Books I Read in 2008

I've kept a running list on the sidebar of my blog of the books I've been reading this year. I wanted to keep the list, but not on my sidebar. So I've moved them to this post, with a little comment about what I liked and a short highlight about each one.

Future Grace by John Piper - I just finished reading this one a few days ago even thought I started it with Leslie in October. I'm glad I kept on reading it. Piper always gives me something to really think about. This time it was how to fight sin with greater enjoyment of God. Practical application was interwoven throughout the book and was particularly helpful.

Self-Image: How to Overcome Inferiority Judgments (Resources for Biblical Living) by Lou Priolo - This was actually just a little booklet. A very short, but practical read. Mr. Priolo is biblical counselor (meaning that his counsel comes from the word of God not secular psychology methods). The most helpful thing I gleaned from this booklet is how to see if the area in my life that I'm judging myself to be inadequate in is an inaccurate perception, an accurate perception, but not sinful, or an accurate perception that is sinful and requires a change in behavior.

The Story of Rolf and The Viking Bow by Allen French - I read this to my older kids as part of our history curriculum. We all loved it! It is an intriguing story that not only fit in well with our time period in history, but was a beautiful lesson on love and forgiveness as well.

Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally -

This was another book that I read to the kids. Not only was it a helpful book for relationships, it was funny! The kids would beg me to read another chapter, they enjoyed it so much. We learned how to get to the root of the problem, how to see things from someone elses perspective and what it takes to build a friendship. With three writers, there were different perspectives to each chapter. And at the end of each was a quiz to help bring the concepts home. I would highly recommend it! I had to throw in this picture of Evan and Amy. It fits so well with the book.

Trusting God Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges - This was the first book I had read by Jerry Bridges. I wish I'd read it a long time ago. It was so uplifting and encouraging. Mr. Bridges writes in a way that is easy to read even though he is dealing with tough concepts. I'm sure I'll come back and read it again. It was that good.

When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage
by Dave Harvey - This was by far the best marriage book I've ever read. And I've read quite a few. Bringing every point back to the gospel and in such a compelling way, encouraged me and changed my perspective. What made this book different from so many books on marriage, was that the examples were not about the couple that starts out unhappy because of ... then puts ... into practice and is full of joy. Instead, the stories are about God being faithful, and what the faithfulness of people who love God looks like, lived out in marriages that aren't perfect. It was fresh, real, and made me literally rejoice in God's goodness to me every time I read a chapter.

A Tale of Two Sons: The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder by John MacArthur - Sean gave me this book for my birthday. I really enjoyed reading it. MacArthur gives historical and cultural information about this well known parable and then unpacks it verse by verse.

A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper - I read this book because I wanted to learn more about fasting. I not only learned more about the discipline, but was inspired to put it into practice more. It answered a lot of the questions that I had about fasting.

How Clean Is Your House? : Hundreds of Handy Tips to Make Your Home Sparkle by Aggie MacKenzie and Kim Woodburn - I got this book at the dollar store! I usually try to read at least one book on home management a year to help develop my domestic skills. This one was fun and had some good tips. The best one for me was to use thick black chemical resistant gloves for cleaning. I have a lot more "get up and go" when I use them.

Pleasing People: How Not to Be an Approval Junkie by Lou Priolo - I tend to find authors that I like and then read as much as I can that has been written by them. This year it was Piper and Priolo. This book was so applicable for me. Priolo really challenges your thinking about whether you are pleasing God or man and then offers counsel and hope. For a more detailed review see Tim Challies.

Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper - I read this on the recommendation of my friend Rachael. We share a love of books and she reads a lot of Piper too. She saw this on my shelf and encouraged me to read it. I'm glad I did. It is four short biographies of Christian women with a short commentary by Noel Piper (John Piper's wife). I'm always inspired by reading about the lives of others who have gone before me.

Dona Tomas: Discovering Authentic Mexican Cooking by Thomas Schnetz and Dona Savitsky - The kids wanted to learn about Mexican cooking this past year as part of our very long cooking education course. So I checked out several cookbooks from the library having to do with Mexican cooking and started reading. Dona Tomas is actually a restaurant that my sister says is good but a bit pricey. The cookbook was a fun read with fabulous pictures. (I like to read appealing cookbooks cover to cover like a book.) But it was the section on making tortillas that really inspired me. Out of our year, the tortillas were the biggest hit. We are now proud owners of a tortilla press and warmer, and make homemade tortillas often.

