Today's "treasure" has been hanging on the wall of just about every place we've ever lived. I stitched it during the early years of marriage when the children were little.
The author is Susanna Wesley--mother to 19 children! Click on the link and read her story of trusting God for her family and how she scheduled a private hour a week with each of her children to encourage and to develop a personal relationship with them.
With deep admiration, Samuel Wesley wrote this to his children: "You know what you owe to one of the best of mothers...above all (for) the wholesome and sweet motherly advice and counsel which she has often given you to fear God..."
With Mothers' Day this coming weekend, I thought this cross-stitched Rules for Mothering was an appropriate treasure for today. In case the stitching is hard to read, I've copied it below.
- Subdue self-will in a child and thus work together with God to save his soul.
- Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak.
- Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely.
- To prevent lying, punish no fault which is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unnoticed.
- Commend and reward good behavior.
- Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." ~ Proverbs 31:26
~ Deb
Is it only just Mother's Day for you? We had it a while ago in England.
Great post. Beautiful stitching. x
Posted by: Mrs Blythe | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:25 AM
Thank you, Mrs. Blythe. Mothers' Day here is always the 2nd Sunday in May.
Posted by: Deb | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:28 AM
Your stitching is perfect and I love that particular list of rules.
It was about a year ago that I realized that *I* cannot make my children who I want them to be. I went to my church and found the sanctuary empty. I knelt at the front and "gave" them to God. Of course, they were already His but I had to surrender to that fact. I ask his guidance in leading them and I try to be a good example, but ultimately they are in His command.
Thanks for reminding me that I need to get my mom's gift in the mail. :)
Posted by: lisa | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 01:52 PM
Deb, I remember reading that cross stitch long ago in your home and what an impact it had on me just starting our family! Thanks for the reminder. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's day with all your sweet kids!
Posted by: Chris | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 04:03 PM
Nice picture.Your walls must be filled with many cross stitch pictures.Have a nice Mothers Day.
Posted by: Tammy | Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 07:13 PM
Lisa, how true! We can pray that God will watch out for them and take what we've taught them about Him to live lives for Him. We can't walk the walk for them though; we can only trust that God will keep directing.
Hi Chris, thanks! Hope you and ALL of yours have a happy day, too.
Tammy, yes, we definitely do have a few cross-stitches filling the walls. Hope your Mother's Day is happy!
Posted by: Deb | Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 08:34 AM
Beautiful, Deb! I've always loved Susannah Wesley's rules.
Posted by: Susan | Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 10:02 PM