Scheduling & Organizing for

Steady Days by Jamie C. Martin - Some thoughts & A Review  

Last summer a friend asked about a book that intrigued me with the title - Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood. As motherhood is often brushed aside in our culture these days, the "Professional Motherhood" caught my attention.  Experience has taught me as well that most things that aren't 'intentional' rarely happen in practical life application!  

I was one of those busy moms that everyone marvels at with little guys so close in age  - except those of us who are living it out

Quote for the Day

'Grace' by Eric Enstrom

Soar back through all your own experiences. Think of how the Lord has led you in the wilderness and has fed and clothed you every day. How God has borne with your ill manners, and put up with all your murmurings and all your longings after the 'sensual pleasures of Egypt!' Think of how the Lord's grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles.
~ Charles Spurgeon

Quote for the Day

My wonderful Mom-in-law shared this in her weekly email.  I thought it was an encouragement to share.

Let us sing even when we do not feel like it, for thus we may give wings to leaden feet and turn weariness into strength. ~ J. H. Jowett

Monday Meditations: a world of lengthening shadows

We live in a world of lengthening shadows.
And we are ever moving forward on the timeline.
As shadows grow, light dims...

We are compelled ~ Pray for strong churches in our communities.

baby dear

[baby dear,] 
How did you just come to be you?
God thought about me, and so I grew.

But how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so I am here.

Language Arts - Narration Notes

Dear Charlotte Mason friend,
 I thought I might start a series of 'Language Arts'  posts.  It seems that the topic of narration comes around often.  Since it is so integral to a CM philosophy, we will start with a quick overview.  It is always a good reminder to hear the purpose behind the philosophy and check our method to see that it is matching up.  Here are some of my notes from a study group meeting a while back.  
Click on the 'narration' label to read an earlier post on this.

more than a Hallmark day

Some thoughtful friends (here deemed 'the sugar plum fairies') delivered some homemade Christmas cookies over the holiday.

Isn't it such a busy time - our holiday seasons; planning, shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking yummy cookies... twinkle lights, visiting neighbors, A Christmas Memory & "fruitcake weather", traveling, special dinners, family, friends...

Now we have moved from Christmas and New Year's celebrations to all the activities of each month. 

A Cold, Clear Day

A while back I challenged us to get out and take a walk.  I have been out a few times since, though not as much as I'd like and certainly nothing to call consistent.  I promised a follow-up.

a tenuous life

Through the essays in Makoto Fujimura's Refractions (see: What Should We Then Read? Kelli's Good Reads list), I have learned a small bit about Japanese culture. One of the pieces speaks about the traditional craft of paper making.  He describes the strength and durability of this special 'Cloud Skin' as coming from the weaving together of layers and the purity of the natural products needed.  The delicacy and fragility of these materials are vulnerable but develop strength and beauty through the process.

It made me ponder the layers of a life and...