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My amazing mother! I love that the best pictures I found of her all had my dad smiling next to her!
In honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, I’m sharing some words of wisdom from my mom. After she was diagnosed with cancer, I gave my mother a book called The Story of a Lifetime. It’s a book of questions to help someone record their life story. She took it to heart and completed quite a bit of it. I knew my time with her was limited and I wanted to know more.
Below are some of her words and favorite quotes from that book:
Most important things in life:
“Having faith, family and friends are most important. Nurture them and they’ll be there for you. Pray!”
On facing life’s challenges:
“Worrying does not change anything”
“It is within our power, with God’s help, to be happy, to deal with life’s problems positively, and to see the humor in all situations.”
On parenting:
“Pick your battles and don’t lose your sense of humor”
“Relax – whatever it is about your children that is driving you crazy today won’t even be recalled next week and probably not even tomorrow.”
Hardest lesson she ever learned:
“That I’m not in charge – God is.” Wow – sounds a lot like the lessons I’m learning now.
She had this quote, too, which I love! “If you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you are pissing on the present.” ~Unknown
Inspiration for life:
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you live at all. Happiness, in the ancient, noble verse, means self-fulfillment and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God or luck or fate bestowed upon them.” ~Leo Rosten
P.S. Friends, I’ve added a new page to my site – “Books I Love”. I love to read, so thought I’d start a page for us to share about books that are making an impact in our lives. I’ve listed some of my favorites (and why I love them so much). There’s also a place to add recommendations of other books you love. I always love to learn about other great reads. Click HERE to take a look!
Linking with Fellowship Fridays and Essential Fridays
Go Deeper with One of Our Devotional Studies:
The Gift of Christmas Advent Devotional
Surrounded Devotional
The Prayer Toolbox
Find these and more devotionals at the Prayer and Possibilities Store
Mary Bennett says
I just read all these in your mother’s voice in my head which made me smile. Oh what a wealth of wisdom she was. I am grateful to have sat at her table, with cloth napkins and milk and juice glasses and those wonderful chocolate cookies with white chips!
Also it was important to check your nails for dirt.– she taught me that for sure.
Sabra Penley says
Kathryn, what a precious gift you gave your Mom and it came right back to you. Something to cherish forever–and for generations to come. What a wonderful mom! Happy Mother’s Day!
Abby says
Beautiful words of wisdom and such a wonderful way to remember your mom. Thank you for sharing this.
Carroll Sturgis says
So good to catch up on you, Kathryn.
Carroll Sturgis