Category: home schooling

thoughts on the process of educating my little angels

friends and loved ones · home schooling

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

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Hump day is over.  Well, at least the school portion of our day is over.  I just finished up day three of our first week back to school for 2012.  In my mind, starting school up post all of the Christmas festivities is much harder than gearing up for the first week of school in the fall.  In the fall there is hype and new books and freshly sharpened pencils and unopened boxes of crayons.  But now, in January there is just rain and blah and half-used erasers.

Monday.  Monday was our first day back after Christmas and for the first time ever in my home schooling career it was lovely.  I had spent time with Jesus on Sunday evening making plans, confident that since He is able to save the world with just one word, He also has the power to save my school week ; He helped me pull my act together and get us back on track.

At the end of our first day back, I was exhausted but very content with our successes. Emily remembered how to do her math, Isaac wanted to hold his crayon properly and Mackenzie, well she was just happy  to sit in her booster seat and listen to stories and get in on the action.  My friends, that is bona fide success.

So, it might come as a shock to you that on the morning of our second day back to school, I was not so sure of myself.  I woke up with a fuzzy head – you  know where you can’t quite make heads or tales of what you’re supposed to be doing – and my children were running around excited and I, I needed coffee.  I could hear the words of a familiar book that we read around here a lot circling and circling around and around in my mind:

“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…”

Except, I didn’t.  I didn’t think I could.  In fact – for a moment I almost thought I couldn’t.  All bets were off when I broke my french press coffee pot in the sink.  The only thing I was prepared to do was cry.  That I knew I could do.

Standing in the doorway to my dining room, looking over my school train in the process of de-railing, I heard Him say,

“Of course you can’t.”

Well, that’s encouraging.

“My dear daughter, you never could.  Only I can.  I’m the one who gives you the strength, day in and out.  Yesterday was absolute proof that I alone can help you through each day.”

He promises that He is more than enough.  He promises to walk the full 24 hours of each day by my side.  And He promises that everything He is, He will give to me – portions of strength and power and wisdom to accomplish whatever it is He is asking of me.  Of course, I know these things in my head. Long ago I learned all of the Scripture to site these promises.  And yet, it is only mid-experience that it clicks and I KNOW it in my heart.

Yes, yes, I know – I am a slow learner.

Well, by His grace Tuesday was back on track before all was lost.  And Wednesday has been quite a smooth ride.  I’m working on remembering this every day : It is a moment by moment surrender, relying on His strength.  I don’t have to be the little blue engine pulling this train uphill alone.  Nope, I’m just along for the journey.  But, I feel confident: I know He can.

and that is all I need to know.

amen and amen.

Some of His words that are my very favorite:

Ephesians 3: 14-21

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[c] 15from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen

friends and loved ones · home schooling

happiness is…

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I wish it weren’t true.  But it is.  It takes major events for me to consider my life.  Sprinting through my days, my perspective is set on the finish line.  I suppose that isn’t terrible.  But, I regularly fail to notice the happiness.

There are many gifts in my life that just make me smile.  I believe they are from the Heavenly Father himself. Scripture says they are in James 1.  (It is no surprise that once again I am learning a lesson directly from the words I’m trying to memorize…)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

With these words in mind, I’m going to rehearse some of the things that move me to happiness – good things sent from above.  I realize that happiness because of “stuff” is not a proper end – I can’t look to things to make me happy.  But, I do believe that it is really really important to recognize the  big and little things alike that God has given and be grateful for the love He shows in very unique ways.  So, for this Tuesday its a list…

Happiness is…

My house, in all its “lived-in-ness” that makes it our home.  Including the messes that my children make daily.

The piano, some fingers make music with it, some make noise, but I can’t deny that it all makes me smile.

Isaac.  Emily.  Mackenzie.  Michael.  My loves, who make life completely and entirely full.

The brightly colored floral duvet that is on our bed.  for snuggles on chilly days and early mornings.  or for springtime in my heart, even when it is gloomy out.

For the books and home school clutter that litter my dining room each day.

Brownies, fresh bread, cupcakes and other goodies- experiments from my kitchen that bring satisfaction and a bit of comfort too.

friends and family, near and far, who love and care, and do life with us.  whether its over the phone or in person, they bring so much joy to the daily grind.

my husband playing his guitar with our own offspring gathered around helping.  it makes my heart swell.

open windows and autumn’s fresh air, apple cider and fresh from the oven snicker doodles.  This is fall – the best time of year.

