{grace and peace}

  My mind is whirling as I look over the calendar for the weeks ahead.

 Just the reminders penciled in for tomorrow alone are enough

 to sink me far below the crashing waves of busyness. 

Just one day, but it's filled to the brim with activity.

Some routine, many extras.

I know that when I awaken, in those moments before full awareness,
 before it all comes crashing in,

I must seek Him first.

I must.

The first prayer of my day is thanksgiving.

{always}

Even when pain or nausea assails.

Even when stress pulls and strains.
Even when the night is insufficient to regain my strength.
I will take the time to breath.

{thanksgiving}

Lamentations 3:22-24

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, 

because his compassions fail not.

 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Remembering the LORD, His unchanging character, His faithfulness, His love for me.

Remembering the hope I have because He is my portion.

Then spilling out come words of joy.

All my blessings line up to be remembered and there are so very many.

•  the privilege to pray 
• The Word
• husband, children, father, mother, sister
• crazy family love
•  friends who build into my life so richly
• forgiveness
•  grace given and received
• enough and more
• living, breathing, moving - even slowly
• another day

 Before I swing my legs over the side of the bed and greet the day,

 stumbling with sleep filled eyes to make the fresh start before me.

I will reach out for grace and peace.

Inseparable blessings.

{grace and peace}

*repetition is God's volume control*

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

{Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2;
 Philippians1:2; Colossians1:2; 1 Thessalonians1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2}

{grace and peace} 


Matthew 6:33-34
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.


{grace and peace} 

What robs you of your peace most often?

A jam packed schedule, lack of time spent with God, a cluttered home,

 discordant relationships, unmet expectations, discontent,

filling up longings with things that don't satisfy?

Let's seek Him first together.

blessings,

Me to a 't'

"I do enjoy baking, as you well know. There's peace in the distraction of my busy hands, and I find the task silences my mind. I've muddled through many a dilemma in the kitchen." 

--Lisa Norato, Prize of My Heart

Cleaning Wisdom

I've come to the conclusion that not one person in this house was born organized.

It's a sad, sad fact. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on ever having our home neat and tidy for more that 10 consecutive minutes. It just means we all need to work harder at it. 

It doesn't come naturally, but that doesn't mean we can't try. 

I'm re-reading  Sandra Felton's books, 

starting with Organizing Magic: 40 Days to a Well-Ordered Home and Life. 

I found it when I was cleaning - it was in the with homeschool books!

It helps that I am still doing a major house purge.

As I clean, sort, organize and take stuff out of the house, I keep thinking

'this will be easier to take care of'!

I've decided that we need some visual reminders of the 

cleaning wisdom that we are trying to adopt. 

I was so impressed with the look of Cheri's cheap and effective Subway Art Tutorial that I actually bookmarked it! Then I promptly forgot about it ... until I saw Sasha's version on Lemonade Makin' Mama 

which I really loved too! I decided to give it a try. 

So, here's what I've got so far.  I know I'm missing some cleaning wisdom that might help us, but there's only so much room on a 3"x5" photo and I got tired of trying to make it look readable! 

It's tougher than it looks, and mine isn't quite perfect, but I'm happy with it.

This week we are working on that last one - Do it right the first time or do it again!

How long does it take to teach a child that clean clothes belong in their drawers, not on a bed, a desk, a dresser, 

a chair or {heaven forbid} the floor?

I'm hoping that they will learn that doing it right the first time will save them time later

for the things that like to do. Like playing.

So, when they are 'busted' I am having them do it all over again, and do it right!

We've set the timer - it takes 3.5 seconds more to put clothes in the drawer. 

It takes much more time to carry things all the way back to laundry and start again.

 Staples is going to print this off for me as an architectural blueprint for $2.99 and I hope it turns out!

I'll take a picture of the finished 'art' when I get it done and hung!

 Do you have any cleaning wisdom to share with me?

How do you keep organized?

Were you born putting things in their place like my Mum and big sister, 

or do you have to work at it?

On my knees ...

 "We are obliged to pray if we be citizens of God's Kingdom.

Prayerlessness is expatriation, or worse, from God's Kingdom. It is outlawry, a high crime, a constitutional breach. The Christian who relegates prayer to a subordinate place in his life soon loses whatever spiritual zeal he may have once possessed, and the Church that makes little of prayer cannot maintain vital piety, and is powerless to advance the Gospel. The Gospel cannot live, fight, conquer without prayer-prayer unceasing, instant and ardent."

E.M. Bounds

 

Happy New Year!

A New Year

William Arthur Ward

Another fresh new year is here …
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest …
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!

