hope

Last night we talked about home. About the things we struggle with where we live now. About the possibilities of moving to a house. With a yard. And a deck. And a room I could call an office.

So now I am praying, praying, praying. And hoping.

And soon --because I can feel the change and the hope in my belly-- we will be where we are meant to be. I just know it.

this week so far

As of Tuesday morning, I have:

-made a trip to our Christian bookstore for a couple needed items
-spring cleaned our living room
-read a couple chapters
-and worked on some business things
-been out for two walks (!)
-been up at 5:30am both mornings for my quiet times
-browsed etsy (should I own up to that?)

And now, to hang out that washing...

reading for 09

One of the things I most want to change for this year (and hopefully all those that follow!) is to read more. I can probably count on one hand the number of books I read last year, which is just woeful.

So for 2009, I've made another plan. Here's my reading list (this is it so far; it'll be updated throughout the year):

* denotes currently reading

Lies Women Believe (Nancy Leigh DeMoss) *
For Women Only (Shaunti Feldhahn) DONE
Creative Counterpart (Linda Dillow) DONE
The Great Physician's Rx for Women's Health (Jordan & Nicki Rubin) *
The Creative Family (Amanda Blake Soule) DONE
Gianna (Jessica Shaver) *
A Celebration of Sex (Douglas Rosenau)
Family Driven Faith (Voddie Baucham)
The Bravehearted Gospel (Eric Ludy)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (Barbara Kingsolver)
Your Money or Your Life (Joe Dominguez)
Last Child in The Woods (Richard Louv)
It's All Too Much (Peter Walsh)


(this list is partially inspired by the Simple Mom book club, click below or in the sidebar for details)

psalm twenty seven

Here's what I hope to memorise this year, starting tomorrow at 5:30am:

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.

7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
9 Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.

11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 27 (New Living Translation)

goals and things

I'm not one for new year's "resolutions", but I have so enjoyed the past few weeks reflecting on 2008, and making plans for 2009. Here's my shortlist, so I can refer back to it:

1. Spend regular time in the Word, and choose some scripture to memorise.
2. Exercise regularly, and learn to be gentle on and care for my body.
3. Manage our home finances effectively to play my part in paying off our debt this year.
4. Evaluate new projects and ideas with my husband before committing to them.
   
5. Pursue creativity, and infuse our home with it.

(For more inspiration, visit Biblical Womanhood.)

just me

This is my new little spot on the web. A place to share my thoughts, ideas, projects and inspiration. A place to get me writing again. Looking forward to it!