Teaching Treasures

I mentioned last week that there would be some changes here.  One of them being a change to the weekly Thursday format.  For a time I will devote this space as a mini snapshot into our schooling adventures.  After pondering what to call this endeavor I have settled on “Teaching Treasures.”   I have been given the privilege of imparting treasures of knowledge to the treasures God has gifted into our lives.    My desire is that they would grow in wisdom of the Lord first.  Beyond that they would add the knowledge of academic understanding through books and beyond to real life learning.We have been on vacation this week thanks to Precious husband’s hard work.  The three that are currently schooling started in July so we could take this time off.  The teacher in me is always looking for opportunities to encourage learning through hands on, real life experiences.  Our oldest child once made the statement, “Everything is school to you.”  So true, life is one big learning adventure in my eyes.

On Monday we saw this…

so we discussed jellyfish and then did a little internet research and decided this was a cannonball jellyfish or more accurately stomolophus meleagris.

 

 

 

We also observed clouds like this…

which led to a discussion about the water cycle.  We found a link with basic information and facts…

which also lead to a discussion about cloud types.  Check here to learn a lot about clouds – how they were named and how to identify them.

The boys also learned how to replace kitchen and bathroom faucets.  After all, this is a working vacation. 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,”  Colossians 3:23

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I have been trying to memorize Colossians, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.  How appropriate the verses for memorization this week land in Colossians 3:

Ingredients for Intimacy

Precious husband is working close to the beach this week.  Three youngest and I pack our bags, pack the van to take the trip with him.  On the way down we enjoy a fun car show and kiddos get to pretend they are driving an Indy racecar.  We arrive at the beach house in time to watch our favorite football team have a great second half.  Then we take a slow stroll at sunset.

I like how they decorate hay bales here close to the beach.

Sunday morning Precious husband is up early.  Knowing we are here because of work, he checks out the to-do-list and makes a list of supplies.  Then we head to the beach while waiting for the hardware store to open.  Our big red dog is fascinated with crabs yet wise enough to keep far away from the pinchers.  

The afternoon is spent gathering supplies, napping, and for me hanging in the hammock with Psalm 119.  I lean long into the repetition of words.

“I run in the paths of your commands, for your have set my heart free.”  Psalm 119:35“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought your precepts.”            Psalm 119:46

“My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.”            Psalm 119:20

“Simply put this is relationship.  Coming to Him, hearing from Him, putting other things aside that get in the way – and speaking back to Him – all of these make up the ingredients for intimacy…with God.” ¹

The word “Meditate” – repeats itself over and over throughout the Psalm.  I close my eyes…

Meditate…

“God is good and what He does is good”

Psalm 119:68a

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¹ Kelly Minter, No Other Gods, P. 130

Scripture Only Sunday

Changes

It seems life around here has been nothing but change for the last several months.  Moving, Gold-hearted-mom going and coming, children growing, trying our hand at gardening and raising chickens and moving a house just to name a few.  The seasons change and I feel the need to continue the changes – shake things up a bit in a small way.  So I change the blog background, whew, glad that is over with.  At least until a new background catches my eye. 

Moving with that theme I decide to change postings around as well.  Not sure exactly how that is going to look yet but here are my initial ideas.  Perhaps a community post from The High Calling Blog or Ann’s place may catch my attention and I will follow that thought.  These are not set in stone they are more free flowing.  They are just guides to keep me on track in this small space.

First, I will definitely keep Scripture Only Sunday.  Lifting His Name high from the pages of His Holy Spirit inspired text.  This is my foundational focus, The Word always before me.

I think Tuesdays will become my journal page.  Where the rubber meets the road in my spiritual life.  Lifting thoughts, prayers, Scriptures, poetry, maybe even a few of the images from the pages of my written journal and keeping them in this space.  

Slowly, because that is how I do things, Thankful Thursday will be transitioning to the gratitude page in the page link above.  Here I will keep adding to my running list of graces the Lord gives.  I am thinking of changing this day to a snapshot into our homeschool days.  Mainly as a way for me to remember that homeschooling my children is a privilege.  Some days it can seem like such drudgery – perhaps being reminded that being their teacher is a grace the Lord has given will bring the encouragement my soul needs.  It will also help serve to remind me that we also do a lot of fun things together as we are schooling.

