a blessing

May the good LORD

choose you like Abraham

remember you like Sarah

bless you like Isaac

multiply you like Jacob

elevate you like Joseph

expand your territory like Jabez

answer you like Elijah

prosper you like Solomon

and love you like David.

my favorite kids Bible studies

I am often asked what my favorite Bible studies are for kids. I thought I would post it here as a resource for others when someone is looking for ideas of how to share God's word with their kids.

I believe that you can start this habit early with your kids. Time with God can and should be part of our every day life with our children. When my kids were just toddlers/preschoolers, I found a great devotional. We even used it in pre-k and kindergarten.This is still my favorite book for little ones. We read ours MANY times (even broke the binding). It uses real life stories to help kids learn to obey and have a heart for God. It is not a Bible story book, but more situational. We used ours as part of our story time in the evenings. To help the kids stay engaged, you hunt for "Nightlight" a little glow worm on each page. You can order it from Amazon for about $10 new (HERE).


We have also tried the God and Me devotionals HERE (for girls - the boys version is Gotta Have God HERE).
These are also situational books for kids. They break them down into different age levels, 2-5 year olds (can't do with out parents help), 6-9 year olds (my older kids have even done these) and then 10-12 year olds. They also have a second book for each of these levels (like God and Me 2). My girls are old enough to do these on their own and we have done several of them.There is a little story, a verse or passage to read, questions to answer and then some kind of activity or craft. My kids have really enjoyed these. If you are looking for something that your kids can do on their own to start the habit of alone time with God each day, I would recommend these. Also about $10 each and you can find them on Amazon or in some Christian book stores. I also get these at homeschool conventions and have found them at yard sales or Goodwill.



My all time favorite is the Precepts for kids series (HERE or HERE). I have shared about them several times before (HERE). But it is worth mentioning again. This year we are studying the names of God (God, What's Your Name? - HERE) and we have all really enjoyed the study. These are a bit more advanced. Even though they say they are for kids 8-12, I really couldn't see my 8 year old doing these on her own. We do them together for group study time.

These books teach your child (and you too) to study God's word. How to really study scripture at such a young age. What a fantastic thing. We read the bible passage, mark the text, and answer the questions. We work through these slowly and don't ever do a "days lesson" in one day. We usually take several days to accomplish the lesson. I usually do the reading and they do the writing. I absolutely love these books. I can see older kids (older than 12) still benefiting from them.

Just wanted to share some of the tools we have used to hide God's word in our hearts. I have been recently challenged of how purposeful I need to be to do this with my kids.

You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.

You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

I must share the truths from His word

I have shared before of how blessed I have been to have found Precepts Bible studies. If you have followed the Peapod for awhile, I have mentioned before (HERE) how much we appreciate these study books. I just started a new book with the girls for our Bible time for school. This year we decided to study, God, What's Your Name? by Kay Arthur (found HERE). We are learning about the importance of calling on the name of God. Today we studied Psalm 20 and I wanted to share the truths that we wrote down about God.

• May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.

• May the name of God set you securely on high.

• May He send you help from the sanctuary and support you from Zion.

• May He remember all your meal offerings and find your burnt offering acceptable.

• May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill your counsel.
  

• May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

• The Lord saves His anointed.

• He answers from His holy heaven.

• May the King answer us in the day we call.

I found incredible comfort in these truths today. I can stand on God's Word and know that He is faithful. God's name is my victory and my salvation. I will call upon His name. As we spend this year studying God's names, I am sure I will share what I have learned and hopefully this will also bless many of you.

I can see God's mighty hand working already

One of our hesitations for finally taking that leap of faith and starting the adoption process has been finances. Let's be honest, it costs a LOT. And not many families have large amounts of cash stashed between the mattresses. I thought that I had it all figured out that we could use our extra money from our last home sale to help begin the financial part of the adoption process. Well, let's recap. Like everyone else in the country, we took a huge hit when we sold that house. We did not walk away with our adoption "nest egg" like I had hoped we would have.

God continued to call our family to step out in faith, not resting on our own ideas of how we could fund an adoption, but completely trusting Him. We recently started filling out paperwork and getting more specific quotes on what different stages of the process would cost. I knew the first large sum of money would be spent on the homestudy. We would have to complete that first before we could really do any other paper chasing.

Now to get to back to the mighty hand of God working part...

