D.O. is code for Daughter Older, D.Y. for Daughter Younger.  Since this blog is read around the world, I thought it wise not to identify you two.  Who knows?  You could have some terrorist group selling you on signing up, or worse, Bill and Hillary Clinton pestering you to invite Bill for a $750,000 speech.

I know the code is pretty simple.  But if I used two from my old CIA days, it might be too complex for ordinary civilians.

I was going to use D.1. and D.2. However, fearing you might assume that meant order of preference, I decided to risk the age-thing, since one of you is actually as a matter of historical and medical fact older than the other.  I assume you know which one.  I keep it straight because I have a system.  I have 3×5 photos of each of you and I write D.O. on one and D.Y. on the other.  I don’t put your names there either, for fear they might fall into the wrong hands.  So I think we’re all pretty safe.  My only worry is some 8-year-old computer nerd reads this, figures out the code in an instant, and blackmails us to get college tuition.

To change gears a bit, did you notice the flower photo?   Two flowers, like two of you.  And bright yellow, outstanding in a world of browns and grays.  That’s how I see both of you—always standing out, making others around you pale by comparison (except for your mother, of course.  Honey, if you read this please don’t skip that last line!)

Often when I write to you both I mention I wish you were children again.  Not just because that would make me younger, but because that time of my life as your father was the best.  I know my old mind conveniently ignores some of the not-so-best-times, like . . . well, never mind.  So, as I’ve also said before, enjoy your children now while they’re under your roof, because these days will pass quickly and you’ll soon be blogging coded-letters to your kids.

I praise the Lord with joy that you both know him, have trusted your lives to him, and are following him day by day.  You are flesh-and-blood models to your children of what a Christian really is.  I’m sure you don’t feel as if your example is as good as it might be.  And it probably isn’t, because we all still fall short of our Savior.  But he hears our prayers (even when he seems disinterested or uninvolved) and he multiplies our meager witness (like the bread and fish), in order to make himself known to your children.  So be encouraged, keep praying and continue to “talk the talk” to them and “walk the walk” before them!

D.O., you’ve certainly chosen a challenging route for motherhood!  A young adult son living at home.  A teenage daughter.  And three stepchildren.  To quote an old proverb from N.J. (that’s code, too):  “Whaddaya crazy?”  And, because of divorce and remarriage, that “mothering” is pretty complicated and hectic.  I’ve always said that you are a strong lady and you’re still proving me right.  That’s our Father’s grace at work in you.  And you are a wise lady—not just because you’re the older one and wisdom comes with age, but because our Father gives wisdom to those who ask.  I’m sure this is both a loving time for you (and I’m so thankful for that!) with your husband (I’d use his name, but, well, you know) and a topsy-turvy time with the “kids.”  The future for your own two must seem like a big question mark.  But our Father is sovereign and in his time (please soon) he’ll sort it all out and open the right doors and make the way clear.  He will use the wonderful mother that you are for ultimate good in their lives.

D.Y., your children (whose names I remember but can’t identify for security purposes) are still precious “little” ones, but rising up quickly.  What treasures they are from our Father!  How ear-splitting they can be when they all talk at once (as they often do)!  You have been blessed your whole married life to have a husband who, like you, comes from generations of believers in Jesus.  Now you are lovingly, patiently, and with all your heart raising the next generation.  Not to mention being  endlessly involved with soccer, baseball, school productions, Sunday school and church!  Soon the youngest one will join the circus (not literally).  As I said to D.O., “Whaddaya crazy?”  No, like D.O., you’re a wonderful mother who wants to give her children every possible good. Whenever I see them, like whenever they stop by to mooch some candy, I see your influence on them.  (I don’t mean the mooching.)  I mean their politeness, respect, intelligence and knowledge of Jesus.  They’re going to make a difference in this world for Jesus.

BACK TO YOU BOTH.  First, I want to mention that I wrote ten lines for each of you.  I got that from my mother who bought my brother and me the same kind and number of underwear every Christmas.  No favoritism!   Be glad I’m not exactly like her!

Second, I want you to know that Mom and I pray every day for both you and your “tribes”—and many days many more than once.  You are both hedged-around by prayer.

Third, I want you to remember that Mom and I are always here for you until the Lord takes us home.  I know, I know, in my condition these days the help-direction often seems reversed.  But I love you both so much, if I had to crawl to help you, I would.  (Just hope it’s not something like your house is on fire!).

Finally, Mom  and I are proud of you.  Probably history won’t remember you.  But our Father remembers every test you’ve passed, every challenge you’ve overcome and everyday you’ve lived before your children for his sake.  Sure, it’s been his grace, but you’ve chosen to live it out.  Your names won’t be in history books.  But they are in “the Lamb’s Book of Life.”  And if God somewhere has a book entitled, “Mothers Who Loved Their Children for My Sake”, your names are there too.  And that book has eternal significance far beyond any book on the history of this fallen and passing-away world.

Oh, one more thing.  If you reply to this, please use code.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, D.O. & D.Y.!  I love you. 

(I sure hope you both have a computer!)