Opportunities

A very encouraging statement I rediscovered yesterday:

Our time here is short. 

We can pass through this world but once; 

as we pass along, let us make the most of life. 

The work to which we are called does not require 

wealth or social position or great ability. 

It requires a kindly, self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast purpose. 

A lamp,  however small, if kept steadily burning, 

may be the means of lighting many other lamps. 

Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, 

our ability small, 

our opportunities few, 

our acquirements limited; 

yet wonderful possibilities are ours 

through a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. 

If we will open our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life 

we shall become channels for currents of life-giving power. 

From our homes will flow streams of healing, 

bringing life and beauty and fruitfulness 

where now are barrenness and dearth.

~ The Ministry of Healing pg. 355 ~

*****

I could come up with a lot to say about sleepless nights, but I'll spare you. It comes with the territory. I will share that by 6 AM I let the girls take over... Not that I get any sleep with 7 kids banging around getting ready for the day, mind you, but I try. It is a blessing to hear the big girls take charge of the younger set and to hear them managing quite well. I heard Missy get put on the bench for a time out for griping as she usually does... and what do you know, we only heard that kind of communication from her that one time this morning. I heard the lawn being mowed before 8, some were working another row in the garden, and Christina was preparing a breakfast of hash browns, strawberries and cereal.  God has been good to Steve and I to give us those precious girls.

The babe is gaining weight and showing us more of his wakeful side. The Buddy is very intrigued. He can't seem to get the "gentle" thing under control, yet, but he's trying. He got the baby sling on himself yesterday, and then went straight for Missy's baby doll. He was mimicking our love and care for his brother on the doll. TOO CUTE! He was let out of the backpack on our hike yesterday. He was so HAPPY and proud to walk the trail himself. Observing the world through the eyes of a 15 month old is refreshing, indeed. Waterfalls, sticks, bridges, leaves... they are all worth a moment's contemplation.

****

The mood record:

James had a problem Friday. I went to the grocery store and he chose to revert back to old behaviors to get his way while I was gone. It didn't go well for him after that. The girls put him in time-out up at the swing set until I got back and then I put him in time-in working beside me for the rest of the afternoon. His consequence was early bed even though we had company for supper. 

Brianna brought out her old camera for the twins to use. It totally gave James a new focus on the hike. He started noticing the little things - the tiny flowers, the insects, the details.... he's so proud of his pictures. Some of us had been a bit skeptical about them handling a nice camera like that, even if it does have problems, and Brianna's response was, "Well, THEY NEED to develop their photography skills!"  She's right. :-)

Missy was regulated Friday, agitated all yesterday, but seemingly calmed down today. We're all in on a plan to curb the complaining and whining.  She knows this, too and is trying.

Though it seems negative to keep a record like this, it is helping me to recognize that the twins have made huge gains even in the past few months.