There is more.  much much more.  and I don’t really have pictures for any of this – I’m not a real blogger without the photos, I understand.  But, maybe I’ll capture a few joys on photo later today and post them.   I plan to count my happinesses all day.  all week.  maybe even all month. hopefully longer.

just one of my  heart-happy blessings, learning time with Isaac…


friends and loved ones · home schooling

little piano man…

melodyannday2 Comments

I wasn’t there about 30 years ago when my husband started piano lessons.  But, I’ve heard stories.  From what my mother-in-law tells me he tackled the piano with reckless abandon.  It was the beginning.  A musician in the making.  From piano, to guitar, to bass or any other instrument he tackled, he showed natural musical ability.

He’s told me about “Big Chief Crazy Horse” one of his first favorite songs from his piano primer.  He must have played it a lot because his mom remembers it too.

I’m looking forward to memories of a few of those well played songs.  Not songs I’ll play, or tunes Michael will hammer out.  No – I can’t wait to hear songs from Isaac’s finger tips.  We started piano lessons with him today.  Man, he was so excited, it did this piano-playin’ mama’s heart some good.

There was a time before Michael and I had children that I wasn’t sure what we would pursue with them.  I mean, we both have musical genes to give away, but we didn’t want to pressure our offspring.  They shouldn’t have to play instruments just because we did, right?

That was back then.

My how things have changed.  I feel so strongly about giving each of our children the opportunity to play music.  Not just because it has developmental value or because it is fun. Not just because they might be good at it or be able to find a successful career.

I started a musical journey with Emily a few years ago, and with Isaac today because of Psalm 100.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands! Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord HE is God.  It is He who has made us and not we ourselves.  We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful unto Him and bless His name.  For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations.

No matter what talents or abilities are hiding in our children waiting to be discovered, I want them to be able to obey this command with their whole beings.  There is nothing more fulfilling, more amazing than worshipping the Lord with your whole heart.  Nothing compares.

Heavenly Father, Let us love you with our whole hearts.  Let us worship you with everything we have.  May every noise we make be beautiful in your ears.  amen.

Joyful noises. Exuberant praise. That is what I am praying today, for my little piano man.

friends and loved ones · home schooling

peace be still…

melodyannday4 Comments

Yesterday morning was a morning like no other.  You can count on the truth of it because it took me all these twenty-four hours to write about it.  My children were being children… and I, well, I didn’t handle it too well at all. I can assure you that I will not be nominated for Mother of the year this year…

It has been so hot in our part of the country the past few weeks that we haven’t been playing outside too much.  And so, I find the days passing by more and more slowly as we are trapped inside with no place to blow off steam.  This is how we began yesterday morning on week two, day two of school :  A lot of unbridled energy penned up.  A mama with not enough sleep. These two factors added up to catastrophe.

At 9:00 we had finished breakfast and I was trying to get everyone started on their work at the table. 9:30 rolled by and my front room looked like a tornado had hit – toys everywhere, children running around, hollering and laughing. By 10 AM, I realized that I was not going to be able to coax everyone to sit down calmly for our grammar time.  And by 10:30 I had yelled at everyone sufficiently to cause tears and heart ache for each child.  It was not one of my finer moments.

I tried to regroup by putting on a favorite Bible Story DVD and caught a few minutes alone with the Lord.  Quietly I began to catch my breath.  I asked Him, “Is there no peace for our house today?  I can’t make it through this whirl-wind of a storm all day!  HELP!”  And as I sent out my SOS, He brought help for my soul almost immediately, in the form of this story from Matthew 8 in Scripture:

23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

And I realized, if the wind and waves will obey Him, this little bit of “bad weather” at my house is nothing for Him to subdue.  I promise you, as I prayed and thanked Him for His peace in my home, the waves settled in my own heart.  Within minutes everyone else seemed to be able to relax too…

Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your presence, Your peace and for Your deliverance.  Remind me when unexpected storms pop up that You are here with me, and that You are the master of every storm.   amen.

I’m reminded of an old hymn this morning:

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O'er my soul like an infinite calm

Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
 
Two of my precious little monkeys!
home schooling

the timer

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I have a new best friend.  It is my kitchen timer.  My new chum has performed miracles here at my house this week, our first week back to school at home.  I love it.  I wind my new partner up, and he clicks away the seconds until we move to a new activity.  Even Emily seems to be in to it a bit…

I set the timer and she reads as much as she can.  Or, she finishes her math, or works on her geography map.  that kind of thing.  It can make all of the chores feel a bit like a game.  However, she does not like our new friend so much when he declares that it is time for something she doesn’t like – or worse if he tells us when something she likes a lot is over.

