Author Amanda Beth
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My Four Li'l Tornadoes

10/19/2011

7 Comments

 
My husband and I started building our home about nine years ago. We built it ourselves so it took us over two years to complete. During the build we lived with my parents for four months, my in-laws for a year, and an apartment for a year. Because we had a low budget we tried to only contract out what we couldn't do ourselves. I remember hanging off a ladder painting the trim on our roof while being pregnant.

I remember my daughter's wardrobe consisting of paint and drywall stained clothes. I remember every weekend gathering as many family members as we could to help. I remember my mother-in-law spending weeks insulating the entire house. And no, we are not cruel. She really offered and seriously wanted to do it!

I remember moving into our unfinished house less than a month before my due date. I remember being upset that my water broke the day I planned to paint our bathroom. I remember coming home from the hospital and having people come to visit while trying to maneuver through construction supplies. My husband and I dedicated every free moment we had and worked hard to build our house. Now, seven years later, our beautiful home is slowly being destroyed by four little tornadoes.

However, God has taught us that even though we worked hard, the joy we have with our children is worth infinitely more than our house.Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy (or kids), and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21, emphasis mine).

Though our house is wasting away, God is building our family upon the indestructible foundation of His love. So as much as it frustrates us to see another thing in our house destroyed, we have to remind ourselves where our true treasures lie—in living for Christ and enjoying the family God has given us.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
—Psalm 127:3

How about you? Are your children little tornadoes too? Please tell me I am not alone!

*Next week is my other blog's (Sharing Truths) one year anniversary! I will be featuring six different authors and a giveaway each day. I will have signed copies from Gary & Norma Smalley, Penny Zeller, Chuck Balsamo, Dave Moore, Deborah Bateman(ebook), and yours truly-Amanda Beth! Come to this website or Sharing Truths next Monday for the first giveaway.
7 Comments
Kerry Johnson link
10/19/2011 11:56:05 am

Don't worry Amanda, you're not alone!:) My hubby and I have two boys, age 5 & 7, and we definitely have a well-worn house - even though it's only 6 years old. We moved in 2 1/2 years ago and painted the entire inside beforehand. Now, it seems the light tan walls are highlited all over with darker hand (and foot!) prints. Everywhere! Among other things.... ;)

Kids are rough and tumble and rarely careful, and our houses definitely take a beating. Your post is a good reminder not to store up, or put too much worth into, treasures here on earth.

It's really neat that you guys built your house yourselves. Trev and I would love to do that too, but in Florida it's tough to do so at a slow pace (weather, mold, etc..)

Thanks for sharing this!

God Bless,
Kerry

Reply
Amanda Beth link
10/19/2011 12:21:26 pm

Thanks, Kerry! Glad I'm not alone:) That is too funny, foot prints on the wall, LOL! I remember our carpet guy asked me "Are you sure you want this light shade of carpeting with kids?" We only had our little girl then. I was naive:)
Thanks for the comment!
Blessings,
Amanda

Reply
Warren Baldwin link
10/21/2011 11:34:14 am

Were our children tornadoes when they were little? Oh yeah, and even sometimes when they were big :) But it is all worth it. Good post.

Reply
Amanda Beth link
10/21/2011 11:51:05 am

Then I guess it doesn't get any better as they get older:)
Thanks, Warren:)

Reply
Mary Patch
10/25/2011 12:52:49 am

I had 3 little tornados, a now those tornados has blessed me with 10 more little tornados and I wouldn't take anything for them. They are precious in my eyes, but more so in the eyes of God. I can recall when my 3 yr old son decided he wanted to drive and got in my car, we still don't know how it happened but the car rolled back and went down our drive way into our neighbors car. By all accounts my son "the smallest tornado"

Reply
Mary Patch
10/25/2011 12:55:40 am

should not have survived. He has now blessed me with twin grandaughters thatwill be his little tornados. God is good.

Reply
Amanda Beth link
10/25/2011 01:04:55 am

Hi Mary,
Oh my gosh, thank God he was okay! You are truly blessed! Thanks for the comment. God bless all your little tornadoes:)

Reply



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    Amanda Beth

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    Thanks for stopping by my site! Welcome to my "Enjoying Your Family" blog!

    I'm a wife of 16 years, mother of four children (ages 3 to 11), and author of "YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY - Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children"
                  and
    "THE LOVE WALK: A 15-Week Devotional on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8"

    I also author another blog on spiritual growth every Monday at SharingTruths.com, and I am a weekly guest contributor every Sunday at Christian Blessings.

    God has blessed me, my marriage and my family in more ways than I could ever imagine. I am so honored to give my life to Christ and share His Word wherever God sends me.

    "Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."
    Psalm 112:1-2


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    The Father's Love: Amid a Frantic Search for His Son, a Father Finds His FaithThe Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and RedemptionMission Possible Spiritual CoveringRoaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and Other Gems from ProverbsYou Can Have A Happy Family: Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and ChildrenKaydie

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