SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- I was asked by a bride-to-be to recommend a gift that she, the bride, could give to her mother on her wedding day. I’m a great-grandmother now and recently buried my own mother after caring for her during her last five years. I had just finished going through Mom’s things and distributing them to various family members so ideas for this young bride came easily.

Here is my response:

What a wonderful daughter you are, to think of your mother on YOUR special day.

Some things to consider:

Words - if you have any inclination to put words on paper, a rambling reminiscence of your growing up years - especially times the two of you spent together, would be cherished by her.

Or perhaps a list of the ten most important things you learned from her, including things you picked up "by osmosis," without her even trying to teach you.

Something homemade - something that she would encounter every day, like a small pillow to rest against her own pillow, made of fabrics special to her (perhaps your christening or graduation dress) embroidered with words of love.

A picture album - shots of the two of you together with notes under each telling what those occasions meant to you.

You may realize by now that I haven't suggested anything that you just go out and buy for her. As nice as that would be, something you have put yourself into would be so very much more meaningful. It doesn't have to cost much, or even anything—except your time, love, and creativity.

Don't be concerned about it being perfect, or even that it’s done with skill. Remember, moms love to put their little kid's artwork on the fridge. So your Mom will cherish anything you have put yourself into with a heart of love.

Bless you and your marriage - and the Mother who raised you.

The concept behind these suggestions is that we usually cherish the simple, personal things others give us more than even expensive gifts.

We may want to bless the mom that raised us, our spouse, a sibling or a dear friend. By putting thought into what that relationship means to us we might come upon just the gift that represents or reflects the love between us.

Bev Caruso, and her husband Pete, have served the Lord together for over 50 years. They pastored two churches for a total of 35 years. From those churches they sent over 100 individuals into fulltime Christian service. They have preached or taught in 35 countries: in schools and colleges, barrios and offices, prisons and jungles. Whether encouraging weary pastors or missionaries or praying for the sick, speaking through an interpreter or teasing with their grandchildren, their love for God and His people shines through. Bev’s many books include; Developing Godly Character in Children, now in its sixth edition; Tools for Improving Relationships; Getting Your Writing Into Print and Getting It Read; and Loving Confrontation. They recently coauthored: Keeping It Fresh—A Love that Keeps on Growing based on the Marriage Enrichment Seminars they team-teach. The Carusos continue to teach and preach. They also are directors of a hospitality center for traveling missionaries and ministers in Southern California. They have three grown children, eight grandchildren, and currently nine great-grandchildren. They can be contacted at: Caruso@across2u.com. Or visit their website: www.PeteandBevCaruso.com