A New Song

Search me, know me
Try me and see
Every worthless affection
Hidden in me
All I'm asking for
Is that You'd cleanse me Lord

Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secret shame
Come wash away the guilty stain of all my sin

Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before You now
I humbly bring

-Kathryn Scott

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18

Whole Wheat Bread Update

Last week I posted the recipe for whole wheat bread that my husband (and children) LOVE. The only problem I mentioned I had with it was the texture not being "formed" enough to make into rolls. Last night, I made the recipe again, and played around with it a bit until I got the right texture. The secret? 1 extra cup of flour! Nice and easy :-) So, for me, the recipe works better with 6 cups of flour rather than 5, especially since I knead by hand. Both amounts, however, produced excellent flavor and texture of finished bread!

Also, since I did add extra flour, instead of using flour to dust my hands and countertop while I kneaded, I used cold water to make sure the bread stayed moist instead of accidentally overdosing on four and drying out. Anytime I felt the dough getting stuck on the counter or my hands, I just ran my hands under cold water and the dough freed itself just fine.

One thing I love about kneading whole wheat bread by hand is how I can feel when the kneading is done. The dough stays stiff and heavy for what seems like the longest time, but when that magic moment is reached, it suddenly springs into something light and airy feeling. There's a total difference! It takes a bit of perseverance - I think yesterday it took me a little over 10 minutes of kneading, but it really is the neatest feeling!

Wordless Wednesday - A View of Homeschooling

Olympus Mons erupts!

Passion and Vision

Recently, in Michael's online college course on US History, the procession of the women's rights issue came up. While members of his class discussed the benefits of the feminist movement and how wonderful it is that women can be more than "babymakers and housewives", a student asked "Would you say that a woman who does decide to just stay at home is actually a disservice to the women's movement?" To which, of course, my darling husband replied, "NO! Absolutely not!" (He is the best, if I hadn't mentioned that already) ;-) Michael was shocked that someone would actually suggest that - however, I, unfortunately, have run into that mentality more than once in my conviction to be "at home".

Later on, I came across this post, entitled "Strange Disappearance" from Ann Voskamp at "Holy Experience". It was so moving to me, to see the vision the Lord has imparted to me from the beginnings of our family, expressed in such beautiful words. Here is a portion, please make sure to go read the rest, along with ALL of her wonderful posts!

If I identify myself as the culture does, as a “stay at home Mom”, one who has no intellectual contribution, gross-national product contribution or status symbol contribution, I become just that: a woman who sees herself as one who has grunted and groaned out another human being and now stays behind her four walls, in self-imposed seclusion. Not much of a vision there---it actually sounds strangely psychotic.

If I deem myself as a woman employed by the Creator of everything ever created, as on work assignment in a sacred domain for the sculpting of souls that will exist forever and forever without end, I have a burning passion of purpose. And a paycheck that is said to be beyond what eye or ear can even comprehend!

Miracles

Want to hear the story of a wonderful, beautiful, breath-taking miracle? Check out this blog:

At 24 weeks gestation, his family was told he would not survive. They preserved his life, not "choosing" any other option other than to pray and trust in the Lord. Their sweet baby boy was born a week ago - perfectly healthy! Please spend some time over on their blog and rejoice in the awesomeness of our Lord!

Trials

Lately, my life has been one of many various trials. Personal, emotional, physical... it sometimes seems like they've all come at me at once. And during this time, it has been tempting to let my faith waiver. It gets discouraging, frustrating, overwhelming, depressing... when I look at things through my own feelings and flesh.

Thankfully, the Lord has had His hand on me, reminding me that He is my comfort and my strength, despite whatever my feelings and my flesh try to tell me. One thing about the Word of God that I love so much is how alive it is. I can read a verse one day, and not much will stand out to me, but suddenly another day, its a verse I cling to for dear life because of the wisdom and encouragement it holds. On such a verse I came across yesterday, while I was crying out to the Lord for wisdom regarding what's been going on in my life.

Romans 8:18-31

18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

19For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope

21that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

22For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

23And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

24For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?

25But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Our Victory in Christ

26In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

27and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

29For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

What encouragement there is in these words! Yes, this life will have troubles, trials, sickness, difficulties. But we don't have to be dragged down by those things - we have hope! Hope in Him who has redeemed us, and hope in His kingdom to come. In all of eternity, these struggles will seem small compared to the glory we will know when we are finally united with Him.

Until then, I will trust in Him, knowing that He is working in me, as difficult as it sometimes is, to mold me into His image. I surrender myself to Him and wait with excitement and hope for His return! I am so grateful for His love and forgiveness.

Wordless Wednesday - A View of Homeschooling

"E" Day

I've been so disappointed by our political choices this election that I've had very small desire to talk or blog about it. However, "the day" has come upon us, and while I prepare to go do my civic duty and vote, I am still praying very much about it. I don't take the privilege of voting lightly, so I don't cast my vote lightly, either.

There have been SO many blog posts everywhere about this political season. I've really enjoyed the majority of them, and they've all given me food for thought. However, "In God We Do Not Trust", by Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church, really hit the nail on the head for me about why this campaign has had me so troubled. I see this attitude in so many people, in every party (yes, even third party!). So I wanted to share because I appreciated so much how to-the-point and accurate his thoughts are.

Speaking of Mars Hill Church, while you're there, check out some of the sermons and blog posts. While Pastor Driscoll is a little "unconventional" in ways, his theology is sound and his teachings are excellent. I'm working my way through "The Peasant Princess" series which is on Song of Songs... he does a wonderful job of really diving in and looking at what the Bible says about marital intimacy, and also sex in general. I recommend checking it out!

Also, even if there is a line... please do get out and vote! Its an awesome right we have in this country, and no matter how disenchanted you may feel with the process or the people, please be thankful for our country and our freedoms and be an involved citizen!

Introducing...

After some thought, Michael and I decided to grant Isaac his request for his very own blog! It will be well monitored by us, naturally, but the content and writing is up to him. We think it will give him good practice of expressing himself through writing, as well as typing and computer skills. I'm very excited to see what comes of it! If you get a minute, feel free to check out Isaac's Blog! He'll be updating as much as he's allowed - he's very excited and has already shared with me some topics he'd like to write about. Of course, please be forgiving of typos and grammatical errors - he knows how to use spell check, but the rest we'll be using as a spring board for sharpening writing skills! Enjoy the musings of an almost 8 year old!

A Song for Saturday

The lyrics of this song are so meaningful to me. Please take the time to really think about them and thank God for His amazing sacrifice. He is an awesome God!