Celebrating my Mom

November 8, 2008 

Today marks a very important day in history--the day that Cheryl Lynette Klopfenstein was born into this world.  It is likely that no books will ever be written about her.  She has only been out of the country once.  She has lived in the same state her whole life.  She doesn't have any special degrees or accolades.  Yet, I am quite certain that she is one of the people that will be shocked when she gets to heaven to know how many dozens, even hundreds, of people have been impacted through her life and ministry and commitment to faithfulness in the small things. 

The above picture was taken just 3 days after she had brain surgery to help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. I love it for so many reasons, mostly because it shows the joy and peace that illuminate so brightly from her, with no regard to circumstances.  And today, as the 62nd year of her life begins, I would like to take some time to share some of the reasons I love this incredible woman.

1) She loves Jesus Christ.  

2) She is a woman marked by prayer.

3) She believes that God does what He says He will do.

4) She has a soft heart to the things of the Lord.

5) She loves others in word and deed (a rare combination)

6) She is honest about her struggle to trust God.

7) She looks for the best in others.

8) She always puts others before herself.

9) She never complains.

10) She lays down her life on a daily basis to serve others.

11) She loves laughter. 

12) She enjoys life and taught her kids to enjoy it as well. 

13) She sacrificially loves her kids.

14) She has faithfully loved her husband for 42 years.

15) She is diligent

16) She gets out of bed each morning, even though it's indescribably hard to do so

17) She is content in the Lord and in what He provides

18) She has a spirit of gentleness

19) She listens far more than she speaks

20) She proves wisdom by her actions more than by her words (though there's wisdom in her words, too)

21) She understands that true beauty is not skin deep

22) She maintains a beautiful outward appearance that is timeless and classy.

23) She knows this world isn't her home and lives like it. 

24) She takes her fears to the Lord before she takes them to people

25) She is hospitable and her home will always be my favorite place to go on this earth.

So, mom, if you're reading this--I could thank you for a million things.  But, more than anything I am thankful that in you, I have seen a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ and the selfless love He has for His people.  I rejoice that He has given you another year here on this earth to point people to Him and will never be able to thank Him enough for giving me the privilege to live under your example.  You have been the hands, feet, and mouthpiece of God in my life and in the lives of so many others.  Today, we celebrate YOU!