"With all your heart" - Grandma Coates

This week was my mom's 80th birthday. I was able to call her and wish her a happy birthday and I should have written this blog on that day, but here it is anyway.
I want to thank mom for giving me a strong base spiritually. A verse she has on several ocassions written on notes or cards is I Samuel 12:24: " Be sure to serve the Lord and serve his faithfullly with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."
Mom (and Dad) both gave of themselves full heartedly in church. I fondly remember JetCadets and all the fun times and things we learned in that. I know Mom has often mentioned the Pioneer Girl Program we had geared for young teen girls. Mom and June Youman especially were so influential is giving us 'gals' a time to learn new things, enjoy good company and grow spiritually. Thanks, Mom for serving with all your heart.
Anytime mom takes on a project, such as the recent cookbook for the park's fundraiser, she does that will all her energy. Mom always told me to do any job, the best that could be done. I remember in the new two story house we helped build on Arnette Street. We all worked on that, mom right along side of dad helping to put finishing touches. She then gave me the task of keeping the upstairs clean and expected me to do a 'thorough' job each time. She told me if she even had to come upstairs to clean what was my job, I'd be in real trouble. I think only once I had to redo the bathroom.
One other thing I learned from my mom was to make lists - lists for shopping, lists of things to get done for the day - even with amount of time each item would take. I do the same and even though I usually can't find my list, I know it has helped me to remember. I love listing my household chores, though, and being able to check them off as done.
I like to think in many ways I am like my mom, that would be a great complement. I too want to remember that God has done much for me and that serving him 'with all my heart' is a joy and an offering of love.