I had read a similar suggestion in another book, so I finally got around to setting something up. I used a frame I had lying around, a piece of fabric, and some lace to make a bulletin board. I attached a quote I like about love and a couple of my favorite pictures of my husband and daughter. I hung it up on the wall where I would see it first thing in the morning, next to my bookshelf that holds my alarm clock, and the Bible and books I'm using for devotions, study and spiritual encouragement. I'm looking forward to adding a picture of the baby once she's born in a matter of weeks and maybe an updated picture of Leala after she turns 2!
As for buying a blank book and writing the child's story in it, adding to it every year as they grow, I would
to do that, but have never gotten around to starting Leala's. I bought a book for her I think before she was born, but I'm not very good at sitting down and doing scrap booking. Maybe the task seems so big and overwhelming that I don't even know where to start. But I
the idea and before too much more time passes, I hope to try this suggestion. The birthday scrapbook the character Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) has in the movie
Yesterday, while reading through chapter 1, I got inspired to create a centerpiece for our Women's Bible Study table from Sally's following quote:
I signed up to do the childcare this morning so I don't know what was discussed in the group concerning the chapter. However, I went ahead and wrote down what stood out to me from the chapter and answered the questions. Since I've already written down highlights from chapter 1 in my notebook for my once-a-month group, for this weekly study, I decided to write down a list of affirmations I noticed this time. So here's a glimpse into my notes:
♥
Affirmations:
"... motherhood, while demanding, is one of the most fulfilling and meaningful roles a woman can fill." (p. 8)
"The mother who reaches the heartfelt needs of her children by helping them feel loved and secure, by believing in their dreams, by noticing when they stray and gently steering them back in the right direction, and by teaching them what they need to know to live full and meaningful lives accomplishes a great work for the Lord." (p. 14)
"... those foundational years in the life of a child - those same years when I sometimes thought I was accomplishing nothing - have a lasting effect on almost every aspect of the rest of that child's life." (p. 14)
"A mother's relationship with her child is one that will encompass a lifetime. How blessed is a child who has that anchor of strength and support." (p. 14)
"The mission of motherhood is strategic in providing the next generation with wholehearted, emotionally healthy, and spiritually alive adults. It is not simply a lifestyle choice. It is a divine calling that will indeed affect eternity... in my acceptance of [H]is call, my children can rest in the peace and security of my commitment to them." (p. 16)
"God had a design in mind when [H]e created the family. When we follow [H]is instructions and design, we emerge as a productive, flourishing family. God's Word gives us the instruction manual to [H]is design." (p. 17)
For Thought and Reflection:
1. (Psalm 127:1) The success of a godly family is that
the LORD builds it. Anything we do that's not following God's path is done in vain (having no real value or significance; worthless, empty; without force or effect; futile, fruitless).
2. (Psalm 127:3) God views children as valuable as an inheritance (a heritage) and He has meant them to be a reward (a gift) from Him. This contrasts with the view that children are an inconvenience, an extra expense, a burden, an irritation, or a consequence. This verse is foundational for me as a mother, helping me keep a godly perspective when I'm tempted to feel otherwise.
3. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) The attitude the mother has in this verse is that she
cherishes her children. I really do count it a privilege to get to stay at home everyday with Leala and I feel like I can honestly say that I delight in my daughter daily. But I have to pray every morning that God would give me the love and patience I'll need to care for Leala that day. I do get frustrated and tired and have to rely on God for strength and wisdom to parent the way that's pleasing and glorifying to Him.
4. (Titus 2:4-5) The older women are supposed to teach the younger women good things including loving their husbands, loving their children, being discreet (able to make wise choices and decisions), pure, homemakers (managers of the home), good, and being obedient to their
own husbands. When we obey these standards, as I had heard it said once, we make God's Word attractive and I think we prove that God's Word is true like I read in my devotions recently, "As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the LORD is proven..." (Psalm 18:30).
Recommended Resources
I have been blessed over the years by the ministry of Revive Our Hearts, whether through their 20 minute radio programs or True Woman blog. This chapter reminded me of a few radio programs or blog posts that have ministered to me related to Psalm 127:3 and Titus 2:4-5. These resources have either encouraged me to be a better wife and mother or challenged the way I viewed having children:
![A Field[s] Day](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf18EGXS9I2hwJ1sc2VFM2-NZwk0VvqqRKKKmrx_CI9ZtdZKw9UQguR-SiZMzMeNZMLtYh3E9fPPOQQQg7hSO92425f7yjb5lDPc5EvEkTWMzNKS3240-RLKSl4KbzGLaP3HsKk1ENKH4/s900/blog_header.jpg)
