Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Psalm 127:3,4

As she gazes at her father, I can't help but wonder how many times in her life Anne will listen intently to her father and mother's instuction. There will be many times when she will not, but what an enormous responsibility a parent is given to train up their children in righteousness and godliness. Every word and action can be used to train them up or turn them away. It is when coming to this realization that a parent can only cling to the exhortations given in I Thessalonians: "Pray without ceasing" "Hold fast what is good" "Abstain from every form of evil" "Pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all" "Uphold the weak" and "Be patient with all."

Father-like He tends and spares us.

Well our feeble frame He knows.

In His hand He gently bears us,

Rescues us from all our foes.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Widely yet His mercy flows.