Mother's Day in full bloom

Have you ever thought deeply how you arrived in this world? I do. In fact, more often now that we are trying to create a life of our own. There's already a 20% chance per month for successful conception for an average couple that makes the circle of life or form of human being a miracle. Some children are formed naturally or artificially (or what my friend likes to call herself as, “test tube baby”). Some were planned and some were a surprise. Some took years of trying and some took 1 try. Regardless, they're all little miracles because God had a plan for them from the beginning. He chose and equipped each woman the strength and courage to nurture them into full bloom. 

Hubby accidentally shipped me flowers from us,
instead of one of our mothers. Amazon does a pretty good job! 

There are mothers of all kinds and each are admirable, mighty powerful and full of love in their own way. Mothers raising children on her own whether divorced or widowed. Mothers nurturing an unborn child in their womb. Mothers with wide open arms for the child seeking a family. Mothers fighting and advocating for children of all abilities. Mothers with unconditional love and courage to raise and train children under foster care, knowing the children may not always live under their roof. Mothers with full JOY caring for furry babies like their own children. Regardless where a woman is in her life, He brings JOY to women who share their love to shape and mold humanity.

I absolutely love being a puppy mom and no, my puppy is not filling a void. He’s been on my husband and I’s mind for a LONG time! I may not be a mother of a human child, but I am one who receives JOY through friends who are becoming mothers, are new mothers, and friends who are incredible motherless mothers (including my other crazy dog and cat moms). The children I work with daily bring JOY to more than their families but to their peers, other families, and even all those that work with them. I surely cannot relate, but I can imagine raising children is a like riding the waves of emotions: challenging, exhausting, difficult, frustrating, JOYful, amazing, tears of sadness and joy all in one package.

Love our family park dates.
I can't remember what it was like not having him.

God uses all the women above to bring JOY to many children today. And many children bring JOY to more than just the mothers on earth. Given that I work with children of all abilities, I think about the moms who choose life for them whether biological or not.

When you tuck your child in tonight, thank God for the powerful mother who brought them into this world. Maybe it was you or maybe it was someone else. When you end your night on FaceTime, voice call, or on Heaven call with your mother, thank them for their courage to raise you even on their darkest days. If you're a mother or maybe wanting to be a mother and facing the emotions of anger, guilt, pain, or grief, know that God is wrapping His arms around you and accept His promising love and strength to carry you through each day. Each child, whether they lived minutes inside or outside the womb, was a sprinkle of JOY to someone. They had a purpose that we may never know. I think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. How could she possibly have the strength to endure Jesus' last breath. Can you imagine what was on her mind. God had a purpose, just like He has a purpose for the child in your womb or in your arms. 

Quote of the day: "They are not kidding when they say that mothers are strong women. We need to be strong in more ways than our children will ever know." ~ M.B. Antevasin

Bible verse of the day: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue….Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ~ Proverbs 31:25-26, 30