My Friend Flicka by Mary O'hara - I read this book to Amy. We enjoyed the story about a young boy and his horse. But it was reading this story that helped convince me that Amy should take horseback riding lessons. The story tells how a boy grows up and matures as he learns to take care of his colt Flicka. It is very moving story.

Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt - This is a book about books. And more specifically about children's books. It contains chapters on what makes a great book, chapters that list books for various age levels and chapters that list classics as well as new books that are worth buying for your child's library. I had read this before, when Evan was little, but it's one worth going to again and again as your children get older and need guidance on what to read.

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey - I actually did a book review on this one. You can read it here.

So there you have it. My reading list from 2008. What's on tap for this next year? Well, the kids want to learn about French cooking this year and I've found a couple of good books from the library. Dave Ramsey says that you should read a book on finances once a year. Sean bought me a boxed set from Susie Orman. So I think I'll pick one of those. And I'd like to read a bit more fiction this year. I also have several Piper books on my shelf that I have yet to tackle, and I've started The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. That should keep me busy for a while!

I'd love to hear what you're reading or any recommendations you have.

Total Money Makeover

I just finished reading Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It was a recommendation by FishMamma. I trust her recommendations and I hadn't read a book on money, well... probably ever.

I grew up hearing about Larry Burkett. I used to listen to his radio show when I was driving to college and back. So most of the ideas that Dave espouses weren't new to me. I knew that it is good to have a budget, not have debt, save for things like college and retirement and give money away charitably too. What was fun about reading this book was his sense of enthusiasm. And he had some new ideas about how to put it all into practice that made sense to me.

FishMamma described him to me as the "hipper, cooler Larry Burkett." I'd say that's probably true. I like that he doesn't talk much about the past. Just start today where you're at and make some changes. It made sense to me to have some money in savings for "emergencies" before you try to tackle debt so you don't go backwards when those emergencies do hit. For a guy with degree's in finance, I'd say his real skill is in what motivates people. People don't like to go backwards; it makes them want to give up.

He uses lots of catch phrases. One of his favorite is the "debt snowball." This is where you line up all your consumer debt (including car loans, but not your mortgage) and systematically pay off the lowest loan first, cross it off, then use the money you were using to pay on that loan toward paying off the second loan. You don't pay attention to which loan has the highest interest rate. Smallest to biggest so you can see quick results and get motivated to move on. It reminded me of books on weight loss. My favorite line in the book talked about how the math may not add up, but if you were so smart with math you wouldn't be in debt now would you! He was much funnier, but I had to return the book to the library so I can't get you an exact quote.

The one thing that I didn't agree with was his world view in regards to money. He is a Christian, and yet I didn't see one reference to God's sovereignty or His grace in regards to money. It was all about my will power, getting motivated, and me, me, me. I have to take control. I have to plan for myself. And in the end, when my money is so secure that nothing bad can touch me, then I have a responsibility to give to others. There was a lot spoken about trusting in a fully funded emergency account, not much about trusting in the Lord.

However, if taken as a tool, it was a very good one I thought. Sean and I have had some great conversations about where our finances stood as a result of me reading this book. I'm sure he got tired of me always asking where we stood. (Sean does all our bills and planning so some things I had no idea about!) And it got me motivated to go back to paying with cash all the time, not just when it was convenient.

I had fun reading it and would recommend it to anyone.

Books in 2008

Many bloggers keep track of the books they read on their sidebar. I always enjoy reading book reviews by my favorite bloggers. So this year I'm planning on keeping records of my own. When I finish a book, I'll put it on the sidebar. I would like to try and write a little review too. We'll see.

A while ago Alicia tagged me with another Book Meme. Here's my answers to the questions.

My current reading:
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Pleasing People By Lou Priolo
Teach Them Diligently By Lou Priolo
A Hunger For God By John Piper
If All the Swords in England by Barbara Willard (With Evan)
Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp (With Sean)
Honey For A Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt

Number of Books You Own:
I don't know for sure. I'm guessing around 3,000. I'd like to join LibraryThing to keep track.

Last Book I Finished:
The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd by John Piper

This was a wonderful set of biographies that was very encouraging.

