Learning

As parents we want to protect our children. I don’t like it when my son falls and hurts himself, the tears that I would so willingly avoid. Yet, there is part of me that wants Zach to know his limits so he can make a wise decision. Yes, my son is not yet two, I realise that this thinking can be fraught with danger but I do need to let him make some mistakes so that he can learn. I need to allow my son to get dirty, to explore, discover and then help him clean up afterwards. This may not be convenient for me, it will mean that I will have more washing but I need to consider what is more important. My son or housework…I think the answer is simple.
Having small children does take a lot of time and energy but what a privilege it is. A friend reminded me recently of this when we considered that there are many couples who are unable to have children. Life has changed significantly since my children came along. I am not free to come and go as I please but I am greeted with smiles, laughter and hugs from my children. These days have been ordained for me by God and I need His help and direction every day. As I cry out to my heavenly Father I know that He will see that I have no lack, He will provide all I need…not all that I want. He has blessed me with my husband and children but even more importantly, He has blessed me with the gift of His life. When you look towards Him who has created you and saved you, the things of this world pale in significance.

Ephesians 1:3, 7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us

Who are you..?

Our little girl is 11 weeks old, I can’t believe how quickly that time has flown by. I was watching her this afternoon as she gave me beautiful smiles and made cute little noises. I love hearing Zach call me “Mum” and I can’t wait to hear Annabelle’s voice too. As I was watching her I began to wonder who she will be. Each day she revealing different things, her personality is emerging and she is learning who she is in relation to us. She is a daughter and a sister, a precious gift girl created by God and entrusted to us. God has a plan and a purpose for her life and it is my prayer that she will fully fill this out.
The Lord also created me a daughter and a sister. I have also now been blessed to be made a wife and mother; I am also a friend. I know I spent many days wondering ‘who am I’ yet I am grateful to know my Creator who has settled this question. He has set the boundaries for me in pleasant places and I am at peace. I pray that Annabelle and Zach will know the plans that God has for them and that they will be at rest in their boundaries

Psalm 16:6 “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

Bickie

Little Zach is starting to use words. I love hearing him call “Mum” as he looks for me in the morning or when he’s waiting for me to watch him on the slide. Sometimes he’s just making random sounds and then a word slips out. We wanted to teach our little guy to use his manners so we taught Zach the sign for ‘please’. We even now occasionally hear a ‘pwease’ or a ‘pwease, pwease, pwease’ when he really wants something. Although he knows this word we now need him to know that it’s not a ‘magic’ word to get what he wants.
His other favourite word is ‘bickie’. Unfortunately more often than not it is said as a cry when he wants something to eat. He asks, he cries, he goes to the cupboard, he finds his bowl, he’s sure that if he persists that I will give in , change my mind and give him food. As his mum though, I know that he doesn’t always need what he wants. I love him dearly and showing him this love sometimes crosses his will. I hope that in time he will listen, understand and trust my direction. In my prayers I often ask God to answer my needs. I can go back to Him time and time again thinking that if I am consistent in my requests He will answer them. I know that God loves me, He sent His son to die for me. Will I now take the time to listen rather than talk? It is a challenge for me but I know this is not impossible. Just as I am waiting patiently for Zach to listen to me, I know God is waiting to me. Let me now hear His direction.

Joining Jesus' Prayer

What an exciting time of the year – school resuming. I know that for some children it’s not that exciting, but for new prep children this is something they have looked forward to for many months. I have noticed in the media recently there have been stories about children beginning school; some are triplets and others have overcome incredible obstacles from the beginning of their lives. Many of us have our own special ones who are very excited to begin school or kinder for the first time. This can be a daunting time for a parent, to send their precious child out into the big world without being there to watch over them and protect them. Jesus prayed to the Father for His disciples not long before He left this earth:

John 17:15“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one”.

Over the years this prayer has been a constant comfort to me, as I have joined Jesus in His prayer for my loved ones. To be able to pray for our precious children is a great work for us as parents and grandparents, that God’s hand be upon them in all situations, but especially that He would protect them from the evil influences of the world.

Joan Wills

A grandmothers heart

Recently we have had the joy of meeting our fourth grandchild, a beautiful little girl named Annabelle. What a most wonderful time in our lives. Many friends told us that being grandparents was great, but it was only with the experience that the true reality struck us. When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, two faithful and godly older people, Simeon and Anna, were waiting for the arrival of this special child. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took Him in his arms and praised God.

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