Several years ago, I shared these. I discovered them in one of several notebooks my mother, now deceased, had typed up for me, my sister, and my brother when we were little so that after she was gone (she was very ill), we would have something from her heart. Little did she know that my brother would be the first to go. My mom did leave us, but she also left this treasure for us. I hope you can find some pleasure from these, as well.

It might be worth noting: My mom was an awesome example of a godly wife. She suffered from depression due to medications she was taking. My sister is 10 years older than I and my brother was 7 years older. She began writing these before I and my brother were born and completed them when I was a toddler.

Dearest Children:

As one grows older, one knows a deep warm security of love. A kiss is not needed. The simple routines shout love. The presence across the table, the compliment on dinner, a fleeting touch of the hand, conversation about the children, a gentle teasing all are ordinary things devoid of electric and passionate excitement but richly full of the certainty of love. When Glenn is gone, I plan dinner. I know what he likes. That becomes my silent gift to him. Some days I feel taller and poised and almost queen-like in the joy of you and your father. Most days are busy ordinary days. But some days, joy wells up and I feel your father’s presence ing after him when he leaves. His love is strong and undergirding to my day. Actually, this undergirding is also present, though less spectacularly, on ordinary days, too. I know how love can transcend.

Since being at the hospital, I know even more certainly what I want most for you. I want you to love God and have God as your personal friend most of all. Then, of course, I want you to be thoughtful and understanding next. I want for you to have an appreciation for fine music, art, knowledge, literature. I want these for you with all the wanting in me. All my thoughts are toward this end.

I told you the other night, and will tell it again and again, my criteria for a husband.

1. He must love God above all else.
2. He must love people and be understanding.
3. He must love children.
4. He must respect good art, music, literature, etc.

I hope this criteria will be yours in choosing a mate. It served me well and I am satisfied.

Lord bless your fruitful day as you serve your family!

Tags: Family, marriage, selflessness

Today, I enjoyed reading a blog post by Kelly on the topic of Titus 2 in her Make-over series. It reminded me of my post here about the topic.

The two post go nicely together. I see a lot of “older women” either ignoring the scripture that says they are to teach the younger women or not taking it seriously. Why is that? Do they consider themselves not qualified? If God’s Word is the foundation of everything in a woman’s life, she is then qualified. If she is simply going on her own strength, then no, she doesn’t have any wisdom to share.

As I shared with a new acquaintance the other day, I see a lot of young women that do speak a lot of unwise words, mostly opinion. I also observe a lot of disrespect towards things that the older women share; especially if it is from scripture. Opinions seem to be more welcome. Why is THAT so? Thinking out loud, I wonder if it has anything to do with a lack of fearing God.

Psalm 111:10a The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

For the most part, it seems like the ball is dropping on both ends. Ladies, let’s not be guilty of not being teachable or of ignoring God’s will for us no matter our age.

Have a peaceful and fruitful day as you serve your families.

Tags: Bible Truths, selflessness

There was a time when I felt overwhelmed by all the babies! I had 5 babies/toddlers and life seemed so tense! There was disciplining, sicknesses, feeding everyone, gardening, disciplining, canning, cleaning, laundry, dishes, homeschooling the eldest, and more discipleship! My head was spinning, as I was just trying to find time to take a shower and/or read my Bible and give my husband the attention he needed.

It was about this time that the Lord gave us twins! I remember saying, “Lord, I am VERY contented with 7, thank You very much! If you chose to close my womb now, I’d be contented, indeed.” A short time after, the Lord gave us Maddy, a stillborn at 20 weeks. All of a sudden, we were in shock! We had taken our fertility for granted, because things always seemed to go so well. Then, after Maddy, there was Michael, a miscarriage at 16 weeks. We didn’t want anymore! We didn’t want the pain that came with the losses!

Well, after some time had passed, God did bless us with another. She is 4 years apart from the twins. Oh how God is good in His sovereignty! See, we had lost focus because we let the business, the stresses, the here and now get in the way of our view…the bigger picture. It’s easy to do this when toddlers are pulling and tugging at you every which way. It’s always time to nurse and grocery shopping is a nightmare!

Be diligent with discipline and you will see the fruits of your labors as the quiver increases….*if* God chooses to increase it, and lastly, don’t take your fertility for granted. Love each of those sweeties…take time to read to them and play with them, and enjoy them. Not everyone is able to have a precious baby. God knows what’s best for YOU.

Tags: Family, Mama, selflessness

This blog post at Holy Experience blessed me today. I am happy to share it with you. Lord bless your day as you serve your family.

Tags: Mama, selflessness