Somehow when we closed on selling our last home, we failed to cancel our homeowners insurance. We had recently discovered this mistake and canceled it and then we were notified that we would be getting a refund for the extra that had been paid and not used. When our refund check came in the mail it was for the same amount of the cost of a homestudy. A beautiful, gentle reminder to trust my Maker. Just a few days later we filled out our application (after MUCH investigating of different agencies) for the Ethiopian program with an international agency.

I was so blessed and amazed at how God provided our need. How could I doubt that He would provide in His way, not mine? I surrender to doing life God's way, not mine. He never shows up late. His timing is always perfectly on time. May God receive the glory !!!

Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.

I've shared before -

- how important studying God's Word is in my life. I have found what works for me is to study along with the online lessons over at Precepts for Life (HERE). I may not be able to get my studies done every day but there is a few weeks of archive lessons on the Light Source site (HERE) so I can catch up when I have time. I just finished up the study in the book of Isaiah and it was fantastic. It did take me almost 9 months to finish it (I got a little distracted with moving and all). I am also finishing up the recent study in Philippians - Count it all Joy. I am trying hard to squeeze in the study on God's Glory (it has been amazing). I want to catch up because I would like to do the Daniel study next.

There are some days I do really well with studying my lesson first before I watch the video of Kay Arthur online. And other days, I only have time to listen to the online lesson. Either way, I have my Bible out and I am digging into God's Word.

My ultimate desire is to live a life that pleases God. To know His truths. To live in a way that points others to Him. To obey the statutes that are found in the Bible.

I was scrolling through my recent posts, just wondering what someone might see if they stopped by for a visit. I am sure that my passions are obvious. I love my kids. I am committed to my husband. I thrive on organization. I am grateful for God's Earth and I desire to care for it. If there is any way to be thrifty, I will find it. Homeschooling my kids is a top priority of my day. I am a tree hugger, composting, recycling kind of gal. I enjoy being creative and making life fun. I am determined to find the positive side of life.

All of those are part of who I am. BUT, my ultimate purpose in my life is to live for God's glory. And above all else, that is my goal. To hear, well done. To demonstrate to those around me (especially my kids) that I strive to have the attitude of Christ. And to encourage others to do the same. It isn't easy...and I make a lot of mistakes. But that is my biggest passion, living in a way that pleases God.

Starting a new Precepts study

For anyone interested, I am starting a new Precepts study. It just started this week and it doesn't look like it will be longer than a month. The study is called "Count it All Joy", a study in Philippians. If you want to join me, find me over at my other blog. HERE

Pivotal Circumstances - testimony part 5

Well...this is the last part of this 5 part testimony. And to be honest, I am so glad to end on this particular part. As I ponder all of these 5 points, this is one that God has used maybe the most for me. I would venture out to say that most of us can put our finger on at least one PIVOTAL CIRCUMSTANCE where we were forced to look in God's direction. May it be a job loss, the death of someone, a miscarriage, an illness or some other event that caused us to turn toward God and grow because of it. Often PIVOTAL CIRCUMSTANCES are negative events that bring us to our knees in obedience to our Maker.

Again, I have more than one event that comes to mind, but I will share about one. I have touched on this before but I have to mention it again in light of my testimony. I am one of the many women that has struggled with infertility. There was a time in my life that more than anything, I longed to become a mom. And even though that was the desire of my heart and a prayer of mine, it wasn't a quick and easy answer. It was a season of my life that was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. Longing for something, feeling like this was a calling on your life, and yet not being blessed in the area of children. I mentioned my prayer journal before, and at this time, it was full of crying out to God, longing for a positive answer and having to accept God's answer of not now. During this season of my life, I was learning to want God's will more than mine. Learning to trust in His perfect timing. Learning to lean on His strength and not my own. Learning to truly accept it, if the answer was no.

I look back on it and to be honest, it is still painful to think about. I am so thankful that God did allow us the blessing of children. And a blessing they truly are. God grew my faith in leaps and bound in those years. Such hard growing times, but I am so thankful that God allowed me to go through those hard times. I am a different person because of it, and hopefully a better mom to my children. God knew the right time for me to enter motherhood, and we are still trusting Him if it is His will to grow our family. So far, our 2 girls are our current blessings, but if the Lord wills we are looking to Him to bless again. It may not be in our time, or with our ideas, but I know that God knows what is best for us. Again, learning to trust, learning to wait, learning to want God's will more than my own.

