5.10.2009

You Surpass Them All!

Whoever invented the phrase “multitasking” was surely talking about country women. These “ladies of the land” can drive a farm truck alongside a silage chopper, run a haybaler, pull a calf, or kill, clean and pluck a chicken. And then, in their spare time, prepare the family meals, do the shopping and laundry, keep the books, mend skinned knees and torn jeans, help the youngsters with their homework, and deworm the dog…None of them are afraid to get their hands dirty…They’re part animal lover, part veterinarian and part wildlife expert. Part horticulturist, part entomologist and part economist…Although she has go-to-town clothes handing in her closet, a country woman can change into jeans, boots and work gloves in the blink of an eye…Country women appreciate the rainbow after a rain shower, a patch of dandelions in bloom, the first green leaves of spring, and the bounty from the garden. They enjoy the sounds of children laughing and birds singing, the smell of a horse, a brilliant sunset, and the satisfaction of doing many jobs well.
– Pam Schleicher, Country Women Rock!, Grit Magazine, March/April 2009


I recently read this article and immediately thought of my mom. I have never seen anyone work as hard and do so many things well. Now that we live on property, we have to practically drag her indoors. Not only does she help dad keep our yard looking gorgeous, but our house is always neat, clean, and in order. This article made me think of a far more important description of a woman…

Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.


It’s a commendable thing to be a hard working woman. But, nothing can compare to a woman that serves tirelessly, glorifies God constantly, and is so in love with her Savior. The first one is nice, the second is worthy of much honor and praise. Both are my mom.

My favorite thing about my mom is her love for her Savior. Every morning when I come to the kitchen for coffee, she’s sitting on the couch reading, praying, and journaling. She typically is reading multiple books at the same time. She loves my dad more than words could express. She loves and cares for her children no matter how much work and time it requires. She is always ready to talk, encourage, and gently correct. She loves to be outside and garden. She’s actually enjoying having livestock. :) She perseveres through ongoing health problems. She counsels other women. She is loving, understanding, and selfless. She is patient and kind. She models 1 Corinthians 13 so well. She is the most amazing cook on the planet! She is flexible (How many women do you know would pick up and move 7 times?) and so much fun to be around!

When I grow up, I want to be like my mommy. I want to glorify my Savior and be like my mom. That’s my ambition in life. That’s my goal. She’s my hero!!!

Mom, I love you so much. I am so grateful for the countless hours you have poured into me. I am so grateful for your patience (‘cause you’ve needed it!), counsel, care, and understanding. Thanks for being so eager to look for and find things for me to eat. Thanks for reminding me of the truth when I desperately need to hear it. Thanks for loving to hang with and be around me. I love the look on your face when you find out that you’re going shopping with Katie and I. I love that besides dad, your kids are your favorite people to be with! Thanks for being such an incredible example. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without God using you in my life. I love you so much! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Katie & I surprised mom this morning with some recent pics of the three kids. We contacted a dear friend (www.naisang.com) and asked her to do a photoshoot of us. It was a lot of fun. Here are our favorite shots...

2 comments:

Lainers said...

awww those are cool.
It almost makes me wish I had a sister.... ALMOST... wait no, not at all. A brother is enough.
But I like the one where katie is on the steps and jessica is hiding behind them.
the rest were great too :-)

Anonymous said...

James calls that picture (which is his favorite) "Big Sister is Watching You". :)