A Love That Multiplies

I just finished this book and I found it truly inspiring!  There are a lot of helpful tips and just plain interesting facts about the Duggars, but the part that spoke to me is how Michelle relates to her children and how she encourages other mothers.  I admire her soft spoken attitude with her children, even when they are misbehaving.  She shares some sample dialogues of how she corrects her children, which has inspired me to attempt to do a better job in this area.  This scripture has been speaking to my heart the last few days:

Proverbs 15:1  A slow answer turneth away wrath, but greivous words stir up anger.

I do not want to stir up anger in my children, or my husband.  I need to be aware of the words I speak, and the tone of my voice as I say them.  I need to remember that my attitude sets the tone of my home, and I want it to be a happy one!

Michelle also shares a poem called Continue On by Roy Lessin (see below).  I never considered that my investments in my children and husband were an offering to God, an amazing revelation!

Continue On  by Roy Lessin

"A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.
She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.
She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.
At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Is it worth it? She often wondered.
Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?

It was during one of these moments of questioning
that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart.

You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be.
Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye.
But I notice.
Most of what you give is done without remuneration.
But I am your reward.

Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be
without your support.
Your influence upon him is greater than you think
and more powerful than you will ever know.
I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.

Your children are precious to Me.
Even more precious than they are to you.
I have entrusted them to your care and to raise for Me.
What you invest in them is an offering to Me.
You may never be in the public spotlight.
But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me.
Continue on. Remember you are My servant.
Do all to please Me."