tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75119485470494009352024-03-05T18:03:37.849-08:00 Assertions of a Housewife"But, (that we may not be mistaken in terms) by assertion, I mean a constant adhering, affirming, confessing, defending, and invincibly persevering… And moreover, I speak concerning the asserting of those things, which are delivered to us from above in Holy Scriptures. Pg 13” Martin Luther, The Bondage of the WillFleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-66307610510696659902017-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:002017-01-10T20:29:37.200-08:002016 Bookish Year in ReviewAn old familiar and dependable blog post, the review of books and my tedious rating on the blog. It would probably be much easier on myself to just link you all to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19293522-leah" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> and leave it at that. But I find such pleasure remembering all the books I read, and mostly compiling them all in one place to look at see just how many I actually read. Bliss. Right, review. Ok. For anyone new to my neck of the internet, here's my rough rating system as follows, and I should note I'm generally pretty generous and rate highly. If anything gets below a 3 it must be pretty awful. Ha.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: orange;">A <nobr>scale of</nobr> 1-5 (Subject to change upon my own whim and will).<br /><br />1) being, <nobr>complete</nobr> waste. Why did I finish it?<br />2) being, minimally thought provoking/entertaining. Won’t read it again.<br />3) being, <nobr>borderline</nobr> useful, mild usefulness in instruction about the faults in it/mildly entertaining; Enough good to be challenged, grow a little in thought. Might read it again.<br />4) being, a really great book, useful to instruct, thought provoking/good entertainment, very challenging, growth as a reader, way more good than bad, would recommend. Worth reading again.<br />5) being, found enjoyable, challenging, useful in many ways, would highly recommend with no holding back, over all EXCELLENT book. Need to read again!</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><i>A 3 1/2 star is not as harsh as a 3, but <b>not quite deserving</b> of a 4 (a really great book), but a good book none the less.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: #fafbfe; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Did I even have a book list of some sort? I seem to be getting lazier with my book goals as the years progress, compared to my <a href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-room-without-books.html" target="_blank">2013 rigid reading plan</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Reading List 2016</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Non-Fiction 6-12</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>Health Book</strike></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Gardening Book (need to soon lol)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>Political Book</strike></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>Rushdoony Book</strike> (I've been reading his IBL Volume 1 for 3 years, I count this as worthy of a cross off)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>Gary North Book</strike></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Hospitality Commands (le sigh, maybe this year?)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>R.C. Sproul Book</strike></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">A Chance to Die (Maybe this year?)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Considering I exceeded 12 books, I give myself a pass for missing 3 specified books. *Slow Clap for self*</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Fiction 6-12</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>Jane Austen Book</strike> Look, I read several Jane Austen Spin offs, I count that worthy of a satisfactory crossing off!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike>The Scarlet Pimpernel</strike></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strike><br /></strike></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>It counts. It really does. However, I am interested in<i> actually </i>reading Jane Austen 2017.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I'll have 3 Sections: Non Fiction, Fiction, and Children's.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Non Fiction</b></span></span><br />
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<ol>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nourishment From The Word - </b><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kenneth Gentry</i><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1596448144" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">75 Bible Questions Your Instructors Pray You Won't Ask - </b><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Gary North</i><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Jim Elliot: He is No Fool -</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> Irene Howat</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Expository Genius of John Calvin - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Steven Lawson</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1423150401" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Super Immunity - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Joel Furhman</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">With Liberty and Justice For All - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Dr. Joe Morecraft III</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Sovereignty of God - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>A.W. Tozer</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Christian and the Magistrate: Roles, Responsibilities, and Jurisdictions - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Pierre Viret </i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Awe: Why it Matters For Everything We Think, Say and Do - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Paul David Tripp</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1761326319" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Donald Van Dyken</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1811288960" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Defiance: The Bielski Partisans - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Nechama Tec</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hiding in the Light - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Rifqa Bary</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1853333200" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Unholy Spirits: Occultism and New Age Humanism -</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> Gary North</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></a></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Fiction</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1607942440" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Death Comes to Pemberly - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>P.D. James</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1667654701" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Doctor's Are In: The Unofficial Guide to Doctor's Who's Greatest Time Lord - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Burk Graeme</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1670689758" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mr. Darcy's Diary -</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> Amanda Grange</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1671722137" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Smith of Wooten Major and Farmer Giles of Ham - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>JRR Tolkien</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1674047838" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Three Colonels: Jane Austen's Fighting Men - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Jack Caldwell</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/916396201" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Captain Wentworth's Diary - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Amanda Grange</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1677943421" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Maze Runner - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>James Dashner</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hostage Lands - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Douglas Bond</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Scorch Trials - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>James Dashner</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">1 Star</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Death Cure - "" <span style="color: orange;">1 Star</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hammer of the Huguenots - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Douglas Bond</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Scarlet Pimpernel - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Emmuska Orczy</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">UnDivided - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Neal Shusterman</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1734926424" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cheaper By The Dozen - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Frank B. Gilbreth Jr.</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The 5th Wave - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Rick Yancey</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1769512547" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">North and South - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Elizabeth Gaskell</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1785693224" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Forgetting - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Sharon Cameron</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></a></li>
</ol>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1785693224" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Children's</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The King Without a Shadow - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>R.C. Sproul</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Donkey Who Carried a King - "" <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Barber Who Wanted to Pray - "" <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Truck Book - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Harry McNaught</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Curious George and the Pizza -</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> Margret Rey</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">2 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1641710607?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Money Tree - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Dave Hunt </i><span style="color: orange; font-weight: bold;">3 1/2 Stars</span></span></a></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Priest With Dirty Clothes - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>R.C. Sproul</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Knight's Map - "" <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A Fly Went By - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Mike McClintock</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">PJ Funny Bunny in the Great Tricycle Race - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Marilyn Sadler</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mother Goose and the Sly Fox - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Chris Conover </i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Tortoise and the Hare: An Aesop Fable - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Janet Stevens</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My Autumn Book - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Wong Herbert Yee</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Lightlings - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>R.C. Sproul</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Prince's Poison Cup - "" <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Heather Amery</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Com</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">plete Brambly Hedge - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><i>Jill Barklem</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Magnificent A</span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">mazing Time Machine: A Journey Back to the Cross - </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Sinciair Ferguson</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>How Far is Faith - </b><i>Amy Parker </i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars </span>(board book)</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>How Big is Love - "" <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars </span>(board book)</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>How High is Hope - "" <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span> (board book)</b></span></li>
<li><b>How We Learned the Earth is Round</b> - <i>Patricia Lauber</i> <span style="color: orange;"><b>3 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>John Calvin - </b><i>Simonetta Carr</i><b> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>John Owen - "" <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>John Knox - ""<span style="color: orange;"> 5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1265945578" target="_blank"><b>Come Ye Children: A Bible Story Book for Young Children - </b><i>Gertrude Hoeksema</i><b> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></a></li>
<li><b>Athanasius - </b><i>Simonetta Carr</i><b> <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
</ol>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">And here is my take away from my Non-Fiction, I am happy with the selections I did read. It was a nice spread of theology, history, health, biography, and political. Also bonus when any of the aforementioned cross over with theology! I can't choose a favorite. I just can't, too many good ones. Plus, they are such different topics it is hard to compare.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">As far as fiction this year was definitely filled with some severe disappointments. I pick up YA Dystopian after seeing a movie preview or seeing the movie and I'm expecting it to be good and entertaining and it's just a waste of my time. And not very much of it, fortunately. YA Dystopian I can breeze through in a couple hours. There's nothing great about the writing or literature, the story lines are always disappointing, and yet I kept going back to read more. It's like a tootsie roll...candy and yet always kind of gross yet you still kind of eat it anyway. This was a mistake. First off, I am not a Young Adult, lol, secondly, why waste time reading lame story lines and sub par writing? They make for an entertaining movie. But as far as worldview, zilch. So, I was unwise with my time reading several. The only redeeming one this year was to complete the Unwind series by Shusterman. Now that has quite an interesting moral story to tell, and though he lacks great writing, I can forgive him for his choosing a sacred cow to write a good story about, albeit a little lacking (comparing abortion/murdering babies to murdering/"unwinding" troubled teens and donating their organs/body parts). My favorite Fiction of the year? North and South hands down, no debate. It's not that Douglas Bonds books were not fantastic (which they were), but North and South stirred the book lover in me and I admired her writing style, skill, and story. The kind of good that makes me want to read it once a year or more realistically, every other year or so. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I absolutely read 3948750293586702439875x more children's books than I reviewed. Well, maybe not quite that many, but I did read more than I can count, and read the same books more times than I can count even in one day. So these were just new books I read for the first time and actually gave the time to post on my Goodreads account to review. How can I possibly choose a favorite when I read everything R.C. Sproul AND read Jill Barkem's Brambly Hedge books?! These will definitely be all time favorites for forever. I am slightly obsessed with the mice of Brambly Hedge. I love the pictures, I love the writing, I love the story, I love how clever everything is. It's fantastic! But then you have a whole slew of Sproul books which beef up my children's story collection with wonderful Christian Children's books <b>with good theology.</b> I mean that right there is worth million bucks! Get the Brambly Hedge books and get all the R.C. Sproul books. I don't quite own all the Sproul books, but anticipate we will this year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Here is my rough idea of new goals, as I am still in the process of creating my reading goals for 2017. I want to read better fiction. I think first up will be Ben Hur. I will not pick up another YA book. There, I said it. Now I can't review one next year out of shame, heh. Next, Sometimes I feel guilty for owning so many books that I have not read yet. I am toying with the idea of mostly reading books off our bookshelves. Maybe if I am diligent I can read a sizable portion. I hesitate to say all, because that's a <i>lot </i>of reading. Plus, I will still probably borrow books too. And buy them. Who am I kidding this is why I have so many books that have yet to be read. But just maybe I will. If I do, I'll note next year review about which came off my bookshelves as a special matter of satisfaction.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">If you made it thus far, thanks for reading my rambling. I mostly just post this for my own delight reveling in the friends I made this year in the form of books. :) I linked to several reviews on my Good Reads page, but just the few I remembered writing a review for, I may have missed a couple so feel free to check out my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19293522-leah" target="_blank">GoodReads Account.</a> It is on that page I try to record my thoughts on the actual book as opposed to only a numbered rating system.</span></span>Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-21917963710854484192016-12-28T15:26:00.004-08:002016-12-31T08:58:05.999-08:00The Saga of My Ear<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Well, it is incumbent upon me to write this blog post. I have been intending to for quite some time. But the true pressure is on. I sent out our Christmas letter this week briefly describing a monumental event in my life and then referenced everyone to my blog if they wanted to hear the full story. So hello to all of you kind friends who were curious enough to look this up, and hello to anyone else perusing my story. I am beholden to telling the whole story from the start, filling in little details. So here’s to my ear saga that brought about answered prayers and walking down the road less traveled. A long standing favorite poem by Robert Frost entitled The Road Not Taken:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Road Not Taken</b><br />
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,<br />
And sorry I could not travel both<br />
And be one traveler, long I stood<br />
And looked down one as far as I could<br />
To where it bent in the undergrowth;<br />
<br />
Then took the other, as just as fair<br />
And having perhaps the better claim,<br />
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;<br />
Though as for that the passing there<br />
Had worn them really about the same,<br />
<br />
And both that morning equally lay<br />
In leaves no step had trodden black.<br />
Oh, I kept the first for another day!<br />
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,<br />
I doubted if I should ever come back.<br />
<br />
I shall be telling this with a sigh<br />
Somewhere ages and ages hence:<br />
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —<br />
I took the one less traveled by,<br />
And that has made all the difference.<br />
<br />
Years past I did not take the road well traveled upon and it is has made all the difference, both in good ways and bad, frustrations and elations. So here’s to the road less traveled!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is peculiar to recount, because for most of my life this is something I have rarely spoken of since it has always seemed so minor. But the Lord is kind to even give answers to long standing frustrations and dead ends even if it seems minor. Ever since I was a child I have had ear problems, ear infections, ruptured ear drums etc. The ENT put tubes in and from then on a fear of submerging under water was instilled in me. Fast forward to 4 years ago and random ear pain, bleeding from my ear, and being struck with something very wrong. After an infuriating experience with a local ENT’s office and staff, I subconsciously vowed never to visit another ENT Doctor again after being belittled, told that I’m the reason ObamaCare needs to exist (being a cash pay customer, really? Just because I choose not to have insurance does not mean I am incapable of paying for medical services, nor is it wrong to ask how much a surgery would cost before committing to a surgery!), told I need tubes again (and being poo-poohed for even thinking I still had tubes in there), and I basically knew nothing because I was the lowly patient and he the expert P.A. Right. No thank you. That began my journey into learning about taking care of my own health and finding out what I should do for my ear.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another uneventful 3 years pass and then things escalated where I had severe ear pain, ear infection, and it was worse than it had been before. In hindsight, I think part of this was brought on due to the excessive amount of sugar I ate after my second baby, David, was born, as I am extremely strict not eating sugar during pregnancy, and had a binge of eating however much sugary chocolate I wanted the weeks following his birth. I think this was a breeding ground for infection. Out of avoidance of going to another ENT I decided to see if a Chiropractor would help, I had heard they could help with chronic ear infections, and though my preconceived notions of a Chiro was of a snap and crack adjusting after car wrecks, I scheduled to see one. Here I should note after asking some questions and reading a little bit, I found it was recommended that Chiropractors can help with chronic ear infections, though this was typically referenced to children. Cue the entrance of Dr. Traver, a person who’s importance to my health cannot be undervalued. At first it was just helping my back pain (unrelated) but later as I began to see improvements with his new technology called an Avazzia, a microcurrent device that helps with pain relief, cell regeneration, and healing the body., hope fluttered inside that maybe things could improve. I was using this primarily to help my ear at this point, but not having my own Avazzia, I opted to go over to my in laws house every day to borrow theirs. It kept my ear from worsening, but it didn’t seem to be improving it significantly either. A huge low when I found I had a severe ear infection and one month to go until flying to Florida. Upon Dr. Traver’s recommendation I made huge overtures in my diet, cutting out all sugar (which feeds infection), all grains (worsens inflammation), and all dairy (can you hear my weeping?-oh sorry, this is very mucous forming, and when your ears can’t drain, more mucous builds the pressure resulting in: no bueno). When Dr. Traver let me borrow his Avazzia over the weekend I saw big improvements that diet and immune-boosting didn’t show alone. After that we made the decision to purchase our own. I was so scared flying with a weird device would get me in trouble with the TSA, but a simple “it’s a medical device” and scan worked out. My first experience with the invasive TSA was already annoying enough without the added stress of bringing a weird medical device, ha! But this only helped enough to keep my ears from bursting, bleeding, and inducing horrible pain on an airplane. So better, but not enough.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Upon arriving home I began to “cheat”, eating that delicious glutenous cheesy pie we all know and love as pizza. And donuts. If ever you wondered what my kryptonite was, that would be donuts. But that sank me to newer lows and I reached a point of despairing. Here is a picture of life: wake up, use avazzia, breakfast, take care of boys, read the bible with them, use avazzia while they played, various things whether errands, household things etc, then lunch and naptime, during naptime more avazzia, after the boys wake up different occupation as the day prescribed, spend several hours making weird healthy grain free, dairy free dinner, family time in the evening, then more avazzia before bed. Basically I felt like my entire life was devoted to just keeping my ear from getting worse by spending a lot of time making healthy food and using the Avazzia. It was so much better than before, but this infection just never went away no matter how much I tried! I prayed and wondered if my life would consist of ear management health stuff, a thorn in my side like the Apostle Paul’s thorn, though I have cried out to the Lord he was not removing it. Perhaps it would remain all my life. This was very depressing to think of, constant ear pain that fluctuated from bearable to excruciating depending on how strict I was with what I consumed and how often I used the Avazzia. As I prayed I laid it all before the Lord saying not what <b>I will</b> but what <b><i>He Wills</i></b> with my life, even in this ear problem. This whole experience has given me a lot of empathy for those with chronic health issues without answers. Then the age old question came to mind once more, could I still have a tube in that problem ear? Samuel then encouraged me to look up medical terms and specialist language for my hypothetical tube still in my ear. Upon discovering this <b><i>extremely rare and barely ever happens</i></b> condition of a tube that intrudes (tube is pushed further in ear rather than pushed out where it falls out) or an ear drums growing around the tube, I felt that hope flutter once more. At my next appointment I brought this question to Dr. Traver and after looking in my ear very thoroughly he confirmed seeing something greenish in my ear. My tubes were neon green! A friend who is a Nurse Practitioner saw the same thing and she had been trekking with me on my health frustrations, she was convinced it had to be a tube or some other foreign body stuck in my ear. He recommended seeing a specialist, cue my inward turmoil of facing another ENT!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I found the ENT, who will remain unnamed, I made the decision to just face it head on and go in there with my questions and my flicker of hope that he could help me and remove this tube. I am much more sure of myself and confident today than I was 4 years ago, with many emotional and relational problems that just shattered who I felt I was (another story for another day, maybe, I've never written about this one). No more, I would not let some medical professional push me around, I wanted answers and I was going to get them one way or another. My best friend Hannah offered to go with me, and I declined knowing I could face this alone, but after her kind insistence she met up with me to be my support. Over all the ENT was very kind and he listened to me as I condensed my ear (life) story in the span of a few minutes, summing up with my big question, do I have a tube in my ear? He took a quick look and confirmed the infection and was “shocked” my doctor didn't prescribe some prescription ear drops to clear up the infection. He took some time to explain what he saw in my ear and even gave a head nod to the possibility of a tube in there, but until I used the drugs he couldn’t see anything. Which I found odd that two other medical professionals had looked in my ear and had seen something but he did not. I digress. After a frustrating decision to just take the drops, I stopped by the pharmacy on the way home. Give me the drugs... except finding out it cost <b>$255 for a tiny little bottle!</b> <i>No. No no no</i>. Why would I throw that money down the drain for an experimental hope that it would enable the ENT to see a tube that others already see? The Pharmacist recommended checking the manufacturers website for a rebate. I go home and look it up, and it only applies to those with insurance, not cash pay or on government medicine. Okay. So here I am in tears railing against the drug company game of how and when they manufacture drugs and the generic brand is not available. During this evening, I had fixed dinner and didn’t sit down to eat with Samuel and the boys as I did not feel hungry. This perplexed 2nd Samuel and he asked daddy what was wrong with mommy and he said I was sad. He comes over to me quietly and hugs me, for a long time patting my back. After that he tells me it’s time for dinner and I replied I wasn’t hungry I didn’t feel like eating. He then turns to me in the next room and says matter of factly, “Momma, you eat food, food will make you happy.” If only it were that simple! I love that boy with all my heart and find such joy that he is so perceptive and compassionate, even as a 2 1/2 year old. But... every time I eat a donut my ear gets worse unfortunately, ha. Well, I go back and am ready to just pay the price of the experiment and get another Pharmacist who suggests using a website called Good RX and I get a discount there and it acts like insurance so I get the manufacturer rebate and the Good RX discount making it only $71. Hmm. At any rate, I thanked the Lord for allowing us to save a big chunk of change! Well fast forward two weeks later and Dr. Traver and my Nurse Practitioner friend both confirm seeing something in my ear. After being a dutiful robot, er, patient, I returned. The ENT looked in my ear again, and said nothing about the tube, only the ear was improved but not totally cleared up yet. Only at the respectful pressing, prodding, and urging the Doctor to actually look in my ear because another Doctor and Nurse Practitioner saw something in my ear, did he look again (but no, not when the lowly patient asks, only when other medical professionals recommend, silly me). After looking a second time he still didn’t see anything, and when I pressed again that Dr. Traver saw something in the bottom part of my lower ear, he looked again and to his utter amazement there was something. We went to a separate room where he has his special equipment and was horrified by the horrendous damage inside my ear. What sweet relief lit my heart. Finally. Answers. He couldn’t pull it out, after trying and causing me enormous pain (trust me, after giving birth to two babies with out pain meds, I’m not one make light of pain), he scheduled me for surgery. Woohoo!