Still hoping that some of you out there will share at least one point of your testimony, an area that God used to grow your faith. May it be PRACTICAL TEACHING, PROVIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS, PRIVATE DISCIPLINES, PERSONAL MINISTRY OR PIVOTAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

Private Disciplines - testimony part 3

OK friends, we are halfway there with the 5 points of my testimony. Hopefully you are staying with me and enjoying getting to know me in a new way. As I mentioned before, this sermon series that I recently heard mentioned 5 different areas that God tends to use to grow our faith. Most people can point to one or more of these in their own life that God has used to draw them closer to Him. As I heard this series I thought of different examples for each of these and I really liked thinking through my testimony in these categories.

This third area is PRIVATE DISCIPLINES. Some examples of these PRIVATE DISCIPLINES might be where your faith really grew after you were more consistent with alone time with God, or daily prayer time or maybe even fasting or tithing to God. Again, I can share about a few of these that have been significant areas of growth for me. Looking back over the years, a PRIVATE DISCIPLINE that God has used is prayer journaling. I have often kept a prayer journal where I write down my prayers to God, where I cry out to Him. Not just a list of requests, but actually writing out the prayer as I was praying it. As I read back through these prayer journals, I see such a variety of different highs and lows, trials and blessings and how through it all I was learning to communicate to my heavenly Father. I was learning to go to Him instead of going to a friend, or a family member. I was learning that God is faithful, that His Word is true. Learning to invest in the most important relationship. I have kept all those prayer journals and they are like precious love letters, like a window into my connections with God.

I have often desired to have a deeper prayer life. I have been challenged to take God's Word at face value and spend time in secret prayer with God each day. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. I still have a ways to go on this area. I know that God is still growing me here, and I have learned that growing pains hurt a bit.

Providential Relationships - testimony part 2

Thought I would add part 2 to my testimony here on the blog. As I share a little bit of each of these 5 areas that tend to be ways or tools that God uses to grow our faith, you might find yourself thinking about your own personal testimony. Let me challenge you to share your testimony on your blog (if you have one). I remember one day clicking from blog to blog and I found one that had a side button that basically said "Click HERE for my testimony". Of course I clicked and was immediately blessed to read about how God had worked in some one's life to draw them closer to Him. I still follow that blog to this day and it has been neat to see God continually work in that person's life.

As I think back through different relationships that I have had with people, there is one in particular that I think of as a PROVIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP. Now I am sure I could go on and on about different friends that have influenced me in positive ways, but I want to share about just one PROVIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP. This is a person that God put in my path, that forever changed my future. Kind of like a God ordained connection.

I already shared in part one of my testimony that I grew up in a positive Christian home and we were involved in different churches along the years. When I was in high school, we were attending a church with an active youth group and that youth group is where I found most of my close friends and connections. When I was a freshman, I approached a youth leader (not even the youth pastor, just a lay leader) to see if she would be interested in "mentoring" or disciplining me. She graciously said yes and that began a PROVIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP. We met almost every Saturday morning, often with another friend of mine, for breakfast. We went through different Bible study type books from time to time, in fact I don't really remember any one in particular. I just remember our times together. Where she encouraged me and spurred me on to a deeper relationship with Christ. God used that friendship in a significant way to give me a thirst for the Word and a hunger for that close relationship with Himself. I saw in her a woman who loved her Lord and lived for Him.

I am grateful for the time that my dear friend Lesli took to invest in me. I know it was a sacrifice on her part. Time away from her family and her life. Time to spend with an awkward teen age girl who was trying to find her way.

I love how God allows us to walk along the path with others in life and do life together. It makes me think of 2 things. One, I need to be willing to invest in others. To take them out, and treat them to a meal every now and then. To be interested in someone other than myself. To hopefully be that kind of an example to someone else. Two, I need to make sure I expose my kids to others that can be that kind of an influence on them. Not to feel threatened by the friendship, but grateful for the person who will invest in them and be their PROVIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP.

Practical Teaching - testimony part 1

I have recently heard a sermon series on 5 points that grow our faith. It has been interesting to hear these 5 different things that God tends to use to increase our relationship with Him. After listening to this series, I thought it might be nice to share my testimony on my blog here. I always find it really interesting to hear about how someone has grown closer to God, it somehow opens a new door to their inner thoughts and situations. So I will share a little bit about these 5 things in my own life.

The first point I will share about is PRACTICAL TEACHING. I was actually born on the mission field (my parents were missionaries in another country) and I grew up as a pastors daughter (my dad had several churches when I was little). I have been surrounded by godly, christian influences and PRACTICAL TEACHING my whole life. And all of that definitely had an influence on me and my personal relationship with God.

