Looking forward to “seeing” the hope in Nicaragua next month!

Just about when I recently finished a lengthy reading “assignment” (a couple of books I agreed to read and found that I had to really push to finish) a book that was requested from our library arrived.

Cleaning House: A Mom’s Twelve Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Will Wyma arrived from the library at exactly the right time!  We’ve had a out of the ordinary spring this year, with snow and freezing temperatures pretty late, so our garden is several weeks “behind.”  Builder is away and I don’t enough hours in my days to get it all done, inside the house and out.

First off I need to tell you something.  Throughout the book the author discussed several areas where youth entitlement had unintentionally taken residency in her home.  As I read these, I was very blessed to think about my own children and realize, those particular areas are not ones where we struggle. It brings a great deal of joy to me when I think about how ready to give and serve our daughters are.

 (before it sounds as if I don’t think we have any struggles, it wasn’t long before different areas of “entitlement” came into view)

In any case, there were some great ideas that came from Cleaning House.  The first was the idea of meaningful work.

 Over the last year each of our youngest three daughters have sponsored a child through Compassion International.

These sponsorships came about through different circumstances and while our daughters are not old enough to “work” they found ways to try and cover the sponsorship.  We have been happy to make up the difference.

Janeth, Tanzania

This arrangement is fine, but we realized that they are very capable of working and caring for our yard this summer as a way of earning funds for the sponsorships.  And a meaningful work plan took shape.



Sreeshma, India

So, a master plan has been approved by all parties and the jobs have begun.  The girls are responsible for all of the gardens, mowing, sweeping, animal care and clean up.  They scheduled the days they work and have plenty of time for finishing school and other “summer” stuff.  We will pay them an hourly amount once per month that they will be able to use to purchase a cashier’s check to send for their Compassion sponsorships.

It is my hope that actually working for the funds to support these precious kids will reap a bountiful harvest for each of our daughters.

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life “its” name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

 What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?



Mueller State Park, Tree Chair

linking with Amanda

Despite my dislike of Christian romance fiction (or any romance fiction) over the past year I have read and reviewed several.  This spring I have been pleased to find two books of this genre that will go on the bookcase for my girls to enjoy in a few years time.

Like Sweet Sanctuary, The Promise Box delves deeply into the spiritual lives of the characters.  This is the part of every “story” that is told to me that I look for, “where is God’s hand, grace?  Where is His deliverance.”  It is refreshing read stories where the characters are doing the very thing I hope to be doing, what I encourage my children to do ~ to search their hearts, to seek God’s grace and direction for their lives.

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer is book 2 of the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.  An advance reader’s copy was provided to me by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my opinion.

My dreams for my children ~ For each to know the hope of the calling of the Lord.  For each to know the value of serving others and hard work.  For each to know she is loved beyond measure.

What are your dreams for your children?
 

In my life this week…Lots of mixed emotions.  Missing Beloved as he has headed to work for 5 straight weeks in the far North, dealing with anger issues at home, enjoying all the rain that has fallen, and the relief of Co-op being completed for this school year.  Group Impove & Piano performances.

In our homeschool this week…We wrapped up our Co-op classes and took a look at what we have left to finish overall.  Each daughter has a time line and  a list of items to finish.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…My sister and her family are planning on visiting us later this week.  We’re looking forward to lots of cousin time!

My favorite things this week were…the opportunities where I found myself alone with different children.  The piano recital and the group improve performance.

 

And the pink package that arrived on Thursday!

My kiddos favorite thing this week was…probably knowing just what they have to finish for this academic year and watching Wreck It Ralph ~ a surprise I blessed them with.

Things I’m working on…some deep cleaning and summer schedule planning.

I’m cooking…actually I’m planning how to bring my kids into the meal planning, preparing and clean up this summer.

I’m grateful for…grace and the hope of the Lord.

I’m praying for…my children and granddaughter to know the hope of God’s calling on their life.

I rewarded my kids this week by…picking up Wreck It Ralph from the library, and with popcorn & apples for dinner.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…

Dear Lesbia’s Mom,

It has been my hope for two years to be able to get on a plane and travel to Guatemala, to meet you, to tell you that you are not in this parenting thing alone.  I wanted to tell you that even though I am roughly 2500 miles away and we’ve never met, that I pray that God will hold you up.

And then the call came, your precious daughter, my sponsored child, left the Compassion program despite the encouragement of the staff.  I had noticed over the last few letters how Lesbia’s tone had changed from young and cheerful to sad and bordering on hopeless. 

Oh how I hope that you have not given up.

What is it like, trying to raise a daughter, alone without the support of a husband, in poverty, without enough?

I can only imagine the hopelessness that might try to settle in.  The loneliness that produces fear.  The simple reality of hunger and sickness that stamps out dreams.

Please don’t give up.

I will keep praying because I know One who spans distance, fills gaps and loves you.  He loves you and your children with a forever love.  I will pray that the seeds of truth which have been sown in your daughter will germinate and bring life to both of you. 

And while I probably won’t be able to get on that plane to Guatemala I’ll quietly remember you and pray that God will uphold you, supply you with enough.

Please don’t give up.