Under His Construction

• Feb. 13, 2008 - Preparations of the Heart

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD. -Prov. 16:1

I have always loved lullabies. I can remember singing 'Rock-a-bye Baby' to my dolls as a little girl. I can also remember loving to sing 'Hush Little Baby' although I could never get past the horse and cart part. What was daddy going to buy next? Hmmm? I still don't remember! In fact I can't even get past diamond ring at the moment. ( : I can also remember lulling each of my babies to sleep by rocking them while singing hymns and lullabies to them. What better way is there to prepare our little ones' hearts to love home and the security it brings under the warmth, shelter and protection of their mother's song? And furthermore what better way to instill a love of language preparing their hearts and minds to receive communication from God almighty?
Lullabies are the first form of literature our children are exposed to, so it is most fitting that I began my 4 and 6yo's literature lessons with a study of lullabies. They are loving this study! What joy in hearing their sweet little voices sing these precious songs!

"Away in a manger
No crib for a bed.
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head."

To have their eyes light up when they first recognize the author's use of personification!

"The stars in the heavens
Look down where He lay.
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay"

To have them listen to the words of the songs and realize that a mother sings these words to her baby to turn her baby's heart towards Jesus!

"I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there."

"What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin." -Henry Beecher (1887)

• Feb. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Capturing a mother's love is a beautiful thing. Thanks for sharing your study.

Peace to you,
Renae
http://reflective.homeschooljournal.net

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• Feb. 20, 2008 - lovely lullabies

Posted by Jennifer in OR

Mandi, I love lullabies! I have two different ones I've made up that I sing over my children every night. And if I don't, they remind me and beg until I do! And I've even heard the older ones sing them to the younger ones when I'm stuck doing something else for the moment...

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• Feb. 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by onecrazymom

Renae -
I love that my children are seeing my heart for them through this study! ( :

Jennifer -
How awesome that you made up your own lullabies for your kids - these will mean more to them than anything! I guess you could say that I made up my own at times too but this was only because I knew the tune to the lullaby but not the words so I made up my own words! ( :

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• Feb. 20, 2008 - Mother's Love

Posted by Anonymous

This is a beautiful post. I am going to print and save it. A mother's tender love (and lullabys) are so critical in turning a child's heart toward God. Thanks for sharing your wise words.

Blessings, e-Mom @ Chrysalis

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• Feb. 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by onecrazymom

e-Mom,
I am so glad you enjoyed this. Our study has been so precious! Who would have thought that two little boys would enjoy a lullaby study so much! I do think it has to do with the deep emphasis on my love for them. ( :

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