Elementary Watson...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

This is a painting in the visitor's lounge at the orphanage....it is so deeply true

We have been thinking and talking a lot this week about parenting these kids that we are so blessed with

(at the orphanage playground)

We kindof jumped into this serving adventure not sure of what it would be like

and while we were there, it was like a lightbulb went on...

(in the nursery)

What do we most want to grow in our children?

There is the saying, "Do what I say, not what I do"...

and yet we all know that our children do just what we model

So...

If we want to grow compassion in our kids

we step out, roll up our sleeves and show compassion

and true joy????

well...what happens when we risk and step out for God and find that He meets us????

it is absolutely contagious....

watching them learn that serving God by serving others is fun!

and we don't have to be anything but exactly who we are

(playing in the Macadamia nut shells from the orchard)

surrendered to God....

Willing to step out and risk

and trust that

God knows both what our kids needs and what we do...

and I have found that

My fears have been washed away,

my kids have grown in love, joy, compassion, servanthood, understanding....they have grown in beauty and I am in awe of what God has done.

Yes, we served others but we have been far more blessed by what God has done ine our hearts.

This is where the Gospel, Scripture and what is truly, deeply important comes into full view.

Merry Christmas all of you!!!!!

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26-28

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John10:10