Last Book I Bought:
Knitting Never Felt Better and Last Minute Knitted Gifts (bought as a present for my sister-in-law).

Five Most Meaningful Books:
I get something out of just about every book that I read. To have to think about 5 that are most meaningful would take so long that I would never have this meme done. So I'm wimping out and not answering this one. If you'd like my opinion on a specific type of book (ie. marriage, children's, or fiction) just ask and I can answer that!

Five Favorite Books:
1. The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
2. The Fisherman's Lady by George MacDonald
3. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
4. The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
5. The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Favorite Children's Books:
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
Captain Cat by Syd Hoff
Stan The Hot Dog Man by Ethel Kessler
Time For Bed by Mem Fox
Mr. and Mrs. Button's Wonderful Watchdogs by Janice Duvoisin

Relief at The Dentist Office

This past week my kids were sick, my back and neck hurt, my husband was working extra hours, school was not going well, my house was a mess, and I had to go get a crown put on one of my molars. I'm pretty faithful to go to the dentist and it doesn't usually bother me. But I've had a crown put on before and my tooth hurt for a solid week afterward. It was not fun.

The day before the dentist appointment, I had a melt down. I felt melancholy and blue. Sure, my circumstances were not what I'd really like, but they weren't that awful. Others suffer much more than loneliness, laundry and dentist chairs. But I was full of tears instead of hope.

Before I left, I put "The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God" in my purse. It is one of the books that I bought from Desiring God back in June when they had their $5 sale. I don't really know why I bought it. But God used it at the dentist office to draw me to Him. I almost cried as I read it. It is a beautiful poem on the sovereignty and goodness of God in the midst of suffering. John Pipers words echoed my heart in the misery I felt that day. But more importantly, they gently reminded me that God not only knows about my suffering, but orchestrates the events in my life to help me know Him more. He is sovereign and He is sweet.

"He is not poor nor much enticed

Who loses everything but Christ.

It won't be long before the rod

Becomes the tender kiss of God."

I left the dentist office in more physical pain, but much lighter in my spirit. The tears were gone. They were replaced with renewed hope in God who showed His mercy to Job and who is showing His mercy to me.

The Winner Is...

Henty books - Jen from Florida (I need your email address to get in touch with you!)

Henty book - Jenn (Only By Grace)

E.B. White books - Jenn (by default, she was the only one who wanted them!)

Kaya - Margie

George MacDonald - Leslie

Hop on Pop - Jenn (again, by default!)

Thanks for playing along and helping me to clear up some space on my bookshelf!

I'm Back and Giving Away Books and Things!

What better way to get back into blogging than to give away books! During the break I spent time cleaning out our bookshelves (getting ready for more books to arrive!) and I found several duplicates of some great books. Some are new and others are well loved but if you don't own them, you could win them here. I'll check again next Wednesday and draw the winners. Please leave a comment telling me by number which set(s) you'd like to win. You can enter for all if you like.

1. G.A. Henty books - With Lee in Virginia and True to the Old Flag

If you are studying the Civil War and The Revolutionary War these books are historical fiction set during that time. They are over 100 years old. We buy Henty books in lots on Ebay and have ended up with a few doubles. One person will win both, one person will win With Lee in Virginia as we have two copies available. Hardback

2. E.B. White books - Charlotte's Web and The Trumpet of the Swan

Classic stories for children in paperback. Well loved, but lots of life left in them for another child to love.

3. From the American Girl Collection - Meet Kaya

Amy was given the set of books and the doll which came with the first book in the series. This book is brand new. If your daughter gets hooked, most libraries carry all the books.

4. George MacDonald - The Marquis' Secret

This is the sequel to The Fisherman's Lady. George MacDonald was one of C.S. Lewis' favorite authors. These two stories are my favorite of his. Paperback

5. For the Preschool set - Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss

Brand new, hardback.

For local pick up only (unless you want to pay for the shipping).

6. Puppet theater - It looks similar to this one, but all the chalk spaces are green and the sign is either missing or was never there. Also there are no curtains, but it would be easy to make some. We bought this at a garage sale, but don't have room for it.

7. Rescue Heroes' Fire Truck and assorted Rescue Heroes

8. Foot Spa - It looks mostly like this.

And The Winner Is.......

Margie!!!

