The Love of a Mother...

Their smiles... their tears... watching them while they're sleeping...
I love to watch them when they have no idea... their care free spirits... their realness...

I wonder if they could ever imagine the love that overflows in my heart for each of them...
I wonder if they realize that their souls are intertwined with mine...
When they hurt I hurt...
When they laugh I laugh...
When they long I long...

Sometimes the frustrations we feel as mothers can be overwhelming... sometimes we just feel like giving up... then you look into their eyes and the heart pull is so strong.

Sometimes it seems useless and they just will never learn or understand...

I watched him this afternoon outside... he didn't know I was watching... his strong hands playing with the dog... his smile and jolly demeanor... his sensitive nature for all creatures...

I watched him today walking through the yard... looking around for his brothers... he is growing so fast and becoming a man...  in between little boy and big boy...

I watched him today as he strode up the stairs... manly and strong... so handsome... quiet natured and deep... I have always said that deep waters run silent... that is his soul...

I watched her today as she drove away... a young woman she is becoming... working her way in the world... trying to find herself and know herself... she is so tender hearted and warm, yet with a wild streak...

When I look at them and watch... my heart wants nothing more than to protect them from every harm in the world...  to just make them listen to me and trust what I tell them...
Then I remember myself when I was that age... experience

Prayer is a mothers weapon... it is our ever trust worthy weapon in this war fare for their souls...  We can never give up praying, trusting the Father... praying that hedge about them...

"Love is unselfish, understanding, and kind, for it sees with its heart and not with its mind.  Love gives and forgives; there is nothing too much for love to heal with its magic touch.  Love is the language that every heart speaks, for love is the one thing that every heart seeks.  And where there is love God, too,will abide and bless the family residing inside."  Helen Steiner Rice

Until next time,
Jean

Stumble and Pray

"They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."  Psalm 34:10

When our children started taking their first steps they would stumble and fall and we would keep encouraging them on... "keep trying... good job... yup, do it again..." are things that we would say.  They would stumble often at first and then before we knew it they were running and we were saying, "Stop running in the house!"  We didn't want them to fall and hurt themselves, yet we knew that was all part of the process... we would be close enough to catch them so they didn't hurt themselves as we guided them along... hands outstretched behind them as they toddled forward.   How time flies and as we look back onto those happy days when they were little and learning we can see other times when they fell... learning to ride a bike and ice skating to name a couple.  Oh how our hearts ached when all of a sudden, THUD! But again... all part of the learning process.

As adults we too stumble and fall... we have days where we fail... days we wish we could erase from time and memories... but that isn't possible with humans... but it is with God. As we repent for our failings and look unto Him for forgiveness He is there... The Bible says that God loves a broken and contrite heart.  Each day is a new day and with that new day we have Christ by our side guiding our way.  How it aches our Heavenly Father when we go THUD! The key is prayer... stumble and pray... stumble and pray... He will lead the way... all part of the learning process.

Do we call out to the Lord when we stumble or do we sit there awhile and wallow in our failings?  The latter is not what the Lord would want from us... He desires us to look up to Him immediately, reaching up for His hand to pick us up.  But you say, there is no hand... Yes my friend there is... the hand is His Word... God's precious promises are all found there... but we must turn to it... feed on it. Then and only then can we have peace... only there can we find it. When we stumble and fall friends, get up! Reach for His word and seek His help.  Oh how precious it is when He presses upon your heart to go to a certain scripture and there is the answer or the hope you were longing for .... only in prayer... only in supplication can it be found...

"Prayer is an indispensable part of our relationship with Jesus Christ." Laurel Oke Logan

Until next time,
Jean

Attitude With Gratitude

"Simple gratitude helps us experience God at work in every moment of every day." Harriet Crosby

We have so much to be thankful for in our lives... most of us have very little that we 'want' for ... 
With an attitude of gratitude we can look on in faith and not allow the distractions in life to move us... We can remain grounded in Him and trust that each wave that wants to crash over the joy cannot move us because we stand on the Rock.  With the Lord carrying us through we can be thankful for not only the good days but be joy filled when trials come as well.

Today being a day that is set aside to give thanks, what do we think of? As I ponder on this I thought it would be enlightening to make a list...

