His Ways are Best

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord?Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God,that God should repay Him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36

CJ at one month old...way back when she was a little kid. 'Cause she's 5.5 weeks now, you know

Hello again! I'm back after taking a one week break from blogging and reading blogs. My goal was to try to listen more closely to the Lord and to spend the freed-up time praying for Him to help me to listen better...and more importantly, to obey when I do hear Him calling me to do something - or stop doing something.

I am always surprised by what God speaks to me or teaches me during these times of quieting my spirit. I mean, I tend to expect rebuke, conviction, being shown where I'm failing (can you detect the perfectionist in there?). And of course, God must and does reveal areas of sin, things that need changing in me.

But sometimes, He just encourages me. And I'm amazed at His kindness, happily surprised at the comfort He gives me. That's how it was this time. He is surely a good Father, an amazing Friend.

That's why I used the above scriptures - how guilty I am of confining Him (in my thoughts) to my thinking, my responses, my ways. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! And, My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

The week of listening also resulted in noticing more blessings, some of which I'll list below. Then, too, He reminded me to take all things to Him, all concerns, big and small. It was a good week.

LC loves to cradle the baby this way while she sleeps. She's the one who's always stroking CJ's cheeks and hair, and kissing her.

Hmmm, what do you think they are all doing? What has captured their combined interest?

Ribbit! They came in and told me they'd caught a hugh-normous frog. Well, I guess it's all relative - he was about 2.5 inches long. Anyway, I had a bright idea moment and thought to have them go get their nature journals and draw this guy. They do drawings with a little caption each week and truly we just don't have much nature around here, so a living, breathing frog in our own back yard was a real treat, especially when it helps with homework.

CA even joins in the nature journaling, running to get a spiral notebook.

During the schoolday. EG's reading a book about Archimedes (I'd like to read it, wish I had time). MK and LC were taking a break from schoolwork, playing with Lego people. CA was digging around (destroying, I think) in the book closet, standing on a stool to reach higher. And then, meet our other too-constant companion, The Mess.

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Blessings, Mercies always...

371 realizing that helping build Legos is kind of fun - and of course, a little way to enter their world

372 getting on the floor with LC, pretending with plastic shapes - her imagination is amazing

373 granola made! Quadruple recipe! Yeah, it's almost gone, but still!

374 sweet baby gifts from my faraway friend, who was so thoughtful - she sent some goodies for me (pedicure supplies!) and adorable flower-hairbows for all the girls

375 prayed God would heal CJ's little eye infection...and He did

376 the other day I took a look a the big two girls' homework assignments...bb asked me if it looked overwhelming. I said, "only the part where it says MK needs a shoebox for school tomorrow." No shoeboxes around here. God reminded me to take this to Him, which I did. He provided! I thought I'd ask a friend of mine who was stopping by our house to drop off a book if she had a shoebox. Sure enough. Thanks, S! Thank You, Lord.

377 cold enchiladas - I heat up my lunch, then life happens and I eat cold enchiladas at my homeschool desk

378 rainbows

379 CJ's whole face smile, and also her sideways Harrison Ford smile

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Funny quotes by this tired mama -

LC, put the tops on the biscuits (I meant to say Put the tops on the jelly jars)
EG, get the table ready for bed (for supper is what I meant)