I'm long overdue to give you a call and set up something for the girls. Now we have one more reason to get together! Congratulations!

Thanks to all of you for entering and making this fun! I'm on a cleaning and purging spree. The homeschool closet is next and we're going to have a garage sale next week. So maybe I'll find another good give-away. Is anyone looking for any curriculum in particular? You never know, I just may have it and not need it anymore.

"Win-a-Book" Week

It's official! Fishmama even made a button for it! If you have a book to give away let her know and she'll keep a list of who's giving what away. Sounds fun, huh?!

Win Another Book!

My friend Jessica is having a book drawing too! Check out her blog at Fishkids.

She also had a great idea and apparently the guys over at Desiring God thought so too. So do you have a good book or two that is a double that you'd like to give away? "Win a Book Week" sounds great to me!

Win Some Money, Save Some Money

In case you hadn't heard yet, next Wednesday and Thursday (June 27 and 28th) Desiring God's bookstore is offering ALL their books for $5 each. The special is good online only.

Westminster Bookstore is also having a great sale on children's resources that ends next Tuesday June 26. I was able to buy what we're going to use for our Bible curriculum next year at a great price. (Thanks, Leslie!)

Finally, if you have kids and have a garden, your pictures could win you some money. Enter the contest here.

Grumbling

This morning I read a warning in Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. The warning was for those who grumble against what God has afflicted them with. Or the way Mr. Sprugeon puts it "a murmurer".

"A word with thee,O murmurer! Why shouldst thou murmur against the dispensations of thy heavenly father? Can He treat thee more hardly than thou deservest? Consider what a rebel thou wast once, but He has pardoned thee! Surely, if He in His wisdom sees fit now to chasten thee, thou shouldst not complain. After all, art thou smitten as hardly as thy sins deserve? Weigh thyself and discern how much dross is mingled with thy gold: and doest thou think the fire too hot to purge away so much dross as thou hast? Doest not that proud rebellious spirit of thine prove that thy heart is not thoroughly sanctified? All his corrections are sent in love to purify thee, and to draw thee nearer to Himself."

Oh, what conviction! How many times I grumble and complain about the trials God has sent my way, big, or many more times, small. Sean and I were just talking about this yesterday!

He then continues, "But if thou wilt murmur against the chastening, take heed, for it will go hard with murmurers. God always chastises His children twice, if they do not bear the first stroke patiently."

Then, as my habit, I read the chapter from which the verse in the devotional was taken. Today it was Numbers 14. It is the story about how Israel complained to God because of the giants in the promised land. They wanted to go back to Egypt. They wanted to stone Caleb and Joshua for reminding them to not rebel against the Lord.

God chastised them and made them wander in the desert for 40 years, one year for each day the spies were in the land. God told them that everyone older than 20 would die in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb, the faithful men who did not doubt God's promises even in the midst of trying circumstances.

Many times the "fire" that purges the dross (icky, bad stuff that's not gold) is hard to bear. But it is sobering to think of this example from the Old Testament and comforting to remember that God chastens those he loves. It is also helpful for me to remember that the end result will be a strengthening of my faith which is worth more than gold.

Dairy Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Sean bought me the cookbook Healthy Kids by Marilu Henner a while back because it was on the $1 dollar table at Barnes and Nobles and he knows I like cookbooks. I put it on the shelf after a cursory glance because she cooked with soy milk and and soy margarine.

But after learning that Amy has trouble with dairy, it upsets her stomach, we've switched to... soy milk and Earth Balance ( a non dairy canola based margarine). So I pulled out the cookbook to see what it had. I've been so surprised and elated to find out that the recipes are really good! Every one of the baking recipe's that I've tried has turned out wonderful. I think she's got the knack for baking with funky soy margarine (or Earth Balance). Her recipe's turn out much better than the ones where I've just substituted out soy milk and Earth Balance for milk and butter. So here is her recipe for dairy free chocolate cake. Yum!

3/4 cup Earth Balance
2 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons soy milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups unprocessed pure cane sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup chocolate chips (She recommends grain sweetened. Some dark chocolate brands contain no milk.)
1/8 cup unsweetened chocolate, melted

Heat oven to 350. In a med. bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Put the 3/4 cup soy milk and vanilla in a small bowl. In the bowl of and electric mixer, cream the 3/4 cup margarine and sugar for at least 5 min. until nice and creamy. Lower to med-low speed and add eggs, one at a time. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture alternately with the milk mixture. Beat until smooth. Add melted chocolate and remaining 2 tablespoons of soy milk. (At this point I added a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder to make it more chocolaty, maybe 2 T.)

