He is MY King!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trPPAcvK8_8

...this is the life

Cheri Keaggy did a concert at our church some 15 years ago, and something she said will ever remain in my SAHMama brain -"laundry is like God's love ... never-ending." No matter how many times I say it as I fold the 2 or 3 loads a day, I can't help but think what kind of Heavenly Father would never complain when I give Him a heap load of my dirties? What kind of Savior removes the stains so that they are never to be seen again? What kind of Holy Spirit softens my heart each AM with His new tender mercies? So when it seems that I've been doing laundry for some 30 plus years... dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Jude 1:20 21

My favorite part of our homeschool day...

I love reading to our children. It is amazing how a book brings in a 'presence' that calms a PMSing mama or an upset child. Here are some great quotes about reading I enjoyed this AM.

"Today a reader,
Tomorrow a leader."
~ Margaret Fuller ~

When I was about eight, I decided that the most wonderful thing, next to a human being, was a book. ~ Margaret Walker ~

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen ~

No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.

~ Lady Mary Wortley Montagu ~

There is no substitute for books in the life of a child. ~ Mary Ellen Chase ~

A room without books is like a body without a soul. ~ Marcus T. Cicero ~

Never judge a book by its movie. ~ J. W. Eagan ~

Books are not men and yet they stay alive.~ Stephen Vincent Benet ~

Books are not made for furniture,but there is nothing else

that so beautifully furnishes a house.~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

What are you reading to your children?

Toppling Hats...

...daughter... sister... friend... worshipper... bookkeeper... wife... lover... house-keeper... mama... teacher... mama-in-law... gramama... and feeling like there just couldn't be another hat to wear - but when it arrives - I will declare: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God IS the Strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73: 26

Out of control...

and not liking it! Internal dread is what overtakes my spirit for too many months in the rainy, gray Pacific Northwest Corner. (and why I took great joy in the snow days we just had!) This is the worst we've ever experienced living on the Ten Mile Creek for the past 14 years. Bringing serious case of the "crankies" to the homeowners, when all you can do is think about your 'investment.'
Word spoken to me this AM by the Holy Spirit was Matthew 6:19-21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where MOLD & MILDEW (my paraphrase) do not destroy... for where your treasure is, there your will your heart be.

I've imagined we would sell a home well cared for....that 100 years from now (if Jesus doesn't return,) our place would be a future homestead some family would take delight in. (Especially the Nooksack River rock fireplace.) Because I love old houses and building this 14 years ago, went against my nature.
There are parts of the flooding that are very 'awesome!' I guess, realizing there is NOTHING you can do about it! Powerless! Before an All-Powerful God - THE Creator of weather!
I am mindful that God said in Genesis 9:11 never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. But I guess I kinda took that outta' context.
So when our dreams of home & hearth... heart & home... feels too hopeless... I must say:
Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my Hope is in You. Ps. 25:20-21

Beatrix & JOY!

Yesterday as many of us began our homeschool 'schedules,' some of us just weren't ready to go at it with all our hearts. Great joyfulness each AM, is how I wish to start each day, so looking for new ways to inspire my weary hands and old 'homeschool' mom mind, God does give small incentives - if I open my heart to them.
Over the holidays, I "re-fell" in love with Beatrix Potter as I watched the movie, Miss Potter. (Oh, she was a grand woman!) Then yesterday our local homeschool newsletter came and had her following quote below.
Thank goodness I was never sent to school;
it would have rubbed off some of the originality. Beatrix Potter

- I will face today with joy in each one of my originals God created!

Resolutions, intentions, a new year...

No new resolutions: Having a new month with a new year change just doesn't prompt me to make them. Goals can be a good motivation but when we don't meet them, do we beat ourselves up with our failings?

Daily, and maybe it's why I love mornings, I recall the scripture and love the verses in Lamentations 3:22-24:

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."