Character Lesson

I have put off doing this Charlotte Mason suggested lesson in the past because I just could not figure out a way to teach it in a way that agrees with me. Character studies can become tools with which to regularly be pointing out where we go wrong, it can be discouraging and self focusing. It is often a place where we look at the glass half empty and forget all that has been given to us. However, on the flip side I have always felt that this particular lesson "could be" a wonderful way to inspire my children to nobler and better deeds. Until now I have not discovered just how to teach it so it brings hope and freedom and not condemnation.

Let me explain my approach first with an example. Years ago I ran into an old friend and she and I were discussing a new diet method we had heard had helped many to lose the unwanted weight, fat. The diet begins with eating a specially designed nugget at different times a day. This nugget seemed to trigger the body to lose weight effortlessly and when you get to your ideal weight you stop eating this nugget and begin to eat real food and in moderation. You see you are set free from your weight, then you are encouraged to begin a healthy approach to eating diet.

Character study can be like most diets to lose weight, you first work to get rid of the weight then you rest, while the diet my friend and I were discussing sought to rid you of the weight then you work to keep it off. See the difference. In one approach you have the thin body you want so you appreciate the freedom from your excess weight and in turn this gratitude can lead to a willingness to do some work to keep it that way. In the other approach you are still burdened by more weight than you want or need hoping your hard work will make you thin.

When I was listening to my friend describe this new diet it reminded me of the freedom and hope I have as a Christian. You see I have been freed from the power of sin much the same way the diet freed those who tired it of the burden of weight. Because Jesus died 2,000 years ago and paid for all our sins it has nothing to do with my own efforts aside from the fact it will not be manifested in my life unless I believe it and try it out and see that it is so.  Jesus's death set me free from God's wrath and the need to be righteous on my own, much the same ay that the diet nugget sent messages to my body to drop the weight, it was effortless. In short, I am already clean and made new, I have dropped the extra weight. Because Jesus not only died but rose again, I have a new life, a life free of the extra weight of sin. So I can begin my day free and with ample power to do what is right. This is what I want my kids to know. I want them to realize what a trust in Jesus can do for them and how this trust can build in them character that is worth having.

So when we read the morally sound stories that inspire in us to nobel deeds and to honor and we talk about what good character qualities the characters possesses we remind ourselves that we have a way to obtain those traits too because of Jesus's victory for us on the cross. We also discuss how we could fail like many of the characters in our stories if we fail to believe we are free and have the power to resist or overcome the temptations in the world around us to be lazy or greedy etc. We remind ourselves also that Jesus's gift of salvation we have received is also a gift to have the power to please God and live right here on earth.  Somehow it is easier to remain free than to try to get free. If we are already free what could make us more free? Somehow the appreciation of knowing our burden has been taken from us makes us feel we never want to go back.

There is no absolute proof that Jesus's death 2,000 years ago has set us free from sin but when we face the decision daily to chose to believe it we are learning to receive by faith what is right, noble and true as our own. We find it is possible to be noble and honorable. In so doing our faith in this truth is proved  true time and again. The things we once believed had us bound to bad habits of wrong doing we are seeing are simply not that powerful and in truth they are really just lies we are learning not to believe.

We have two books we are reading through twice week; Created for work by Bob Shultz and The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett. I read from each of these books once a week then we narrate the chapter or stories and have the grand discussion about the ideas we found in them. In this discussion we talk about the truths I wrote about above. It is where we talk about our own lives and how we can apply the truth that we are free to do good, and that we have the power to do good. It is where we do not rely upon our own efforts to be good but remember Jesus's promise to be with us always. We discuss how we can include him more in our daily lives. We lean upon HIM for our goodness and worthy and virtuous traits. This lesson is simple but the discussions will last for a long time in our hearts. There are no lists, or reminders to be posted on the bathroom mirrors we simply invite Jesus to live with us in every moment and we drink in the ideas strewn about in the atmosphere of learning that has been carefully cultivated.

For further discussion on this topic I found Nancy Kelly's article entitled The Habits Pendulum inspiring and enlightening.

Week Sixteen/Seventeen Wrap-Up

This week and the last we have been ankle deep in Celtic soldiers and Famous Figures from Ancient Times action figures. The celtic figures above came from our Latin lesson of all places. Aren't they fierce looking? We were studying a dialogue about Britons are Best/ Romans are Best when this celtic warrior grabbed Zak's heart. He has colored, cut out and assembled a whole army of them. (25 or so) Coloring different ones different colors to signify rank etc. The celtic warriors above are the foot soldiers. No pun intended. :)

Bible: We have been reading through the book of revelations over breakfast these past few weeks. And because I had it on hand I put up this amazing painting made by Michael Pearl. It depicts the flow of the happenings with references to where in Revelations the images come from. I sticky tacked it to the wall about the head height of the boys so they can really get a good look at it.

Stories of Faith: This week we began to read Twice freed by Patricia St. John. It is a historical fiction novel written around the character Onesiumus from the Bible, a run away slave whom mets up with and is befriended by Apostle Paul while he is in Rome. To be honest, I am a glad to be finished with David Livingston and  H.M. Stanley as the many odd African names came up quite frequently in our book about him and made reading aloud a bit daunting for me. The boys were however not fazed by it one bit. Between this read and the greek myths and greek names in our geography books I am getting my fair share of education right along side the boys.

