Seasons

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...  Ecclesiastes 3:1

In the late 1950's Pete Seeger wrote a song that took the verses from Ecclisiastes 3 almost word for word.  I remember singing it as a kid.  We had a record of it and it was on the radio.

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace
A time…

Sarah and I have been so privileged to help lead a young moms' group for about 10 years.  The picture up at the top is this year's group.  Over the years, different girls have come and gone.  Some went back to work, new ones came to our church and wanted to get connected, some weren't from our church but wanted other mommy friends.  Some joined other studies or moved to other communities.  What a joy it has been to get to know so many young mothers!

But now both Sarah and I have sensed God's leading us in another direction.  Our season with young mothers is done.  We had a party this week for "end of year" and for us, an end to this time of ministry.

Everyone brought yummy food to share!

Sweet babies!

The young moms plan to continue meeting and we are glad to hear that!

Some pictures from years past:

Being silly!

Over the years, we have done many different studies - 

Beth Moore studies, 

Nancy Guthrie's "The Promised One", 

 "Real Moms, Real Jesus",

Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood by Melissa B. Kruger

(possibly my favorite!)

"Entrusted with a Child's Heart" by Betsy Corning, 

"Draw Near to God" by Fellowship Bible of NWA, 

 we've studied books of the Bible, 

and our last study was "Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World"by Hetti Bretz 

who came to our church for a day conference because 2 of our young moms got in touch with her!!  

Thank you, young moms for your love for us - for putting up with us and our "old fogey" ways at times - HA!  We learned a lot from you!  We cried together, laughed a lot, spent much time in prayer with you and for you.  Some of you have told us this time each week was a highlight of your week; just to spend time with other fellow mommies.  One mom told me that her young daughter pretends to "go to Bible study" with her dolls!  You mothers are an example to your children as you walk with Jesus daily!

The young moms each gave us cards that we read once we got home.   Have to admit to tears!!  I will treasure these and keep them in a special box I have (inside joke about my love for cards) !!