Hard work, hard rest


I wonder if Phil can remember a time when he used to rest.  LOL!  

Poor Evi, there are not enough nap times during the summer. 

Unveiling of the trim color.  I call it green. Phil calls it blue.  We have a really nice orange that I picked out for a secondary trim color but we are still trying to figure out how to make that work.  I was thinking maybe we could get some very small trim pieces, prepaint them, and then put them up next to the white part of the window. 

Speaking of hard work...I wanted to share a bit how the Lord has been working in our lives.  First off, I realize (once again) that if I am not in the Word and keeping my focus on Christ, I will eventually crash and burn.  I will become discouraged, struggle more in my areas of weakness, loose sight of my priorities, and cause rifts in my marriage and with my children.  Not good!  Thankfully, I have a forgiving and patient husband who will lovingly call me to accountability.  I so appreciate that!

I have been getting up early (between 5:30-6:00) and taking that time to read the Word and dive into some some devotional type books.  I am meditating on the scriptures, writing them down, praying, and really pondering some excellent reads full of truth and wisdom and encouragement.

I feel like the foundation for planning and preparation is beginning!  The process of organizing, prioritizing, making decisions about directions, etc. is taking root.  Phil and I have talked through lots of ideas and I am so grateful for summer break that has allowed me to step back from what is normal and reevaluate!  I have taken the word "purpose" as my springboard!

Good Reads:

I have read through the book Educating the WholeHearted Child and really enjoyed reading, rereading, and REREADING the scripture passages they referenced in new light.  I have been reminded on why the Lord has called us to homeschool and refocused my attention that homeschooling is not about school at home, it is about raising our children in a Christ centered environment rich in scripture and truth and instruction in righteousness.  What an awesome calling and one where the Lord can work through my dismal failures and weakness to His glory.

Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit is a quick and easy read but one that I should do at least once a year.  The author addresses just about every struggle a mother might have with compassion, understanding, and encouragement to die to self and let the Lord reign in every situation.  It is really more about mothering as it is about homeschooling but because homeschooling is such an extension of raising and training my children it is really one and the same for me.

I just started rereading 100 Days of Blessing.  I have sung this book's praises over and over, as well as the author Nancy Campbell who has been an instrumental woman in my life.  I look forward to her retreat every year (4th annual coming up in November!).

When scripture is referenced (which is is on every practically every page of these books), I have been reading the passages in context in my Bible which has given me such a better understanding of the Word.

I have also been listening to SM Davis sermons in the car.  I love his preaching!

I so recommend to any mom (any Christian) to dive into the word.  Surround yourself with His truth, His instructions.  Read devotions that inspire you to excellency, that is full of scripture and Biblical wisdom, that exposes the World and its philosophies and deceptions, that calls you to serving Christ and following His will.  
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Comments

  1. JennipherJuly 25, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    LOVE THE HOUSE COLORS! The place is looking so cozy and beautiful:) xo

    ReplyDelete

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