jewels of joy...

When I first started this blog I tried out a few titles, only to find that they were taken...then I quickly typed in Jewels of Joy...referring to my children as precious jewels of joy. I have recently thought of the title and pondered what exactly I want to convey with this blog title, though it is just a title of words, not a huge deal....I have enjoyed getting "to know" so many of you through our blogs and often picture you all according to your blog titles, what kind of person you are, by the naming of your blog...when I read mine, the word Jewels makes me smile, because if any of you know me in person, my outfits and attire are quite the opposite, I don't lavish myself with jewels or even consider them a sought after treasure...the word Joy, I again smile at the joyous times I have experienced, but all in all, the biggest theme I want to convey is the my Joy IS because of my children, the "jewels" I treasure and cherish. God is a God who lavishes me, as His daughter, with the jewels of His Word. Because I am forgiven and a new creation IN Christ, I am forever blessed with His gifts and goodness. A tangible and tremendous way I experience His joy is through the gift of my children, through the blessing of being a mother. He has taught me continuously how I need Him and His Word in order to accomplish His plans in the raising of my children. I am privileged and my heart bursts with JOY when I think of the precious jewels He has given me, entrusted to me. But my heart also knows that He ultimately has a perfect plan and in the midst of struggles, frustration, longings, and fears, it is my choice if I face it all with joy, knowing that He refines me every step of the way in the journey of mothering.
In the end, I choose JOY. I choose to treasure a gift that God has entrusted and I choose to enjoy the jewels He has given me...though not always sparkly and perfect, thank you for my jewels.

Thank you Lord for refining my heart as I mother my jewels, thank you that you have a plan for their precious souls and that you are entrusting me to mold and shape their hearts to except the gift of your perfect jewel, your son, our Savior from sin. Help me as I continue to polish and chip away at the inner parts of my precious children's hearts. I pray for their hearts to be enlightened with the goodness of your Word and for correct words to be given as opportunities to train and teach come every day. Thank you for the perfect Manual for life, your very words. You are the giver of great JOY and I praise YOu.

"Make me know Thy ways, O Lord; Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me; For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5