“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
I thought it might be fun to catch you up on what I’ve been working on lately.
Do you have hobbies? Things that make you relax and get away from the hustle of life? I have several and I’m always wishing I could try more.
Lately, I’ve been reading more than usual as I have several books going. (I’ll link the books)
I have been enjoying a WWII series that takes place in Europe and focuses on one young man’s journey through an elite spy organization. The beauty of historical fiction is all the real characters weaved in that you learn about. It has been a suspenseful, informative and very good series so far.
I’m also reading a new indie author’s book. He is a military man himself, having fought over in the Middle East and he has written a novel that takes place during WWII. It follows the journey in particular of one man as he walks in off the street to sign up for the Army and ends up being over on the shores of Normandy. I’m about 1/3 of the way through right now and so far enjoying it (there is some language so be aware). This is touching home to me since he described a lot of their basic training and I have a son in BMT right now.
Not to be outdone, I’m reading a book about a murder case in Ireland mid to late 1900’s.
This book I’m reading as part of an ongoing “job” to read and get some dollars for reviews. This one is interesting but the above two books keep pulling me back to them first.
Mellie and I are reading a book called Strawberry Girl and this one is a great one for the kids. It is about a family in Florida attempting to get crops out of the dusty ground. It shows their poverty, their state of joy in spite of this and their cleanliness even when they have little. The girl meets a new neighbor who is opposite all this and I have a feeling she will be showing them there IS joy in life even when you don’t have much.
I continue to write out the book of Nehemiah each morning and to be daily encouraged by Charlene Notgrass in her blog post. She writes to encourage homeschoolers. She and her husband and family have developed a history/geography curriculum centered around God’s Word and so well done.
Besides reading, I have been organizing a new “creative center” for Mellie and I in Tim’s old room.
We have been organizing our craft supplies, dolls and accessories and sewing equipment.
I managed to make one dress for Mellie this week in the midst of all the chaos of moving things around in the room. Sewing keeps me calm and focused as I usually listen to sermons and podcasts and just enjoy the creating.
Mellie and I have also spent a lot of time outside this week as we’ve had some days that in the shade aren’t too hot, yet. I, reading and she, filling our driveway with chalk drawings.
To me THIS is school! THIS is the way to give your children back a childhood the world isn’t offering them. We have done so much together thus teaching team work. There has been a lot of laughs and joy at being in each other’s presence. We have practiced our sign language and cooking skills. What better life to give her? Is there a better way to live as a mom, too?
Happy Saturday. If you need me, I’ll be at Melanie and Stephanie’s music recital!