Monthly Archives: June 2013

Learning to Live Well

05 Wednesday Jun 2013

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Many voices have spoken over the ten years since God did open heart surgery upon me.  A common theme has centered around home and family.  Another, interlocking with home and family is living this one life well.

About 8 years ago Edith Schaeffer’s voice spoke through her books “What is a Family” and “L’Abri”, but hearing of the deep philosophy thinking of her husband, Francis, I shied away from his writing.  Awhile back an article, The Unwasted Life, came across my view.

In this article, which I printed to read and ponder upon, Mr. Schaeffer’s words are few and within the grasp of a mind that is too often full of flittering thoughts.  Here are the ingredients, according to The Unwasted Life, for a life well lived.

  • Correct theological position, true Biblical orthodoxy and the purity of the visible church
  • Good intellectual training and comprehension of our own generation.
  • A humble heart, the love of God, a devotional attitude toward God, a daily practice of the reality of God.

The simplicity of these words make them easy to ponder, allowing them to work upon a heart. 

    Community ~ 1000 Graces in 2013

    03 Monday Jun 2013

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    In different seasons of life anger is an unwelcome presence in life.  It seems to be passed from generation to generation just like flat feet and curled toes.

    At times conversing over the phone with the miles stretched between us the isolated distance carries a panic as we talk over yard work, budget and youthful struggles.

    Seeing the fingerprint of generations upon our kids without the lens of amazing grace can suck the hope right out of a conversation.

    We tumble down a spiral and grasp for answers, help wanted requests shooting upwards.  Are we wise enough or do we need someone with more education, letters behind a name?

    Sometimes professional help is what is needed.  But what if more often, it is the wise words from a listening friend?

    Experiencing life within a fellowship of believers in our community is another grace discovered.

    Great counsel can come from the friend with a listening ear.  Life lived in community can make molehills out of mountains.

    Giving thanks for community such as this.

    graces from 151-165

    Hope that the angry person will come to know and believe the love of GodGratitude for the tears that spilled today from my eyes, softening my heartHope springing from the conversation with Peggy.  She has so much common wisdom to share.

    Time to read the Scriptures with precious one and to pray with her

    A letter written and sent to encourage several years ago, pulled out for me to read 

    Girls up all night talking

    Inspiration and wisdom shared with me, just before it is needed.

    Chubby baby girl blowing raspberries All. The. Time.

    My dad answering my question with a story that allows me into his time in Vietnam in 1968

    Tell me, are you part of a thriving lifegiving community?  What are the ingredients that you find there?

    This Week ~ May 26-June 1

    01 Saturday Jun 2013

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  • In my life this week…A lot of thinking and research has been done.  This afternoon I meet with a friend who has been using for years the materials I am considering for next year. 

    • My children have worked on their “meaningful work” projects pretty well.  The vegetable garden is planted, but still needs quite a bit weeding.  Pretty flowers were planted in hanging baskets for the front porch and I have been enjoying their sweet scent.

      Strawberry plants are on the way and we will need to finish prepping that garden bed this weekend.

  • In our homeschool this week…We are enjoying the excitement of finishing this year’s schooling, one subject at a time.  One child has work until June 7th, the other two until June 14.  Physical Science was completed on Wednesday, with 1 high school credit granted from this 8th grade year! 

  • Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…If your 10 year old wants to revisit and discover some picture books, savor that sweet time on the sofa!  This week we read Warm as Wool and Duchess Bakes a Cake and had a great time.

  • Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…June 1 is the Walk for Life in our area.  We will be meeting up with many people from our congregation as well as other friends.  Our 12 year old daughter is running in the 5K while the rest of us do the 2 mile walk.  If you are interested in supporting LIFE, you can help us reach our goal here.  Earlier in the month I shared why Life Network is supported by our family.

  • My favorite thing this week was…Reading with Chica, how I miss those “rowing” days.  She and I talked about how in just 3 years JoyNess will be “3” and Chica will be 13.  Maybe Chica will “row” with JoyNess then!

  • Things I’m working on…My grand niece’s cousin quilt will, hopefully, be tied tonight during a movie.  JoyNess’s crib quilt just needs the binding tacked.  And Chica needs some sleep shorts so I dug out a couple of patterns and pulled out a couple stashed fabrics.

  • I’m cooking…actually I’m not!  As part of our meaningful work summer, tonight is Petal Rose’s turn to cook.  She has taco potatoes on the menu.  The recipe is from this book.

  • I’m grateful for…how Builder continues to seek to be connected to us each day, despite the many miles between us.  He sent us these pictures during the week. 

    This is a Great Horned Owl nest in this tree.
  • I’m praying for…wisdom and trust today.  Yesterday there was another attempted abduction of a girl in our ciy.  It prompted another talk with my daughters today about the reality of evil even in our neighborhood and how each time I say “yes” or “no” it is after prayerful consideration of safety parameters.  The balance of granting freedom to my growing children and allowing them the opportunity to practice safety and discernment has me on my knees.

  • I enjoyed a fun time with my kids this week by…watching a new movie with a big bowl of popcorn.

  • Something I am ogling or have my eye on…Beyond the Book Report
  • A  quote to share (silly, serious or both!)… 

    • “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass

    Read more here.