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

19 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

Such lovely compliments to your home....some warm and wonderful art work. I like 'em a lot.

My Show N Tell is shared. Hope you can drop by for a few minutes' visit today.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful collection of pictures. I absolutely love pictures of children too. They bring a smile every time you look at them.
Karyn

Anonymous said...

Yes i love going to thrift store too and you can buy a lot of stuff in a reasonable price. Have a nice day.

Anonymous said...

Those are all beautiful pictures.

Tracy said...

The last one is my favorite. I've admired it many times, too.

Susan said...

Beautiful pictures, in deed, but your sentiment is even more beautiful and so true.
Susan

Shelli D. Hawkins said...

I agree - children are gifts from God. Any time I begin to feel jaded I visit my nieces or call and talk to my nephews. After seeing them are talking to them everything is new again.

- The Baby Sitter

Cheryl said...

Those framed pieces you have in you home are all lovely! What great prices you paid for them as well!

Anonymous said...

Those are such wonderful pictures. It's amazing you found some at thrift stores! I have seen some of them in Christian bookstores, too! I have learned a lot about God through my children, too.

Gattina said...

Very lovely pictures ! It's a pity that children grow up, lol !

Jessica said...

Martie,
You seem to have quite a knack at the thrift stores, our selctions don't ever seem to be in such good quality.

My husband and I have a similar children's theme around here too. Someday I may share them on Show & Tell.

Constance said...

Your words really touched my heart and then I went and visited your daughter's tribute. Thank you for sharing something so near and dear to your heart with total strangers! Sisters in Christ are never REALLY strangers though!
Peace & Blssings to yiur beautiful family!
Connie

Anonymous said...

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.

I love your words.

They are very pretty paintings.

Blessings.

Sarah x

nancy said...

You are a blessing, Martie. Thank you for your Show and Tell.
Nancy

~~Deby said...

Beautiful pictures/paintings...as some found at such a reasonable price...love it when that happens...
Thanks for sharing.
Deby

nannykim said...

You are sooo right; it is amazing to me what we learn from children and continue to learn!! I also love how little ones help us to catch the excitement of the little things in life.

JEWELGIRL said...

I love the pictures of children.
The sweetness and innocence, of
those young years....... until
the teen years.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I love pictures of children! You have a wonderful collection! I also enjoyed what your wrote about them.

Katherine

Mrs.T said...

They are all so precious. I love pictures of children, as well. I have a whole collection... I believe they were originally calendar pages that my mother saved. I would love to frame them sometime, but the pictures are not a standard size.

Thanks for sharing. I especially love the picture with the piano.