Gifts that Refine!

“The process of shaping the child…shapes also


 the mother herself. Reverence for her sacred 


burden calls her to all that is 


pure and good, that she may teach primarily


 by her own humble, daily example.”

Elisabeth Elliot, The Shaping of a Christian Family

I read this quote this morning and was reminded of how much my children have helped me in the process of molding me to be like Christ.  I am so thankful for how I see my faults through the process of being a mom.  Being a mom has revealed my own selfishness at times and driven me to the Savior on many moments.  I can remember being weary and crying out to the Lord for His help.  He is truly where our help comes from in such a great task.  So.....I am being shaped and I'm thankful!

Things I Love

As I sit here tonight I am pondering all the things

I love.  I love God! I love my family! I love how

my husband smiles! I love how my littlest

 

son spins with joy!

I love how my older sons are growing into

wonderful young men! I love their searching

 

for who and what they should be! I love the

 

answer to that question.......

just be who God created you to be in Jesus!  

I love being and I love being loved by 

the great I Am! 

I think, as I ponder love, I see the link 

with gratefulness.  What we are grateful for we love. 

Cherishing The Moments!

This video clip off of WomenLivingWell blog spoke directly to my heart and my desire to not let the moments slip by without noticing the true gift that I have been given at any moment.  Yet,  my agenda can creep in from time to time or even other's. It is reminders like these that help me to take a fresh look! Enjoy the video and hug your children just a little closer...watch with wonder the gift that God has given you.  Take time to enjoy them.  I look forward to reading this book.

Quiet Reflections

Snow always seems to bring quiet to our home.  As the outside is blanketed with a layer of stillness so is the inside of our home.  Why this is I do not know but I love the time to have some quiet time of reflection not only at the beauty outside that God has given but the beauty of the gift of each person dwelling inside too!

Happy 19th Birthday Justin

Wow!  It seems like just yesterday that we welcomed you into our lives.......I'll spare everyone the details of each precious moment :-)  Having a baby is an incredible gift and there are such special and fond memories of you Justin.  We waited oh so long and were so thankful when you came into our lives.  You are a special young man now and we enjoy being your parents.  Your tender spirit and caring ways are a joy to us! We celebrate you and the person that God has created!  We love you tremendously!

With all our love, 

Dad and Mom

Ahhh......such wonderful memories!

Happy Birthday Jus!

Happy Birthday Jon

Today was our dear youngest sons birthday!  What a blessing to spend the day celebrating a life that God created and knitted together.  Every time we celebrate a birthday in our home it reminds us that each one of us are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.  It's a time to reflect on the gift that God has given and to be thankful!  

We began our day by having a special breakfast out......it was very good and very fun.  At dinner as we were waiting for our guests we were asking Jon if he minded waiting and he said......no, it's not about the cake anyhow it's just good to have fellowship.  Wise words from a 7 year old.  I will have to remember that myself....it's not about the stuff it's about the fellowship.  

One of his biggest joy's was that his older brother called and had the whole team sing to him.  He smiled ear to ear.....thanks Justin!

Happy Birthday Jonathan!  We Love You! 

Too cute!  Where does the time go?  Life is truly a vapor!

No Greater Joy

3 John 1-4

The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

This morning I was meditating on these verses.  God's Word is so incredible.  Perhaps it's because our first born has been traveling away from us for the first time or since God has worked in my heart as a parent this has been my desire: that my children walk in truth.  I can remember praying this for my children since they were little. This is an action word, walk.   There comes a time, when God chooses, that they have to walk.  We cannot do it for them  and when they do it brings my heart great joy.  The other thing I noticed about this passage was in verse 2.  The desire or wish is that we may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.  This tells me the soul can prosper without physical prospering because of the Lord.  Paul said God's grace was sufficient for him even when the thorn in his flesh was not removed and it is sufficient for me today.  I have been amazed at how well we have all done with J leaving for the summer.  I know that it is only God's grace because we love being together.  It has also been such a blessing to hear from afar how the Lord is working in his life and that he is walking in truth.  Now don't get me wrong..there have been tears shed and many prayers gone up but God has been faithful.