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Alright, now we are at the exciting part of the story. I am ecstatic to finally have a definitive answer. Let’s get this tube out of my ear and let the healing begin! I wait patiently for the office to call and give me surgery details and pricing. They give me details and their pricing, but can’t tell me about the Anesthesiologist or Surgery Center. When I call the Surgery Center they tell me sorry but we don’t have any information on your surgery yet because it is in September (2 1/2 weeks away), on September 1st. And it is currently August and they only deal with August scheduling. <b>OKAY</b> so am I supposed to wait until September 1st to get details for my September surgery?? Headache.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Meanwhile we are preparing for a trip to the Providential History Festival in Nebraska, one I didn’t really want to travel to in the first place, and really considered canceling since I’d be getting home one day before my surgery. God, in His providence, moved a friend to text Samuel to invite us to stay in their home if we went to the conference. We weren’t planning on it, but this text prompted Samuel to look into travel arrangements. He decided he couldn’t take off work to drive up there, but if I drove with the boys and he flew, he would only miss one day of work instead of several. I was not in favor of this at all. Driving with a 2 year old and 1 year old for 13+ hours? No thank you. Well, we ended up arranging to have his sister ride with me to help with the boys. So the trip was on schedule. And I packed a lot of my healthy weird diet food. Driving up to Nebraska I get a call from the Surgery center less than one week prior to my surgery to find out their price for the surgery. On the drive back to Texas the anesthesiologist office called to give me their pricing days before my surgery. What kind of procrastination do I have to deal with just to know how much this 15 minute procedure to take a tube out will cost? Combining the billing from three separate entities cost upward to $4,000 for this short procedure. To say we were frustrated and annoyed at this delay in information is an understatement. So I stop in Oklahoma City for the night at a friends house. Originally we had planned to stay in Tulsa with a different friend but due to circumstances it worked out in OKC. Samuel calls me after I give him the surgery cost and suggests we look into the “Free Market” surgery center in OKC and their pricing. Their website listed the same surgery at a 1/4 of the cost! Well, it would have been nice to plan this while I am in OKC rather than passing through, except we couldn’t because all the delays in finding out how much my surgery would cost, we didn’t even have a chance to compare pricing elsewhere, because they wouldn’t give us any pricing. I am just ready to have this tube out, to have this driving with 2 little ones done, and I’m really uninterested in looking in the Oklohoma Surgery Center. But in order to respect my husband I call in the morning we are due to leave. I ask about their regular scheduling time frame, and it’s usually within a week to set up, so I briefly explain I happen to be 10 minutes down the road traveling home from vacation and wondering how quickly they could schedule a foreign body removal from ear surgery. She says she would need to check with the surgeon and call me back. I honestly am not expecting a call back that day, and so we have everything packed and ready to load up if I don’t hear from here in the next two hours. 15 minutes later she calls back to tell me they can schedule me for a pre-op visit that day and surgery tomorrow, oh and the surgery costs less than listed because it is a tube removal. Surprise of all surprises!!! Faster answers, faster billing information, faster scheduling, and faster everything. Sign me up. Literally, in just a few hours. It is amazing how when the bureaucratic middle man is cut out how efficient things become.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Here’s the interesting part, if Joel had not texted Samuel inviting us to stay in their home, we would not have even considered going to the conference due to Samuel’s work schedule. If Samuel hadn’t bought tickets to fly and leave me to drive, he would have been driving with me intent to get home as soon as possible, no time to stay an extra day for surgery. If we had stayed in Tulsa instead of Oklahoma City, I wouldn’t have been as interested since it would have been a couple hours away instead of 10 minutes. Months before I even had seen the ENT all these little details were worked out so perfectly I couldn’t have even known to pray for such things!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And so I had my surgery done one day earlier, at 1/4 of the cost, with superior care in the surgery center, warm blankets brought to me, someone beside me upon waking up, thorough explanations of everything to be done, what to expect, and what was done. They offered me something to eat and drink upon waking as well. Excellent service, not to mention Dr. Jason Sigmon who listened to me, gave me exceptional care, and performed the surgery and was very informative during the post-op visit as well. If only all such Medical care looked this way, professional, timely, and hassle free. With our “health care” we use (medical sharing ministry, not traditional insurance), this seems to be a big inconvenience for us, if our “insurance net” will foot the bill, why even bother? Because more than anything, we desire to live our lives in conformity to Christ Jesus and His word. We do not want to be those who profess with their mouth and live shockingly unlike the commands in God’s word. This requires sacrifice, this requires diligence, and even inconvenience. We are to be good stewards of our money. We are not going expect other’s to pay for our needs, nor are we going to “milk” the system just because that’s what everyone else does. If we have to “pay twice” because we choose to eat well, pay more out of pocket to keep our bodies healthy, or even use different practices of medicine that may not be “covered” by conventional medicine and “insurance”, then so be it. We wanted to save money for those sharing our medical need rather than just have the mindset that because we have others to share the cost and we can get our medical care covered let’s just do whatever is set before us. Instead we chose the road less travelled, not only in our health care, Doctors, and “insurance” choices, so in our overall medical care, in our searching out answers and even better pricing to save money, and in being diligent in whatever surfaced in this crazy struggle.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>An overview would be to say that Dr. Traver Sopoci truly restored my confidence in medical professionals because he is a caring, understanding, and compassionate Doctor truly committed to helping people solve their underlying health problems and become well. The Microcurrent Technology Dr. Traver uses (one of his many tools in his Doctor tools box) is called an <a href="http://avazzia.com/cart/index.php" target="_blank">Avazzia</a>, an electrical stimulation device for pain relief, cosmetic enhancements and overall well-being, has exciting new research on a myriad of health problems it is helping. I can't even tell you all the things it does, but I can tell you it has helped me most specifically with pain relief for me. There are even instances of it helping with restoring hearing loss! Dr Traver has restored my faith in Doctors and I owe a lot of hurdles I overcame due to his practice and his applying himself to research and continuing his learning and studying. Also, the surgery center is called The <a href="http://surgerycenterok.com/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Surgery Center.</a> For those interested. An interesting side note is that after my experience here some friends of ours ended up using OKC for a different surgery partially due to our highly positive review.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Suffice it to say, God is so faithful to hear our desperate cries, even after years of silent struggle. My ear is still not “normal” but post surgery of removing a 20 year old tube causing chronic infection, inflammation, and pain, my body now has a chance to begin healing. And eating a donut here and there is not quite so destructive. Shh, don’t tell Dr. Traver! :DFleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-88600319753883020472016-01-08T11:59:00.000-08:002016-01-08T11:59:09.443-08:002015 Book Reading ReviewWell, for anyone who has been tracking my reading progress the last few years, it is time again to assess and compile my completed reading list! It is always so fun to review all that I have managed to soak up through literature. So let's get on with the drill.<br /><br />Here is my reading goals for 2015:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Non-Fiction 6 to 12</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt Manipulators – David Chilton</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Political book (The Real Lincoln - Thomas DiLorenzo)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Rushdoony Book (Sovereignty)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>R.C. Sproul book (The Holiness of God)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Pierre Viret book </strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hospitality Commands</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Gary North book (Tithing and the Church)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Pregnancy book (Real Food for Mother and Baby - Nina Planck)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Sophie Scholl book (Sophoe Scholl and the White Rose)</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fiction – 6 to 12</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Brave New World – Aldous Huxley</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>The War for Mansoul – Bunyan</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>The Giver – Lois Lowry</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>The Return of the King – Tolkien</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Book Thief – Markis Zusak</div>
<br />
As per usual, not all the books on my list were read, you win some and you lose some. I see it more of an aim to keep me focused. I read much more than those listed above, but it is still nice to "cross off" books I actually intended to read. The Chilton book I had every intention of reading, but when talking to my father in law, his brief synopsis left me not really caring to pour my precious time into it. I probably won't try to read it. The Hospitality commands I <i>do</i> want to read, it just got lost in the shuffle. If I borrow it from a friend that's motivation enough to return it. As for <b>The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet,</b> I find myself less enchanted with it, as I saw it more of a watered down morally questionable version of Pride and Prejudice, *sigh*. It's fun to think of a modern day P&P, and I did enjoy watching the youtube vlog series, but too many cringe moments and too many times the Lord's name was taken in vain, that I decided reading the book was not worth my time, nor worth overlooking such a HUGE deal as my Holy God's name being used in such sinful way. And so I let it go. I did check out <b>The Book Thief </b>from the library, and I did enjoy the movie, but for some reason the style of writing just did not draw me in, and after a couple chapters I set it down and returned it. I am deciding with fiction if it doesn't capture my attention and draw my imagination in, then it's not really worth my precious reading time to plug along and try to "get into it". It's just not worth it to me, I have an extremely long list of books I want to read, and many more on my bookshelves begging for my hands to open and jump into. There, those are my exc- err, reasons for why I didn't finish my list <i>again</i>.<br />
<br />
My long standing rating system as follows:<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: orange;">A <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/12/year-in-review.html#" id="FALINK_6_0_5" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; text-decoration: none;">scale of</a></nobr> 1-5 (Subject to change upon my own whim and will).<br /><br />1) being, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/12/year-in-review.html#" id="FALINK_4_0_3" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; text-decoration: none;">complete</a></nobr> waste. Why did I finish it?<br />2) being, minimally thought provoking/entertaining. Won’t read it again.<br />3) being, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/12/year-in-review.html#" id="FALINK_5_0_4" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important; text-decoration: none;">borderline</a></nobr> useful, mild usefulness in instruction about the faults in it/mildly entertaining; Enough good to be challenged, grow a little in thought. Might read it again.<br />4) being, a really great book, useful to instruct, thought provoking/good entertainment, very challenging, growth as a reader, way more good than bad, would recommend. Worth reading again.<br />5) being, found enjoyable, challenging, useful in many ways, would highly recommend with no holding back, over all EXCELLENT book. Need to read again!</span></b><br style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><i>A 3 1/2 star is not as harsh as a 3, but <b>not quite deserving</b> of a 4 (a really great book), but a good book none the less.</i></span><br />
<br />
And so THE LIST. The List of what did get read. Broken up into three sections, Non-Fiction, Fiction, and Children's. I haven't even kept my good reads up to date on all the children's books we have read together (2nd Samuel and I). Eeek! So much to do.<br />
<br />
<b>NON-FICTION</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>The Fruit of Her Hands - </b><i>Nancy Wilson </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Feminine Appeal - </b><i>Carolyn Mahaney </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>God's Mandate for Biblical Education - </b><i>Robert E. Fugate </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Trial and Triumph: Stories from Church History - </b><i>Richard M. Hannula </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Healthy 4 Life - </b><i>Weston A. Price Foundation </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Holiness of God - </b><i>R.C. Sproul </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Leading Little Ones to God - </b><i>Marian Schoolland </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Real Lincoln - </b>Thomas DiLorenzo <span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars </b></span></li>
<li><b>Tithing and the Church - </b><i>Gary North </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Pierre Viret: Angel of the Reformation </b><i><b>- </b>R.A. Sheets </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Potty Training in Less Than A Day - </b><i>Grace Goldenbloom </i></li>
<li><b>Toilet Training in Less Than A Day - </b><i>Nathan Azrin</i></li>
<li><b>Toilet Learning: The Picture Book... - </b><i>Alison Mack</i></li>
<li><b>Toilet Training - </b><i>Vicki Lansky</i></li>
<li><b>Peacemaker - </b><i>Ken Sande </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Sovereignty - </b><i>R.J. Rushdoony </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Real Food for Mother and Baby - </b><i>Nina Planck </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Effective Prayer - </b><i>Charles H. Spurgeon </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Praying Successfully - </b><i>Charles H. Spurgeon </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Sophie Scholl and the White Rose - </b><i>Jud Newborn </i><span style="color: orange;"><b> 4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The St. Andrews Seven - </b><i>Stuart Piggin </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>FICTION</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>The Return of the King - </b><i> J.R.R. Tolkien </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Giver - </b><i> Lois Lowry </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Gathering Blue - "" <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Son - "" <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Messenger - "" <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The People of Sparks - </b><i>Jeanne DuPrau </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Prophet of Yonwood - "" <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Diamond of Darkhold - "" <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Brave New World - </b><i>Aldous Huxley </i><span style="color: orange;"><b> 2 1/2 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The War for Mansoul - </b><i>Ethel Barrett (Based on Bunyan's Story) </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin - </b><i>Douglas Bond </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>5 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Persuasion - </b><i>Jane Austen </i><span style="color: orange;"><b> 3 1/2 Stars</b></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>CHILDREN'S</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Three Best-Loved Tales: My First Counting Book; The Kitten Who Thought He Was a Mouse; Home for a Bunny - </b><i>Garth Williams </i><span style="color: orange;"><b> 3 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Boy Who Listened: The Story of Samuel - </b><i>Carine Mckenzie </i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Happy Man and His Dump Truck - </b><i>Golden Books </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>3 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The House That Jack Built - </b><i>Golden Books </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>3 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Tale of Benjamin Bunny - </b><i>Beatrix Potter </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>A Bargain For Frances - </b><i>Russell Hoban </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Bread is For Eating - </b><i>David Gershator </i><b> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Little Lamb Bakes a Cake </b><i> - Michaela Muntean </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sergeant Murphy's Busy Day - </b><i>Richard Scarry </i><b> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Firefighter's Busy Day - </b><i>Richard Scarry </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>A Fox Lives Here - </b><i>Pearson School </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Bugs and Butterflies - </b><i>DandiMackall </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Five True Dog Stories - </b><i>Margaret Davidson </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Dangerous Animals - </b><i>Melvin Berger </i><b> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Little Red Hen - </b><i>Justine Ciovacco </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Goodnight Sleep Tight Little Bunnies - </b><i>Dawn Apperley </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>My Book of Birds - </b><i>Tibor Gergely </i><b><i> </i><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>On The Farm - </b><i>Richard Scarry </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Arthur's Tractor: A Fairy Tale with Mechanical Parts - </b><i>Pippa Goodhart </i><b><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Boats on the River - </b><i>Marjorie Flack </i><b> <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Farmer John's Tractor - </b><i>Sally Sutton </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Building With Dad - </b><i>Carol Nevius </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Old Red Tractor - </b><i>Andreas Dierssen </i><b><span style="color: orange;">1 Star</span></b></li>
<li><b>101 Dalmations - </b><i>Walt Disney Company </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Two Happy Dalmations: Pongo and Perdy - "" <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Lady and the Tramp - "" <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Rescuers Down Under - ""<span style="color: orange;"> 1 Star</span></b></li>
<li><b>102 Dalmations - "" <span style="color: orange;">1 Star</span></b></li>
<li><b>Pooh Goes Visiting - </b><i>A.A. Milne</i><b> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Eyore Has A Birthday - </b><i>A.A. Milne </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Picture Story of Wyatt Earp - </b><i>Felix Sutton </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep in a Jeep - </b><i>Nancy Shaw - </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep Take a Hike - </b><i> "" </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep Blast Off - ""<span style="color: orange;"> 3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Tree House that Jack Built - </b><i>Bonnie Verburg </i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Dan Yaccarino's Mother Goose Book - Dan Yaccarino <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Holly Hobbie's Nursery Rhymes - </b><i>Holly Hobbie </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Jame's Heriot's Treasury for Children - </b><i>James Heriot </i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep on a Ship - </b><i>Nancy Shaw </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep Go To Sleep - "" <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep in a Shop - "" <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sheep Out to Eat - "" <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Tuttle Twins and the Creature From Jekyll Island - </b><i>Connor Boyack </i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Tuttle Twins and the Miraculous Pencil - "" <span style="color: orange;">4 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Caps For Sale - </b><span itemprop="name"><i>Esphyr Slobodkina</i><b> <span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">Well, I surpassed my non-fiction goal of reading at least 12, and met the goal with fiction. That is always a happy moment to reflect upon my reading progress. As expected, my time for reading has fallen by the way side after the first weeks of David's life. It's like this influx of time to read during recovery, then after that barely any time at all. It will get better in the coming months, I know. It's already getting better with him going to bed around the same time every night. Did you know you could put your baby and toddler to bed at the same time each night?! Yes, it's totally possible. Also, you can make them nap at the same time. It just takes work, patience, and more patience. Did I mention patience? Yes, definitely patience. Also a lot of determination. But such is mom life. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! Oh, and pop on over to my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19293522-leah" target="_blank">Goodreads Profile</a> to see my scattered thoughts of the aforementioned books.</span><br />A few currently reading books is the long standing <b>Institutes of Biblical Law</b><i> by Rushdoony, </i>as I am still in the ladies bible study from two years ago. We've surpassed the half way mark, woohoo! I am determined to read Calvin's Institutes one day, but I don't think that will be this year. I am skimming over <b>Month by Month Gardening in Texas</b>, mostly just about herbs, veggies, and trees, skipping the landscaping, flowers, etc. It's a bit overwhelming, but I want to get a handle on this whole gardening thing and be able to produce a thriving garden to help feed my family delicious and nutritious food. I have started <b>The Baby Whisperer</b> but part of me doubts I will finish, I got what I needed out of it, but I really do like it a lot. Also <b>The Cure is in the Cupboard </b>a book about the many uses of oregano. And can't forget <b>Nourishment from the Word</b> by <i>Ken Gentry</i>, a book our church is reading together. The boys and I are continuing to read from <b>Come Ye Children</b>, although since David has been born, I've had to change up our morning devotion routine, since he is not able to sit as long as his big brother yet. We're working on it, so in the meantime the bible story book is hit and miss. Hopefully we can finish it this year.<br /><br />I am feeling hopefully and ambitious this year in terms of reading. I want to continue to branch out in my reading endeavors, to span the breadth of knowledge or learning I can attain. I want it to be practical and useful to my life, but also stretch me and cause me to go outside my comfort zone. So here's to a new year and starting to compile a new reading goals list!</span></div>
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Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-81478858048226220642015-12-31T21:07:00.001-08:002015-12-31T21:07:28.219-08:00Goodbye 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Has it really been 6 months since I last posted? Oops, I guess I failed at completing my blogging once a month goal for 2015. Well, I had no idea how busy two little people could make one momma. But I didn't blog consistently before that, so I guess I'm out of excuses! As I sit here waiting for my Creamy Pumpkin Tea to steep, I reflect on what this year has meant. It has been a very blessed year indeed. Some highlights include trips of various kinds, but the best of all was the birth of my little David Livingstone Allison! An early birthday present to me, he was born August 16, 2015, and my birthday is August 31. Really I couldn't have asked for anything more well timed than his arrival, the experience was easier than my first labor, and I had way more energy as I welcomed this tiny little human being into the world for the first time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45YZVJCNz-KWk44kkzQqMNYLxgjSut82jyPXkmBtUp-H_1Mkvus7L84HUzXUMD_avfvssLc2gD1STpFDJ5X2Ohkbozqp9KuaHVFHJF4amgEAm7sJHYFH1Zh6Ky9JTtJQeQ1TAPLdFvgI/s1600/Phone+Pictures+415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45YZVJCNz-KWk44kkzQqMNYLxgjSut82jyPXkmBtUp-H_1Mkvus7L84HUzXUMD_avfvssLc2gD1STpFDJ5X2Ohkbozqp9KuaHVFHJF4amgEAm7sJHYFH1Zh6Ky9JTtJQeQ1TAPLdFvgI/s320/Phone+Pictures+415.jpg" width="320" /></a>There is something incredible about laboring and going through the hardest physical event in my life and then those sweet blissful moments immediately after as you look into those tiny little eyes. There is no way to describe it, words cannot contain the love that wells up in this momma's heart. But there certainly are physiological explanations of the rush of the "love" hormone as your baby is born. Love indeed! Oh sweet baby love. It really is a thing. With 2015, I am braver. I am less afraid. I am proud of the fact that I had another home birth, My boys are the most beautiful gifts God has ever given us, and to have that beauty magnified and intensified by a natural birth, in my own home, with the most amazing birth team (Paula Davis, Leah Larson, Dawn Housos, and Lisa Rutledge!!), is something I never knew I had the strength to go through and finish, It is absolutely worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkJURSLkl8XiLNK2lyCVjE2pJMPq15p8aqNMLS5Z1NWquBPvh_gBglozXA_sIr-uS7zmK5dlh7quLzLVUtOAFJUhdwcBdWGEweDbvJTIcJQvsa80I5TdqqicvvuAs6B7IBu-JVjVCixU/s1600/Phone+Pictures+430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkJURSLkl8XiLNK2lyCVjE2pJMPq15p8aqNMLS5Z1NWquBPvh_gBglozXA_sIr-uS7zmK5dlh7quLzLVUtOAFJUhdwcBdWGEweDbvJTIcJQvsa80I5TdqqicvvuAs6B7IBu-JVjVCixU/s320/Phone+Pictures+430.jpg" width="280" /></a>2015 has been both empowering through the healing and strength of Jesus Christ, and humbling knowing how weak and feeble I am apart from that source of strength. I know who I am, and I am His. I know that this life He has given me is both beautiful and worth every hard decision I have made. I would not be who I am without what He has had me walk through. And so I smile. So I laugh. 2nd Samuel has such an infectious laugh and I am letting go more and more to have that hearty laughter erupt from deep within me. To let the joy overflow, to enjoy the moments, to enjoy the days, to enjoy what God has given me. Truly I am so undeserving of two such precious little gifts. But being a mom of two is harder, and there have been days when I would cry, get stressed out, get overwhelmed at how tedious and time consuming everything would take, and let Satan steal my joy. And I realized, I really don't have it as together as I thought. Why would I be crazy enough to miss the special moments with my two little boys, yes they grow so fast, but the hours go SO. SLOW. God has humbled me, I cannot do everything I thought I ought. Instead I had to apologize to some and say, "I just can't do that right now, I don't have time." Because my time should be filled with a laughing baby who coos with delight just when I smile and say "Hi!", and with moments of "Another book?!" from an energetic boy who just wants, "Momma lap!", and brings the books to pile on, to snuggle longer, and teach him how things work. Yes, slowing down, organizing, reassessing, and being honest have made the days so abundant. This Christian life, living in accordance with God's word, it doesn't always come easy, but it comes with the help of the Holy Spirit of God sanctifying, molding, shaping, humbling, and making me more like Christ. And how can I be purified unless the fire rages? It brings out the impurity I never even knew was there, that sin lurking, that joy stealing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaASrzlIN3f2YTeoLvpYGcfZO6djBvd8VpsY1ABUu-ko7J5sh6-lbV6sUvZtx6lXN1rNAKBMsVotyloyhg-1cXFvGl4ApIJxgqXw8QrntFb5TBuPD2J6G3pbZcHkxfQcDtxidOSDRHGd8/s1600/Phone+Pictures+392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaASrzlIN3f2YTeoLvpYGcfZO6djBvd8VpsY1ABUu-ko7J5sh6-lbV6sUvZtx6lXN1rNAKBMsVotyloyhg-1cXFvGl4ApIJxgqXw8QrntFb5TBuPD2J6G3pbZcHkxfQcDtxidOSDRHGd8/s320/Phone+Pictures+392.jpg" width="240" /></a>And so I have a 4 1/2 month old who is cutting two teeth, What?! And a two year old who loves helping momma, who loves sharing his favorite toys with his brother, and who loves all things tractors, backhoes, and even books. But TWO. How can he be TWO already?! I know exactly where the time is going. It is going into teaching, loving, nurturing, and shaping the eternal soul of not just one, but now two, little boys. My time is in serving. My life is serving King Jesus, my family, His people, the lost and broken, and doing so with joy, pure joy.<br />
