A Work So Noble

"Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into its soul to see its possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life...she would see that in all God's world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers and she would commit to no other's hands the sacred and holy trust given to her." JR Miller

As I read this, I wonder, what in this life can compare to the feeling of spending each day with my sweet baby? What is worth sacrificing the time I am able spend cuddling him, talking to him, helping him learn and grow, enjoying his smile, learning what each facial expression means, and loving on him as he begins to love back? The answer: Nothing. Nothing is worthy of that sacrifice. Not money, or a career; not a bigger home or more expensive clothing; not the empty satisfaction that comes from placing other duties above the calling to be a keeper at home.

The fact is, God has given me an immense responsibility in the raising and training of my son. How I choose to do this will directly affect the man he becomes. If I am home with my child, I have the best opportunity to ensure that he is being trained in the way God is leading me (through His word) to train him. I consider it a joy to be given this noble work and am thankful that God has laid out the best plan to accomplish all that was entrusted to me when my son, Levi Joseph, was placed in my arms.

Jessica

Grace

Indescribable grace fills this heart until it is bubbling over. His grace saturates and illuminates the life of this unworthy sinner. And the words won't come. No mere words to pour out this uncontainable joy and gratitude and thanksgiving. Just tears of bliss trail down my face. These tears are my offering, my praise to the Giver of life. I pray that these tears express the words I cannot speak.

Levi Joseph

gift from God ...
healthy...
beautiful...
precious son of my beloved daughter

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged..." Proverbs 17:6

Three Questions

Lamb of God

Promises with Patience

Patience. It brings such blessings in life, yet living it out can be a struggle to achieve. We aren't the first to face the challenges patience brings. Sarah wanted a child so badly, but she began to doubt that God would fill this void in her heart. Because of the doubt, she decied to take matters into her own hands. Making a dire compromise, she caused herself more heartache. Through her mistake we learn a vital lesson. God's best comes in God's time, not ours!

The Lord has a plan and purpose for our lives, and we trust that He is attentive to each detail. We rest in the promise that He will give us the desires of our heart. Of course, those desires will be met according to His sovereign plan. Being the carnal creatures we are, we would like to know the timeline He has lain out. Our lives revolve around time. From birth to death, wake to sleep, we tend to get wrapped up in clocks and calendars. We like an element of predictability in the spontaneity of life.

Sometimes, after we have prayed that the Lord will grant us the desires of heart, we begin to think He isn't listening. I'm guilty of stumbling into this state of mind. But like Sarah, I've learned that God is listening, He does care, and He has a perfect plan for each of us. That's what I want, His best. I trust in His promises. I pray for great patience.

Autumn is Whispering

Yes, the leaves are green, though not as crisp in color as I observed a few weeks past. As I sit this evening, gazing out my closed windows I can almost hear the leaves rustling as wind caresses each tree. Long shadows are cast on the already browning grass. I picture the sun setting, dipping below tall trees and finally disappearing behind the dried stalks of corn.

It is all too delightful to let what my eyes drink in quench all five senses. I pick myself up and, one by one, I open each window in my red farmhouse. The breeze of this 73 degree evening embraces me as a companion at the end of a long absence, greeting me with refreshing familiarity. I notice the air smells not of summer anymore, but that leafy, early fall scent floats in and soothes me as I inhale deeply.

Though this autumnal visit may be brief for now, it's as if autumn is whispering, I'll soon return to bring you breezy days and cool nights, scents of burning leaves and mulled cider, and the beauty of colorful trees, rustling, all exclaiming the majesty of the LORD.

Jessica