Tucked In

In January, after almost 3 years, the kids and I finished reading the Chronicles of Narnia series together.  I sobbed the entire last chapter of the final book, The Last Battle. Words are my love language; read, written, spoken, sung, lived.  Having my kids lean in close to hear  Lewis' words was such a delicious time. I didn't want it to end, ever.  

I read to them most mornings before school.  

I read to them because I need them to be all mine 
before heading out for the day into their little parts of the world.  

Before the Narnia series, we'd read a handful of books together, so naturally we tossed out a few options for our next book; however, as we tossed out ideas, I couldn't escape one thought- Noah graduates from high school in less than 2.5 years {gulp}. 

2.5 years.
He'll be gone soon...

in a blink.

And because of that, I knew which book had to be read before he left; before they leave our home- The Bible. 

The Bible is God's love language, and He wants His children to lean in close to hear every word.

"And I pray that you being rooted and established in Love, would have power 

together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God, 

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled 

to the measure of all the fullness of God." 

Ephesians 3:17-19

He wants us to cuddle up close to Him everyday; to be all His for a while, before we go out into our little pieces of the world.

"I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.  

I will be their God, and they will be my people." 

Hebrews 8:10b

Throughout the years we have read parts of the Bible to the kids. We want the word  of God to be tucked in their hearts, minds, souls.  

When they were younger this Children's Bible was how we began our home-schooling days.  I'm 100% sure I learned more from that time than they did; learned from my children how to listen to the Word like a child; learned from what the Spirit was revealing to them. 

"The same Spirit of God that fills you as a believer is the same Spirit of God that inspired the text. 

So trust that when you read it, He's going to show you something or do something in you." 

Brad Bell,  

Walking with a Limp. 

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." 

Psalm 119:105

As they got older Michael would choose a book from the Bible and read it to us. This time typically began cuddling close together on the couches to read and pray, and ended in wrestling matches or the kids entertaining us. Good times. I'd give anything to be there with them again.

"The word of God is living and active!" 

Hebrews 4:12

A few years ago we all joined Bible Study Fellowship , and studied the book of Isaiah.  It was powerful.  With BSF there are 5 days of homework per week.  I cheated off the kid's worksheets a lot.  Isaiah was tough, and well, my kids are a million times smarter than me. 

"The grass withers, the flowers fade, 

but the word of our God will stand forever." 

Isaiah 40:8

For the last few years Michael has been leading us after dinner using the youth version of Jesus Calling.  The daily devotionals always seem to be relevant with what one of us is experiencing that day. I especially love when He has one of the kids leads, which is often.

This mommy's heart swells with all kinds of "And I can't afford it, but it's mine," when they teach me from God's word. 

"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; 

he who cherishes understanding prospers." 

Proverbs 19:8

A while back a mama, who is a few seasons ahead of me, pointed out that we'll be parents to adult children much longer than we'll be parents of adolescents. 

Hmmm...

Her words were a wake-up call, causing me to realize that this time with our children in our home is brief 

(though I'm sure those of you with littles would beg to differ). 

Too soon they'll be going out into their parts of the world, permanently.  

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, 

for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 

II Timothy 3:16-17

And more than my need for them to be "all mine" before they go, what is of utmost importance is that each one of them 

be  
ALL HIS.

 "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us 

by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who has invited us to God. 

The best invitation we ever received!" 

II Peter 1:3 (MSG)

 

 2.5 years might be just enough time to get the word tucked in my children's hearts; every single God-breathed word (even the ones we can't pronounce... and there are quiet a few).   And if we aren't finished Noah will just have to stay around until the last chapter, when I'll be sobbing as I read, with my three close, never ever wanting this time to end. :) 

"When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty." 

Jeremiah 15:16 

 Live in Peace,

photos from the kids rooms.