Weekend Inspiration: Exodus 20:12

Fourth of July 2009, 5 Months Pregnant with E.  Holding my parent’s dog, Jack.
In the hospital, about an hour after delivering E, November 2009.
Take One:  4 Generations, W wasn’t agreeing with us, December 2009.
Take Two:  4 Generations, W appropriately exited photo-op.  🙂

“Honor your father and mother.  Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.”
Exodus 20:12

How many of you ladies rebelled as a child?  I seriously think it’s on the mandatory things-to-do list in your teenage girls.  I’m already waiting for that time to roll around, and my daughters are both under the age of 2.  Ha!  At least I’m ready for it, as a mother, right?  I know it’s the biggest understatement of all time, but motherhood is not easy.  I’m just thinking of all the times growing up that I tried my mother’s patience, and pretty much drove her crazy at times.  I mean everyone’s up for a good challenge toward their parental authority.  It had to be tested, and maybe my test was just a little bit more extreme than most teenagers.  No, it wasn’t doing drugs or getting a tattoo, it was mostly just about talking back.  As I’m recollecting, I can just hear the “It’s not fair” shouts reverberating in my head.  And what was always the response?  “Life’s not always fair, Ashley.”  To say the least, this is so true, but at the time, that was the last thing I wanted to hear.

I eventually started learning that my mother, through her strict ways, was teaching me a lot.  And as I began to obey her, and honor her, my world soon began turning around.  Just like the scripture says, honoring your mother and father will give you a full life in the Lord.  This couldn’t be more true.  It made me feel so much happier, without all of the built-up anger.  I remember my husband once saying, the way I acted toward my mother was just ugly and disrespectful.  I quickly thought about how the Lord certainly wouldn’t want to see me acting this way to her, or to anyone.  That definitely put things into perspective.  Why is it always someone else who sees things a little differently, that makes you want to change.  Well, I did.  I am now so thankful for my mother.  I love her unconditionally, and I am so glad she reciprocated this love…otherwise, who knew what kind of relationship we’d have now.  I know the Lord had a lot to do with this, as he always does.  For me, he erased a lot of those moments, that needed erasing.  And I am immensely thankful for that.

Thank you, Mama, for being so loving and patient, and understanding.  Thank you for raising me and giving me a strong Christian foundation in the church.  I can only hope and pray that I will be able to raise my children the same way you did, so that they will turn out as well as all of your daughters have.  Guess you must have been doing something right.  🙂  I love the relationship we have now, and wouldn’t change it one bit.  Love you!  And Happy Mother’s Day!

19 thoughts on “Weekend Inspiration: Exodus 20:12

  1. What a great post!!!!! I know my dad was very hard on me when I was younger but now I can understand why and I'm so glad that he was because I wouldn't have wanted to turn out any other way. 🙂 I can't BELIEVE how beautiful you look after giving birth!!!!!!! Dang girl!!!!!!!

  2. Such a nice post! Happy Mother's Day to you! Such sweet pictures! My parents were strict with me but I was so laid back I didn't really care. Have a great weekend!

  3. 1. such a great post! So true.
    2. I hope I look as AMAZING as you an hour after giving birth. Wow, girl.
    3. Know where you get it from – your beautiful mom!
    4. Happy Mother's Day

    🙂 THanks for your purchase too – I sent it out Thursday so you should get it today or Monday!

  4. What a beautiful post! 🙂 And I was definitely one of those who was such a rebel… I think most teenagers were. But we all grow up and thank goodness for mothers and their patience and their knowledge 🙂
    I absolutely love the 4 generation pictures. 🙂 It's amazing, you are all so beautiful!
    Have a wonderful and relaxing mother's day weekend!
    XOXO- Vy

  5. Yeah, any time I get resentful at my mom (which, honestly happens more the older I get), I take a deep breath and ask what God would have me do. If I can't treat her the way the He would want me to treat her at the moment, I step away, make our visits shorter, etc., so I don't end up losing my temper and I'm more likely to be at my spiritual best around her. I do love her though, it's just, you know, moms!

  6. You and your mom look SO much alike. I'm sure you've heard that time and time again but it's really true.

    I think those teenage years are important to teach us respect and how much we truly need and value our mothers. It sounds like you and your mom have a close relationship and I know I wouldn't change mine for the world. I'm sure you feel the same. Happy Mother's Day!!

  7. Thank you for the sweet comments, I recently became a follower of your blog and so far love it, and I have added the link to my "Blogs I Love" section 🙂 We do have a lot in common and look forward to reading more of your blog! -Taryn

  8. What a great post and message to your sweet mother! Your pictures are gorgeous and your relationship with your ma sounds rewarding and loving; I love that! It's so great you can finally look back and see where you came from 🙂 Happy Mother's Day gorgeous!! XO

  9. Happy Mother's Day!! What a sweet post! I love the photos!! BTW, what is your secret to looking so gorgeous after giving birth? Hope you had a wonderful day!!

  10. What a fantastic post! You look so much like your mom. And that photo taken of you just one hour after your daughter's birth?? Unbelievable! Happy Mother's Day!

  11. Sweet photos & sweet post 🙂
    I'm an Ashleigh from the south too – Tennessee but my Dad's family is in Greensboro.
    Really enjoying your blog, looking forward to keeping up with you!

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