I am thankful for...
My Lord and the salvation that He has provided for me through His shed blood on Calvary...
That salvation through grace was available to a wretch like me...
That no matter how many times I fail in my daily life, I can turn to Him with a repentant heart and know that He is there for me with open arms... 
That my God forgets...

I am thankful for my family...
For the smiles that greet me each morning...
For the cuddles and the hugs from the little ones...
For the 'thanks' and 'I love you too' from the older ones...
For the love and the laughter we share...
For shared dreams and desires... and the tears that are given me with shared inner fears...
For the "I prayed mom..." from those young tender hearts...

Oh that my life would be one that shows all those around me a thankful heart... A heart that is an out pouring of His perfect love in every situation... An example to my children that no matter what He is there for them...

"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." Psalm 26:7

Until next time,
Jean

Strenth and Weekness

“For my strength is made perfect in weakness.”  2Corinthians 12:9

"God will have no strength used in his battles but the strength which he himself imparts. Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give thee victory. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled, and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up."  Charles Spurgeon

With having five sons this is a challenging scripture to impart into their minds... after all they are men in the making.  Kyle and Ethan especially are young 'men' and like to test their strengths against one another. They will often wrestle and challenge one another to races and so forth... very normal 'boy' behavior. 

Teaching this 'weakness' mentality to growing young men as a mom is also a challenge. There is the example thing again... I need to concentrate on being an example to them.  Yesterday  I took Kyle and Ethan out hunting. While we were getting ready to go, I realized that I had 'misplaced' something of great value... I prayed, but I just couldn't find it.  After a bit of looking around and more prayer, I finally came across it.  Suddenly Kyle came in from looking in the truck and said, "Did you find it?"... "Yes," I said, "I did!" with tears almost filling my eyes.  Kyle said, "I prayed Mom!"  Oh the faith of a child... or young man!  So we left then and I dropped off my two young men at the side of the road for them to trek into the woods... we prayed that they would get something and off they went. I watched them go and they turned back and waved... they will never truly know or understand the love of a mother... but I have to focus on the example of showing the love... Christ's love.

Christ was a man with the same like passions the scriptures teach us... yet He never sinned.  Where did his strength lie some may wonder and ask... it lied in His Father above.  He was challenged with every temptation that we know today, yet He never sinned.  Jesus is our example to live by today... He is the one that we can turn to in our times of temptations... we just need to remember to look up as He did... our perfect example.  We do not need to stumble and fall... we just need to be remained focused on our walk with Him and not anyone else... just my own.  To remain focused on that is where the challenge lies, at least for me. I believe though, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... and so can you!

Until next time,
Jean








   

Wings and Roots...

 

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible." Corrie Ten Boom

 

I am sure most of you who know me think you know where this might be going by the title... well kinda.  The other day when my two CSA work share ladies were here we were chatting at the end of their day and one happened to mention how the other says we have to give our children 'wings and roots' both at the same time...  I thought that was very inspiring, especially when two of the things I love most have wings and roots.

Our children start out as helpless little creatures that need us to survive... food, warmth, nurturing, shelter and protection.  Without us they would simply and most assuredly die.  As parents or caregivers we attempt to give these things to our children with utmost care... we love them and want only the best for them.  When they are small we try to teach them things... first with physical movements such as rolling over to crawling and then finally to walking and running... speech comes into play next as well as the ability to feed themselves... but still they need us completely during these formative years.  During the younger years we are also teaching them about Jesus and our faith... this is the time when the roots are growing deeper and when fed the right things will grow healthy and strong... these are the roots in their life that will help them along in the years to come...  when we give them their wings...

As our children become young adolescents and young adults the roots we have given them as small children should hold them firm during the trials and adjustments they will face at this time.  Their wings will form and they like young fledglings coming out of the nest will want to try them and see how far they can fly safely... coming back regularly and each time going out a bit farther... Eventually they will settle into a state when they have their belief system and hopefully a deep faith of their own. This faith is a personal decision that must be made by each one individually... a time of choosing roads they will travel... a time of growing and maturing.  The roots we have helped grow will help them with the decisions they make now...  What are we feeding the roots is the question we as parents must all face and realize that one day we will be accountable for...

It takes faith to let go of them... to trust that they will make the right decisions... to look away when you want to grab hold... smile and trust when you want to cry and protect...
But He is bigger than anything... stronger than anything... and ever true...

           

 

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
1 Corinthians 2:5

Until next time,
Jean


Life's Lessons...

