From Pastor Bill

As I think back to my mother when I was a child, and as I have watched our three children and eleven grandchildren relate to my wife, I have observed all of the following in action: a barber and beautician, fashion consultant, chairperson, mechanic, teacher, veterinarian, equipper, interpreter, travel agent, interior decorator, and often the last one to bed each night.

For each of these women, their ability to love has been exceeded only by God’s love.  That is, there are no depths to which a child can fall that will diminish her love, and yet no heights of success that will increase it.  Although her love is strong and disciplined and comes with certain expectations, it is also protective, tender, consistent, understanding, forgiving, unchanging, unselfish, giving, contagious, comfortable, and everlasting.  That is why the nearest thing we can see in this world to God’s love is the love of a godly mother.

• If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
• If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
• If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
• If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

     BUT:

• If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.
• If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
• If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
• If a child lives with approval, he learns to be patient.
• If a child lives with security, he learns to trust.

God has placed the mothers of our country in the most strategic of all places—the home.  They, more than anyone else, determine the future of our families, churches, and ultimately the world.  May God empower all of you mothers who are faithfully serving our Lord Jesus Christ through your families.

Devotedly your pastor, 

Bill Blanchard