Hope for a Promised Land

We’ve been living in a falling in farmhouse for almost five months now.  The whole log house project is still in parts but finally all on the property.  Chickens have their coop and yard, the garden spot is done for the summer season, soon darling daughter’s goats will have a home here as well.

Spiritually I’ve been camping with the children of Israel in the desert.  Gazing at the top of the mountain where the glory of the Lord looks like a consuming fire.  Here in the desert I’ve been trusting God for daily manna and refreshing water.  Jesus has become my cornerstone and companion as desert gods have been revealed and rooted out.

The children of Israel keep looking to their past – “wouldn’t it have been better for us to go back to Egypt?”  Better to go back to bondage? To harsh taskmasters?  To lives made bitter by hard labor?  I have found myself tangled in this kind of thinking.  Better to go back because of fear of what the future might hold, because of fear that past experience will be repeated?

The desert walk was a path to freedom.  God’s children being free to follow Him with their whole heart.  There would be giants to fight and walls that needed to come tumbling down in order for freedom to be obtained.  God was leading his children to be free.

“The land is exceedingly good…If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land,…and will give it to us…do not be afraid of the people…because we will swallow them up…the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid…”  Numbers 14:7-9

The land of freedom is exceedingly good.  The Lord is there and is pleased by obedience.  The truth is, rejection and hurts will come.  In the land of promise bitterness does not have to be the outcome.  In the promised land the Lord is with me and the Lord abounds in love and forgiveness.

Google image

Hope is found in the promised land.  The children of Israel didn’t know what the promised land would be like.  They knew what slavery in Egypt was like – but things were changing.  I can’t be free, move into new seasons, by holding on.  Must let go of the past, don’t look back, shoulders that are burdened must let heavy loads drop off as feet are set toward freedom. 

“But my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly.  I will bring him into the land…”  Numbers 14:24

 
Father, give me a different spirit to follow you with my whole heart.  To be consumed by desire to obey your commands.  Father, show me how to make room in my heart for your kingdom to come – for promised land living.  Help me see reality according to your truth.  To understand that there will be giants and strong fortresses, but God, you are greater than any other.

When I see God for who He is I rest in the truth that He is greater than any other.  The seasons get ready to change, joy falls like leaves softly floating on the breeze, and hope is renewed in the presence of God. For His presence and peace go ahead into the promised land.
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Sharing together with others who consider what hope looks like.

Scripture Only Sunday

“…do not fear…do not be frightened…In your heart set apart Christ as Lord.”  1 Peter 3:14-15

Hold These Things Dear…

I click through photos on the computer.  Memories bring a smile to my face and I want to hold them dear, cherish them in the heart.   I am remembering fall from years past and looking forward to wandering through the woods in the days ahead.  What do you look forward to the most in the fall?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday

It has been an unusual day.  We arrive early for service which turns out to be a blessing as all three children are exhorted to hop on a van for the youth are ready to head toward their project for the day.  I am left standing with a wonderful friend wondering where God would assign me for the day.  She invites me to join her and her husband with the group they will work with for the day. 

The fellowship of believers we have been visiting since July has a unique service this day.  They entitle it “The Church has Left the Building”, on this Sunday they have no formal worship service, they leave the building and they look for opportunities to minister the love of Christ to the local community.   I understand later that the idea came from another body of Christ seeking to be the hands and feet of the Lord to a hurting world.

As the afternoon winds down the sanctuary is empty but I feel full.  I close my eyes and inhale, listening to the silence.  The worship team slowly trickles in and begin to tune their instruments, one note at a time, bringing melody and harmony to each string as they join the keyboard.  With eyes remaining closed I listen to the notes rise around me.  My heart’s gaze turns toward heaven.  Later as the stories rise of a day spent glorifying God through actions it seems like notes in unison lift toward heaven.

“Glory to God in the  highest,  and on earth  peace to men on whom his favor rests.”   Luke 2:14

Father – today, in this moment, I am thankful for…

words of conviction stirring my heart

idols and fears revealed and toppled

Princess daughter’s help with Little One

Little One spending the night for the first time

Safety for Darling daughter and Dear son-in-love as they travel out of town

excitement of Your people to serve

laughter with those who belong to You

hands and feet reaching out in Jesus name

arms welcoming, open wide when entering your sanctuary

finding a home – a place to fellowship

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I am thankful for those of you who stop by this place and have prayed over the last few months for us to find a new place of worship.  Be encouraged that God has heard and answered your prayers.  From the bottom of my heart I thank you. 

