Day 3 {25 Days of Thanksgiving}
Just finishing this special mother-in-law gift basket, I am amazed how much I was able to tuck in. You should see all the rest not showing in the photo! As my hubby is headed to the state of his birth for a special shoot-em-up time with the guy relatives, I wanted to send along a gift for my mom-in-law. As I have busied myself preparing the gift, gratefulness welled up in my heart for this Proverbs 31 lady who:
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Did such a marvelous job raising my Dave, the 2nd-born of her 6 children.
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Became a good friend to me.
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Is incredibly gifted musically, and...
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I believe God honored her faithfulness to use this musical gift for Him, by gifting my two children in this way, too.
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Has lived through numerous trials and struggles (including 4 tragic deaths in her immediate family), and yet remains free of bitterness, singing with her whole heart, "Because He Lives."
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Has an amazing sense of humor. And she knows every silly song that was ever composed!
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Is a gardening gal! Beautiful flowers... prize-winning tomatoes... and of course, Missouri corn!
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Always makes time for her family and friends.
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At the age of 81, and living alone on the family homestead, has disciplined herself daily, to read her Bible and pray, work in the yard/garden, play her organ, read magazines and books, play games on the computer (to keep her mind sharp, she says), and talks to her friends and family on the phone. And sometimes sews.
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Volunteers at the local nursing home, playing the piano, and holding sing-alongs. Hymns... oldies, like "Mairzy Doats & Dozy Doats." She knows them all.
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Does not answer her phone until after the recording... so she has fun with me! I always leave a message... with a silly song, usually one I make up on the spot. Then she will pick up the phone, and sing a made-up song back to me. We laugh and laugh.
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Loves to cook for her family. And loves to try new dishes and experiment with spices.
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Was totally devoted and madly in love with her husband, who is now in Heaven.
No wonder I am so thankful for this remarkable lady... my mother-in-law... a gift from God.
