What’s New Here and Some Great Links

I haven’t been online as much lately as I usually am, because life has been just a tad bit busy with all five kids in the house, three of them looking for summer jobs and a full motherhood and ministry schedule.

I spoke last Saturday at my sweet friend Tonia’s ladies tea about cultivating your own soul. I was struck with how God ordains everything, including the topic I spoke on as I listened afterwards to women who told me their struggles and how God used his word to calm and strengthen them. I also thanked God for sitting me across the table from an extremely joyful, godly older woman who encouraged me for a good part of the day. That was a gift and her wisdom was like a shot of happiness in the arm to me.

Plus at our own church we had music seminars and this week we are all involved with a church outreach project, Upward soccer camp. Also, I’ve been intentional about where my mind spends its free time, something that I am constantly evaluating. The mind really has the power to drive our emotions, so I want to be sure that it is meditating on good stuff during my “free time.”

I wanted to share what’s new around here lately.

Emily is graduating from High School and looking for summer work. She’s enjoying having Rebekah home for the summer and Lord willing, this fall, they’ll both be tromping off to college together. Emily wants to pursue a degree in Violin Performance while Rebekah changed her major to International Business. This kid loves economics and politics. Who knew? 🙂 (I did a double take as I overheard her asking Peter if she could borrow his copy of Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell to read this summer.)

We are almost finished with school although Hope needs some remedial math during the summer. She got behind in math because I chose to stop lessons for a few weeks after Christmas to master her multiplication facts. Well, I can’t say that they are mastered, but they are much quicker than they were. My friend was kind enough to let us use her Teaching Textbook curriculum for the summer! Woo hoo!

This summer I am coordinating VBS at our church– RIGHT after soccer camp is over, I am all over that. lol

My summer is pretty much scheduled out already, and I am guarding my free days like they were gold so that we can get to the most beautiful beaches in the country on Cape Cod. 🙂

Some articles I enjoyed and wanted to pass along:

A helpful checklist as you plan your summer. Summer Planning Questions by Kara Chupp. I’ve found this an excellent tool.

Isn’t it great that we can give God our day and trust Him with it? And then our summer?

Has God given you certain opportunities in his providence? When God brings someone to your door, that’s one thing. They are there and you had no choice in the matter. We know each interaction is pre-ordained.

But each invitation to a function, party or outing, each ministry opportunity, although they don’t take God by surprise, really needs to be prayed over. I’ve said no to several good “ministry” opportunities because after prayer, I’ve felt that it would take me away from my main ministry–my own family and helping Peter. Then other times, God just seems to give us both a peace about it, and feel God leading us to say “Yes”, be willing and follow. Prayer and an open mind to what God is doing and where He is leading is key to prioritizing your summer free-time.

Green Thumbs, Dead-Heading and Following God by Karen Ehman. I can relate on not having a green thumb or even pinkie…and on the need to constantly dead-head the sin in our lives.

Aristotle Wouldn’t Friend You on Facebook by Meghan McBride Kelly. Loved this article and couldn’t agree more. THIS is why you should use lists on FB. You don’t want just anyone seeing your life!

“Do the Next Thing”: Helpful advice in any stage of life from Elizabeth Elliot via Gracelaced. Short, practical, sound.

I’m also currently reading:

Witness by Whittaker Chambers  This book should be required reading for every high school student. One of the most intriguing books ever about the famous Alger Hiss Trial. This is Chambers autobiography of how he became a communist in America, left the movement after 10 years, and then exposed those in high levels of government. The “Letter to His Children” is worth the read, even if you don’t finish the book. It gives surprising insight into why one becomes a communist. Although I think it is OOP, you can get it used on Amazon.

Let. It. Go.: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith by Karen Ehman. Actually, I am re-reading this. Powerful truths here. If you are running your own show (aka controlling, self dependent) then God is not.

Do you have any summer plans that you’re excited about?

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