This Sunday, May 11, we will celebrate Mother's Day. This holiday was first observed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907, which was based on suggestions given by Julia Ward Howard in 1872 and Anna Jarvis in 1907. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the official declaration, announcing Mother's Day would be observed on the second Sunday of May each year. If those three individuals were here today, I would pass along a giant high five, thanking them for their efforts to recognize ladies who pour out so much for so many.

I have numerous memories of my mom, and am grateful to this day for her never-ending sacrifices for my sisters and I. Though we have not had many opportunities over the past 17 years to spend this day together, 2008 will be different, as my parents will be in town for the weekend. An added bonus: my Dad's birthday is Saturday! So, not only will we have the opportunity to spend time with my mom for her special day, but with my dad as well! Along with celebrating Tiffany-year 4 of being a mom-will be a great weekend, filled with more memories!

I trust your Mother's Day is filled with the joy, love, and peace of Christ. For all moms: thank-you! The difference you are making is significant, whether the results are seen in the here-and-now, or will be in the years to come.

"M..is for the million things she gave me,

O...means only that she's growing old,

T...is for the tears she shed to save me,

H...is for her heart of purest gold,

E...is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

R..means right, and righ she'll always be.

Put them all together, they spell 'Mother', A word that means the world to me."

Howard Johnson (c.1915)