How do you look at your children?

Psalm 127:3-5 

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

I believe this.  I find it a little sad when I am treated as though I am crazy for wanting more than two children. I even want more than three! It will depend upon how the Lord sees fit to bless me.

 I realize it is a personal decision for each couple as to how many children they have. There is no doctrinal command concerning this.  I do not criticize those who want fewer children than I want.  I do find it a little sad when those 2.5 children are described as a burden and that having more than 2 somehow puts you into the "braver than most" category. I cannot help but believe we are allowing the liberal ideas of society to convince us that God is lying in the above verses.

Children are work. Oh boy are they! But, I have never been happier or more fulfilled than I am in this role of wife and mother that God scripturally laid out for me.   At this point in my life I truly feel "the more the merrier" applies to me.

I am not writing all of this because I have any sort of chip on my shoulder.  I do hope, however, that we will say things that will encourage young mothers (Titus 2:3-5). Let us say positive things to help them see child bearing and rearing as the Psalmist describes it, as a blessing from the Lord. 

Scared of a little baby?

I'll admit it.  I was scared. I was just getting used to the idea of raising a son when my fear returned, but this time for a different reason. The first time I was scared is simply because our little Noah IS a boy. I have two girls.  I have two sisters. I've got girls figured out. But what do I know about boys? Well I just told myself that I would learn.  I'm always up for an adventure.  It would all be fine.  

The fear came back.  I heard several lessons this past week about raising our sons to be spiritual leaders in the church.  These new generations are seriously lacking boys that will make good leaders.  I walked away feeling the heaviness of these lessons.  I feel the responsibility of the future on my shoulders, as well I should. We have lost so many congregations because the leadership did not take their role seriously.  They did not take God seriously. I want to raise a son that will walk with God and put the church first.  If my son desires to be an elder as a young man, it will help him make spiritual decisions as he grows and I am the person that will point his way!  I want the church to grow.  I see her declining.  I see her congregations forgetting their purpose.  I want a son that will keep her going towards God long after I leave this world.  Do you see how important this is?  I was scared of this responsibility!  

Then I was reminded that I am not doing this alone.  My husband stands before me and I see a man full of desire to please His Maker.  A man whose life is dedicated to the Lord and His church.  He IS a spiritual leader and he is always growing.  There is no one better prepared to raise a son than this man. He will not only teach Noah doctrine and commands, he will teach him to be a gentleman, to not be haughty, a good work ethic, the list goes on and on.  A sense of calm came over me.  I knew things would fall into place as I figured out this little guy still growing inside me, but now I'm not afraid.  How silly of me to completely overlook such an obvious answer.  God answered my prayer long ago and I was too busy worrying to see it.  I have learned my lesson. 

A love letter to my husband...

August 8, 2003

Ten years go today we stood before our Heavenly Father and promised that we would stay together as a married couple for the rest of our lives. We made that promise because we loved each other and trusted the other to keep their word. 

These ten years later, my love and trust has grown tremendously. You have proven to me that you will keep your promise. How do I know? Is it because you love me so much? No. I know you will keep your promise because I know you love God.  I really knew it all along, but now that I know you inside and out, better than anyone on earth,and I have full confidence in saying that we will be married the rest of our lives.  Because we both love God more than we do each other, we use His word and have the best marriage possible. Perfect in every way? No. But we haven't given up on making it better and I trust that we never will.  We are living what He intended marriage to be and I am not ashamed to say it! 

At our wedding ceremony, we chose to play "It's Something That We Do" by Clint Black while our grandparents and parents walked down the isle. They who have lived as married couples for so much longer than we, are examples of the words in that song. I am proud to say that we have lived this song, too. Ten years is just a drop in the bucket compared to those other marriages, but we have still lived love. The lyrics, while not a spiritual song, are an example of the agape love that we have.

I am so proud of the man that you are. I am so thankful that God blessed me with you.  Our walk together down the narrow road toward heaven is the best walk I've ever been on. Thank you for holding my hand along our way. 

It's Something That We Do

I remember well the day we wed

I can see that picture in my head

I still believe the words we said

Forever will ring true

Love is certain, love is kind

Love is yours and love is mine

But it isn't something that we find

It's something that we do

It's holding tight, lettin' go

It's flying high and laying low

Let your strongest feelings show

And your weakness, too

It's a little and a lot to ask

An endless and a welcome task

Love isn't something that we have

It's something that we do

We help to make each other all that we can be

Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently

The way we work together is what sets our love apart

So closely that you can't tell where I end and where you start

It gives me heart remembering how

We started with a simple vow

There's so much to look back on now

Still it feels brand-new

We're on a road that has no end

And each day we begin again

Love's not just something that we're in

It's something that we do

We help to make each other all that we can be

Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently

The way we work together is what sets our love apart

So closely that you can't tell where I end and where you start

Love is wide, love is long

Love is deep and love is strong

Love is why I love this song

And I hope you love it too

I remember well the day we wed

I can see that picture in my head

Love isn't just those words we said

It's something that we do

There's no request too big or small

We give ourselves, we give our all

Love isn't someplace that we fall

It's something that we do

I love you Sweetheart! 

Happy Anniversary!