This small kitchen gadget does exactly what he is supposed to do;  he’s always right on time. But, Emily, she’s young and fickle.  She doesn’t understand the value of this new friend and the work he does.

I have another timer.  He knows exactly what I need and fulfills His will for my life, right on time. never inaccurate.  never late.  Sometimes I feel as though circumstances keep me too long, and the trial of waiting is unbearable.  Other times it seems that I have had to wait far too long for something to come to fruition.

But that is not the case.

My Heavenly Father is the ultimate time keeper.  He knows the framework of my life, every second of it. There is not one minute unaccounted for.   But I do not value this intricate work in my life as much as I should. I’m immature and fickle; I don’t appreciate it.

It is no coincidence then, that I began memorizing James 1.  I didn’t do it on purpose – but, I believe He ordained it, because He knows how much I need to learn this:

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Patience is not waiting around for God to do what I want.  Patience is waiting for Him to do what He wants, and when.  That is perfection.  I am the antithesis of perfection.  In one very particular instance I have been waiting, asking for faith, pleading for wisdom, all the while insisting that God do something right away – on my timeline. The fact remains: when I  am unsure that His timing is best, when I’m unwilling to give up my own ideas, that is a sign of my doubt. – and I become a wave of the sea… confused and frustrated, completely unstable.  All patience is lost, with faith and wisdom no where to be found.

What could possibly be the good news in this situation? I can only tell you what I’ve been learning these last few days. He is a loving and good Heavenly Father who is unable to do anything less than what is the very best for me.  And in this terribly trying time, when I am unable to see the full timeline of my future history, He is patient with me.  He cares for me and gently sets my feet in the right direction, and draws my heart to His.

Heavenly Father, With my whole heart I am grateful for your patience and faithfulness to me, even when I am unable to respond the right way.  Help me to believe without wavering that Your timing is best, and let me act on it.  Thank you for the enduring love You have shown to me.

amen.

home schooling

milk and cookies

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It was the spring of 2002. My sweet baby girl, Emily was laying on the changing table in her room as I dialed the number.  I had a very important call to make.  My hands were shaking just a bit as I picked out the numbers and heard the phone ring.

In an unforeseen turn of events, I had decided to complete my Kindermusik Instructor Certification in the months just after she was born.  To finish up the application process, I had to complete a telephone interview with my instructor before I could proceed with the class work.  Part of the phone call involved me singing three Kindermusik songs of her choice from the curriculum.

As she answered my call, far away in North Carolina, I tried to breathe deeply and answer her questions.  I had practiced each of the songs and was prepared. or so I thought.  Emily, only three months old, was happily laying on the changing table and I gently rubbed her tummy hoping she would be content for the duration of the conversation.

My professor requested the first song.  As I began to sing out the first tune, so did Emily.  The louder I tried to sing, the louder Emily cooed along.  I couldn’t help but start to giggle, but so did the teacher, who could hear Emily’s singing just as loud as mine.  It was a true testament to the value of music in a child’s early development.  I had been practicing these songs, and apparently Emily had too.

Over the next few months, I prepared to teach several classes, one of which used a children’s song called, “Milk and Cookies.”  To this day, it is still one of our favorites.  I can still hear my sweet girl’s tiny little voice singing along:

Milk and cookies, milk and cookies, yummy in my tummy.

Milk and cookies milk and cookies, yummy in my tummy.

Together she and I had learned all of the Kindermusik songs I taught – and she accompanied me to a lot of the classes.  It was an intense program to be certified and teach for…  I enjoyed it so much, but it was difficult.

How little did I know it would be a part of my future…

Not long ago, Michael and I agreed that I should assist in tutoring a class for Classical Conversations, a home school educational setting, here in Chattanooga.  When I attended the Practicum for my training, I thought I should be nervous.  I was sure I’d be completely overwhelmed.

But, I wasn’t.

On the third and final morning of the training, while I was still at home getting ready, I found myself talking with my Heavenly Father, asking Him to help me be in the right frame of mind.

