Diligently Seeking God ~ Daily

Last year one book I did commit to read was Diligently Seeking God by Gary Henry. It is an excellent sharply honed tool to guide one's thoughts to the greatness of God. In daily terms with daily entries, it pulls in thoughts from great thologians, while breaking down the daily issues of life. Real life.

So this year I decided I'd read through it again. No yearly reading is perfect. I'm sure I'll come across entries I missed, and read them with a new perspective. When I started last year, we hadn't moved. My proverbial 'cheese' was in the same place. Now there are new challenges, new blessings, new influences. But God is still exactly who He's always been. The Great 'I AM'. Never changing, always gracious, just in everyway, merciful in abundance.

Last year I also started counting blessings/gifts over at A Holy Experience, with a Gratitude Community. I have met some of the most beautiful women who show up on Monday with a list of what they've noticed as gifts & blessings in their lives. It's what I called 'daily meds.' Gratitude is an amazing way to notice the Giver. And it's all ultimately from Him. Everything that is good begins with Him. Every virtue, every kindness, every material gift. So once again, I will renew my effort to take note of my blessings. And join others at the Gratitude Community.

Book List 2010 in Review

So I posted a hefty list last January, of hopeful reads. I did read but only 3 books on my list.

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis made the list. (personal read)

7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Steven Covey (book club read)

Diligently Seeking God by Gary Henry (daily devotional)

Those were the only 3 on the list I can honestly say, I really read.

I tried to read Giliead... Angle of Repose. But ~ did. not. happen.

I did however, re-read & add other books of course.

The De-Valuing of America: The fight for Our Culture and Our Children, by Willliam Bennett. 1992

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. 1996

Repairing the Ruins: The Classical & Christian Challenge to Modern Education

edited by Douglas Wilson. 1996

Flight from the City by Ralph Borsodi. 1933

Flight from City, was a really, really interesting read. It is a homesteading book, which came on the heels of the crash in 1929, and referenced earlier, but similar economic crashes in our country. What you will find interesting is the similarities in the thinking of people from then & today.

I found Bennett's book an interesting discussion of his time in offices he held during Reagan's administration. I didn't realize he was a Democrat when he came to office. He however was truly one of the most conservative appointees during that administration. He mentions his 'controversial' history, but makes no bones about his dedication to morality & virtue. It is an excellent read for provoking thought in my own noble intentioned but tired mind. It is convicting in ways you wouldn't think. I highly recommend it.

Omnivore's Dillemma ~ page 486. Read.

Ruin's ~ excellent read for a parent who is baffled by the choices of homeschooling & a christian education. Numerous topics discussed, including but not limited to: 'why rhetoric, literature & apologetics' and 'why Latin'., to 'egalitarianism' & 'the Trivium applied'.
It made me think.

That's all the read's I can remember off the top of my head. This was not the year for reading fun stuff, I tried, I really gave it my best shot, but my heart was absorbed in the move, in reflective thought, the how-to's & the task at hand.

Perhaps I'll not be quite so ambitious this year, but I'm sure there will be an excellent read again. I know it's just around the corner....

As we decide where to worship...

... I was reminded about thoughts shared by Edie @ Life in Grace in a post called 'Deeds not Creeds?'

Since moving, we have experienced 3 different churches, and 3 different experiences. What struck me about the worship was my impression of the people, the public worship & their interest in honoring God or the 'deeds', or even the display of the belief in a creed. Don't read to much into that, don't even try to figure out where or when. But do go to Edie's post, and read. I think Edie has really hit on something. No surprise... Edie's been reading. Alot.

Creed is a 'charged' word amongst those with whom I have worshipped for 43 years. You will hear it said commonly, 'we have no creed but God's holy Scripture.' Edie's post made me think about this word, so for myself I have looked it up....

Creed

1. statement of beliefs- formal summary of the principles of christian beliefs.

2. religion - a set of religious beliefs.

3. set of principles - any set of beliefs or principles.

synonyms - faith, doctrine, dogma, beliefs, creedo, article of faith.

