Mommy's Birthday

Last week we celebrated Mommy's birthday. Although she had not been feeling well, we had a good time. Daddy brought home daisies, Mommy's favorite, and Abby made Mommy's favorite cake, a German chocolate 2-layer with sweet cream filling and ganache.

We each picked out special gifts for Mommy and enjoyed giving them to her.

This poem makes me think of how important we children are to our mother. A child's immortal soul is the best temple you can build.

TWO TEMPLES
A builder builded a temple,
He wrought it with grace and skill;
Pillars and groins and arches
All fashioned to work his will.
Men said, as they saw its beauty,
"It shall never know decay;
Great is thy skill, O builder!
Thy fame shall endure for aye."

A Mother builded a temple
With loving and infinite care,
Planning each arch with patience,
Laying each stone with prayer.
None praised her unceasing efforts,
None knew of her wondrous plan,
For the temple the Mother builded
Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the builder's temple,
Crumpled into the dust;
Low lies each stately pillar,
Food for consuming rust,
But the temple the Mother builded
Will last while ages roll,
For that beautiful unseen temple
Was a child's immortal soul.
--Hattie Vose Hall

It reminds me of Mark 8:36 where Jesus said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" I am thankful for a mother who chooses to pour her time, energy, and intelligence into me for the gain of my soul and love, rather than the temporary profit the world offers her. Thank you, Mommy! We love you!

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." --Washington Irving

posted by a blessed daughter - "Sarah"