Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Coffee Cup Verse


I've been reading Proverbs lately and here's one of the ones I underlined in my Biblia.

Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way,

And the perverted mouth, I hate.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

All Kid-ding Aside

On the advice of a friend, I came upon a really interesting article, entitled "Who Wants Kids?". It is about the word "kid" - as commonly referring to children. Above Rubies author, Nancy Campbell, takes an in-depth look at the behavior of sheep versus goats, in the realm of mothering. Then she continues with a list of words that God uses for children. This definitely has affected my vocabulary... and gives a wonderful perspective on children.

Teaching Your Child To Ride A Bike


Last week, my 5 year-old was riding his bicycle with training wheels attached. I came upon an article in the latest issue of Parents magazine that gave great advice for teaching a child to ride. Yesterday my son rode his 2 wheeler and nailed it first time! Here are the tips offered by Rich Conroy, bicycle-education-programs manager for Bike New York.

Step 1 - Remove the Pedals
Riding a bike is all about balance - and believe it or not, the easiest way for your child to learn that basic skill is without the pedals on his bike. You may also need to lower the seat so that he can put both of his feet flat on the ground.
Tip: The old rule "righty tighty, lefty loosey" only works to loosen the bike's right pedal. You'll need to turn your adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction to remove the left one.

Step 2- Watch him Balance
Have your child push off the ground with both feet 2 or 3 times. Once he gets going, he should try to balance by lifting both legs out to the sides as he coasts. Once he can balance and roll around confidently, he's ready for pedals.
Tip: Tempted to hold on to the back of your child's bike seat? Don't do it! It'll give him a false sense of balance, and it'll give you a major backache.

Step 3 - Teach the Power Position
To get a good start, your biker should begin his ride in the power position, with his left foot on the ground and his right leg bent so the pedal is at 2 o'clock. This way he's at the top of his stroke - when he pushes down on the pedal, he'll gain momentum and can start pedaling normally.

Step 4 - Show him how to Stop
Many beginners simply drag their feet on the ground as they come to a shaky halt. Instead, teach your child to use the foot brake by moving the pedals in reverse, rolling to a stop, and finally putting his feet down.

All the best, if you're facing the "biking lessons".

Friday, May 26, 2006

Yoko, Oprah and Other Dead Ends

This morning I happened to be listening to the radio and caught Chuck Swindoll's one-minute "Insight". He was talking about how grace and peace come only from God.

This was not new information for me, but somehow, it struck me differently today. It seems the world (especially Western entertainment gurus) is on the rampage to "make" peace. Some of the women, such as Yoko Ono, are trying their very best to make peace. Sadly, this is an impossible task... impossible, without the Prince of Peace, Jesus, being part of the equation.

The same can be said of grace. Women have long aspired to be graceful - in their posture, movements, speech, etc. Particularly in the deep South, where debutantes and ladies are trained, grace is part of the "package" of femininity. Oprah and similar female "role-models" advocate self-esteem, yoga, and all kinds of other ways to find peace and grace within.

Of course, in both of these cases, the meaning of true peace and ultimate grace is not exactly what Hollywood's spokespeople are advocating. However, I find it interesting how these words have come to have a "new" definition. For instance, is peace "no fighting (war) in the world"? We could all simply be co-existing, hating each other deep within our souls, and yet not fighting. Would that be peace? No. Do we need to accept each other's opinions or viewpoints and buy into the idea of "tolerance" without opposition? Is that peace? Again, no. (This would be impossible with mutually-exclusive viewpoints).

And what about grace? Is it walking smoothly across a room, or speaking in a particular tone of voice? Not really. We can control ourselves in our decorum, while grace or forgiveness in our hearts towards another person is lacking and simply disguised with pleasantries and elegance.

So let us consider what God says concerning peace and grace:

Ps. 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Rom 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

Clearly, PEACE COMES FROM GOD, and is available once we acknowledge God's sacrifice on our behalf, in Jesus Christ, His Son.

Ps. 84:7a For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory;

Eph. 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

GRACE, too, COMES FROM THE ALMIGHTY.

Mankind has made some amazing discoveries, such as DNA, outer galaxies, and so on. However, I find it interesting that in the pursuit for basics such as peace and grace, we seem to be lost - looking in all the wrong places.

God offers us the means to peace and grace in our lives. He offers this through the blood of His Son. I suggest that we be sure to give the lost around us the truth - there is peace and grace available. There is only one way to that grace and peace, Jesus. And once we come to God, we can rejoice on life's road, because He offers genuine peace and unstoppable grace!

