COTTAGE KITCHEN

In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets---some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage.
Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.
" You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Psalm 23:5

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A PRAYERFUL CHALLENGE

Here we are in another year with all the new challenges it brings. My son and his wife (parents of Eleanor) will be having baby number 2 in July. My youngest daughter will be having a baby girl on February 25 (c-section) unless she goes into labor earlier. (Hunters mother) Both families will find it difficult to afford two in daycare. My daugher can't afford it and is the main provider for her family, she does not have the option to quit her job, she will always have to work. I know she would love to stay home at least for now to raise her children but then they would be homeless. She is looking for a better paying job but she is in retail and those hours are not family friendly.
This brings me to my prayerful challenge. I was praying the other day about this situation. Ellie goes to a daycare center which as we are finding out means lots of money but not necessarily better care for your child...she has been bite three times in the past few months and the parents are not allowed to know who is biting her. Things are not being resolved to her parents satisfaction and so her comes my "BIG"idea. This Grandma is finding it difficult to put her new grandbabies into any daycare let alone one that doesn't seem to work hard at resolving issues. My daughter is also struggling with her daycare provider and the type of care her son is receiving. Women today find themselves in a tough place where a lot of them do have to work if they wish to own a home. Times are a lot harder then even when I was raising my children.

BIG IDEA
I offered to take care of all 4 of these grandchildren. Yes...a small fee will be charged to cover my expenses such as food, extra toys, carseats for fieldtrips and a double stroller. I think this will also help for all parties involved to realize it is different than just going to grandmas, it is a job. I know well it will be difficult for me but we are beginning slow. Hunter is coming one day a week until his sister arrives and than will be at home for 6 weeks. Eleanor will begin next month coming 2 or 3 days a week and one day at daycare so they will have a backup in case I need some time off or I get sick. I can provide a kind, loving and Godly based invironment for them to grow and nurture their young minds. I hope to show them what Jesus would want them to become as young men and women someday. The world they will grow up in is far different than mine and I hope to give them some tools to help them survive and skills to cope with the difficulties and challenges they will encounter as "Hopefully" Jesus followers. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotton Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE
If you feel led I would covet your prayers. I know it will a big challenge for me but I believe I am up up for the task if God gives me the wisdom and knowledge and strength to do this.
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May God Bless You!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Alice, This is wonderful news for all concerned and certainly I'll be praying for you as you begin this new chapter. May God richly bless you.

KathyB. said...

Alice, I think the very best thing is for a Grandma who loves the little ones be their care-giver. Of course you need to be able to do this without losing your health, but our God is a mighty God and He can give you the wisdom and strength you need. I would do as you've decided, in a heart-beat!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

YES, Alice! Yes, you should do this and God will provide what ever you need;. Yes, you're right to charge a fee to help with expenses you'll incur. I'm so excited for you and the children; they deserve better and you'll be able to give it to them. Bless you, Alice, bless you!