Children

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Psalm 127:3-4

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She's leaning her head out the truck window the way that dogs do, and is every bit as happy as they seem to be when they do it. Her hair is whipping and her eyelids are flapping. Best of all, LC is laughing and laughing and smiling a super-toothy smile. It's the day before her fifth birthday, and God allowed us both to enjoy this carefree moment: her lost in the joy of putting her head in and out of the wind, and me, smiling to myself, glad to see her so happy. It was a sunny moment and I'm thankful I got to be in it.


Children are a blessing from the Father. As we all know, though, blessing quite often comes through the difficulties God allows in our days. I've seen how much God has used my children to draw me to Himself, to sanctify me, to make me more like Christ, as I am squeezed by the intensity and duties of loving the precious children God has given me.

I thought I would share a couple of verses that help me keep my head and heart straight during the trying moments of mothering. I keep these typed and posted in the house, so that I see them regularly!


1) The first one is I Corinthians 4:14 in which Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth: I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. Once, after reading this, I thought, hmm, I need to take a hint from Paul when it is time to correct and discipline my little ones - be careful not to shame, but to warn. In other words, I correct because I know that the child cannot honor the Lord if this or that sin isn't called out and corrected in her life. This little piece of a verse reminds me to treat my children respectfully.


2) [Jesus said], "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10

It is enough that Jesus Himself is telling me not to look down on little children. But He's also added an interesting reason for having a humble spirit with them: their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. I cannot say that I completely understand His meaning yet, but isn't exciting to ponder it? It's a warning, and at the same time it points to some very special protections afforded to children.


There are many, many other truths from His Word that teach and train me toward more Christlike parenting. The Bible is overflowing with the answers I need for all of life's questions. He has said, if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Ask the Lord at every turn for the wisdom you need. Ask Him in the middle of the little (and big) crises of the day. God will answer. Ask Him to guide you to the scriptures you need in order to instruct your children Biblically. He delights to help and to guide.

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LC's birthday is actually today. Our sweet just-the-two-of-us ride was yesterday, as we went to pick up her birthday cake.

Photos -
1-Five happy girls (mine and one extra) enjoying woodsy trails on Barbie Jeeps. I liked the first photo because it speaks of the children's constant movement. This pic also reminds me of Impressionist paintings!
2-An unexpected wheelie! EG, CA, and LC flipped backwards and immediately burst into laughter (of course, so did we!)
3-Red toenail day!
4-My four girls, plus their cousin, with their freshly painted toes. All the big girls chose red. Smile.