A Happy Mother

On a rock

"He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD."
Psalm 113:9

How could I have ever known or imagine that my life's cup would be so full and running over? My children have always been blessings, just as God's Word has ordained they should. But, lately...with them coming into adulthood in rapid succession...I'm realizing new aspects of what blessings they are!

Of course they are blessings right from the start. But, when they get older the blessings increase exponentially. Last weekend I had the privilege of attending an "Above Rubies" woman's retreat. The speaker, Nancy Campbell, talked about living a large life.

Mine is a large life!  My thoughts and interests surpass my own little sphere.  I now have interests in: wheat farming in Wyoming, building expensive houses, being a nurse, working on a ranch, training a border collie, being in a godly courtship, teaching kinder-gardeners and marketing skills...just to name a few.

And the sphere of influence is huge: children's friends, and their friends, and their families and on it goes. Community people become acquaintances and friends as my children go to work for and with others.

What joy to have fellowship with grown children who love and serve God;  having your daughter tell you that she'll pray for you or your son ask you if you're alright. Our family recently went through a severe trial (still are really). Seeing my children express concern for how their Dad is doing, in rallying to guard his stress level, looking for ways to ease his burden - - it's hard to describe the feeling - - sort of "full circle" I guess.

I've shared here before that when my children were little I didn't really see them as people...little people yes, but not really future adults. Which makes sense since they were that...little people. But, there's so much more to them now. They have all of the history of;  the sweet baby, charming child, blossoming youth, awkward teen and emerging adult. That's alot! The memories. the mistakes, the victories, the healings, the laughter, the awe and the hope for the future and on in to eternity is all there in each one of them.

And on top of that...there are so many. And on top of that; two more have become daughters by marrying my sons! Plus some of them aren't even grown up yet so, we still get to live this out each day in anticipation of seeing what God will bring into their lives!

 And...before this all started and throughout the entire time...through every joy and trial there has been Jeff, my beloved and best friend ever. We often remark to each other.."aren't you glad we're in this together?" And, "I'm so glad we think alike"

Best of all though:  under-girding, orchestrating, shaping and sustaining us has been our Father God.

"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things:  to whom be glory for ever. Amen". Romans 11:36

Jeff and me...walking our road

The Christmas Letter (that didn't get sent )

Today I decided to go through my nightstand and get rid of some things to make room for some other things that had no place to go. In doing so I came across the rought draft of a "Christmas" letter that my Sarah wrote a couple of years ago. We never sent it out but thought I'd share it here because it is rather funny after all. At least, we think so.




The Best of wishes are being sent
To friends and family dear
And tho all good years come to an end,
There's blessing in the New Year!

We wish to every one of you,
A Christmas of joy and love
Blessing each other, God Blesses you,
Think of Jesus above!

ATTENTION ONE AND ALL:

Well, here is some news about the Greenwood family!

Dad has become the biggest Grump of all ages and is working to achieve more!

Mom is becoming stricter every day...we never have a day off of school!

Hannah went to Haiti, but it did not improve her! She is a snipe and gets angry with you if you ask her a question.

James is just as annoying as ever, doing irritating things like pushing you back down an icy hill when you finally get to the top!

Since Grace and James went to Bible school, Grace has spent alot of time on the phone..even more than Mom (and that's hard to beat!).

Sarah, I don't know. I guess I'd say I'm just trying to cope with everything and everyone else, and they are trying to cope with me! I know they do have to...sometimes.

Seth still thinks he's older than me and is a pro at everything. He is also quite a know-it-all!

Mary is having a hard time getting over her irritating giggling over every thing that isn't funny!

Ruth is a tattletale and sometimes if she gets mad, she can hurt you! She likes to scratch! We have given her several nick-names such as "Bingo", "Dobba", "Ru-head", and boy does she LOVE them!

Joe is getting attached to Grace which could turn out badly!

Pete is - - I don't know - - you might say he's a brat - -sometimes!

But sometimes, as a family, we do have fun and loving moments! And we hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season!

The Greenwoods

We always said Sarah was born with a bit of a mean streak so now you know it's true. But I do like the way she writes!