[box]”No character is built right and true if the builder has not in their mind a picture of what they want to be. The pattern for good character must be chosen carefully. The carpenter will not undertake a pretty cottage from the blue prints of a rustic farmhouse. Nor can a girl (or a boy) build right true character if they pattern themselves after those who do not live right and true (according to scripture).”
(~ paraphrase from Beautiful Girlhood pg.32)[/box]
Once I looked into the face of a little girl, sweet with rosy cheeks and bright eyes under a lacy bonnet. She would squeal with excitement whenever daddy would lift her high. Her favorite thing was the M&M jar far above her reach. This little girl loved picnics and falling asleep next to mommy.
Soon this little girl became a little lady, blooming into womanhood and I stop…slowing myself down… try as I may to stop time. Could this be my sweet little one who I loved to carry in my arms ever so often? She is growing…collecting vintage hats, and squealing at the lacy doily and high heels at our local thrift store. Her favorite color is still pink and she is always the first one to help pack a picnic. M&M’s are not her favorite anymore and she dreams of the day when her little girl could be dressed in her own bonnets. Her face is smiling!
Every little girl is full of smiles and sunshine on her face. She is a fountain of joy as she grows and discovers her beauty. Out of those many young years capturing those moments of my little girl I see there is a new hope in my heart. A new challenge, a calling from her father in heaven. She has learned to walk, learn to talk, and learned to sleep all by herself. I now need to teach her all about God’s grace, his mercy, forgiveness, and love beyond any I can ever give. I need to teach her how to become beautiful in the eyes of her Lord.
Through the years of watching her grow our family has increased by two more children. Boys. At first life was full of balls and blocks…climbing and jumping…running and splashing. They were cute in their bow ties and slacks carrying their little Bibles into church. They never stayed on the picnic blanket but tried to catch as many bugs as they could venturing off into the far side of the yard. Soon days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and then before I knew it my little guys were becoming little men. They were using hammers and nails, racing hot wheels and now ask many questions about their Bibles which are a little bigger now. They still jump, splash, run and climb but with so much adventure in mind, creating different places to go.
We begin talking now-all four of us. About God’s plans, God’s will and what is on their hearts. I teach them the basics in Math and English. We study History and I explain Geography. Today was different. I thought about the future-their lives and the generations I will be impacting by what I instill in their hearts. I thought about our convictions and the desire to give them a passion for each one of those so they will pass them along. I decide to begin a new part of our day. A time when I sit with my daughter alone, and then with the boys. Reading and reflecting on wisdom of those who have gone before us. Inspiring them to become strong men and woman of God. I search out to find resources-spiritual resources that will give each one confidence in the calling to live under the standards we have given them from scripture.
[box]”The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delights in all of his ways.”
~Psalm 37:23[/box]
The moments we share together are priceless. My daughter and I read Beautiful Girlhood by: Shelley Noonan and Kimberly Zach. Over tea in fancy cups I listen to her heart. She asks hard questions and shares her innermost secrets. I am in awe of the privilege to be there-side by side with my beautiful girl. We call it “Tea Time”.
Later that day my boys excitedly sit awaiting for their turn. My oldest runs to the bookshelf and brings our newest book “Created for Work” by Bob Schultz to my side. Over homemade cookies we talk. I hear their questions and listen to them pray with such passion. I cherish seeing my youngest in my lap and hearing my oldest son with a desire to be a missionary. We call this “Cookie Time.”
Throughout the week I make time for these moments. A way to build character in each of them. Choosing carefully resources that can help us down the path of Christ-likeness.
I have a picture in my head of who I want them each to be…a woman and man after God’s own heart. And I pray…I hope what I am giving them is enough…I sit and watch another day go by. I cling to God’s promises and rest in his assurance… He is faithful. And I invite you to find these moments, being careful of the influences you bring in to their little and big hearts. And I would like to share with you a new recipe we are hoping to try this week!
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The Best GF Chocolate Chip + PB Cookies
(from my dear friends The Brookshire Family)
Ingredients:
1 cup of brown sugar Directions:
1/2 cup butter, softened Preheat oven to 325 F. Combine the brown sugar, PB and butter
1/4 cup Peanut Butter in large bowl. Beat until fluffy-about 3-4 minutes. Beat in eggs and
1 large egg vanilla extract until fluffy-about 2 minutes.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Dump in the dry ingredients (all but choc. chips) and mix until smooth.
1 3/4 cups of GF Flour blend Add chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
1 teaspoon baking powder Form into balls (you can use a 1″ scoop) and place on parchement
1/2 teaspoon baking soda paper about 2 inches apart. Bake at 325 for 9 minutes until the top
1/4 teaspoon salt becomes slightly brown. Allow to cool for 3-4 minutes on the cookie
1 cup chocolate chips panbefore gently lifting them onto a cooling rack.
*Special Note to all my Non-GF friends….to use whole wheat or all purpose flour in substitute for the GF flour blend (making it NON-Gluten Free), you can use the same amount for the replacement!
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Keep and eye out for those little blessings this week as you disciple your children!
Dawn
Dawn is a wife to a strong man of God for almost 12 years and they homeschool their three children. She finds joy in teaching her children all of God’s ways, organizing, and rearranging. She loves rescuing cast-of pieces of history and repurposeing them as a way to add beauty in her room. She is working on starting her own home business, and loves to inspire other woman and mothers to find the beauty in the simple things all around them. Whether it is the giggle from her youngest who gets to lick the homemade jam off the spoon, or a midnight hug. She is beginning her journey to whole foods, going GF, and Dairy free. She is inspired to become content with the simple life the Lord has blessed her with, and realizes this can only be done through God’s grace. Ultimately she is vessel, hand carved by the Lord for His will.
