As mother’s we shape our children. We prepare them for their adult lives.
As a mother I constantly tell my children there is nothing they can do that would make me happier than for them to love Jesus. It’s up to me to create those habits that will soften their heart to Him.
John & Charles Wesley’s mother Susanna had 19 children.
NINETEEN.
She spent one hour a week with each of her children reading the word of God to/with them.
ONE HOUR A WEEK. PER CHILD.
Here are her own words:
“I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, yet in your long absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man nor a minister, yet as a mother and a mistress I felt I ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children; in which I observe, the following method: I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night to discourse with each child apart. On Monday I talk with Molly, on Tuesday with Hetty, Wednesday with Nancy, Thursday with Jacky, Friday with Patty, Saturday with Charles.”
Two of her sons would go on to shape the spiritual nature of two nations.
Simply stated, John Wesley founded the English methodist movement, using open air preaching much like the great George Whitefield. Charles Wesley went on to America to do the same… both encouraging people to experience Jesus personally.
And then there’s me. Out here in the suburbs of Chicago. Wondering if I can be used shape hearts and souls in such a way…
The other day Amélie and I were having “our time” on the couch. We were reading Proverbs 31, we were breaking it down, thinking of ways Amélie could be like the woman in the passage when I hugged her and said passionately,
“Oh LeeLee, Momma wants you to be a Godly Woman someday.”
to which she replied with her usual sassy spunk,
“I no wanna be a Godly Woman, I wanna be a Ballerina!”
Once, when my 42 year old daughter was about 3, I was listening to a Bible teacher and she heard the words, “Jesus is the Church” and said to me, “But I thought Jesus was the ‘Light of the World'”. It is amazing what they hear and retain, isn’t it.
Your little one will, in time, begin to understand because she has a mother who is doing what she has been called to do -raise up Godly children. I admire your blog. Please continue on in this vein and I pray that more will do as you are doing.
I too wanted to be a ballerina at her age as well!
So, so sweet! Not so many mommas take a studied, purposeful approach to rearing their children these days. Your sweety’s little heart will be fertile ground for the Word you plant. Congrats to you for being a good momma to your chicks. It’s a bonus that we live in a time when strangers can connect and encourage, and parents can record and keep the sweet things their babies say! So cute!
I love the heart you have for Jesus and your children. They will soak your love for Him right up. Amelie can be a ballerina and love Jesus just like my lovely niece Sarah.
That is really quite convicting when you realize just how devoted she was to all of her children but what a harvest was reaped.
I was thinking of you last evening because on Australia’s top tv show ‘Masterchef’ the contestants had to make macarons – pink raspberry and beetroot ones and purple olive ones and attach them to polystyrene towers with toothpicks, they failed miserably at this task. You would have enjoyed watching this episode Ang!
OHHH so sweet!
Sweeeet post!
You are on the right track to be sharing Jesus with your young children…this is precious.
God bless,
d
I did not know that you were Joy’s little girl ! So glad that you shared that with me, I love your mom. This post was very sweet.
That is too precious!! I cannot wait to meet her 🙂
I am so excited to have come across your FAB blog. I’ve spent some great time here, as sleep has not come to my eyes yet – and I am sitting with an almost snoring husband to my left.
I am so glad to have found you – and knowing that you live in Illinois – means you prob know many of my already ‘blog friends’!
I can’t wait to read more – am in LOVE with your pop culture & politics portion and your photos and Bible Verses move me.
Love that I found you and will read as often as I can!
Hugs from SoCal ~ Tracy.
What a precious story! Amongst all your beautiful family blessings, you are passing on the most treasured possession! Your family ‘is’ and ‘will be’ blessed through your living faith!
Amelie is too cute.
My greatest desire is to have my children love Jesus too 😉
I will be praying for you. Us momma’s need all the prayer and support we can get. This world is getting crazier by the minute.
Hi there,
What a wonderful photo!!
I came over from Dusty Lu’s blog.
I am in this months Romantic Country.
I hope you visit my blog sometime!
Have a great day!
Rosemary
My daughter once said…she just didn’t “get it” that I loved God. She wondered how that happened. She was raised on the truth…and came to understand it for herself.
She has come to understand what we have in HIM…and has come to love God on her own…for herself. It is the greatest joy for a parent!!
haha! So sweet!
Oh my goodness, I just came across your blog.. LOVE IT!
I am signing up to follow!
Have a wonderful afternoon!
Leticia
Lol! I love your daughter’s reaction at the end of this post. So cute! Btw, my parents named me after Susanna Wesley. And I had NEVER met anyone in my life who knew who she was til you!
I came to your blog about a couple of years ago but got distracted with other blogs..hehehe. Now I’m back and love it!!! I Frenchy things, bake and cook from scratch. You are the right blog for me to continue on reading.
Ping in Thaiand