daybook entry

For Today... Feb. 2, 2011

Outside my window... Sunny skies, but bitterly cold. Rumor has it that the temps will be around -20 today.

I am thinking...of my to do list. It's very long.

I am thankful for... family and friends, and second chances.

I am wearing... my jammies.

I am remembering... my mom-in-law, who is going through a pretty tough time of health issues.

I am going... to get braces on my teeth on Valentines Day. What a way to celebrate! ;)

I am currently reading... City on a Hill, by Philip Graham Ryken

I am hoping... that when I dye my gray hair for the first time, it doesn't turn out purple. Or green. Dark brown with a bit of a red tint would be best!

On my mind... Whether or not Ashlee and Daniel's offer on their house will go through.

Noticing that... Everyone complains about the weather, whether it's hot, cold, in between, wet, or dry. I think we always want what we can't have.

From the kitchen... Not a whole lot going on there. I made chocolate, chocolate chip muffins on Monday though! That's gotta count for something, right?

Around the house... It's a little cluttered, but mostly clean, if that makes sense.

One of my favorite things ~ Just hand me a book, a fireplace, and a cup of hot chocolate. I'll be fine.

From my picture journal...  My Christmas gift from Jessie. I can't wait to start reading it. And yes, I am a "Dubya" fan. Did you know that Mr. President is short?! I had no idea! They always make him look so tall and authoritative on tv. But seriously ... I hear he's only about 5'6" tall.

But I still like him .... :)

**** Update! I have been misinformed! Apparently, "Dubya" is a hefty 5'11"! At least according to all of the internet searching I did. And everything on the internet is absolute truth ..... right? 

I feel so much better now that I can go back to the mental image of what I thought Mr. President would look like in real life. Maybe one of these days, I'll find out for myself. Sigh ...

Like this post? Hop on over to Simple Woman's Daybook, and write up your own entry!

i confess

Ever wondered if there's anything I need to 'fess up to?

I didn't think so.

But just in case there is, I'm joining MamaKat's writing workshop this week, and 'fessing up is the prompt I chose.

So! Things I may or may not need to 'fess up to:

• I take a nap every day. 

Sounds lazy doesn't it? Truth is, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't. Needing one irritates me, and I'd much rather sew or read or get some house cleaning done. Unfortunately, if I skip it, I get sick (usually a migraine). Because of my stomach issues, I can't take pain medication, and it continues to get more complicated from there. I'll spare you the details. But now you know that this blogger is also a napper.

• I went to see the King Tut exhibit this last week ... 

and I'm totally in love with some of the jewelry that the queens wore back in that era. I'm thinking one of them would completely solve all of my financial problems. If I got away with stealing it, I'd be set financially. If not, I'd still be set. Jailhouses feed and clothe their inmates, right?


Seriously though. I was amazed at the intricate detail of one particular solid gold necklace. It was massive, and oh so dainty, all at the same time. Simply incredible. 


When the exhibit is in your area, be sure to go (but leave your camera at home - no pictures allowed). You'll especially love seeing the sarcophagus that held King Tut's stomach!! Eww!

• The best article I've read this week is called "Social Media and Digital Discernment."

If you blog, read blogs, Facebook, Tweet, etc., this article is for you. It'll really keep things in perspective ... if you can have an honest opinion about yourself. 'Nuff said about that. You be the judge.

•  I want a grandbaby.

To love, cherish, kiss on the cheek (over and over and over), make a quilt for,  photograph, be his/her Grandma. Or Meemaw. Or Grammy. Or Marmie. Or whatever he/she wants to call me. He/she can call me Frank for all I care. As long as I can love him/her and sing "Jesus Loves Me" to him/her while bouncing on my knee, I'm good.

No pressure, Ashlee and Daniel.

And last one ....

•  My New Year's Resolution is simple: Get a new header!

Mine is sooo outdated. I think Andrew has literally grown 10 inches since that picture of him in the water. Ashlee's married now, Jessie has short hair, and Shaun and I never kiss like that.

I'm kidding!

We basically look the same. Perhaps a little more gray in our hair(s).

If you have any uber cool (should be read as free) sites that you know of that are good for customizing headers, will you let me know? It's been so long since I put the current one together, that I forgot where I got it from.

Pathetic, I know.

That's all the 'fessing up I have for now. Dangerous life I live, eh?

