Best wishes to all the mothers; my very own special mother Maria, two unique and special mothers in law, my Icelandic sister Bjorg, wonderful sisters in law, neices, and girlfriends, I was thinking of you today on my mother's day aboard, and imagining what you might be doing ashore for yours. Whether you have babies or your babies have grown, there's never been a more important job! To all of my friends and relatives who are missing their mothers today, I will pray a special prayer of comfort for you as you remember your moms. And special prayers for the ones who want to become mothers...I know the road can be long and difficult, but as long as there is HOPE, there's a way.

I thought I'd share some insights from my motherhood experiences. One is the recommended reading of Stormy Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Parent, one of the most powerful and useful tools for parenting that I've ever seen. And here's the song of blessing I've sung nearly every night with my boys. I sing it before they go to sleep, sung to the tune of Edelweiss, and I insert their names. It goes like this:

May the Lord, Mighty God, Bless and keep Morgan forever, Grant him peace, perfect peace, strength in every endeavor. Lift your eyes to see God's face, feel God's grace forever. May the Lord, Mighty God, Bless and keep Morgan forever.

Then after our prayers, we say I love you in as many languages as we know how. For example; Yokwe yuk, Je' taime, Ja elsku pig, Te amo muchissimo!

Tell me what kinds of special things do you remember about your mother in your childhood, or what do you do now with your own kids?

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! with love.