On Love, Part 1

I absolutely love Doorposts materials! We have used several of their Bible Studies, and I have done the Bible Studies for Busy Mama's. 

This fall, I decided it was time to do their Walk In Love study on 1 Corinthians 13. 

Liberty, Mama and Ruby Christmas 2015

My children needed to know what love really is. I was weary of the bickering, and arguing. They were being selfish and unkind.
The funny thing is, when I see the need for specific training in my children, God uses it to teach me what I need.
1 Corinthians 13 says:

Of course I love my family. Right? Or, do I really love them as God has called me to love? We started the study so my children could learn to be patient with each other.

We will all be sinned against. We will, I promise. How I respond shows how well I understand what God did for me. He sent His only son to die for my sins. Psalm 86:15 tells us that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (emphasis mine) God wants all of us to come to repentance. How is my impatience hindering my children from repenting?

Jesus was willing to die for me because of His great love for me. Shouldn't I be willing to suffer the smaller wrongs that others have committed against me?

I know this is not a great revelation, nor, is it deep theological study. However, it pierced my heart. It convicted me that my being upset (impatient) was a speed bump, or perhaps even a mountain the way of my children being sanctified and knowing Christ as their personal savior.  I was not being a good example of how Christ loved me. How were they to know and demonstrate patience when it wasn't being modeled for them?

From Doorposts: "Before we can love with a godly love, we need to meet love. We need to experience love. We need to understand how deeply we are loved." I  still have a long way to go, but remembering that God IS love helps me to love better.

I will fail, I do fail, daily. God is teaching me to be quick to repent, to humble myself and apologize, and to make things right. In doing so, I am able in the smallest of ways to teach my children of God's great love for them.

Provision

The blog has been very quiet for over a year now. I have written numerous posts in my head, but they never seem to make it past my brain. 

I am in a season of Provision. God Provides for me, He gives me strength, He gives me rest, He provides wisdom, He provides my every breath. I am learning to trust Him completely. 

I have been busy. I love a busy full schedule. I also enjoy down time. The past year I have seen many babies enter this world. 

I also welcomed my first grandson. I took 2 of my children with me to Minnesota for 11 days. I learned that 2 children were no less work than 8! 

I homeschooled 6 children and had a very busy toddler. I forgot how busy toddlers are. It almost seemed easier when I had a bushel of toddlers.

I learned how to knit, how to quilt, and how important reading glasses are. 

This photo was taken in White Salmon, WA this weekend,
just as we were about to go in to the church for Sean's Uncle Bob's funeral. 

The most important thing I have seen this year is God's faithfulness. He has continued to provide for my every need, and even many of my wants.
I have a whole series of posts (in my head) about what God has taught me this year on love.
Stay tuned, I hope to share with you all that I have been learning.