Fill cupcake liners and bake for about 20 min. Cool

Frosting

3/4 cup Sucanat
1/4 cup unbleached while four
3 T. unsweetened cocoa
1 cup soy cream (I used milk since I didn't have cream)
1 cup soy margarine (Earth Balance)
1 T. vanilla extract
1/2 cup grain-sweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

In a med. saucepan, stir together the sucanat, flour, and cocoa until well blended. Slowly stir in the soy cream and continue stirring until smooth. Cook over med heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and boils. Reduce the heat to low, cook 2 min. stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the margarine at med. speed until creamy. Slowly add the cooled soy cream mixture. Add the vanilla and melted chocolate and blend well. You may have to refrigerate the frosting a little for a stiffer, more spreadable consistency. ( I did.) This frosting sounds weird, but it is really good!
Enjoy!

Conflict

A while ago I ordered several little booklets from CCEF. Among them was one entitled "Conflict". Based on James chapter 4, this little booklet has so much to say about redeeming conflict as an opportunity to mature in Christ and grow in grace. Since I am giving my copy to a friend today, I wanted to highlight the main points so I could have them handy until I order another copy. You can order one too (for only $2.99) at Christian Counseling Education Foundation.

Timothy Lane writes about 5 preliminary perspectives.
"1. The Bible is a story with conflict as a central theme. Conflict is not necessarily bad. In fact there is a way to do conflict that is pleasing to God.
2. Conflict is an opportunity to grow. James says that without trials, we will remain immature, incomplete, and lacking many godly character qualities.
3. The person with whom we are in conflict is there for a divine purpose. God, who is sovereign, loving and wise, sends people into our lives so that he might work in us in ways that can only happen in conflict.
4. There will be times when we will reach an impasse in conflict. We should not let this be an excuse to stop trying to resolve our differences. But it does remind us that we are limited in our ability to change others."

He goes on to look at James 4. "It answers the questions that beg for answers in the midst of conflict. Its answers are not always the ones we want to hear, but they are exactly what we need to hear."

The cause of conflict is found in James 4:1-3

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

The problem is inside us. Our desires turn into a sinful demand. When we try to win at all costs, please to get approval, or avoid conflict (or a person!) in response to conflict, we can probably bet that we are not handling conflict in a biblical way.

Timothy Lane asks some pointed questions to help us look at conflict in a more godly way.
"1.What do I want right now more than Christ and how am I acting to get it?
2.What specifically do I need to repent of? Where do I need to ask for grace? What has hijacked my heart and what do I need to see and believe about Christ?
3.What is your experience as you enter into conflict with me right now? Is it a good experience or a bad one?
4.What would it look like to wisely love the person in conflict with me? Will I warn, encourage, or help?

When you are most conscious of God's love for you in Christ, you are most willing to look at the false love that has replaced your love for him. You are ready to ask specific questions about why you are in conflict with another person. Looking inward moves you outward to see Christ and his grace. The more dazzling his grace becomes, the less attractive your god replacements seem.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10"

I hope that this encourages you when you face conflict as much as it has encouraged me.

Some Funny Things About Me

Zoanna tagged me with a few questions to answer about yourself. She said I could change it if I wanted too. So I did. Here are a few things about me based on the categories she made up. "Tidbits" of information as she calls them.

1) Dramatic Role:
I have never acted in my life, but have been in several ballet productions including The Nutcracker, Copellia, A Christmas Carol, and several smaller recitals.

2) Athletics:
The only time I was on an athletic team was for J.V. basketball in the 9th grade. I went to a small Christian school and a couple of my friends really wanted to have a J.V. team. They convinced me that it would be fun to join. And that way they could have enough people to have a team. The only problem is I'm terrible at sports, and I'm not competitive. So it didn't go well. We lost our one and only game. The next year I became a cheerleader.

3) Lessons:
I took classical ballet (Royal Academy of Dance) for 6-7 years, with several years of a more relaxed dance in college. I'd still be taking lessons if I could. I love to dance.
I also took violin when I was younger. Right now, I'm taking Art lessons with my kids and have been enjoying it immensely.