I would have to say, one drawback to being of one particular denomination- for a long period of time, is that other groups tend to be lumped together, demonized even(horrors), for behaviors, beautiful demonstrations/actions of faith-- deeds or demonstration of their creed-- that they see directly from that same holy Revelation- God's inspired Word. That may sound naive, but think about it...(if you've known me forever, don't just wonder if I'm having a mid-life-crisis.)

If you've been traveling down the same familiar path, like myself, for sometime, think about it? Do you see other members of Christendom as your allies? or ... ? Are your discussions based on differences or places of strength in unity in faith? What happens when you've thought outside your regular parameters, but within what you believe God is pleased?

One opinion I have developed is-- christians all over are really, really examining their creed & demonstration thereof. More & more folks I meet are looking at what they really believe and how they want to spend the next years of their life in conjunction to their faith & coporate worship & religion. Perhaps it is the folks I'm talking to, those looking for simplicity, or answers even the careful homeschooler asks when it doesn't work out like they hoped & planned. (see # 5 ''what must I be/not what must I do')

Beliefs and creeds are not only demonstrated within the walls of a place of worship... If they are our creed, our real beliefs, it effects all areas of our life. It is our life.

'Amens' on this one are not requested, ... really, just thoughts that may have crossed your mind as this Sunday moves into a 3 day weekend for some.

Blessed Memorial Day- tomorrow-- blessed remembrance, today of the Ultimate Giver--

Phillipians 2:8

"Being found in the form of a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient,

even to death on the cross."

(for me)

O Thou Who Changest Not, Abide With Me

In reading the daily entry from Diligently Seeking God, I was brought to this passage. 'Our frequent frustrations in life, more often than not, result from having an unstable center. In selecting our end-all-and-be-all, we select some pretty shaky things, often with tragic results. And even when we suppose God is our center, our faith often turns out to be not in God Himself, but in certain temporal blessings that He's allowed us to have. 'But like Job we need to love God for His own sake, even when His wisdom withdraws particular blessigns from us. And like Paul, we need to be grounded in God and able to say, "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2Timothy 1:12)' When I'm brought to my knees, by sudden change or unfamiliarity,will I still believe, will I demonstrate my faith, by behaving in holy manner? When all that is familiar is distant, friends, family or health seems to be a thing of the 'past', will I give way so quickly to doubt & and the self-wallowing, reviving the list of done-me-wrongs? Will my mouth sour, will my mind forget all the good that is before me, or that which has so recently been my present?

I was reminded last week by 2 of my favorite bloggers, Flower Patch & Thy Hand, who both support Katie. She has been helping mothers who survive on exponentially so much less temporal comfort. I bought some beads. But find the reminder of who made them and their lot is almost too heavy for my feeble, flailing heart. Forgive me God, when my faith is in temporal things. May I always be thankful for your unchanging love. And never substitute the perceived security from tangible, temporal blessings, as dear as those might be, for loving You who gave them. May my prayer today be for these mother's who are making a difference with what little they have and the blessing of fellowship with good women like Katie. Thankful today

135 for my mother, who is with the 'mummies' -- I miss you, xoxo.

136 my husband's mother.

137. that she stayed while I was ill. and cooked. and cleaned. and comforted.

138. mother's who try when life seems hopeless. 139 my Rock & my Redeemer - God who knows no region, dialect or hometeam 140 strength to get up and work, and time to rest & recover 141 healthy children who say they are sorry you're sick 142 a motivated husband who wants to know where the laundry basket is 143 a safe place for worship

144 a more than adequate home

145 my own copy of the Bible - thank you Brentwood friends from days gone by

146 a timeless & unchanging God

147 Who blesses with his Person & his people

148 friends we left behind - oh how I miss you

149 their love and the memories that came with us

150 friends we've yet to meet. If you haven't joined others counting One Thousand Gifts, join us at A Holy Experience. You may think you have nothing to count... go visit Katie's site, then get out a new notebook. It's astounding what I take for granted everyday. If I count my blessings, I will look to the Giver of all things, my heart will be turned to Him in grattitude. Medication I just can't forsake. Lifemeds #24.

photos: some precious memories in Louisiana, Jack and his friend-girls looking for frogs, crawfish, art class at Trinity, walks with the boys taking the pictures. 

