I grew up in small Baptist country churches. I remember them being filled to overflowing as people gathered to hear a word from Lord from God-called preachers. My Daddy preached at this small church where over 150 attended..Sunday School and church..how we fit into that small, but adequate building, I don't know. Over 40 years later, same church has same number attending but buildings are 10 times as big...hmmm..are we placing more emphasis on buildings than on people? Anyway, I wrote this in my Daddy's memory...Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a spirit filled oldtime preacher man for my daddy.

This story was written December 21, 1994 and appears in my book

Luke 2.10 "And angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

When we think of Christmas, we picture presents under tree, Christmas play at church, Christmas lights and hustle and bustle of that time of year.

As I look back over 42 years good Lord has allowed me to live, Christmas of 1966 stands forever etched in my mind. I was 14 years old, an only son with four sisters.

I really had a close relationship with my daddy, late Rev. A.J. Rozier, The week before Christmas, daddy and late Rev. Jody Thigpen performed wedding ceremony for my oldest sister, Shirley, and her husband, Joe.

The simple ceremony at our old home place brought a sense of joy in air. We eagerly anticipated excitement of Christmas day.

How do I know? Because I make my living surveying moms for my books. I ask them everything from which diaper bag they like best to how they handle meddling in-laws. And let me tell you, every new mom lives for Mother’s Day.

Why? Because it’s her one chance to feel cherished and appreciated for all she’s done for her family.

Now, I’m about to reveal a secret so simple and so basic, you may not recognize how powerful it is. Don’t be fooled. If you follow this advice, you are guaranteed to make any new mom happy on Mother’s Day. All you have to do is give her something that makes her life easier or makes her feel cherished.

Here are my top five picks:

1. A good night’s sleep.

To a new mom, eight uninterrupted hours of sleep are worth more than anything that could come in a box from Tiffany. Give her coupons for ten good nights of sleep (they don’t have to be used consecutively), and she’ll be forever grateful.

If she’s nursing, make sure she pumps breast milk in advance, so you can handle nighttime feedings. And do whatever you can to ensure she has quiet surroundings. You may even suggest she move to another room if she finds it hard to sleep through nighttime crying.

2. New mom jewelry.