P.S. I realized after writing this that the pic up on the header isn't the one of Shaun and I kissing.

Stop laughing.

This is simply proof that I'm losing my mind and am therefore Grandma material! 

be still my soul

I'm currently reading Be Still My Soul, by Elisabeth Elliot. Her spiritual wisdom and grace have blessed me beyond measure. This is my second time reading it, and I'm learning new things as if I've never read it before.

Instead of trying to explain, I'll simply show you an example. 

And I quote ... 


To walk with Him is to walk the Way of the Cross. If the cross we are asked to take up is not presented to us in the for of martyrdom, heroic action of some kind, dragons or labyrinths or even "ministry" -- at least something that looks spiritual -- are we to conclude that we have missed the Way? Not at all. Sometimes the humblest life, such as that of "Mom" Cunningham (mentioned in Chapter 5) is the clearest example of obedience. 

And get this ...

The Way of the Cross is an ordinary street in an ordinary city. It is an ordinary life lived in the grace of God. There is a pot of gold, there is a king's reward, but it comes at the end of the journey. (p. 94-95)

This gives me hope, meaning, and focus. It's so easy for me (little, insignificant me) to believe in my heart that what I do day in and day out makes little or no difference. What is so heroic about washing underwear and teaching long division? I ask myself.

Ah, but that's the Way of the Cross. Those ordinary, every day tasks that seem so menial, so blah, are my ministries. My God-given assignments for the day. 

The older I get, the more I am able to say that I want to live an ordinary, servant oriented life, but I still have a long way to go. I do find comfort, purpose, and ministry in the ordinary. And if nobody else on earth sees ... if nobody takes notice ... that's ok. Because God notices.

I can rest assured that at the end of my journey, I'll find my my pot of gold.

And so will you, my friends.

So will you.

Just be faithful. Keep serving. Keep loving.

Most of all, keep praying.

Your king's reward awaits you.

simple woman's daybook

I'm celebrating simplicity with many other ladies today. Go to the Simple Woman's Daybook to see other posts and link up with us!

Here goes:

Outside my window... Smoke, from a nearby forest fire. I don't know whether the details I've heard are accurate or not. But if they are, nine firefighter's have lost their homes (but continue to fight the fire around the clock), and four people are missing. It rained a bit today, but I'm praying for more.

I am thinking... I better go to bed soon, so I have energy to do my mommy thing. :)

I am thankful for... So many things! I'm seriously considering a Polyanna post later on entitled "The Glad Game."

From the learning rooms... The American's Creed, Phil. 2:4-11, and the names of all the oceans and seas, to name a few.

From the kitchen... There's one more piece of apple pie. Any volunteers?

I am wearing... Blue knickers with a blue and white hooded sweatshirt. It's Autumn!!

I am creating... A table runner. Hopefully pics will be up soon! I just need to finish a bit of quilting and sew the binding on.

I am going... Somewhere special for my anniversary. But it's a secret for now. Tell ya' later ... with pictures, of course.

I am reading... Be Still My Soul, by Elisabeth Elliot. Also Sinners In The Hands Of A Good God by David Clotfelter (I won't actually start reading this until tomorrow).

I am hoping... My back feels better tomorrow. I feel like someone beat me with a baseball bat. Ouchie.

I am hearing... Nothing but Andrew watching a survival show, but I'm doing my best to tune it out since they're eating dead rabbits.

Around the house... The dishwasher is fixed, thanks to a husband who is an awesome fixer upper dude!

One of my favorite things... Talking to you. Even better when you talk to me. ;)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Grocery shopping. Love to grocery shop.


Here is picture for thought I am sharing... This is a picture of a little girl at the swimming pool (obviously). I don't know her. I was just stalking her while Andrew and his cousins swam. Do me a favor (insert picture of me on my knees begging here) and let me know which coloring you like best? 1, 2, or 3?

1. 

2.

3.

simple woman's daybook 7//22/10

Outside My Window... Seems like the sun has been rather elusive lately. Time for it to come out with a vengeance once more!

I am thankful for... God's faithfulness.

From the kitchen... It's pretty darn clean! Lately, I've made brownies, a birthday cake, and blueberry muffins. And lots of dinners of course.

I am wearing... Blue shorts, and a blue t-shirt with an American flag on it. Woopty doo.

I am creating... I'm still on the quilt and the bread cloth (embroidery). Lame, I know.

I am going... to see my Mom and brother's in a few weeks! Woot!

