A Tribute to Rosanne Hellman

My mom has been such a blessing to me!! Even from a young age, I have always looked up to her as my role model of someone’s footsteps I want to follow in. Three particular areas of her life that I would love to emulate are her love for the Lord, her heart to serve, and her joyfulness!

Mom has such a passion to glorify the Lord! Her passion to honor Him in all that she thinks, says, and does has been such a wonderful example to me. Every morning she gets up and sits on the sofa with her cup of coffee and has her quiet time—I have never in my 19 years known her to miss this special time with the Lord. She sets spending time in God’s Word as her highest priority, no matter how busy the day is. Her worship is always so sincere and filled with passion for her Lord! Her desire to study God’s Word and spend time with Him has challenged me to grow in that area of my own life. Her life is one that revolves around the cross and the grace of God!

Mom has always had a heart to serve! Not only does she cheerfully serve, but she serves selflessly. Mom is constantly looking for ways to serve the family, people in the church, neighbors, etc. Yet during all the times she serves, there has not been one complaining word from her lips. She is constantly looking for ways to serve others! Even when she has a very busy day, she jumps willingly at the opportunity to make a meal for a family at church or watch a neighbor’s children. Her wonderful example of devoting her life to serving others for the glory of God encourages me!

Joyfulness is a word that sums up Mom! Mom is so fun to be around! I love being able to spend time with her, whether it’s shopping, making dinner together, or just seeing how each other’s day has been, Mom always has a joyful smile and word of encouragement! I know that this joyfulness comes from time spent with the Lord and worshipping Him. Her life abounds with the Joy of the Lord! When Mom has had something unexpected come up, she doesn’t complain, but responds positively. What an example!

Besides my Savior, Mom is my best friend! I always enjoy spending time with her and learning from her wonderful example as a wife and mother. I want to be just like her when I grow up! I know that God is using her in my life, as well as everyone she interacts with. I can’t wait to hear the Lord say to her on That Day, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.”

Happy Mother’s Day Mom! May God bless you with His Grace, as you faithfully continue serving Him! I love you!

Jennifer

My mom is truly the greatest example to me of someone allowing their life to be used for the glory of God. When my older sister was born almost 20 years ago, Mom and Dad made the decision to home school. My Mom selflessly laid down her dream career as an occupational therapist in order to become a home schooling mother. And the awesome thing is that over all the years she’s home schooled us, I’ve never once heard one word of regret for this choice, even though I know that occupational therapy was something she LOVED doing. She is a shining example of a woman responsive to the Lord’s will for her life, and pursuing it with no regrets.

The love that my mom displays for her husband, children, and home is contagious! She radiates a gentle, quiet spirit; trusting God and being content with all that she has. Mom serves alongside my dad in leading the welcome team at church, and her heart to reach out to people has affected me SO much. She excels in hospitality and in making anyone feel welcome in her home. Mom is constantly looking for new and tasteful ways to accentuate the meal that she serves. It’s so fun to see her excitement when she comes home from shopping… “Steph! Look at this fun new plate that was ON SALE at Pottery Barn! Next time we have someone over I’ll put some fancy cheeses and crackers on it!” And I must say, her excitement is contagious; come on, a cracker plate? This is exciting stuff! The joy that she shows in reaching out and forging new friendships affects me and challenges me so much. Not a week goes by without some new person coming up to me at church and declaring “I LOVE your mom. I absolutely love her. She has got to be THE coolest, sweetest, most adorable woman I’ve ever met.” Yep. I agree!
   
Not only does Mom fulfill her role as my mother - she also is a dear friend to both my sister and I. She teaches us biblically and firmly, and yet she makes it a blast to hang out with her! Whether going on shopping trips, Starbucks runs, having girlie movie nights, or putting on some fun music and having a dance party (yes, despite her “home school mom” status, my mom DOES have some pretty sweet moves), she is so much fun!  Mom also draws me out on a regular basis. She is persistent in seeking me out for accountability, and humble when she sees a heart area that I need to grow in. My mom is also a very tasteful woman. She decorates her home with style, and her choice of dress is discerning and classy. I have no problem whatsoever shopping with her! She’s a joy, and I count her as my very best friend.

I could go on and on and on honoring mom. Her heart to be content in the Lord, serve the local church, bless and love my dad, care for and befriend her children, reach out to others, and ultimately glorify her God is contagious, provoking, and challenges me on a daily basis. My prayer is that she is blessed and honored this Mother’s Day!

Stephanie