Arithmetic:  We have begun a new schedule with our math exercises this week. I made the change as I could see the boys were getting TOO familiar with the Matrix and the meaning and use of it were fading. This was apparent as no one was beating their old time or cared to work to achieve this. I had to freshen things up a bit. Making a change in schedule can often bring a fresh feel to things so we talked together and I gave the boys two choices of schedules I felt comfortable with and asked which one they would prefer. They chose to do Everyday Number Stories five days a week and on project day do the Multiplication Matrix. We will see how this goes. Personally I am happy with their choice as the work in the Everyday Number stories will give them great practice in understanding the ins and outs of the factors they are memorizing for the Matrix Table. I feel the understanding is more important than the time. The time simply reflects how easily it is for them to come up with the answers but understanding shows they know how to use the answers.

We continue to read about Albert Einstein in Kathleen Krull's delightful book about him.

Aesop's Copy work: 

Alexander the Great and a Hoplite Soldier action paper dolls from our Famous Figures of Ancient Times book.

Some of Max's finished action figures.

Ancient Greek History: We have been reading through The Heroes by Charles Kingsley.  Maybe you like us like to be careful how myths and 'gods' are introduced to your children, then you may enjoy the preface as much as I did. Reading it first, before I read the book to the boys gave me some good ideas for how to place the myths and the greek gods into our faith framework established on God and what we know is true from the Bible. Here is a quote form the final bit of the preface:

"But you shall hear how the Hellens said their heroes worked, three thousand years ago. The stories are not true, of course, nor half of them; you are not simple enough to fancy that; but the meaning of the is true, and true for ever, and that is- Do right, and God will help you." Charles Kingsley at Farley Court Advent 1855.

I am interested also to read another book by Kingsley entitled The Good News of God to see just where he is coming from.

This portrait of Medusa the Gorgon from our Mythology Pocket download went into our History notebook along with this pocket including a short version of the myth we read in Kingsley's book.

Max's Notebook pages.

Geography:  We have been reading through Three Greek Children by Alfred J. Church.

Science of Birds: Another lovely book by Arthur Scott Bailey has been on our reading list for science the past few weeks, The Tales of Solomon the Owl.

Nature notebooks: To catch up here are the last two entries the boys made in their nature notebooks.

Drawing by Zak.

Drawing by TJ

And we are not yet done with A Pocket Full Of Pinecones, perhaps in a few weeks.

What we found this week in the yard.

Language Arts: Seasons of the year writing assignment, and dictation, see, saw, seen writing assignment, Memorize The Brown Thrush by Lucy Larcum. all lessons from Primary Language Lessons by Emma Serl.

Reading Practice: Elson Reader Book Three. I have been assigning the boys two pages a day from this reader, they can chose to read more but not less. I set the bar a little low for I wanted to allow them the chance to challenge themselves or let the story pull them into reading more. For after all we read to know not to fulfill assignments. This past month I have seen it happening and it is fun! They all read passably well, but not yet do they have enough skill to find reading a pleasurable pass time. Now however they have all taken the lead and chosen to read more either to beat their brother or because the story beckons them on to find out more, not every day but often. This is what I have been waiting for.

Bedtime read aloud: Last week we read Outcast by Rosemary Sutcliff and have begun another by the same author this week The Silver Branch.

Latin: We are in Chapter 6 of Minimus: Starting out in Latin. A good place to be as we are about midway through the year and midway through the book. These past few weeks we have been looking at a dialogues about britons versus Romans and going to York to go shopping. The boys are catching much better to the way Latin reads and being more confident in their translations without my help.

I also did a little research on Minimus Secundus the next book in the series and found a helpful website with reviews of loads of classic literature and curriculums. Here is an excerpt about Minimus Secundus:

"Further evidence of the book's success is found in more than 1,000 letters Bell has received from children containing highly unexpected remarks such as "Latin is cool" and "Latin is the only thing I go to school for."

Art and Music: 

The enjoyment of Chopin's music and story goes on still.

Our drawing lessons have ceased for now and we have begun a study of Henri Matisse and continue our study of Chopin. The boys colored this painting/coloring page from The Artist Study Helper I made last year. One reviewer said this about it:

"What an enjoyable study this is. I'd never done an artist study before and honestly never really saw the benefits in it. This download has just about everything you need to complete a study on this particular artist: lesson plans, montessori cards, biography, full page picture study, notebooking pages, coloring pages and art lessons. It even says there is way more material included than you could ever fit into a 7 week study. Honestly, I think it'll take us 9 weeks to finish this but we're having fun. The guide outlines an 7 week study but of course you can make it last longer or cut it short if you need to. It nicely outlines what activities are included and how to complete them. A great feature for a mom very new to artist study. I recommend this for Kindergarten and up. I say "and up" because artist study can benefit all ages. A fun and neat study and it's affordable. The only drawback I see is that if you print out the works of the artist it takes up alot of ink. I would suggest possibly viewing it from the computer screen or checking out a library book that include his works. But that's not enough of a drawback to give it less than 5 stars."

 After they colored this we spent a few days watching this Youtube video about Matisse. However I had to do quite a lot of editing so be forewarned the nudity is prevalent and it is wise to preview before you show it to your kiddos. Other than that it is a wonderfully done documentary about his life and work.

Afternoon Audio: The rest of the Narnia stories, The Silver Chair, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and the Last Battle.

And that sums up our last two weeks of lessons, Thanks for dropping in...Have a great week!

