happy birthday, mom

i'd like to give a shout out to my mom for her 53rd birthday. for raising and homeschooling 4 children - making sure that we learned how to make good friends, public speak, cook, do laundry, balance bank accounts, and find a job by the time we were 10....ok maybe 12. for being firm and compassionate - spanking us and then hugging us. for having biblical answers and living as a godly example of a true disciple of Christ. for proof-reading my college papers at midnight the night before they were due. for not getting upset when i got D's. for just smiling at whatever piercings i came home with. for taking me out for a drink when i turned 21. for helping me with my resume and job-hunting. for supporting my passion to travel and do missions even though it takes me far from home. for loving God, Dad, us, and ministry - sometimes even dropping whatever you're doing if Erin or i call you at work crisising over a low bank account balance or an important event that we don't have a dress for....or just taking us out to lunch if we're having a bad day. for feeding whoever walks thru the door and housing international students or our friends that don't have money for rent. i love that you're strong, kind, humble, generous, and hard working. i'm so thankful for you as my mom and friend. i love you. happy birthday!!!