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I have loved 2015 and all that the Lord has taught me. I love this life He has given me. I have loved weathering the changes, when once upon a time I was terrified of change and dreaded it and feared it. Praise God for every single good gift He has bestowed upon this weak and needy child of His. I thought I knew what "I need Thee every hour" meant with one baby, but oh boy, I know it more dearly with two.<br />
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<i>Left is January at a dear friend's wedding, and Right is September. WOW how much he has grown in less than a year. (:</i></div>
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My prayer for 2016 is that I might know God better, and better make Him known. To glorify Him and to enjoy Him. And through that, be the wife, mother, friend, and person who exemplifies my Savior day by day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nBWj6LrxfKLmN3kbeEI-aj_6foiKj60nJi0PILr_Mk9JlRlX4-claMEXGaBcY3Vfzi8mTHr4WE4W3lBA_DDv4w8H_IKGsgSVNj9saARoQ__X8XczBhlCyXHrEeiwoIxsHm9E01E4_No/s1600/David+with+Puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nBWj6LrxfKLmN3kbeEI-aj_6foiKj60nJi0PILr_Mk9JlRlX4-claMEXGaBcY3Vfzi8mTHr4WE4W3lBA_DDv4w8H_IKGsgSVNj9saARoQ__X8XczBhlCyXHrEeiwoIxsHm9E01E4_No/s320/David+with+Puppy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-1597060812409366572015-07-28T20:15:00.002-07:002015-07-29T06:22:31.949-07:00Babies, Babies, Babies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9OOkerqyFRCMjtqPsge5Rrzp1x0Om4q9DbzexZCaOpsSjfQn0kSFpI9ydw8yg4Ft9Mr9oAh9A3P9eVIgBtB3MnEJFCq2m_DA1IbkCu8boLZoqFqdVe_IqUwkZk5y6LrCnPFDsZ1I6VE/s1600/11755687_10207529600788732_251252295734329070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9OOkerqyFRCMjtqPsge5Rrzp1x0Om4q9DbzexZCaOpsSjfQn0kSFpI9ydw8yg4Ft9Mr9oAh9A3P9eVIgBtB3MnEJFCq2m_DA1IbkCu8boLZoqFqdVe_IqUwkZk5y6LrCnPFDsZ1I6VE/s320/11755687_10207529600788732_251252295734329070_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Well, considering I have this huge protruding belly carrying a tiny little human (who feels more the size of a baby elephant when moving, let's be real), what else is on my mind a lot than babies? As I've been counting down the weeks, it's soon to be counting down the days. Yesterday I pulled out my meticulously organized baby boy clothes from last time and they were just so <i>tiny</i> compared to my huge chunky monkey of a toddler in his 2T clothes. It got real. Really real. Taking those clothes out, looking them over, deciding which should be his "first" outfit was exhilarating! It also made the nesting bug bite again. I've got the various rooms and cabinets organized how I want them, but after the reality hitting me that this little boy would be here <b>soon</b> made me want to get some more done. I've got a nice freezer stash, I've washed sheets and had my handy man set up the new cosleeper, so I decided some deep cleaning ought to fit the bill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE6CpHVpgQTT0ggRtbr1tnmuHyXi5Et9r9MC_oG3PuleOAvc1_Xa079AByw3v9aGGAvZiMoH8hAg-2V_23703_ibEerQ-w5e5WZyAvy8qIeJ20aUpyQd9hk4NBzfA9Z9o17ATwh-h0ZI/s1600/11745893_10207529600988737_5890196271102095569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE6CpHVpgQTT0ggRtbr1tnmuHyXi5Et9r9MC_oG3PuleOAvc1_Xa079AByw3v9aGGAvZiMoH8hAg-2V_23703_ibEerQ-w5e5WZyAvy8qIeJ20aUpyQd9hk4NBzfA9Z9o17ATwh-h0ZI/s320/11745893_10207529600988737_5890196271102095569_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>So this morning after our relaxed and lovely routine (about to be derailed by the baby train) of packing daddy's lunch, making breakfast, eating together, reading the bible and singing, I packed 2nd Samuel's new to him cat in the cat back pack and off he went to grandma's house to play for the half day. And so began the task of deep cleaning my kitchen, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming and cleaning in general. Special request made by Samuel was to have the fridge cleaned was even completed. It's such a satisfying feeling to work and finish what you start out doing. 2nd Samuel came home, it was nap time, and then I get a text from my midwife asking if she can come to the home visit early, meaning no nap for me.<br />
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All of a sudden pregnancy wear and tear hit me like a ton of bricks. Everything hurt, everything ached, I was exhausted, pregnant bodies can't lean and clean and rub and scrub in weird positions like non-pregnant bodies. But the show must go on, so we had a wonderful visit and I found out the baby had moved half way to where he needs to be (he's halfway posterior?), progress! And then sheer exhaustion again, fussy toddler, zero motivation or energy. 2nd Samuel has definitely gotten immensely clingy these last weeks of pregnancy, and being away from mommy half the day made for tears over nothing and needing mommy close. Ah well, then dinner. Who wants to cook dinner anyway? Not this lady. But then I think of my hard working husband, how hungry he'll be. Then I think of real food, how delicious it is (as opposed to a PB&J, am I right?). Then I lean on God's strength when I am weak, and muster up all the motivation I can, because even though my tank is running on empty, I am still <i>capable</i> of cooking dinner, whereas in a few weeks I'll be recovering from the miracle of natural child birth (not so capable), so I get up and cook a yummy meal I've been thinking about for 2 weeks now. And the raw foods. Has anyone else seen Food Matters, the documentary? Raw is important. Some nights cooking food is as good as it gets. But I feel so much better eating salads, and my man loves his salads. So out comes my sheer gratitude to the friend who dropped off some trader joes ready made salad bags, throw in a few farmers market veggies, and viola, delicious raw salad. But, then I see the green beans, yummy locally grown green beans, the stuff that bursts with flavor from being picked only a few days ago. Yup, throw 'em in some bacon grease and you have a winner! Meanwhile all this food motivation is dampened by a toddler who cries because he dropped green beans and I asked him to pick them up. A toddler who cried because the overwhelming task of cleaning up toys and books before dinner. We were definitely on the same emotional wave-length tonight, sheer exhaustion on all fronts, emotional and physical. And instead of letting my emotions rule me, I cry out to the Holy Spirit to give me patience and teach my child the same. And you know what? He did. Oh how gracious our Lord is in our weakest moments. Together we cleaned up those toys, encouraging him in the midst of his not wanting to do those things, in the midst of my not wanting to do those things, working together, overcoming the flesh together, and learning to discipline ourselves, even when it's not easy. But the serious parenting moment came when I told my precious son that I expected him to not fuss or cry at the dinner table, that we would have a pleasant and cheerful dinner together (daddy was working late). And you know what? We did. It was cheerful. What is cuter than a 20 month old boy who is "mmming" as he eats the food you concocted? (:<br />
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Then came the zero motivation to go take my evening walk. Ugh, Houston humidity is not conducive to getting out the door, let me tell you. But I feel better when I walk. So I think of this baby, I think of all these little things, eating well, preparing the house, doing small physical things like walking, stretches, etc., which are all a part of getting ready for labor and beyond. So I do it. You know what, it was not as humid as it was yesterday! The first few minutes tears well up in my eyes and all I want to do is go lie down on the couch, but then I see my son pushing that stroller and his chubby legs pumping as fast as he can go, his smile of sheer delight, and I can't help but smile, and thank the Lord for the joy and encouragement He has placed before me. I have my ladies Skype bible study to attend, but my phone won't connect me to the call. I try and get on, the dog goes crazy, the toddler starts crying, and I am just needing to go inside to get on the computer... not good. Samuel is home, he takes the boy, disciplines the dog, and I go inside to a messy table, tiny full pregnant bladder and sigh. Clean the table, use the toilet, get on skype. More fussy toddler, but daddy cares for him. I was able to connect with some precious like-minded saints of Jesus Christ tonight despite all the set backs, all the exhaustion, and all the roadblocks.<br />
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And this was just today!!! These last couple weeks have had days like today. Zero energy or motivation, or both, to get the daily things done. But I know it will be worth it to save all those freezer meals for the changes a 2nd child will bring. I know the pregnancy aches that make sleep and comfort elusive will be exchanged for a tiny newborn crying at all hours and nursing at all hours keeping me from sleep. Nobody said being pregnant was glamorous, nobody said it was easy. But what it <i>is</i> is an unspeakable joy and privilege to nurture and grow a tiny human inside your body! That the Creator and God of the universe chose me to be a mother, to give me a child, and to give me the knowledge, compassion, and love for this little on yet unborn, that is something truly amazing. Some days may be hard, but knowing the sacrifices are for a helpless little baby make it more than worth it, it is humbling.<br />
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And then the sheer horror of hearing and reading about Planned Parenthood murdering tiny babies and literally selling their body parts?! Unfathomable. Wicked. It is a tragic horrifying reality no matter what, but one that hits me right in the deepest heart of me, for I carry a child inside my womb, a real human being, a life, an eternal soul of immense value for he is made in the image of God... and I can't wrap my head around those who literally do not care about that kind of life. On top of that, instead of throwing a life away, some sick and depraved people are literally keeping body parts for a profit. How grotesque can one get? I am reminded of a few verses in light of this darkness:<br />
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<b>"That which has been is what will be, </b><b>That which is done is what will be done, </b><b>And there is nothing new under the sun. </b><b>Is there anything of which it may be said, </b><b>“See, this is new”? </b><b>It has already been in ancient times before us." Eccl 1:9-10</b><br />
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<b>"For their feet run to evil, </b><b>And they make haste to shed blood." Proverbs 1:16</b><br />
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<b>"Their feet run to evil, </b><b>And they make haste to shed innocent blood; </b><b>Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; </b><b>Wasting and destruction are in their paths." Isaiah 59:7</b><br />
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Wicked people have always done wicked things, this is not new, but it is still unspeakably evil. This is just a repackaged medically sanitized way of shedding innocent blood in the name of "women's rights", what about the human rights of the unborn? Oh how my soul grieves for those children who never see the light of God's creation due to the choices of their mother, one who is supposed to cherish and nurture them, even when it is hard, who instead choose death and destruction. When you have no standard for morality, all things go. God's word is the standard for morality, no human can ever authoritatively make up a morality.<br />
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And so, in my honesty of the evening, I do not pretend that pregnancy is easy, for the sorrows and pains of this life are a result of sin and the fall of man, but children are a blessing. As I listened to a sermon earlier while cleaning by Joe Morecraft, he addresses this very point, yes there is a curse, but children are not the curse, that is the blessing in the midst of it all. I have hard days, days where I cry and tell my husband I am just ready to meet this little guy and have pregnancy finished. But in the midst of it all, I know in the ordinary moments of day to day life, I can rest, trust, lean, and depend upon my God to sustain me, to keep His promises, to find joy in His redemption, and know He will give me the strength I need for another moment. In motherhood I have found the words "I need Thee every hour" to be so sweet and so true. Sometimes it is a moment by moment thing. The joys outweigh the hard moments, and the joyful moments far outnumber the hard moments. With the Holy Spirit of God living inside me, I know that the tears may last for the night, but joy always comes. I want to model that to my sons, that even when life is not easy, it is good being a child of God.<br />
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And also, God's good gifts help too, like chocolate. Yes, chocolate helps those long hard days. (;<br />
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<b><br /></b>Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-34713264464055636822015-06-21T20:57:00.001-07:002020-11-08T17:31:15.075-08:00Honoring FathersYes, it is late, and yes I am still going to share a few thoughts about "Father's Day". As a first thought, I am thankful that for the third year in a row, I am married to a wonderful man who is a godly father. Three years counting the first father's day our son was in the womb!-I think that is an important distinction to make, as our culture generally makes comments about "soon to be a mommy/daddy/parent" when expecting the first little one, as if the unborn child doesn't make you a mom and dad right now! Your unborn child is just as much a child as children outside the womb. Location doesn't suddenly make you a "mom" or a "child".<br />
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<br /><br />With that being said, I praise God for my husband and the gentle and loving man he is toward our son and our unborn son. There is nothing like it in this world to hear 2nd Samuel excitedly say "Daddy!" and for 1st Samuel to scoop him up in his arms and whisper "I love you". But it is not just those moments, but the moments he changes diapers, puts him to bed at night, plays with him, feeds him, holds him, hugs him, reads books to him, reads the bible to him, prays with him, including him in household chores and projects, letting him "drive" the truck to toss out the trash in the dumpster, and yes, even lovingly correcting his disobedient behaviors. It is in all those every day ordinary moments that show his love and affection for our son. When he runs a fever from teething and daddy cradles him in his arms <i>all night long</i> just to make sure he is breathing and to give him sleep, even though daddy doesn't sleep well, being so concerned for his welfare. Those are what makes him such a gentle and loving daddy. But the taking the time to train him up in the fear of the Lord, to have family devotions every night, to pray for his son, <i>that</i> is what makes him a godly daddy. Even more than that, living out the fruits of the Spirit, loving our son in his helplessness, being patient at a young boy who is curious and wants to be just like daddy, finding the joy in having his son around, having an attitude of peace (not yelling or getting angry, or fighting with mommy), showing kindness toward him in including him in important daddy things (building, fixing, showing him how), goodness by the grace of God and Christ in him, and of course the gentleness I have mentioned before. It is displaying Christ in his words and actions, having routines of daily bible study, singing praises, and praying to our Father in heaven, these are things that I am so grateful to see in my son's daddy. I think the peace and gentleness are what I marvel at most, being so different than what I have known. To have a household of Christ's peace, to not worry or cringe at harsh words, this is a joy unspeakable for me. It is easy to honor a father such as my beloved Samuel.<br />
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But what about those hard to honor? This is something that has been a great struggle for me. I find comfort in these verses:<br /><b><br />Psalm 68:4-6 " Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the LORD, and exult before Him. A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely;"</b><br />
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<b>Psalm 27:10 "When my father and my mother forsake me,Then the LORD will take care of me."</b><br />
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It does not matter whether we have good, bad, or absent fathers, what matters is what scripture teaches us and promises we can cling to. God's word shows what good father's look like.<br />
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<b>Colossians 3:24 "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged."</b><br />
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<b>Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go,And when he is old he will not depart from it."</b><br />
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<b>Deuteronomy 6:7 "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."</b><br />
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These are only a few examples, but how many treasures of wisdom does God's word have to say on the topic of fathers! God revealing Himself as a father is very telling. What I am trying to convey is that father's are worth honoring. All fathers. Even if your situation seems impossible, even if you have no relationship with your father, even if you don't know your father, the role and calling of father is honorable. All men who beget children may not be honorable, but the role of father is honorable. We need God's word to teach men how to become honorable fathers, and this is only done by the Holy Spirit of God working in the hearts and lives of men who love Christ and His word, seeking to apply it humbly and faithfully to their lives. Men who are not afraid to admit their sins, faults, and shortcomings, but to fall upon the mercy of God time and again, to believe in Christ and to trust that He really does make us new creatures, the old man having passed away. Being a godly man doesn't mean you do everything right 100% of the time, it means relying upon Christ 100%, striving to be like Christ, to repent unto Christ.<br />
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I know God is sovereign and places each one of us in the families that he does, with the father's that he chose. I am grateful for the good things my own father did do right, as well as the hard situations I have gone through. Through the good and bad, God used and continues to use these things to sanctify, to humble me, and to make me more like Christ. This doesn't mean everything is perfect, or pretty, or is how I want it to be, but it means I can trust in a God who loves me enough to test me, try me, to search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me, and to lead me in the way everlasting.<br /><br />And so today, I am not only grateful to my husband and the wonderful daddy he is and grows to be, but I am infinitely more grateful for my heavenly Father, who never fails me, never forsakes me, and is perfect and heals my heart of the hurts of the past. Oh how I love my Lord and Savior more with each passing day!!<br /><br />Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-6080431522671264882015-06-08T08:58:00.000-07:002015-06-08T08:58:14.708-07:002015 Books Read Thus FarAn on going list of books I have completed this year thus far. The * is for books actually on my reading list.<br />
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<b>Fiction</b><br />
The Return of the King – Tolkien *<br />
The Giver – Lois Lowry *<br />
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Gathering Blue - Lois Lowry</div>
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Son - Lois Lowry</div>
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Messenger - Lois Lowry</div>
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The People of Sparks - Jeanne DuPrau</div>
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The Prophet of Yonwood - Jeanne DuPrau</div>
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The Diamond of Darkhold - Jeanne DuPrau</div>
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Brave New World – Aldous Huxley *<br />
The War for Mansoul – Bunyan *</div>
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<b>Non-Fiction</b></div>
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The Fruit of Her Hands - Nancy Wilson</div>
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Feminine Appeal - Caroline Mahaney</div>
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God's Mandate for Biblical Education - Robert Fugate</div>
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Trial and Triumph - Richard Hannula</div>
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Healthy 4 Life - Weston A. Price Foundation</div>
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The Holiness of God - R.C. Sproul *</div>
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Leading Little Ones to God - Marian Schoolland</div>
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The Real Lincoln - Thomas DiLorenzo *</div>
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Tithing and the Church - Gary North *</div>
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Pierre Viret The Angel of the Reformation - R.A. Sheats *</div>
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<b>Children's</b></div>
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Three Best Loved Tales - Garth Willims</div>
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Samuel: The Boy Who Listened - Carine McKenzie</div>
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The Happy Man and His Dump Truck - Golden Books</div>
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The House That Jack Built - Golden Books</div>
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The Tale of Benjamin BUnny - Beatrix Potter</div>
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A Bargain for Francis - Russel Hoban</div>
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Bread is For Eating - David and Phyllis Gershator</div>
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Bugs and Butterflies - Dandi Mackall</div>
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The Firefighter's Busy Day - Richard Scarry</div>
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Little Lamb Bakes a Cake - Michaela Muntean</div>
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Sergeant Murphy's Busy Day - Richard Scarry</div>
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A Fox Lives Here - Pearson School</div>
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Five True Dog Stories - Margaret Davidson</div>
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The Little Red Hen - Justine Ciovacco</div>
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True or False: Dangerous Animals - Melvin and Gilda Berger</div>
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Goodnight Sleep Tight Little Bunnies - Dawn Apperley</div>
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My Book of Birds - Tibor Gergley</div>
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On The Farm - Richard Scarry</div>
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Arthur's Tractor - Pippa Goohart</div>
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Farmer John's Tractor - Sally Sutton</div>
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The Boats on the River - Marjorie Flack</div>
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Building with Dad - Carol Nevius</div>
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The Old Red Tractor - Andreas Dierssen</div>
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Pooh Goes Visiting - A.A Milne</div>
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Eeyore Has A Birthday - A.A. Milne</div>
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The Picture Story Book of Wyatt Earp - Felix Sutton</div>
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Sheep Take a Hike - Nancy Shaw</div>
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Sheep in a Jeep - ""</div>
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Sheep Blast Off - ""</div>
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The Tree House That Jack Built - Bonnie Verburg</div>
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Dan Yaccarino's Mother Goose - Dan Yaccarino</div>
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Holly Hobbies Nursery Rhymes - Holly Hobbie</div>
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James Herriot's Treasury for Children - James Herriot<br />
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If you are interested in my thoughts and "rating" of each book you can see my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19293522-leah" target="_blank">GoodReads Profile</a>. At the end of the year I'll do my typical book review more thoroughly on this blog. </div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-19017731484459157932015-05-15T13:34:00.001-07:002015-05-15T13:34:28.428-07:00The Right ToolsI discovered something wonderful this week. Twice over, actually. My two most dreaded jobs around the house are cleaning the shower and mopping the floor. I mean, how irritating is it to just scrub and scrub and scrub and it feel ineffective in making things cleaner at a reasonable speed? It's only worse the bigger my pregnant belly becomes. And that kitchen floor? That mop drives me <b>crazy</b>, I can't stand to be mopping, and coming to a particularly sticky spot and mop harder to scrub it away only for the lock to give in and the pole to shorten considerably. Sigh. So what's so wonderful about that? Nothing really, except I finally realized it was less of the task I dreaded, and more the tools that made the jobs seem especially horrid. So this week I bought a new mop and a new scrubber brush. NEW TOOLS. And then after tackling those two jobs this week I discovered that only are they new tools but the <i>right</i> tools for me! Maybe not quite pure joy, but certainly pure delight and satisfaction at a job well done.<br />
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In fact, I was so delighted by scrubbing the shower and how effective it was, that I got a little carried away and didn't check on my active toddler for a bit longer than usual. Ah yes, he got into something alright!-my sourdough starter. Ha! He sees me "feed" it each day and stir it around. He's already tried stirring it on his own, but this time he decided to eat it. And it got all over his arms, face, the step stool, the bowl, the counters, oh yes, quite the mess. Since I had not explicitly told him no at that point, I used the "you clean up the mess" tactic, and he helped me clean it up. It really was quite precious to see those brown eyes look up at me as he used the wash cloth to wipe off the step stool. 18 months old and he is just a miniature human being capable of learning to everything momma does. Which is how he made the mess in the first place, wanting to be like momma. (: My understanding is, if he is able to be destructive without anyone teaching him (even if it is merely playing, or imitating, without the intent to destroy), he most certainly is able to <i>learn</i> to be productive, i.e. by cleaning up his messes. The mopping was less eventful, he ate an apple while I swept and mopped today. But it <i>was</i> exciting at how beautifully the mop worked!<br />
