As we are trying to finish school (and still enjoy it), I have to admit that we have not been sticking to our 'routine'. I think we all benefit from having a routine. As we were getting started I realized that I had not done our Character book that we just bought called Get Wisdom!: 23 Lessons for Children about Living for Jesus. It a great little book that teaches kids how God
wants us to live and has great hands on activities you can do. Last week it was on Orderliness. Well, we failed to finish the small little lesson so we did it again this week. It was very fitting because this week just flowed into a very heartwarming week, for me. I think kids don't really realize they are misbehaving until they see how "thankful" and "grateful" they are when
prompted by God's touch.
This was the activity from "Get Wisdom". It was clear as day for my son to see that this sentence would not make sense if it was not in order. It led us into a loooooong discussion about almost everything in our lives. Even as we "pray" for their baby sister they would love to have. My youngest asked if I could "buy him a baby sister". Well, it's not all that simple babe! They understood that it is in God's timing in His perfect order.
Off to more order in our week! We went on our nature walk and they boys picked their favorite leaves that had fallen, taking great care to leave anything that is still alive and growing. We took pictures of their favorite flowers and birds we saw. We studied them and wrote about them in our Nature Journal for science.
And..... some of the best ORDER of the week! I love this blog and just held my breath when I saw her post for this day
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/04/how-to-help-raise-grateful-kids/
I have been thinking, as I am sure most of you have, "what am I doing wrong?". Well, our little book "Get Wisdom" redirected us a couple weeks ago, in realizing that we needed our ORDER back. Thank you Jesus for Your Wisdom and Your Grace!
Perspective can always adopt gratitude — and gratitude always parents joy. - A Holy Experience
Every day I have asked my son to write on a sticky note what he is thankful for. I rearranged our chore/correction/scripture wall and used my black board to allow him to post his notes. I printed a "thank you" picture and placed it at the top. If you go to the link above, you will also see a link to print out a booklet she calls "7 Gifts - good & perfect". I have been writing what I am thankful for on this. I was able to share with my son what I was thankful for as he was writing his.
This was the ultimate heart warming moment for me. To look back at our week and see what my son was thankful for. Mama and Papa (us), Awana's (Church kids group), our house, Jesus and God, and lastly our walk today.
Today from my daily devotional, "Streams in the desert".
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.(Psalm 25:14 KJV)
There are certain secrets of God's providence He allows His children to learn. Often, however, at least on the surface, His dealings with them appear to be harsh and hidden. Yet faith looks deeper and says,"This is God's secret. You are looking only on the outside, but I look deeper and see the hidden meaning."
Remember, diamonds are found in the rough, and their true value cannot be seen. And when the tabernacle was built in the wilderness, there was nothing ornate about its outward appearance. In fact, the outer covering of the thick hides of sea cows gave no hint of the valuable things inside.
Dear friend, God may send you some valuable gifts wrapped in unattractive paper. But do not worry about the wrappings, for you can be sure that inside He has hidden treasures of love, kindness, and wisdom. If we will simply take what He sends and trust Him for the blessings inside, we will learn the meaning of the secrets of His providence, even in times of darkness. A. B. Simpson
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Proverbs 31:13-18 "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands....She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."
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