I am a product of going to public school my whole life and when I graduated high school I wanted to attend a Bible college. I always wanted to go to a christian school and it never worked out for me for my younger years so I was grateful when God opened the door to attend a Bible college. I wanted a place where I would be surrounded by lots of biblical teaching. I chose a Bible college in the south where my sister was attending (loved it when I went to visit her). And it was in this college where I met Chuck.

All of these things were definitely influences in my life, but the biggest one was yet to come. I have shared before about how I have really enjoyed Precepts Bible studies (and even more recently the Precepts study online). About a year ago, I did my first Precepts Bible study in the book of Daniel and it was fantastic. I have really enjoyed the style of study with looking for key words and phrases and marking the text with colors. I have enjoyed listening to Kay Arthur daily on the computer or on the local TV station. It has been good for me to saturate myself in the truth of God's Word. It really has been a significant influence on my relationship with God, learning more about Him and responding in obedience to the truths.

I will be honest, it takes time and endurance. In the last year I have studied the book of Daniel (took about 5 months), did a study called "Life in the Spirit", book of Ephesians, America at the Crossroads, and now I am still studying Isaiah (since early fall). It takes discipline to get my studies out and carve out the time in my schedule to sit down and open my notebook and study the text, and then take the time to listen to Kay share on the text. There are times I don't want to do it, or times I get busy, but I am gently called back to the Word. And because of that, my life will forever be changed. For my life, God has used this tool as a way to draw me ever closer to Him. I don't think I could have endured last year (which was one of the hardest years of my life) without the depth of studying God's word.

So I do agree that PRACTICAL TEACHING has been a tool in my life that God has used to make me more of who He longs for me to be. Next, I plan on sharing about PROVIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS, people that God has used to mold me.

Precepts for Kids

I was asked by a friend to share some information on the Precepts books that I use with our kids. So instead of just sharing with her...I thought I would post about it and let you all in on it.

Just a year ago, we (the girls and I) took our first Precepts class at a local church. I didn't know a soul there and I dove right in and took the plunge on that opportunity. It turned out to be a pivotal circumstance for me. It opened the door to the one of the best Bible study tools I have ever used. Although studying God's word wasn't new to me, using this method (of marking the text with key words) was new. I felt a little "green" as I started and I wasn't quite sure what I was to be marking, but after a little while, I quickly caught on (the lessons tell you which key words to mark and how to mark them).

This post is more specifically about the Precepts for Kids books. We have now completed 3 different ones. We are finishing up with Lord Teach Me to Pray (HERE). (HERE is the list of different book choices). This book uses the Lords Prayer as a model of how to pray. It takes the Lord's prayer and breaks it down to different categories : Worship, Allegiance, Submission, Petition and Intercession, Confession and Forgiveness, Deliverance and then Worship again.

In studying this we learned some names of God so when we worship we know who we are worshiping. This part was one of my favorites. It was such a blessing to call out to Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides) as we were trying to sell our house last year. Or to lean on Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who heals) as my dad was recovering from heart surgery. We made a booklet about His names and use it during our prayer time.

The Precepts for Kids books are geared toward mid grade school and up for ages. We use them together for school and I do most of the reading but the kids do the marking of the texts (observation worksheets). They have really gotten into this step. It can be a little slow and lengthy but they really enjoy it and I think for kids who are visual learners it helps to remember what you have read.
The books also include fun pages with games and puzzles on it that are fun too. Just different ways to learn what the lesson is teaching. The books re broken up into weeks (chapters) and then each week is broken up into days. Though we often take more than one "day" to finish a "day". The book we are on is 4 weeks with 7 days for each week. We have been working on it for a few months though (helps to stretch it out).
Another tool that is used in the books is to sketch or draw a picture that relates to a passage. Of course the kids really like this too.This passage was learning about the man who trusts in the Lord and how he is blessed. He is like a tree planted by the water.

Just a few notes on this particular study...my kids (and myself) are praying in new ways. We spend more time praising God for who He is. Once Tally noted that she thought we would never pray the same after this study. We are more aware of praying according to God's will.

These books have been a blessing to us. The truth is...it takes an effort to teach your kids the most important things. Yes, school is very important, but teaching my kids the Word of God is the most important investment I can make. And to teach at this young precious age is worth the time it takes. These books have been a consistent in training our character. The reading and writing and arithmetic will all come...but character is KEY.