Trials & the Testing of our Faith

Our faith shine's brightest in the darkest moments, would you agree?

In the daylight, it seems no so bright, it blends in with what is good already, the warmth of all things comfortable. But when darkness of colds and flu and infections and colisions of schedules, spills and messes are the norm, our faith is tested. ---whether we continue to be reverent & grateful, in the light of challenge.

Perseverence in difficulty creates character, not for character's sake only, that we may be praised but for the glory of God. That even when we're challenged, and walking in life's quicksand, God will be glorified.

Thankful am I for what God has done for me, seeing Him for who He is, His greatness, His Holiness.

Thankful for a husband that just keeps going, not unlike that energizer bunny.

Thankful for smart little boys, who make tents & play even when they're sick.

Thankful for tennis lessons for little kids, building their agility, in game & life.

Thankful for friends who perservere in their life's version of quicksand.

Thankful for new born babies, God's design for life.

Thankful for cool beautiful weather.

Thankful for flowering bulbs, a unique gift in nature.

Thankyou God for this unique life of mine, for challenges & blessings, may my faith in You grow, only to glorify You.

64-73

Counting & remembering with reverence Who gives these Gifts.

7 Habits & The Whole Hearted Child

A little catch up on some of the books & plans we've had for this spring is in order. And some cookie inspiration.

'The Year that Would be Kindergarten' has progressed well, learning along the way as homeschoolers do who have never been down this path. I've collected curriculum, disposed of some, put some on the backburner, and have a good feel for what a 'normal' day schooling at home looks like. I can say it's not much different than I thought. Challenging, yes, However, I've explored new paths, new books, and have a clearer vision of how to put the theories I had to work. Learning while working on character & good habits is the greatest benefit to me about homeschooling. Ideas from Charlotte Mason as well as books like Educating the Whole Hearted Child have begun to influence our home. 'Begin with the end in mind' is the second habit from '7 Habits of Highly Effective Families' The tool Covey encourages families to create is a family mission statement. Tsh at Simple Mom moderates the bookclub discussions in the bookclub. One of her articles about mission statements has about 20 questions to help formulate this plan. These books & writers compliment each other well, to help someone like me, find balance. I know in general what I want to see in our family, my husband has honorable hopes & dreams, but after 2 kids, and lots of living, we need to sharpen the focus. It saves energy for a well lived life.

One books I've been reading on line regularly is Diligently Seeking God (in my blog list). The posts/daily devotions are extremely helpful to keep my main priority in mind: my devotion to God & His purposes, to glorify Him in all this planning & living.

So as I look back at my 2010 Booklist, I'm only adding. I think I've only put one on indefinite hold, but definitely added. (Omnivore's Dilemma, Maker's Diet & Educating the Whole Hearted Child) So many books, so little time. And time is precious-- so today we'll be investigating the box of books my precious friend Leslie sent me, starting with Rascal, a Newberry Honor Book by Sterling North. Followed by chocolate chip cookie making(Mrs. field's chocolate chip recipe- thanks Kelley for that cookbook).

Sounds like a plan to me.

Common Phrase - Uncommon Outcome

I Peter 1:13-21
A common phrase we hear 'change we can believe in' is beginning to affirm in my mind, a common problem. Most people believe we can only mask what needs to be changed- we can't really change what's wrong in our hearts or lives.
Really? That's it? I'm doomed to repeat all my sloppiness & carless ways? Or can I really be holy? Sanctified, purposed, set-apart for the glory of God. Change.... is it possible?
Holiness is not always descriptive of divinity, deity, God. We are called to be holy, blessed to be partakers in a holy walk, a fellowship with Christ, fellowship with God.
We are called to partake in His salvation, purposed by Him, and then given the opportunity to choose how we will conduct oursleves. Our souls, created in His image, feel the emptiness when our lives are filled by aimless pursuits. We are deceived when we derive our faith & confidence in anything but the promises & their fulfillment by God.
But we have to present ourselves before God- not sloppy or carless, but holy, prepared, blameless. Are we not sanctified & set apart? A sacrifice made that requires nothing isn't acceptable. A sacrifice that doesn't require the life completely, isn't acceptable.

