...are you getting a good picture of life on the farm??? The pigs smell absolutely abhorrent, there is little joy in the face-slapping antics of the cow tail, and I feel so lazy when it comes to processing the vegetables for the winter.
Even so, this is such a great time of year to clean up, sort through, toss out, begin again and "settle in" after months of hard work! Every one is wrapping up after a summer of lofty goals, and we just need to encourage eachother to press on and finish well! Don't fall into discouragement of comparing ourselves to the amount of work others accomplish, or whether or not you're canning as many vegetables as your neighbor. Don't even be tempted to think "they" are so spiritual because of what their life looks like on the outside. God has given each of us a purpose and testimony for HIS NAME SAKE.
Don't you wish you could stay focused on things that are eternal...like preparing our children to serve God, not man? I'd like my children to love others (including siblings) more than they love things. I'd like my children to find JOY in serving others more than serving themselves.
Our time is so brief (ugh!) and tonight I had the pleasure of watching the children run through the corn playing tag and laughing, of Anna holding Laura's hand as they walked to the barn, of Natalie reaching for big Josh's hand while they skipped (or tried to) down the path. Yes, Josh takes the time to skip down the path with the three year old. That is precious. Jenna faithfully scoops up the little ones to cuddle on her lap. That is precious. The middle children are gradually learning the blessing of meeting the needs of the others and pitching in for the team's sake. It's all good...slow sometimes, but all good.
If you feel like joining in, post a sweet interaction you've seen between your children, or perhaps something a child has done to serve someone else this summer. All you momma's are doing a great job...the fruit may take time to mature, but it is maturing!!!!
Praying you all find JOY this week, even in something small~
Kathy
15 comments:
Thanks for the great reminder to look for the good things that God is growing in our children! You are so right~ the Godly things are the real things that matter. A sweet thing I caught our oldest daughter doing today was telling the younger ones how Jesus especially loves the little children then reading the passage out of the Bible to them. Sweet:)))
We had a moment this week when all 3 girls were home and in the kitchen cooking with me, helping each other get the meal on. Then we ate out on the porch and hung around and talked and laughed. I took a snapshot in my mind and heart, thinking about how this was a glimpse of what it will be like when they are all grown adult women. It brought tears to my eyes just being with them and everyone enjoying each other.
Hi there! I enjoyed reading through a bit of yours and your children's blogs. It's so nice to connect with other large Christian homeschooling families (we have 9--about the same ages as yours).
This past week I was blessed to see my 13 yr. old daughter teaching her younger cousin crocheting, baking, and making soap. My 10 yr. old daughter offered to hang up laundry on the line and picked up her little brother's book-spilling-mess. Other children have done little acts of service here and there--and it's so important we moms notice and appreciate these. Thanks for the reminder.
Hmmm....just today my two youngest were laughing and giggling as they covered themselves with soap bubbles from my wringer washer as I finished up the laundry.
All the children going with their brother to witness him turn up the first crop of his very own potatoes that they also helped him plant this spring and weed thru the summer. So sweet to see them all pitch in to help and cheer him on when time for the harvest.
Then there is the older sis who makes sure she daily reads to baby brother from the Psalms and Proverbs. You can find them on the big porch swing under the maple tree or on the trampoline.
3 almost grown daughters in the kitchen doing corn together....singing, talking, and laughing.
Listening to the children describe "true wealth" ~ (Having the Lord in your life and being truely redeemed, Working together on the farm with your family and learning from your parents, lots of hard work and all the good home grown food God has blessed us with!)
God has blessed us immensely!
Recently, two of our grandsons were visiting. My MIL lives with us now and is in a wheelchair. One or the other of the boys would go by and say, Mawmaw do you need me to push you somewhere? She was thrilled by the attention and I was so glad to see them "doing" for someone else.