Something I have been dwelling on...

"Based on Psalm 91, a prayer of protection, with a bridge from Isaiah 54:17, the title track, “Dwell,” is one of the defining moments on the record, Aaron says. “Our personal worship, our willingness to abide or dwell in the shelter of the Lord, it’s so connected to God moving on our behalf, moving for us, to the Kingdom of God advancing around us. It’s about more than we can see with our eyes. You can see several pictures in the Old Testament over and over again, where the worshipers go out and then everything changes. That dwelling in the presence of the Lord is so critical to everything. The enemy can throw things at us, he can even take our lives, but he cannot prosper... we will ultimately triumph. And it’s all wrapped up in our willingness to wait on the Lord. As we wait, he wars for his people. As we abide, he acts. As we rest, he moves, he shows up.”

A Blossom in The Desert: Reflections of Lilias Trotter

A friend of mine handed me a pile of books saying, "I think you might enjoy these." I thumbed through the covers and noticed the many rich illustrations and smiled. She knew me. The books were lovely and I am treasuring them. With a cup of herbal tea I curled myself up in my favorite reading spot, my papasan chair next to a window that looks out over my garden. I selected A Blossom in the Desert  first because it looked like an easy read and I was in want of something beautiful and inspiring. It was no easy read, each page is rich in beautiful illustrations from Lilia's journals entreating one to stay longer and look. Her scripted thoughts about God and her daily nature walk reflections are short but deliciously meaty. Thank you Anna, you may never know how this little book has inspired me.

Lilias Trotter was a daughter of a wealthy father who raised her with all the privileges of life in England at the turn of the 18th century. It was fun to learn she was emerging as an artist in England around the same time Charlotte Mason was emerging as an educator. It was also fun to learn Lilias studied art under John Ruskin whom Charlotte quoted so often in her writings. Lilias though very gifted as an artist turned down an opportunity to study full time under Ruskin and to be made known to the world, to follow God to the coast of North Africa where she spent the next 40 years of her life among the Muslim people of Algeria.  A Blossom in the Desert is a book devotional writings and drawings from her sketch book while she was in among the Algerians. She had the habit of rising early in the morning and spending and hour outside in nature reading her bible and learning she says from the words in the pages and the nature around her. Her simple faith and teachable spirit is refreshing and the drawings which accompany them inspiring. It suggested to me that nature journaling may be expanded to more than scientific study but also to the listening of the heart to God. Why not draw and listen, write and paint our communion with the everlasting God. Lilias's habits have inspired me to one of my own....nature study with God.

With her pocket sketch book and her keen eye she lived the credo Ruskin outlined for modern painters: " The greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something, and tell what it saw in a plain way. Hundreds of people can talk for one who can think, but thousands can think for one who can see." -Miriam Hoffman Author of A Blossom in the Desert.

Daisies Talking

 "The daisies ave been talking again-the girls brought in a clump the other day from their saturday afternoon hours in the country. Somewhere long ago I saw that the reason they spread out their leaves flat on the ground-so flat the scythe does not touch them-is because the flowers stretch out their little hands, as it were, to keep back the blades of grass that would shut out the sunlight. They speak so of the need of deliberately holding back everything that would crowd our souls and stifle the freedom of God's light and air." page 178

The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.

Lamentations 3:24

Miriam Huffman the author of this devotional diary writes that she was not allowed to print the devotional books until there was a biography written of Lilias Trotter. So she took it upon herself to research and write the biography which is called Passion for the Impossible. Sounds like another good read.

Christ In Me the Hope of Glory

I just read an article by Ellyn Davis entitled "Blame it on the Cupcake!" It reminded me of the hope I have in Christ and why I love walking with Jesus. In the article Ellyn describes the kind of day that unravels as it goes, and by afternoon we are done in. here is a quick glimpse of what she wrote,

"Say you are trying to diet. You get up in the morning and you're determined that you are going to eat only what you should, go to the gym and work out, and take a two mile walk with your friend. This is not an impossible goal for you because you've done it many times before. But this particular day the kids are fighting, the dog has had a run-in with a skunk, the washing machine gets stuck on the fill cycle, and you didn't sleep well, plus the day is peppered with interruptions and myriads of little decisions you have to make. 

But you know you can handle this. No problem. You are still able to move into your day and get things done. You eat a healthy breakfast, take a walk with your friend while the kids are doing their chores, call the washing machine repairman, quarantine the dog until your husband gets home, and get the kids sorted out and started on their school for the day. So far so good.

Then a neighbor brings over a plate of cupcakes and wants to talk about her latest drama. Mmmm. Carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Your favorite. But this neighbor always outstays her welcome and you find yourself forcing a smile as you greet her, knowing her visit is going to eat into a large part of your morning.

However, the cupcakes were a nice gesture, so you thank her profusely and try to cut the conversation as short as possible.
She finally leaves and all day long those cupcakes sit on the kitchen counter. You pass them each time you come into the kitchen for something. The kids have most of them with lunch, but there is one left.


The day goes on and now it's 4 in the afternoon. You are tired. So far you've dealt with homeschooling three children, a washer that doesn't work, a dog that stinks, and multiple phone calls and interruptions. As you pass that last remaining cupcake for the 15th time, you decide to sample a little lick of the icing. Oh my gosh! That is the best cream cheese icing you've ever tasted!


