| ROOMS IN MY HOME By Helen De Bruin The girls and I have been bitten with the decorating bug! We have stalled this for so long, having waited for my family to arrive, stay a while with us and eventually move to their own home. Now that the children have their rooms back to themselves, they are so excited and anxious to start on the redecorating, opting for different 'themes'. Earlier in the year, I had them go through many home and garden magazines, looking for ideas as to how and where they would start on their room's new look. For some weeks they just couldn't make up their minds. There was so much to choose from and so many gorgeous rooms amidst those glossy pages! The aim of looking through the magazines, was not to ogle and drool over 'things' they couldn't have, that we can't afford, but to gain ideas and apply them to what we do have - adapting, creating and being appreciative of all that the Lord has given us. This was a whole new experience for all of them, as in past times, it was I who would decide on colour schemes, themes, decorating ideas. I believe the whole exercise has taught them patience (most importantly), appreciation and gratitude. It has also taught them to consider what they have, and where/how they can arrange it, thinking logically. Also, how to work out room sizes and measurements - drawing a map of their room, and figuring out where they will be placing their bedroom furniture. Observing the colour schemes used in the magazines, they already have their special colours chosen, taking into account what they have learned about colour combinations. Despite being so terribly busy at work, and coming home and starting again, Andre so selflessly managed to find the time to help (and thereby encourage us) in our new venture. We decided that Sarah would be the first candidate for a new-look bedroom, and so - armed with paper, pencil and measuring tape, we headed to her room. Andre had her write down the measurements as he called them out to her. She had previously re-done her bedroom map, and was now noting the measurements on her own drawing. This was such a thrill to her - to be a part of the planning. Sarah had asked if it was possible to repaint her room. We told her that no, it wasn't, as we hadn't accounted for buying paint. Instead, I told her, showed her that coloured accessories could have such an impact on changing a room's total look. How curtains, valances, cushions, picture frames, rugs, throws, wall-hangings, shelves brimming with nick-nacks, sheets, quilts and other manchester could all help in achieving the desired colours. "When can we start, mom?" was her gleeful reply. Sarah's motivation spread like wildfire! Emma and Sam are intent to have their room designs absolutely ready for when their turn arrives. We hope to work on each room together, until all are finally complete. What a challenge this will be. I love to be at home, working with my family, side by side. I love to be a keeper and a guide to my home. What a privilege! And this, dear sisters, is just one teeny example of how I believe confidence is nurtured in children. Not from lectures or power talks. Not from books. From letting them be involved, giving them responsibility. Going through the paces with them. Taking the time with them. Allowing them to see what will and will not work. Listening to their suggestions and being honest with your answers, at the risk of 'hurting their feelings' as the world so often claims we must never do. This is how they learn. May the Lord continue to teach us, change our hearts, turn them towards our home and everything that home stands for (the Lord in our life, our husband, our children). Finally, to always remember that 'every wise woman buildeth her house'. |