Regina
Oh Kathy- We don't have a farm and I'm not a Momma- but you perfectly describe my house. The plain unromantic truth! In our house it's piles of stuff- mountains of laundry and dishes- I don't have a pig but I can just feel the nausea of all you described. I've been the sit in Momma this summer since my Mom started working and I'm done with college and I can say I've been pretty discouraged at how much I can't get done. I can't get all the dishes done AND play with my brothers for 2 hours AND go shopping with my sister AND do meals AND clean this room AND exercise for an hours AND AND AND! I think the devil was trying to make me stomp my love of everyday life. I keep thinking I have to get everything done so I can have that almighty "something" that isn't my work- but that something is just an idea- sure I'd like to sew more but can't I realize that what God asks me to do at THIS moment will be rich- dripping with love and joy no matter if it hurts or not? I love when my brothers ask me to pray with them and when my sister comes to talk to me in the kitchen but even when I don't get those little consolations I can still be on fire with love for His will- God's way is the way to the greatest love and joy- 100% of the time. Hope you have an awesome day being joyful in little things!!
Peace,
Rose
I LOVE reading these comments! See??? There is fruit and much to be thankful for!
Oh, so true! This time of summer I think everybody feels like giving up. Too hot. Too dry. Too monotonous. Ugh. BUT, what a great reminder to keep our focus on HIM!
Cute cute pic! :)
So nice to visit.
Love,
Lynnette
What a beautiful post. Last night as me and my boys got home from being gone all day...a long day (I started Nursing School and the kids stay with a girl from church) we came home got cleaned up and they were playing sooo good together. (sometimes brothers drive each other crazy:)) They were being loud and I wanted them to calm down, but I thought for a moment as I heard them laughing at each other soooo hard that I needed to let them have that time. They weren't bothering anyone pretending they were superheroes:) I love the innocent laugh. I love the blessings God has given my family and I pray that He will continue to guide me and help me be the person He wants me to be in every aspect of my life. Thank you for such a lovely post.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Thank you again Kathy for such a great post! I too, sometimes feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and is there is little progress. Thanks for the reminder tolook for those seemingly small things. God uses those as gems to keep our focus right.
I love it when Kelsey scoops up her littlest siblings and plays with them, records them, laughs with them, swings with them, and loves them! Joshua and Kelsey are best friends and show that daily in the way they treat each other and work together. Jeremiah and Jonathan will show sweet love and bring joy to my heart with hugs and notes to me as well as when they help each opther with challenges they each face! The smallest ones will bring me flowers or "admonish" one another. They play so well together, building with blocks together, and singing loudly, most of the time. The joy of watching them grow is such a blessing. God is GOOD! (Sigh) :) Good night sweet friend! I REALLY enjoy your family...
I am James McDermott. My wife Cindy and I have been blessed by God with 13 children. We also homeschool and above all, we are Christians. We recently started a website called Christian family meeting place (www.christianfamilymeetingplace.com). Many who hold our views are isolated and are looking for online fellowship, personal fellowship, churches, and even spouses. I am inviting you to register. It is free. If you're not interested, that is perfectly fine. May God bless you in all you do for Him. - In the Vine, Jim for Cindy and the rest
P.S. We also publish SALT Magazine. If you would like to check us out go to www.saltmagazine.com
Thank you so much for this inspiring message. Last week as we practiced for our small horse show, my son cheered on his big sister when her pony acted up. As she tried to get her act back together Jack yelled "Good job Sarah. You can do it!" I was teary.
Just last night I cuddled Jack and thought of how much I love and appreciate ALL of him - not just the good/cute parts... I always think that kids are doing the best they can with what they've got... Then it occurred to me that maybe I should go easier on myself as I know that's how the Lord views me! It was a quiet (and lovely) lightbulb moment. Guess the too tall weeds and piles of laundry don't mean I'm not a good wife and mother. I appreciate all you share here and hope you enjoy the end of your summer.
This was a really sweet post and I don't have kids yet, but I really enjoyed reading this. The photo of the sweet little one with arms folded on the table and head resting on top...was just too cute for words!!!! My dad brought me a bouqet of roses yesterday. The floral department at our grocery store can't sell day-old flowers, so he got them for free. They are still beautiful!!! Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
I love watching all my children play together. We're at the other end of the garden - I've just sent off my seed order in preperation for my garden. I will have to remember your advice around march next year.
Have a wonderful day
Renata:)
Bless You! I recently found your blog, and love it. I love this post. I feel the same way right now, although I don't have nearly as much stuff going on as you do! Keep up the great work!!!
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