You know what happens next. You decide to take a tiny bite. Then another bite. It's the Marshmallow Tests all over again. Then your rationalizing mind kicks in and tells you, "Just go ahead and eat the whole thing and the cupcakes will all be gone and you won't be tempted anymore."


You do. And then you are angry at yourself. A few minutes later your husband walks in the door and you snap at him. He asks, "What's wrong?" But you don't even know how to answer his question. You're mad at yourself, you're mad at the washing machine, you're mad at the kids, you're mad at the neighbor who dropped off the cupcakes, and now you're mad at him."

Days like this remind of why Jesus said to his disciples, "I will go away but I am sending you a comforter." He knew we would have days that overwhelm us. In fact He often leads us into endeavors that are beyond us because He knows He is there in the yoke beside us taking the brunt of the load on His big shoulders. Incarnation, it is a brilliant plan! On days like this I know what went wrong, I have forgotten my comforter, my yoke mate. I have some where along the way left Him and begun to live life on my own. Before I was a believer, me was all I had. If I did not step in to solve my own character issues who could? But now I have Christ the risen king who lives in me. His strength, His wisdom, His love is now mine. He is my hope of glory in days like this.

Instead of handling it on my own, I stop. I remind myself I am not alone. I hand over the troubles, the decisions and the work to my comforter and I rest. I listen for His instructions. It may be wisdom about how to structure the day or handle a conflict, or it may be remembering how much I am loved. It may be just my own frenzied self being set aside so others do not have to feel the repercussions of my unrest. But whatever the comforter brings it does replenish, it does give me rest. Mostly He brings life and life more abundant to me and my family.

We don’t have to live life on our own, and we don’t have to bear the weight of our own sinful self. When we believe in Christ’s blood which covers us from our sin we have a comforter. You will know Him by His fruit. He will bring into our lives the following: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control.

Christ IN me IS my HOPE and my GLORY!

Living Life to the Full....Faith

Photo by Evgeni Dinev

Much-Afraid is on her way with the Chief shepherd to the High places. They have been hiking up through the foothills enjoying the song of the brook and the melody of the birds. As they cross a river Much Afraid sees the pathway that begins to lead up, and remembers that this is where the Chief Shepherd will leave her. It is here that she meets two companions Sorrow and Suffering whom the shepherd has chosen himself to lead her onward and upward to the High places where she will receive a new name, develop hinds feet and the seed of love planted in her heart will bloom and she will be loved in return. Much-Afraid pauses, and looks back over the valley below where her relatives the fearings live. Where she once lived. She remembered the peaceful little cottage and the peace and quiet of the daily work that she had left behind to join the Chief Shepherd on this adventure to the high places.

"As the scenes form her past rose before her, tears began to prick her eyes, and the thorn of love pricked in her heart, but almost at once she turned to the Shepherd and said thankfully, “I will trust you and do whatever you want.”
“Then, as she looked up in his face, he smiled most sweetly and said something he had never said before, “you have one real beauty, Much-Afraid, you have such trustful eyes. Trust is one of the most beautiful things in the world. When I look at the trust in your eyes I find you more beautiful to look upon than many a lovely queen.” Hinds Feet in High Places Pg 64

It is not so easy to trust God when is feels as if He is not there, when it appears He has abandoned us to sorrows, or sufferings, when His presence is not tangible or visible. And when like in the story of Much-Afraid’s journey the Chief Shepherd actually and purposefully leaves us and chooses not Joy and Peace for our companions but Sorrow and suffering. Faith is choosing against hope. Faith can often be cold blooded.

“I will trust you and do whatever you want.”

“Faith is a wonderful thing, something that every believer possesses. It takes the pressure off us to perform and initiate His works, and places the emphasis on God, the Creator of the actions. When told by God that his wife was going to have a baby, Abraham immediately looked to himself and said, “I don’t think I can father a baby.” He looked over at Sarah and said, “I know she cannot have a baby.” The he looked up to God and said, “When are we having a baby?”
We have so many promises from God, which we must learn to greet with the same sequence of responses as Abraham’s. We first look to ourselves and know they are impossible. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” 1 Peter 2:9 How can it be, Lord? We know it it is impossible for us to achieve such a stature. Next, we ought to look to around us and realize that no other person can help us attain that, either. But then as men of faith we look to God and thank Him that it is true; we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.” Side Tracked in the Wilderness Pg 68

Yesterday my temper threatened to blow. I had been disrespected and treated poorly. I was hurt, angry and fuming. I looked for possible avenues to overcome the rage which threatened to overcome me and explode on the people near me. Onto the ones who had offended. I knew this was wrong but I was escalating. The feels were stronger than my love or my resolve to do what is right. I stepped back, took a walk. As I walked I remembered a truth that did not feel good but I knew it was right. I am dead. Can a dead man be offended? Can a dead man feel hurt? But I was, but I did! I have made a habit of choosing to believe what the Bible says even if it seems way out there. So I said to myself, ‘I am dead.” No fanfare or emotions to bring assent just to say it. I am dead. It is a cold blooded statement of faith. It counts. If I am dead, how would I live out these net few moments? Then I went about my day listening for the gentle voice of the Shepherd, and slowly imperceptibly my wrath subsided. Soon a new thought was in my mind, a way to resolve the issue. I applied it. I was free. Joy came in like a flood! When you are not feeling guilty over sin, when shame is not entangling your feet, when you find God has indeed made a way of escape for you, when you live out the truth that sin does not have power over you any more, you really live. You live life to the full. Victory brings life, peace and lots of joy!
 