"A Cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod, all priceless little treasures from the storehouse of our God." Helen Steiner Rice

We all like to be smiled at...frowns make us feel sad and disappointed, while a smile can make a bad day seem better.  Smiles and kind words are what our goal needs to be when we deal with others, including our family members. 

My littlest one Aaron knows when I have a scowl on my face... and he too knows how to make a scowl.  I try not to laugh when he does it, but it is so terribly cute... although the attitude behind it must be dealt with.  When mother scowls Aaron looks sad and usually comes running into my arms for reassurance. He is so little and his heart so tender. Evan too knows when mother scowls it isn't a good thing... his scowls aren't so cute anymore.  We work on these things though. Our children cherish kind words, hugs & kisses, gentle caresses and tender looks... we as adults long for that as well.

God has both smiles and scowls for his children as well. He like a tender, loving parent knows when we need one or the other and never makes a mistake.  Unlike us human parents who are always making them, He does not. We can have faith and trust that the circumstances in our life are just what he is 'allowing'. I have mentioned in times past God has a permissive will and a perfect will.  If we bug Him long enough about something, whether it be the best thing for us or not, He may just allow it to come to be to teach an important lesson on faith and timing.  On the other hand, if we trust and submit ourselves to His perfect will, always praying that way, we can be sure that all things will work together for good to those who love Him...

But we're human aren't we... prone to be like children... a bit demanding and whiny. It's not pretty, but it's true. I remember when our daughter Taylor was about six years old, we were making some chicken noodle soup and I was putting bouillon cubes into it.  She was always begging for stuff not always knowing or understanding what it was she was begging for... well, this day I thought she needs to learn to stop begging... so I gave her a hunk... too say the least she spat it out quickly!  Now some of you may be thinking that was mean, but it wasn't... she begged for things like pepper and other things that would make her sick... I took her then and explained that is why she shouldn't beg... she did learn the lesson. It's funny now though, because she loves to cook and she is the biggest 'taster' I know... life's lessons.

That's the way it is with our Heavenly Father... sometimes we bug and bug and beg and beg... He's gonna let us taste and learn, and sometimes it might not taste good...

Until next time,
Jean

Life is a Training Ground

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness."   Matthew 5:6

"There is no way that any of us can talk ourselves into getting a "longing for God." Spiritual desire and hunger must come from God Himself! It cannot be whipped up."  Tozer

This was a quote from one of my daily devotions today that struck me. As I thought on this I became so aware of how blessed that I am to have that desire deep within my soul.  So often I have felt as that hart on the mountainside panting after the water brook, my soul has longed after Him. 

I remember as a youth, before I would have been a professing Christian yet still knowing and fearing God, although in a different way... I had a longing for Him... I just didn't know how to get to Him.   I remember as a small child talking to Him in the storms. So childish was I when I would ask Him questions and ask Him to answer in one lightening and two claps of thunder... then I would know the deep secrets I was asking of Him... but He always seemed to answer.  He never dismisses a child... one looking to Him for reasurance.   I remember driving after my grandmother died and wondering why... I was angry with Him back then...

...but after a long journey He brought my soul home to Him...

Now my life is a training ground... one where there are valleys and plains along with the mountain tops...  It seems like it's been a long time since I drifted in the clouds... but I know they are there... waiting for me.

"But it is a different story when we consider the spiritual life. No one but God through His Spirit is able to stir up spiritual desire among us. Those who have accepted a common state of spiritual living and have no deep desire for Him will never be stirred by human means." Tozer

Until next time,
Jean

The Innocence Of A Child...

As small children under mothers wings they are sheltered from much... but as they grow into adolescence and begin to desire to spread their wings, it is difficult to watch sometimes.  Our six children range from eighteen years to two years and we are in many different stages all the time.  This can be exhausting some days to say the least! The little ones are in the training stages of kindness, obedience and sharing... then the teenagers are in the stage of building character and a personal relationship with Christ.  A parent needs so much wisdom and I am so thankful that I can turn to God's word for that wisdom.  But life still has it's challenges and continually poses new issues that we never even thought about. 