“Am I being arrogant? Because, You know how I can be sometimes. This is so much information, why am I not scared out of my mind?  Can You help me think all of this through?  Please, I humbly ask that you work in my mind and my heart so that I don’t mess this up. ”

He brought a peace that I don’t understand, it was an unusual calm for my heart… and He said to me, “Don’t you know that I’ve prepared You?  I have brought you a long way, on this path, to prepare you for these moments. You have been obedient.  No need to be afraid or unsure.   Just the way you learned hundreds of songs and poems like, “Milk and Cookies,”  in such a short amount of time, you will learn all that is required now.  It is all a part of the plan… My plan”

Proverbs 3:1-6 is how He spoke to me:

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

All wisdom is from God.  As I proceed on His path, everything needed for the journey will be provided.  Whether it is strength for understanding, grace for a deeper perspective, breadth for more knowledge and the ability to peacefully accept it all – He will give wisdom when I follow His will.  He has promised.  And I’m realizing it is true.

friends and loved ones · home schooling

borrowing and carrying

melodyannday1 Comment

I was sitting at my table this morning, enjoying a delicious, giant mug of coffee.  Thinking back I couldn’t help but revel a bit in the success of my week.  I enjoyed a piece of buttermilk whole wheat toast, made by my very own hands. Our school week had gone so well.   I saw significant improvement with one of my piano students yesterday.  It was enough to make my head swell, just a bit.

The biggest triumph : math.  Emily can now borrow and carry…  its a big step for her and she is doing amazingly well!  It was a lot of work and review, but she can do it on her own now.  I’m so proud of her.

As I read a bit of Scripture this morning and talked with the Lord, I had to rethink my position, just a bit…

“Look at all I accomplished with Emily this week… isn’t it great?  I think its really huge!”

“You?”

*pause*

“Okay look at all we accomplished with Emily?”

“We?”

*longer pause*

“Okay, okay – You accomplished it….  I know…  I forgot…”

“so soon?”

*really really long pause*

He was wanting me to think deeper about the verse that He gave me this morning:

“Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.”  Isaiah 26:12

Ah yes!  It is a significant, but gentle reminder.  When it comes to my house work, school work, teaching piano lessons, child rearing or anything else that He gives me to do, I am not the one who can claim the victory.  In every situation, He is to be praised because the work is His and the result is His as well.

No matter what is going on in my life – the outcome does not belong to me.

If there is a mantle of success to wear, it is only borrowed from Him.  But, if there is a burden to carry when the world sees failure in progress, that is also His.  He can claim ownership of it all because He planned it and He is in charge.  It is not mine.  Not any of it.

And this is where I find peace for my life.  Acknowledging that it all belongs to Him means I can relax a bit more. Smile and laugh a lot more.  Worry a lot less. Frown over math problems much much less.

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy.  I am especially grateful for even the smallest of successes that come from your hand.  Knowing that You are in charge is the best gift you could have given me today.

amen.

(originally written October 8, 2010)

home schooling

saddle up

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“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne

I couldn’t help but remember this quote today. Not just because its one of my favorites, but because today was a day for saddling up.  Don’t get me wrong – nothing unusual happened.  It wasn’t life and death. There wasn’t a monumental occasion.  No big decisions.  No.

It was just the first day back to school.

Every time we begin a new semester, getting back to the reality of educating my children at home, I have to face my fears.  Today was one of those days.  I considered putting off starting one more day. Crawling out of bed happened just a bit later than usual.  Breakfast was not on time for our regular school schedule. A second cup of coffee was in order. I just wasn’t feeling ready.

As with a lot of other tests in life, I know there are times I have to move out and “saddle up” no matter how I’m feeling.  I know that Home schooling is my calling right now.  I know God’s desire for our family right now is to educate at home.  So today, knowing all of these things, I had to pull out the books and get going even though my emotions were completely out of balance.

It doesn’t matter if I’m afraid that my daughter may not be able to spell words correctly like centerpiece or that my son won’t be able to count, recognize and write the numbers 1 through 20 by the end of the school year.  Whether or not my baby will cooperate, and whether or not Isaac will sit attentively through a whole story is not the issue.  He has made promises to me on those counts.  For my part, I have to take courage, believing that another of my favorite quotes is true…  from the book of Joshua chapter 1.

v.6-9:   Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This came at a point in Joshua’s story where he was making the decision whether or not to cross the Jordan with the Israelites.  At the end of this passage He makes the command.  He tells the officers to let everyone know :prepare your belongings and get ready to go.  Head em up, move em out!

In my situation, or any other where there is fear, the courage needed to overcome requires faith + action.  As I move onward and follow the Lord’s direction, He promises strength.  He promises His presence. And that is what I found, today more than ever.   Our school day began this morning with Scripture memory and a Bible story…  As we took time to meditate on Him first, fear was replaced with significant peace and strength.