4) Driving:
I didn't get my licence until I was 19 and even then I was reluctant. I was too scared. Plus I lived within walking distance to my school and church. I finally got a job across town and had to learn how to drive to get myself to work!

5) Literature:
I love to read. I usually have 3-4 books going at the same time. I like having more serious books that take awhile to get through, mixed in with novels and practical helps books. Right now I'm reading Heaven at Home by Ginger Plowman, Humility - True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney, Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee by Sharon James, Is there Life After Housework? by Don Aslett, and (with the kids) Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney .

Kim, you have been cracking me up lately with your posts. I'd love to hear some "tidbits" about you. You can use Zoanna's quiz format, or my essay format.

Want to Win a Book?

*Clarification added!

Leslie over at Lux Venit is hosting an interview with Ginger Plowman, author of Heaven at Home, Don't Make Me Count to Three, and Wise Words For Moms. If you've read any of these books, now is your chance to ask Ginger a question. Leslie is asking for your input. If you have a question you'd like her to ask Ginger, e-mail it to Leslie. (Her e-mail is on her profile page.) To sweeten the deal, if you submit a question you will have the chance to win one of Ginger's books! If you've never read her books, but would like to win one anyway, just leave your name in Leslie's comment box for a chance to win too.

I'm in the middle of Heaven at Home. It's a great book with many practical applications. The chapter "Letting Your Husband Lead" is worth the price of the book.

"Trust God by letting your husband lead and resting in the fact that your security is based on the hope of Christ, not on your husband's choices. Comfort him when he blows it and don't respond with an arrogant attitude of superiority. The beauty of the whole thing is that your love will be demonstrated even more
powerfully when you support your husband in his failures as fervently as in his successes." Heaven at Home pg. 67

* It just dawned on me that quoting this section might lead you to believe that I think that my husband makes bad choices. Not only is this NOT true, but I would hate to imply that as well. Rather this chapter convicted me that I could do so much better at letting Sean lead in lots of little areas. And my attitude really needs to improve to help build him up. Many times I struggle with wanting to control situations and this quote encouraged me to trust Christ, not what might happen if I "lose" control.

Leslie will take questions up until next Friday and pick the winner on Monday. I hope you win! (I already own all three books!)

Homeschool Meme

Leslie tagged me for this awhile back before we all got the flu. So here it is better late than never.


1) ONE HOMESCHOOLING BOOK YOU HAVE ENJOYED - When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr.

2) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULDN’T BE WITHOUT - My husband!

3) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH YOU HAD NEVER BOUGHT - I can honestly say I've used or plan to use everything that I've bought. I like it all!

4) ONE RESOURCE YOU ENJOYED LAST YEAR - Developing Linguistic Patterns Through Poetry Memorization


5) ONE RESOURCE YOU WILL BE USING NEXT YEAR - The ESV Bible - Evan is reading through a daily reading plan online. Amy and I are reading through the Psalms in her Children's Bible.

6) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY - a maid


7) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH EXISTED - a Classical Christian support group for homeschoolers in our area

8) ONE HOMESCHOOLING CATALOGUE YOU ENJOY READING - Timberdoodle and Veritas Press

9) ONE HOMESCHOOLING WEBSITE YOU USE REGULARLY - The library!

10) TAG OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS - Jessica, Jenn, and Wendy

If you want to see a longer post on what kind of curriculum we've used and enjoyed go here.

Book Meme

I was tagged by Jenn for this book meme. (It's kind of like an online game of tag. Someone posts questions and answers them, then "tags" the next person who is "it".) Here's what you're supposed to do.

1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same

When I first read this on someone else's blog, I happened to have a book in my lap. I had just gotten a box from Timberdoodle and was looking through it while checking up on blogs.

"Show me how to know when a thing is evil
which I think is right and good,
how to know when what is lawful
comes from an evil principle,
such as desire for reputation or wealth by usury.
Give me grace to recall my needs,
my lack of knowing thy will in Scripture,
of wisdom to guide others,
of daily repentance, want of which keeps thee at bay,
of the spirit of prayer, having words
without love,
of zeal for thy glory, seeking my own ends,
of joy in thee and thy will,
of love to others.
And let me not lay my pipe
too short of the fountain,
never touching the eternal spring,
never drawing down water from above."