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Now I'm not sure what my least motivating task is in terms of cleaning the house. It is a satisfying feeling to keep the house clean and running. It really does feel awful to be inside a cluttered and messy home and just feel overwhelmed by the thought of "Ugh I <b>need</b> to clean but don't even know where to start." But with this new scrub brush and mop, I know those two things will be cleaned more frequently from now on. There are also the times, like this morning, when I just don't feel very motivated in general to get anything done. I could blame it on the pregnancy, but it's just the creeping laziness trying to take over. But then when I get up and start checking things off my to do list, it is a wonderfully satisfying feeling to have accomplished so much when you didn't even want to start! Having the right tools is one key, having the right attitude is another. <br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><b>"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.3999996185303px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">When I am being faithful in the seemingly small tasks, it is to God's glory and I can't keep a bad attitude in that light. The extra bonuses are knowing that it makes our home a pleasant place for Samuel to come home to, as opposed to a disaster zone, on a regular basis. Another bonus is that I am able to teach 2nd Samuel both by example, and by having him help me, to clean up and keep things neat and orderly. I wouldn't say I'm a neat freak or OCD about anything at all, far from it. I have just learned that picking up things every day, especially through out the day, keeps the "cleaning up" task from getting overwhelming. In fact, I don't even think it is my strength, just something I have had to learn by having my own home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">In the midst of having the right tools, one of the best tools at my disposal is child training. It would be the biggest headache in the world if I was </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">still</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;"> constantly just cleaning up behind a little boy who wreaks havoc on the whole house. God has blessed me with a wise husband, and many other wise </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">counselors, who have given me biblical and practical advice on training a little one. And really, he's only 18 months old, he is still <i>very </i>little, and yet I am so delightfully surprised by the things he retains, imitates, and is capable of. By training him young, he is <b>helping</b> me even now. Not just "helping", but actually helping! In some things his "help" is merely the training ground and laying the foundation for him to do the tasks entirely on his own later, but there are ways he is helping lighten my load even now. He is beginning to clean up and put away his books <i>entirely on his own</i> without my having to sit/stand with him showing him what to do, keeping him focused on the task. It is marvelous! By investing my time in training him, he is a sponge soaking it all in. His learning to behave and obey mommy (and daddy) means more joy, more laughter, and more pleasantness in the home. I'm not saying it's easy, or doesn't take a tremendous effort and consistency, just that it is worth it. Since he is my first, when I first began it just seemed to not stick, or that it wasn't doing much. But WOW I can honestly say I am blown away by what a huge blessing it is turning out to be!-and he's not even a "big" kid yet. I have so much more to learn, so much more to teach him, and so much more life to live with this little guy (and #2), that it makes it wonderful to think about, rather than the "terrible twos" or the crazy life of having an out of control miniature human. And really, everyone trains their child, by example and by omission even if they don't teach them directly. It is either good training, or bad training. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">"Train up a child in the way he should go, </span><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">My prayer is that by the grace of God, He would use me in the teaching and training of my little one, that when he is older, he would be a faithful covenant keeping godly man who loves Christ Jesus his Lord!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;"><br />As I type away, he is playing with one of his favorite "toys", the vacuum. He has successfully learned how to take all the parts off that are able, and is even getting better and better at putting it back together. (: My boy is 100% boy, he loves tractors, balls, doggies, electronics, and figuring out how things come apart and back together (vacuums being his favorite). He is quite the active little man, and he sure keeps me busy, but oh what pure joy it is to snuggle with him and read books too. There really is no way to describe how much this momma loves her son!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, </span><span style="font-size: 14.3999996185303px;">The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3</span></b>Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-37947959948363983072014-12-31T18:42:00.001-08:002014-12-31T18:48:23.677-08:00Bookish Year in Review 2014Well, it has been a great year in books! Having a little one in the house has brought in more children's books to the mix. Somewhere along the way I realized I could rate them and give some reviews. So the ones I remembered to do that with I added in. I surpassed my goal of reading 12 books, as I did last year. Another repeat was not actually reading all the books on my goal list. I am ambivalent toward this minor detail. Ah, well, perhaps for my next year of book goals I will try and tailor it to my reading reality? <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
2014 Reading List</h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ – John Owen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike> Green This - Deirdre Imus</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Excellent Wife - Martha Peace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Last Days Madness - Gary Demar</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leading Little Ones to God – Schoolland</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike> Always Ready – Greg Bahnsen</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike> Chosen by God – R.C. Sproul Sr.</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike> Rushdoony Book</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nullification – Tom Woods</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
End the Fed or <strike>Freedom Under Siege – Ron Paul</strike></div>
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Well, John Owen was begun then forgotten about once again. I am doubting this book will show up on next years list. The Excellent wife also received the same treatment. Poor books! I was going to read through this with 2 friends in an informal bible study, but that fell through and I didn't read it to wait for them, then never picked it up after that. I am currently reading Leading Little Ones to God, it's a nighttime book I read with 2nd Samuel. However, Daddy has been tucking him into bed as of late so the book hasn't been finished. Maybe in a few months. Instead of reading Nullification, I took the either or approach as with the Ron Paul books... just read a Woods book. Done. I read The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History instead. I snatched that up really cheap at the local library book sale. Win! So there you have, my excuses, er, reasons for the partially completed list. Now, perhaps we can show my <i>real </i>accomplishments. I'll divide it into 3 categories rather than date read. Non-Fiction, Fiction, and Children's. Here is my rating guide:<br /><br /><b style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="color: orange;">A <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/12/year-in-review.html#" id="FALINK_6_0_5" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">scale of</a></nobr> 1-5 (Subject to change upon my own whim and will).<br /><br />1) being, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/12/year-in-review.html#" id="FALINK_4_0_3" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">complete</a></nobr> waste. Why did I finish it?<br />2) being, minimally thought provoking/entertaining. Won’t read it again.<br />3) being, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2013/12/year-in-review.html#" id="FALINK_5_0_4" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-width: 0px 0px 1px !important; color: rgb(28, 125, 255) !important; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">borderline</a></nobr> useful, mild usefulness in instruction about the faults in it/mildly entertaining; Enough good to be challenged, grow a little in thought. Might read it again.<br />4) being, a really great book, useful to instruct, thought provoking/good entertainment, very challenging, growth as a reader, way more good than bad, would recommend. Worth reading again.<br />5) being, found enjoyable, challenging, useful in many ways, would highly recommend with no holding back, over all EXCELLENT book. Need to read again!</span></b><br style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafbfe; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>A 3 1/2 star is not as harsh as a 3, but <b>not quite deserving</b> of a 4 (a really great book), but a good book none the less.</i></span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Non-Fiction</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b>The Fearful Master</b>, <i>G. Edward Griffin</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Woman of the House</b>, <i>Andrea Schwartz</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Always Ready,</b> <i>Greg Bahnsen</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Ever After</b>, <i>Vicki Courtney</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Delight-full,</b> <i>Kate Collins</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Praise Her in The Gates</b>, <i>Nancy Wilson</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Chosen By God</b>, <i>R.C. Sproul</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Green This</b>, <i>Imus Dierdre</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Freedom Under Siege</b>,<i> Ron Paul</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Shepherding a Child's Heart</b>, <i>Ted Tripp</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Pastor's Wife,</b> <i>Sabina Wurmbrand</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Thriving the First days Becoming Mommy,</b> <i>Elaine Mingus</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">2 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Upgrade: 10 Secrets to The Best Education For Your Child</b>, <i>Kevin Swanson</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>A House for God: Building A Kingdom Driven Family,</b> <i>Andrea Schwartz</i> <b> 5 Stars</b></li>
<li><b>Raising Godly Tomatoes,</b> <i>Elizabeth Krueger </i> <b>4 Stars</b></li>
<li><b>Lessons Learned From Years of Homeschooling</b>, <i>Andrea Schwartz</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sketches From Church History</b>, <i>S.M. Houghton</i> <b>5 Stars</b></li>
<li><b>The Homeschool Life,</b> <i>Andrea Schwartz </i><b><span style="color: orange;"> 5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Samuel Rutherford: A New Biography of the Man and His Ministry</b>, <i>Kingsley Rendell </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History</b>, <i>Tom Woods</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Victims of Dick and Jane</b>, <i>Samuel Blumenfeld </i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Biblical Trustee Family</b>, <i>Andrea Schwartz</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>A Word in Season Vol 1</b>, <i>R.J. Rushdoony</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Greatest Century Of Missions</b>, <i>Peter Hammond</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Putting Feet to Your Faith, </b><i>Peter Hammond</i><b> <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>A Word in Season Vol 2,</b> <i>R.J. Rushdoony</i> <b>5 Stars</b></li>
</ol>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Fiction</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li><b>Charity Envieth Not</b>, <i>Barbara Cornthwaite</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>King's Arrow</b>, <i>Douglas Bond</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Lend Me Leave</b>,<i> Barbara Conrthwaite</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The City of Ember</b>,<i> Jeanne DuPrau</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Divergent</b>, <i>Veronica Roth</i>, <b><span style="color: orange;">2 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Insurgent</b>, <i>Veronica Roth</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Four Books Collective</b>, <i>Veronica Roth</i>, <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Allegient</b>, <i>Veronica Roth</i>, <b><span style="color: orange;">1 Star</span></b></li>
<li><b>Partials</b>, <i>Dan Wells</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">1 1/2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Fragments</b>, <i>Dan Wells</i> <span style="color: orange;"><b>1 1/2 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Ruins,</b> <i>Dan Wells</i> <span style="color: orange;"><b>1 1/2 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Uglies</b>, <i>Scott Westerfeld</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Pretties</b>,<i> Scott Westerfeld </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>2 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Specials</b>, <i>Scott Westerfeld</i> <span style="color: orange;"><b> 2 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Extras</b>, <i>Scott Westerfeld</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Unwind</b>,<i> Neal Shusterman</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Unwholly</b>, <i>Neal Shusterman</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 2 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Unsouled</b>, <i>Neal Shusterman </i><span style="color: orange;"><b>2 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>The Fellowship of The Ring</b>, <i>J.R.R. Tolkien</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Two Towers</b>, <i>J.R.R. Tolkien </i><span style="color: orange;"><b> 5 Stars</b></span></li>
</ol>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Children's</h3>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>The Little Airplane</b>, <i>Lois Lenski</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Baby's First Bible Stories</b><span style="color: orange;"><b> 0 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>My First Book of Tractors, </b><i>Kath Jewitt </i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>I Love You Daddy</b>, <i>Jilian Harker</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>I Love My Grandpa,</b> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>I Love My Grandma, </b><i>David Bedford</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>I Love My Mommy</b>, <i>David Bedford</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Puss in Boots and Other Fairytales</b>, <i>Nursery Classics </i> <span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23</b>, <i>Susan Hunt</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Tailor of Gloucester,</b> <i>Beatrix Potter</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, </b><i>Beatrix Potter</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Classic Animal Tales,<span style="color: orange;"> 3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Legend Of Robin Hood (Barnes and Noble)</b>, <span style="color: orange;"><i>Dami Editore</i></span> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Christian Mother Goose Book of Nursery Rhymes,</b> <i>Marjorie Decker</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>This is Texas,</b> <i>Miroslav Sasek</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Lad: A Dog</b>, <i>Albert Terhune</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Going to Sleep on the Farm</b>, <i>Wendy Lewison</i><span style="color: orange;"><b> 4 Stars</b></span></li>
<li><b>Sam the Minuteman,</b> <i>Nathaniel Benchley </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Day the World Went Wacky</b>, <i>Janine Suter</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Noah's Floating Animal Park,</b> <i>Janine Suter</i> <b>5 Stars</b></li>
<li><b>The Not So Super Skyscraper, </b><i>Janine Suter </i><b><span style="color: orange;"> 4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Sea Story</b>, <i>Jill Barklem</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Reward of Childhood Truth</b><i>, Dennis Gundersen</i> <b> 5 <span style="color: orange;">Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend</b>, <i>Julie Steigemeyer</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Ox-Cart Man</b>, <i>Donald Hall </i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Joshua the Brave Leader</b>, <i>Carine MacKenzie</i> <b><span style="color: orange;"> 5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>The Little Engine that Could,</b> <i>Watty Piper</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Animals in Winter,</b><i> Kids National Geographic</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Winne The Pooh Nature's True Colors</b>, <i>Emily Hutta</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Teach Me While My Heart Is Tender,</b><i> Andrea Schwartz </i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Family Matters</b>, <i>Andrea Schwartz</i> <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></li>
<li><b>Lion Cubs, </b><i>Kids National Geographic</i><span style="color: orange; font-weight: bold;">3 Stars</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
Well, I could say a lot about the books I have read, and on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19293522-leah" target="_blank">GoodReads Profile</a> I have. I was disappointed by the Dystopian Genre, to say in the least. But I enjoyed branching out and reading a lot more fiction than last year. I am in the midst of reading a few different books. I am still reading <b>The Institutes of Biblical Law</b> by Rushdoony with my ladies bible study group. And I am on the third book, <b>The Return of the King</b> by Tolkien to finish out the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I must say the series is now a favorite! For morning devotions with the little one we are reading through <b>Trial and Triumph</b>, stories from church history, short and tailored more toward young readers/listeners. Although I am sure it was not intended for such young readers as my 13 month old. As I mentioned earlier, I am also reading <b>Leading Little Ones to God</b> with 2nd Samuel at night. Maybe tomorrow I'll post my reading list goals for 2015. I thought about doing that today, but time has gotten away from me since I have been a busy little bee <i>all day</i> today. Not to mention trying to make homemade pizza with a hungry toddler is quite a challenge (and rather time-consuming).<br />
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I am very pleased with far surpassing my reading expectations this year. As you can tell, I generally have a better opinion on my non fiction spread than others. Part of my consuming so many books is because my thought is that while I have only one child to care for without the structured home educating, I have more free time to read books. I place a high value on reading and I hope that though the years may grow busier, I would never neglect to read good books that challenge me, as well as give me pleasure. </div>
</div>
</div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-37358326939953249282014-11-14T09:26:00.004-08:002014-11-14T11:19:32.924-08:00One Year of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmM051WERxRy26oQ8Ux1kAaeNytYf4ldEMb78CEHE_zs4eIHmNdjZ-anm4P0vZG5jLOlj_F7Y0wyFHlbIGsPsFGIG82e512QGi2Uxi0JlbCcZXt0We_bTkLmmShSKf87QF1lpmQUeGiI/s1600/Sept+Dinner+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmM051WERxRy26oQ8Ux1kAaeNytYf4ldEMb78CEHE_zs4eIHmNdjZ-anm4P0vZG5jLOlj_F7Y0wyFHlbIGsPsFGIG82e512QGi2Uxi0JlbCcZXt0We_bTkLmmShSKf87QF1lpmQUeGiI/s1600/Sept+Dinner+Party.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYnJyMA5_riO0b93SFPxMfltxTmEkLikCWisf87Z9khLeqlvSOmkeg2SWL_qqz4OxRXoahOSz5FgTFZfU392q6EV1J9sbFPwhFktW6qdQosG-RNT3dEeVPEjXlsoSS3oGgfPiUdOUVjM/s1600/Nov+26+(6)%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYnJyMA5_riO0b93SFPxMfltxTmEkLikCWisf87Z9khLeqlvSOmkeg2SWL_qqz4OxRXoahOSz5FgTFZfU392q6EV1J9sbFPwhFktW6qdQosG-RNT3dEeVPEjXlsoSS3oGgfPiUdOUVjM/s1600/Nov+26+(6)%2Bedit.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>And so on this day, November 14, 2014 my precious little bundle of joy turns one year old today. This year has gone by quickly and slowly all at once. Many nights have seemed long, and many days seemed short. One day it seemed he would always need to be held or propped up, then suddenly, quite wobbly, he sat on his own. Then scooted, then crawled, then cruised, now he walks! We are still waiting to hear him talk intelligible words, though he does love to babble incessantly, I am convinced that <i>he is convinced</i> he truly is talking. Though he does communicate. He says some warbled sounds and points to something, and momma knows he is asking what is that? He nervously laughs and he is needing reassurance. And even in a look, we communicate. Oh yes, even in the arching of his back when momma wants him to sit in her lap, or sit in his high chair, that communicates defiance!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTAMO050hkdg1Pnhop10EQZGnZMTUqDlJZgxePeEWWMOnG-AygAnh8iUXeDi5jOzY3UFWKguXNV8au1XJ28q03UrTVlt5H5P8JxC1dk_HV5PWA2I4sDEMCu7peTggUK9_WtoqUwDx7nY/s1600/Southeast+Montgomery-20131120-00653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTAMO050hkdg1Pnhop10EQZGnZMTUqDlJZgxePeEWWMOnG-AygAnh8iUXeDi5jOzY3UFWKguXNV8au1XJ28q03UrTVlt5H5P8JxC1dk_HV5PWA2I4sDEMCu7peTggUK9_WtoqUwDx7nY/s1600/Southeast+Montgomery-20131120-00653.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHSVdbozR2mtdgWj4E2T4dSqqX4DHmhvB90q7HMWUSjje1jeWhd16nqN3qqxM3RLSLaLQnFP-7sVDZN20CotpAYasMO6DmX7ORPT5NJfOwphKGWWiCm1G02MeGxOdPI0NaEna12Lq9H4/s1600/Houston-20131219-00852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHSVdbozR2mtdgWj4E2T4dSqqX4DHmhvB90q7HMWUSjje1jeWhd16nqN3qqxM3RLSLaLQnFP-7sVDZN20CotpAYasMO6DmX7ORPT5NJfOwphKGWWiCm1G02MeGxOdPI0NaEna12Lq9H4/s1600/Houston-20131219-00852.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
November with Daddy December with mommy<br />
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I am constantly amazed that I get this beautiful privilege of watching a life develop before my eyes. It is astounding just how much a person changes in this first one short year. God's handiwork is quite wonderful to behold. As my father in law says a lot, they understand far more than most people give babies credit for. When you see them as an eternal soul, a person made in the image of God, it is much easier to look at them and see a little intelligent person, not some tiny little being who can't understand until much older. No, my little man is a covenant child of God and although I still slip into "baby talk" voice to him sometimes, for the most part I strive to talk to him as such. For it is a great joy to be a catalyst in helping him learn about God's world around him. To read to him, to sing to him, to hug him, hold him, to talk to him, to show him things, to include him in my every day activities rather than view him as a hindrance to my daily affairs. He surprises me daily and it is quite a delight to see him discover this world.<br />
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January with mommy February<br />
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As I ponder the deep love I have for my son, I often recount in my days prior to being a mother how I honestly could not understand just <i>how</i> a mom can love her child so much. I mean, sometimes it looked like they were inconvenient, disobedient, unpleasant, annoying and a hassle! Well, as the saying goes, "From the outside looking in you can't understand it, and from the inside looking out you can't explain it." I was not prepared for how love for my son would affect me so deeply, truly, honestly, and sweetly. God made me a mother when gifting me with this child. And through this child, I have changed so much. I am not the same person I was a year ago when my son was birthed. Being a mother has sanctified me in precious ways. I am more organized, more disciplined, and altogether less selfish than before he entered into this world. I truly believe marriage and child(ren) are two of God's biggest sanctifying tools around! I love my son more and more as I get to know him better. For all the labor, birth, and other books I read to prepare for his entrance into this world and after, I was wholly unprepared for the love that filled my heart. Some people describe it as "love at first sight", but for me, it wasn't like that at all. It was pure shock that this tiny little person just came out of me! And I think I was in shock for days, but every time I held him on my chest and in my arms, it melted my heart. Every time I got to hold him to my breast and watch him eat, I was filled with wonder at the beauty of God's design that little old me could feed a a sweet baby and literally nourish him! Every time he cried my heart was seized with concern and trying to figure out his needs. As the days wore on, my love just grew and grew. It was altogether the most humbling realization that this tiny little life depended on me for his every need, how helpless he was apart from me. It made me want to strive even harder to care for him to the best of my ability knowing that he was entrusted to my (and Samuel's) care. He is my precious child.<br />
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March with Daddy</div>
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April together</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VbY3IKhiQxCo13yiFVBjS68pDdLAFc4D8Bis_qdHxCD7NaGqIULvn0fC03lfrEwZPEGq-wqi_S8UhV3ndqQMHBVkl-wsNfrVpbcztL0pSzj3qKkCBI7f9_ulYCnCNsl0zLfC6pv-0A/s1600/Dad's%2B50thSurprise%2B%2BBday%2B(86).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VbY3IKhiQxCo13yiFVBjS68pDdLAFc4D8Bis_qdHxCD7NaGqIULvn0fC03lfrEwZPEGq-wqi_S8UhV3ndqQMHBVkl-wsNfrVpbcztL0pSzj3qKkCBI7f9_ulYCnCNsl0zLfC6pv-0A/s1600/Dad's%2B50thSurprise%2B%2BBday%2B(86).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Not only has my love for my son been a cherished gift, but the love that has grown between my beloved and I has grown, deepened, and sweetened through this little life. Laboring for hours and having my husband supporting me through out the whole ordeal made me love him more. Looking at our child for the first time together made me love him more. The way he selflessly changed every single diaper the first week made me love him more. The way he carried me when I was too exhausted, weak, and tired, made me love him more. The way he tenderly, patiently, and lovingly cared for me and our son in those first precious days made me love him even more. And as this year has passed, seeing him with our son makes me love him more. Seeing our son cling to his daddy's neck melts my heart into a puddle of pure love. Day in and day out, we are not a perfect family, but through this family God is perfecting us and sanctifying us to be more like His Son. I would not change this year for anything. I have learned more about my Father's love through being a mother. I expect to learn a great deal more.<br />
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May, meeting his great grandma and grandpa (and pictured above, Sam Allison, Peter Sam, Allison, Samuel Allison, and 2nd Samuel Allison)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OoDJaGwtWfXg-qcIXB4wjCXWqLKAhEOWULcUS99OstBOLDd8-aJl9rGUrFBBpyeDqNogOwXM3dMP-damRbQI1qeO_mNx-adFrDGW8cp8Lq5kTrN6lEY7RmddLXIIgah1Rx4P7PPTzFg/s1600/May+18th+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OoDJaGwtWfXg-qcIXB4wjCXWqLKAhEOWULcUS99OstBOLDd8-aJl9rGUrFBBpyeDqNogOwXM3dMP-damRbQI1qeO_mNx-adFrDGW8cp8Lq5kTrN6lEY7RmddLXIIgah1Rx4P7PPTzFg/s1600/May+18th+(9).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJhsWfMaqIK_OPCUG9v_-KTZWMbaqKWPqIpEUjwu2Lv0YyKoNmHlnkKL-nYwXITeGDB2GnIj8_C6-WPWdpSRfvp0vrtSCm76gOnpDOu4Py9uXQwIqlWOloP3mQWfhbxl-iuzrOk_FG34/s1600/July+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJhsWfMaqIK_OPCUG9v_-KTZWMbaqKWPqIpEUjwu2Lv0YyKoNmHlnkKL-nYwXITeGDB2GnIj8_C6-WPWdpSRfvp0vrtSCm76gOnpDOu4Py9uXQwIqlWOloP3mQWfhbxl-iuzrOk_FG34/s1600/July+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
May July<br />
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It has been a blessed year adjusting, learning, growing, changing, and being together. I would not trade being a mother caring for her child at home for anything.<br />
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Meeting PaPa Leonard in June (Great-Grandpa)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So I am wishing a very happy and blessed birthday to my son! May the Lord Jesus bless you this whole year through.</span></b><br />
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My dashing little fellow in September October with grandma</div>
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Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-73639618023420983122014-11-07T13:39:00.003-08:002014-11-07T13:54:13.517-08:00HappinessToday I read these words,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"The fact is that nothing evades men more, when they search for it, than happiness. Happness cannot be a goal in itself. It is a byproduct of other things. When we do our work well and find it rewarding, we are happy. When we are godly and honorable in our relationships with our loved ones and others, it adds to our happiness. </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Happiness is not a goal but a payoff for work well done towards a worthy goal."</span> </b>R.J. Rushdoony.</blockquote>
Upon pondering these words and life as of lately, I smiled contentedly at the truth I had just read. So much happiness has filled my heart as of late, so grateful for the many blessings in my life. Work being one of them. It is piercing to the heart to read how we are to be self-disciplined and not idle when spending time in the Word of God. Yes, I continue to grow in this area, but sometimes it seems painfully slow. It is constant to be redeeming the time before me. So when I am working in my home and productively having something to show for it, my heart is content and happy. So let me share some of our adventures as of late, with pictures to prove it.<br />
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I love applesauce. I have always loved it. I rarely got it as a child, and I never knew why. So as an adult running the grocery and meal affairs in our home I tend to gravitate toward it. But wow, has anyone seen how pricey organic apple sauce is?! And so last year I made a batch and froze it. I intended to do the same again this year and ordered 20 lbs. of apples only for them to <i>not arrive! </i>Horrors. So I ordered a different kind and they arrived. Relief! I paid roughly $25 for 20 lbs. of organic apples, plus some jars to freeze them in. It made 9 jars each holding around 3 1/2 cups of deliciousness. An afternoon well worth it, plus 2nd Samuel was mighty cute throughout the process.<br />
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Beginning the process, Step 1, chop up the apples and put them in the roaster oven.</div>
