What a Great Reminder!!!

I read this quote today and just had to share it.

As we walk this road of motherhood, our children will find innumerable ways to offend us and to seemingly focus intently on thwarting our best efforts to disciple and nurture them. Yet when we walk in love, freely giving our lives to our children (and husbands), they are able to see and wholeheartedly respond to us and the God who makes us who we are. We walk in love by pouring our sympathy on their small hurts, our encouragement on their accomplishments, our comforts in their trials, and our unfailing belief in the unique ways God has designed their personalities and abilities so that He can use them for His glory. Every day, every minute, we should be letting love determine our attitudes, words and actions toward our children.

Determining to “walk in love” with our children also frees us from the fear that they may someday fail in life. And they will fail, no matter how perfect we are, because they are human. And we will fail, too, because we are fallen. God does not ask us to be in perfect control of our children and their lives. He only asks us to emulate His model of daily, lived love for His own disciples.

–from The Mom Walk by Sally Clarkson

Look Who Is a Happy Five Month Old!!!

Abbie Joy turned Five Months last Saturday. I love this picture, because she looks like she is very proud of her birthday. :) I absolutely cannot put into words what a blessing she is to our family. When I think back and remember that there were times after Lauren and Gabriel when I was not sure if we could handle more children, it just blows my mind to think of what we would have missed had we not had a third and a fourth child. I think the Lord grows us gradually into His purposes for us. At that time I had only grown enough for the two, but I am so thankful that the Lord has been faithful to teach me and gently guide me as we have added each new little life to our family.
Abbie Joy has the most adorable smile and the sweetest demeanor. She will often snuggle up to me and just rest so contentedly. She truly is a joy spot in my life, so I guess we picked the right name for her. There are many moments when the four children overwhelm us, however, the overall big picture is that we have been incredibly blessed. We are so thankful that the Lord has entrusted these children into our care. We pray that we will be found faithful.


Here is a quote that expresses my heart and passion for the job I do at home with our children.

"The most important occupation on the earth for a woman is to be a real mother to her children. It does not have much glory in it; there is a lot of grit and grime. But there is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother."

That being said, I know that I am unable to be the mother I aspire to be apart from the Lord. Sometimes instead of praying for strength for the day I find myself praying for strength for the next moment. :) My encouragement is that "He Who has called me is faithful." To Him be the glory.

Ruth

We Hope Your Easter Was Blessed

Here is a picture of our family before church yesterday.  We seldom take pictures with all of us together because it is not an easy task.  :)  

  We had an encouraging day at church and enjoyed having Lauren and Gabriel worship with us.  They normally go to their own classes, but yesterday we all went to the service together.  It was sweet to see Lauren trying to sing along even on songs that she did not know.  She also drew me a picture  that said, "Happy Easter; He is risen."  In synopsis our pastor reminded us that we have hope in any trial because He has risen!  

Royal Acadamy of Ballet Exam

Lauren and her friend Ella

Lauren's ballet school goes by the syllabus from the Royal Academy of Dance. Part of this program is taking a spring exam. We have been working hard with extra practices over the past month. It is amazing to see how much progress the girls make as they work really hard for the exam. It is a good time of sharpening skills.

Lauren and Mama with flowers Mama gave her


Lauren in character dance attire. The roots of ballet stem from the character dancing in the royal courts in France in days long ago. Lauren is wearing a character skirt and shoes.

The Sweet Encouragement of Friends!

The Sweet Encouragement of Friends!










My friend, Ely, knows that I am trying to get my feet off the ground in the blogging world. :) She wanted to send me encouragement and so she gave me this blog award. How encouraging this was to me. Thank you, Ely! It is a sweet reminder of how the Lord has designed his people to edify and build each other up. Ely, I love your blog too!!! Here is a link to her wonderful blog:

http://hiswonderfulworks.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-award.html

Ruth

Upwards Basketball with Coach Daddy

















Gabriel started his first sport a few weeks ago, and last Saturday was his first game. His daddy is his coach. It was precious to see them hold hands and pray before they started the game. Each week they have practice which includes a little Bible study and a memory verse to memorize. I got to go see Gabriel play, and my favorite move was when he came to the side lines and said, "I love you, Mama." Precious!!! Well, the first game was lost but boy were they cute!