Mother's Day 2 Timothy 1:1-8 5-11-97

Mother's Day 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Little things that my mom did:

1. (by age 5) She taught me simple skills of life...to get dressed...she taught me to tie my shoes. The shoes that are tied may kick field goals someday, they may tie skates of a hockey player. They send us on our way as we leave the house to live our day...either poorly or honorably.

2. (by age 10) Learning social skills. She taught me to skip for the Maypole celebration. Social skills that you may need to make a friend. Social skills that you may need to make a business contact. Social skills that are necessary for self-esteem.

3. (by age 14) She taught me to get up when you get knocked down. Left field, missed balls, fell down. Taking responsibility for your actions. If at first you don't succeed, try again. Never spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself. Get up and do what needs to be done.

4. (by age 17) She taught me, and saw to it, that I learned the Gospel. 26 contacts before one comes to a decision for Christ. They are all important -- Sunday school, prayer at meals, choir, etc. In a world when we are very interested in our children playing sports, how many will have the opportunity to live the life of professional athletes? And how many of those same young people will have the opportunity to live the Christian life?

Paul wrote to Timothy.......................(read the Scripture deliberately)

5. All of us have been given the foundations of faith. All of us will have opportunities to show forth the power of God. They may have started as little things, but now it is time to stir up the gifts within us. Our mothers have planted many seeds. It's our job to be sure that they grow to maturity.

We thank you and honor you for what you have given us. Now we have others coming at this time who will testify to the goodness of their mother's gifts.