The Week in Words #1

"Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8b-10)  We named our homeschool, "Children of Light Christian Academy."  We want our children to live their lives as children of light, bearing the fruit of the light and aiming to please God in all areas, including their learning.

"Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, to love Thee more dearly, to follow Thee more nearly day by day. Amen." ~ St. Richard of Chichester, 1197-1253
Isn't that a wonderful prayer?  That's my desire for each day, too.

"I will place no value on anything I have or may possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ." "All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book." "Without Christ, not one step; with Him, anywhere!" ~ David Livingstone (Scottish physician, missionary, & explorer)
I love these 3 quotes from David Livingstone.  The first one is a challenge for us to examine how we view our possessions.  They should hold no value or significance to us if they do not help contribute to the kingdom of Christ.  "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him." (Philippians 3:8-9a)

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." ~Johann Sebastian Bach (He signed "SDG" at the bottom of his works (musical manuscripts); SDG = Soli Deo Gloria = Glory to God alone.)
I wish all musicians would share the same attitude/view as Bach.  I believe the aim of all that we do and say should be for the glory of God...to please and honor Him.  "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"Be thou content to leave thy prayer in His hands, Who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold." ~Charles H. Spurgeon (from Morning and Evening, page164)
This quote reminds me to be content to leave my prayer in God's hands.  I need to let go of my burdens/concerns and rest in knowing that God is in control and that He wants what's best for me.

Friday's Fave Five #1

This is my first time joining the Friday's Fave Five meme.  It is hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

My fave five this week:

1. God's unconditional, unfailing, everlasting love.
2. My one and only Valentine.  My husband is loving and romantic, kind and polite, funny and clever.  A rare gem/gentleman!
3. Celebrating Life Contest at Focus on the Family.  By signing up, you can win one of their prizes, which includes a free trip to Colorado Springs! So, support the message of Celebrating Life and win a cool prize...I love it :)!  The contest ends on Feb. 14th.
4. Free science DVDs for our homeschool.  I have not watched them yet but they look very interesting.  The negative thing is that they are probably based on evolutionary point of view.  I'm glad my children are  Biblically grounded on creation.
5. My fantastic giveaways:- Win a $50 Safeway gift card, Win a copy of Angels by Dr. David Jeremiah, Win one 18x24 poster print (to be made from your digital photo).

Thankful Thursday #4

 

This week...
1. I am thankful that the Lord has enabled us to homeschool our children.  This is our 11th year and we would not have wanted it any other way.  We love homeschooling with all its ups and downs :).

2. I am thankful that my two sons are each other's best buddies.  They share a bedroom, talk about everything, discuss books they read, play together everyday, etc.  They sometimes get rough with each other but their brotherly love is evident.

3. I am thankful for our home and its location.  We are blessed to be living in the country, on a hill with a panoramic view of God's beautiful creation (forests, hills, sky), in a very quiet & safe neighborhood.

4. I am thankful for our family's Bible study and prayer time in the evenings.  We enjoy discussing what we read and learn from God's Word.

5. I am thankful that my husband and my children play piano.  My husband is a gifted piano player and composer.  My 16 year old daughter has been giving her brothers piano lessons.  One of my favorite things to do is singing praise & worship songs or hymns to the Lord with my husband while he plays the piano.