me,” she replied.
Sigh. Well ok..I’ll try. My head was reeling with possibilities.
And then, once again with a little guidance from my wonderful husband, I got it!
What do I hope my kids remember about me? Most of all I want them to remember that I was consistent.
That even if I did not do everything right, that I was consistent.
That even when times got hard, that I was consistent.
That even when life was good, that I was consistent.
Consistent in what? Consistent in trying to live life every day more and more like Jesus.
Consistent each and every day to the commitments that I had made – whether to my husband, family and friends or to the stranger on the street that I said I would help. Consistent in my role as wife, daughter, mother, employee, friend, church member or ministry leader.
Consistent in speaking the truth in love.
Consistent.
And then, I want them to remember that we have a Savior that is consistent.
That in this life, when everything around them is falling apart, because it will…because it is…that Jesus will NEVER change.
I hope that they remember:
~Donna
“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:19
Want to hear other stories of moms and what they hope they’re remembered for? Check out the blog hop at Proverbs 31 Speaker, Suzie Eller’s blog. http://tsuzanneeller.com/2014/10/17/what-i-hope-they-remember/
Those are some beautiful babies :)… I have no doubt they will remember what a loving mom they had. Bless you and them…. Don’t be afraid of the teen years, God will consistently be with you as well. I can’t get through these days without Him.
Thank you, Lena! Donna
I just left a very long message and then it was lost. 🙁 So…I was saying I am so glad we have met here because we share soul hearts. 🙂 I have an Austin (my girl in the photo on my blog today…wearing her brothers old spiderman pi’s. She was named after my mother’s maiden name and who is passed away, but lives in me and through her…:) ) I need to write your advice to remain consistent on my head and my heart today, that is great advice and I fail at that most every day. You are a blessing here and I’m glad to have found one another, too. Look forward to commenting to lean into Jesus together…Bless you both this weekend!
Meredith- Donna was sharing last night in our devotion time that she even wants her children to she that she is consistent when fails. For me that means consistently seeing when I need to say I am sorry or consistently showing my children how I respond to falling…seeking God’s guidance and forgiveness. I can speak for Donna and myself, because we do that often, we are so thrilled to be on this journey of motherhood together! And to share it will other sisters of faith…well that’s just an absolute JOY! – Jodie
Donna- what an incredibly powerful truth. Sometimes we overlook the obvious. Thank you for reminding of this!
Thank you! I enjoyed writing this post and I just love being a mama! Donna
Glad to connect with you from Suzie’s site. Wonderful post about the love of your children.
Donna, I love how you connect the consistency we exhibit in our lives with the consistency of Jesus Christ. Such an important point, practically and spiritually. It’s been wonderful reading all of Suzie’s linkups, and ending with your reminder is perfect.