photo by Andy Newson

 "In all the world I have no one but you. Help me to follow you, even though it seems impossible. Help me to trust you as much as I long to love you.” As he heard these words the Shepherd suddenly lifted his head and laughed-a laugh full of exultation and triumph and delight. It echoed round the rockey walls of the little canyon in which they stood until for a moment or two it seemed as though the whole mountain range was laughing with him. The echoes bounded higher and higher leaping from rock to rock, and from crag to crag, up to the highest summits, until it seemed as though the last faint echoes of it were running into heaven itself.
When the last note had faded into silence, his voice said softly, “Thou art fair, my love; there is no spot in thee” Then he added, “Fear not much afraid, only believe. I promise that you shall not be put to shame.” Hinds Feet in High Places pg 68

I love this picture of Christ...I can just hear him shouting Yippppeeeee! When I chose to believe Him, and take Him at His word. He'll shout it for you too.

Living Life to the Full...Lying Emotions

Photo by healingdream

In the Living Life to the Full...Unbelieving Believers post I left you with a bunch of questions from Side Tracked in the Wilderness by Michael Wells. Following are the typical answers from defeated and struggling Christians around the world:
1. When I think about being with God, I feel….(fear, loneliness, that He is not here)

2. When I have to trust God, I feel….(Like he really won’t help me)

3. When I think about God, I wish…(I could see him or that He would change me)

4.Sometimes I get angry with God when…(He doesn’t seem to hear me, He leaves me alone, He doesn’t help.)

5. It frustrates me when God wants me to…(to do the impossible, which He always does. He gives me commandments I cannot keep)

6. I really enjoy God when…(He forgives)

7. The one thing I would change about myself to please God is….(everything)

8. When I think about God’s commands, I feel…(inadequate because I so often have not been able to keep them, or judgment for failing)

9. Sometimes I wish God would…(take me home)

10. I can really depend on God…(for nothing)

11. In my relationship with God, I’m always sure that he will….(judge me, get me, reveal to everyone my faults)

12. The one thing that frightens me most about God is…( His judgment)

13. God surprises me when…(answers or is there)

14. One thing I’m afraid God will do is….(kill someone I love to get my attention)

“God, and God alone, can meet our deepest needs; we all recognize this in our minds, but what about in our emotions? Is there anything in our emotions that might keep us from running to God to have these needs met, thus embarking us on an endless journey trying to find that one person, that special thing, that incredible place, yes, that adored idol that will meet our needs? Look at how God is described by the defeated Christian in the test above, the defeated Christian often feels that this is who is being prayed to, worshiped, and trusted to meet needs.” Pg 61

The defeated believer often feels God is like this:

“by accepting Jesus into your life, from this day forward you will have fear and no help, God will not be there, He will not hear you, it will be impossible to keep his commands, God will judge you, you will be unacceptable, and He may even kill someone in your family to get your attention!” pg 61

Would you or those you know want to follow, trust, or worship a God like that?

“We do not take seriously that many reject the Lord not on the basis of what is heard, but what is being felt….Here is the great conflict: Many do not want to go to hell at some time in the future, so a savior appeals to them. However, because emotional unbelief and fear of what will happen if He is allowed to begin dabbling in their lives, these same people must find some way to cope with life outside God.” Pg 61,62

IF God is like this we will probably find ways to avoid Him, but IF God is not like this, IF He is all together different, should we not reconsider Him? How could we know God as he is? How would we know it is really true, true enough to risk trusting Him, real enough to believe in Him? Though the Bible is just words on paper, it can be a place to start. I Corinthians 13 is about Love…if God IS love could we not replace the word love with God and get a new picture of what God is like.


God is patient.

God is kind.

God is not jealous.

God does not brag.

God is not arrogant or proud.

God does not seek His own good, but rather seeks what is best for us.

God will be polite towards us.

God is not provoked.

God does not take into account our wrong doings.

God hates any evil that has happened to us.

God will bear with you always.

God believes in us.

God can endure all things.

God will never fail.

God will always be there for us.

"Remember I am not saying we work to change what we are, but work to beleive what we already are." pg 66

When I began to read the Bible for what it said and to obey it, I was choosing to trust what it said against what I felt. The way out of emotional unbelief is as simple as that. But it doesn’t happen over night and it was not easy to face lying emotions. It was a fearful endeavour. But to the degree I trusted in Christ and opened the door up to him I was set free and found that I was living and life to the full. He is all He says He is in the written word.

"It is a great step of faith to go against all the lying emotions you have concerning who God is and to just open that door to His life one time, for one time is all it will take for you to discover the adundant life for which you have searched for so long. " pg 66

Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me" Revelations 3:20

Living Life to the Full...Unbelieving Believers

Photo by idea go

What is an Unbelieving believer?

Sounds like an oxymoron. It is someone who is saved. They will be in heaven. They have understood the message of the Gospel and can say without a moments hesitation that it is true. They would agree with you that what God says is right. In the mind of an unbelieving believer there is no conflict. However it is in the emotions where most of us really live. If the message of the gospel and it’s good news isn’t jiving down there, there will be unbelief residing in a part of you. An imporatnt part of you. Perhaps you don’t know why you don’t you don’t accept it, or why it repels you. Perhaps you do and you just can’t refute it with wise sounding words. Perhaps you just aren’t ready to trust God down there where life hurts, and joys begins. At any rate those emotions are part of you…they matter. God wants to win your heart not just your mind and your mental consent. He doesn’t want you service and understanding as much as your trust.

