Scripture and Song

Luke 12:6-8
6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
8"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Words by Civilla D. Martin, 1905
Music Charles H. Gabriel, 1905


Faith Lift Fridays is hosted by Sheryl at Taking the Challenge. Be blessed and visit her to find lifting thoughts for the weekend.

Giving Thanks

Leah at South Breeze Farm is spending Novemer giving thanks and wants to challenge her friends to focus on their blessings. She writes:

Yesterday, I started jotting down some Christmas gift ideas because, you know, one can never start too early. But I don't want to rush through "The Thankful Month" and miss so many opportunities to thank the Lord for all He's given me. Before I start adding to my wish list, I need to work on developing a more thankful heart for the things I already have.

So, in honor of the month of November which boasts a most wonderful holiday, I'd like to encourage all of you to join me in a month-long CHALLENGE. All you have to do is post one thing you're thankful for each day somewhere on your blog. It doesn't even have to be an actual thought-out post. Just start making a list on your sidebar - somewhere you can see it every day to encourage an attitude of thankfulness.

I hope you'll join me! Grab the button, post it on your sidebar to let all your friends know you're joining in, and encourage your own readers to begin as well - to develop a more thankful heart.

It doesn't matter if you start now or mid-month. It's never too late to acknowledge God's love for you and His faithfulness to you!

Leave your name and blog address in the Mr. Linky below and I'll swing by your place every day to see how your list is growing!

How lovely!

If you've visted my blog before, you know how important being grateful is to me. So I'll be joining Leah during November. Stop by South Breeze Farm and share some thankfulness. Her challenge started yesterday and she said I could be thankful for water. I was grateful for the chance to laugh, just a bit.

Today, I am grateful for the blessing of being able to homeschool my boys. It has allowed many other blessings to be possible.

A Joyful Day

So I woke up yesterday morning to no water.

Nice.

AmazinglyReally the bill had been paid. But somehow the water department had not credited customers who had paid on line.

So they had shut off several of their customers. The paying kind. Oooops. Their bad.

Ummmm…my mad.

The good news was no one here was in need of a shower and the kitchen was only mildly disgusting a little messy. We had plenty of clean clothes, because I got motivated for once am such a good housekeeper.

The bad news was Boo was sick. Chicken noodle soup was the lunch order of the day. His appetite is still good. That is more good news.

I did an easy stir-fry last night. One dish included a Toad Food I mean Tofu. Because Roo hates dislikes has requested an alternative to chicken.

Yeah, whatever. It is a good thing he looks a lot like me and acts like me in other ways (well sometimes he should NOT act like me--but that is another story that I will never share), because I am still shaking my head saying, “That is SOOOOOO not my child, eating Toad Food I mean Tofu. The Cave Geek and I are all about carnivorous eating here.

Then I needed to run to the grocery store last night.

So I walk out the door of my duplex last night to be greeted by forty something man. (Who I didn't know.) With two or three days beard growth. Dressed in a fairy outfit with a tutu (and boxer shorts under). Smoking a cigarette.

Apparently my neighbor was having a party. I hope it was a costume party. I'm just saying...

Well alrighty then. Halloween…ya never know what is going to happen.

And if you have any good Toad Food recipes for Tofu, could you let me know because it seems Roo is becoming a vegetarian. And I am such a supportive parent. Really.

Thursday Thirteen

I need a vacation.

Considering I don't have a lot of time or money, I guess I'll be traveling in my usual armchair manner. After of course stopping by my local bookstore for a vacation or two.

Vacations at the bookstore? I'm not talking about the travel section. I am talking about a page by page vacation to a different place, a different time or just some thing totally different. Today I give you:

Thirteen book locations I'd like to visit:
1. The Shire, specifically Bag End. The place of the party, of many meals and peace. Yes, I would love to go to the Shire. And after I've rested there and recouperated it would be lovely to go to...

2. Rivendell. J.R.R. Tolkien came up with the best places. How I would love to see Rivendell. Before the elves left of course. Then we could take a few years off and hop a train to...

3. The Island of Sodor. Of course the train we'd be hopping on would be Thomas. And while my boys may be to big to do that anymore...I AM NOT. Reverend Awdry may have been writing for his children, but I'm the biggest kid I know. I would love to go see the happy island where the only thing we would worry about is cranky Diesel and we could always outsmart him.