In Ecclesiastics the writer Solomon say's there is nothing new under the sun and all in life is vanity. I believe this is true... parents today have the same issues as parents did back in the Bible days... that's why God's word is still the same today as yesterday... and that is why we can turn to His word for everything today.  Although I feel we are much more blessed today then in those days... we have the New Testament which tells us about the love and forgiveness that Jesus provides to all who are willing to receive it.  It gives us the true story of love... His perfect, unfailing love... this love is for an example for us... one to learn and grow by... an example to live by.  Even the days we fail, His love never fails...  That is the perfect example we need to set for our children... love and forgiveness.

As I look at our children I realize their innocence and how precious it is.  As parents we have a duty to nurture and protect that innocence.  Life will all too quickly grab hold of them and much of it will be lost.

Until next time,
Jean
    

Deep Roots...

" Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

I was reading about the Sequoia trees of California this morning in one of my daily devotions... It went on to describe that these massive, towering trees have a very shallow root system that sprawl out rather then go down deep.  It also described how you will not see a lone Sequoia tree because it would be blown done in great winds, but rather they grow in clusters and the trees root's intertwine giving the entire group support...it was fascinating to think how God, not evolution, has designed all this.

As I read on the analogy was to compare each individual Christian standing alone as apposed to being within a group of believers... especially in times of trial's.  I pondered this for awhile and thought how thankful I am to be a part of the church body that the Lord has brought us too... The best way to describe the feeling is if you can imagine yourself standing within a circle with all your brethren facing you, hands held tightly that nothing may get to you... kind of like a sheep fold... When the storms of life are there we don't have to stand alone to face the raging winds, but we are protected and cared for by those that the Lord has given us.  It is such a comforting feeling to know that you are cared for by so many.  But it doesn't stop there... sometimes it is us in the circle of held hands protecting another brother or sister in the Lord. We are there one for another as Christ so designed it to be.

This is also the way the family unit should be... holding each other up in times of struggle, not tearing one another down.  I have mentioned at other times I am an only child, but I see the bonds that our six children have... I see the closeness that they share. I understand that there will be times of disagreement between them which there are now, but my heart prays that as they grow older they can become closer, leaning on one another, lending the helping hand and not criticizing but allowing each other to have their differences... agreeing to disagree, yet loving.  We are all created differently yet we are together to give Him glory in all we do...

Our roots like the Sequoia's need to be shallow and outstretched to all around us... yet we must have a deep tap root which can only be in Jesus... then we can stand in the days of trouble...

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Until next time,
Jean

Loving Kindness...

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

We are faced with challenges every day. They can come in many different forms, but yet they remain challenges that we must face and deal with.  I see this real close up in my children's relationships with each other... I think I have mentioned that I was an only child and don't always get the bickering that happens in everyday life between siblings... although with six children I have had to learn to 'get it' as time as pressed on.  It always amazes me how they can be getting along famously one minute and the next be fighting like cats & dogs... ahh, parenthood!  I try to understand that just because they are children doesn't mean they don't have frustrations as well as happiness. They are people too with likes and dislikes...

Loving kindness is the lesson that must be taught though.  This is a challenge in itself as a parent... how to train this in children when you yourself have this struggle... The blessing in all this is that I don't have to do it all alone... I have my Lord and He is there each and every day as I seek His guidance in all life's challenges I face. He is there to encourage me through His word, church messages, through my family and friends.  Life may present those challenges, but I believe that 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me'...

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3).
Until next time,
Jean

Little boys and jumping on the bed...

"The greatest moral force in history is motherhood. Childhood is directed by its love; youth is kept pure and honorable by its sweet dominance; and mature age finds its influence regnant, shaping character even to the end.  Mother is the title of woman's supreme dignity."
                              From The Times, February 1929

Last night my 'mom & dad' in the Lord were over for supper...we were visiting in the living room and suddenly we hear a very recognizable sound... little feet jumping on the bed!  Neil went up to take care of the situation as I had visions of them coming through the ceiling. Dan quickly assured me this probably wouldn't happen... so OK, the bouncing ceased. 

Little boys and big boys oh my... and a girl to boot... what a weighty responsibility we have in raising them up for Him and His glory.  Some times I look at these children and the weight of this truth weighs heavy on my heart... I am so imperfect... and they are so innocent.

I have a picture of Ryan from a couple summer's ago holding a quart jar with a bouquet he made pinned up on the bulletin board over my desk... just the other summer... he looks so little in that photo, and now he is ten and growing like a weed.  He will all too soon be a teenager; one with big ideas and dreams... he loves to tell stories and talk, oh yes he can talk... and I love to talk with him.  Sometimes I catch myself listening but not really listening... I quickly turn the 'real' ears back on and I can see in his face he caught it too.  He is a happy go lucky little fellow...