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Hello Mr.Robin


Look at what popped up in my favorite tree, yesterday. Reminds me of Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Hope a little birdie comes along your way to encourage you and remind you that you are in good hands... and very loved!

Monday, May 22, 2006

Smelling

I was outside last night, planting some pots. It was late- after I had put the boys to sleep. As I was working in the mud, I was overwhelmed with the fragrance of the evening. The air was thick with the perfume of the trees in spring. My Hawthorne tree is full of blossoms, plus there is a cherry on the other side of our deck that is loaded with blooms right now. Together, these trees afforded me a taste of heaven.

"I wonder what God smells like," was a thought that jumped into my mind.

"What do you mean?" the conversation continued.

"Well, God made the sense of smell... the Bible talks about God enjoying fragrances... surely, He must have a smell too. "

Then it was as if God answered, "I'll smell a little like this tree, but a lot better.. in fact, the best smell you've ever smelled."

And I could almost imagine Him saying this to me... and without any sense of arrogance in His voice.

The conversation ended at that point, cause I kind of thought it was bordering on the ridiculous. But this morning I went to my Bible program and was interested to find verses about smelling. Some are about the smells we give off (foul and pleasant), others about the smells that God has made. It was an interesting search, so I thought I'd share some.

Solomon 1:13 The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along!

Hosea 14:6 His shoots will sprout, And his beauty will be like the olive tree, And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.

2 Corinthians 2:15,16 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

Exodus 37:27 And he made the holy anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense of spices, the work of a perfumer.

2 Chronicles 13:11 And every morning and evening they burn to the LORD burnt offerings and fragrant incense, and the showbread is set on the clean table,

Ephesians 5:1,2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Genesis 27:27 So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, "See, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed;

1 Corinthians 12:17,18 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.

Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done."

Leviticus 3:5 Then Aaron's sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD.

I was surprised to see how often the Bible talks about smells and smelling. God smells. Leviticus and Numbers are filled with references to "aromas pleasing to the Lord"... and there are also some which are a "stench". We smell and have a smell. I guess this leaves me with 2 thoughts and challenges for myself:
1) Do I stop enough to smell what God has placed around me to enjoy? Do I relish the nose I've been granted and consider the physical sense of smelling?
2) What about the fragrance I give off spiritually? What kind of smell am I... to God, to others... I enjoyed the verses that followed Ephesians 5:1,2. The verses following explain the making of our spiritual fragrance:

verse 3,4 But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

verse 6,7 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them;

verse 15-22 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

chapter 6 verse 1 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

verse 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

Oh, ladies, we are careful to put deoderant on, before we leave the house. May we also be careful to walk in a cloud of spiritual fragrance that pleases God.

Coffee Cup Verse


Romans 6:11
Even so consider yourselves
to be dead to sin,
but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Blogging Frustration

Well I have tried several times to upload the photos of my trees this past week, but with no success. Living in the country means dial-up internet, and somehow Blogger does not like to wait for picture files. So, I'm going to leave my idea for last week, and start a new week in the blogosphere... without photos. (Maybe I can convince hubby to take the camera to work and post them from there... maybe.)

Monday, May 15, 2006

My 2 Trees

Spring has definitely arrived in Southern Alberta. We’re poised to set a record in high temperature today, 30 degrees Celsius (86 fahrenheit for all the Americans reading this). I look forward to spending time in my new patch of dirt. We just put in a vegetable garden yesterday. Right now it’s just dirt, but with God’s blessing, we may see carrots, potatoes, lettuce, beets, etc. My son in trying to convince me to plant eggplants, but I’m not quite sure yet. Maybe it’ll be his experiment!

With the arrival of spring, I have come to anticipate the blossoms of 2 very special trees. One is a double-flowering plum. It comes out with incredible display of pretty pink flowers. The people who lived here before us planted it, and chose the perfect spot for it… maximum growth potential and maximum show. It’s like a diamond on display amidst my other trees.

My other "favorite tree" is a Hawthorne that was planted right behind the house. It is definitely the centerpiece of the yard, with beautiful spreading branches and lush foliage. This is the tree that I view out my kitchen window, so it also carries a special place in my heart, as I often enjoy looking at it while cleaning up dishes, or baking, or when I’m up to my elbows in tomatoes during canning season.

I’m gonna update with pictures everyday so you can enjoy the handiwork of the Creator unfurled in trees. Of course the camera will not do justice, but we'll give 'er a go!

Happy Spring!!

Update: Couldn't get the pictures uploaded yesterday. Here they are.

