Family Growth 4

My oldest daughter has decided she wanted to take over on the next step to our family growth.  She has decided that since her farther and I are going to start bible study at church on Thursday nights, that she would also have bible study lessons with her younger siblings on those same nights.  She also wants to alternate the nights she does it every couple weeks to include me and Brian, which I thought was a great idea. She thought some days she would elaborate on what they read in their daily devotional and also other things that speak to her heart and want them to benefit from too. 

I can't even begin to tell you how this makes me feel!  I am so proud of her and even more grateful to God for blessing her the way He has.  Sometimes as a parent I worry that my children may feel I'm forcing God down their throats to the point that they will turn from Him or even worse resent Him, but nothing could be further from the truth.  They love Him and grow to love and honor Him more and more as time goes by.  When they pray they understand that it's not just about asking God for this or that, but they understand the need for selflessness and praying for others and their needs. 

The prayer board is still thriving and daddy has started to add things to the board too, this the kids love.  Most weeks by the second or third day the board is full.  It amazes me sometimes the things they put up there.  The thoughtfulness and sincerity is just so heartwarming and we love when we can see a prayer being answered and thank God together for His blessings.  Some days I think I learn more from my children than they could possibly be learning from me. 

I have to admit that from time to time my younger two forget to read their daily devotional in the mornings, but read them instead when they come home from school.  Sometimes they have questions and I enjoy hearing their take on what they have read.  Most times they understand, but every once in awhile I'll have to explain it a little simpler for them.

Praying individually with them is teaching me more and more about my babies.  It helps me see what's on their little minds on a daily basis and what they hold dear and important to their hearts. It also shows me how God is speaking to them. They have even asked me what they can pray with me about.  Now that, I don't need to tell you, has brought me to tears. 

Sitting back and seeing how God is working in the life of my family is beyond what mere words could ever explain.  My family has been through some things.  Things that should have torn us apart, separated and even destroyed us, but my God saw different for us.  I have back slid and there have been times where I felt it all hopeless, but I could never stay away from Him for too long.  He has been too good to me not to praise Him and serve Him with my life. My family and I are living witnesses to His grace, mercy and unfailing loving kindness.