Mother’s Day Thoughts For Jean Storey Stephens
May 13 2012
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife and mother? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (Proverbs 31:10-30 NLT)
Jim 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Jean, this really stood out to me as I was thinking how to express what I love and appreciate so much about you. I can trust you and you have greatly enriched my life! I trust you with and about everything. I always have. I always can. I always do. You have made my life rich beyond measure and you have brought me a lifetime of good and not harm.
Melissa 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. I love that Mom has always created things – clothes, for sure, for us and for my boys, but also so many other things—food, crafts, a home, memories. Thankful for a heritage of creativity. Love you, Melissa
Philip 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. Jean (aka Mom) is the epitome of loving and caring. She has made me feel safe, loved, cared for, secure and protected, an integral part of her family.
Barbara 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. One of the things I have admired about you, Jean, through the years, is your ‘grace under pressure’ approach to life. If I had to choose one word to describe you, I long ago chose the word “grace.” You conduct yourself with grace, in everyday life and in the difficult and challenging times of life. Thank you for helping me to seek God’s grace in my life! Happy Mother’s Day! Love you, Barbara
Stephanie 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. I love listening to my mom. I’m sure that hasn’t always been the case. I know I went through a time when I thought I knew it all. But now I cherish her words—not only the words she speaks to me but the ones she speaks to Philip, the ones she speaks to Jesse, and the ones she speaks to God on my behalf. I long for the wisdom of my mom. The words she speaks bring me peace, they bring me clarity, and they bring me the knowledge that I am loved and not alone. I love you, Mom.
Colin 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. You are like “Gran” Central Station. You know everything that’s going on even when there is a lot going on. Thanks for orchestrating such fun gatherings of the family. Good times!
Jesse loves these things about Grandma: She loves flowers. We get to take family pictures with no one pushing the button. I love reading the Bible with her in the morning. I love Grandma.
Jude loves that Grandma gets him stuff that he wants. 🙂
Zane loves to go to Grandma’s house and do fun stuff.
All 28 Her children and grandchildren stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” And so today, your children bless you and your husband praises you! Happy Mother’s Day, Jean!
Love, Jim and your family