Tears aren’t on the surface any more, but rather tucked inside my heart. “Take a deep breath Jackie, you can face this day and be ok.” I told myself this morning. Mom would have been 99 years old today. She passed away June 3, 2019 and with her went a huge part of my life, but today I am not going to focus on the parts that are painful because she wouldn’t want that. My Mom lived to love people not only with her own hands and heart, but with the love she has for Jesus. Anyone that met her would say that she was what a Christian looks like and acts like. There weren’t many that met her that could ever argue her faith, and even if you didn’t believe the same thing…. her life would make you think twice that maybe Mary had something you wanted. She would tell you that Jesus held her heart and her life and that her goal right up to the time she passed away was to be a reflection of Jesus in hopes that you would find faith in Him too. Mom taught me a lot about what faith looks like and what living for Jesus looks like. She had faults, all though you would have to dig for them, but she was humble and sweet and such a wonderful person to be able to have as Mom.

Well, I could write a book about her, but I won’t. To celebrate her birthday today I decided to let her words speak to you. She loved to sing, paint and to write. Here are a few of her poems. Read them carefully and you will get to know a little of the woman that I love and miss deeply. The next time I see her there will be no more goodbyes… we will be able to worship Jesus together and sing His praises before Him. Happy Birthday Mom!

“My Theme” by Mary Hobbis (1972)

My only theme is Jesus,

My only song His praise.

My only light His Holy Word,

O Grace! Amazing Grace.”

“My Pen” by Mary Hobbis (1972)

Lord make my pen your instrument,

My heart your dwelling place.

My mind your scroll on which you write,

My Spirit your channel of Grace.

I think of all the poems Mom had written, and believe me there are many more, the following one is my favourite. Take the challenge she leaves in this and let it sink into your heart. Maybe, just maybe you will hear the heart of my Mom for you to find faith in Jesus on this her birthday. If you do and you want more information, let me know and I will share with you about the Jesus my Mom loved and served to her final breath.

What would We Do Without Christmas? by Mary Hobbis

What would we do without Christmas?

O, gracious a terrible thought,

No star as a guide,

No angels beside to proclaim out God’s message of love.

What would we do without Christmas?

No manager to cradle a head

No wisemen to worship

No Shepherds to hear of God’s peace and good will towards men

What would we do without Jesus?

No Saviour, born in a stall

No light on our road,

We’d carry the load,

Of our sins & our unpardoned all.

But here, we do have a Christmas!

And the Christ who redeems sinful man,

His love e’re abiding

His peace satisfying,

Now what will you do with Him?

Hugs n’ Prayers

Jackie