A Family Bending in Prayer Together
Ahhh… the butterscotch chip cookie crumbles into my mouth as I bite it. Hot coffee gurgles and percolates in the kitchen and I can barely wait for it to be ready! Soothing nature/instrumental melodies stream from online, and the house feels peaceful. Tousle-headed preschooler naps in his lower red bunk bed and my teens study…
Reading Someone Else’s Mail
Violins serenade in the newly-redecorated coffee-shop, emanating from an invisible sound system behind dark mahogany woodwork and high metal tubing. A last cheese Danish from the back and hot coffee are perfect companions in my window seat. The snow outside is like white turf with pebbled pavement peeking through. Lord, in my time in Jeremiah…
Swords and Dragon-Slayers (Plus a Giveaway!)
Tuareg warriors “Jen, the dagger is coming out from under the bed,” he said nonchalantly yesterday. Grabbing the tiny engraved blade, he slid the dagger back into its coffee-colored holster, and pushed it further under the bed. Two swords lay nestled under our bed. Normally the curved green and brown sword that used to hang…
Awake and Thirsty
Microsoft photos “Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been wakened by the touch of God within them.” -A. W. Tozer I want to stand in your council, God, to see and hear your words… (Jeremiah 23:18). Have any quotes grabbed your attention recently? Do you have any posted on your desk or fridge?
The Blue and the Grey, and Ashes in the Teeth
Weary soldiers in blue and grey have traipsed through our living room and minds the last few weeks. For homeschooling history we have been delving into books about the American civil war. Through soldiers’ own words recorded from 1861-1865, we’ve learned about their struggles and battles. I especially recommend Delia Ray’s book “Behind the Blue…
From Shiny Bathroom Tiles
Floor tile in Karpas, northeastern Cyprus. tile and marble at Topkapi Palace Istanbul Window Apartments of the Crown Prince in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul “Mooooooom! Mama? Maaaaaaama!” Lusty-chested bellows ricocheted off the bathroom tiles. Bath-time splashes and naval battles had subsided. “Mooooooom? I done. Maaaaaaamaaa! I done.” Even with only an inch or two…
Weary? Worn Out?
With today’s frantic pace, a common answer to the question, “How are you?” is “Busy.” Even those who strive hard to slow the pace –stemming the tide of play-dates, carpool trips, kids’ activities and appointments–often find themselves weary. Laundry piles high in my car. (Yes, the car.) There was a house-showing request earlier this week,…
Acoustic Jam
Microsoft clip art Guitar pick-work plucks melodies in dark twilight in my home today from the computer. Coffee gurgles and preschooler stacks orange slices. Most of the household sleeps. Last night, nine or ten guitars thrummed, picked, and throbbed live around us at an acoustic jam. A shiny red accordion swelled and folded along, adding…
Hoar Frost and Learning Guy-Speak
Tall hoar frost climbs high off every branch and twig. The crystallized world took us all by surprise this morning. Dazzling white bristles everything. Inside, our water pipes gurgled air or gushed black water. Puddled water downstairs yesterday alerted us to a leak. With the stores all closed at ten last night, husband simply cranked…
Cars and Castles: Parenting Teens and Toddlers
Kitchen chairs wobble high, topped with gallantly-waving blanket turrets. My teen daughter has asked for a break from homeschooling to play with her three year old brother. “I haven’t given him enough time lately, Mom,” she shares sadly. “I’m already done with my math test, creative writing, and art. Can I build him a castle?”…