My Wish For You

Little Women

'Mother, do you have "plans," as Mrs. Moffat said?' asked Meg, bashfully.
'Yes, my dear, I have a great many; all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat's, I suspect. ...

'I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman; and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience.

It is natural to think of it, Meg; right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it; so that, when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties, and worthy of the joy.

My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world-marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing-and, when well used, a noble thing-but I never want you to think of it as the first or only prize to strive for.

I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

'One thing remember, my girls; mother is always ready to be your confidante, father to be your friend; and both of us trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives.'

- Louisa May Alcott

Sewing with Soft Flannel and Planning a Baby Shower

As we eagerly await the arrival of our newest grand daughter, Lydia, who is due on October 3rd, we also have another grandbaby who will be making an appearance in December. This, as many of my regular readers know, is my oldest daughter's and son-in-law's first baby. I've been busy making some burp cloths for the new baby and I was given some of the softest flannel by a co-worker,

so I plan on making receiving blankets as well from some of the fabric. Can I just say how much fun this is!

We are also planning a baby shower for our oldest daughter for the second week of October. It will be a rather large affair with lots of guests, and I'm a little stumped on what to use for the guests' table centerpieces. We are using the colors of pastel yellow and green, which are the colors of the new baby's nursery and they are also gender neutral since we won't know whether our newest one is a boy or girl until he or she is finally here. So, all you crafty, creative, imaginative readers, if you have any ideas, please share. We don't have lots of time, but we have lots of helping hands.

Sunday Scripture-Zephaniah 3:17

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Waiting

It's starting to get exciting around here! We've got a baby coming in about 3 weeks, although the doctor said my daughter, Katie, probably won't make it that long. She is 37 weeks along right now and our baby is getting ready to be born. She is about 6 1/2 pounds and 19 inches long and she's getting a little cramped inside her mama, if all the stretching of little arms and legs is any indication. Katie is a little concerned about the timing of labor and knowing for sure if it is in fact labor because her last birthing experience was a scheduled one and her labor was induced. This time, she will have to watch for signs of labor and she and my son-in-law and grand daughter live about 45 minutes away from the hospital. So, if you would keep her in your prayers in the next few days, we would appreciate it.

Waiting for new babies makes my home sing!

Join us over at Mom's the Word for Making Your Home Sing Monday.

Sunday Hymn and Scripture

Jesus! the Very Thought of Thee

Jesus! the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fill my breast:

But sweeter far Thy face to see,

And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,

Nor can the mem'ry find,

A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,

The Saviour of mankind.

O Hope of ev'ry contrite heart,

O Joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah! this

Nor tongue nor pen can show:

The love of Jesus, what it is

None but His loved ones know.

Latin hymn, 11th century, translated by Edward Caswall, 1849

Music by John B. Dykes, 1866

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. "

Malachi 3:16,17

Graphic courtesy of All posters

So Tired

I'm sorry my posts have been so few and far between! I still read all of your blogs but I'm just pretty tired on the days I have to work and my mind (and body) just want to relax. It's been over 10 years since I've worked a full time job, which means I was 10 years younger :) and it is whooping me as I try to get used to the schedule. My husband is such a help to me and insists that I don't do too much at home. He also insists on doing all the dishes, picking up the house, and do sharing laundry duties. We clean the house together now, too. He would much rather have me at home but for now this is the way it is and we are getting used to it. We are just thankful for the work.

It's getting very close to the time of our next grandchild being born. We know this one is a girl and she will be here (Lord willing!) in about 3 1/2 weeks. Our oldest daughter's first baby is expected in December and we are planning a baby shower for the second weekend in October. I'll be keeping everyone posted as events occur.

Sunday Scripture-I Thessalonians 5:1-6

"But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But, ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

I Thessalonians 5:1-6