though more is going on with and inside me than ever, I have no words to explain it. I want to tell you all about how we never found our groove in schooling last fall and how frustrating it was. How I learned that being still and knowing that He is God isn’t always peace and platitude. I’d love to fill you in on our activity fast for December, and how it did wonders for our household attitude. I’d even like to tell you all about our Christmas and our New Year–like when we really realized Chuck’s sister’s brain cancer is taking over. But I don’ t have words right now. Which is odd–almost troubling–for a writer. If I didn’t believe God had a purpose in this silence, I’d be worried. I’m not. Perplexed, wondering why I’m not able to share these lessons articulately, but not fretting. For that I’m thankful. The words will come. Eventually. In His timing.

my true love gave to me–

Five loads of pukey laundry

Four children sleeping on the kitchen floor near the throw-up bowl

Three hours of sleep

Two cranky parents

And one husky who was mad he missed his walk and pooped on all the Christmas toys.

Good thing Jesus is our reason for celebration–and He’s eternally good!

Elizabeth, under the power of the Holy Spirit, says:

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Mary responds:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 

 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 

For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name. 

And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly. 

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty. 

 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Lord, let my response to Your truth always exalt You and You alone. Like Mary, let me be humble in heart, saying, “May it be done to me as You have said.” No matter how I feel about Your plans, in spite of how life looks, let me submit my person to You. You alone are worthy to be praised. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in His mercy has given us great life!

Merry CHRISTmas!

We’ve been baking cookies

crafting

playing with our many nativities

working through our Advent materials

and spending time with good friends.

Lord, as we celebrate your birth on earth, let us turn our every smile and sweet moment to you in glorious praise.

A hearty holiday greeting from my Sonflower Sisters group.

Books don’t live long at my house. I buy them, read them, and pass them on.  But Judith Couchman’s  The Woman Behind the Mirror has graced my bookshelf for over ten years; I’ve recommended it to dozens of women struggling with self-image. Judith is a master of  explaining complicated ideas with clarity and grace.

I was thrilled when Judith offered a free signed copy of her newest book, The Mystery of the Cross: Bringing Ancient Christian Images to Life (available from Intervarsity Press, Amazon, other online, and local booksellers).

Home schoolers are going to love this book; it covers Bible, Art, and History in one fell-swoop. Couchman keeps the chapters under five pages for the most part (great for daily readings), and includes many beautiful illustrations and photos of famous works of art. She weaves Scripture, stories, artwork and scholarly insight into a readable pocket guide to the history of the symbol of the cross.

Christians, art lovers, and just plain curious folks will be surprised to learn the symbol of the cross was popular before Christ and has been found in unlikely places, such as Pompeiian remains from the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius.

This could be the unique Christmas gift you’ve been looking for!

Sweet November,

full of the color of grace,

and touches of heaven,

sneak away slowly in the middle of the night.

Then I won’t miss you so much as long for your return.

Lord, You set the roots in the ground and the poured the waters atop the sands. You set in motion the seasons and the tides and the moons. You are Masterful Creator and Sustainer of all that is beautiful and natural. Bless us in this season with Your warmth and color. In Jesus’ Name I praise You.

It was 70 degrees on Sunday! After a yummy post-church lunch at Italian Sensations, we ventured over to Bel Air Family Golf. What a great place.

We strolled our way through the miniature golf course,

and hit a bucket of balls on the range afterward.

What a fantastic day! I loved hearing the kids hit the sweet spot. And they were so proud of themselves. Now they want golf lessons. Anyone know of any good ones in Harford County?

Years ago, before we even had children, a friend convinced us letting a child ride on a mower was akin to murder. We were frightened into banning all grass-cutting activity until our children hit 18.

But I’d grown up on our family’s tractor. I have plenty of fun, and quirky memories from my time on our tractor. Like the time I got the snow plow on the front of it caught in the neighbor’s fence when I was only eight years old. Driving it myself.

So this year we finally broke that stronghold of fear and invited our children to ride on our mower. The smiles on their faces tell the story of growing up enjoying all things in life. The joy of independence. Of trying new things and growing in confidence.

Fear keeps us from so many of life’s challenges. I hope my children grow bold and brave, and say we helped them to become courageous.

The girls were itching to take dance lessons, but we just didn’t have the extra money to send them in this season of our financial life. They took the news hard. They were very disappointed. It killed me to have to say no to their passions.

But, very much by mistake, we stumbled upon a local rec program with great instructors for a fraction of the price.

We didn’t even have to spend money on dance duds. Brooke can wear sweats and her hip-hop tenners from last year,

and a friend from high school even gave me a pair of shoes for Breanna–for free!

Now my little princesses are thrilled to be dancing.

And I’m happy to be able to nurture their passions and talents.

God is faithful to not only meet our needs, but to grant even our hearts’ desires…like new friends!