Thank you Lord, for this reminder today!  Be my strength.  Be my wisdom.  Be my guide.  I surrender this journey once again to you!  amen

(originally written january 18, 2011)

home schooling

Work of Art

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Its that time of year. Every year, for the past four years, around this time I’ve begun planning. I am a planner after all. As a home school mom I look forward to it. Its time to think about the coming academic year.

I’m glad that I’m not afraid, or bored or stumped. I love getting ready. I can become completely absorbed in surfing the web, reading reviews of books and curriculum. I like to be “in the know” about what is up and coming. I really get into planning what would be the very best thing for my daughter to do in the fall for third grade. Pulling everything together is like a huge art project – is the perspective balanced? Do I have all the shades and hues just right? Is it proportional? (I never was too good at art myself…)

Emily is interested in a lot of things. She likes art, she enjoys science and history. Her drawing skills really surprise me. In her understanding of basic science she takes after her dad ; and that’s far better than mine was at her age. If she could, she would make me read from her favorite history book all day. These are the things she enjoys.

Recently she informed me that she would not like to play soccer this fall, but rather she is interested in archery. She has had brief opportunities shooting a bow and arrow with her grandaddy – and she actually is quite good at it. And she would like to take an art class. Possibly water color. Nervertheless, it is all a bit foreign to me.

More and more as I get to know my daughter, a creation of God himself, I find myself in uncharted territory. At her age I enjoyed things that are almost the complete opposite of what she pursues. Planning an exciting and stimulating school year is challenging, even a bit perplexing.

This spring, as my planning begins, I find myself praying more than last year…

“Lord, Help me! Guide me to the best curriculum for Emily. Please strike me with lightening just in case I’m looking at things I’d like, instead of what would be best for her…” Its a prayer sort of like that.

In the midst of my praying this morning, He spoke to me and reminded me that I can’t plan it. That’s right, I myself, cannot plan the experiences that are best for her. Only He knows what that is. Even if I was the best home schooling mom in the world, (which He told me to stop striving for) I couldn’t accomplish the plans that He has for her.

There is a Scripture verse that I hold on to, that gives me some relief in the planning process. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

I am so thankful that no matter what I do, He will continue his work in heart and life. He is her creator and sustainer – for me that means the sweet young girl that my is Emily becoming- she is His creation. His work of art. not mine. And I know it is beautiful.

md

(originally written February 26, 2010)

friends and loved ones · home schooling

carnivores…

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My family and I are meat eaters. Yes – you heard me. We love a good piece of meat. In fact, today, on Christmas day we have a Christmas menu planned unlike any before. No turkey for us, we are having surf and turf. Filet mignon and crab cakes are the main entree and I can’t wait.

I was so glad when I found that my husband and I shared a love for red meat. This was a blessing because my parents raised me as a meat eater. I know there are a lot of vegetarians out there and no offense intended, but I could not have married one. My dad who was born and bred in Ottumwa, Iowa was surrounded by cows growing up. It would have been impossible to grow up there and not eat meat. And so- he passed on his love for meat to me.

A bit of history for you: For my seventh birthday I was given the option of choosing my birthday meal. What did I choose? Not pizza. Not chicken fingers and fries. Not macaroni and cheese. I requested pot roast. A taste had been developed for meat – and it was definitely a favorite.

My husband and I relish a finely cut portion of meat, no doubt and we have trained our daughter in the same way. Recently we went to a steak house for dinner and Emily requested the sirloin. She also has become a meat eater apparently.

Recently we had a similar situation at home. My daughter came to me with a confession. “Mommy – guess what I did last night?” Her expression was sheepish, so I was ever so slightly nervous to ask. “What’s that, sweetie?” She told me that she was being sneaky and took her small flashlight to bed with her and was reading under her covers. “You were?” I said with a tad bit of excitement because I’ve been hoping she would develop a love for reading. “What book did you take to bed? Boxcar Children? Chalkbox Kid?” And it was her answer that almost knocked me over:

“No mommy, I read the first chapter of Genesis! It was really great! I think I’ll read another chapter tonight.”

Now, why was I so shocked? She has developed a taste for the finer things in life. We read Scripture together almost daily, or at least a Bible Story or learn a Verse or something. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Her heart and mind have been born and bred to enjoy God’s Word.

“Hallelujah! I have found Him, who my soul so long has craved.

Jesus satisfies my longings,

Through His blood I now am saved.”

It is so true that God’s Word is like a delicious, hearty cut of steak. Melting in the heart and mind of the believer, satisfying the cravings of those who desire Him, fulfilling the deepest of hunger pains.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16”

md

(originally written December 28, 2009)