Each of them is so special in their own way... they each have their talents and gifts... different things they find enjoyable... each at a different stage in their growing years... six children with totally different personalities... but one thing is the same... they are all mine, given to me but for a short period of time to teach them about His love... to be a mother is a gift.

Until next time,
Jean
     

Tender Moments

"God often visits us, but most often times we are not home."  unknown

Last night I was going up to bed and I thought I was the only one still awake, but as I was walking down the hall to our bedroom I hear... "Mom...".  "What is it Ryan", I ask... Well it was raining very hard and had been since Thursday night with very little break.  Yesterday was off and on all day, but we got a lot of rain.  Ryan wanted to know if it was going to flood... so sweet and innocent.  You see, he is not the middle child but he is the middle boy... he is ten years old... the older boys are 13 & 12 and the little boys are just abut two and 4 1/2... so he really is at the in between age... not old enough for that and way too big for that. I will say though he is a wonderful babysitter for the little boy's when I need help and his big brothers always want him too play ball or hockey, what ever it may be with them... so he's not just left out.  But last night, the little boy in him was talking loudly to this mother heart... I went to him and asked him what God said about sending floods... he very wisely said that God promised not to flood the 'whole' earth again... smart boy! Anyway I asked him then, if God did send a flood would He look over us?  and of course he said, 'yes'.  I consoled his tender heart as best I could and told him to try to go to sleep... he did then. 

As I went to bed then I pondered this moment and I thought about how faithful our Heavenly father is, and when ever I am afraid or worried how He always lead's me to scripture to reassure me, or sends a poem through a friend... and sometimes I hear Him whisper quietly in my heart.... 'Fear not my child, I am with thee....'   My hearts prayer is that my heart and my childrens will always be open to hear that still small voice...

Until next time,
Jean

Want's & Needs...

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

Wants... well those are the things that we look at and think about how nice it would be to have. Or they can be things that we genuinely feel we need... maybe it is something we think will bring us joy... for the moment... 

Instant gratification kind of falls into this category.  I am all about instant gratification... yes, this is a confession.  I do also know and whole heartedly believe that, 'all good things come to those who wait...'   I always tell my friends that's why God made me to love gardening so much... there is no such thing as instant gratification in this department...  I am one of those gardener's that loves to trade plants with friends... every time they bloom you can smile with the thought of that person.  I also always look on the clearance racks in the plant department for the half dead plants that they are about to throw away, but just know that I can revive it.  I also have learned to be patient and wait till the end of the season when everything goes on sale!  Want's to some degree can be temporal and notwithstanding although they may make us feel good for the present moment.

Needs... on the other hand fall into most often a not so glamorous category... food, clothing and shelter. Relationships too are a need I believe...  I wonder if many people realize their need for Him... He will always provide to His own the needs in life... not always the wants but always the needs.  He provides His love and forgiveness for free to any and all who ask... all He asks in return is for your love and adoration, a commitment in your life to Him and daily relationship...

Wants and needs... it takes daily seeking and asking of wisdom to be able to distinguish between the two.

Until next time,
Jean
    

"What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner!" Collette

What a thought provoking statement... I wonder how many people at some point or another think this very statement.

There are people out there that have had some tragic things happen to them in their lives... things I can't imagine in my wildest nightmares.  I personally know some folks who have endured such horrible instances that it makes my skin crawl. To think that any human being could do to another person some of the evil things that happen doesn't seem possible... it  doesn't seem real... except to the victims... it is very real to them.  There is a sadness and despair that must be overwhelming at times... life is not so wonderful.

Then there are those who 'seem' to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths... everything always goes their way, life treats them seemingly fair, there don't seem to be a whole lot of bumps in the road... but there still seems to be a sadness and something missing. 

We hear about healing and therapy and yes all this is well and good and most definitely necessary. Often times I have heard people say that a loving God would never allow these kinds of things to happen.  I always say that it is not His perfect will for such horrific instances to happen but we live in world that is filled with sin; He has given us all a free mind to make choices and act accordingly... unfortunately sometimes bad people hurt good people...

