Devotional From Elizabeth Elliot

Running the Course
Today there are just too many things to do. My natural response is to fret and fear. Both are forbidden: Fret not. Fear not. That tells me what not to do. What, then, should I do?
"I will run the course set out in thy commandments, for they gladden my heart'' (Ps 119:32 NEB).
There will be both time and strength today to run that course, for it is always possible to do the will of God. The course He sets for us in his commandments is not an obstacle course, but one carefully planned to suit our qualifications--that is, not too rigorous for our limitations, not too lenient for our strengths.
The plan of God for me, for this one day, is meant not to trouble but to gladden my heart. Christ's yoke, according to his own promise, is not hard but easy--if we bear it together with Him and if we bear it as Christ bore it, in meekness and lowliness of heart.
"We must run with resolution the race for which we are entered, our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom faith depends from start to finish" (Heb 12:2 NEB).

Random Pictures from February

Someone got bit by the scrapbooking bug

The only time I was warm all month was while I watching the girls during swimming lessons

What homeschoolers do on a snow day (along with their schoolwork)

Our poor dog playing dress-up. In case you were wondering- no, she did not like it.

The thermometer says 20 degrees but we can get to the grill so we're cooking out!

Hubby brought me these after difficult day. There is nothing happier than yellow flowers.

Goodbye February!!!

Blogging entries have been few lately because, in the words of Thumper's wise mother, "If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say nothin' at all." February was not a healthy month, full of doctor's appointments, medical proceedures, a trial with my husband's ongoing physical affliction, the flu, physical trials of our extended family, as well as the physical burdens of close friends. I HATE WHINING but this has been a difficult month. I can now step back and take a more objective look at the circumstances of February and thank God for His goodness.

Our mother/daughter Bible study group has been studying Growing in Wisdom and Faith by Elizabeth George. This study in the book of James has been a blessed help as we read and discuss how God intends for us to view our trials. Here is a poem quoted on page 35 of the book:

Paradoxes of Prayer

Author Unknown

I asked god for strength, that I might achieve.

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey......

I asked for health, that I might do greater things.

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.....

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.

I was given poverty that I might be wise......

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.....

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things......

I got nothing that I asked for-

but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered-

I am among all, most richly blessed!

Getting Lost in a New Site

Real Simple

Bought it, Read it, Loved it

I wasn't sure if I wanted to start this book, Passionate Housewives- Desperate for God, but I do love the authors. I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey McDonald two years ago and enjoyed time and conversations with her. I very much appreciate the work of Jeannie Chancey and her website Ladies Against Feminism. However, I was not wanting to read a book this month that made me feel..... well, inferior. (I'm in serious need of sunshine and some Vitamin D!) This book was far from discouraging. It made me want to "gird up my loins" and continue to "fight the good fight."

I think that Romans 12:2 sums up the message of this book:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transfomred by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Which Jane Austin Character Am I?

Take the Quiz here!

Bedroom Ceiling Changes

Does anyone know who invented the "popcorn" ceiling look? I have a few things I would like to discuss with this person, like WHAT WERE YOU THINKING. I know that everyone was working toward the textured look during the 90's but was this really considered attractive? Dust and spidar webs love all of the extra places to adhere to.

But if you scrape off the little peaks of plaster, you get this :
But what a mess! Thanks Honey. (my hero)