Coffee Cup Verse


Proverbs 31:26-28,30
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord,
she shall be praised.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's Day


After a day of being honored, I feel we may need a little exhorting to bring us back to earth:) This morning at church we received a poem, which I found to be inspirational and helpful in giving direction for this blessing we call Motherhood.

Talk To Me- My Mother

Talk to me- my mother,
Tell me all the things you know;
So when I grow to be older,
My Father's love will show.

Talk to me- my mother,
Tell me how the world was made,
So when I look about the land
I'll know whose plan was laid.

Talk to me - my mother,
Read me Bible tales of old,
They will be example
Of The Way, as they are told.

Talk to me - my mother,
Hold me close and give me of
The tender care you know so well,
That truly shows God's love.

Talk to me - my mother,
Tell me why you think and feel
His plan is so important
To build a life that's real!

Talk to me - my mother,
Show me how to live a life,
That pleases God in all I do -
And comforts those in strife.

Talk to me - my mother,
Share ideas of how to be
The person in the Christian life
Who God says, "Pleases me."

Talk to me - my mother,
Tell me all the things you know;
So when I grow to be older,
My Father's love will show.

I pray that we all take seriously the task God has entrusted to us - to bring our children up in the way of the Lord. Blessings, fellow mothers, as you pick up the task every morning.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

BJ- Part 2 "Extreme Living"

So we returned from shopping and I immediately headed to the kitchen to get supper going. In the meantime hubby came home and headed downstairs to catch the end of a hockey game. The boys were quiet - playing downstairs, I assumed. But not so.

Suddenly my eldest strode into the kitchen wearing his Sunday suit and holding a tie in his hands.

"Mom, I need help with this."

"Oh," was my comment, "and why are you so dressed up?"

"For the funeral service, of course," he replied, with a look that said, "why else would I be dressed like this?"

I fixed the tie and returned to finishing my salad.

In the meantime, he was re-arranging the living room. Chairs were placed in a row, and once again everyone was summoned for a service to remember BJ.

My son clarified, "We need to have a service inside too... and then pickles for supper." (At many of the funerals we've been to, pickles have been served beside sandwiches). We all sat down, while my son (acting as the minister) stood behind a make-shift podium (a.k.a. the coffee table).

Again, we sang the ode to BJ, and then my son looked around at us blankly. I suggested he give a speech. He shifted back and forth on his feet.

"You know, you could say what BJ meant to you or something, " I prompted - but to no avail. My son didn't seem troubled that time was going by. He just stood there quietly, thoughtfully.

I was thinking about my potatoes that were getting ready to boil over, and after what seemed like 5 minutes, hubby stood up and said, "Well, I'm gonna go catch the rest of the period. It was tie-game and next goal probably wins."

This left my in-laws, the "preacher" and myself to finish the service.

At this point I was sure my potatoes were starting to boil, so I said, "Okay, mommy will give the speech."

I stood up and began, (something like this) "BJ was a special little kitten and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Named after his father, Bandit Jr. was born, out in the country, on April 25th and passed away peacefully, in the garden shed. He lived to be one day old.

"He was born to Phillie and Bandit, and leaves behind his brother and sister as well."

At this point, my father-in-law started sniffling and asking for a kleenex. I wasn't sure if he was tearing up because of his sympathy for his grandson, but I continued in the spirit of the moment - trying my utmost to make this seem sincere and "grown up" for my boy.

"BJ was a gentle kitten, small and helpless. His impact on our family will be remembered for years. It is with great fondness that we reflect on his soft coat - so pretty... and almost golden in colour, " I continued.

Now I was sputtering and cracking up. I could hardly contain myself and, as I looked at my father-in-law, I suddenly realized he was busting a gut too! He's a pretty reserved man, so this made the moment all the harder to contain. Before I knew it, we were all laughing - deep, gutteral, belly laughs... and my son was looking around quizzically. I don't think he was finding this funny, but the fact that all the adults were giggling uncontrollably made him begin to laugh too.

This continued until I remembered my potatoes and scurried off to the kitchen to turn down the water.

It was great to see my in-laws laugh so hard. It felt great to laugh that hard myself. I love laughing. And, although, I am not a grim person, I don't think I laugh enough. It was interesting to see that it took a funeral to get my belly shaking that day. I find it strange that sometimes that's how life is: extremes of emotion. But I guess this echoes Solomon's thoughts, "A time to weep , and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance;" (Eccl.3:4)

Hope you get a chance to enjoy some "extreme living" today!

