Can I tuck my children into a verse purse?
For it is they who bring scripture to life in my heart, watering its parched surface, soaking in deep... this mama who is weary, yet happy; busy, yet peaceful; harried, and yet oh so thankful for what the Lord plants in His time... His Word, rooted deep, springs to my lips on a daily basis in the presence of my little ones. No new memorization here, only the snippets that have stayed with me through the years.
Gideon. My little man. I count them... four dimples on the hand that holds tight to my blouse as he nurses. I feather them... eyelashes that swoop across rounded cheek, my finger separating them in a caress. I inhale them... the scents so universal, yet still individual to my little man; sour milk, baby sweat, toe jam...
Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Eliana. My Eliana. A princess-to-be, but not yet. For now, we talk of being a lady; how one should speak, how one should work, how one should serve... and how one should show gratitude. She pirouettes through my kitchen, her sparkly tutu twirling and slipper-shod foot pointed in arabesque. She is beautiful, and she knows it. Who made you, Eliana? "God did!" she declares, flinging her arms wide. "He said, 'I will make an Eliana!' Thank you, God!"
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman (a lady!) who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Micah. My steady, dependable boy. Never stingy with his soft, squishy hugs and even more generous with his smiles. I watch as he walks in his brother's shadow (sunlight!), content to gather all of his ideas from Corban. But here and there, bits and pieces of original Micah are beginning to appear. I pray over his heart, that it would seek to follow after Someone even greater...
Deuteronomy 8:66
Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and revering Him.
Corban. This boy-turning man before my eyes. Smile that rivals the very sun greets me in the morning, and unexpected kisses pepper my cheek all day long. What's next? he asks, What will we do, where will we go next? Are you SURE this is the right way? A planner, this one, to the extent that he worries so. Trust us, child. We shall do what is best, by the grace of God. Bring peace, patience to his heart, Father...
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
These verses, they are short. They are well-known, and yet they retain their profundity, even to this memorizationally-challenged mama! (See? I don't even think that's a word! There's no more room there, I tell you!)
So, until my mind has a corner clear for new additions, I will be grateful for the Word that already resides there, and be thankful to a God who knows my heart and understands.
For it is they who bring scripture to life in my heart, watering its parched surface, soaking in deep... this mama who is weary, yet happy; busy, yet peaceful; harried, and yet oh so thankful for what the Lord plants in His time... His Word, rooted deep, springs to my lips on a daily basis in the presence of my little ones. No new memorization here, only the snippets that have stayed with me through the years.
Gideon. My little man. I count them... four dimples on the hand that holds tight to my blouse as he nurses. I feather them... eyelashes that swoop across rounded cheek, my finger separating them in a caress. I inhale them... the scents so universal, yet still individual to my little man; sour milk, baby sweat, toe jam...
Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Eliana. My Eliana. A princess-to-be, but not yet. For now, we talk of being a lady; how one should speak, how one should work, how one should serve... and how one should show gratitude. She pirouettes through my kitchen, her sparkly tutu twirling and slipper-shod foot pointed in arabesque. She is beautiful, and she knows it. Who made you, Eliana? "God did!" she declares, flinging her arms wide. "He said, 'I will make an Eliana!' Thank you, God!"
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman (a lady!) who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Micah. My steady, dependable boy. Never stingy with his soft, squishy hugs and even more generous with his smiles. I watch as he walks in his brother's shadow (sunlight!), content to gather all of his ideas from Corban. But here and there, bits and pieces of original Micah are beginning to appear. I pray over his heart, that it would seek to follow after Someone even greater...
Deuteronomy 8:66
Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and revering Him.
Corban. This boy-turning man before my eyes. Smile that rivals the very sun greets me in the morning, and unexpected kisses pepper my cheek all day long. What's next? he asks, What will we do, where will we go next? Are you SURE this is the right way? A planner, this one, to the extent that he worries so. Trust us, child. We shall do what is best, by the grace of God. Bring peace, patience to his heart, Father...
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
These verses, they are short. They are well-known, and yet they retain their profundity, even to this memorizationally-challenged mama! (See? I don't even think that's a word! There's no more room there, I tell you!)
So, until my mind has a corner clear for new additions, I will be grateful for the Word that already resides there, and be thankful to a God who knows my heart and understands.
8 fellow travelers shared:
I needed a verse to link to for my latest post and gave up and posted without one but then I came here and Corban's verse is PERFECT so I shamelessly steal...God's Word SHARP and TIMELY.
Thank You.
Kate
Such a beautiful post... a balm for this Momma... God is so good, His paths are right...
Blessings, dear one.
Love this post. Love those kids.
Hi Elise :) This is so beautiful! Love & hugs, Q
Love this post! Just finished nursing my little man while I read.
I love your last paragraph....when my mind has a corner clear for new additions....I so echo that.
God does know and gives grace upon grace. Now I need to heed my own words :o)
Beautiful...
thanks for the reminder about your bookshelf to the right. After browsing the other day, I reserved several at the library. We just picked up a stack this morning. Can't wait to dig in! Thanks for the suggestions.
Oh, I just love reading your blog. It always puts it back into perspective for me. Squeezes my heart til tears overflow. Thank you. :)
As always, I love that you can actually transfer these thoughts into writing. I guess that's why I read your blog so much (well, besides that I love and miss you): that you so often put into writing things that I myself feel and think. ...I think, "no one knows my kids like I do...the ever changing shape of their characters, all the tiny details that make them who they are," but then- I know One does, and I'm so glad!
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