It is when you are the lowest, when you are desperate for some real help that you realize just how much you have really trust God. Is he a comfort? Is he scoffing at you? Is he even there at all?

Here are some questions you can ask yourself next time life is not going well. Answer them honestly, and from your heart, this time forget what you know and feel for the answers. The questions are from pg 58-59  in Side Tracked in the Wilderness by Michael Wells.

1. When I think about being with God, I feel….

2. When I have to trust God, I feel….

3. When I think about God, I wish…

4. Sometimes I get angry with God when…

5. It frustrates me when God wants me to…

6. I really enjoy God when…

7. The one thing I would change about myself to please God is….

8. When I think about God’s commands, I feel…

9. Sometimes I wish God would…

10. I can really depend on God when…

11. in my relationship with God, I’m always sure that he will….

12. The one thing that frightens me most about God is…

13. God surprises me when…

14. One thing I’m afraid God will do is….

Perhaps as you answered the questions you saw the dichotomy, your mind knows what you should say but your feelings are hesitant. Tomorrow I will finish this thought more but today I wanted to leave you with a few more questions. From Side Tracked in the Wilderness Pg 43.

Where have you looked to have your needs met?

How are you coping with the world around you?

What do you do in the midst of defeat?

To whom or what do you turn when under pressure?

Where do you find comfort?

How do you exit in a world where God is relevant only for future fire insurance?

How do you live among humanity?

Three Stones

Photo by Evgeni Dinev

The story is told of a man who met God in a lovely valley one day.

“How are you this morning?” God asked the fellow.

“I’m fine, thank you,” the man replied. “Is there anything I can do for you today?”

“Yes, there is,” God said. “I have a wagon with three stones in it, and I need someone to pull it up the hill for me. Are you willing?”

“Yes, I’d love to do something for you. Those stones don’t Look very heavy, and the wagons’ in good shape. I’d be happy to do that. Where would you like me to take it?”

God gave the man specific instructions, sketching a map in the dust at the side of the road. “Go through the woods and up the road that winds up the side of the hill. Once you get to the top, just leave the wagon there. Thank you for your willingness to help me today.”

“No problem! The man replied and set off cheerfully. The wagon pulled a bit behind him, but the burden was an easy one. He began to whistle as he walked quickly through the forest. The sun peeked through the trees and warmed his back. What a joy to be able to serve the Lord, he thought, enjoying the beautiful day.

Just around the third bend, he walked into a small village. People smiled and greeted him. Then, at the last house, a man stopped him and asked, “How are you this morning? What a nice wagon you have. Where are you off to?”

“Well, God gave me a job this morning. I’m delivering these three stones to the top of the hill.”

“My goodness! Can you believe it? I was just praying this morning about how I was going to get this rock I have to the top of the mountain,” the man told him with great excitement. “You don’t suppose you could take it up there for me? It would be such an answer to prayer.”

The man with the wagon smiled and said, “of course. I don’t suppose God would mind. Just put it behind the other three stones.” Then he set off with three stones and a rock rolling behind him.

Photo by Dan

The wagon seemed a bit heavier. He could feel the jolt of each bump, and the wagon seemed to pull to one side a bit. The man stopped to adjust the load as he sang a hymn of praise, pleased to be helping out a brother as he served God. Then he set off again and soon reached another small village at the side of the road. A good friend lived there and offered him a glass of cider.

“You’re going up to the top of the hill?” his oldest friend asked.

“Yes, I am so excited. Can you imagine, God gave me something to do!”

“Hey!” said his friend. “I need this bag of pebbles taken up. I’ve been so worried that it might not get taken care of since I haven’t time to do it myself. But you could fit it in right between the three stones here in the middle.” With that, he placed his burden in the wagon.

“Shouldn’t be a problem,” the man said. “I think I can handle it.” He finished the cider, the stood up and brushed his hands on his overalls before griping the handle of the wagon. He waved good-bye and began to pull the wagon back onto the road.

The wagon was definitely tugging on his arm now, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. As he started up the incline, he began to feel the weight of the three stones, the rock, and the pebbles. Still, it felt good to help a friend. Surely God would be proud of how energetic and helpful he’d been.

One little stop followed another, and the wagon grew fuller and fuller. The sun was hot above the man pulling it, and his shoulders ached with the strain. The songs of praise and thanksgiving that had filled his heart had long since left his lips as resentment began to build up inside. Surely this wasn’t what he had signed up for this morning. God had given him a burden heavier than he could bear.

The wagon felt huge and awkward as it lumbered and swayed over the ruts in the road. Frustrated, the man was beginning to have visions of giving up and letting the wagon roll backward. God was playing a cruel game with him. The wagon lurched, and the load of obligations collided with the back of his legs, leaving bruises. “This is it!’ he fumed. “God can’t expect me to haul this all the way up the mountain.”

“Oh God,” he wailed “This is too hard for me! I thought you were behind this trip, but I am overcome by the heaviness of it. You’ll have to get someone else to do it. I’m just not strong enough.”

As he prayed, God came to his side. “Sounds like you’re having a hard time. What’s the problem?”

“You gave me a job that is too hard for me,” the man sobbed. “I’m just not up to it!” God walked over to where the wagon was braced with a stone. “What is this?” he held up a bag of pebbles.

