My firstborn was a full 9 and a half months old by the time my official first Mother’s Day rolled around. Now, as I prepare to celebrate my tenth (and with two more children), he is a full 9 and a half years old!! So much has changed since then, but I’ll never forget the wonder and honor I felt that first Mothers Day. It was like I woke up and felt like an an elite member to an exclusive club; the club of mothers! I had known my entire life that I would grow up to be a mom, there was never a question. I began dreaming up names for my future children as early as 3rd grade. It was part of my destiny.

As I reflect on how I knew at such a young age that I wanted to be a mom, and was already wondering about who my babies would be, I recall Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart..” Then I think about God, and how he is the perfect Father. I think about how He marveled at the universe He created and decided that each of us, in our own unique way, deserved to be here, too. He ultimately sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to live to teach us, and die for our sins. And what a wonderful teacher Jesus was. As a mother, I find strength in His example. He was a patient and kind person. He was forgiving and honest. He modeled grace and humility and compassion on a daily basis. Learning to raise children doesn’t come easy, and it’s honestly all trial and error- every single time. Because babies are unique; what calms one baby may infuriate another. They must all be handled with tenderness and freedom to become who God intended them to be.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed; for his compassions never fail! 23 They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.

If we remember anything God has told us, let us remember that the greatest commandment, the thing most important to God Himself, is that we love.. We love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind; and we love people. That’s it.. Just don’t forget that you’re a “people,” too. So for this Mother’s Day gift, give yourself what God so freely gives us every day. Allow God to love you, and love yourself. Accept it, embrace it, hold it close in your heart. And remember how unique and special you are to your kids, your family, your friends, your spouse, to God and to this world. You matter for exactly who you are.

A local community in Ventura California came together on International Nacho day, October 21st, to celebrate their love for this Cuisine. Made By Meg heard about the event and loved the idea. Meg personally OK’d the green light for cooking equipment and food displays to be used at the event. She even sent one of the head chefs, Nekia Allen, to oversee the food production. The Nacho party was a huge success based on what was provided. Check out Made By Meg catering and the phenomenal work they do.