Just Because I Love Them

I look at my children, one by one. I love them so deeply it hurts. Tears, heart pangs, and waves of emotion.

Why?

If I thought they never experienced disappointment, fear, hurt, or pain, I might possibly be free from this.
But no.
If shared days of deep joy would never end, I think I would not have agony.
But no.
When we reach Heaven's bliss and worship forever, I think the ache will be gone.
Yes, finally.

Eternity will be ours. Sin will be no more. Pure delight and peace and joy forever more. All of this and so much more He has won for us.

This my heart wants for them.
Why?

Because they are mine and I love them.

Thanksgiving Day

A day to remember His provision.

What a perfect thing to celebrate!

Simply Trusting

I get frustrated from time to time at my limited ability to comprehend theology and all its implications. And then I remember, "Keep it simple, stupid."

And I'm happy once again. Why?

Because simply put, it's like this:

God is great. Beyond comprehension, in fact.
God is love. Boundless, to put it plainly.
God's mercy is ever available. New every morning, should you need any.
God is bigger than any circumstance. He makes everything work out in my favor, to be precise.
God will always be there. In truth, He will never leave me. Never.
My God is faithful to me. He's made a deal that will last forever. It's called a covenant.

Shall I continue? The list is, in all actuality, infinite. It may take all eternity to recite His glories.

And that, my friend, simply put, is something you won't want to miss.

There Is No Rock Like Our God

Hear my cry, oh God,
Attend unto my prayer.
From the ends of the earth
Will I cry out to You.

And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Lead me to the rock,
That is higher than I, higher than I.

Can We Enjoy Art Without Excess?

I love theater, in case you were unaware. A great Broadway tune, a corny schtick, tap dance, jazz moves -- I love it all. The costumes, the lights, a sappy story. And choreography galore. There cannot be such a thing as too much dance!

I recently attended a local production that had all of this and more, delightfully executed. A real treat. Except for one thing: unnecessary vulgarity.

Bumping and grinding, cross-dressing and drinking, jokes with prostitutes. Innuendo upon innuendo. Too much.

Where have we stooped that we cannot envision comedy that isn't low and coarse? Why do we need to spice everything up in this way?

It was a disappointment. I love song and dance. I love a good story, a humorous scene. But please leave out all the extra goodies. Less is more.

Happy Days Around the Table

For the past few weeks we have settled into a nice routine; Mom regrouped and redirected the school plan, and somewhat successfully so. I really like what we've stumbled upon.

I was not happy that most all of the school day was spent by my older girls up in their bedroom. I viewed this as not acceptable because 1) there was no interaction between them and me, 2) there was little academic discourse amongst themselves, and 3) there was no real accountability established. Bad, bad, and bad.

So we are back to doing a unit study approach of history, literature, geography, and the arts. I purchased two courses from my all time favorite curriculum company, Beautiful Feet, and I am very pleased. Although each guide is intended for a full year of study, we are combining the two: The History of the Horse, and The History of Classical Music.

For two hours each day we all sit around the kitchen table tracing maps, listening to wonderful music, reading great literature, and sketching various drawings. We read about King Louis XV, then study Allah and Mohammad. Next we may read about Bach or listen to a Vivaldi Concerto. We've watched whirling dervishes on youtube as well as the famous White stallions of Lipizza and sketched violins and Arabian horses. Each day includes Mom reading aloud a chapter or two from a classic piece of literature. Currently on the agenda is Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.

And it is so much fun, just to be together, learning the same thing, talking about a new word or concept and drawing a map that we all are studying. It is a one room school house under the red roof. Right here in Madrid.

Today, amongst other things, we copied the words to Martin Luther's well known hymn, A Mighty Fortress. Luther influenced Johann Sebastian Bach enormously, and there is no better hymn written, in my estimation.

All to say, this mama is exquisitely happy. Just this morning I was wondering if there might be some way for me to keep Liana and Jess home just one more year. I'm sure I would love to find two more Beautiful Feet Guides for us to study next year as well.

What do you say, girls? Could you please stay for a longer time in my little classroom around the kitchen table? Please?