Quote of a quote

 I made some time to browse through pinterest today. I truly think this was only my second or third time since we have lived here. Eventually I will have more time, right? 

 Anyway. one link I discovered led to a list: 51 books that every Christian should read. 

 And then lots of comments others had about that list. (Which I liked at least as much as the list itself)

 As it is well known, I like to read. But I usually read fiction. Light things to take me away from reality. So I wasn't sure I even wanted to read the list itself. 

 But, as always, reading has something to offer. Always. 

 Pretty much the only things on the list I have previously read are the "classics". I have loved old words always. The fact that they have continued to be "good", 100 years later, well, I think God was speaking through them. 

 I actually get highly annoyed with the people getting filthy rich from writing books about serving Jesus. They better be doing good stuff with that money. I certainly have a hard time giving anyone $20-$40 so I can read their opinion about theology, or salvation, or grace or even how to treat my neighbor. But that doesn't mean there aren't good words out there. I just need to find them at a yard sale! 

 While reading through the comments I came upon a suggestion of a book they believed should be on the list:  Now and Again by Frederick Buechner  They said one of their favorite quotes from it was:

“Words–especially religious words, words that have to do with the depth of things–get tired and stale the way people do. Find new words or put old words together in combinations that make them heard as new, make you yourself new, and make you understand in new ways.” 

 I fell in love immediately. 

 That book wasn't on the list. I know nothing about it except that quote. And it certainly doesn't sound like "light reading". But I think I may have to add it to my stack. 

 A book about words. Who can resist that? 

Blessings, 

Rocking the boat

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Prov. 16:9

 Fear, and Faith even in the midst of it, have been a theme in my life lately.

 I am not sure why, because I am not consciously afraid of anything specific right now. At least, nothing new.

 But I do have several friends who are in situations that could cause fear in their lives. I think I have a tendency to take on the emotions of the people I love. Occasionally that makes me wish I loved fewer people... but only for a minute or two!

 A few nights ago I read Luke 8, a portion of which has the story of Jesus and His disciples crossing the sea of Galilee. Jesus falls asleep and a huge storm rolls in. While His disciples stress themselves out, He sleeps peacefully. Finally, when they can take it no longer, they remember to ask Him for help. He calms the storm and while they are busy looking at each other in shock He simply asks, "What happened to your faith?"

Sometimes it seems like He is down in the bottom of the boat for a really long time. Sometimes, when it finally does calm, the storm only calms for a moment. But He is always in the boat. And the storm is always in His hand.

 After reading Luke 8, then discussing it with Andy the next night, what story should appear in the children't Bible for C and Z's bedtime on the 3rd night?

 You guessed it!

 Obviously I am supposed to be learning something.

 So, I will do my best to have faith, even in the moments that seem very filled with rain. When the boat rocks, and waves roll, and the clouds are gray and ugly, I will make it my goal to never hear, "Where is your faith?"

 Perhaps the most important thing I can remember is to remember. Remember that He is in the boat. Remember that He wants me to "wake Him up" (ie: ask for His help). Remember that He can control absolutely anything. 'nuff said.

So, the storms are blowing. All around me. For many people that I love. All I can do is stand in the rain, hold on tight and together we will have faith.  He is letting it rain. And it makes me hurt for them. So much. But I know, they know, we know, that He is in the boat and in control.

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

 I am sure you have storms too. Hold on tight.

 I recently bought "The Voice" New Testament. We won't talk about philosophy and proper translation, I just want to share a verse written in it's translation.

 "He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles." 2 Cor 1:4

 He consoles. I draw from His comfort. I help others in their own struggles.

 Hang on tight. Ask for help. Don't give up.

 And send me an E-mail. Praying for others seems to be what God has called me to right now.

Many Blessings, 

Independence Day

 We spent the 4th just down the hill. 17 people, hanging out in the sun.  Ten under 10. Seven, ummm, over 10. It was a blast!

Fun in the water...

 Silly Mr. Andy. What goes around...

 Comes around!

Fun with art...

A beautiful butterfly- and it even matched her swimsuit!

Fireworks!!!

Can I see mom?

Wiggly worm sat still long enough for a star.

Pirates!

Patriotic Pals

Little zebra wasn't sure how she felt.

Some beautiful faces...

Sexy Faces (mine, all mine!)

Fishy Faces...

 Silly Faces...

Curious faces...

Sharing Faces...

Focused faces...

carefully watching some fireworks!

Green eggs, Green grass, Growing boys

If you have been around long, you might remember our amazing Green Eggs and Ham. Canaan certainly remembers it, fondly.
 So he insisted on making it again.

 What is cool (or perhaps horrifying) is that he is entirely capable of making it by himself now.

 He even made them into a smily face. 

He opted for cinnamon ham rather then green. One green food per day was enough.

 And didn't leave tooo much of a mess behind.

 That is one happy cook! 

I was out of commission on Friday and Saturday. Especially Friday. The boys got out a cookie sheet, and placed a homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich, mug of milk and two organic oreo's.
 Fresh water? Check
 Advil? Check
 Reading Material? Check
 They are completely capable of taking care of me!

 They were slightly bored, since I wasn't much fun, so I let them watch Ice Age 2. When that was done, I challenged them to create a Wooly mammoth out of K'nex or Lego. They brought me many creations after that!

 Another big event Canaan had recently is that he had his first "real" lawn mowing experience.

 Line it up straight

 Daddy, marshalling him...

 back up the hill!

He didn't actually do a whole lot. But, he and his brother dug out the gardening gloves and helped me do some weeding instead.

It was a beautiful, breezy day in June (before this atrocious heat wave!) 

 Very breezy...(That is my hair in the picture!)

 There we go! A nice, non-hairy picture of gardener Zion. 

And Daisy was the encourager. When it was my turn to mow, she followed me almost the whole time, barking if she got to close to the mower, but refusing to leave me alone with that terrible machine! So funny!

 Life is beautiful. 

Now all that a mom could wish for is the hands of time to slow down.... just a little please?

Blessings,