"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:8
There's something magical about the beauty of a bride on her wedding day, especially when that bride is about to marry your son. I was blessed to get to be a part of planning two weddings. I had no idea I would get to do and say as much as I did in the making of their special day. As a mom to boys I never even thought of the close connection I would have with two girls that would soon become my daughters. I even got to be a part of searching for that perfect wedding gown and I will cherish that forever.
From the day they married our sons we accepted them wholeheartedly into our family as if they had always belonged to us. My daughters-in-law are two special people. Very different in design but similar in many ways. They carry different personalities and characteristics, but hold such a warmth to the way they care for their husbands and babies in their own unique way.
I can remember talking to women over the years before I was a mother-in-law about the relationships between your son's wife and his mother. Many women warned me of the 'inevitable strain' there is on a mother-in-law to daughter-in-law relationship. That it is not a natural form of connection because there is no bond that holds you together as to a child you give birth to. That there would always be conflict and hard feelings in the relationship. And nothing you did or they did would ever be good enough in either of your eyes; always being in competition.
I was so burdened by this revelation that others were informing me of that I took to my knees early on and often. I knew I wanted someone to love my son and share a life with him. I knew I desired a healthy relationship with the special girl that he fell in love with, no matter what, and I knew God would hear the desires of my heart.
I had prayed for both of my girls since they were young. I prayed for their home life; their parents; their safety and well being. I prayed for their salvation and that they would know the Lord at an early age. I believe through those prayers so many years ago I developed a heart that fell in love before I even knew them. I wanted my heart to be softened toward them so that when we met I could easily accept them into our family.
Through the years of loving these girls I have grown so much as a person. We have shared many long talks and cried many tears of joy and sadness. We have grown together as a family should, in love and admiration, respect and consideration. I am so thankful I have never experienced some of the stories I was told so many years ago.
"You have given him his heart's desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah." (Ps. 21:2)
I thank my Lord and Savior for hearing my prayers over all the years and blessing my family with two of the best daughters anyone could ask for. Thank you, Kristen and Amber for loving me and receiving me into your lives and into your hearts. You will never know the impact you have made on my life and the joy I get in watching you grow in the Lord and being a crucial part of raising your children in a Christian home. Thank you for loving my sons and devoting yourselves to a healthy and happy marriage.
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Thank You for blessing me more than I deserve. Your love and consideration of my desires will forever be engraved on my heart. May I always be what my girls need in a person they can depend on and may our relationship continue to grow and thrive. Bless them as they go and may they cling to you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Bo,
I seriously will be forever grateful for the love you have shown me. When I hear other women talk about how terrible there MIL is I have never been able to relate! God definitely blessed me with the best second family a girl could ever ask for. I am so grateful for the love, guidance, and prayers you give me!
Bo! 🥺
I had always heard the horrid mother in law stories and I’ve heard them from many of my friends. And then they all look at me like I have two heads when I tell them that I have the best mother in law a girl could ask for. I usually go into explaining why you are so great, and it usually ends with them telling me how jealous they are.
I am so thankful for you and Dana. Y’all have always made me feel loved and welcome. Y’all lead such a great example of a Godly marriage and are a true testament to how God blesses those who but Him first.
I love you so much and I…
Good morning, Bill.
The Lord surely hears our prayers. He heard your mother’s for Belle is a diamond.
Thank you for praying again and again. I am forever indebted to your commitment to pray for my mother.
Blessings to you.
♥️Kim
Good morning, Kim.
Thank your insight into God answering your prayers for a beautiful relationship with your daughters in law. It is obvious that you have been blessed with a special relationship.
When I introduced Belle to my mother her first remark was that she had begun praying for her the day I was widowed. With Belle living in Alabama she had no inkling of who she was praying for.
I am glad that God answers a prayer mother's request.
I am honored to be praying for your dear mother. May she continue to grow stronger.
May you have a blessed week, friend.
Bill