"I am Thine, Oh Lord, I have heard Thy Voice, and it told Thy Love to Me...."
'Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to the Cross where Thou hast died,
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to Thy Precious bleeding side.'
I am Thine, Oh Lord by Fanny J. Crosby

Ephesians 4:22 '...that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

King David, an ancestor of Jesus

I'm enjoying so much, one of the books on my 2010 reading list, Dilligently Seeking God, today's post made me want to mention this book again. (I'm actually using the on-line version in my favorite blog list.)

Today's entry :

The Psalms David wrote are so inspiring, his needs, wants & hearts desires are so exposed so purely. In this devotion for today, David acknowledges God's strength & his own weakness. II Samuel 22:36-37

'Your gentlenss has made me great', a reminder of how God handles the creation, unique from all other.

I recommend this devotion book as it's described- for those who wish to step it up, when it comes to one's faith.

I want my kids to know all about David, the shepherd turned king, and to appreciate his prayers and psalms. To be able to pray like David, with confidence in His love and desire for each of our hearts.

So tonight we talked about Psalm 139, how God can see us everywhere, day and night to God are just the same, and we sang over & over, 'only a little boy David, only a babbling brook....'

And Jack learned, David, who slew the Philistine all-star, was an ancestor of Jesus, born in the city of David, King of Kings.

Food, Marriage, & Athiesm

Did I get your attention?

I have 2 books on my shelf by Douglas Wilson, author of Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, and most recently I obtained a copy of Repairing the Ruins. I've 'bout memorized the first, still have yet to move on to the latter. However, the interest is revived. Like the time I met John Rosemond, I'd probably fall mute if I met Wilson. You see, 'Lost Tools' is one of those books that changed my life. My perspective on education, the purpose of it & my responsibility in regards to it were profoundly impacted.

The reason I bring him up: I saw on Veritas at Home a reference to this movie. Most Recently he's appearing in a motion picture ' Collision', which chronicles, I believe, discussion and debate between Wilson & Kitchens, an atheist. I want to devote time to this, because it looks good. Really good.

But then there's also this book In Defense of Food, & this movie Food Inc. That also look good, informative, relevant. And are mentioned by Douglas Wilson on his blog in a bigger picture perspective. He's not a foodie, nor does he discount efforts of folks to care about what they eat and where it comes from. But his perspective & opinion are an interesting angle, since my friend at River Rock Cottage, continues to make me think about food with all of her recent posts(thanks Amy!) The results from her poll have been tallied on where we get our produce.

But then I realize, my attitude has, well been lacking grace. Not lacking so much in thanks, but mercy & grace to those around me. Anger seems to set in. And get ugly. First things first, came to mind....

So I jumped over to Femina, written by Nancy Wilson, Douglas Wilson's wife.

She seems to tap in with a live camera to my home sometimes, and then provides the bit of encouragment & conviction I need. From the perspective of a seasoned woman, older teaching the younger. The title of this blog post is 'Why men don't lead'. Perhaps your grace & mercy are up to speed, and it will only be an affirmation to you in how you effectively appreciate and love your husband. But either way, visit. Her insights are wide in many subjects. You won't be disappointed.

I hear smart people talk about the 'Great Conversation.' I think I've begun to meet folks like that, for instance, Edie at Life in Grace,who is an exceptionally interesting blogger who'll be speaking?/attending formally soon in a WWC(WorldWideConversation). But like living languages, the 'Great Conversation' takes on its own life. Another rabbit trail for another day.

That is just a smattering of what I read early this morning... we had alot of sleepless critters in our house last night. Real life. Not the brainier stuff. The simple stuff.

That's where my efforts need to focus, but sometimes the bigger perspective helps. Keeps my soul up and going. Focused on the Maker of all. The Source of love that will keep me from belittling others with whom I do not agree, in brainier matters, and keep me from forsaking the simple and often more challenging things in life. For even if I could prophecy, it wouldn't matter if I didn't have love.

