That moment

That wonderful moment when you find that your baby is maturing quite nicely and you are so pleased and proud!

Elderly parents

Alan and I have been dealing with his mother and step father for several years, both now in their 80's.  My mom is in her 80's as well.

I have such a soft spot for the elderly and I love our parents so much.  So much to the point of sacrifice at times, but it is well with me.

You only get one time around to love in this world. 

Sometimes however they say things that can hurt your feelings, they get irritable, they need help going to the bathroom, etc. etc. etc.  Patience truly becomes the best virtue to have at these times.

We also have experienced some mistrust which is the most hurtful thing of all.

I just hope when we are up in age, that our sons would give the same kind of care & patience to us that we have given to them.

It all leaves me a bit sad, but I will let go and let God.

My random thought

It seems that all mothers are easier on their kids than the fathers.  In talking to other moms, I've found that I have a lot in common with other mothers in my circle.    I feel like that I'm tuff on the important issues, but I don't like to see my kid get into trouble with dad!  Can anyone relate?

Mothers are just different and fathers should be respected for who they are too ; )

Discovering

Sometimes your kids just have to discover things for themselves.  It usually comes after a lot of energy is spent by us parents bringing something to their attention.

Loving

"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." ~Morrie Schwartz

Some people joke and call me a saint because of some peacemaker, and compassionate traits that I hold.  I personally believe we all are called to be saints.  To be a saint is not to be perfect, only to do your best to be obedient and loving.

I choose to love imperfect people.  How can I not love others, even some that others deem unworthy, when I myself have gone off the deep end a few times or two in my life? 

Especially when it comes to loving young people.  For I myself could make some tiny difference in a young person's life, by showing love; thus showing God's love.  Then perhaps a good work that God began, God will complete.

Loving someone and disapproving of certain behaviors are two different things.  However, if you love someone you should tell them when they are doing wrong, even at the risk of losing a friendship. Certain behaviors do call for parting of ways, especially if it becomes intrusive and controlling, but love should remain.

There are many young people in our lives right now that are my son's friends.  There are many different qualities..... and also misforturnes in each.  I feel as though some can not understand why I choose to love, when certain bad behaviors had sky rocketed in the past.  To those of you I say, because in my heart and soul, I believe...no, I just KNOW that loving is the right thing.

Geri Phillips

I Love our sons!

I just wanna express how proud I am of our boys. 

Bradley, the eldist, makes us proud by being a hard worker, a family man and a Godly man  and is involved in his church, and has proven to be a caring husband.  Miss you lots Bradley!

Michael, the youngest, has just made section leader for the euphonium section of the band, is very talented and will also be sucessful.  He is a Godly young man and also is involved in his church. We are proud of who he is too.

BOTH HAVE A HEART OF GOLD!

Their brotherhood is unbreakable and a joy for us to see.

What a blessing you guys are!  I love you guys!

Just sayin!

I love you more!

"I love you mommy" he said.  "I love you more" said I.
So on we challenged with love and game, and on did the years go by.

Toddler became an adolescent and adolescent became the teen.
Patience, understanding and sacrifice were harder than it had seemed.

 But what a special blessing each year that brought some pain;
along with that came lessons not only to him, but to myself did gain.

I learned a lot about myself, that I had never known.
I learned that I had convictions and that I had seeds to sow.

In keeping with my convinctions I found myself on rocky a turrain,
That is with him who did not understand the reasonings and believed all I said  was lame.

But I will be strong in my convictions and my voice shall continue to be heard;
no matter if he thinks unfair, wild, crazy or absurd.

Because the truth of the matter, and this is indeed the score...
The truth is I will be there if you fall, and as always, I love you more!

written by Geri L. Phillips

Mother Quotes

"Behind every great man, is a Godly mother" - Abe Lincoln

Mothers

Mothers are as total as the sky;
Older than the earth, and more enduring.
They're rooted in our hearts like ancient trees,
Halfway down to seething lava seas;
Emblazoned on our sail, and on our mooring.
Returning home, we dwell within their sigh:
So maddening, so rich, so reassuring.