God's calling

I must start by stating that I am quite preoccupied as I write this... a sweet, beautiful little girl is sitting next to me, cooing and smiling up at me :)

I've been rather up-to-my-neck in children lately, but found refreshed joy in raising them after a conversation with a friend. We talked about how we are not to just train behaviors, but cultivate men and women of God... we are to look for God's calling on their lives, and join with Him in that. Here's what I see in my children:

We bought the boy new bibles recently- they were QUITE excited about it!

Jonathan has always been very vibrant! From his earliest months he has loved people, and music. He is a DO-er, full of energy, questions and ideas. In him I see leadership, intelligence, and a deep, deep capacity for understanding spirituality. Currently I'm training him on how to use his energy in productive ways, and to be responsible for his own actions. He is learning how to lead his brother into good behavior. His prayers are deepening, as he expresses love to God. He loves to sit in front of Daddy's giant speaker and sing along to praise music. Jonathan is called to lead others to the Father, and I am called to train him in preparation.

Henry is our very passionate boy! He is noisy, both in frustration/sadness, and in excitement/joy. He loves animals, loves to sing, and loves his siblings. He is an encourager/ exhort-er, with a great capacity for passion and compassion. He is learning to use his passion for others instead of for himself, and to speak "wholesome talk" (yes, I make him say it :) ). He LOVES his new bible, and likes to stand tall and talk loud, holding his bible in front of him (teaching the invisible masses). Henry is called to great compassion, and I am called to train him in preparation.

monster trucks are "the thing" right now!

Evelyn's life had a very direct purpose: to point to the Father. I still often see wisps of things God has placed in my life that show me that He hasn't forgotten me. The other day Henry brought me a rose (just the flower it's self, no stem :) ). Since it didn't have a stem, I didn't put it in a vase... so when we decided to go for a walk, I found it still resting in the cupholder on my stroller. It struck me as we were walking that all FOUR of my children were with me: Jonathan and Henry on their tricycles, Ruby in the stroller, and Evelyn was represented by a beautiful pink rose. I have not forgotten her, and neither has the Father :)

the little Rose that God conveniently placed to remind me that He cares :)

Ruby was literally born with laughter! She was very, very active during pregnancy, and even kicked intensely during hard labor (weird!!). She has spunk and intensity in her eyes. She smiles SO, SO much, and we often hear her laugh in her sleep! She sits and intently watches me, every moment she's awake. I see joy and love in her. She has laughter spoken over her life, and I am thrilled to train her toward the kingdom!