Spring is here and with it brings open windows, cool breezes, fresh wind through my soul. Winter seemed especially long and now the mornings dawn clear and warm. The sun has warmed my skin and i’m kissed with pink.
Calvin is finally home for the summer break and we couldn’t be more delighted. We are currently tackling the backyard which has sadly fallen into despair. Between a puppy and chickens, we have holes and trash just everywhere. It may take days and even weeks to get the yard pulled back together, but the sweetness is that it takes the hands of everyone to make it happen. I love watching little Jack hauling loads of branches and waste to the truck with his daddy. As he passes me has shouts and encouraging word, “good work, mom!” and “we’re doing a great job, right mom?” Yes, little man. There is good work here in our hearts and in our home.
Little Jack turns five on Thursday and it takes me by surprise. I catch myself wanting to weep a bit over his bigness. Hard working, hard playing, hard loving. He is full of life, spirit, courage. I stand amazed as I witness his undying energy. The energy of a boy. There is no one like him and I feel so awed to be his mommy.
There is good work in my heart too. I’ve been reading more about the Holy Spirit. I’ve just picked up Beth Moore’s book, Praying God’s Word and it seems all the chapters can apply to my walk with the Lord. I am encouraged. I am whole. And I revel in a God who is so much greater than my in adequate words can express. The blessings of my life rain down and I lose count. I’m making lists. I’m writing down thoughts. I’m listing my prayers and petitions and there is God who listens to it all. There is a Spirit who intercedes and has power. And I’m thankful.
My list for this week:
ask for belief
continually repent
call on the Holy Spirit
memorize the Word
pray continually
be specific
confess my sins
seek the fruits of the Spirit
practice discipline- especially self-control
know I need a Savior
lay down my burdens
teach my children
remember Christ’s yoke- it’s easy, not a crushing burden of religious system of works, requiring us to please Him. His is a new yoke, a new law, a new way of fulfilling the Scriptures by loving one another and by recognizing our Savior and receiving the gift of the Spirit.
lay down self
love my neighbor
count my blessings
- 184. my mother
- 185. my mother-in-law
- 186. my mother friends
- 187. my mothering friends
- 188. soil to work
- 189. dirty hands and sweaty foreheads
- 190. fresh strawberries
- 191. grilled chicken breast
- 192. a sleepy puppy laying at my feet
- 193. old, tattered quilts
- 194. yellow flowers
- 195. tomato plants
- 196. the smell of rosemary wafting through open windows
- 197. bluegrass music
- 198. garage sales and good books
- 199. a new gate on the chicken run
- 200. my neighbor
- 201. a new yellow watering can
- 202. the promise of a nap
- 203. a good book waiting
- 204. book club tonight