A New Year’s Prayer

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

A Prayer for the New Year

Come, Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Risen Christ, be with us today and always.
Be our Light, our Guide, and our Comforter.
Be our Strength, our Courage, and our Sanctifier.
May this new year be a time of deep spiritual growth for us,
A time of welcoming your graces and gifts,
A time for forgiving freely and unconditionally,
A time for growing in virtue and goodness.

Come, Holy Spirit,
Be with us today and always. Amen.

New Year’s Message

"I asked the New Year for some message sweet,
Some rule of life with which to guide my feet;
I asked, and paused: it answered soft and low,
‘God’s will to know.’

‘Will knowledge then suffice, New Year?’ Aloud I cried.
And, ere the question into silence died,
The answer came, ‘Nay, but remember, too
God’s will to do.’

Once more I asked, ‘Is there no more to tell?’
And once again the answer sweetly fell,
‘Yes! this thing, all other things above:
God’s will to love.’"

Guidewords: An Anthology of Inspiration and Humor

New Year’s Prayer

Anonymous

"Heavenly Father, for this coming year
Just one request I bring.

I do not pray for happiness or any earthly thing.
I do not ask to understand the way you lead me;
But this I ask—teach me to do the thing that pleases You.
I want to know Your guiding voice,
To walk with you each day.

Heavenly Father,
Make me swift to hear and ready to obey;
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be,

If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleases You."

To Start A New Year

Anonymous

"A new year is unfolding—like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.

Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others.

As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance."

Images from AntiqueClipart.com

New Year's Quotes, Stories and Prayers taken from AppleSeeds

When you pray, rather let your heart be without words
than your words without heart.
~John Bunyan

Tidbits of joy : keep running the race

I'll be honest - I've felt really awful since Monday night, so I've had a hard time finding anything to be truthfully joyful about. Monday, I went to a local greenhouse and found many pretty plants to bring joy to our garden all summer - that was a blessing! I had a coupon that saved me $25 and that was also a blessing! Then this really nasty cold hit me hard - not such a joyful thing! I think I might also have a sinus infection since I have chills and a fierce headache - but I haven't had time to do anything about it!


This week our Dreamer had her ballet recital - and that may not seem like much, but it was a lot to get ready for! There were the missing ribbons needing to be manufactured ( by mommy) for her slippers - ahem! We try to use the ' a place for everything and everything in it's place' motto, but I guess her ribbons were spirited away in the night by some mysterious nefarious villain - who likes long pink ribbons! There was also the up-do and fresh flower bouquet - and way too much other running around!

Note the missing ribbons on picture day ... thankfully her teacher didn't!
She had her ribbons for the recital, and that's all that matters!

Our van is being fixed, so we are using The Historian's little economy car - I guess I needed practice getting in and out of a sardine can and shifting gears! The kids accuse me of being a wild driver, but I just can't adjust to the tight turning radius compared to the van, and it does have some pep! I don't mind the gears, but you really can't successfully ( or safely) blow your nose, steer and shift at the same time - don't ask me how I know - and honey, if you're reading this there may be an issue with second gear .... kidding!

Using the Historian's car means getting him to work and picking him up - which isn't a big deal, but we have a hard time buckling down to work by the time we get home - I like to run errands at the same end of town while we are there, so we have been out longer than I hoped each day.



This morning Dreamer got a new appliance at the orthodontist - a Herbst??? appliance. It is a huge chunk of metal and making her cheeks stick out oddly, along with making her talk funny! Hopefully it will do it's job quickly. No photo ops for a while for her!

Tomorrow is a big interview in Columbus, OH with immigration. I wish I felt healthier. You don't think they would kick me out for just a cold do you? I don't think I'll enjoy a night in a hotel when I'm coughing and keeping everyone else awake! Really, I am just relieved that it will be over with and that we can move on to the next step - whatever that is! At least I will be able to apply for my driver's license again and be able to travel freely. Two really good things!

Finding joy each day isn't so hard, but it is easy to get distracted from looking closely isn't it? Lately, this Scripture has been bringing me comfort and encouraging my heart - may it be a blessing to you as well.

Philippians 3:11-19

I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.
I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet!

Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross.
But easy street is a dead-end street.

The Message

Keep running the race friends, and encourage those whose are there alongside you in the faith!

Keep on!

Quote Inspiration

Thanks to Ask Kari & Kijsa for reminding us of this wonderful quote:

When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

~Erma Bombeck

And now to live it.

Please, be careful what you say about me!

