As I look at this list I am amazed at the amount of reading I was able to do.  A little here, a little there can add up!  It is my hope that I can share encouragement and truth in these literary comments and reviews.  Let me know if you have read any of these books and want to share your insights!

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
My husband and 11 year old daughter both tell me that “The Horse and His Boy” is the favorite of each of them, from The Chronicles of Narnia.  It is a wonderful story!  I am glad that my daughters have read, or are reading, these books as children, they are great food for the mind and imagination. 

Praying for Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer.  Read my full review here.

Galileo by Mitch Stokes.  Read this review here.

The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin
“Never give up hope, and look for the rainbows.”  These were words Nonna Lisowskaya’s father shared with her as a child, to encourage her when times were tough.  Nonna had no idea of the rough times ahead, in Stalin’s Russia and as Nonna boarded a train for Nazi Germany.

This book is important.  The stories of World War II, and Stalin’s Russia must be told, in hopes that these horrors are not repeated.  We can learn from the past.

7 an experimental mutiny against excess by Jen Hatmaker.  A good challenging read!  Read full review here.

Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich.  This was a “provided for review” book that I did not enjoy.  My full review is here.

The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue ~ a sweet truthful book full of questions and Godly answers to common questions that young teens have.  This pink book was an exciting arrival as my daughters believed it must be GREAT (the cover is pink) and I am happy to give it to them to enjoy and glean from.

Audio Books ~ My sweet husband did much of the driving for me this month, so I listening to audiobooks gave way to so much more time to read actual books.  He goes back to work in May, so my driving & listening time will increase again.

I did listen to Jesus the Only Way to God by John Piper

I listened to this book one late afternoon as I did errands.  It seems that the LORD has been speaking to me a great deal about other belief systems, world view in literature and my mind is eagerly searching for truth filled words such as these by John Piper.  Mae was with me during much of the listening and we have continued, throughout the month,discussing the message of this audio book.

Jill over at Compassion Family has invited us to share the grace we find in our work as Child Advocates and Compassion International sponsors.  I has noticed recently how in serving, speaking, training, more grace flowed in my life, leaving evidence of the gifts my FATHER lavishes on me.  Here are a few that I’ve uncovered, discovered, written down:

More confirmation of words that I think, that God is answering my prayers for wisdom
An 8 oclock appointmenttomorrow morning I am very excited
Volunteering as a family
Builder’s words of encouragement meant for the children, which actually move me forward
Beautiful Claudia, giving us the tour of Compassion International’s  offices, pulls the pieces of my heart’s mission together.  It is taking shape.
Discussing the POVERTYWHEEL during morning Bible times.  Father open our eyes.
A letter from Lesbia!
7 kids sponsored!
My prayers for steady emotions were answered
Family working together for this presentation
The opportunity to share with others a burden of my heart ~ child trafficking

Bloggers going to Tanzania, where Janeth is!
The much anticipated packet arrived
Time to talk in the morning, knowing the call

It is JOY to serve, to give one’s life away, and then find so much more than was here before.

The fullness of these past 2 weeks has reminded me of something I often tell my children.  “Everything we choose to do means there is something else that we can’t or won’t do.  It is neither good or bad, it just is what it is.”

And these past weeks of training, teaching, working, living full have brought me into the full realization of that truth.  My family has survived on sandwiches, beans & rice, a few homemade pizzas during this time and have been gracious in sharing my time and attention.

Builder and I were able to scoot out several times for mind clearing, relaxing walks and one time I remembered my camera, to capture the beauty of the spring time blooming as lingered in thought of the great love of our God.

Oh what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we could be called the sons of God.

counting graces #970-978
Friendly comments
Warm sunshine
Growing trees
Peaches on the tree in the backyard
So many pink and purple flowers along our walk path
2 sweet new ducks
Parenting challenges, require more time on my knees
Beans and rice

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

linking up with Amanda

This Monday morning my heart and mind are full of joy as I reflect on the events of the past week.  So much has happened and glimpses of the LORD’s working in hearts has me in awe.  Here is a portion of my growing gratitude list.

gifts: #947-969

Best of friends, playing, weeding the garden in historical costumes
The gift of friendship
Lilacs are blooming
Father daughter dates
Girls in braids
Family walks to the park
Chastisement from the Lord
Quiet time with HIM in the morning
Opportunity to share the word “thankful” as I worked this morning
Onions planted in the garden
Smiles from Mae as we crossed paths at “work” today
Short afternoon naps
Quiet walk as the sun sets
Sweet words of love from my youngest “great” nephew
Times of prayer with Beloved in the morning
8 kids sponsored!
My prayers for steady emotions were answered
Family working together for this presentation

all is grace. 

Now our daughters write letters, draw pictures and fold origami to slip into envelopes each month to send to Lesbia and Bryan.

  We’ve spent time learning about Guatemala, had meals of the same limited ingredients Lesbia and Bryan might be eating for dinner. 

And we pray.  This is where I hear what it means to our daughters to be a part of this ministry with us.  When you hear your children pray, you get to hear what is on their hearts.  It is powerful to hear them say, “Please let Bryan have enough to eat tonight.”  “Please help Lesbia do well in school.”  “Please protect them from the gangs.”

Personally, I have a gained greater awareness of the particular dangers each of these children face in daily life and my prayers have become more specific and urgent.  The words I write in the letters are to extend hope and to tell each of these children how precious they are to God, and to me, a mother far away.

Age: 6

Birthday: December 9, 2005

Gender: Female

Location: Tanzania

Center: TAG Nyakato Student Center

Child ID: TZ1310305

• Child lives in an AIDS-affected area.  Our sweet Petal Rose would love to sponsor Janeth, as they have a “vital statistic” in common, but we just are not able right now.