:That belongs to John, my good friend. He didn’t have time to brig it up himself. I thought I would help.’

“And, this?” God tumbled two pieces of shale over the side of the wagon as the man tried to explain.

God continued to unload the wagon, removing both light and heavy items. They dropped to the ground, the dust swirling up around them. The man who had hoped to help God grew silent.

“if you will be content to let others take their own burdens,” God told him, “I will help you with your task.”

“But I promised I would help! I can’t leave these things lying here.”

“Let others shoulder their own belongings,” God said gently. “I know you were trying to help, but when you are weighted down with all these cares, you cannot do what I have asked of you.”

Photo by Felix Co Inc

The man jumped to his feet, suddenly realizing the freedom God was offering. “You mean I only have to take the three stones after all?” he asked.

“That is what I asked you to do.” God smiled. “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. I will never ask you to carry more than you can bear.”

“I can do that!” said the man, grinning from ear to ear. He grabbed the wagon handle and set off once again, leaving the rest of the burdens beside the rod. The wagon still lurched and jolted lightly, but he hardly noticed.

A new song filled his lips, and he noticed a fragrant breeze wafting over the path. With great joy he reached the top of the hill. It had been a wonderful day, for he had done what the Lord had asked. From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver Pg 48-51

What are your three stones?

Living Life to the Full...The Tree

The Tree of life by Klimt

"And out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Genesis 2:9

Yesterday I posted about things that don't work. They may seem to be light on our path to living life to the full but in reality they still leave us defeated, tired, frustrated and looking. Why is this so? Below is yet another quote from Side tracked in the wilderness by Michael Wells which sheds light on this.

"God commands righteousness of us, and yet we are told every righteous deed is like a filthy garment. Good and evil come from the same tree and are treated alike by God...they are BOTH REJECTED. (empahsis mine) Doing evil is a sign of disbelief that God exists or will judge, but doing good is a sign of unbelief in God's standard of acceptence. We prove that we do not believe God at all when we add to this standard. We are touching upon one of the greatest deceptions in Christianity. God does want us to do good works, but what makes a work fitting is not the content but its origin; if the source of the work is faith as Christ expresses himself through us, then it is acceptable. First Thessalonians 1:3 mentions work produced by faith, which is acceptable. But all other work is unacceptable, based on unbelief and self-righteousness." pg 30

In the Bible Jesus recognized the tax collectors and sinners as bad. They had eaten from the evil side of the tree. He knew they would be given to repenting for they knew they has done something wrong and most of those around them knew it too. However, Jesus did not hold the same hope for the Pharisses and teachers of the law. The tax collectors and the sinners would enter into heaven before those who had eaten from the good side of the tree and could not see that they needed to repent from their good works.

"No one around them (Pharisees) would testify to how truly repulsive and unacceptable their good works and self righteousness really were. There is a blindness that comes from eating from the good side of this most forbidden tree." pg 30

"Eating from the tree will cause us to advocate a very simple teaching that goes like this: You did evil, now do good." pg 31

"Are today's teachings yielding more additions to God's standard (faith) or promoting performance that would apply equally well to the Hindu, the Buddist, the muslim or the Morman?" pg 31-32

Suppose because of God's leading, I decide to spend my day playing with my kids in the park. It is the clear leading of the Lord that I do so. That may not appear to be very significant work, and yet it will reap for me in heaven a rich reward! WHY! Not because it was a great work or sacrifice, but because it was led by the Lord. It's derivation was from Him. His life in me! If I am living out His life I need not worry; the action, no matter how insignificant in my eyes or the eyes of others looking in on my life, will always be good. On the other hand, I might preach to thousands for my own benefit, glory, and exaltation. This work will be wood, hay, and stubble burnt up on the last day. The magnitude of the work was tremendous, but the source was not Christ's life within but my own efforts.

"The supernatural life is manifested in the small, often unseen areas of our lives in such things as peace, mercy, and lack of condemnation when wronged." pg 35

I have begun a habit each day as I awaken and begin to think about the coming day. I ask, "Jesus what would you like to do with my life today." The next good idea or thought that comes into my head is where I begin. Throughout the day my ear is listening for his gentle voice and His way through the day. He gets me over obstacles large and small, shows me how to handle difficult situations, and when I am in over my head he takes the wheel and deals with the issue. He points out kind things to do for those I am living around that day, gives creative ideas for homeschooling. He is my life...a life more abundant full and free!

Living Life to the Full...What doesn't work

Photo by Worradmu

“If you must work to be something you prove yourself not to be the thing at all.” Andrew Murray

Knowing what does work can be helpful, but often knowing what doesn't work gives us more of an idea about how something really does work. It is more information on the road to discovery. I am still reading and jounraling through a book I  love called Side Tracked in the Wilderness by Michael Wells. The following is a story from Chapter 3.


“One night a man lost his key to his house and, finding himself locked out, began to look for it under the streetlight. As the neighbors noticed the man they would ask what he was doing, and one by one they joined him in his search. Finally one of the neighbors asked the man, “Exactly where did you lose the key?”


The man replied, “over there by the house.”


The neighbor responded, “If you lost the key by your house, why are we looking under the light?”


The man answered, “I couldn’t see well enough where I lost it; I can only see under the light.”


