Hitting the Road! :)

Well, today we made our first trip to Walmart! We have been so blessed with meals from our church family (for about two weeks!!! plus lunch and breakfast supplies!!!) but there were still some odds and ends that I needed to pick up. I don't think I can ever have enough bananas in the house and, while the boys do an amazing job of washing their hands and face, I have never seen so much water all over my bathroom floor...so we picked up a bath mat. Their skin seems to be constantly dry so we picked up a new product, some milk and DONUTS!!! (Samuel was very confused by the "custard" in his donut when he bit into the middle of it....I couldn't figure out how to explain that there was filling in the donut he wanted:) and Caleb wanted nothing to do with his donut...oh well, at least he ate lunch!:) They really have been doing well with eating and I have been thankful that they have at least been willing to TRY the food before pushing it away. They may not fully understand...but they will catch on...that when they at least try the food, then I am very happy to give them bread or bananas instead (which they like very much)...but if they are not willing to try it...they get nothing! They are so sharp and are picking up on thing really quick!!!

I mentioned before we left for Ethiopia that we were going to reread the booklet by J C Ryle, "The Duties of Parents". Well, I did that but I also want to keep reviewing it. I believe it will be a huge encouragement especially in light of our adoption and all the questions that keep popping up in my head. If you are interested, here is the first directive that I am going to be meditating on for the next couple of days:

First, then, if you would train your children rightly, train them in the way they should go, and not in the way that they would. Remember children are born with a decided bias towards evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves, they are certain to choose wrong.

The mother cannot tell what her infant may grow up to be- tall or short, weak or strong, wise or foolish: he may be any of these things or not- it is all uncertain. But one thing the mother can say with certainty: he will have a corrupt and sinful heart. It is natural to us to do wrong. 'Foolishness,' says Solomon, 'is bound in the heart of a child' (Proverbs 22:15). Our hearts are like the earth on which we tread; let it alone, and it is sure to bear weeds.

If, then, you would deal wisely with your child, you must not leave him to the guidance of his own will. Think for him, judge for him, act for him, just as you would for one weak and blind; but for pity's sake, give him not up to his own wayward tastes and inclinations. It must not be his likings and wishes that are consulted. He knows not yet what is good for his mind and soul, any more than what is good for his body. You do not let him decide what he shall eat, and what he shall drink, and how he shall be clothed. Be consistent, and deal with his mind in like manner. Train him in the way that is scriptural and right, and not in the way that he fancies.

If you cannot make up your mind to this first principle of Christian training, it is useless for you to read any further. Self-will is almost the first thing that appears in a child's mind; and it must be your first step to resist it.