Desert Gods

I suppose if you walk in the desert long enough God leads you to a place where you realize you have erected other gods.  The children of Israel demanded Aaron give them a god to serve.   My weak flesh finds another god to serve.  I read this statement, “Fear is the guard that stands outside the castle where our idol lives…fear protects our idols”¹ and it strikes me to the core.  The fear in my heart rises into my throat and I know God and I must deal with this head on for His Spirit in me longs for Him to be the center of my heart sanctuary.

With God’s help I begin to search, I ask Him to examine my heart, and a stronghold of the enemy is found.  “Lack” has become a god and built a fortress to “protect” my heart.  Satan has fed me a lie and I have bought it hook – line – and sinker.  The Spirit reveals all the lies…

Lack of security…lack of worth…lack of acceptance…lack of homeschooling abilities…lack of parenting abilities…lack of finances…lack of friends…lack of good company…lack of ability to be used by God…

Fear has stood guard at the gate and it is hard to say goodbye for the fear of the giants.  Fear of hurt and pain if rejected – again.  Fear of emptiness, loneliness, disappointment.  My soul aches behind these strong walls, I crave their “protection”.  The Spirit speaks – the walls are a prison holding me captive.  Captive to years of wasting away behind the strong tower. 

Father, how do I destroy this false god?

The story of the rich young man has come up in my Bible study more than once over the last few weeks.  He craved eternal life, he sought to live a holy life, following all the rules.  But there was another god in his life.  Jesus remedy…

“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack, he said, Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”  Mark 10:21

…lack more² – give up the idol that stands between you and God.  I don’t have to stay imprisoned.  The idol that stands in the way – together God and I can clean house and make room in my heart for the promises of God.

“With man this is impossible, but not with God, All things are possible with God.”  Mark 10:27

“I don’t have to close off doors to people in my life anymore.  I can invite them in.”³

The truth is, Jesus is my stronghold.  He is my fortress. I search the Scriptures and find the do not fear verses.  Together we can turn this prison into a sanctuary of the Lord’s presence, for in Him my heart can rest secure.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the  Almighty.   I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Psalm 91:1-2

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¹ Kelly Minter, No Other Gods, p.49

² Kelly Minter, No Other Gods, p.112

³ Anadara, No Other Gods, p.113

Scripture Only Sunday

“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared

to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,

for whose sake I have lost all things. 

I consider them rubbish,

that I may gain Christ.”  Philippians 3:8

Thankful Thursday

I climb the hill one evening chasing the sunset.  The heat of August turns the ground to dust so fine it feels like baby powder beneath my feet. 

                           I sit back and watch the sun sink below the horizon and the sliver of moon rise.  Gazing toward the sky I feel like I am in a snow globe, round dome above. 

 

 

 

 

September begins as I soak up the quiet of the evening before heading back down the hill.  I take the quiet with me into the next few days that are filled with activity, challenges, and fun. 

With Gold-hearted mom and three youngest I walk the streets of my hometown and enjoy the annual (for the last 5 years) Butterbean Festival.  I hear music rise and one voice in particular brings memories flooding.  I would know his singing anywhere for he sang in our wedding over 27 years ago.  It was nostalgic to stop and listen as songs of praise were raised.  Mom calls later and says our picture was placed on the local paper website – it shows her enjoying a bowl of butterbeans.

Sunday afternoon as rain settles into our area we spend the time at a friend’s new home with her family.  She and I have known each other about eight years now. She is truly and incredible woman of God.  She and her husband  have recently moved back to Alabama.  Her parents and girls, his parents, three youngest and I enjoy their hospitality.  Lunch, cards, video games and an awesome host keep the kids entertained.   We take time to sit on the deck in the back and listen to the rain fall through the trees as we enjoy encouraging conversation.

Monday morning dawns with a tropical storm dumping a front yard pond of rain.  Many places in the area are flooded and without power.  We enjoy the holiday with books, movies, popcorn, and a romp in the rain.