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Step 2, get the toddler (!) who just woke up from his nap to help and taste apples.</div>
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(I think he thoroughly enjoyed helping, don't you?)</div>
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Step 3, fill the roaster oven with water, turn on to 350/400 degrees and let them cook.</div>
An hour or two later (stirring during this time to prevent burning) they should be done.<br />
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These are fluffy apples ready for saucing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu2pmrSxACquLoMZI1MmpN6QI2NX3vpm2RF2f1br0f_a78wb31TMRcIv2t2R3sa5MM16P2bkb2eZLKF85wvh_SHUhJiNmaWr63LUZYpRKmROrXuv9eZxM-fxR9Sh00ABMkKeeE29EtXM/s1600/20141101_145317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu2pmrSxACquLoMZI1MmpN6QI2NX3vpm2RF2f1br0f_a78wb31TMRcIv2t2R3sa5MM16P2bkb2eZLKF85wvh_SHUhJiNmaWr63LUZYpRKmROrXuv9eZxM-fxR9Sh00ABMkKeeE29EtXM/s1600/20141101_145317.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 4, get an applesaucer thing. I borrowed this cool one that attaches to your counter.</div>
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It's really easy to set up, use, and even has a sieve that keeps out the junk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY2QEmx0odJQqEArxzvhJoz3dVgfXGKPwGA1mtpQKNJM8Q3pm9A6PYPep-K71XcK0cWLA11sTWyAwiI2yl8fuMyjDALDdM2rjT8o3UpU2tLNsC4BILekdMK0AUIDMV4_PRcoIqBR3dDU/s1600/20141101_145310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY2QEmx0odJQqEArxzvhJoz3dVgfXGKPwGA1mtpQKNJM8Q3pm9A6PYPep-K71XcK0cWLA11sTWyAwiI2yl8fuMyjDALDdM2rjT8o3UpU2tLNsC4BILekdMK0AUIDMV4_PRcoIqBR3dDU/s1600/20141101_145310.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 5, feed hungry and curious boy applesauce that has cooled.</div>
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Be sure to watch him though, he may get impatient and start</div>
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feeding himself when you aren't looking!</div>
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Step 6, fill jars and let them cool. If freezing in glass be sure to leave enough head</div>
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space or else they will bust and crack open. Just saying. Once cooled off,</div>
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put them in freezer.</div>
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We also made some Kombucha:</div>
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This was the end product. It turns out my boy enjoyed kombucha at his grandparents house. So I figured it was time to get brewing again.</div>
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We already have finished one jar of apple sauce, one week later. Which means if we keep up this rate we will be done with apple sauce in two months. Um.. Well that's no good. Looks like I may need to order more apples while I can, if I can.<br />
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Next year I would like to experiment making our own apple cider and turning it into hard apple cider. Doesn't that sound fun?!<br />
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Another non-photographed task Samuel and I enjoy doing together is baking bread. The last few times I've made it I set him on the counter with me and tried to interest him while I am kneading the dough. Well last time he finally plunged into the fun and slapped it, squeezed it, and tried to eat it. Sorry, I'm one of those mom's who is not giving her kid grains yet (not sorry), so I didn't let him eat it. He is currently napping so I am waiting until he wakes up to begin the process again today (Yay for afternoon naps!).</div>
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Yes, it is very satisfying and adds to my happiness to provide healthy food and beverages for my family. (:<br />
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Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-9025937978754862442014-10-31T19:59:00.003-07:002014-10-31T20:02:58.275-07:00Reformation Day<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">In honor of Reformation Day, I wish to present this quote:</span></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Let the wife make the husband</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave."</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">The above quote was made by my favorite reformer, Martin Luther. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I believe this is quite true in our household.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> Monday's are always a sad farewell to my beloved, of all days. We have just spent the weekend around one another, typically not having to see him leave for work, but working and doing things side by side. But then that Monday rolls around (it's so persistent!) and he leaves so early in the morning. But every evening it is a joyful reunion and I am ever so glad to have my man home again. And so Friday's build up anticipation for the weekend of time with my husband.<br /><br />It's a little funny to write these words tonight because Samuel is camping with his brother; it is opening day of hunting season is tomorrow. Our weekend has been dashed. But when he returns it will be quite sweet.<br /><br />Back to reformation day, for those who do not know on October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the church door. It was this unassuming event that catapulted the world out of the darkness of the superstitions of the Roman Catholic church. God used Martin Luther to bring about reform in Germany, and it spread through out the world through the likes of men such as John Calvin, John Knox, Pierre Viret, William Farel, and many more. Praise God for raising up such godly men for His kingdom's cause and spreading the truth of the Gospel! Due to these men's labors we have a legacy of devotion to God's word, not man's word, and are blessed with the privilege to read the bible in our own common tongue. I love to learn more about the reformation and God's providence in this era of history. It brings me to shame to think of how much I lack and how often I take things for granted. If I only but possessed a fraction of any of these men's self-discipline I would be a much more productive and sanctified person. Alas, God is working within me even now. I see improvements in many areas, though it seems painfully slow. Wretched man that I am! Sin entangles so easily. But even so, I am so grateful for the work God has undergone in me and my life. I am not who I was, but becoming ever more like Christ. How humbling.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">So, who needs halloween when we have such a rich heritage of Christian history to remember?</span></div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-19767227099367495832014-09-26T09:44:00.001-07:002014-09-26T09:51:23.985-07:00Catching Up On Months of Book ReviewsAs per usual, I am reading more books off my reading list than on it. Part of the reason is that I have chosen books that are more challenging to read, and thus require more discipline to read due to the less intriguing factor. It's not that they aren't interesting or fascinating, but rather certain books lack the magnetic appeal, the one that pulls me into a book where I don't want to set it down, but am driven to finish it. It is not just a fiction versus non fiction problem either. For example, I read Shepherding a Child's Heart, and that was one that I wanted to finish and read through it quickly, less than a week. However, I am stuck on Tom Wood's Nullification and can't seem to find that niche. This is my third time to try reading it in 3 years. It is not due to a lack of interest in the topic and content, quite the contrary, it <i>is</i> fascinating because I love history and care about the future. I don't know why this is, but I am working through it. I do know one thing that frustrates me is having a lot of books I want to read, but getting stuck on one and I drag my feet to finish it. Meanwhile I'm eyeing bookshelves with lots of other books I would voraciously consume in days, and this other book is taking me months to finish. It comes down to this: is it merely a matter of self discipline?-needing to discipline myself to finish the book at hand to reward myself with reading whatever I want after that? Or is it a matter of learning more versus less? Or maybe a combination of both? I'll let you know when I know. One thing I do know, it does not matter how difficult a book is to read, understand, or get through, if I am drawn in, I will finish it, and promptly. Even with the Rushdoony books I have read, it is only a matter of weeks, not months. I am still working on self discipline in reading, but for now, I am setting aside Nullification and am pursuing other types of books.<br />
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Since I have sadly neglected this blog the last few months (and even have few unpublished blog notes, still waiting to be posted), I don't feel I have the time or fortitude to sit down and write an entire review for each book I have read. More than that, not all of them deserve a full review. I have been reading quite a bit more fiction lately. Instead, I am going to list the books and their respective biased Leah ratings and give a few thoughts on each one (as well as linking to my goodreads reviews if I have written them out).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">July Books:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b>Freedom Under Siege - <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>As per usual, Ron Paul delivers a hard hitting truthful book addressing such topics under girding individual liberty such as, military conscription, foreign policy, and the Federal Reserve, monetary systems, and economics. This also includes his weak foundation for where liberty is derived, he speaks of some believe rights come from our Creator, but does not go very far to build on that. An excellent book everyone would do well to read.<br />
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<b>-Shepherding a Child's Heart - <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>I whole-heartedly recommend this book as a must read for every parent, expecting their first, or in the midst of a gaggle of children. Wow, what a great book to read for those of us who have no idea what a Christian parent is supposed to do when disciplining and raising a child! It amazed me just how much my husband has been teaching me, the wisdom his own parents and grandparents have shared as well, that were reflected in this book. It only cemented the things I have been learning from those God has placed in my life. This gives general biblical principles and helps you to understand how to implement them, by the grace of our precious Lord and Saviour.<br />
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<b>-The Pastor's Wife - <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>Such a heart-wrenching, riveting, encouraging, and challenging auto-biography written by Sabina Wurmbrand. She has such a rich and robust faith, tested by the fires of persecution, but to my utter amazement, she has some weak theology and bad ideas which in turn are a bit pragmatic in the negative sense. Apart from that weakness, this is an incredible true story every Christian would find edifying to read, despite the horrors contained therein. God is gracious and longsuffering to us, and a beautiful reminder that He uses all of us where we are, no matter how much we do or do not know doctrinally, and doesn't always bring us to the same place in the end.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>August Books:</b></span><br />
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<b>The City of Ember - <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>Such a fun imaginative young reader book. Refreshingly clean with an intriguing story that keeps you wanting to know what will happen next. Some try to put this as Christian allegory but I think that is way too much of a stretch, just let it be what it is: a fiction story with no Christian ties. Strong libertarian, individualistic, self-reliant, use your thinking skills in this book, which is a positive thing, but subtly feministic in ways.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/783078959" target="_blank">The Other Baby Book - <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></a></b><br />
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A wide array of baby and parenting how to's, could do's, and encouragement. An attachment parenting book to the core, but with well researched and well present information. Worth reading, but with the caveat of the glaringly bad theology of babies being totally innocent.<br />
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<b>-The Complete Divergent Series<br />-Divergent <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span><br />-Insurgent <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-Allegiant 2 <span style="color: orange;">Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-All "Four" Books <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>Yes, an entertaining series, but the first and Four books were the only ones worth reading. The rest were just to satisfy my curiosity of where the world would end up: newsflash, I did not appreciate the ending at all. Though this author claims to be some sort of Christian (I assume, for she gives credit to God and His Son), this is in no way a Christian book, nor does it even remotely have a Christian theme. Pretty sensual relationship between the main characters (everything is sparks and electricity). As I am coming to find with most dystopian novels, strong liberterian/liberty/individualistic themes within it. As one friend's husband commented, it is very juvenile. I would have to agree. I don't recommend anyone reading this, surprisingly. The only redeeming point was the fascinating world building (if only you could cut out the irritating teenage romance).<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1030185374" target="_blank">-Thriving the First Days of Becoming Mommy - <span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></a></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>Written to read like a devotional book, a realistic and honest view of the varying aspects of motherhood. Weak theology, though scripture is prevalent and appreciated. A light, somewhat immature, and humorous book to encourage mom's everywhere. Click above for full thoughts.<br />
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<b>Partials Trilogy<br />-Partials - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-Fragments - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-Ruins - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
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Interesting world building, but with a severely flawed foundation. Another of the Dystopian Genre. The "Partials" are considered half human or partially human. Sentient beings created by humans that are essentially super-beings. While the series makes it a definite negative to try and play "god" and create new species, it just accepts the partials as humans and fights against discriminating against them as sub-human because they are in every way <i>like </i>humans in their physiology, DNA, emotions, etc., making it a <i>racism </i>issue. What?! A fast-paced, action packed, thought-provoking "What makes a human a human?", incredibly flawed book. While the story is interesting, and there is ok character development, I can't get past the fact that it makes it ok to try and play God and pretends like one can create soulful beings.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>September Books:</b></span><br />
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<b>-<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/998174291" target="_blank">Lend Me Leave - <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></a></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>I thoroughly enjoyed this Austen "spin off". Clean, imaginative, with a wonderful introduction of interesting characters and subplots. The book of Emma through Mr. Knightley's eyes, second book of the two. With religion talked of, but no mention of the gospel. The only caution is that it is still a romance, and thus, infatuation with the beloved, no matter how "clean" it is, it is what it is. And I must say, I found some parts to be a bit <i>too</i> dramatic to be the thoughts of a man. But who am I to say? ha!<br />
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<b>Uglies Series</b><br />
<b>-Uglies - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-Pretties - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-Specials - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b>-Extras - <span style="color: orange;">2 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Well, this was actually my <i>second</i> time to read this series. The first was around the 16/17 age range. It is amazing how much you can change in a few short years and enjoy something at one point in your life, then lose that the next point. I saw things differently than I did initially. Such as the major environmentalist agenda and demonizing of mankind (actually, as Christians we ought to be a the forefront of taking dominion and caring for the planet God has given us). There are constant put downs about the way we do things now (They read newspapers and threw them away EVERY DAY?!; they actually clearcut forests?! etc). There is definitely a liberterian flavor as with all the dystopias so far (question the totalitarian government, don't depend on them for everything), as well as this underlying message that you are find the way you are (no need to be pretty according to some arbitrary standard, better to be unique). The main character of the first three books was a bit obnoxious. She is a compulsive liar and everyone believes her, she is selfish, impulsive, and her ultimate driving force is looking out for number one. She does grow a little bit. Fourth book is very unrealistic, the girl is obsessed with becoming famous, gets everything she wants, and saves the world. I don't particularly recommend this for anyone, I just felt the need to satiate my own curiosity for personal reasons to re-read this and finish the books I never finished.<br />
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<b>Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23 - <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>I simply must <b>rave</b> about this book! What a delightful, biblical, beautifully done allegory for young children. A must have for every Christian parent's bookshelf. The gospel is clearly presented in simple and clear language woven into the story of a little lamb teaching another lamb about his good Shepherd. The artwork is very touching as well. There are even discussion questions in the second half of the book to correspond with each chapter, chock full of good biblical theology, lot's of scripture references, and application to a child's life. I am very grateful to the friend who gave me this book at my son's baby shower.<br />
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<b>Upgrade: 10 Secrets to the Best Education For Your Child - <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>An excellent primer for the parents who are serious about the education of their child(ren). In this easy to read book, Kevin Swanson delivers practical principles derived from the Word of God in a hard hitting challenge to parents everywhere. He does not give specific "how to's" but general principles with a few over-arching suggestions. This is a book I will be reading again and referencing in my journey of raising my son, and any more children we are blessed with. Though Swanson home educates his own children, he is firm in his conviction to<i><b> </b>Christian</i> education, not narrowly or pietistically saying his way is the only way. A highly recommend this to all parents everywhere who care about their children and their future, especially Christian parents.<br />
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<b>A House For God: Building a Kingdom-Driven Family - <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>This is my second book to read by Andrea Schwartz, and it did not disappoint. It was extremely practical, encouraging, challenging, convicting, and inspiring. Each chapter tackles a different topic but each foundation is the same: God's Law Word. Though there is one point of disagreement, the foreword written by Martin Selbrede says it well, who is leading the charge to bring all Christians to apply the word of God to their lives?-do not cut down those willing to stand for truth even on a few disagreements, the important part is that someone is willing to stand. Andrea is not ashamed of the Gospel, nor the full counsel of God and applying it to all areas of her life and encouraging women everywhere to do the same. If you want to read more of her work, check out her <a href="http://kingdomdrivenfamily.com/" target="_blank">Website and blog</a>. All wives and mother;s would benefit and be blessed to read this book.<br />
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<b>Raising Godly Tomatoes - <span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>This book is a great compliment to Ted Tripp's Shepherding a Child's Heart, for it goes into specifics, how to's, and plenty of practical ideas of just how to discipline your children. Though I do not agree with everything she says, it is an excellent resource. She makes great points about consistency (how convicting!!), out lasting your child, biblical restoration (discipline is restorative, not punitive), and covers a myriad of questions from real life parents on real life situations. If you have no idea where to start with your new baby, or have a house full of hooligan's this book addresses different stages, mostly younger years, not teenage. If you were like me and grew up with parents who did not understand biblical discipline, this would be a helpful read.<br />
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<b>Lessons Learned From Years of Homeschooling - <span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b>Another fantastic book from Andrea Schwartz. Geared toward home educating mother's, it shares Andrea's insights from her successes and failures. Whether you are new to the idea, submersed, or at the beginning of your journey, this book is for you. It encourages, it empowers, and it reminds us the reason: for the glory of our risen Lord and Saviour. I found many ideas, good direction, and my heart over flowing with encouragement for the task ahead and at hand. I loved that she spoke to all women at different stages, she gives practical advice for the mother with infants/toddlers to prepare for what's ahead, as well as the mom in the midst of schooling, or about to begin with "school" age children. It is not only for the home educating mom, it is for the mom who wants to see her child(ren) excel in a Christian education and be an integral part of that. Mom's who are serious about their children's education would find themselves motivated all over again after reading this book.<br />
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Well, when I look at <a href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2014/01/hello-2014-baby-reading-list-and-more.html" target="_blank">my reading list goals from January</a>, I am in the midst of reading two on there, "<b>Leading Little Ones to God" </b>and <b>"The Excellent Wife".</b> Each night I read one of the short chapters with 2nd Samuel from the first book, and I believe I can finish it before the end of the year. I bought at PHF last year at the recommendation of a lady I met, but I actually did not peruse the inside and see the way it was geared. I thought it was a parent's handbook of how to, but it is actually geared to little ears, in simple straightforward language. So far the theology is biblical and I have no issues on that front. But I thought it would be more beneficial to read it with my child than read it to myself. The latter book is one some friends of mine and I are supposed to be reading as a book/bible study together, but have yet to begin!-so I am only a few pages in. The other two books from my list are John Owen's (I started it, but found it was too much to take on), and Nullification, which I started and am finding it hard to get absorbed into. I still have three months to finish those two... we shall see. I at the bare minimum want to finish Tom Wood's book (Nullification) by the end of the year. But poor Mr. Owen is a bit over my head and may have to wait for another year. </div>
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A sub goal of mine is to read one of Andrea Schwartz books a week until I have read them all. I heard a hard hitting and great challenge from Bojidar Marinov at a recent conference I attended where he said his talk would not change your life, but reading 50 pages a day from good books (referenced Chalcedon's works) would change and shape your life. You can find his <a href="http://crowncovenantchurch.org/sermons.aspx" target="_blank">Two Kingdom's talk on my church's website</a>. I am learning to set attainable goals as to not overwhelm myself with failure. I know I can read one of Andrea's books a week. I am also reading Rushdoony's Institutes in my bible study with Andrea, and on top of reading God's word, I believe this is a good place to start. I will higher my personal expectations of my reading as my self discipline becomes more ingrained.<br />
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As you can tell, I have also been giving myself the liberty to read more fiction the last couple months. I have been very interested in the Dystopian genre and decided maybe one day I could write my own, so I wanted to read what other's were like. So far I am not overly impressed.<br />
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Here's to reading, and the weather that is ushering in more hot tea to cozy up with!</div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-23819839298446790652014-07-15T12:17:00.000-07:002014-07-15T12:26:03.992-07:00In Review: Last Days MadnessI am finding pretty much all the books I am reading as of late could be thrown in the "controversial" category. I am fine with that because it is stretching me and challenging me. This particular book challenged me to better grasp what I have been learning these past few years, to better articulate <i>the why.</i><br />
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As to the <i>the why:</i> why I am no longer a "dispensationalist" or "pre-millennialist" and etc. More than slapping a new label on me (because I am still learning about new labels, ok?) I have come to understand this underlying principle: a realized millennium verses an unrealized millennium. <i>Why</i> do I believe in a "realized" millennium? One major reason is because I am better understanding biblical prophecy and how it works. I am learning about different hermenuetics and the implications thereof (mind boggling). One thing I should note is that I am epistimologically aware of my eschatology and hermenutical procedures whereas in the past I was pretty clueless and didn't even know I fell under any sort of label (i.e. dispensational).<br />
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As to <b>Gary Demar's </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Last Day's Madness</i>, I found it to be an incredible wealth of knowledge. I was a bit shocked at the extremes within some of the modern day "prophecy experts". I will admit, I read both the adult and kid "Left Behind" series voraciously and could not get enough of them. But I was also a bit petrified and mystified by it all. I was standoff ish yet wanted to know more. It's funny, I never read any other end times books except those fictional books yet I could tell you all about the rapture, anti-christ, 1,000 year reign, 7 year tribulation, treaty with Israel, abomination in the temple, the mark of the beast etc. And I had absolutely no idea where in scripture it taught these things (I thought it was just me). I just thought the book of Revelation was this monstrous, confusing, terrifying book that I could not possibly understand... so I pretty much skipped it. I knew it had the answer, but I could not make sense of the strange language. So I just trusted what I heard in church and those Left Behind books as gospel truth. That being said, I did not even begin to scratch the surface of understanding the prophecy pundits and what they teach! And I will also admit, I had no idea that there were Christians who did NOT believe in the rapture! Shocking, right?<br />
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Gary Demar does a fantastic job at unpacking all of the confusing end times talk of our day. The first time I picked up this book it didn't draw me in so well, but when I started it again last month, I was hooked. This is a fascinating book full of so much information about prophecy, biblical interpretation, modern day Christian thinking, doctrine, ethics, morals, coherency, exposing inconsistency, history and so much more. He tackles such topics as the newly created state of Israel, signs in the heavens, temple of doom, abomination of desolation, what the sun, moon, and stars (especially that blood red moon) means, the return of Christ, rapture, who/what is meant by the anti-christ, the mark of the beast, to name a few things. With each of these things he addresses his main argument is that we read what scripture says of these things, interpret scripture with scripture, and see if these things have been fulfilled.<br />
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For example, when dissecting Daniel's 70 weeks, Matthew 24, and Revelation, he explains how to see if the prophecies have been fulfilled. The biggest spearhead into a future unfulfilled prophecy is the fact that Jesus said "This generation will not pass away" and Demar stresses this to the point that you can't get away from it throughout the entire 400+ pages. <br />
