Train Up a Child

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  This is such a wonderful promise from God's Word.  Yesterday, my 12-year-old son was on Skype with his best friend, and they were doing their daily devotions together, studying and reading scriptures, reading their devotional lesson (from a book), and then prayed together. I watched silently from the doorway as tears ran down my cheeks.  I was SO blessed to see him doing this, without being asked by anyone, and knowing he has a friend who loves the Lord as well.  What a blessing to a mother's heart.  And God's Word promises me that when he is old, he will not depart from these lessons.  When I say "my cup runneth over", I really mean it.  I couldn't have felt more blessed.  The lesson they were reading was about how when they surround their lives with God's goodness, how Satan will leave them alone and God will protect them.  What a tremendous truth.  I may not be the perfect mother in many ways, but I know I've done something right.  All praise to God for children who love the Lord and live for Him.

I made this little card last night for my niece, Alexa.  I never grow tired of telling her how special she is, and how much God loves her.  She doesn't hear it from her Mother.  My brother, her Dad, takes her to Sunday School, and tries to teach her of God's love for her, but it's still good for her to hear it over and over again,  She is so special in God's eyes, and He loves her SO much.  I want her to know this beyond any shadow of a doubt, so I made this card to send this week.

I am entering this card in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp since I used three different patterned papers.  Here is the link for that exciting challenge:
http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/simon-says-use-3-different-papers.html
I'm also entering this at Paper Take Weekly.  They have a cute sketch:
http://www.papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2012/02/sketch-65.html

I also wanted to share (at least the front cover of) this little paper bag album I made while my friend was here with me.  It's super cute, and has an insert tag for a photo or journaling.  It turned out really nice, and I can't wait to give it to someone special.  I'm entering this paper bag album in the challenge at Anything Goes Challenge Blog where you're asked to make an altered project.  I just LOVE making cuteness out of paper bags.  Here's a link to that challenge:
http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/02/challenge-61-altered-projects.html - Altered Project

I hope you're all having a great week.  I am so grateful to be able to share the joy that I experienced yesterday through my precious son's devotions.  I hope that you all take the time to "train up a child in the way he should go" because the benefits are eternal - praise God.

Blessings,

Karen