being still

We had such a good day yesterday! School holidays are cherished around here. We've homeschooled up until this year and I think we just really miss each other. We miss being together. One of the things I noticed yesterday about myself was that I felt calm. We didn't have to be anywhere at any specific time. No rushing to the car. No rushing out of the car. No rushing to the potty before getting into the car (times 4). I know it's unrealistic for me to declare everyday a holiday. And I know that just because I do have to rush my kids out the door from time to time doesn't mean I'm doing something wrong as a mom. It's just part of life. For goodness sake! There are 6 of us under this roof. Things are going to be hectic at times. But I know that stillness is good for me.

My big brother preached a message recently on the book of Ruth and something he said has stuck in my head during these past months of craziness for our family.

"'Spread the corner of your garment over me' (Ruth 3:9), needs to be the prayer of our hearts every single day."

I loved this! I can just imagine Ruth at Boaz's feet, waiting to be rescued from her state of affairs. Back in those days, being a young widow without any family to speak of was not a good thing--we think we have financial or social hurdles to overcome. Yet we read of her quietly waiting at Boaz's feet, very aware of her need to be rescued.

I want to live like this. Right at Jesus' feet crying out daily, "Spread the corner of your garment over me." Every time I try to rescue myself it doesn't work and I end up frustrated with myself or with my kids--the poor things.

Yesterday was a good reminder for me to be still once in awhile and to ask Jesus to cover me with His grace.

remember

As I glanced through one of my journals tonight, I saw this page from last winter.

It resonated with me once again...

"Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:
The faithful love of the LORD never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning."
--Lamentations 3:21-23

Let me not forget His mercies, for I keep a grip on hope when I remember.

around the house

Here are a few random shots that I took around the house last month, if anyone is interested...if anything, my mom will be. :)

This is the living room from the front door.

Looking into the dining room from the living room

Looking into the living room from the dining room

Looking into the dining room from the kitchen--there used to be a wall there. I love my new view!

My room

In the upstairs hallway looking into 2 of the bedrooms

View of the front yard from the living room window

I know this is blurry, but I wanted you all to check out our view tonight...I had to zoom in so you could see the mountain.

I know you can't tell from this picture, but its peak was a bright, bright pink at dusk.