There have been challenges this week as well – bills, mom’s basement flooded and a tree in her yard fell on a neighbor’s fence, challenge son is still without a vehicle or consistent job.   I want to stick my head in the sand and not have to deal with these problems.   Precious husband offers his strength to these moments.

By Thursday morning the sun is shining so I make my way to the overgrown garden and chicken coop.  Sensitive son has been making his way in the rain for the last several mornings.  The okra and sunflowers are blown over so I take what remains to see if I can dry the sunflowers and harvest the seeds.  The chickens get the last of the okra. 

I stop in the middle of the pasture on my way back to the house and turn my face to the sun.  I let the cool breeze lift my hair from my forehead.  Inhaling deeply I fill up with the quiet of the morning.  These moments of quiet in this field fill me with a peace from the Lord to take back down and embrace each moment.   To take care of the things I can and leave the rest to the Lord. 

Father – this week I am grateful for…

husband that deals with difficulties and challenges

his protection and strength

voices raised in praise to Your name – used to glorify You for so many years

quiet moments in the middle of the pasture

dust, later mud squishing between toes

back to ground gazing upon the splendor of a night sky

children playing in the rain

sunflower seeds

sensitive son feeding the chickens in the rain

card games with new friends

lunch at friends new home

reconnecting with this family

rhythms of life

scented candles

cooler weather

Desert reflections

It is a rainy Monday morning, tropical storm Lee is pushing through the southeast.  I open Bible and journal along with a cup of coffee and blueberry muffin.  The Scriptures become familiar because I have walked here, entered here before.  In 2009 God took me on a tabernacle walk with the children of Israel.  Now I have wandered through the desert and come back to the tabernacle. 

God is the center - the center of the Israelite camp, the center of the tabernacle, the center of life.  God directs in such a way, leading, feeding, being with His people, that my focus is to be consumed by His Presence.   The cross of Christ and His resurrection become the center of my life.

“The  people you live  among will  see how  awesome is the  work that I,  the Lord,  will do for you.”  Exodus 34:10b

God wanted the nations to see, through the children of Israel, that He is awesome.  God was to so fill them they reflected His glory to the nations.  I think back to a recent blog post from Jennifer.  She writes, “I untangle the line from the tip of the rod, and I look deeper into the obsidian mirror. Past me, I see it. Heaven: That which is bigger than me. Kingdom of God: That which lives in me.”   Then later a conversation with a dear friend about reflections as she shared photos from a recent trip she and her husband took. 

I ponder the children of Israel in the desert with God living among them, His laws written on stone.  What does this mean for me Father?  Teach me to look deeper, to see that which is bigger than me.  Your Kingdom living in me.  For Your grace has been written on my heart with the ink of Jesus blood shed for my sin.  God consume my life in such a way I reflect Your glory.  Do I reflect Your image and work in my life so that others see that You are awesome?  

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being   transformed  into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”    2 Corinthians 3:18

Scripture Only Sunday

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”  1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Thankful Thursday

I keep it handy on my bedside table and often take the time to flip through Ann’s book, again.  I reread all the places that sank deep into the soul the first with the first reading.

“Please tell me your name.  We have named the graces and there found His name, Glory, and in the face of man we see the face of God. 

Then Him, the blessing, God, joy-water in the desert.”  Ann Voskamp

It rains, even in the desert, and the hardy flowers bloom and give fragrance testifying that God is good, even in the broken places.  So I keep counting the blessings, even the ones that don’t seem like blessings.  Because in God’s hands,

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:23

Father – this week I am trusting you and giving thanks for the difficult, desert circumstances…

insurance that won’t pay … yet

         transmission not fixed … yet

               son doesn’t have a job … yet

                   chickens haven’t laid eggs … yet

          -- and I am thankful for the rain and flowers in the desert as well…

cool showers on hot days

homemade waffles with butter and syrup

fried okra from the garden

cantaloupe from the garden

birthday cards and kind words

birthday lunch with an awesome woman after Your heart

dinner out with Precious husband and Helpful son

Gold-hearted mom arriving home safely

new ladies Bible study

tent of meeting - temple of my heart

joy-water in the desert - presence of God