"A man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

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Saturday, September 5, 2009

To Train Up A Child...

We had a surprise birthday party for Gabrielle today...Pictures soon to come, and I enjoyed watching the reaction of others when they saw my very dramatic 10yr. old cry when she received her new saddle and all the special things people brought her. Her Auntie Katy and Uncle Justin brought Gabrielle's horse, Dart, to give rides to all the kids, and she was just beaming...wanting to watch everyone ride and find joy in her horse. Abraham and Ezra picked out their favorite toys to give her, and Isabelle gave her only 2 quarters to Gab on her special day. One mom at the party said, "your kids look like best friends." You know those moments you have with you children when you just feel your chest compress and you have to hold back tears? It was one of those moments.
10 years has gone by so quickly and she will be considered an adult in less time than that. God is so good. I see what beautiful children I have...not outwardly, but their hearts. They are so good and pure and it is beyond me why even after 10 years in my home that Gabrielle is still so kind, loving, forgiving and compassionate. She, to my utter relief, has shown absolutely no interest for boys...other than she is already praying that the husband God has planned for her would save his first kiss for their wedding day. Seriously, how did she end up like that? Abraham would give his left arm for anyone around him...even on the soccer field when the "popular" boys beg him to come hang out with them, he says, "no, that's okay, I'll stay with him."
I have only 1 explanation...God and His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. I know by my children that my God loves me. He hears my prayers every time I fail my family, and every morning when I beg him to give me a heart of compassion, patience and kindness toward my children and husband. I know God forgives me and shows me grace and mercy just by who my children are becoming. Sure we have those "off" days that remind me that we are all not perfect, but He holds their hearts in His hands.
I am so richly blessed and so undeserving of the blessings! What a Mighty God we serve!

5 comments:

Too Many Kids In The Bathtub said...

Oh Rossie! What a beautiful post! This is such an amazing answer to prayer. And proof of the ways the Lord works when you lovingly submit to your husband and pour your life into your family! Love your family! Again, wish we were closer!

CaraBenjamin said...

Knowing you since grade school I'd have to say I'm not surprised how wonderful your children are. You are a great mom!

Shannon said...

I find that my oldest daughter is wonderful in most ways in spite of my failures. My other children are as well... we have some issues, of course. But it is my oldest daughter that I get concerned with because she is my first.... my guinea pig for my mothering skills. Somehow she is great though....

Lynette said...

What a great post. You are such a good example to your kids it is no wonder that they are so wonderful!

Rossie said...

It's all God...believe me! i fail miserably every single day!