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

BJ- Part 1

Two weeks ago today our cat had kittens. Four. One was still-born, which my husband disposed of into the garbage can. 24 hours later another kitten died. This time, mother cat, Phillie, had taken the lifeless body and hidden it under a part of her blanket. Grandma and my eldest son made the discovery, while visiting the new brood.

Grandpa became the undertaker and pulled the corpse (not sure if this is the appropriate term for a deceased cat body) out from under the blanket. He then laid it into some kleenex from his pocket, and allowed my boy to carry the kitten out of the shed.

"We've got to have a funeral," my 5 year-old said, and came to gather the rest of the family - which included myself, grandma, grandpa, and the 2 boys.

As we determined to bury the kitten under a tree, along the fence-line, the "processional" began. The undertaker and his assistant were already armed with shovels for the task at hand.

Once the hole was dug, my eldest carefully wrapped the cat in the kleenex. It was interesting how the recent focus on the Easter story gave him an understanding of how to wrap a dead body.

The cat was laid to rest. Dirt was returned to its place and the grave was marked with a paint stir-stick found laying nearby.

"We have to sing and pray," were the next words from my son's mouth, "and he needs a name."

So we named the kitten BJ - Bandit Jr. after the father. The first song (sung to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb) went something like
BJ was a little cat, little cat, little cat
BJ was a little cat, who lived for just a day...

I can't remember the other verses, but the mournful song seemed to strangely amuse and comfort my boy.

Next came a prayer - thankfulness to God for his creation, etc.etc.

And then we had to hurry on our way. This whole incident had interjected our plans, as we were getting ready to go to the library and run some errands.

"So, let's get going," mommy urged, "you can get your marker and write BJ on the stick when we get back."

I thought the incident was literally "laid to rest", but stay tuned for part 2.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Reading Just Won't Go Away

Okay, okay. I said I was going to leave this "reading thing" alone, but I went to Susan Wise Bauer's blog, and came across an article that made my skin get a little bumpy. After that, I headed over to Trivium Pursuit Online, by the Bluedorn's (also proponents of classical education, but christian classical education). At their site, I found a helpful article about choosing literature to study. Thought I'd post all the links for you to explore.

Coffee Cup Verse


Romans 6:19
I speak in human terms
because of the weakness
of your flesh.
For just as you presented your members
as slaves of uncleanness,
and of lawlessness
leading to more lawlessness,
so now present your members
as slaves of righteousness
for holiness.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Homeschooling Crazy?

All right, after this post, I'm gonna leave the Reading Theme for a bit. But the whole topic is making me think... a lot. First, I'm considering what I read. Is it God's Word? If not, why not? Why am I reading it? Am I growing? Am I challenged? Am I enjoying?

My second line of thought, concerns my search for curriculum - rather, reading material for my children. I have a 5 year-old that reads voraciously. Everything that is put in front of him in print form is consumed. This means I need to be vigilant in examining the food his mind is devouring. Since he is only 5, this has meant a lot of books off the 1,000 Good Books list. I have not placed the Bible in front of him, thinking it is an intimidating volume - visually. We have lots of Bible story books, but the pure word would be best for him to "eat". So how do I get him reading it? I guess, here's a project for me over the coming months.

Finally, I'm even wondering if the teaching of my children should come exclusively from the Word of God. This is why I called this post "crazy". Could I honestly teach my sons all they need to know for life (including calculus, algebra, literature, history, etc.) using the Bible alone? Has anyone else considered this?

Or in the effort to enjoy creativity and beauty (words, phrases, rhyme, meter, etc.), is there a place and time to explore books that are written by man, but a reflection of God's creativity? Is there a time and place to discuss the material written by unbelievers that have a "darkened mind"? What about music? art? relating to the world we live in?

If I'm sounding a little crazy, just credit it to "birthday madness" - a malady that appears just once a year... we hope. Got comments? I'd love to hear from you.

Read It 3 Times - Impossible?

As discussed in my previous post, Susan Wise Bauer encouraged mothers (and particularly home-schooling mothers) to become readers. She particularly encouraged the reading of literature that stretches the mind and develops our brains. Anticipating the struggles that average readers, such as myself, face when tackling weightier books, she suggested reading these books thrice. Yes, three times, is what she said. I must have had a horrified look on my face. But so must all the other listeners in the lecture hall, because she continued to explain.

She told us that the first time she reads things, she reads to abosrb, but does not read to understand all that the author suggests. If there are any difficult passages that she struggles to grasp, she simply marks them and then moves on. She explained that this will help her the second time through.