But God is there for each hurting soul... every person that has suffered He is waiting with outstretched arms, waiting to heal and bound up the broken hearted... He is faithful and loving as we cast all our cares upon Him, for He careth for us...  He want's us to be able to say we've had a wonderful life... with Him.  Don't delay, He is waiting.

Until next time,
Jean

Winning Their Hearts...Having Their Love

"Mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her, there seems to be no heart throb." Leroy Brownlow, from Flowers For Mother

Being a mother is one of the most fulfilling things in my life.  I love my children more than words could ever describe... more than they will ever understand until, Lord willing, they have a precious child of their own.  At times I don't feel worthy of the title, but I keep pressing on with that faith that someday it will all be worth it... line upon line... precept upon precept... so the saying goes.

Today Ethan and I planted two new climbing rose bushes.  The one is yellow and I told him that the color yellow is for friendship in the world of roses... I told him I want this to be his rose from me because he is my friend and I love him... he looked at me and said, 'thanks'.  That may not sound like much to you, but believe me that was a thousand words for Ethan.  You see he is my 'still water's run deep' child... not to mention his first choice of activities is not gardening!  He is so very sweet and loving... yes he can be a stinker just like any other child, but his soul is so deep.  I long to 'train him in the way he should go so when he is old he will not depart from it'...

Training is the hard part with children; consistency, loving discipline, tender words, occasional stern looks, gentle touch... oh for wisdom.  Most of you know we have six children and each one of them is so unique and different in their own ways.  There are obvious similarities among some of them in the way of looks and temperaments... but they each have their own likes and dis-likes, favorite foods, hobbies and the list goes on.  It can be a challenge to know how to deal with each one and their own special 'needs'...

As a mother, mom and mommy my days are filled with loving and caring for each of these blessings... I couldn't ask for more.

Until next time,
Jean

I love to see them smile....

"My child, nothing could replace the loving smile upon your face." author unknown

The last couple weeks we have been dealing with some ailments, and we have had some grumpy people... My sweet little Evan & Aaron have runny noses, sore throats and a deep cough... I hate to see them sick, it just breaks my mommy heart! Aaron just looks at me with his big blue eyes, not being able to figure out why his noes is so stuffed up, and then Evan, so little with such a big cough... his eyes plead with me to make it all better as I rock him... if only I could I would take it all upon myself for them... oh the love of a mother.

We have six children whose ages range from eighteen years old down to 21 months... we are a busy home stead in many stages of the 'training game' to say the least. As a parent a smile is so much more pleasant to look at & to give, than a frown... although we must occasionally frown on some of our children's behaviors, we cannot turn the other way and disregard... Yes the little ones may be sad for a moment, but in the long run they will be a much happier person, not to mention our greater joy! Children are people too and they have their good and bad days, just as we parents do. Children are so very needy... they need our love along with our chastisement... they need a hug along with an occasional stern word... they need to know security in their home... they need food & shelter... they need to know we pray for them... they need to know the Lord through father and mother.

When we have those grumpy days right along with the good days, our children need to see our faith in Him... that we turn to Him in all things... that we trust Him with everything... they need to see us on our knees... Only then will they be able to have a faith that grows, a trust that is deeply rooted and a personal relationship with Him.

"I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk with the Lord..."
Until next time,
Jean
     

Our nest...

Yesterday Evan, Aaron and I spent some 'quality' time on the couch watching three blue jays and a beautiful male cardinal eating at the bird feeders in the front garden... then suddenly we saw a large hawk swoop down and land in the field right beside the garden... there was a big black crow who was seemingly very angry darting at it... then another and then yet another and another... I don't know where they came from all of a sudden. The neighbors across the road have very dense woods filled with enormous pine trees, which is where the crows like to nest.  The hawk just stood in the field hoping around a bit as the crows darted and swooped down at it... after several minutes of this the hawk took flight... so gracefully and quickly, then darted away.  I told the boys I am sure the hawk probably stole one of the crows babies right out of a nest... Evan was quite dismayed by this thought... after all he is only four and in his young mind he was imaging someone taking him out of 'our nest' and how awful that would be... To say the least Aaron was very intrigued with the whole affair, but quickly wanted to get back at his toys on the floor.  Evan being a little 'deeper' wanted to still watch the blue jays and cardinal.  I explained to him that that is the way it is in nature, survival of the fittest.  I did reassure him that he was fine and so was our 'nest'...

