Tuesday night we met at Karen's home for our monthly PEARLS gathering. It was like any other PEARLS night, but yet it was different as well. I definitely noticed a lot of chatting as everyone was coming in and excitement. The weather was sunny and nice, so I think spring is in the air!Felicia began our evening with a "Match the Biblical parents with their children" quiz. There were definitely names that you were not sure of, and then there were the obvious ones...Joseph and Mary with Jesus!
Rhonda then led us in our devotional for the month of "The Blessings of Loving My Children". She began by reminding us of last month's lesson on loving our husbands and asked what we had done to show our husband that we love him. I don't remember them all, but one stands out...thanking him for the little things that he has done...taking out the trash, etc. Our husbands love to feel appreciated.Then on to children:) Rhonda stressed over and over that the most important thing you can give your children is the love of the Lord. Teach them His ways. Start when they are young and continue as they get older. Be an example to them by being in the word yourself and allowing them to see that. Raising children is not an easy task, but they are only little for such a short time. Enjoy them as the precious beings that God created and entrusted to our care.
2Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Older mothers might tell you that the time goes so quickly, enjoy it because it is only a stage in life. Mothers with young children think about sleeping again and children who listen and obey:) Women without children might think we are all crazy:) Your turn will come:)
Rhonda stressed to take every opportunity with your children to teach them God's love and to spend time with them so that they know you care. Other women shared advice as well. For the young moms...seek out those older women who have already experienced the raising of little ones. They have lots of wisdom and encouragement to give. For those who are not yet moms...remember those older women someday!
Next, Karen gave us some great tips for taking care of our skin. There are 5 steps to follow to help give you healthy skin...Cleanse, Purify, exfoliate, moisturize, protect (foundation). 3 of us, Heather, Kelli, and I got to experience a facial. I must admit that this is not my cup of tea...but when I got home almost 3 hours later I jokingly asked Hinnerk if he could tell which side of my face received the facial. He felt with his hands and couldn't tell, but then he kissed each cheek and correctly chose the correct side. Maybe there is something to this:) Thanks Karen for sharing your expertise in this area. If you have questions...ask Karen!
It was a fun evening complete with yummy desserts...thanks Kelli, Gail, Felicia, and anyone else I missed for bringing the great food.
Our next PEARLS is Tuesday, April 6 and will be a service project at the church. We will be cleaning out the furnace room, reorganizing the kitchen area, and cleaning the nursery. I will be sending out an email that has a list of needed items if you wish to donate something to those areas.