Blessings

I am just finishing up a series of studies in the book of Isaiah (HERE) and I have been so blessed by the truths of God's word. The last few lessons have gently reminded me that there are blessings in our enemies and blessings in our illnesses. As I was going through this study, I couldn't help but think that there are blessings in difficult times too. When we are struggling, in any way, it is a chance for us to turn to God. When those times challenge our faith it shows us who we are trusting in. Where our comfort is. Those hard times drive us to the Almighty God. God has His perfect purpose for our circumstances. It is not to divide us or weaken us, but to strengthen us. To make us more of who He wants us to be. To allow us to respond in EVERYTHING with a Christ-like attitude. Ultimately to refine us.

I am just loving how God is always working. Loving His blessings. No matter how they come.

blessed

If you only knew how hard it is for me to post something real and honest like yesterday's post. It is hard for me to show any kind of struggle and I always run the risk of someone trying to be helpful with their words but end up come across as uncaring.

Oh how I was so blessed by your friendship both on the blog here and on FB. Blessed by friends praying for me, encouraging me, reaching out in comforting friendship. I love how I can be encouraged by virtual strangers. By some of you that I have never even met, but because you took the time to write an uplifting note, you were part of the blessing. You were used in such a powerful way to come along side me and lift me up. Handing me that cup of water as I am finishing up the marathon just trying to put one foot in front of the other. I am so grateful for you all. Thank you so much.

Truth be told, as I got started in my studies yesterday in my Precepts Bible lesson (still studying Isaiah), I was so blessed by the Word. Blessed by the truths that I find comfort in. Blessed as I study this book on prophecy, I find comfort for my daily life. Finding joy in God's faithfulness and hope that only He can give.

In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are those who long (wait) for Him. Isaiah 30:18

*************************************************************

On a different note, even though we sold our home we are still praying for several friends that are still trying to sell a home in a difficult market. Let me know if I can continue to pray for you in this way...just leave me a comment.

Advent

I really wanted to make the transition this Christmas season to celebrating Advent. I went to an Advent workshop a few weeks ago to learn more about how to help your family celebrate Advent, and the coming of Christ. Though this year is not the year to jump in all the way and go over the top (we are planning on moving), I still wanted to begin this tradition. So with my simple Advent wreath and my already prepared Advent family devotionals, we are beginning a new tradition that I hope to add to as the years go by. A helpful site to make it easy if you are interested in checking out Advent supplies, click HERE. We are preparing our hearts to focus on Christ this Christmas season.

This first week of Advent, we light the first candle ~ the candle of hope. We have hope in our sovereign God who is the maker of heaven and earth. Hope in our savior Jesus Christ.

Let me challenge you once again...

I have (like many others) avoided talking politics on my blog here...it is more than opening a can of worms...(I have been following a few blogs that are hot in the political debates). So I will refrain from sharing all of my political opinions and I will try and keep most of them to myself. But, I have no problem entreating you to get into the Word of God. I have been part of Precepts studies this past year and it has been a HUGE influence in my life. I was part of a Bible study group at a local church last year and I enjoyed (and yet was challenged) with my studies in the book of Daniel. I am hooked on inductive studies. After the class in Daniel ended, I went to the Precepts web site and down loaded their free study titled Life in the Spirit. I had noticed that there was a show on TV titled Precepts and I wondered if it was Kay Aurthur speaking. I recorded it and quickly realized that it coincided with the free study that I had downloaded. It is like having your own Bible study right there in your own home. (Can you tell I am excited??) I have really enjoyed doing my studies on my own and then watching the "video" that goes with each lesson.

It takes a little bit of time but I am constantly challenged and encouraged. I love that it has me deep in the word (yet if I am a bit confused on something, the TV lesson helps clarify). It is like Bible college right in my own home (and for free). I am just finishing up the study on Ephesians and again...challenged and encouraged. I have been challenged to live a life worthy of the calling.

So, why am I blogging this? There is a new study starting this week and with all the political talk going on (and this being a huge election year) the title of the study intrigued me. America at the Crossroads. I just downloaded the new study (click HERE to get started) and I am excited about what was included. A 10 lesson study (pretty short), a copy of the Constitution of the United States, a copy of How to Pick a President ~Why virtue trumps policy, and the observation worksheets (scripture texts to mark while doing your study).

Just a quick "housekeeping" on getting this free download ~ you have to log in with a user name and password. (***you find the free downloads under broadcasts once you have logged in***) For the record, Precepts doesn't sell your email and they don't solicit you for money. When you enter your location you can find out where you can watch the lessons on TV or listen to them on the radio. I record it each day (just a half hour show) on The Good Life station. I did a little research, you can also watch the lesson online (this link HERE) if you have high speed internet (though you have to stay current ~you can only archive about 2 or 3 lessons).

