The Life Giving Home

I think all moms want this. A life giving home. A home where all residing feel safe and loved. A home where all negative emotion is kept at bay and all loving and kindness exude from everyone. After all, we know how easy this is to accomplish, right?

NOT!!!!

Sally and Sarah Clarkson, mother and daughter author team of The Life Giving Home, do a very beautiful job of encouraging moms to push as hard as they can to create a beautiful home: physically, spiritually, and emotionally. At first as the reader begins this book journey one word that comes to mind is overwhelming. But keep pushing through. Their transparency comes to light as they remind you, the reader, that it is a daily challenge for them as well. They have set up the book to have each chapter represent a month in the year and give very practical advice and ideas to help develop this "air" in the home. Love, kindness, patience....the fruits of the spirit are essential; as well as, selflessness...something that every person struggles with; intensely, I might add.

Personally, I am a SERIOUS type A personality and struggle to get away from my checklist. This book has helped me to make a list that can help me daily as I help to develop the "who" of the little (and not so little) people in my house.

I am very thankful I came across this read. This is now a staple next to my Bible and nightstand. For I am constantly aware that I need daily refreshers and reminders.

Note: As a part of the Tyndale Blogging Network, I received a free copy of this book.

Changes.....Living in Amazement

It's been way too long! And the truth be told, I haven't had a second to post. Life is in the fast lane right now. I may have time to type a bit, but blogging takes thoughts and my thoughts have been all jumbled up.

With change.

The 19th of October marks the two month anniversary of "Hoss"' return. A return that turned our lives upside down. A return that seemed destined by the Lord. Although his return was due to very difficult circumstances, it was, nonetheless, the right thing. His choices forced us, if you will, to move in a direction we were struggling with. 

God has a sense of humor. 

The words had left my mouth...."I can never home school him."

Well, he is being homeschooled.

He is in the process of dual enrolling in our community college. WOW!!!

He is looking for employment.

He is growing up.

"Hoss" is settled. He is again part of the Ponderosa. We are thankful. Most importantly, God is doing great things. I think of the story of Joseph in the O.T. God used horrible circumstances to accomplish His physical rescue of His people. God uses those "shake 'em up" times to get our attention. As things have progressed, thankfulness has filled my heart. Thankfulness for those bad times. Thankfulness for our Great and Good God who loves us too much to let us coast through this life. For it is in the valleys we feel our most vulnerable. We are needy people.

This Great Shepherd leads us. Amen!

Away From Home

So we're told, "He knows why he's here."

We do too.

And yet, we wish He were here.

Home. A safe place where love is lavished on all who reside.
Home. A secure place where each member knows about Our Great God.
Home. Two parents who strive to live each day loving each other and the Lord.
Home. Home. Home.

I often wonder when he will be able to say, "I'm glad I'm home. This is my home. I'm thankful for my home."

I wish I could read his mind and make him believe. But I can't!

So I keep on knocking. My knuckles hurt. So I put on my boxing gloves and fight as I knock.

Fight against self and my wants.
Fight with the Word against the powers of the world and darkness.
Fight for our Son, which he will be forever.