My mom.

Every now and then I do a list post.  My mom is having some pretty major surgery tomorrow, and this post is for her.
Things I learned from MY mom.

1.)  God has to be first.  all the time.  period.
2.)  It is better to laugh than despair.
3.)  Worship music is the best, most meaningful music...and an easy way to memorize scripture.
4.)  Intelligence is a gift.  Don't waste it.
5.)  Quality ingredients lead to quality results.  This doesn't just apply to cooking.
6.)  Unconditional acceptance is the first step to unconditional love.
7.)  Those we love the most will drive us the most crazy.
8.)  Anything worth doing is worth doing wholeheartedly.
9.)  The most important thing you can do as a parent (besides praying for/with your kids) is be there for your kids when they really need you, which is not the same thing as when they want you.
10.)  Relationships are a two way street.
11.)  Pay attention to how you look.  People WILL judge you by it. 
12.)  Do whatever you need to do to protect your family.  The world be damned.
13.)  Every decision you make has consequences.
14.)  How to have a mutually submissive marriage.
15.)  Games are not about winning.  Really.  They're not.  (This one had to be repeated, and repeated, and repeated....)
16.)  Appreciate the family you have.  It's not like you can spin the wheel of families for a new one.
17.)  Do the best you can with who you are and what you have....and let go of the rest.
18.)  Love your friends like family and your respect family like friends.
19.)  Keep an eternal perspective.
20.)  When in doubt, pray.   When not in doubt, pray.  Just keep praying.
21.)  All things work for the good.  It does not mean all things are good at the time.
22.)  Don't feel bad about taking breaks when you need them.
23.)  Take time to appreciate the details.
24.)  Performance DOES matter.  Do the best work you are capable of.
25.)  Money isn't everything.  People are.
26.)  Take time to play with your children.  It will be some of the best memories they have in their entire lives.
27.)  Everyone needs to feel appreciated.  Voice that appreciation sincerely and often. 
28.)  Respect people.  No exceptions.
29.)  All situations are temporary.  Don't get too wrapped up in one.
30.)  Things are temporary.  The only thing here you're definitely going to see in heaven is people.