292 – Extra Children and Fruit

292 – Extra Children and Fruit

Romans 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

February 1988

Timmy was at school every day.  I taught Stevie and Markie in the mornings, while  including Daniel as much as I could.

Our housemate Vivian married Tom and he had a 4 year old son, Darren. When we or they forgot to lock it, Darren was in and out, through our shared door in the living room, hardly able to contain himself as he waited daily for the boys to be free to play. “Not time yet, Darren,” Vivian would say as she led him back into their apartment, whispering apologies so as not to disturb us. 

Diane’s three children came over after school 2 or 3 days a week.

And now we had Michael, Justin and Brandi (ages 7, 6, and 14 months). When summer came, Jodie asked if I would continue watching them, but I needed the break and wanted to re-focus on my own kids. 

Having been an elementary school teacher for 7 ½ years (grades 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) I knew how to manage them. I did long for warm enough days so that they could all go outside.

February 28, 1988

Michael and Justin received Jesus. This was a great reward for me! Fruit for my labor.

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God… Colossians 1:10

One day I lifted Brandi up by her hand to move her across the porch, and her arm came out of its socket! While I was soothing her and feeling horrible, Markie said, “Are they going to arrest you?” That did not help! I fretted until her mom came. Jodie said—“Oh, it’s happened before.”

And, horror of horrors, a couple of weeks later I did it again! Dear God!!!