“Edgar A. Guest wrote:’It Takes A Heap O’ Living In A Place T’ Make it Home. ‘I have always loved this down-to-earth poem. The author touches on the thousand and one little things that enter into, and influence our daily lives. Some of these things may seem trifling at the time -some frighten us - some touch our heart strings- together they become loving memories of lifetime experiences, that tend to transform the place where we live into a home.

“While all this is true, the one thing that really makes a home, is a loving, godly Mother! A small class of young children was once asked to write just one line that would explain the meaning of “home.” One little girl wrote: “Home is where Mother is.”

“A good mother loves her family and provides an atmosphere where each member can find acceptance, security, and understanding. She is there when the children need a listening ear; a comforting word, a warm hug, or a loving touch on a fevered brow. And for the Christian mother; her greatest joy is in helping her children trust and love Jesus as their Savior.”

-- Our Daily Bread, May 12, 1991

She could not paint, nor write, nor rhyme Her footprints on the sands of time, As some distinguished women do; Just simple things of life she knew- Like tucking little folks to bed, Or smoothing someone’s aching head.
She was no singer, neither blessed With any special loveliness To win applause and passing fame; No headlines ever blazed her name. But, oh, she was a shining light To all her loved ones day and night!
Her home her kingdom, she, its queen; Her reign was faithful, honest, clean, Impartial, loving, just, to each And everyone she sought to teach. Her name? Of course, there is no other In all the world so sweet -just Mother!

By May Allread Baker

From the moment of our birth, ‘till the day we take our last breath, a godly Mother is a vital part of our lives- the one who loves us, as only a mother can! The one who believes in us and never gives up on us, no matter how unpopular we may become; no matter how weak we prove to be; no matter how low we sink in the mire of sin! Mother still loves us, prays for us, and believes God for us. Only the love and compassion of God surpasses that of mother!

In the following poem, our son John recalls one of the many occasions in his early life when his remarkable little Mother made a lasting impression on his young mind. This incident took place, at least 45 years before the poem was written.

We stand there shivering! Seeley Lake, Montana! Christmas! 30 Degrees Below - Praising God in the snow!
My sister and I with our cornets- Carefully keeping them warm Watching each other’s faces To keep us from harm!
A rather large crowd was there To sing carols at the store! We sang and played! Those listening wanted more!
Mom - in poor health Bravely displayed spiritual wealth As she played her 120 bass Accordion Singing Christmas Carols!
That scene so long ago In Montana in desperate cold Made this 12 - year - old bold! The scene is vivid - I am old!
More than the hot cider and chocolate More than the songs And the fun that went with it Mom loved Jesus and loved us!
We did our best! No fussing - no bad words! Nothing negative - love speaks worlds! Mom! She did her best!
45 years! The scene still vivid! The cold still bites at my cheeks! Mom illustrated Christian love - Now she leaves her work with us.

“What is mother’s idea of a dream home? A one-story, ranch-style house on a half-acre lot for the children? Three bedrooms, two large bathrooms, a big family room, a modern kitchen, and a two-car garage? Or, maybe her dream home would have a beautiful garden and a view overlooking a quiet lake?

“As good as these features may be, most mothers know it takes more to make a house a home. The most important characteristics of a home are the spiritual qualities and the love between father, mother, and children.

“In Proverbs 15, Solomon said that it is better to live in poverty while fearing the Lord than to possess great treasure and have trouble because of it. (Verse 16) It is better to eat a dinner of herbs where there is love than to sit around a veal or steak dinner in the presence of strife (verse 17) And a dream home is a place where children obey their father and honor their mother. (verse 20) A loving spiritual atmosphere is the feature most desired in a home, and that can be found in a simple one-room house or in a spacious mansion. “

- Our Daily Bread, May 9, 1999