The Beauty of Children

Kelli over at "There's No Place Like Home" hosts a show and tell every Friday. Hop on over and see her special treasures along with links from others who participate in this fun little activity!

(This picture is in our dining room - I purchased it at a thrift store for $3.99)

This Friday I wanted to share with you some of the pictures we have around our house. When I was very pregnant (two weeks overdue) with Abbey, a friend and I went out to walk through the mall and try to get some contractions going. I was very discouraged, and felt so uncomfortable. I also was very ready to see my baby rather than just feel my baby. I also had a lot of maternal instincts flooding my system at the time.

(This picture is in my bedroom - I purchased it also at a thift store for $3.99)

So, when we went into a special victorian gift shop filled with an aura of everything feminine and lacy - I felt like I was in Heaven. As I looked around the shop and all the little trinkets that surrounded me - I felt so inspired by all the pictures there of children. Beautiful - innocent - precious children. I thought how neat it would be to have a theme throughout my house of innocent children and the beauty they bring to life.

(This picture is in the girls' room - also purchased at a thrift store)

I was thinking about those thoughts just the other day. How I dreamed that I would fill my house with the beauty of children. Then, I got to looking through my house - the walls and the pictures that over the years I have purchased or have been given to me as gracious gifts - and guess what? That is exactly what has happened! (You can see other decor with children that I posted on a previous S&T here.)

(This picture is in the front room. I received this as a gift for hosting a party at my home)

Oh, the joy children bring into our lives! The laughter, the love, the simplicity of life. Children also bring with them great opportunities for us to learn - not just knowledge - but to learn about us - our shortcomings and fears. I think a life with children allows us the greatest avenue possible for God to conform us to His image. For raising kids brings out our weakness and our inablilities - and we find ourselves on our knees seeking the face of God for direction.

(This picture is my favorite. It was purchased by my husband for me - in memory of our daughter Ally)

(I purchased this picture at a thrift store also - it was the same one I had been admiring in the Christian book store for $59.00. I brought it home for $3.99)

It is through my children that I have learned most of God. I've learned of His compassion - His love - His discipline - His innocence. It seems fitting to me that the artwork surrounding me in my home should be pictures of one of the greatest blessings He has given to me - children.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward."

Thanks for stopping by - I am so glad you did.

Blessings,

~Martie