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I feel I cannot even begin to explain what this book contains. So let me cut to some the main points in no particular order: 1) Dispensationalists claim to interpret the bible literally, yet Demar shows over and over again how far they stray from this principle and actually do not abide by their own hermenuetic; 2) The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 fulfills so much prophecy you cannot ignore it; 3) When Jesus says "this generation will not pass away" He actually means it literally, yet the literalists do not literally believe that; 4) There is no clear scripture to prove a rapture theology 5) So much modern prophecy keeps changing due to things not coming to pass what was said: reprints of books, changing dates but not theology, etc; 5) Just how far you have to stretch and do violence to scripture to fit within certain frameworks of end times theology (so it wasn't just me not understanding after all); 6) <b>That the New Testament prophecy sounds like Old Testament prophecy using similar and in some cases identical language. (</b><i>This one really got to me, and as I have been reading through the scriptures I see this so clearly it's almost ridiculous I never saw it before, remind me why I was scared of Revelation again?!... might have something to do with the thinking that the O.T. no longer applies and I never read much of it before... but that's another blog post for another day.)</i><br />
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This is an excellent resource, to say in the least. This is a book you will want on your bookshelf to reference time and again. However, as strong as this book is, I found one glaring weakness interwoven through out its entirety. Gary Demar is a bit demeaning towards those and that system of eschatology he is refuting. While it makes for a few chuckles for someone like me who is no longer a dispensationalist and wanting to learn more, I found myself thinking this might be a little offensive and rub people the wrong way who are very much in the middle of rapture thinking. I would hesitate to recommend it to someone for this purpose. If I knew of person seriously studying and totally willing and ready to scrutinize their own thinking and eschatology/theology biblically, I would feel safe. But there are many in my acquaintance who I would love to hear and read this information, but would be concerned they would dismiss the message due to the delivery of it. Maybe that was just my impression of Demar's writing and it is not as strong as I felt it to be. The only way to know for sure would be to hand this into someone's hands who believes in the rapture as gospel truth (like I once did) and see what happens. Any body volunteering? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?<br />
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<b>This book receives <span style="color: orange;">4 stars</span> from me. I would be more inclined to give it a 5 star but for the reason just given.</b>Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-33240632655100643462014-06-28T19:25:00.000-07:002014-06-28T19:25:31.185-07:00"What Nobody Tells You About the First 3 Months of Motherhood"A friend recently posted this on social media, and I was intrigued by her tag line <i>"At the same time you'll fantasize about getting in your car going for a drive and never coming back."</i> then subsequently linked to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/catherine-alford/what-nobody-tells-you-about-the-first-3-months-of-motherhood_b_5519562.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063" target="_blank">this article</a>. Hmm.<br />
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Let begin by stating what should be obvious, but may not be obvious: I disagree with a lot of the conclusions this non-christian blogger had. In fact, it made my skin crawl a little bit. I was a little shocked. I was a little mortified. But I did sympathize with her a bit. Am I perfect? Am I the model of motherhood? Am I dancing on daisies and dandelions with my child each and every moment of the day? No, of course not. But I still disagree with the article none the less. Some of the things she said were ok, but where she arrives at afterward not so much.<br />
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Let's begin with her opening statement, the "It will be hard but sooooo worth it." Yes, it is true I've heard that a million times myself. And let's be honest, it's absolutely true. Her point is no one tells you what "hard" means. Fair enough. I can understand that. But life is about living, and if there is one thing I have learned in this life is that you will never be "ready" for the next thing. God prepares us as He sees fit then throws us another thing to juggle and learn to be the new "normal". He makes us ready by being in the midst of it, learning as we go. I didn't feel "ready" to be courted, or engaged, or married, or to become a mother. But every single new scary and exciting thing has been just what I needed at just the right time in my life. It is all about being sanctified. God uses these things in our life to mold us more into the image of our dear beautiful Saviour!<br /><br />And here is the crux of the issue: she is apparently not a Christian. So Christians should not heed her advice. I am going to endeavor to respond to her more in depth. A biblical response to her points.<br /><br />
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Point Number 1: Sometimes it Doesn't Feel Worth it.</h3>
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Should we really question the sovereign plan of God "wondering why we ever became moms at all"? We are human, and we may have doubts. But she is justifying wrong feelings and emotions. You may not feel like feeding a baby at 1 am then 3 am then 4:30 am, etc. It's a huge adjustment at first. But it is a labor love. I think scripture proves to be extremely wise and practical when it teaches:<br /><br /><b>"that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, <u><i><span style="font-size: large;">to love their children</span></i></u>" Titus 2:4</b><br />
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Young women need to be taught to <i>love their children</i>, yes we have maternal instincts, but we are still sinners being sanctified and need to be instructed. We may not all be blessed with godly older women in our lives, but if you are in a bible believing church, chances are there is at least one godly older woman. That's one of the many reasons it is so important to be a part of a local church. (My church is pretty small, but I feel confident that I could seek advice from any of the ladies older than me). So if you are struggling to love that precious child when he is screaming in the middle of the night, you need to seek the friendship and mentorship of a seasoned older woman. You need prayer. You need encouragement. You need to be taught what it means to be a godly young mother. Sometimes life is the best teacher, but in this sinful chaotic humanistic world, we need wisdom and prudence guiding us in the form of a dear sister in Christ. This is what God has set down in scripture.<br />
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This blogger says it's ok to want the past back, to let your mind wander to life before motherhood. False.<br />
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<b>"casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, <span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,</i></u></span>" 1 Corinthians 10:5</b><div>
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This means we cannot let our thoughts wander. This means we need to be engaging <u>every single day</u> the battle for our minds and hearts to be thinking what Christ's word teaches and commands. Does this mean we will succeed every single day? Probably not, but the Word of God says He is faithful even when we are faithless. However, this does not give us a free pass to just feel sorry for ourselves, how beyond exhausted we feel, or how we miss the simpler days. And I will be honest, the first 2 weeks after 2nd Samuel was born we both were beyond exhausted, but we learned to function as a team, esteeming each other better than ourselves. We could tell when one needed to just rest so the other would change the diaper or rock the crying baby. We were learning more and more what it meant to "die unto self" to put to death our sinful nature and live unto righteousness. Even if it meant Samuel walked to the other side of the house with a crying newborn just so I could sleep one hour since the baby just ate 30 minutes before and I was up almost every other hour. all. night. long. Was it easy? No. Did I wish to not be a mother anymore? NO!!!! I knew God graciously gave me this gift of a child and I need to treasure every moment. Even the hard ones. And when things were hard, to take those wandering thoughts captive and not throw a pity party. But pity parties are hard when you just want to sleep. (; Some might villainize me because our baby slept almost through the night at 1 month. And full at 1 1/2 months. But at the time of this writing, he is now 7 1/2 months and waking up in the night again. (Some mornings I have felt like zombie mom).</div>
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Point Number 2: No One Will Be Affected By Their Cries Like You.</h3>
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It's not so much that I have a problem with this assessment, for is is accurate, but rather her assumption that you think there is something wrong with you! I appreciate her saying "take it as a badge of honor", for truly, it is. This may be one of the most precious things about being a mommy, in my mind. That this tiny little person needs me more than any other person in the entire universe. No one can comfort him the way my arms and snuggles can. And as a breastfeeding mom, nothing is quite as amazing as feeding my little one and seeing him thrive on God's beautiful design. Plus he is pretty cute when he realize it's time to eat and he starts to make his happy baby noises. </div>
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Point Number 3: You're Going To Have Bad Dreams.</h3>
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It seems what she wants to get across is two things: you have your mommy senses heightened and you are constantly worried.</div>
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<b>"<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer</i></u></span> and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;" Philippians 4:6</b><div>
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We are not to worry. The cultural norm that mom's are innately supposed to worry, and everyone thinks this is normal just goes to show how unbiblical the understanding of motherhood is. Do we throw caution to the wind and think everything will turn out alright with butterflies and rainbows? No. The Lord works through means, but we do not worry rather we pray. I will wrap my child up in a blanket to keep him warm, and not just assume because I prayed and asked God to keep him warm that he will stay warm. (Make sense?). Here is a real life example from the first week of 2nd Samuel's life of the Lord teaching me not to worry but to prayer and depend upon Him and cling to His right hand:<br /><br />For any parent, you already know about meconium. For those who don't know, it's the first poop of a baby's life that is black, tarry, sticky, and super scary. The baby needs to pee and poop a certain amount in the first few days to make sure they are eating enough/gaining enough. Well, the first couple days no poop was coming, and he wasn't peeing much. We were both very <i>worried</i> at first. But in those moments of holding my little boy and looking down at his tiny little face, the Spirit of God moved me to cry out and pray to God that He would make this baby poop! Yes. I literally prayed that. I told God of my worries and uncertainties, asking Him to enable me to trust Him and His design, to calm my heart, etc. <i>But in everything</i>. And I did pray in everything, even about my child's lack of bowel movement. And you know what? The next day was a major blow out (like out the diaper up the back kinda blow out). And we thanked God for it. And I thanked God that my sweet husband selflessly cleaned that baby up without missing a beat (I must admit it was kind of funny to watch, holding a naked newborn trying to get that black sticky mess off).</div>
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Yes, we have some amazing mom intuition that connects our hearts to be in tune with our babies needs. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. But that gives us no license to go into worry mode. It should drive us to our knees and humble us even more that life is not in our control, but rather in God's loving, faithful, sovereign hands.<br /><br /><h3>
Point Number 4: You Will Feel Like an Ungrateful Jerk.</h3>
<br />Maybe you do feel like an ungrateful jerk even though you know many women wish to have a baby. I know of friends who desperately want one baby, or maybe just a second one. But this blogger says, yes it's totally ok for you to feel ungrateful!! She says your feelings are totally justified and warranted. *Cue Buzzer Sound*. Wrong again. Not only that, but she says no need to enjoy every moment of motherhood.<br /><br />*Deep breath* First off, scripture says we are to rejoice and give thanks in everything, being content in whatever situation we are in.<br /><br /><b>"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,<span style="font-size: large;"><u> in everything give thanks</u></span>; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</b></div>
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<b>"<span style="font-size: large;"><u>At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You</u></span>, Because of Your righteous judgments." Psalm 119:62 (quite applicable to new moms)</b><div>
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<b>"Not that I speak in regard to need, <span style="font-size: large;"><u>for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content</u></span>: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Philippians 4:11-12</b><div>
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We have no right to be ungrateful for the things God has given us, for the plan He has sovereignly ordained for your life, nor to ask the potter, why have you made me like this? We are extremely selfish and ungrateful people by nature, but praise be to God that He has given His children a new nature! So we no longer can be selfish and ungrateful, but rather need to be selfless, patient, and self-controlled (just a few of the fruits of the Spirit). Maybe we are not grateful every moment of every day to be a mother, but that doesn't mean we wallow in self pity and think about how hard it is, no we give thanks, we pray and cry out to the Lord to make us contented like Paul says. It is just another thing in life to teach us to depend more upon the Spirit of God, for Him to sanctify us to look more like Christ, and to trust in God's unfailing mercy upon us, wretched sinners. <br /><br />It's not like this applies solely to new moms/dads. But to everyone in whatever season and trial they are going through. I am continually learning what an incredibly uncomfortable sanctifying tool marriage is, and now, motherhood is. Nothing like living with other people to show you how selfish you really are. I am learning every day what it means to sacrifice for those that I love. When I am dead tired in the middle of the night and hear the baby stir, I don't want to get up immediately, but I do. I want to pick him up before he cried and wakes (1st) Samuel up. Then I enjoy the sleepy cuddles. Every day I see him gaining new skills, growing, and changing. This season is passing so quickly and I want to enjoy it as much as I can!<br /><br />And if being a new mom feels like a trial there is scripture to talk to that as well:<br /><br /><b>"My brethren,<span style="font-size: large;"><u> count it all joy when you fall into various trials</u></span>, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and </b>complete,<b> lacking nothing." James 1:2-4</b></div>
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This baby is teaching more about the state of your own heart than it is about anything else. And trust me, there are so many things to learn at the beginning. But those are very minor compared to the eternal lessons we are learning.</div>
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Point Number 5: You Won't Want This Phase to End, And Yet You Can't Wait For it to End.</h3>
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Is this not true of all of life? Ok, I agree with her here to an extent. It's exciting and so bittersweet. But as much as I love every moment, you cannot stay in the past, nor do we live for the future. We live exactly where the Lord Jesus has placed: in the moment we are in now. Why? As Ecclesiastes says,<br /><br /><b>"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:"</b><br /><br />and so we are to enjoy the moments we are in, not worried about the changes, but living in the midst of them one day at a time. There is a balance to be had. And if you believe what scripture teaches about children, that they are a <i>blessing from the Lord</i>, then chances are, Lord willing, you will have more babies and get to enjoy the baby season all over again.<br /><br /><br />Upon her closing statements she says new mommy's are going to have more feelings and emotions than you ever knew was possible. Yes, with those hormones going haywire, it's definitely going to be a fun ride. But this does not mean that it's ok to justify sinful responses. It does not mean, we as Christian mommy's, have any reason to disregard the teachings of scripture.<br /><br /><b>"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16</b><br /><br />So what do people not tell you about the first 3 months of motherhood? That like anything new in life, it will be hard. But when we are trusting in our amazing, wonderful, loving, merciful, and good God, it is absolutely worth it. For we may feel overwhelmed, but He is holding us in His right hand. He does not give us more than He knows is for our good. Maybe we don't feel like we can handle it, but God handles all things within His sovereign hands.<br /><br />And as I think about my precious son and the past 7 1/2 months I am so humbled and grateful for the good gift God has given me: a family. I am acutely aware of one thing from my experience, and it is this: that those who undergo severe trials tend to know intimately the goodness of God as they have been broken and only He has held you together. Since I have no relationship with my own family, I have known the sweetness of this truth,<br /><br /><b>"God sets the solitary in families;" Psalm 68:6</b></div>
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When I was but one, He brought me a husband. And now we are three. He truly sets the solitary in families! Just as I think of one precious sister who knows Him as "Papa", a father to the fatherless daughter. And so we who hurt cling to those good gifts. But even those who do not hurt, we must all thank the Lord in whatever situation we are in. Mommy or not. <br /><br />This life is so worth it when we live for the glory of our precious Lord, to know His love, to make Him known!</div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-35445690837651782582014-05-01T16:03:00.001-07:002014-05-01T16:03:38.140-07:00In Review: The Foundations of Social Order & Green This!I'm very glad to have read R.J. Rushdoony's "<b>The Foundations of Social Order </b><b style="font-style: italic;">Studies in the Creeds and Councils of the Early Church" </b>so soon after the recommendations made by Peter Hammond (of Frontline Fellowship) and Bojidar Marinov at the Providential History Festival in September of 2013. It took less than one year to complete the first go round of reading it. (; The other book, Dierdre Imus' <b>Green This! </b>I cannot say the same for, ha. It was given to me over a year ago and I just now picked it up after constantly seeing it next to my cook books every day. Don't ask me why I put it there, I just did. I find it a little amusing that I read these books back to back. In the ideal world for Imus she builds her foundations upon a totally wrong premise and worldview, which Rushdoony conveniently just explained the importance of the foundation of your social order. For Imus, she wants the world to be greener, a better place where all of man works together to make it better, considering other's/the environment better than your own convenience... while looking to the government to save us from ourselves/the horrible toxins/the manufacturers of said toxins. Her worldview is entirely humanistic looking to the state to save man. Rushdoony's book delves into the history of the early church to show how fundamental God's word and His law order are to a free social order. State is not the ultimate and neither is the church. Both have their functions, but God is the ultimate sovereign! For man to have a well ordered society he must submit to God's word, and in that there is freedom for man. More on that to come. The point is, I really enjoyed employing the practical thought process and analyzing from one book to the next.<br />
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As I read through Rushdoony's <b>The Foundations of Social Order</b> I realized more how things just "clicked" and that some of the abstract ideas and doctrines I have been learning about suddenly were making sense and were less abstract in my mind. It's hard to explain, because I was confused myself! Here is the passage that just really connected things for me:<br />
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<i>"On the foundation of Chalcedon, the formulation of Biblical Christology, Western liberty has been built. Ignorance and neglect of Chalcedon has been basic to the decline of the church. Strange voices in Christendom assert the necessity for Christian relevance, but the relevance they have in mind is not to Christ and His kingdom but to the reviving pagan statist theology and the attempts by pagan humanistic state to lead man into a paradise without God. But the reduction of man to the dimensions of the state, to the dimensions of time and history, is the enslavement of man, not his liberation. Christendom needs to echo the decision of the fathers at Chalcedon, who, after declaring the Definition, stated, 'this is the faith of the Apostles: by this we all stand: thus we all believe.' The alternative is Christ or Caeser, liberty of slavery, God or man. Is salvation man's upward reach, or God's downward reach? Is it man's word or God's grace? Is God or the state man's savior? The answer of Chalcedon is emphatically for God and liberty.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;">Western liberty began when the claim of the state to be man's savior was denied.</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span> The state then, according to Scripture, was made the ministry of justice. But, wherever Christ ceases to be man's savior, there liberty perishes as the state again asserts its messianic claims. Man is in trouble, and history is the record of his attempt to find salvation. Man needs a savior, and the question is simply one of choice: Christ or the state? No man can choose the one without denying the other, and all attempts at compromise are a delusion." Pgs. 66-67</i><br />
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Why yes, yes of course. Because God's order restrains the state's power and jurisdiction, there is <i>much </i>freedom in biblical social order. It helped connect the idea of the foundation to Western liberty more in my mind. As to the book as a whole, what an excellent, edifying, challenging, (sometimes over my head), throught-provoking publication. This has helped me understand the importance of the creeds and councils in a deeper way. The more I read, the more grateful I am for the early church father's who saw the need to defend the doctrines of the church. As Rushdoony points out, some may think at times they are splitting theological hairs, but his book does them justice high-lighting just how crucial each defense and clarification was. Our modern ears want to shut out such strong language and anathema's, but God's word is not to be trifled with. There cannot be compromise and truth, otherwise there is no truth at all.<br />
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Rushdoony shows his readers how the early creeds/councils helped establish the godly foundations for social order. This book is full of history and interesting details. He also clearly communicates the importance of simple doctrine, and yet how the bible is <i>not</i> simple, and that not all of the bible is simple to understand. It is both simple enough for anyone to understand the basics, yet the framework of the bible is a complex and beautiful thing. This is a must read and I will definitely be using this in my older home education "curriculum". I may even try to read it again in a few years (because let's be honest, I have too many books I want to read before re-reading anything soon!).<br />
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And not so surprising, this book receives <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b> from me.<br />
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Diedre Imus' <b>Green This!</b><i> </i>was both a headache and an invaluable resource for cleaning. I'm surprised I didn't just skip many of the pages, because many times I wanted to. The problem is, her liberal environmental statist agenda is interwoven between the helpful facts about the dangers of toxins. Yes, this is exactly the type of annoying "greenie" book you would expect by the title. That is the biggest problem with the movement, most of these people concerned with the toxic exposure to our health and environment are normally the ones that care more about the government saving everyone; there are very few Joel Salatin's (aka green liberterians, yes they do exist!) in this movement, which is a huge shame. Christians truly ought to be ashamed of themselves for not being the leaders on this front! We who are called to take dominion and be good stewards should be the ones advocating wiser, cleaner, greener ways to live and clean, not God-hating unbelievers. <br />
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That being said *jumps off Christian Libertarian soapbox*, once you read past the first few chapters, both helpful and irritating, she gets to the practical hands on way to green your cleaning. This is not just a book of lofty ideas, but Mrs. Imus truly wants to help the average person green their cleaning and prove it is affordable. Which it is. Common cleaning solutions she advises are: vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, lemon juice, and essential oils. Of course, there are many grades of essential oils, she recommends Young Living. She goes through each room of the house and what common cleaning solutions you can use. She gives helpful time tables on disinfecting your tools (i.e. soaking your toilet brush in vinegar), how often to vacuum those pesky drapes, etc. She also gives warnings on things to avoid mixing, or which surfaces need special attention. Some of the things she advised, I already do, but this book was quite inspirational to go the next step in greening our home and keeping the toxins out. One thing that really struck a chord with me for my home was ditching the bleach. Yes! And it is mind boggling how many things use bleach! I have ordered bleach free toilet paper, and when our current paper towels run out, will be ordering bleach free as well. Buying in bulk helps the budget. But because of that, I am trying to switch over to using some reusable cleaning cloths (microfiber, for example) to save on cost.<br />
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She does not advocate throwing everything away in your cleaning closet and starting over, but a gradual change so it is not overwhelming. The important thing is sticking to it, not overwhelming yourself. She also highlights the importance of reading labels. I already do this with my food, why not for my cleaning products? It's scary all the things she presented about the weird chemicals used for cleaning, which is a relatively new way of cleaning. Most cleaning companies will not disclose their ingredients, or only partial lists or secretive names. This is where she calls on the government to force companies to disclose all the information. No, people need to become responsible for their own health and care enough without the government strong arming everyone into doing what they say... baby sitting the sheeple. Aka a nanny state.<br />
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Overall this book was very helpful and I appreciated the information. She does come across as a bit pretentious at times, and her nanny state dependence on the government is irritating, but once you get past those things, you will be very glad you read this book. I will definitely be referencing this a LOT from now on, until my green cleaning regimen is an established routine.<br />
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This books gets <b><span style="color: orange;">3 stars</span></b> from me.Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-25694051334420049302014-04-05T16:28:00.000-07:002014-04-05T17:23:11.052-07:00Beautiful Little MomentsI love my son. I really love my tiny little person! I am overwhelmed by the joy that he brings to my life. I was not prepared for the love I would have for him, how sanctifying he would be, and how I am so <em>glad</em> and <em>humbled</em> that he brings out such patience, care, tenderness, and love in me. I see him and I want to snuggle him, kiss him, hold him close, rock him, tickle him, and hear his sweet baby coos, giggles, and laughter. I am always surprised at how genuinely happy this child is! He is still human, and yes, he does cry. But usually when it's time to eat or sleep. (Oh, and those moments when his sinful little self shows, yes I have a depraved little baby who needs grace just like everyone else!)<br />