The Storyteller as 'Henry the Tooth Fairy'

There are some embarrassments that take days to live down - this may be one of them! Our Storyteller has taken it upon himself to let 'the world' know that I am now taking Mannatech ... only it doesn't come out quite like that!

At the grocery store yesterday ....

The Stoyteller and Dreamer are in competiton to hurl the groceries on to the belt in helter skelter order and with great force. Not their best moment.

Optimistic Clerk: "You're being a great help to your Mommy!"

Storyteller: "She hasn't been feelin' too well and I thought I'd better help out. We've been so naughty already that we've lost all of our privileges today. I'm trying to make restitution."

Clerk: " Well, that's good I guess. I'm sorry your Mommy hasn't been feeling well."

Storyteller: "Momma's taking MAN ATTACK now, so I think she'll be feeling a lot better soon - we're praying it's going to help her."

Clerk (with astonished look and raised eyebrows): "MMmmmm ..... Well, that's good I guess?"

Momma: "I am taking MannaTECH - it's a nutritional supplement to help with my overall health." (tomato red kind of blushing going on)

It was just one of those times when I prayed for a hasty exit or at least the floor opening up to swallow me! I didn't even look around to see how many other customers where snickering at our little conversation, but considering that The Storyteller only has one volume - loud - I can just imagine!

Mum was so right when she said that children are sent to keep you humble!

On a more upbeat note, I was so grateful to learn today that others have experienced these kinds of flu-like symptoms as the mannatech cleansing process begins - I hope this means that it's working, and I pray the aches are gone completely soon.

Are you smiling yet?

On Sewing

"It is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew; especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts than while so occupied."
- Nathanial Hawthorne

An Answer

Ask the LORD for rain

In the time of the latter rain.

The LORD will make flashing clouds;

He will give them showers of rain,

Grass in the field for everyone.

Zechariah 10:1

Just as my new plants are quietly setting their roots free from the pots that once bound them, and establishing themselves in our flower garden, gentle rains have fallen in our small corner of the Midwest.

Much needed rains, often prayed for.

My timing for planting was so very 'off' this year because of my lack of strength, and that frustrated me greatly at times. However, when I think of all of the laborious watering that I didn't have to do during the last month or so of agricultural drought, I can once again see the hand of God at work in my life in such a simple, abundantly blessed way. He cares for me!

Weary?

Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the LORD,

The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men

shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Quirky Quote Qontest Entry

jewlsntexas has a really lovely contest - the prize is a new blog design! I decided to enter with a simple quote I came upon recently.

"The best 'aromatherapy' comes directly from the kitchen."

~ Susan Branch

By this time tomorrow ...

I have an index card at my kitchen sink that my mom sent to me some time ago. It says:

"By this time tomorrow I will have accomplished the impossible."

- C.S.Lewis

I am grateful today for this reminder. The children are still struggling with heavy colds and a fresh cold seems to have found me this week! I awakened with a touch of The Storyteller's eye infection also, and am feeling much in need of a good cry or to just crawl back into bed for the day. Since I really don't have time for that, and it would be very unproductive, besides, I have entreated my Heavenly Father once again for strength for today, and grace to face whatever troubles may be added to my day.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling."

Exodus 15:30

Do you think it was God's planning to have both of these encouragements 'pop' up in my devotional time this morning? I certainly do! His Word is alive!

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

- C.S. Lewis

My troubles are insignicant compared to the difficulties so many face today, and I do not face them alone. My God shall supply all of my needs again today. I am blessed to have an understanding husband - he had no idea that the 'in sickness' part of his wedding vow to me would far outweigh the 'in health', yet he still loves me dearly and is, right now, praying for my strength and trying to be the best encouragement and support he can. I am indeed, a very blessed woman.

Artwork from All Posters

Oh! Christmas Trees!

"Children need Christmas trees, and not artificial ones either. The artificial ones have no fragrance, and some of them play tunes, which is dreadful to think of."

Gladys Talser

I must say, I just couldn't agree more! My search for the right artificial tree for our family lead me to a wonderful florist's shop and garden center near my home last evening. While The Dreamer twirled about a beautiful ballroom learning a bit about ballet and giggling with other happy little girls in pink tights and black leotards, I looked with dismay at artificial trees. After much looking (I had 15 minutes all told!)I found what I thought was the perfect tree. Tall and slim, it would have fit nicely in our front window - but the price took my breath away. I looked longingly at the fresh cut trees lining the garden center area and breathed their natural fragrance, and left - without a tree. Obviously Gladys Talser is not taking into account the possibility of children having allergies, but we must. I am now going to make this a matter of prayer. Which I should have been doing all along ...