Our nest... what a sweet thought, especially to a little child... one who needs security, tenderness and love.  I love our nest and the peacefulness of it... I love living in the country and the quietness of life all around... but I do truly enjoy the break of silence when the boys are tearing around the yard playing cowboy and Indian... racing down the dirt road in their go-cart... laughing in the tree tops ~ literally...  the crack of the bat... but not the glass window :-) ~ yeah, there's been that too... then there's been some other noises coming from mom... well such is life with a family of five boys and an oldest daughter who likes to be a tom boy sometimes...

My hearts prayer is that while we are here on this earth, that 'our nest' will make memories for our children... ones of joy, laughter and happiness amid the normal everyday stuff of life...
Until next time,
Jean
    

Today and Everyday...

Life on the farm holds it's challenges... but the joys that come with this life are far beyond words. We hold part of nature around us... we can hear the breeze as it lights softly through the trees lifting and teasing the leaves... the whizzing of the humming birds wings as he chases his female in and around the front porch.  Life is so good and is filled with such an incredible amount of fullness.

As each day draws longer, the sun seems warmer on my cheek, the air has that smell that only can be had in the earliest of spring... when the spring peepers in the pond start their song each evening... the bats swoop over head to gobble up all those pesky mosquito... pulling over wintered onions, oh that earthy goodness!

I love my life on the farm...  I love the sky at night when all you can see is the apparently never ending stream of stars... then suddenly there is a falling star... quick make a wish...knowing and never doubting that God is in Heaven and that everything is all right...

I love watching my children climb trees, roll in the grass, chase butterflies, dig in the dirt, play sword fighting with branches, hear the crack of the ball when it hits the bat.  I love that my children can hear all the sounds without the distraction of traffic, television, radio and the like.  I love that they play and make believe... that they make snow forts and snow men... that they know the good morning song of the robin and the dee-dee of the little chickadee and the caw of the blue jay.... I love that my children can be children...

Until Next Time,
Jean

Thankful

"Everyone needs someone to be thankful for, and each day of life we are aware of this more.  For the joy of enjoying and the fullness of living are found only in hearts that are filled with thanksgiving." Helen Steiner Rice

I am so thankful for so many things... my husband, children, church, friends and even the roof over my head.  Life is filled with so many happy moments that if we can just focus on those things, life would be a much grander place to dwell.  It is a choice though, be gloomy or be happy! As I always try to tell my children, your day will be what you make of it.  You have a choice in allowing others to brighten it or darken it.  We also need to take into consideration how we affect someone else day... it really isn't all about 'me'.  Do we look at our self and ask, 'Did what I say or do make that person sad or happy?' 

Just awhile back I needed to go and make something right with a lady that I was not very nice to.  I felt very bad for my reaction to something she did that upset me.  I made the choice to respond poorly, no one made me.  Praise God that He did not allow me to go on with a clear conscience, and He did not give me peace over the incident.  I did then go back to her an apologize for my behavior and asked her to forgive me.  She graciously did and I was very thankful for that. 

"He chastens those He loves..." I am so thankful for that.  I am also so thankful for the shed blood of Jesus and the forgiveness that it provides.

Until next time,
Jean

    

Everything begins at home because home is where the heart is...

This is a pretty deep statement when you think about it.  Home is where, shall we say we are ourselves most openly.  Home should be a haven of rest where each member can come and let go of the cares of the day and simply relax and be happy. Our family consists of eight people, so to say the least, haven of rest our home is always not! Lots of noise in the way of laughter and yes crying and whining too... banging and thumping... running and chasing~ remember now five of the eight people are boys <smile>...yes I hate to admit their is even occasional yelling and heated battles that arise ever so often... it is a home where emotions fly~ remember two of the eight are females <smile>...

What do I want our children to eventually leave the nest and remember?  I am sure they will say there were both the good & the bad with the happy & the sad.  But I want them to remember dad's spooky stories & s'mores around the camp fires under the star lite night... skating on the neighbor's pond... picnic's at the lake on Sunday afternoon's... making home made pretzel's and ice cream... playing pitch & catch in the front yard... climbing the big maple tree in the back yard while dad was grilling... mom reading stories with such enthusiasm... mountain pie suppers at a friends house... camping in the U.P. and fishing...

happy times need to start at home...

Until next time,
Jean