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Just earlier I held him as he cried, overly exhausted (we went out canvassing for some local candidates and he missed his longer nap and had a short one instead). After a couple minutes he calmed down and I just sang to him. I always sing to him before I lay him down to sleep for a nap or bedtime. As I held him in my arms and swayed, singing psalms and hymns, I looked down at a peaceful baby, so content, secure, and trusting in my arms. He was no longer crying, just snuggled against me listening. He even started to sleepily "talk" to me. I didn't want to set him down, he was so sweet and precious... so I didn't. I sang a little longer, held him a little tighter, and thanked the Lord for such a blessing! The laundry could wait a few more minutes to be put away.<br />
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It struck me, these moments are so beautiful. These moments are so new, and yet so changing. He will continue to grow and change, and one day he will not be my sweet little son, but my grown up son. I may have more babies, Lord willing, but they will all have such different personalities, I can't expect it to be identical. So this beautiful moment I soaked it all in, immensely grateful to have this child in my arms. <br />
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Each day I am blessed by such moments through out the ordinary course of events. I have found that to find hidden joy, I must seek it out and incorporate the mundane with the precious. When I go out and water the garden and dump my compost, I put 2nd Samuel in a carrier to be close to me. Or when I fold clothes I lay him next to me/or set him in my lap and we can interact as I fold. Even when I am in the laundry room I take him there. When I vacuum I put him in the carrier again, and he just hangs out (pun intended) with me so contentedly. And my favorite thing has been to establish enjoyable routines, such as always singing to him before he lays down. I enjoy singing, and he loves to listen! Changing diapers is <em>delightfully </em>fun. Yes, fun! He just loves it, seriously. Each morning after he eats, we change his diaper, and get him dressed... and I have my morning song (This is the day the Lord has made). He always grins and enjoys it. Then he coos and giggles and we "talk". Through out the day during each time I'll sing a catechism question/answer to him and he squirm/giggles/coos with delight. The day is filled with fun little moments, and I get every day chores done while he is awake. Even while I nurse him, I like to read adult books. Sometimes I even read aloud to him. But lately, he gets distracted when I read aloud and wants to grab the book from my hands instead of eating! Haha! Maybe one of the cutest things he does (there are SO many, I can't really choose), is when we lay him down for bed and he pops his head up, gives us a sheepish grin, then starts cooing away, giggling, and looking over at us. (He is in a co-sleeper). Then when we turn the light out he gets quit and falls asleep. He just knows lights out means serious bedtime, LOL!<br />
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Again, I love my son! God has been so good to us, and each day we are reminded that children really are a blessing from the Lord. I know days will get harder and more complicated as he grows and matures, but life is to be lived one day at a time, one season at a time. I am not going to get ahead of myself worrying about the future, but prayerfully considering the days at hand. I know I have weaknesses and need growth as a godly mom. But I suppose that is one of the beautiful designs of the Lord's, to allow mom and dad to grow with the baby. (:<br />
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I am so blessed and love motherhood! I really am delighted by just how joyful and fulfilling it is. One of the huge reasons is because I am able to be a keeper of the home and have my little one with me all day. I could not imagine leaving him with others every day to care for him. I thank God that He has given me a godly husband, one who takes seriously the duty to provide for his own (1 Timothy 5:8), as well as see the biblical design of womanhood. Because he so faithfully and tirelessly works to provide a stable income for our family economy, I get to spend my days contributing in others ways, such as meal planning, gardening, being a good steward of our money, research/study many topics, caring for our child, keeping/caring for our home, and so many things that fall under "home management"! What beauty there is in being a wife and mother. Oh, I love caring for my little arrow! (: <br />
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P.s. For some reason the blog won't let me upload any pictures or videos. So to see this really cute video of him enjoying the johnny jumper for the first time, click the youtube link:<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGeW106OE7U&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">2nd Samuel in the Johnny Jumper</a>Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-50719118279294260632014-04-02T17:27:00.003-07:002014-04-02T18:48:30.091-07:00The Greatest Centurty of Reformation, Always Ready, Chosen By God, & Praise Her in The Gates Book ReviewsMaybe I should have just entitled it, "All the Recently Read Books of 2014", still a mouthful, but less words, ha. I just was sitting down to write the review for the Sproul book but decided to check my Goodreads Account to follow up on all the books I've finished so far this year. Not only have I slacked off on writing reviews, even if only short ones, I have not been blogging twice a month like planned. As in, March totally failed, nothing published on the blog at all. :/<br />
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<strong>The Greatest Century of Reformation, <em>Peter Hammond<span style="color: orange;"> </span></em><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span><br />Always Ready, <em>Greg Bahnsen </em><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></strong><br />
<strong>Praise Her in the Gates, <em>Nancy Wilson </em><span style="color: orange;">3.75 Stars</span></strong><br />
<strong>Chosen by God, <em>R.C. Sproul </em><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Peter Hammond's <em>The Greatest Century of Reformation</em></strong> was very fun to read. It read as a story of history, not dry boring facts at all. He high lights many of the influential reformers, both well known and lesser known. I learned many new fascinating facts about different men's lives and made me praise the Lord for His goodness in using these men in enlightening the world to His truth about the bible. The Reformation paved the way for all men to read the bible in their own native tongue, something I think most of us take for granted by barely reading our bible. I've heard Peter Hammond speak in person before at a conference (where I purchased this book from) and his books are every bit as interesting and thought provoking as his teaching, maybe even more so. This is basically a crash course in one of the most important times in history (save for the first coming of Christ, of course). I believe every Christian ought to read this book and know where we came from. I would even venture to say most Christians will thoroughly enjoy it! I will read this again for sure, and I plan to read it to my child(ren) as well as use it in our home education "curriculum".<br />
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<strong>Greg Bahnsen's<em> Always Ready</em></strong> was a difficult read. But it was that perfect mixture of challenging yet comprehensible. I've heard my husband and his father say this was written for an 8th grade level. Well! Doesn't that just knock my intellectual pride down a few pegs. This is probably the best introduction to Presuppositional Apologetics, in my opinion. I've read different articles, listened to lectures, heard friends/family discuss it, and watched many a Bahnsen Youtube video, but this one book is fantastic if you are interested in it for the first time. What I was constantly impressed with was Bahnsen's fidelity to the word of God. Few books quote and reference scripture so extensively to build their case. But seeing as how presuppositional apologetics is all about the Word of God as the starting point for apologetics, I would have been disappointed had this book been written/formatted in any other way. Speaking of, the chapters in this book were excellent! They were just the right length (rather short) for me to finish one chapter during on feeding with 2nd Samuel. You could even use this as a "devotional" book, since most of the book is this way. The last chapter was immensely helpful in general. Over all, I will have to read this (or another book on presuppositional apologetics) soon, because though the more I read, the more familiar I am with it, I quake in my imaginary boots to try and apply the method in a debate. I really don't want to debate. But I do want to be always ready! Another must read for any Christian.<br />
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<strong>Nancy Wilson's <em>Praise Her in the Gates</em></strong> was actually a good book. I picked it up expecting to love it, and was disappointed when a couple chapters in I was not liking it at all. The chapter on differences of opinions concerning medical decisions really distanced me from it and I set it down for a few weeks. I am really glad I went back and finished, because over all it was a wonderful book of practical application. Each chapter addresses different aspect of a Christian Wife and Mother's duties, what the scripture teaches, why it is important, and real life examples and instruction on what that should look like. She is not dogmatic saying "Do it this way", but rather gives the principles and general application of it. One thing I greatly appreciated was her stance on education: Christian Education is a must. I personally am an advocate for Christian Home Education. Some people may not like that she is not pushing for home education, but I truly believe the first battle to engage is to get all Christians to understand that those little arrows entrusted to their care need to be brought up in a thoroughly biblically based education... and government school isn't cutting it. At. All. Ok, back the book. (: This is a very small book, very easy to read, and very edifying. I will need to read more books in this genre of womanhood to find out which one I think is a must read (;<br />
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<strong>R.C. Sproul's <em>Chosen By God</em></strong><em> </em>is a thorough book explaining the controversial doctrine of predestination. He pulls no punches, he knows it's controversial and says it straight out: everyone has a view of this doctrine, but is it the biblical one? You can't get around this issue because it is clearly taught in scripture. So, he explains varying views, all while being open about where he stands. R.C. Sproul is one of my favorite teachers. The Lord has really gifted him in teaching in general. He is engaging and knows how to bring seemingly lofty and high doctrine down to an understandable level for any Christian at any stage in life. This book proves to be no different. He addresses the common arguments for and against, dissects them, compares them to scripture, and most importantly <em>interprets scripture with scripture</em>. No bible verse stands alone, but rather any doctrine must be held in scrutiny with the rest of scripture. I think is an excellent book for anyone who is new to this idea of predestination, and even those who have their mind set <em>against</em> it but want to read more on the topic. He even tackles the controversial TULIP acronym, and pretty much destroys it and changes the letters around for better terminology that more accurately sums up the essential points. And no, Calvin did not invent predestination, take your argument up with God (as a side note, Augustine pre-dates even Calvin, battling Pelagius and his heretical views.) So there you have it. If you have never ever read anything about predestination, please begin here in your reading along side scripture. Don't be daunted by your preconceived ideas, but rather pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see the truth of scripture <em>as it is, not as you want it to be</em>. For when we are not willing to be teachable and admit we have been wrong, this is nothing more than a stagnant prideful life. Not to mention we are setting up false gods in our mind when we do not submit to scripture, even when it hurts our pride. And yes, as I learn and grow I realize I have to die to self and be a living sacrifice unto God. All that to say, let this book challenge you and read it if you were repulsed that I even read a book like this.<br />
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What have you read so far this year? I try and choose a wider variety of books that way I am challenged and stretched in my reading. I don't want to always read easy things, or always read hard things, because then I might get discouraged or get puffed up.Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-35082320285109825502014-02-21T12:41:00.002-08:002014-02-21T12:58:27.517-08:00In Review: The Fearful Master<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="bibleTable" id="bibleTable"><tbody>
<tr id="verse_480001"><td id="yui-gen47" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen51">Why</span> do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> and against His Anointed, <i id="yui-gen60">saying, </i>“Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.<br />Psalm 2:1-4</b></td><td id="yui-gen47" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td><td id="yui-gen47" style="text-align: center;"></td><td id="yui-gen47" style="text-align: center;"></td>
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<td>This book reminds me of the passage from Psalm 2. It is not new thing for wicked men to plot evil things. In <i><b>The Fearful Master</b></i> <b>G. Edward Griffin</b> does a masterful job at documenting and detailing how wicked men have plotted together in the forming of the United Nations. This is by no means a "new" book, but written before I was even born. However, it does its purpose to show the corruptness of those men in power, yes even in the United States government, and their marxist/socialist agenda. <br />
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On the one hand, this book was extremely difficult to read. It outlines the atrocities committed by the U.N., the horrors, and the blatant evil men who conducted themselves in a shrewd and unscrupulous manner to do what they pleased. As I read it, these evils weighed heavily on my mind, the despair lingering with that awful knot in my stomach. This is our history? This is the "great" United States that just rolled over and did the bidding of the U.N. without question? We are/have been funding such horrendous evils? Truly, there was no spine or morals in the people of the U.S. then, or now.<br />
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On the other hand, this was easy to read. Easy in the sense that Griffin is a very talented writer, for this book was no mere textbook of facts, it is a riveting telling of the truth, history coming alive, almost as if it were a work of fiction. Only this is no mere fiction, this is the world we live in. You cannot help but marvel at the way he draws you in. He even includes many pictures of the men and events he documents, as if his words are not vivid enough.</td><td><br /></td><td id="yui-gen56"><br /></td></tr>
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Though this book is older (1964), it explains the foundations, founders, and early actions of the U.N. It is extremely useful to have your eyes opened to the truth of these matters. <br />
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We have hope, however, for the Psalmist finishes by saying:<br />
<b><br />Serve the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish <i id="yui-gen72">in</i> the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed <i>are</i> all those who put their trust in Him.</b>Indeed, how blessed are those who put their trust in King Jesus! He is victorious and reigning in Heaven.<br />
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This book receives <b>4 Stars</b> from me. I would recommend this to any who wish to learn the history of the U.N.</div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-48385400275027245462014-02-03T16:28:00.001-08:002014-02-03T16:28:17.952-08:00Catechisms & DiapersWell, I didn't manage to squeeze in two posts last month. I will try and do better in February! This month I am attempting to read <b>Always Ready <i>by Greg Bahnsen.</i></b> We shall see if I will succeed.<br /><br />So II Samuel is exclusively in cloth diapers now. Whew! It is very gratifying to do CD's. Once I ran out of disposables & wipes I just ran with it. I never even thought to do cloth wipes except that a friend gave me some at the baby shower. Now I am so glad I am. It makes it easier to just throw it all in the same pail. It just makes sense. It's a little trickier when going out, however. <a href="http://www.zany-zebra.com/cloth-wipe-solution.shtml" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to find some great idea to make a homemade "wipes solution". I like the simple water, EVOO, and castile soap. I typically do a load of CD every other night, dry them in the morning, then stuff them after they are dry. I used to just throw all the covers in one drawer and the inserts/liners in another. It is <i>so</i> much easier to stuff them and have them rolled up to just grab and go. Plus, it's simpler for Samuel when he does the occasional diaper change. <br /><br />That being said, the other day I was practicing the <a href="http://reformed.org/documents/wsc/index.html" target="_blank">Westminster Shorter Catechism</a> as I stuffed the diapers. II Samuel was sitting propped up on the bed next to me. As I asked and answered each question I would look over at him and say it to him and he would grin that precious toothless smile and coo back. Oh it was such a delightful time! It was a lot of fun to interact with him through the catechism while getting my diaper station stocked. The original reason I was interested in cloth diapers was for the economical reasons, not throwing away money, literally. But the more I read and researched, the wider my reasons became. We are to take dominion, to be good stewards of the earth, and not filling up landfills with my child's diapers is one way to go easier on the environment. It also can be gentler on the baby's bum. Plus, who knows what they actually put IN those diapers, not to mention all that bleach. We did receive regular diapers at the shower, and I was very grateful for them and the thoughtfulness of those who gave, so we used those up. But now it is such great satisfaction to do all cloth. Because I am blessed to be a "stay at home mom" and be the keeper of our home, I try and be wise and thoughtful in how to keep it. Samuel is so faithful and diligent to work so hard each week day, he can put in some <i>long</i> hours many days in a row. But it still is "one income", so I love finding ways to save us money where I can. <br /><br />I am so grateful for the lovingkindness the Lord has poured out on my life. I love days that include catechisms & diapering. I love the thought that one day I will help II Samuel memorize the catechism, but in the mean time he still hears it when I am memorizing it. It is such a joy to live this life he has given me. There were times in my life that were so dark that I couldn't imagine the days I have now. It seemed as if the burden was too great to bear. But now there is light & life in each day as I glorify the Lord in this season of life. My heart is so full of love for my Saviour, my husband, and my son! I am undeserving of the good gift my heavenly Father has bestowed on me. Praise Him for He is good!Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-41629747078623455702014-01-21T13:48:00.000-08:002014-01-21T13:48:11.713-08:00Hello 2014! - Baby, Reading List, and More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is a new year and it feels as if there is so much <i>newness</i> in general. Having II Samuel still feels new in so many ways and yet I cannot imagine life without him!<br /></div>
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I love this picture of I & II Samuel! (:</div>
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This is a picture of the first day I started cloth diapering. Look how cute that fluffy bum is!<br /></div>
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This is experiencing the Allison Christmas Tradition for the first time: Handel's Messiah.<br /></div>
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And a more recent one: Meeting Ben Swann last Friday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNsyJ_7uYFM-PUqz6PG4LJx_T4DH2z0O6VH6k78eZcmkYAan2t6bkCyFFmFZpE8rP4KKD1tEyUs78lhivT4xTEkPFPdUCYD5eRI2QQQujIQlXwk8eKoJD6OvcqIgbpVGiQS3hLUHUoPc/s1600/Houston-20140117-00981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNsyJ_7uYFM-PUqz6PG4LJx_T4DH2z0O6VH6k78eZcmkYAan2t6bkCyFFmFZpE8rP4KKD1tEyUs78lhivT4xTEkPFPdUCYD5eRI2QQQujIQlXwk8eKoJD6OvcqIgbpVGiQS3hLUHUoPc/s1600/Houston-20140117-00981.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5tEAkpkl-QX5kF07DpWgMps6aIsof08Mo1mxTSSnWJxrygFbM2n_HmslAqfW3xVvfp-1UnG5XFktcigSnnUWJbBgOtc0yB5SzysvmugvGnYWG2CxoeW5fAvS1ZxCt_7d7lp7M7txl30/s1600/Houston-20140117-00978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5tEAkpkl-QX5kF07DpWgMps6aIsof08Mo1mxTSSnWJxrygFbM2n_HmslAqfW3xVvfp-1UnG5XFktcigSnnUWJbBgOtc0yB5SzysvmugvGnYWG2CxoeW5fAvS1ZxCt_7d7lp7M7txl30/s1600/Houston-20140117-00978.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was at a Liberty Forum for discussion of candidates ranging from Republican's to Libertarian's. II Samuel behaved wonderfully, even though we were there from 5:30-11:15pm!! Not to mention car times from an hour + one way. This baby is a champ and was certainly a popular little man there. He got so many compliments that night, more than any other time we have gone out. (: Methinks liberty-minded folks must like babies, despite the bad rap most get, ha. His cuteness and dashing hat might have contributed a bit. (;<br /><br />I also have a new Reading List for 2014:<br /></div>
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The Death of Death in the Death of Christ – John
Owen<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Green This - Deirdre Imus<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
Excellent Wife - Martha Peace<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last
Days Madness - Gary Demar<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Leading
Little Ones to God – Schoolland<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Always
Ready – Greg Bahnsen<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Chosen
by God – R.C. Sproul Sr.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Rushdoony
Book<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Nullification
– Tom Woods<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->End the
Fed Freedom Under Siege – Ron Paul<br /></div>
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I just completed my book for January, <b>The Fearful Master by G. Edward Griffin</b>. Hopefully I'll have time to write a review in the next week or so. I decided whatever book by Rushdoony I tackled would be subject to change based on what I was interested in at the time. And the same with the Ron Paul book. I'd like to read one of his books a year until I finish them all one day. (: But John Owen? We shall see if I end up tackling this book... I originally wanted to try reading The <b>Institutes of the Christian Religion</b>, but since I am in a bible study where we are going through <b>The Institutes of Biblical Law</b> I figured I didn't want to overwhelm myself all at once! Maybe next year. As I did last year, I only included 10 books to give myself time to think of 2 others. I have already finished the one mentioned above, upon the recommendation of my sweet husband.<br /><br />I also have a list of "Resolutions" for the new year, which I won't share here other than my blogging goal: two blog twice a month (Once, check!) and reading one book a month. I may share at the end of the year whether I failed or succeeded in my resolutions.<br /><br />One new thing I am looking forward to experience is our trip we are planning for May of this year. Lord willing, we want to attend our Church's Presbytery/Family Camp and in the midst of that visit the AiG's Creation Museum. <br /><br />What are some things you are looking forward to this year?</div>
<o:p></o:p>Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-55987086714387878002013-12-30T12:55:00.000-08:002013-12-30T12:55:18.286-08:0010 Books That Have Stuck With MeA friend tagged me in a post on Facebook, a "Bookish Game" as she called it, which she answered then tagged us to answer as well: What 10 books have stuck with you?<br /><br />I have been pondering this since last night. I could do 10 recent books, more impressive, more in alignment with what I think and believe now, or I could just be more vulnerable and honest. Choosing books that have helped to shape who I am today, in small and big ways, depending on the book. So I am. And instead of just listing the titles on facebook, I wanted to expound a little on why I chose the ones I did. I prefer to give a more lengthy answer on a blog than merely on facebook. Those who were curious enough to click the link can read more.<br /><br />Please note, the scriptures have "stuck with me" the most, so it receives the highest regard. But this is a list that have supplemented the scriptures.<br /><br /><b>Ten Books That Have Stuck With Me:</b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>David Livingston Biography</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Little Pilgrims Progress</b></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b><b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Authentic Beauty</b> </b> </b></span></div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>
</b></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Mere Christianity</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b><b>Tortured for Christ</b> </b></span></div>
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>
</b></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Law & Liberty</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;"><b>Westminster Confession of Faith</b></span> </b></div>
<b>
</b><b>
</b><b>
</b><b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: lime;"><b>William The Baptist</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;"><b>Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of
