Week 2 is found here:
https://oscraps.com/community/threads/october-aj-challenge-week-2-risk.42972/
Journaling reads:
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!" Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a precious gift, an inheritance, and a great responsibility entrusted to parents by God. This concept emphasizes that children are not merely the product of human action but a divine reward, and that parents are called to care for them as valuable assets. Parenting is not to be taken lightly! The verses also suggest that children are like "arrows in the hand of a warrior," symbolizing the hope that they will be sent out to accomplish God's purposes. Training them for serving God is serious business! Parents are to act as stewards or caretakers of God's gift, raising them in a way that honors God.
Key Meanings
A Gift from God: The phrase highlights the belief that children are a divine blessing and a tangible expression of God's love and goodness.
A Treasure and Possession: "Heritage" implies something valuable that is given and entrusted to someone to care for.
A Significant Responsibility: As a heritage, children are not just a blessing but also a serious responsibility for parents, who are called to nurture and raise them.
A Reward and a Legacy: Children are seen as a reward for parents, providing joy and a sense of legacy for the future.
I remember when Tim and I started “dating” on March 13, 1971. After 5 years it was a given that we would marry. We even had our first son’s name (Michael Timothy) picked out before we tied the knot on May 8, 1976! I was ready to start a family as soon as we were married, but, wisely, Tim wanted to wait a couple of years. So I began taking birth control pills. We were on vacation in Canada in August 1978 when he told me he thought it was time for me to stop taking the pills. I was thrilled! It was several months before I became pregnant with our first daughter, Jessica Ann. She was due December 27, 1979 but did not arrive until January 2, 1980. Our Michael Timothy did not arrive until June 9, 1981. Next came Elisabeth Rose on September 9, 1983. And last, but not least, Nathanael Charles was born June 20, 1985. If I said it was a piece of cake raising 4 kids being so close together I would be lying! But, it was so worth it! And, if I had it to do all over again (God forbid!) I wouldn’t do it any other way! The only thing I would change….. I would be more dedicated to spending time in God’s word with them! And I am so thankful that God fixed the blunders I made in raising our children! Thank You, Lord!
I know not everyone wants a quiver full of children. I really wasn’t expecting to have 4 children, but that is how the Lord blessed us and I am glad He did! And I know some women cannot have children and some men cannot father children. An