Enter His gates...

When we were in Lancaster last weekend, I saw a framed print of a gate with Psalm 100:4 on it. It made me think of some pictures of gates I have taken in Williamsburg.

 This one was too elaborate for my purposes.

 This just didn't evoke the right feelings.













This one was perfect.

Now to upload it to Zazzle and wait for a sale.

Everything in the Kitchen Sink

Many times in the last month, I have gotten frustrated by the never ending sink full of dirty dishes. It seems that by the time the dishwasher has been run and emptied, we have filled the sink and it starts again. I have actually been annoyed often in the last 20 plus years by the fact that vacuuming, dusting, laundry, dishes, etc. are never really finished. As a full time homemaker, mom, and homeschool "teacher", I rarely get to enjoy the fruit of my labors. The shining sink will be full of dirty dishes. The hamper will be full again. The cleaning will need to be done again next week. Lessons need to be planned and taught.

I have realized that I sometimes often have the wrong attitude about the things I do each day. Caring for my home and family full time is what God has called me to for now and I am grateful for the opportunity to pour myself into my husband's and children's lives. It can be a chore when I forget that  whatever I do should be done for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). I am reminded too of a verse about oxen in Proverbs (14:4). Here is my paraphrase for moms -Where there are no children, the kitchen is clean, but from the presence of family comes an abundance of joy. The needs of a family, especially when our children are young, can be overwhelming.

Day to day I don't see how the things I do make a difference, but as I look at our nearly grown children now, I see how my investment is bearing fruit. You may be discouraged today by an attitude, a cranky baby, tantrums, teenagers testing every limit, but you CAN do this. Don't stop working, investing, praying. We are so blessed that our children are becoming our friends. And I have almost worked myself out of a job - but that is another post for another day.

2 Cor 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.