Growing Joys

Often I lament at the rapid rate my children are growing up. The cliché, "they grow up so fast," is alarmingly true.

 

And there are many days I wish my kids would not grow up. But last night I caught a glimpse of the joy of growing and maturing children.

 

This is the first year they were able to help put up the Christmas tree.

 

It was delightful!

 

One, the tree was put up in about half the time and two, the joy in their eagerness to serve was wonderful.

 

In the past it's been a lonely endeavor, often dreaded. But this year, because my children are older and able to help, it was delightful.

 

And I am thankful for a glimpse of the joy of aging children.

 

Because the world tells us the best is behind us when our kids emerge from the preschool years. I hear this frequently when we're out running errands. I'm sure you do too.

 

It's a lie.

 

Last night was a gift from the Lord as He showed me differently in such an ordinary way.

 

And it gave me a lot to look forward to.

While Mommy's Teaching...

So many of you all have asked Mommy:

 

"What do you do with Kate while you are teaching Hannah and Grant?"

 

I'm guessing you are expecting some helpful answers like these:

 

She's doing a folder game.

 

She's identifying her ABCs.

 

She's stringing beads.

 

She's coloring by number.

 

Or cutting out her shapes and sorting them.

 

I'm afraid Mommy didn't get that kind of kid.

 

And I didn't get that kind of mom.

 

 

And so, I'll give you the honest answer.

 

I cut my hair.

"Butcher" may be more appropriate.

 

I also enjoy rummaging through Hannah's things.

 

Sometimes those "things" may include lotion, pink lotion, and sometimes I may "accidentally" pour that bright pink lotion all over the carpet in our room.

 

I also have a knack for stirring Molly up to where she runs rampant through the downstairs while howling.

It's amazing.

 

And some days, when all of this is just too much for Mommy, I get to watch Dora.

 

So that's the "REAL" answer to your question.

 

Like it or not.

 

On the bright side,

at least I have something to show for all my "activities." And unlike most pieces of work, this one will last for quite some time.

 

 



Uninhibited Joy

 ^"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"

Cross references:

1. Revelation 21:4 : See ch. 7:17
2. Revelation 21:4 : [ch. 20:14; 1 Cor. 15:26]
3. Revelation 21:4 : Isa. 35:10; 51:11; 65:19

Revelation 21:4,5

 

Watching my children's joy reminded me of the joy the children of God will experience when we are united with our Savior and are no longer weighed down by sin.

 

UNINHIBITED JOY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come, Lord Jesus.

If Plasma Cars Were an Extreme Sport

If plasma car-ing were an extreme sport, it'd look like this:

 

 

 

Extreme speed ushering you down a steep hill that then catapults you over the curb forcing you to maneuver your car with finesse to avoid toppling over.

 

 

 

It's not for the faint of heart.

 

We like to tell mom that it's building great driving skills before we're even old enough to reach the pedals.

 

Just think of the cat-like reflexes we're developing.

 

A stormy, windy, wet, full of traffic environment will be a piece of cake thanks to the Plasma Car.

 

And Mom and Dad thought this was all just for fun.