I am reading... The Same Kind of Different As Me, A Lifetime of Wisdom, and The Disciplines of Grace. Too many projects at once!

I am remembering… to shampoo my carpets before school starts. I will do this. I will, I will, I WILL!

I am hoping... Ashlee and Daniel's house sells.

I am hearing... The dryer telling me the clothes are ready, the AC, and clickety click on the keyboard.

On my mind… Next school year, writing, photography, what project I could possibly make and give away  next.

I have noticed… that it's almost nap time. ;)

A Favorite Thing... Words. Music. Making music. Sunshine. Oh sorry, you said "thing."

Around the house... The laundry really is calling my name. And it's rather chilly in here. I pay good money to freeze myself out.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... Lunch with my sister-in-law tomorrow!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ... A few pics, if you don't mind. Love these flowers.

**This post has been part of The Simple Woman's Daybook link up.

simple woman's daybook

Please hop on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook site if you'd like to participate. C'mon! It's fun!

Outside My Window... It doesn't seem like Summer today with a high of 68, clouds, wind, and rain. But it's a nice break from the hot weather. I'll always like hot weather best, but I like variety too. :)


I Am Wearing... Blue shorts with a white t-shirt. Ok, I lied. Pink fuzzy robe. Again.


I Am Thinking About... Learning how to let God be God, and believing His promises over what my feelings might tell me.


I Am Thankful For... People with a lot of wisdom who are willing to share it.



I Am Praying For... My kids.


Pondering These Words... Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him; ... Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance. ~Job 13:15-16


I Am Noticing... Life is short, and I wish we could all know at the beginning what we will know at the end.


I Am Reading... The Disciplines of Grace, by Jerry Bridges, and A Lifetime of Wisdom, Emabracing the Way God Heals You, by Joni Eareckson Tada


From The Kitchen... I'm making a boat load of storage food today for Shaun's lunches. He says Chef Boyardee is no chef at all. I am taking pity on him and freezing batches of stews and chile, etc.


I Am Creating... A quilt (all I need to do is put the binding on), and an embroidery project. It's technically a bread cloth, but I'm thinking I might use it to set a vase of flowers on.


I Am Going... No further than my front door today. Yay!


I Am Hoping... For Peace.


I Am Hearing... Nothing but the hum of the AC, and a few birds chiriping in the background.


Around The House... Laundry!



One Of My Favorite Things... Giving Gifts. I believe in Christmas in July!


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... It'll be a quiet week, except for Friday when we go see a Rockies game. Wooohooooo!!! I can't wait! Shhhh! Don't tell Andrew. It's for his birthday. He's turning 14 next Monday. Anybody see that amazing comeback last night? Nine points scored in the ninth inning! Rockies won it 12-9! Ahem ... Dear Rockies, please play like that Friday night. Oh, and please hit lots of fly balls just to right field, bottom deck, where we'll be sitting. Andrew's bringing his glove, and it's his birthday and all. So please just gently pop a ball in our direction. Thanks.


Here Is A Picture Thought I'm Sharing... This is Gracelyn, a picture from the shoot I did with my nieces. I love the look of sheer joy on her face. I'm not sure what she was so thrilled about, but it makes me smile in return everytime I look at it. I hope it made you smile too. :)

top summer faves

I'm in the slums today. I'm tired, and discouraged and I want to go back to bed. But when it's summer, I have a hard time staying there. It's warm out, even in the evenings. My schedule is less hectic. It's just a great time of year. So to cheer myself (and maybe you!) up today, I decided to create a list of things I appreciate about summer:

1. I've already said it, but warm weather has to be on the top of my list. I love the beauty of snow, but the cold temperatures nearly do me in. Sitting in the warm sunshine with a good book is surely something I will do in Heaven. A lot! I call it therapeutic thawing.
2. Baseball! No summer is complete until you've watched as many baseball games as you can cram in. These include Rockies games and Andrew's games. I'm a bit partial to Andrew's, because I get a front row seat, and I'm the pitcher's mom. I sometimes pretend that we're at a Rockies game, and Andrew is the next Ubaldo Jimenez, pitching a no hitter. But don't tell anyone. I'd be embarassed if people knew that.
3. Trips to the library. I'm taking one this afternoon, to find books for Andrew and I to read together for our summer reading program. Not that it's really a program, but the point is to keep reading, learning, and exploring. The fun part is that we won't have a fixed, rigid schedule like we do during the school year. Have I mentioned I loathe restraint of any kind?
4. With Peter away to boot camp, I am priveleged to to be spending a lot of time with Jessie. So far, we're watching favorite shows together, doing a little shopping, and projects like dressing her up and letting me practice my photography. She's a good sport, and thankfully, a photogenic good sport. And she keeps me company at Andrew's game, while Shaun mainly stays with Andrew to coach.
5. Road trips! So far, we've gone to Colorado Springs/Woodland Park for a baseball tournament. I'm hoping to make it over to the western slope also, to see my family and hometown.
6. Flowers, and all things living. Nothing better than looking out the window and seeing green life, birds soaring, and colorful flowers blowing in the breeze.
7. Time to regroup. This mainly has to do with homeschool, and reflecting on what worked and what didn't work, and figuring out how to best deal with those challenges. It also tends to be a time to rethink other aspects and goals. Normally, this is what New Years is all about. But for me, it happens in the summer.

I know I have more, but that library trip is calling my name, and I can't think of anything else at the moment. Instead, how about you tell me about your summers, and what it is that you enjoy most? I'd love to hear what you enjoy doing with your family, your spare time, and your .... spare money!!!

Not Me! Monday

I've never participated in a Not Me! Monday, but there's a first time for everything, right?




Deep breath. Here goes.



This week, I did not let my child make a fort in the back yard made out of wood scraps, cardboard, and other various materials that made our backyard look like Redneck Central. I would never impose upon our neighbors in that way. Nope. Not me!!



And speaking of Redneck Central, I also did not, nor would I ever, ever, ever post a picture of Jeff Foxworthy on Facebook as my husband's Doppelganger. Shaun doesn't look like Mr. Foxworthy, nor is he a redneck, so there is no resemblance at all. And no, I did not laugh right along with my friends when they saw the inaccurate accurate Doppelganger.



And last ... I was not too lazy to walk down the stairs to retrieve the book I am currently reading, and start a new book before finishing the other! I always finish what I'm reading before going on to the next, as that is the proper, systematic way of doing things. I am never lazy, and never undisciplined like that.



Nope!! Not me!!!



~Brenda

Book Review: Rediscovering God In America

If you love U.S. History, God, and America, get this book!

One of my goals in life is to tour Washington D.C., but until then, this book served as a sneak peek of what I will find when I finally make the trip. Beautiful photography by Newt Gingrich's wife, Callista, is all throughout the book, giving the reader a second best tour of many of the main historical monuments and memorials. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Arlington Cemetery, Callista's photography is eye candy worthy to behold.

The book's main theme is to remind us of our rich, Christian heritage. Through Callista's photography, and Newt's vast knowledge of the sites, we are given a history lesson of how God, Providence, and Christianity are common themes throughout the rising and upkeep of our nation. If you have any doubt as to whether our country was shaped by the belief that we are a nation under God, read this book. You'll discover that there's no denying that our forefather's (and many recent presidents) believed that religion is an essential component to our nation's survival, as is seen on the permanent etchings throughout the sites of our nation's capitol.

This book will renew your love for our nation, and your resolve to preserve our precious freedoms.

~Brenda

You can learn more about and purchase Rediscovering God In America, by Newt and Callista Gingrich by clicking here.

Book Review: Fearless

Fear is something we all experience, and I am not immune. In fact, I have welcomed fear in my life numerous times, and under numerous situations. In Fearless, Max Lucado addresses the very real, and sometimes ominous presence of fear in our lives ... from fear that God is not real, to fear of violence, fear of not mattering, fear of death, and many other scenarios. Chapter by chapter, he takes what many people in today's culture are afraid of, and compares them to the experiences of those in the Bible. I was amazed at his ability to make such parallel's, bringing these Bible stories and situations to real life, making it easier to identify with the age old, but true, stories of fear and how to deal with those fears.

Max Lucado invites us to fight fear. It's something we all have to do, because it comes into every one of our lives at one time or another. He points out that the one statement Jesus made more than any other is to "Fear not." So if you are struggling with fear, to whatever extent, I would encourage you to pick up this book and read it! Because with Jesus, the conquering of fear is a very real possibility.

The overall point of the book is to begin looking to Jesus to conquer your fears. Have faith in Him, instead of fear of others or situations you are unable to control.