America</b></span> </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><b>Apostate</b></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><b> </b></span> </b>I have color coded the books in order of the time of life I read them. <span style="color: red;">Red<span style="color: black;"> books were ones I read in my younger years, specifically "junior high" age.</span></span> I don't remember which I read first, possibly <span style="color: red;"><i>Little Pilgrims Progress</i></span>, which was part of the school curriculum my mom bought. I wasn't required to read it, I was just intrigued by the title. I never heard of John Bunyan, and this particular book was very close to the original, just updated for younger readers to grasp, and a slight modernization of language. (I read the original a few years back). It was very likely the first "Meaty" book I ever read by myself and I've never forgotten it. I still can picture the cover of the hardback book, little Christian on a path toward the celestial city. It was my first taste of the realities of Christian living, and though it took many years for me to actually understand the ramifications, I know the Lord had me read it then to plant the seeds in my life to grow later. The <span style="color: red;"><i>David Livingston Biography</i></span> I read shook me to my core. I was absolutely enthralled with this selfless, courageous, disciplined, man of God and his life! But it also absolutely terrified me. I hated the thought of becoming a missionary and did NOT want God to "make me be a missionary" as I thought back then. I was also acutely aware of the fact that this man was everything I was not, I was selfish, scared, and very undisciplined. Though this is a very <i>mild</i> biography of David Livingston, as I have come to find out this past September (due to Peter Hammond's talks given on his life), I am grateful to have read this simpler biography many years ago. It turns out the heart and theology of Dr. Livingston was incredibly more robust than I ever knew. I am highly in favor of naming a son after this mighty man of the faith! His life and story has impacted me and I've thought of it very often over the years. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Orange<span style="color: black;"> books were ones I read during my "high school" age.</span></span> A dear friend of mine had asked me if I wanted to do a bible study with her, <span style="color: orange;"><i>Authentic Beauty<span style="color: black;">, </span></i><span style="color: black;">and this book was one that literally rocked my world. Through reading this book and doing the study, I came face to face with the ugliness of my own sin and pride. It was using this book that the Lord began to change my heart and I began to understand what love and grace truly meant. I prayed my first "Calvinistic" prayer (hah!), by being utterly honest with God and <i>telling Him that either He was who He said He was in His word, or He was the wimpy God I knew through church and the shallowness of everyone around... so I told Him, I don't enjoy reading your word, and I think I know pretty much all there is to know about You... and I can't stand to believe in a god like that, so IF You are who you say You are in Your word (<u>that I thought I knew well! hah!</u>), then reveal Yourself to me, and give me a desire to read and love Your word!</i></span></span><i> </i>It is here I will link you to an older blog post where there is a <a href="http://catchingmereglimpses.blogspot.com/2010/02/holiness-holey-ness.html" target="_blank">Quote From Ludy Book</a>, though it is after high school, it is a excerpt from one of their books, not sure if it's from Authentic Beauty or not. It portrays my thoughts after reading things such as this. In any event, I came face to face with the reality of my faith and realized how puny it was, how I knew so little of the cross, and that I could care less about reading the bible (but I never would have admitted that to ANYONE at the time, I was the "Angel" Christian). How faithful God is in drawing me unto Himself and bringing friends into my life to give me good reading that would convict and be a tool to change my life. His Spirit was doing such a work in me at the time! <i><span style="color: orange;">Mere Christianity<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">is one I read that prompted me to realize believing in Christ & His Word was more than "blind faith", but there is so much more intellectually. I never thought much about apologetics until I took a class at one church, then read this work of Lewis'. It was a whole new world to look at the bible and realize there was such depth to it! Without reading a few works of C.S. Lewis, I never could have been ready to read Bahnsen or Rushdoony (let alone Van Til, which I read an article of his <i>before </i>the two previous mentioned).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: yellow;">Yellow<span style="color: black;"> books were ones I read after my short duration as a student at Texas A&M. (After Fall 2010). <i><span style="color: yellow;">Tortured for Christ</span></i> was one that left me speechless. Here I wrote a little one it in <a href="http://catchingmereglimpses.blogspot.com/2011/04/to-be-as-this-sister-was.html" target="_blank">This Blog Post</a>. This sparked a passion in me to live and be content where God had me (which was a very difficult place at the time), and a new understanding that to suffer for Christ was not something to be resistant to, but rather to walk the path God had ordained for me to walk on... suffering or no. (Hint, lot's of suffering followed, but that's another story for an in person kind of conversation). <span style="color: yellow;"><i>Law And Liberty</i><span style="color: black;"> was a jolt into the reality that God's word is for every area of life. I turned each page and said, yes... yes... yes!- I couldn't believe someone explained things so well and that I had missed so much before. Something I knew, but was slowly coming to understand was that faith was for ALL of life, and that there was a definite, amazing, and wonderful congruency between the old and new testaments. God's standard is not something that changes or passes away, it is something for me here and now, and for all men. I need to read this one again soon. (: I'll admit, I actually have not read the entire <span style="color: yellow;"><i>Westminster Confession of Faith</i><span style="color: black;">, it is a work in progress. But when I first stumbled upon this confession it was after reading an article written by Van Til, which was posted on a reformed website that I explored, seeing the confession. I was blown away! I had NO idea that such a thing existed, that faithful men of God had systematically laid out the essential truths of the Christian faith, <i>with scripture proofs</i>! All I had been exposed to were those teeny tiny little "Statements of Faith" most of the baptist churches I attended/been a member of had on their websites. I did quickly discover the London Baptist Confession too, and read it as well. Now I am a member of a church that holds to the Westminster Standards, which would have been totally foreign to me a few short years ago. My how things change!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: lime;">Green <span style="color: black;">is 2011 when I first began to be aware of a richer and deeper understanding of the scriptures and how it affected my entire life. So I was visiting different churches because I was so hungry to hear the word of God and was tired of listening to sermons online... I wanted to fellowship with those who heard the word being preached. I first visited the church I am now a member of, and the pastor (now my father in law! Again, how times change!) and he asked what questions I had after the service. I was very drawn to the Presbyterian form of government, the little I read before visiting, but just didn't know what to think of their views on baptism. So he recommended <span style="color: lime;"><i>William The Baptist<span style="color: black;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;">which was the exact introduction I needed, a short easy to read book chock full of scripture, and it helped that it was a fictional story setting to make it more engaging to read on the doctrine.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: cyan;">Blue<span style="color: black;"> is during the time I was engaged to my now husband, just over 2 years ago. <i><span style="color: cyan;">Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;">is without a doubt one of the best things I have ever read on modesty, hands down. This was during a time where I was struggling inwardly with establishing a standard of dress for myself, of which I was resolved that being pleasing to the Lord and dressing modestly was of more importance than what my clothes looked like. Not that I dressed horribly, it was just different than times before, and this "new style" or lack of style some might say, caused me a lot of grief from others. This book helped to round out my understanding considerably, and actually prompted the one of the first blog posts on this blog, <a href="http://assertionsofahousewife.blogspot.com/2012/05/modesty-modesty-modesty-modesty.html" target="_blank">Here</a>. I wrote the blog post a few months after reading the book. This book gave me more biblical understanding and reasoning for <i>why</i>, and gave me much freedom in this area. I can better articulate the "why" I dress the way I do since reading this book. Which is of utmost importance, to give a biblical reason for why you live your life the way you do!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue;">Other Blue<span style="color: black;"> (I know, I could call it royal, but whatever) is this past year. Samuel gave me <i><span style="color: blue;">Apostate<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">for my birthday this year. An excellent book! After finishing it, now months later, Samuel and I are reading it together. Kevin Swanson is such a good writer; witty, intelligent, serious, and thorough on all points. This is the book to read to get an understanding and engage in the worldview battle. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-87298417029187350892013-12-11T14:59:00.000-08:002013-12-11T14:59:46.051-08:00Year In ReviewThis is my completed reading list of 2013. Though I did not read everything I initially set out to read, I read far more than what my goal was, for that I feel accomplished. It is because of the unexpected changing of the seasons of life and my desire to grow in knowledge, understanding, and to prepare for the future. I plan to continue my reading goal of one book per month... possibly for the rest of my life. (: There are so many books I want to read and it is amazing how simply setting a goal and organizing my reading ever so slightly, has greatly helped me to read more. This has been a year of learning to be more organized. From simply meal planning, to planning for the future, keeping our home orderly, etc. it has been well worth it.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">A scale of 1-5 (Subject to change upon my own whim and will).<br />
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1) being, complete waste. Why did I finish it?<br />
2) being, minimally thought provoking/entertaining. Won’t read it again.<br />
3) being, borderline useful, mild usefulness in instruction
about the faults in it/mildly entertaining; Enough good to be challenged, grow
a little in thought. Might read it again.<br />
4) being, a really great book, useful to instruct, thought provoking/good
entertainment, very challenging, growth as a reader, way more good than bad, would recommend. Worth
reading again.<br />
5) being, found enjoyable, challenging, useful in many ways, would highly
recommend with no holding back, over all EXCELLENT book. Need to read again!</span></b><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><i>A 3 1/2 star is not as harsh as a 3, but <b>not quite deserving</b> of a 4 (a really great book), but a good book none the less.</i></span><br />
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And without further ado, the completed reading list of this Housewife (and momma!!):<br />
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<li><b>How to Read a Book, </b><i>Mortimer J. Adler <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>The Bondage of the Will, </b><i>Dr. Martin Luther <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>The Westing Game, </b><i>Ellen Raskin <b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Easy Chairs, Hard Words, </b><i>Doug Wilson <b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>The Last Disciple, </b><i>Hank Hanegraaff <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>The Revolution: A Manifesto, </b><i>Dr. Ron Paul <span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></i></li>
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<li><b>Beautiful Babies,</b><i> Kristen Michaelis <b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>The Last Sacrifice, </b><i>Hank Hanegraaff <span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></i></li>
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<li><b>The Harsh Truth About Public Schools, </b><i>Bruce Shortt </i><i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></i></li>
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<li><b>Heroes of the Holocaust: True Stories of Rescues by Teens, </b><i>Allan Zullo </i><i><span style="color: orange;"><b>4 Stars</b></span></i></li>
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<li><b>The Reward of Childhood Truth </b><i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>IndoctriNation, </b><i>Colin Gunn </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Dollar NonCents, </b><i>Peter Allison <span style="color: orange;"><b></b></span></i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Duncan's War, </b><i>Douglas Bond </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, </b><i>Ina May Gaskin </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Maternal Fitness, </b><i>Julie Tupler </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way, </b><i>Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg</i><b> </b><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Birth in Four Cultures, </b><i>Brigitte Jordan </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Changing Diapers, </b><i>Kelly Wels </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Gentle Birth Choices, </b><i>Barbara Harper </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, </b><i>R. C. Sproul Sr. </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
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<li><b>Christ-Centered Childbirth, </b><i>Kelly Townsend </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>Husband Coached Childbirth, </b><i>Dr. Robert Bradley </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4</span><span style="color: orange;"> Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>The Power of Prayer Handbook, </b><i>Peter Hammond <span style="color: orange;"><b>5</b></span></i><i><b><span style="color: orange;"> Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, </b><i>Rosaria Champagne Butterfield <span style="color: orange;"><b>5</b></span></i><i><b><span style="color: orange;"> Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>Blood Money: The Civil War & The Federal Reserve, </b><i>John Remington Graham</i><b> </b><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>Breastfeeding & Fertility, </b><i>Jenny Silliman </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in Trenches, </b><i>Rachel Jankovic <span style="color: orange;"><b>3 1/2</b></span></i><i><b><span style="color: orange;"> Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>Apostate, </b><i>Kevin Swanson </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>Breastfeeding: A Parents Guide, </b><i>Amy Spanger </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">5 Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>On Becoming BabyWise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nigh Time Sleep, </b><i>Gary Ezzo </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 - 4 Stars</span></b></i></li>
<li><b>The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, </b><i>Le Leche League International </i><i><b><span style="color: orange;">3 1/2 Stars</span></b></i><b><span style="color: orange;"></span></b></li>
</ol>
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You can go through the archives of my blog to read the reviews, or click here to view my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19293522-leah" target="_blank">GoodReads profile</a>.<br />
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Currently I am reading <b>The Cure of Souls, <i>R.J. Rushdoony, </i>The Other Baby Book, <i>Megan McGrory Massaro</i></b> as well <i>slowly </i>going through the <b>Westminster Confession Study Guide<i> by G.I. Williamson</i></b>. That is more of a long term reading, since I am using it in more of a "devotional" way, reading small bits. Before II Samuel was born I read it with my bible reading. Now I just read it occasionally while nursing my precious baby boy, even reading aloud to him so he benefits from the rich systematic teaching of my beloved bible! I'm also reading through <b>The Institutes of Biblical Law <i>by Rushdoony</i></b> as the book to go with a ladies bible study I recently joined (and after one week, already loving both the time to discuss & learn with other ladies, but to be extremely challenged by such a book as this!).<br />
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Also, what could be more fitting than drinking a cup of tea as I plink away at updating this post? This is a delicious and exotically interesting tea blend called, "Sweet Cinnamon Spice" of the Tazo brand. Yum! A dear friend gave me a lot of teas when she came and visited II Samuel and I. She knows I love tea! Very rarely do I find a tea that doesn't need anything added to it. Maybe I should do tea reviews too? Haha, just kidding. (:<br /><br />Here is my original book list:<br />
<strike><b>How to Read a Book, </b><i>Adler & Doren</i><b> </b>- 346 <i>(11 pages a day)</i></strike><br />
<strike><b>The Bondage of the Will, </b><i>Dr. Martin Luther</i> - 260 <i>(9 pages a day)</i></strike><br />
<b>Nullification, </b><i>Tom Woods</i> - 266 <i>(8 1/2 pages a day)</i><br />
<b>Last Days Madness, </b><i>Gary Demar</i> - 442 <i>(15 pages a day)</i><br />
<strike><b>Dollar Noncents, </b><i>Peter Allison</i> - 155<i> (5 pages a day)</i></strike><br />
<b>The Excellent Wife, </b><i>Martha Peac</i><i>e</i> - 249 <i>(8 1/2 pages a day)</i><br />
<b>The Creature from Jekyll Island, </b><i>G. Edward Griffin </i>- 588<i> (19 pages a day)</i><br />
<strike><b>Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, </b><i>R.C. Sproul (Sr.) </i>- 287<i> (9 pages a day)</i></strike><br />
<strike><b>The Revolution <i>a Manifesto</i>, </b><i>Dr. Ron Paul</i> - 167 <i>(5 1/2 pages a day)</i></strike><br />
<b>The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, </b><i>John Owen</i> - 309 <i>(10 pages a day)</i><br />
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I find it interesting that I finished exactly half of what I intended to read. I still want to read these titles, and perhaps I will finish them in 2014. As for kicking off my reading goal, I did stay the course of reading X amount of pages each day for the first few months. Then I found out I was pregnant. Then I started reading multiple books, sigh. That nasty habit weasled its way back into my reading regime. But even so, I accomplished far more reading than I set out to do, and wanting to learn as much about labor/pregnancy/birth/postpartum really motivated me! For that I count it as a blessing, even if I did not stick to my original plan rigidly. But part of finishing so many books was being flexible<i>, </i>and part of having a rigid regime enabled me to begin at all. Both styles of reading were beneficial to me this year.<br /><i><br /></i>There is no way I can pick one favorite. I enjoyed them all, though I did like some better than others. I am hard-pressed to choose a "favorite" and instead point to my ratings as a guess as to which ones I liked better than others. (;<br /><br />I thank the Lord for giving me the perseverance to accomplish my 12 book reading goal, and go even further beyond what I thought I could finish. I have grown mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually as a result of reading this vast array of book titles! They all impacted me in very different ways, yet I'm grateful to have read them all. <br />
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Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-88473602994284136742013-12-11T13:18:00.000-08:002013-12-11T13:18:27.275-08:00Baby (Has Been) HERE! Well, lookie here,<br />
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Birthday was November 14th, 2013 at 10:47am. (: His name is Samuel Rutherford Allison II. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. Length 21 1/2''. Apgar score was 9/10!<br />
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There is so much to say, so much to write, and less time to say it all. As I type these words my precious bundle of joy is laying on my chest sleeping contentedly. I don't always like to lay him down in his co-sleeper crib because I love holding him so much! And since I am simply tapping away at a keyboard, I can hold him easily (as opposed to dishes, or say eating, lol!) thanks to my boppy billow from a friend! He is so precious. I can <i>still</i> hardly believe he is here in my arms after so many months of preparing, waiting, and praying for him. (:<br />
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For the record, I am working on writing out his Birth Story and will share it on this blog, as well as a 2013 Complete Book List Post. Both of which I hope to post before December is over. They are both a work in progress. <br />
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About this baby, and life with him. It is humbling. <i>Extremely humbling</i>. From day one of his life it has taught me this deep reliance on my sovereign Lord, realizing <i>ever more</i> how I am <b>not</b> the one in control, but that I depend upon the Lord and His graciousness toward me. It has made me acknowledge in so many moments that He is the one who holds us in His hands. For example needing this baby to poop and pass all that meconium. Yes, cue the parent blog posts talking about poop! I am <i>that </i>mom now. It really was crazy how badly we were waiting for him to poop, wondering if his diapers were wet enough, and wondering if he was getting enough to eat! He lost 4 oz. by the second day. Then Day 3 he had an explosion! Like, his diaper could not contain it and it went ALL over and up his back, right when Grandma Sue arrived for her first visit, LOL! My sweet and selfless husband cleaned the baby up and managed to save the Onsie my bestie Hannah gave to him. And I'm talking the black, tarry, sticky, so hard to clean up poop. You know if you're a mom, and you'll know when you have a baby. O_o Since then he has produced a <i>massive</i> amount of soiled diapers, praise the Lord! And when he wasn't, I was silently praying to the Lord in each moment, not wanting to worry, but to cast all my cares and anxieties on the Lord. And at his two week visit he gained TWO WHOLE POUNDS! And grew to 22 3/4''. Apparently, according to my midwife, they typically hope for babies to gain <i>half a pound</i> in the first two weeks. (: He's eating like an Allison already!<br />
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It is surreal to me that I could love a little person so much. It has also been amazing how Samuel and I's relationship has grown deeper and sweeter. I love him even more, and it continually surprises me how I could possibly love him more than before! He has been so selfless, so sacrificial, so gracious, so loving, so very patient and dear to me. His tenderness has touched me deeply, both toward me and II Samuel. I honestly do not know what I would have done without him home the first week and half. He's been amazing. (: Still is! I look at my Samuels and my heart is so full of love for both of them. One of the best parts about mothering, so far, for me has been nursing my little one and seeing him grow on the nourishment my body is providing for him. It is indescribable. I look down at his sweet face and he looks so secure and at peace. His little baby breathing and eyes are so mesmerizing. It wasn't easy at first, but nor was it horrible. Just minor discomfort compared to some of the stories I've heard. How fearfully and wonderfully we are made, how perfect the Lord crafted mother's bodies to meet the needs of their child, I praise Him for His works are great!<br />
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It's constantly a learning process for us all. It's been interesting to implement some of the things I read about before. You could say I'm somewhere in the middle between Attachment Parenting and Babywise parenting. We coslept the first two weeks, then moved him to the "Arms Reach Co-sleeper" that attaches to the side of your bed. We do a mixture of "demand" feeding and trying to establish a routine. In many other instances it's been a both/and. I don't like the concept of "baby-led" very much, because those who advocate for it seem to think the infant knows all and knows it's own needs and the parents ought to respond accordingly. On the contrary, God has given us the responsibility to care for this little one, we are accountable to Him for the way we raise this baby, so we are the ones directing this child in life according to the word of God. Even now. We were given this gift, we are entrusted with his care, so we lovingly lead this little one, nurturing him, and depending upon God for our every need (and teaching II Samuel the same!). So far I am learning to recognize some of his patterns, his little baby noises, and how to calm him down. It can be tearful sometimes, but I have a wonderful husband who is so encouraging. So I watch for when he is communicating and learning what his "cues" are, while lovingly (learning how to) guide him.<br />
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He's nearly 4 weeks old and I am ready to get on with this new normal. But it has been such a sweet time of rest and recovery. We have been abundantly blessed by so many friends and family during these first few weeks. And as I ease back into my regular life, I m thankful for the time I spent before of freezing so many meals and prepping things to make the transition easier. But oh wow, I was <i>not </i>prepared for how much more laundry a baby could produce! I'm glad I took the time to make our laundry detergent before he was born.<br />
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(Looks like a little pitcher already!)</div>
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This new season is a blessed one. In the midst of this journey called life, I pray that the Lord would continue to keep me humble, pliable, and ready to learn, grow, and change as He moves me from place to place and from season to season. It is quite a paradox, for things to seem to be changing as life goes on, and yet there is such peace, security, and stability in trusting in God's plans... especially as He has given me a steadfast husband who gives me earthly security. I am so grateful for the good gifts my heavenly Father bestows on me, especially my husband, the greatest gift I have received in this life, and second being my son. What a joy it is to rest in the knowledge and love of my Redeemer. May this life of mine be for His glory and nothing less.</div>
Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511948547049400935.post-54869538359875427412013-10-01T13:45:00.000-07:002013-10-01T13:45:17.724-07:00Pregnancy ExpectationsI keep having these thoughts and feelings of, "The baby will come at ANY time from now on." and part of it is the overwhelming peace and calm, and another part of it is, "Ok, let's get these things done!!" Since I've read a myriad of pregnancy and labor related books, my expectation is that I really do not have any preconceived expectations. I don't expect the baby to come on his "due date" and know it could be before or after, or on the due date, really any time. God has numbered the hairs on my head and He has providentially ordained when my baby will born into this world, so I am not holding onto some arbitrary date, I see it more as a motivation to have things ready and in order weeks before that date. There is such peace because I trust in the Lord and His will, not only for my salvation, my every day life, but also in labor and birth. Maybe I'll take 2 days of laboring, maybe a few hours, either way, I will draw on His strength and the support of those who He has surrounded me with.<br /><br />But what about the "nesting"? Maybe that is what it is, I've had people ask, "So have you gone into nesting mode yet?" and I've said no, because I didn't feel like I had. But this last week and a half I've felt this urgency to have some simple things prepared. Part of the craziness is waiting until the baby shower to see what things people are kind enough to gift us with, and then make a list of essentials I want in the home before the birth. Part of me thinks, "What if everyone gives me a bunch of cute stuff that I can do without?!" then we have a lot of money to spend before the baby arrives! But if I can trust the Lord with labor and birth, then I most certainly can trust Him to provide the essentials, especially since I know the Lord uses means, and one of those means is a hard working husband who loves his unborn child so fully!<br /><br />One of the non-baby related preparations I want to finish by next week is freezer meals/snacks. It's quite popular on pinterest and the food bloggers to do "40 meals in 4 hours!", but I've found that isn't very feasible for our budget, especially because I do not buy cheap meat and cheap food-like products. In fact, it's kind of annoying how 95% of freezer meals out there are so meaty. We consume about a fraction of the amount of the meat the average American family eats. And when we do, I try and find the higher quality hormone free, grass fed, free range, etc. types. So even if I wanted to do 40 meals in one Saturday and have it all done with, the meat would be far too expensive, aside from the fact that I don't want to eat meat for every meal. Mixing it in with something is more feasible. Thus, I've just been trying out a few new meals that are freezer friendly, or making some normal meals we eat that are freezer friendly, and doubling or tripling it so we can eat it for dinner, then I can freeze the rest for later. No extra work on my part, since I'm cooking dinner every night anyway, and I'm slowly stocking my freezer. Note, slowly. Which I'm ready to have it full, but this method works for me and our budget, so I'm just learning to be patient. But then that thought, "What if the baby were born NEXT week and I only have a weeks worth of freezer meals?!?!" Well then, we'll only have one week of convenience, I suppose.<br /><br />Our home is not really baby-ready yet, due to waiting on the shower. But that's ok. Come next Monday, I know that will change significantly, and come Saturday night, I'll probably have a working list for Samuel of what items I <i>think</i> we need, and then discuss what he thinks we need. (: It's all so surreal to think about because our little man is <i>almost here</i>. The exciting new season of parenthood, diapers, feeding, and learning about a little person is so close, and as excited as I am now, I cannot comprehend what joy and excitement Samuel and I will have when it actually <i>is here</i>!<br /><br />In summary, I've talked to many different people, read many different blogs, books, and advice, that the truth is, my expectations are that I don't really have set expectations. I'm ready to be flexible and just experience it all as it comes. God has been so incredibly gracious toward me throughout this whole pregnancy, that I count it all undeserved blessings. I have not been horrible sick, I have not been hindered from doing my normal routines, and He has surrounded me with so much love and support that I cannot help but be overwhelmed. This pregnancy has been one of great learning in many ways, both intensely personal, and in general, and I wouldn't trade one moment of it for anything. I've had an amazing supportive husband who has lived out his Christ-like role of <br /><br /><b>"Husbands, likewise, dwell with <em>them</em> with <span class="criteria">understanding</span>, giving honor to the <span class="criteria">wife</span>, as to the weaker vessel, and as <em id="yui-gen26">being</em> heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7</b><br />
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Truly, Samuel has been so patient, loving, and <i>understanding</i> of me. I could not ask for a more wonderful husband! As we learn and grow together in marriage, I am always so struck by how perfectly we fit together, how good the Lord was in bringing us together. Samuel is just the man I need and I know he will be just as understanding, loving, and patient after the baby arrives, as well as be a godly father to this little one. There is such a confidence and peace knowing that my baby's daddy loves him just as much as I do. I am thankful that the Lord has been so merciful to us, that we know His truth and that we desire to live lives pleasing to our Heavenly Father, for apart from His amazing grace, we would just be selfish sinners... and who knows where we might be. We know that children are blessing, we know it is our responsibility to care for their physical and spiritual well-being, we know it will be hard work, but we know we cannot do it apart from God's grace. How good the Lord is to reveal anything at all to us as a young couple. <br /><br />It is all for His glory, this pregnancy, this labor & birth, this child, and our family.Fleshing Out Vicissitudeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12274656050659409572noreply@blogger.com4