The Valley of Vision is a collection of poems and page 123 only has three sentences. So I copied them for you as they are written. It is the second half of a poem on Self-Knowledge. I got this book because I have enjoyed the CD by the same title. I am looking forward to reading this book.

I tag Cara, Bethany, and since it's National Delurking week, if you read this blog but have not yet commented, I tag YOU! If you have a blog please leave a note in the comment box to direct us to your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can just leave your quote and book title in the comments. If you click "other" you'll have a chance to add your name.

Cheerful Service

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:2

This has been the first year of homeschooling where I have struggled with wanting to give up. It hasn't been a "fun" year like the first, or a "relaxing" year like the second, or a "rewarding" year like the third. We've had fun, relaxing and rewarding days this year, but there have been many days that I just have not looked forward to teaching. So this verse really hit home with me. I know that God has called me to homeschool my kids. This year I have not done it with much gladness. Charles Spurgeon writes,

"Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving Him at all; they bring the form of homage, but the life is absent." (Morning and Evening, evening of Jan 9th)

Ouch! That has been me on too many mornings. Serving my family's breakfast or math lesson up with a sad countenance. Yesterday Amy drew a picture of us at Trader Joe's. In the picture I was handing Emily a balloon, but I had "angry eyes". At first, I was offended, but afterward when I thought about it, she was probably right. I was probably scolding about something. Our kids see right through us.

So my prayer for today, and the rest of this year is for God to help me to be cheerful, to serve Him with gladness. Again Spurgeon writes,

"Cheerfulness is the support of our strength; in the joy of the Lord are we strong. It acts as the remover of difficulties...The man who is cheerful in his service of God, proves that obedience is his element....Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master."

Some Thoughts

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:6-7

My mom tells me that when I was little, one of my favorite songs was "Humble Thyself" based off of 1 Peter 5:6. I would say "Humble, MaMa, Humble."

These past couple of years have been ones of humbling for me.

My devotion this afternoon, (I was in a fog this morning having had ample extra time to pray last night due to Emily's double ear infection) was based off the same chapter, but the next verse, "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7. I had never realized before that the two were right next to each other. Humbling ourselves under God's hand then casting our anxiety on Him.

Charles Spurgeon writes "O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in His providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. ...Doubt not His grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that He loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness....With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. " (Morning and Evening, morning of Jan. 6th)

Two years ago, when I was placed on bed rest, I basically was taken "out" of life as I had known it. The funny thing is when I got off bed rest, I never really went back. It wasn't something I wanted, but it happened all the same. For a while I struggled trying to make certain areas of my life the way I wanted, the way they were before. All I got were lots of closed doors. Then I resigned to the life I had but felt pretty depressed about it.

Then God started showing me more about His sovereignty. He started showing me how gracious He is being with me, how He is providing for me, and gently pruning areas of my life that needed to be cut out. Mainly it deals with friends and the value I have placed on what other people think of me. The Bible calls this the fear of man. I think that I have been learning to fear God more, and hopefully man less. Maybe this has been God's way of gently leading me to something else that he knows is better.

Mixed in with all this is a struggle we have been having with our home church (of 11 years). About the same time I was placed on bedrest, the church started making major changes. There are many people there that we care about. But it seems that as the church is moving one direction, God is moving us in the opposite. So we find ourselves wondering what to do. We still don't know. Being church "homeless" has been very humbling. The CD The Valley of Vision has been very encouraging and uplifting to me. The first song, In the Valley is my favorite. It puts my situation in perspective and reminds me to put my hope in God. On the hard days it's good to remember that the pruning or humbling is to make me more like Christ, and that's ultimately what I want.

"And though my humbling wouldn't be my decision
It's here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley's where You make me more like Christ"

Another Reader in the Family

Last week, Amy reached a milestone in her homeschool education. She finished her phonics book and is now reading chapter books independently. When Evan reached this goal we finished off his Hardy Boys collection that Uncle Aaron had started for him. Fortunately, CostCo had them at the time, cheap.

Amy especially enjoys the American Girl collection of stories. So she is now the proud owner of the Molly set. Again, CostCo has them right now complete with a mini doll! What a joy it is to watch her enjoying reading. And what a delight to see her able to read the Scriptures for herself.