If I was asked to recommend a book to others on Fear, Fearless would be among my choices. However, I didn't find it to be overly profound or deep. I would recommend it to a new Christian, but a well educated, mature Christian may not find it stimulating enough.

~Brenda

Potty Talk

Okay, folks. Here's my first video blog, or vlog as it is called. You may remember that I am a BlogFrog Community Leader, and this is our assignment for this week.

You'll notice right away that public speaking is not my forte! In fact, when Jessie watched this, she said, "That's the most I've ever heard you talk in my whole life." Ha!! So see - I am not a talker. I'm just a writer, and I'd like to keep it that way ... but noooooo ... Holly, from the BlogFrog had to step in ... :) Just kidding, Holly. You're great!!

Anyway - my first vlog. Uhm, I do apologize beforehand the location of the video (my potty). I'll explain why I'm there in the vlog. And I also would just like to say that this is a terrible testimony for homeschooler's. LOL. I totally lost my train of thought when talking about what we're learning. So you'll have to bear with me through that part. I may know how to make a video. But I have no idea how to edit one!

Enjoy, and don't forget to send me those video's of yourself that I ask for. ;)

~Brenda

P.S. This vlog is about 10 minutes long! Sorry! I didn't know I was so long winded. Come back later if you don't have 10 minutes. I'd hate to exasperate any of my readers/viewers.

Blog Award

I woke up this morning to a comment on my last post, informing me of a blog award. Wowsie! If that's not a great thing to wake up to, I don't know what is!

To see who graced me with such an honorable award, go here. Mama Bird has an awesome blog, in addition to being a great writer, wife, and mom!

For my acceptance speech, I am to list ten things about me. So grab your latte, a few of your favorite candies (a few!), and a warm blanket (it's cold here today), and pull up a big, comfy chair.

Ah hem!

1. I am about to celebrate my 20th anniversary. And I'm 37. You do the math.

2. My idea of a great evening is to go see a movie with my husband, then go out for a snack and chat a while. A long while. My idea of a great evening alone involves sewing, or reading under a cozy quilt that a friend made me.

3. I love winter and snow, but am growing more and more weary of being cold. I often bring a sweater with me in the summer. Pathetic, I know.

4. I am in the midst of reading the manuscript that my father-in-law's uncle wrote about their family history. It takes place just east of where I am located, and he talks of sod huts and covered wagons ... on the prairie. The only thing better than a fictional prairie story is a non-fictional prairie story!

5. I had open heart surgery and a pacemaker implant one short month before I got married. Needless to say, the wedding was small. :)

6. I am going to post a video of myself later on this week.

7. I'm a very unorganized person. I'm also the church secretary. Ask me how well that's going.

8. I am the youngest in my family. I have two older brothers (we're all a year apart), and was raised around all boy cousins. I do have two girl cousins, but one lived far away, and the other was ten years younger than me. As a result, I grew up playing football (tackle!), basketball, and riding motorcycles.

9. I just bought a fancy smancy camera, and am itching to become much more professional in my photography. You know ... in all my spare time.

10. I love plaid. Not on me, but in fabrics for quilting, decorating, etc. And I do love my husband in plaid. Because he's Scottish, and it looks outdoorsy and ... hot. And who wouldn't love a hot Scot!?

Thanks, Mama Bird, for the award!

To spread the love, I am passing this award along (in no particular order) to:

Prairie Chick. This girl is amazing! I think she found me, but we have a lot in common, as you can tell by the name. Her blog is gorgeous, and she's a talented photographer to boot, so check 'er out!

Becky Smith at Smithellaneous. Sweet lady, beautiful family, and awesome writer.

Annie. Love her style of writing.

A. Anne. I can't say enough about her photography. Her love for the Lord comes shining through in her photography, as well as her writing.

Tim at Fort Thompson. He's hip. He's southern. He's got a really cool blog!

Enjoy!!

~Brenda

I'm Calling A Family Meeting

Everyone come sit down! I'm callin' a family meeting.

With my Lovely Lurkers, that is.

Don't worry. Nobody's in trouble (that's what my family always thinks when we call a meeting).

I just wanted to specifically address some comments that were made yesterday.

