Sometimes I Look Better on the Inside

  Reading through the Bible this year has been interesting.  A life time of reading here and there like a chicken pecking around, I thought I had probably read most of the verses.  Maybe I had. But lining it up and hearing it one line, one story after another is different. It weighs more and stays in my head.
  The last few days have been in Exodus and the building of the Tabernacle with all the gold and gems and opulence  the nation of Israel had given. Each person bringing their share to make this unbelievably ornate place for God to dwell. Every last detail of where to place each item and what it is to be made of it and how many cubits it was and who should make it.
  And then in chapter 38, like a strange surprise, it says - "They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." Really?
 Now, I don't know what these women did, or how this happened. I don't know if they all got together one day and noticed that the sink in the place needed something to give a little sparkle, or if they heard Moses worrying about where they could get some extra bronze.  I do know, that every woman needs a mirror and they gave theirs up.  That's big. Especially knowing that they were there at the entrance working and everyone would see them and now how do they know if their hair looks okay or if there was a little manna stuck in their teeth?  
 Sometimes having a large family, I feel like I've donated the mirror.  Finding more than 10 minutes uninterrupted is miraculous. Showering is a luxury afforded only when I can nab someone to watch the baby and put out any fires the boys start. Painting my finger and toenails is out of the question and if you don't wear make up, you don't have to spend time taking it off. 
  But its good.  You know those ladies at the entrance to the tent were happy to see the sink finished and so beautiful and I'm looking to see what God can do with a lot less of me and more of Him.
  Just don't look too close at my eye brows - plucking is optional these days.
  

You Gotta Have a Tree

   Most years we cut our Christmas tree down the first weekend in December, but the stars and schedules didn't align as well this season.  So, better late than never, we finally made it out to the tree farm and chose the "best tree ever".  It was Samuel's turn to cut it down and he worked at it for awhile before bigger/stronger/older Isaiah finished it off for him. (Wasn't David just helping Isaiah not that long ago?)
  Everyone was full of Christmas cheer and humored me by singing Christmas carols in the hay wagon, even while people were listening. 
  So the tree is in place and it's officially Christmas at our house!

Away in a Manger

Our granddaughter Maddy has been staying with us for awhile and things have been a lot more interesting.  I made the decision to leave the very fragile nutcracker decorations packed away this year, for my own sanity, but the play nativity would be perfect. Although Maddy is only 1, it was time for her to hear the Christmas story.  She loved to sit and listen about how God stepped into our world, and that's how our faith like a child begins.  
And when you're one, it's okay to carry baby Jesus around in your mouth.

Something Fishy

  Our science class wrapped up our ocean studies with a lovely fish dissection.  I asked the parents a month ago if anyone could go fishing and get us some fish.  One family walked in with three huge beautiful wide mouth bass.  They were almost too pretty to use.
  But we did.  Fitted with gloves and scalpels we found organs and systems and generally the kids loved poking around and it was great.  And stinky. 
  There were a few kids who were repulsed and at the same time fascinated by the whole thing.  They only closed their eyes at the real bad parts.  And some couldn't get enough.
  It all went well until a few days later when I went in the garage and realized that our cans would probably smell for the next 30 years.
  

Summer Harvest

  Our orchard, which until this year has totally ignored us, suddenly matured and actually produced something.  Not just something, but lots of somethings.  The bees nicely gave up a ton of honey with not a single sting involved.  Our grapes taste like pure Welches Grape Juice and the apples are literally falling off the trees.  And those that didn't fall were encouraged to jump by Emma who scaled the top branches and shook till it was raining apples. Even our pear trees blessed us with fruit this year.  With homeschool back in full swing, recess is spent picking and peeling and climbing.  Apple Butter anyone?

An Inheritance

 Lauren, my 3 year old granddaughter, ran into the house last week.... "Guess what Grandma Kate?  I believe in Jesus!"  I hugged her right off her feet and said "Me too!" 
  How thankful I am that my own grandmother, Aida, made sure that my dad knew Jesus.  My parents were faithful to show me who Jesus is and I had the sweet privilege of sharing Him with my own children, including Lauren's mom Lane.
  My prayer is that one day Lauren's granddaughter will run into her house and love Jesus too.

Deuteronomy 4:9  “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children

  

About That....

Last week we took AnnaClaire on a college visit, which is another whole post.  While we were gone one of my daughters graciously volunteered to school the kids.  Apparently she was helping them with some animals found in the area they were studying.  

I've always said that cultivating a willing spirit to serve is as important as academics - like spelling for example.


Yea.