4. Then on to Camelot. I don't care which author we pick for this story. I've not found a bad version. We could read T.H. White, we could read Stephen Lawhead, we could read Mary Stewart, we could read Mark Twain or Mallory. I won't bore you with how many versions of this tale I personally own. But suffice to say, I've been there before and have every intention of going again.

Granted it is not always very peaceful with all the conflict going on. But it is very interesting.

5. But possibly my favorite version of the tale depicts the Isle of Avalon. We will travel this way...

Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon is on of my all time favorite books.




6. Then we can go to Narnia. I want to see Aslan. I can skip meeting the White Witch, but I must meet Lucy and Mr. Tumnus. I would love to eat some Turkish Delight and visit with all the talking animals there.


7. Then we could get shipwrecked on Dinotopia. Not the Hallmark movie Dinotopia, although that was amazingly a good follow-up. The original with everything looking like a James Gurney work of art. Where dinosaurs and humans live in harmony. I don't think it is far-fetched at all.

8. Next we can wander by The 100 Acre Wood. The original 100 Acre Wood, NOT the Disney version (although perfectly delightful). Walt should never have tampered with perfection.

If Kenny Loggins sings (yes, yes, I know he sings for Disney--it's my fantasy vacation) I will be truly happy.

From there I think it isn't far to...

9. Hogwarts, really. All that British literature is connected I am sure of it. Now, knowing what we know we can take that Herbology class with Neville. You know, I really liked Professor Sprout, but Neville is going to be in his element teaching. He is going to be an such an encourager.

And I am sure they will have Harry come in and give a lecture about what it was like in the "old" days. I want to sleep in the towers and visit the owlrey. And I would be brave enough to try some of Hagrid's fudge.

Maybe I could sit a spell with Molly Weasley. I need some parenting advice. I like her style. If we catch the train I am sure it could take us to--

10. Yorkshire where James Herriot wrote about All Things Bright and Beautiful. This is a must read author who has work for animal lovers of all ages. How I would have loved to have followed him around!

11. Then we will go back a few centuries to Morland Place. Have I mentioned Cynthia Harrod-Eagles around here lately?? My year's reading has been wound around her Morland Dynasty series. She has given me more in the way of history lessons and insight than any classroom time I've ever spent. Mind you, I don't want to be a servant or lower class during the time. I want to live as a guest of the Morlands. They are very hospitable.

12. Coming back hundreds of years we go to Porthkerris and The Shell Seekers. When my spirit is tired and I can't take much more I read Rosamunde Pilcher's timeless stories. She's written several, Shell Seekers being the most widely know, maybe. But all of her books are full of real emotion and fill me with immense hope.

13. Finally we end with the Land. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson. Even though Lord Foul is there, the people are peaceful, the Land is beautiful and has healing properties. There are horses and then there are the Ranyhyn. This of course is a land of fantasy...or is it. There is so much confrontation of reality that the veil becomes thin. I've read the first two books of this series and never felt I could do them justice in a review. But they have affected me on a personal level.

Just like any good "vacation."

Thanks for coming on vacation with me. No need for suntan lotion. The bags were light. Customs was easy to clear. The flight attendants were almost non-existent.

So, if you were to recommend a "vacation in a book" what would it be? I'd love to hear.

Happy November, happy TT, happy reading!

Thursday Thirteen Hub.

THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE THURSDAY THIRTEEN:The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. What do you do? Write Thirteen things about yourself, summarize your week in one entry, make it easy for other bloggers to get to know you on a weekly basis. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged!

Wordless Wednesday

2006

I don't know how to explain grown-ups to you, buddy.

2007
One year later...

...not much has changed.

More Wordless Wednesdays.

Children's Book Monday

The Vase of Many Colors
by Rachel Thoene

This lovely book that I received last week is a sweet parable about how God can take our ashes and create beauty. It is a book about restoration and love. It is more than a children's book, it is a family book. I can think of about four or five mommies that I know who would love to read this to their children--hmmm...gift ideas, anyone?

Rachel Thoene paints a picture that includes all of us, who sometimes get so caught up in the moment we become a little careless of the fagile things around us. And she also shows us a wise grandmother who is not so attached to the things of this world that she overlooks the precious heart of her granddaughter.

The bright and simple illustrations by Christian Cinder are sure to keep young listeners focused.

Children's Book Monday is hosted by Elise at A Path Made Straight.

Grains of Gratitude

For a husband who works all hours and still offers to help with the dishes and the boys. Father, thank you, I am so very grateful.

