Encouraging words and Actions

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3
'da Dad and I had the blessing of visiting last Saturday w/ some "senior saint" friends.
Our time there was such an encouragement to me as a mom.
This couple raised their (now grown) children to love and serve Jesus. We know their children, and you can see the hard work paid off. They are now enjoying grandchildren and helping support their children's efforts to rear godly offspring.
The one thing I walked away with is, what we do really,really does matter.
I will confess I have become "weary in well doing" at times. It's hard to mother many (and several littles) and not lose perspective some days. Thankfully, God has given us 2 adult children still living at home to remind us (me), they grow up very quickly.
The scripture above was part of our collective "school" Bible reading.
It was a good reminder to me that my children and myself will bring forth good fruit, in it's season. Not when I want things to be done. Corn can't be harvested the day after it's planted. The same applies to the spiritual walk. Our job as parents and Christians is to be faithful to train
and weed.
Look to Jesus.
Amy

John 17, Romans 5

What's Up

I have been doing some projects to make our house "homier" (is that a word?). I repurposed some white striped, sort of seersucker-ish swags into a curtain that tie up sort of like a roman shade, only it's billowy,like balloon valance (clear as mud?). I got the idea from a Country Curtains catalog.These are going up in the hall.
Ms.Petite and I also hung the artwork in the hall. There is a magnolia watercolor at the head of the stairs, two lily prints across from my bedroom door,and a slightly impressionist painting of a family on an fishing outing.
Then,at the end of the stairs as you come down them, are some barn red plaques with faith,hope, and love written on them. Between each of them is a star. So, now when I am in these areas, I have things that make me smile.
Yesterday, I bought some light filtering blinds. I got them at a salvage place. No returns. They are made of paper! They were only $2 each, but paper! Oh, well, they are up, and they are serviceable. I just wonder about how long they'll last.
We are back into Upward season, so life is busy, especially for the older children. Please be praying for people to come to know and serve Jesus.
As an aside, there seems to be an attitude w/in the church that says: "Don't have too many children. It will keep you from serving God." Well,that is just plain not true. By having a large family and raising them for Jesus, we have effectively multiplied our ministry. Three or four of our children help at church regularly. Sometimes I feel like I don't contribute much to the work. But, then I remember that training up helpers and leaders for tomorrow is my ministry. If I don't do that well, nothing else I do will matter. In addition, I can be praying at any time about what is going on.
Isn't it a blessing to be able pray without ceasing? That God is available all the time?

Genesis 35-end of book
BTW,Farmerboy got all of his desired schedule this semester and he starts back today.

Don't Feel Sorry for Me

Today my husband and I went out w/ new baby. Every once in a while we go out to breakfast at the same restaurant. Usually, we have the same waitress, a thirty-something, mom-looking woman. I realized while talking w/her that she had never seen all of our children w/us. Farmerboy had come in a bit before on his way to school. I mentioned that he was our oldest and she commented that was quite an age gap. I then told her not really because we had 9. Her reply was "You poor thing." I, of course, said" no, it's actually a lot of fun."
Yes, I really mean that. It is hard work, it is tough sometimes, but I am always glad we have ALL of them. Life would be pretty boring with out them.
Please don't feel sorry for me, I am blessed.

Psalm 119

Adjustments

First, an addition to yesterday's post. When I was writing about the way we homeschool, I by no means was saying this method was they only/best way. We have used unit studies and textbook only approaches as well. They served us at the time, but don't work well anymore. If something is blessing your family and helping educate your children in the way God has led you, then go for it!
I am struggling with adjusting to the changing needs of one of my children. I am so glad that God knows him and me inside out, and that His word says that He will give wisdom to those who lack it and ask for it. Not only that, but He won't make me feel foolish for needing it in the first place! Thank you Lord!

Psalm 33 Proverbs 9