Monday, November 07, 2011

growing little men


some days it's easier, some days it's harder.  this task of parenting two small boys.  stomping feet.  attitudes.  rolling eyes.  no, they're not sixteen.  yet.

the days of diapers and night-time feedings are past.  those days were exhausting.  these days are taxing.  it's not enough that we are all fed, dressed and alive.  no, it's much more than that- we have to be sure we're shaping souls for the kingdom.

and i am grateful that the One (who first was Father) is by my side.  He is the one who teaches me, and His word is what instructs me on this parenting journey.

so, some things i am thankful for on this Monday-

-- a playground at the hotel just down the road
-- a Sabbath afternoon out with my boys
-- smiles in the sunshine
-- curious Ugandan kids


-- silly faces to pass the time
-- crazy giggles

-- this beautiful culture
-- rhythm. drums. flutes.
-- dancing. life. color.

-- best brothers
-- cheesy smiles
-- only 19 months apart

-- You, Father, my guide on this journey
-- Your promise to me and to my boys- "Obey My voice and I will be your God, and you shall be My people, and walk in all the ways I have commanded you, that it may be well with you." -Jeremiah 7:23
-- Your goal for these boys: "that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:17
-- my prayer:  "let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord..." -Jeremiah 9:24 may they glory in the knowledge of You- and really know You!
-- my privilege: to labor with You in the shaping of their souls.


12 comments:

  1. I love reading your Monday posts - they are such a beautiful and gentle reminder for me to never forget how easy I have it here in the States. My two middle daughters are 20 months apart and I like to watch them interact. Your words are so honest and loving and I appreciate how you wove the Scripture into how you're raising your sons for His kingdom. Lovely - all of it! Blessings to you!

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  2. What a beautiful list, Kelly. I'm raising a young son, too - after 3 girls!

    Love the pictures. You show a side of Ugunda that is hard to imagine with what is normally heard. Thank you.

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  3. Joining you from Ann's place. Thanks for sharing your list of gratitudes. I especially love cheesy smiles on little guys also.
    Blessings

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  4. Oh, yes, this parenting of children - it is such a refining process for me :-)
    Beautiful blessings and much to be grateful for.

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  5. It sounds like you're doing a good job with your boys. And they are too cute! I'm so excited to visit a blogger living in Uganda. Thanks for visiting Heart Choices. I love that we are counting our blessings together.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  6. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing your prayers and their scriptural base.

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  7. My how these blessed thanks link globally, uniting us to our Heavenly Father!

    I'll have to stop by regularly so I know how to pray for you, your family, and the Lord's work there.

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  8. Beautiful Monday Post. Thanks for visiting my Canadian blog yesterday. You in Uganda, me in Ottawa. Different time zone and different temperature I am certain... but we share the same love of the Lord and being thankful of what He is doingin our lives. HUGS from Canada!

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  9. Such a sweet post! I love the pictures!

    I was just stopping by to let you know that things are going again at Missionary Moms! It would be great to see you! =)

    ~Ashley

    www.ForMissionaryMoms.com

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  10. I heard this once – and the more moms I read the more I know it to be true – and I probably repeat it too often – "the days of a mother are endless, but the years fly like the wind." And I smile as I write the words. And of your thank you list – my favorite are your two boys and their cheesy smiles – best brothers – they'll be best brothers for life – that's a gift you've given them. God bless you and each and every one of yours Kelly.

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  11. It is a privilege to serve God with your family. Children watching you do the work of the Lord is the most sincere and least hypocritical testimony they will ever see. They will be excited with you, and love serving together.

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Thanks for joining the conversation!