For children who love me for better or worse--even though they didn't have a choice in the matter, I am so grateful.

For friends who can sit by me and unlike Job's friends, know how to just sit and not judge, I am grateful.

For friends who reach across the internet to someone they've not met and bless them with kindness and spread sunshine, I am amazed and grateful.

For a messy house that is comfortable, a backyard that needs mowed, a car that needs an oil change, too many places to go and too many projects to count, I know I have been blessed.

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your your gifts you have graced me with. My cup is overflowing and my heart is too. Help me to keep my eyes upon You, LORD and not allow myself to get bogged down. Thank You for your Son and your Spirit, give me wisdom and courage to do what I should.

Have a beautiful week everyone!

Grains of Gratitude started with Christine at Brady's Bunch--she's a wonderful Wonder Woman!

My Heart is Touched

I have to tell you, I've been really down lately. There are some health issues (not visible to the general public, thankfully), there's been some worries about the stability of my husband's position due to an acquisition of his company, there's been lingering sadness since Mom died. And some days it's seemed too much.

But God has surrounded me with wonderful people who will not let me sink too low. My darling of a husband and my incredible boys have been so helpful and caring. I am graced with some super IRL friends. And some lovely bloggers, not knowing all that has been on my heart felt moved to bless me with some awards. And I've been humbled and heartened by their sweet words of affirmation. They've brought me sunshine and helped me re-focus on finding joy. So now it is time to pass the bloggy sweetness on!

Coach Jenny blessed me with the Mathetes Award. This award originated with Dan King of Management by God. What a totally wonderful award. Dan says: Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. Tears came to my eyes when I read this one. These bloggers have blessed me with their discipleship:

Deb on the Run. Debbi is someone I met on a homeschool forum. She's shared her spiritual travels with me (and others), she's answered questions and has been such an encourager during my searching. Reading her blog is a peaceful pause for me. She's not going to be able to avoid meeting me someday. Look out Deb!

Lizzie at A Dusty Frame. Lizzie is traveling a road that no one wants to be on. But she does it with grace and total reliance on God. Lizzie has strength that only comes from drawing on The Living Well. She is transparent and by sharing her life encourages her readers to keep striving.

Deborah at The Rose Bee. Deborah has wonderful devotionals. I am so inspired reading her blog. Her insights are wonderful and have been so timely to remind me of the Father's love.

Free to Fly gave me the Wonder Woman Award. This award originated at Chrissy's This and That. I don't know how I merit for this, but gratefully I will point you to some wonderwomen I know:

Christine at Brady's Bunch. If you've ever visited Christine before you will know what I mean. She's a six kid mom, she does it all and smiles and shares her life with us as she does it. Grains of Gratitude originated with her and I've participated for quite a while.

Annie at My Life as Annie. Annie is another mom who does it all. She keeps up with her children and I am going to show up at her door at supper time one of these days--Have you seen what she feeds her family? She has awesome menus, with yummy recipes. She could just adopt me! Annie also is hostess to Time Travel Tuesday, a fun way to get to know other bloggers.

Lizzie at A Dusty Frame. Lizzie--you just deserve it.

Renee at Two Peas in a Pod shared the Community Blogger Award which originates at with Cellobella.

Jen at Jen Robinson's Book Page. Jen is a woman with a mission. She spreads the word about children's literature so well. Her reviews and insights on kid-lit books are so helpful. I have no idea when she sleeps!

Leah at South Breeze Farm. Leah is a fun blogger who likes to reach out to her fellow bloggers. She also has started a recipe blog with other tasty cooks. I always enjoy exchanging thoughts with Leah.

Katrina at Callapidder Days. Katrina is the lovely hostess of the Fall Into Reading and Spring Reading Thing challenges. She has given away sooooooooooooo many books. She has really gotten a lot of reading bloggers together.

And Jenileigh at Jenileigh's Journey passed me the Thoughtful Blogger Award.

Karen at Surviving Motherhood. She is such an encourager to moms all over. Her posts are filled with grace and compassion. And she never lets you feel like you are alone. She's written a book too!

Renee at Two Peas in a Pod. She is kindness personified. She is someone who leaves thoughtful comments and seems like someone who would be so great to have coffee or tea with!

Coach Jenny even though I gave her this award before, it still holds true. She has blessed me so often. I am so grateful she has become a bloggy friend.