So here goes:

El Mommy said:

Hi! I came to your blog from MckMama's discussion boards. And I'm actually going to check out Piper's book. I've read some really interesting things from him before. Isn't it a good sign that we ought to read something when our first reaction is, "But I might need to change!" LOL Maybe I'll go to the library today ;-)

We go through one chapter per week of the book. I usually dread my preparation time for class, because I know there's going to be plenty of things pointed out to me that I need to change, so I know the feeling!!! Good for you for not giving in and reading it anyway.

Day Photo said:

went to your store and looked at your darling clothes! They are wonderful and you are very talented.

Linda

http://coloradfarmlife.wordpress.com/

Shucks!! If only I could claim that I made those clothes!! But I didn't. I just grabbed the real seamstress' button from her blog, and put it on mine. Mostly because I thought the button was adorable, and so are her clothes that she sews. It made me want to open an Etsy shop and sell some similar items.

Perhaps when I am no longer home schooling ...

Valerie said:

I actually found the Piper book on my 16 year old son's bed stand yesterday. He had just come back from a Christ in Youth conference last week, and I was excited to see that he was interested in reading that!

I think it's totally awesome that your son is reading the book!! Good for him. My daughter, Jessie, is reading The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. It was recommended to her by one of her friends who not only reads Tozer, but C.S. Lewis and other deep thinkers/writers. Pretty hefty literature!!

Chris said:

Sounds like a great read to me. I am in the middle of Zorro's Field.....again, just can't get enough of it. From reading your blog I know it's the kind of book you would love. Thanks for your comments over at Johnson Family Farm, been so busy I have not had time to update in such a long time. Not much time for any blog reading either, I miss that too. Following you and hope to get back here soon. Thanks.

Zorro's Field. I've never heard of it, but I plan to check it out!! I hope you get a chance to update your blog soon. I still check it, and am standing on one foot and then the other waiting patiently for your next post!

Thanks to ALL my Lovely Lurkers for being faithful in visiting, commenting, and in general just making my day.

You guys/gals rock!!

~Brenda

Summer Reading

Anybody else in favor of pulling up a lawn chair, a glass of iced tea (sugar and lemon, please!), and a good book while we soak in some sunshine?

Me too!!

And I've tried to do a little bit of just that recently.

What am I reading?

Well, a couple of things.

First, I'm reading Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper.

If you are searching for significance, and don't wish to waste your life ... read this book!

If you want to challenge your thinking, the way you spend your time, what it is you are living for ... read this book!

I don't want to get to the end of my life, not able to think of a single thing I did for Christ. This book teaches me that a life lived for self is a wasted life. A life lived for Christ, magnifying Him and glorying in His presence is a life well lived.

Ah hem! Excuse me while I just step up on my soapbox for one moment ...

I'm sure you've heard the news that Michael Jackson died this past week. While I feel for the family, I feel even worse for MJ.

Why?

Because I think he's a perfect example of a wasted life.

Was he talented?

You bet!

Was he rich?

You bet!

Was he, at times, a giving person?

Probably!

Was anything that he did for to the glory of God? Did he ever desire to exalt Christ above himself?

I'm not seeing it!

That's an example of a wasted life.

Why do we, as American's, idolize people like MJ? Perhaps because he's a little more "tangible" than Jesus? Because we can see him with our very own eyes?

I'm a firm believer that you can see Jesus too, with a little faith.

Where can you get some of this faith, so that you might see Jesus?

Romans 10:17 says that Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Meaning ... read your Bible.

In addition to reading your Bible, go to church. Be around others who have faith, so that your faith can grow.

Deep breath ...

Hopping off my soapbox ...

I'm also reading A Distant Music, by B.J. Hoff

This is my light summer reading. I love to read books based on the late 1800's, early 1900's era. If it's a Prairie story, all the better. This particular book isn't about living on the prairie, but a mining town. Life is hard, and life is not always peaches and cream in this book. But the children that attend the one room schoolhouse, with Jonathan as their teacher, are indeed blessed.

I'm only about a third of the way through, but I am hooked. I love reading how many of these children are not wasting their lives. They're modeling their lives after Jesus, with the fine example of Jonathan right before their very eyes.

One little girl in the book was puzzled as to what to do in a very difficult decision. She asked her friend what she would do, and that friend said that she would do what Jonathan did ... because Jonathan always did what Jesus would do, and her ultimate goal was to always do what Jesus did.

And that, my Lovely Lurkers, is the way to not waste your life.

Do what Jesus would do. Glorify Him while you're doing it.

~Brenda

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. ~Psalm 34:3 (emphasis mine)