“We are, most of us, parents. That includes weighty responsibilities. But we are also children. We need to remember that we are not only teachers, but also students. God, who commands that we call him Father, is our teacher. But unlike us, our Father is perfect in every way.
He never grows weary.
He never errs.
He never thinks the devil’s thoughts.
Rather, our Father leads us in the good way.
He not only leads us beside still waters, but also leads us in the paths of righteousness. He likewise empowers us to grow in grace and obedience. As we come to this duty, this obligation, this challenge from God, ask him as your Father for grace,
strength,
power,
patience.
Ask him (who when we ask for bread will not give us a stone) to turn our hearts back to our children.
He delights to answer our prayers.
He is a gracious Father, who has adopted us into his family. He loves us as his children, perfectly. And he does indeed teach us. May he likwise stiffen our backbones and strengthen our hearts, that we might run well the race he has set before us, that we might not grow weary in doing good, that in turn we might honor him.”
RC Sproul Jr. in When You Rise up, A Covenantal Approach to Homeschooling
(photos from a family walk on Sunday afternoon)
“Although he was not book-learned, it was knee-work, knee-work, knee-work with him.” ~ Harvey Leigh, writing of John Oxtoby, a man known for his prayers.
Although I work hard at motherhood and life, I often neglect the most important duty of all: PRAYER. I must remember the knee-work.
Isn’t it wonderful that we can pray at any time, and any where?
Ethan is sick (the boy in the last picture). . .he was throwing up all night long. This family has been sick since Christmas!
I’m tired. But happy in Jesus.
Good to be Home 
Oh yeah, I hear ya ~ I needed this today, Shanda. Thank you!
Amen to kneework! Thanks for that challenge.
It is wearing and wearying to have a sick family. Take care.
Hugs for the Ethan. And for you.
It often seems to come very easy when we are in need….why when everything is going so well does it seem easy to forget to pray when in the good times we should be extra thankful to God for his goodness.
Thank you for helping me to remember to be a constent relationship with our awsome and perfect Father.
Love ya -sis (give E a hug from Aunt Amanda)
“Knee work”, Oh I do like that. One of the disciples was called “Old Camel Knees” in his old age. I will hit my knees for Ethan and that he feels better soon. Blessings and much love, M Keep singing that song, all the day long! OXOX
Poor Ethan, I will be praying that the nasty bug leaves him quickly and that no one else gets it.
ps) the soups for Ethan when his tummy feels better
I feel so bad for you having someone in the house sick at any given time since Christmas!
I have not heard of this book before but the excerpts you included are a good advertisement for it!
Gee looks so happy in the Sunday walk picture! Like she is about to hug someone.
I have a roaring fire (thank you, Dave), and I, too, am happy in Jesus today. I could use some friends today. I have time with one this afternoon. That should be nice. Well, I hope Ethan feels better. I prayed for him now. I pray you have a lovely day. All my love, friend!
So sorry to hear all of you have been sick. I just talked to my youngest today, and she got the flu towards the end of her wedding trip! Terrible! She also seems to have strep throat, so she has really been going through it. I am glad her wonderful, new husband is taking good care of her. Yep! The knee work is important!
We have been sick really since August! It seems we have been catching every virus that’s been out there. I’m so tired also. We’re all coughing now. I feel like a our house is full of chain smokers. I am thankful though. Even though we’ve been sick, we haven’t been nearly as sick as others in our town. I’m thankful that the Lord bless me with being able to be home with my sick children (and when they are well). I could be at work struggling with having enough sick days to take care of everyone and myself.
I pray that Ethan gets well soon and that no one else gets it.
Jodi
Good thoughts on prayer. My mind has been traveling down similar paths lately- more prayer is what I need! I will be praying for Ethan. We, too, have been sick since Christmas. I’m off to the big city for dentist appts. The long trip is getting old, but I have a friend going with me this time. Hubby is staying home with three of the kiddos.
i needed this reminder about knee-work!! the most important work we could do~ah, sad for you about all the sickness… it’s been a bad winter for it. :(((hugs)) friend~
Remembering you today…on my knees. Praying tomorrow is brighter.
I’m sorry yet another of your bunch is sick, Shanda. It seems to never end sometimes, doesn’t it?
Also important, thank you so much for the reminder of the importance of “knee-work” (I’m loving that phrase!) It’s so easy to run to God when things are going wrong, and then forget to stay when things are going well. I guess it goes back to the Father… Dad can fix anything, but we forget to keep talking when there is no problem.
There is nothing like illness in the house to make a mom grow weary. I pray that in the very least YOU stay healthy so you can continue to take care of your family.
I’ve seen in your post pictures you’ve taken of some of your favorite books. Might you suggest one to me that I could use on my Lenten journey? Thank you.