From One Degree to Another

Phil Auxier's Blog

Connect

The Queen Mother (Happy Birthday, Mommy)

by

As some of you may know, I’m at my Mom’s house in Southern Illinois this week to celebrate my Mom’s birthday (Today, July 3rd).  I’ve posted a couple of times a tribute I wrote to my Mom on Mother’s Day, posting a picture of her being a queen (2007 & 2011).  There’s lots that could be said about my Mom and what she means to me and my siblings.  Here’s a couple of things…

1) Her Strength – when my father passed away tragically in 1998, I remember walking into my Mom’s house after driving all night and having her collapse in my arms.  Those days of planning the funeral made me a man who had to be strong for my family, but I learned so much from my Mom’s strength in those days.  Then, this year, after my Mom’s tireless service to her own father and his passing, I was reminded of her strength again.  We know in many of our families that Mom holds much together.  It is certainly true for us.  Thanks, Mom, for being so strong.

2) Her Love – Never have I doubted my Mom’s love for me.  Everything from being hard on me as a teenager to make right choices to calling me a few weeks ago to confess a way she might have wronged me when I was 14, my mother constantly showers me with love through her selfless life.  She gives herself so much for our family and it’s hard for me to imagine life without her.

3) Her Faith – Growing up with both my grandfathers being pastors and then having a father who was a pastor, I have quite a heritage, but this also exists in my Mom’s life.  When a SS teacher was needed, she learned how to teach in the youth department.  When an organist was needed, she used her piano skills to learn how to play organ.  She continues to live what she believes and this was even highlighted again as I interacted with Mom’s co-workers.  Her faith continues to inspire me.

So, today, July 3, my Mom turns 65 years on this planet.  These 65 years are a gift from God so that through her strength, love and faith, I might be pointed back to the God who blessed me with such a mother.  Love you, Mom, and I’m praising God for you today.

My Mom-The Queen (repost from 5/9/07)

by

For Mother’s Day, I thought I’d post this tribute I wrote for my mom in 2007. Mom, you are still a huge blessing to me. I love you…

I was wanting to write a post thanking God for my Mom and when my Mom’s cousin, Laura, sent me this photo of my mom from back in the dizz-ay, I knew my opportunity had come. (Incidentally, this pic of my Mom is back from the days when GA’s, or Girls in Action, were alive and well in Baptist life. This is a GA coronation and a banquet would honor girls who had memorized Scripture, been involved in the local church, served others, etc. This was no small task and speaks of the active faith that has existed in my Mom since her youth.)

I can’t thank God enough for my Mom. God has used her to instill so much truth in my life, both about living and about God. Seeing the way she worked so hard for her family has helped me see what an honorable thing a wife is and given me the proper words to use in encouraging Meg’s pursuit of managing our home well. She modeled this. Growing up, my Mom worked hard. Whether it was babysitting or working as a Customer Service Rep for an HMO or her current position, she has labored hard for her family.

I think our relationship changed (understandably) when my Dad passed away. I will never forget finally arriving home early that morning when he passed and having my Mom fall in my arms. We had so many decisions to make in those few days. God was gracious, but my role changed from simply a son to someone who had to be stronger for her.

In these days, Mom continues to exemplify what a godly woman should be. Working around her yard, keeping her home tidy, serving in her local church, taking care of her parents, loving her children (and grandchildren) and seeking to work hard all the hours of the day.

I praise God for you Mom. You are a queen to me.

What’s in a Name…

by

We all know choosing a name for a child can be a difficult task.  In naming Lauren, we were drawn to that for some reason.  The name means crowned with victory or honor.  Lauren’s middle name, Kaylea, is especially meaningful to us, because it pays tribute to our mothers.  My mother’s middle name is Kay. Meg’s mother’s middle name is Lea. Put them together and you get Kaylea.  Thanks moms for the way you have been such a blessing to us. Lauren’s name will always remind us of the blessing you are.