More Great Books

I found a couple of helpful books at our local library this summer. The Organized Home Schooler by Vicki Caruana and The Ultimate Book of Home Schooling Ideas by Linda Dobson. I keep renewing them because they are just so chock full of useful information. Definitely books I would like to add to my bookshelf permanently!

I was really encouraged by the first book, The Organized Home Schooler. The author packed in so much scripture that I felt refueled for this daunting adventure facing me. Here are just a few of the verses she shared.

Of course, Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, and love and self-discipline."

I Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."


All very familiar verses to me, but when applied to a specific area of one's life, they encourage immensely yet again! I think I will be laminating some of these verses on little cards and plastering them all around my laptop screen and around the window above my kitchen sink. (The two places I seem to spend a majority of my time.)

Have you read any great books lately? About homeschooling, or anything else, for that matter. I'm always up for a great book recommendation! I LOVE books! Can't wait to see my son actually reading a book all by himself!

I thought potty training was going to be an insurmountable task. This is definitely a bigger mountain to climb. But I know we'll climb it, and we're looking forward to the challenge! :)

Teach Me to Number My Days

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

- Psalm 90:12


Each day, with the gift of a whole, entire, precious, and priceless day before you, ask: "Lord, how do You want me to live this day? What is it You want me to do with this one day You have given me? What is the work You want me to accomplish today?"

- Elizabeth George


Nine-tenths of wisdom consists in being wise in scheduling time.

- President Theodore Roosevelt


(all of the above is noted in the book Small Changes for a Better Life, by Elizabeth George)

I'm Loving This Book

One of the books I'm currently reading is by Elizabeth George and entitled, "Small Changes for a Better Life." I think she wrote it just for me. :) I came across this book at a time when I really needed to be reminded of a few things as I navigate through some changes. I've only read the first several chapters, but I'm trying to do all of the things she suggests and really study the scripture passages that she references. It's been a very encouraging reminder so far. Exactly what I needed to refocus and do some goal setting. Elizabeth George wrote this book a few years ago, and it has since been republished with this current title. I love all her books, but somehow I missed this one until now! What great timing to find it now! Thank you, Lord.

Heart-Soil

I have a little book I like to peruse every so often. It's a devotional book of sorts that uses the idea of gardening to explain a person's relationship with Christ. Well, gardening is one of my favorite past-times. And I definitely need reminders to continue growing closer to the Lord on life's journey. Thus, "Down a Garden Path" by Karla Dornacher was written for the likes of me. :)

One of the points in this book reminds us that "beautiful blooms and a bountiful harvest require good soil." To quote more insightful words from this book...

"Good heart-soil is an ongoing, never-ending process. As you open your heart to the tender hand of the Master Gardener, He is able to till the hard places, remove the rocks, and pull up the weeds of the world that would entangle and choke out the life of His love. Take time to cultivate your relationship with the Master Gardener. Ask Him to show you any areas of your heart-soil where you need to let go and let Him work. Seek to be the beautiful and bountiful garden He designed you to be."

And then Karla Dornacher quotes a phrase from a familiar psalm, "Search me O God, and know my heart".

Wow, those words! I remember many a church communion service where the hymn, written from that psalm, was sung. The words brought my heart, mind, and soul into a quiet and reverent place of humility and dependence. I couldn't help but do some soul-searching and vow right there in the church pew to allow the Master Gardener to cultivate my heart-soil.

I've often wanted to write out the words to this hymn and post it where I could read them daily. I need a regular reminder to weed out worldly influences, plant seeds of God's Word, and cultivate my heart-soil in order to attain a beautiful and bountiful life in His eyes.

So, as I enjoy my spring planting, thank you, Karla Dornacher, for this timely reminder. And in case you're not familiar with the psalm she referenced, read these verses and see if they don't move you in some way.

Psalm 139:23, 24

"Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."