With my Fist Full of Arrows

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Her Very Own

I have been planning and dreaming of decorating Lyla's bedroom since we started building our house. Actually, probably LONG before that. Nonetheless, it is finished. And I really like it... Oh wait, it is not for me. She really likes it. :)

Finding a good deal just makes me plum happy. The pink chandelier above was a Craigslist find. Already painted and ready to be hung. How cute and girly is that?

We had some scrap trim pieces left from the house, so I made some picture frames and painted them pretty colors to display her art, letters from friends, or family pictures.

The flags are from her birthday party decorations. Scrapbook paper triangles hung on hemp twine. I saved them with baby girl's room in mind.

ONE ROOM DONE! I can mark that off my list. :)

Happy day everyone!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Blessing

I was reading a book I borrowed, from a dear sweet friend, regarding motherhood and its purpose. I like to really read, re-read, and ponder on books like these hoping to let them sink in and really change me for the better. Well, this one has some questions to think, write, and reflect about at the end of each chapter. One of these questions and coordinating scriptures has given me a whole new light about my children.

The Question: Read Psalm 127:3. What does this verse imply about the ministry of motherhood?

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?

    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

First, I let myself see that my children are my weapon (vs 5). Weapon? YES! They are my fist full of arrows. Just think for a moment about the child-like faith our children have. They have faith in us, their parents, faith in the world, faith in tomorrow, faith in good; they do not fear (unless they are taught too); they are full of laughter and joy; they are filled LOVE right from the womb. What could be more dangerous to the enemy than these things? Our children bring us back to a place where faith is expected, goodness reigns, and fun is... well, common! I believe this is why life tends to be so BUSY in today's world. The enemies way of keeping us from using our weapons. And busyness is expected and respected in most cultures. Think of a warrior with a FIST FULL of arrows. Seems silly to think about them not being used.

Just seeing those gleeful smiles shuts out any darkness. A fist full of arrows...

Then I re-read (like I do) and notice that I am blessed because I am a parent. Because I have children, I have blessings. My Lyla and Micah are my blessings.

My rewards.

My prizes.

Grab a hold of this and let it rock your world. 'Cause let's face it, the worldly view of children is messy, loud, dirty, annoying, time consuming, and expensive. But our Father says that my babies are my PRIZE!!

I felt His anointing poor over me as I grasped this concept. And I am holding on for dear life. I never want to forget that Lyla and Micah and any other babies we may have are my reward. They are my BLESSING. and therefore, I have begun addressing them as my blessing out loud. Instead of saying "sweety" or "darling", I say "blessing".

It reminds me of my ministry as a mother, it keeps my focus on my Father's view of children, and it lets my blessings know that they are just that... a blessing.