Paper, paper everywhere

That pretty much sums up the state of my schoolroom/office. It is to the point that I must do something about it. What to do though? Binders, folders, pockets?

I came across this site, recommended to me by The Home School Mom. It looks doable and broken down into enough steps as to not overwhelm me. I may just post before and after pics. That is, if I'm brave enough!

I really do enjoy organizing things. It just takes so long sometimes and I don't always have huge chunks of time to do it. So, I am learning to take small steps with an eye on the goal!

A Wife's Biblical Submission: What It Is and What It Is Not

Sunny begins with a beautiful overview of what true Biblical submission looks like. Our society has told us over and over that to be submissive we must be doormats and not have an opinion. The Bible clearly tells us the opposite! We are to be pillars of the faith and our marriages, supporting with enormous strength and fortitude, not something cast to the side.

We are also called to do this willingly (it is not submission otherwise) and cheerfully. (Deuteronomy 15:10) Not with grumbling and complaining, but with a heart turned toward God and seeking His favor. So many times I just get frustrated only to find that my heart is seeking praise from my husband, instead of seeking God and His will. True submission is trusting God by following those he has placed in authority over us. It doesn't mean that we never voice our thoughts or ideas, but that once those opinions have been voiced, we follow willingly and cheerfully whether we agree or not, trusting God to "work together for good". (Romans 8:28) Because when we willingly submit to our husbands, we are obeying God and working with Him instead of against Him. He will surely bless our labors and our marriages.

So, my challenge for today is to do the things God has called me to, and the things regarding my husband I need to do with a willing and cheerful spirit, keeping my eyes fixed on God.

What is God calling you to do with a willing and cheerful spirit?

All About Me

Well, not maybe all about me, but enough to let you know who you are dealing with when you pop in here.

• 38 years old
• married for 12 years
• two children - son who is 8 and daughter who is 6 (22 months apart)
• live in suburbia but one day hope to move back to the country
• love to read, knit, sew, bake, drink tea
• follower of Christ for 30 years, not always devoted, but forever sealed by the Holy Spirit
• Proverbs 31 Woman wannabe
  

Submission

That word is so powerful and either encourages you, scares you, gets your feathers ruffled, or all three! I have long had a fascination with Biblical submission. I have read numerous books, done numerous studies, and yet still feel like I have so much to learn.

So, when I came across an online study of Proverbs 31:10-31, I was intrigued yet again. I've been looking for a Bible study that I could really get into, and this seems like it will be a great one.

If you are new to the concept of Biblical submission, or think you know what it is really about, or just need some encouragement; I encourage you to read and study and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.

This also ties in with my desire to "rise up early" and have daily devotions with the Lord. It used to be so easy to get out of bed at 5am and make it to the gym for a 5:45am aerobics class. Then I would shower and get dressed for work (at the gym) and eat breakfast before heading off to the working world. This was all before I was married, or even met my husband. Anyway, I've been thinking that if I could do it then, I could do it now. Except instead of exercising my muscles, I would be exercising my faith and devotion to God.

I still haven't managed to get out of bed at 5am (and be a member of the 5 o'clock and FAM clubs), but I am slowly working toward that goal. I know it will only help me, and I need all the help I can get!

...and the list goes on

11. cool mornings followed by warm and sunny afternoons
12. hugs from my children
13. fellowship of kindred spirits
14. folding clean laundry
15. reconnecting with old friends

Thankfulness

6. a husband strong and able, loving and giving, alive
7. pediatrician's offices open late and caring doctors who answer a multitude of questions with grace and kindness
8. food on hand to share
9. brokenness over sin
10. new mercies every morning

1000 Gifts

I've been encouraged lately through a couple of bloggers to begin my own "1000 Gifts" list.

My heart has been heavy lately with so many external factors and internal struggles. Deep down I know the only way to make it through is praise. Frequently I forget. It is time to remember.

1. crisp, cool air
2. hot tea
3. a little girl who waves bye to her daddy every morning, rain or shine, dark or light, frosty or warm
4. new beginnings
5. warm beds