Once she has finished the book, and has thus developed a broad focus and preliminary understanding of the author's perspective, she returns to the book for a second reading. This read is more like a perusal, simply returning to marked places to see if there is some clarification offered from having finished the book. (She admitted that often many of her initial struggles at understanding are clarified at this point.)

Her final walk through the book is a compiling of thoughts and a place to determine response to the book.

She likened the 3 reads to the 3 phases of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The opinions and dialogue (rhetoric stage) about any topic can only come once information is collected (grammar stage) and understood (logic stage).

I have never worked through books this way. However, as I've been contemplating a book review of Created To Be His Help Meet, I have been thinking of re-reading the book. This may give me the parameters to analyze this book with greater clarity and discernment.

My mom's been visiting this week from Ontario, so I haven't begun any "heavy" reading yet, but this has definitely inspired me to pick up some volumes that I ordinarily may leave to my student-type husband to wade through. Topping the list are some theologians, as well as some classics. I came across an interesting book the other day called Honey For A Woman's Heart, by Gladys Hunt. Since I have the child's version, it caught my interest. It just may be a good place to start for some suggestions of brain-stretching exercises.

P.S. I've heard before the phenomenal brain benefits of memorizing scripture. I cannot remember where I heard this. If you know, please drop me a line. Of course, the benefits of hiding scripture for our spirit are obvious, but as with many things that God has designed, there are often a plethora of additional benefits to God-honoring behavior. I'm sure scripture memory makes the brain stronger, but I'm looking for the studies which affirm that.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Read More - The Challenge

Susan Wise Bauer, author of The Well-Trained Mine, Story of the World, First Language Lessons, and similar Homeschooling books, was at the BC Christian Home Educators Conference we attended last week. Although I appreciated her practical information about homeschooling, the comments that most gripped my brain actually had less to do with my children and more to do with my own mind.

I went to school for more than 16 years and yet it's alarming how very little I know. I'm finding this even more disconcerting as I endeavor to teach my children. However, I am discovering that my learning did not end upon graduation of university, but has probably multiplied exponentially since the arrival of the boys. Thus, my lack of "knowledge" has led me to open books and learn more (most of all - the Bible:).

Susan encouraged us, particularly mothers, to make time to read everyday. She even suggested using classical books that strain our brain. Mrs.Bauer made a case for such reading:

1) For our children. Susan begin, "Some day our children may come to us as 15 year-olds, and ask us about the ideas set forth by authors such as Hitler in Mein Kampf. Rather than sending your child to someone else for such a discussion, wouldn't you like to be able to say, 'Well...' and engage in that conversation yourself with them?" I have to admit that such reading would probably paralyze my brain, but I do have a son that might have such an aptitude. Personally, I do want to be the one discussing such heavy topics, rather than sending him to "experts" in such literature, who probably don't have my perspective on life. This means I need to start exercising my brain already. Susan suggested starting with 15 minutes a day. She reminded us that the brain is a muscle and therefore needs to be worked up gently, but consistently and diligently.

2) For the mommies. Susan said we should read for ourselves, as well. She discussed how often we get bogged down with the daily tasks at hand, and don't allow ourselves the pleasure of reading.

Susan also made some suggestions about when to read, etc. She pointed out that our minds are freshest in the morning and therefore we should read then. She also told us how she keeps her children in their rooms until 8am, when she and her husband have finished their "reading time".

Now, I have to be honest that I struggled with some of the things she said in this session.

First, my time in God's Word must be the number one reading activity in my life! As part of a Berean Bible Study, this has meant a commitment to spend at least one hour a day in His Word and in prayer. At times this has been a struggle, but often, if I'm undisturbed (ie. I've gotten up before the boys:), this is truly food for me to help get through my day.

Considering more reading projects, therefore, is a stretch. However, I do agree with Susan's point that we need to be reading mothers: reading for our children, reading for ourselves. I enjoy reading, but have to admit that I generally read material that is below my reading level. (Susan discussed 3 reading levels: instructional (stretching); on level; and below level). My goal is to read "brain building material" 15 minutes 3 times a week. This may have to be in the evenings, contrary to Mrs. Bauer's suggestion, but in my life that's the only way I could consider it. Plus, this will mean that I've had the day to ponder God's Word and guide me as I encounter man's ideas, as written on the page.

I'll continue this topic tomorrow. Susan talked about reading books 3 times, which sounded impossible to me. I'd like to get your opinions on her ideas.

Coffee Cup Verse

Psalm 33:13-15
From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind;
from His dwelling place He watches
all who live on earth-
He who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.