That's why I'm reading the Daily Devotion. To seek Him who can complete what I can't, meet all the needs that human relationships can't, find wisdom that is true, complete & infinite, and be convicted when I neglect the Word.

So I wander back to the whole point of the Gratitude Community, realizing I haven't started my day right. Haven't been thankful, haven't been a part of HHC (His Holy Conversation). There's always a WWC, and there's alot worth listening to, good stuff, but not more important than prayer, especially thanks. It sets the tone, provides the antidote to my head's spinning over all the other things I can't sort out, make right, participate in, or even understand. His truth is truth. Better to start there.

Simple things I'm thankful for, after an exceptionally early rising...

Thank you Lord,

for the rain, that washes my mind.

for little kids who enjoy snuggling.

Toast and jelly. Kashi, grapes.

Coffee.

Carpools.

'Busytown' videos, for mornings that come waaay too early.

Husband who leads.

It's a start- Bible reading will have to wait, the urgent & important are awake. It would have been first, but this morning officially started in the middle of the night.

Monday mornings, I usually meet friends at the Gratitude Community. Join others who are counting One Thousand Gifts.

** Warning:** Sleep Depravity will cause blog linkage overload!! Read with caution..zzzzz

Thankfully Walking With Him - Vital Joy

I realized I was only reading other's post & wasn't writing one. It wasn't as tho I didn't have anything to say, but I'm in that post-new-exercise-plan-burn. When you're debating quitting 'the workout'. (not the Gratitude Community.., the Plans....)

I want to keep up with the plans that I've set out upon. I want to get up early, go to bed on time, read the daily devotional upon which I've decided. I desire to effectively participate in classes of which I'm a part, peacefully parent our children in agreement with my spouse. Love my spouse. Devote time to meal planning to more effectively spend grocery money. Read more, play more, watch less. Be proactive. Doing all this, as it's what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't need to hear 'take it easy,' I need to hear 'don't quit', 'keep going', 'it only works, if you work it.'

The list could go on, but I want just one more thing. I think it's important. Vital. To have a spirit that wants to please God. An obedient spirit, a spirit that doesn't just go along, but desires to do what God has for me to do. Desires sincerely, with joy in my actions.

Joy knowing He did come to earth, the angels did sing, men did come to worship Him as a babe.

Joy in the work when it's successful, but even more-so, because it's when I need it, when I'm weak & my joy can only be found in Him. Joy because He doesn't see me as a failure, just a work in progress. But let me feel the joy, recover, & not re-invent the wheel. The plan wasn't a failure, just new, just needing consisitency, needing practice. Let the joy in my bucket, spill out, because it's so full. Lord, patch my bucket so what joy I have stays in. Joy.

In my diligence to seek Him, serve Him, let me not miss how He created me. To experience His joy, a sustaining joy that is not fleeting. Joy.

Thankfully Walking with Him- Other's are too. Visit A Holy Experience and read with those Walking With Him on Wednesday's & Counting One Thousand Gifts.

God has put Eternity in our Hearts

What does walking with Him look like?
Perhaps this simple phrase found in
Ecclesiastes 3:11 will help me claim my place walking with Him each day.


After the writer has written 'to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,' in verse 11, it is said that God has put eternity in our hearts. We are eternal beings with a soul. '..we instinctively reach out for concord with the Source of our being. As creatures we are made in God's image, we long for relationship with other personal beings. And if we need relationship with our fellow creatures, we need it even more deeply with our Creator.'.... 'without that essential involvment, our spirits waste away in emptiness.'(DSG, Henry)

As much as we long for fulfillment we'll never be complete or feel filled and whole without our Source being God. It just can't happen. We'll be empty and still looking. Like drinking soda, when we really need fresh water. Like sitting in full sun when we need God's shade.

This is in part, holiness (websters says: set apart to the worship of God). Looking to Him for the answer of every question. One does not need to be divine to be holy, but seeking God who is Divine will develop that provable virtue (the 2nd part of human holiness from Webster's) that allows one to 'be holy,' as He is holy. (I Peter 1:16), without 'aimless conduct', but dedicated to Him. Without ignoring the answers He gives.

Meet other's Walking with Him