Dear Mom,
On this day, among many other things, I want to thank you for being the role model of giving hope and life to those around you. I know you don’t totally understand the desire to go around the world :o), but you have modeled loving those around you and sharing the good news of Jesus in your own life and to those around you. What a joy to get on our bikes to deliver Sonshine Club VBS invitations to those in our neighborhood. We didn’t see it as anything but what we did every summer :o). And every summer 80-100 kids would pack onto our brown carpet and very well loved couches to hear stories by Mrs. Groseclose, do crafts with Mrs. Hixenbaugh and Lindsay and Kate, play games with Rob and Laura and all of us neighborhood kids and sing praises with Pastor Jonathan (then just Jonathan :o)) and have a snack related to the color of the day in the wordless book. You would get up and gently share about Jesus’ love and how he desires that we ALL come to him and if we repent of our sins and simply ask him into our hearts, he would come into our hearts, be with us all throughout life, and then we would all get to know that we would spend eternity in Heaven. What a wonderful time this was and how many people were able to understand the Truth of the love, kindness and mercy of the Gospel and then see it lived out in your life!
You continue to keep God at the forefront of your life and bless us by doing so. You listen to him, support us in what he calls us to, and listen to his still small voice over your own fears and worries, even when it’s difficult to do. You are loyal, true, caring, thoughtful, a prayer warrior, and an incredible listener and friend.
Thank you for always being there, for teaching us in so many ways, for your words of wisdom and phrases that will stick with us forever, and will be passed down to generations.
I love you, Mom, and I will miss you this upcoming year. Just hold close what God has told you, “As long as they’re happy and in God’s will, it will be okay.” Thank you for your insights, your prayers, and your excitement.
You are an inspiration and I am blessed to have you as my mom.
Love and hugs!
Julia
We are so grateful for you and Dad!