So, my dear friends. I want to encourage you to give it a try. I am hopeful that I learn things about Godly leadership and praying for our country. Just a few titles of the lessons to wet the appetite --

• The Nation at the Crossroads
• "God Bless America?"
• The Nation that Turns its Back on God
• If a Country Sins...
• Voting God's Standards!

I hope that I am able to have Biblical wisdom to back up my beliefs and be an informed citizen and a Godly woman. So, let me challenge you...join me. (click HERE)

Refiner's Fire

I am sure many of you have heard this story before. It has been on my heart lately as we go through the circumstances of our everyday life. I believe that God is refining me to a level like never before. To the point where there is not one part of me that doesn't respond in a pleasing way to our Maker. Needless to say, I am feeling weary and desperate for God to work in a mighty way to sell our home and bring our family together. I know full well that He is faithful and He is sovereign and His will is perfect and His timing is right.

Let this Refiner's Fire story be an encouragement and a challenge to you, as it has been to me. Oh, let Him see His image when He looks at me.

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to

read the scriptures and make them the subject of

conversation. While reading the third chapter of

Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression

in the third verse.
"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

One lady's opinion was that it was intended to

convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the

grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a

silversmith and report to them what he said

on the subject. She went accordingly and without

telling the object of her errand, begged to know the

process of refining silver, which he fully described

to her.

"But Sir," she said, "do you sit while the work of

refining is going on?" "Oh, yes madam, " replied

the silversmith, "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed

on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining

be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver

will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort

too, of the expression,

"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier

of silver."

Christ sees it needful to put His children into a

furnace. His eye is steadily intent on the work of

purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged

in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come

at random; "the very hairs of your head are

all numbered."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith

called her back, and said he had still further to

mention, that he only knows when the process of

purifying was complete, by seeing his own image

reflected in the silver.

Beautiful example! When Christ shall see His own

image in His people, His work of purifying will

be accomplished.

Author Unknown

Things are COOKIN' and God is WORKIN'

I can't go into details yet, but I do want to share that God is working in our lives here. I know that I have a great support base of blogging buddies and I am seeking prayer for our family as we desire to follow in obedience as God calls. (Details to follow in the next few weeks/months.)

A glimpse of a great study

I wanted to share what a blessing it has been for the girls and I to be part of a Precepts study at a local church. Not only am I completely blessed each week with my study in Daniel, I am so thankful to be part of Tally's study in the book of John. Tally is the youngest child in the class full of homeschool kids and she loves going each week. Chuck and I have helped her with the homework each week and it has been such a joy to open scripture with her and be part of this process of spiritual growth.

It is fitting that we are studying the crucifixion of Christ (as Easter is soon approaching). She understands, as a result of the study, what Christ went through on the cross for us. She was grieved to the point of tears one night in how terrible He was treated. She was so eager to read the next chapter and find out what happened.

This style of study gets these little ones learning at such a young age. To study for themselves and create a habit of time with God each day. I wanted to leave you with a page of her story board drawings from John 19.

Behind the scenes...the battle continues

If you have followed the blog, you have noticed me mention that work for Chuck has been difficult lately. I deeply desire to be a helper to him and encourage him in any way I can. I lift him up in prayer every day. I am claiming scripture for him. Helping him "debrief" when he gets home. What ever I can do, which doesn't seem like much.

The other day a wrote a long email with lots of truth from the book of Daniel (what I am studying in Precepts) to encourage him. I was listing all the things I have learned about God in this study. To name a few...

• God grants favor and compassion (1:9)
• God gives knowledge, intelligence, wisdom and understanding (1:17)
• God controls time (2:21)
• God knows the future (2:45)
• God is the reveal-er of mysteries (2:47)

Well...I sent him this great encouraging email and I never heard from him. Finally when he got home I asked if he got the email. He never got it. I couldn't even find it in my sent emails. It just disappeared. Now if you ask me, that is part of the spiritual battle. I am beginning to see how much goes on behind the scenes. It is a great reminder to cover everything in prayer.

Precepts

I have joined a new Bible study group this year. A precepts study group in the book of Daniel. I was interested in it because they have a program for homeschool kids. It has turned out to be such a blessing. The girls love their class. I love mine and we are all in the Word. I feel like I am back in college. Challenging myself. Stretching myself. And growing in God's grace.