In My Home Recently

It's busy times in our household right now. School, ministry, Cub Scouts, Classical Conversations as well as our move next year are the topics of our discussions. I'm leaving for a weekend intensive of ministry planning on Thursday. Please be praying for me as I go and my family back here holding down the fort. Here's what's been happening in my home recently.

1. I've started reading More Love to Thee, The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss. I've barely scratched the surface on all the Biblical nuggets contained in this book. I found a wonderful quote in the Preface that spoke to my heart. "Much of my experience of life has cost me a great price and I wish to use it for strengthening and comforting other souls."
Oh, that my hands, words, and actions would comfort others for Him. That's my hearts cry for this coming school year.

2. We are continuing our studies in the Old Testament and moving from a Greek mindset to a Hebraic mindset. John is reading through Our Father Abraham and we are discussing it. Most Sabbath mornings we are listening to an exegisis on the book of Galations that can be found at www.graftedin.com/morelessons. Ariel's teaching is wonderful. I feel just like I'm in a Sunday School class. Even if you don't agree with the perspective, the maturing Believer will learn from this straight forward teaching.

3. So much to read, so little time!! I've also started reading The Core by Leigh Bortins. This year we're starting with Classical Conversations as the spine for our home studies. Visit www.classicalconversations. com for more information on this wonderful program. I believe the auditory learning with hands on activities and the challenge of the children's peers will grow them in memorization of basic facts. I'm feeling a deep pull to ground the children in Truth before we move to the Middle East. A classical education is a great way to instill those Core values.

4. The children are reading for an hour each day while I exercise. They had been balking about it. "AN HOUR! Come on, MOM!" Little do they know how their reading is improving this summer. They are doing a great job.

5. Jman bought a set of walkie talkies that we are using to communicate with as he travels about the neighborhood from friend to friend. Yes, it's a bit nerve racking with all the 'checking in' he does. But hey, he's 8! All to soon he will be 9. I loving every minute of our radio communications.

6. Meal preparation is on my list of things that need more of my attention. I took a fist-full of coupons and menus and headed to the Commissary on Saturday. We have 4 meals of Beef Stroganoff made and seasoned chili starters in the freezer. Today I'll whip up 2 meatloaves for the freezer and we'll continue to enjoy last night's large batch of chili with a salad and fresh fruit.

7. We are out of fresh bread and I'll need to get some wheat ground today and my handy bread maker going!

8. While on post on Saturday someone noticed that my safety sticker expired and left me a note on my windshield! I didn't know I had a safety sticker. I'll need to try and squeeze a trip into the shop.

9. Have you discovered Kohls yet? It's a new find for me. Nearly 4 years back in the USA and I feel that I'm just settling into the ways of living in America again. (Still don't like the food here, tho!) Well, I decided to spend this month's clothing allowance on ME! I had a blast at Kohls yesterday! I picked up 6 new tops and 2 pairs of capri pants and saved 55% off the sticker price or better! I'll feel pretty on my trip this week in some new clothes. (And in a new size to boot!)

I guess that about wraps things up for now. I'll be back next week with my head swimming with ideas for ministry to Moms! Have a great week. Leave a comment! Let me know how things are going with your Walk and how I can be praying for each of you!

" Fortunately for us, our faith does not entitle us to heaven anymore than our stupidity shuts us out of it; when we get there it will be through Him who loved us." Elizabeth Prentiss.
Keep Growing in Him girls! Learn His ways! Keep His commandments.

Love and Shalom,
Kellie