The believer who has lost his joy and victory often looks where things appear to be clearest, not at the source of the defeat. Looking and Looking in the wrong places never yields the key to success, and just because there is a measure of light, this is no reason to continue.” Pg 28


Looking in the wrong place can be very frustrating. In this post I want to list a few things (there are much more) that don't work when you are longing and looking for a way  to live your life to the full. These are places that may look clear, they seem like they should work, but they don't. They are the lamp post in the story. So without much ado here is a list of thing that don't work.

What doesn't work!

• Having correct doctrine

“The defeated can be found among the those who were baptized in the “proper” manner at the “proper” time, who are submitting to spiritual authorities, who lead shepherding groups, who have whole books of the bible memorized, who promote devotional and quiet times, who are tireless evangelists, who maintain levels of separation from the world, who make positive confessions, who read only the King James Version , who will not own a piano, and who have read all the good Christian books on parenting. We believe the words of Jesus, “You shall know the truth and, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32) Obviously, those things which we are mentioning are not the Truth, for those who practice them are not free.” pg 24

• Getting rid of the demons

“Some have been told that the source of their problem is demonic. Hours have been spent casting the demon(s) out, and yet within a few short weeks these people are experiencing the same condition of bondage to a particular sin or behavior as before.” Pg 25

• Having lots of knowledge

“Considerable time is spent in research, and no doubt the most brilliant scholars were utilized. But why? Are these the things that concern the defeated who are in bondage? Do they carry significance for the oppressed Christians in China, the brother imprisoned in Nepal for baptizing a man, the Indian sister who does not have a meal this night, or even you?


The church is cluttered with shipwrecked scholars who thought the Bible was written for understanding and did not recognize it was written to give life.” Pg 25

• Counseling

“Many Christians hold vehemently that self-knowledge gained through psychological counseling is a concrete aid to helping the defeated enter into victory. However, one disturbing thing about some Christian counseling is that the Lord Jesus and his supernatural activity in our lives is often left out; the advice given to the Christian would suit the unbeliever just as well. True Christian counseling leaves a person looking to Christ not to himself. I have always found puzzling the measure of hostility that can be raised among Christians when they hear Jesus is all you need. We are commanded to cast our anxiety on the Lord, not on psychology.” Pg 26

• Programs and methods

“Concerning our examination of what Christians try that does not work, we hardly need to mention all the methods and programs that have been thrust upon us by those in the churches who have developed one campaign after another to enlarge the numerical size of the congregation.”

What have you found doesn't work?

“To the same degree that man loses his God consciousness, he increases the rules by which he lives.” Pg 23

Living Life to the Full

Photo by Andy Newson

Life is short, it is a gift. Living it fully and with peace, and joy is not only possible it is effortless. Many are looking and longing to find it. Why does it seem like it is always just out of reach? Perhaps there are days when we seem to have the peace the joy we lack, but then like a tire with a hole in it we are flat yet again. By God's grace, I have found a simple way of living life that has given me life and  life more abundant on a regular day to day baisis. The simplicity of it and the joy it brings is just too good not to share. But how? I have been troubling over this, but recently I have found an author who can help me put into words what God has shown me. In this author's writings I have found wonderful words to describe the message and the truth I stumbled upon...or to be more accurate which God lovingly led me to by His compassion and grace.

Michael Wells wrote Sidetracked in the Wilderness 2002 in response to a call from God to encourage defeated Christians. It was only after he had experienced his own failure, defeat and frustration that he discovered again what he had had from the beginning, when he first knew Christ, was after all enough.

Have you ever asked these questions to yourself or perhaps to others?

“Why is it that Christianity is so difficult for me? Why is it that I strive for years to attain spirituality through a sequence of methodologies, programs and techniques; and when blueprints of success fail, I end up give up and resign myself to a life of mediocrity, frustration, and regression? Is this the abundant life of which my Lord spoke? Did he speak of a life of defeat, turmoil, self-effort, endless entreaties for joy, and bondage to emotions, thoughts, and sinful behaviors for all who would dare to call upon his name? Was the life that He came to give characterized by conflict in families, endless trips to counselors, and depression so deep that I wish to be taken out of this life in order to gain some measure of relief? I fear this is the prevalent Christian life for many of us.” Pg 13

I have. these questions could very well have come from my own lips. For years I lived these questions, sought answers and found none that lasted. In desperation I clung to a hope that what Jesus had said about a life more abundant was real...my faith though small was battered and then redirected.


“One key word that would describe the Christian community around the world is change. We want to change what we are, what we do, and our circumstance so we can be acceptable to God.” Pg 14

Are you seeking change? Is there fear pushing you to do more? Are you frustrated with defeat?

“If it is so simple to live a defeated life, would it not be good news that it is equally easy to live a victorious life? What is the answer? It will be found in the simplicity of the Gospel (good news) a simplicity that has been lost in the shuffle of programs, methods, and how-to lists, all symptoms of unbelief! The answer is not something we must do but rather something that we must believe! The great secret of success is that Christian growth is simply accepting what we have always had from the beginning, from the first day we gave our lives to Christ!” pg 14

On that first day, I heard/read what Jesus said, I believed him. Then I got lost, then I was found again. Today I am doing what I did in the beginning. Irreguardless if I feel it, know it can be possible, or like it, I have decided to believe him and begin there. I used to read my Bible for encouragment and inspiration. I looked for the words to relate to my life and touch me, or at best make sense. But I have found a new freedom and simplicty in reading the Bible to hear what IT says...then obey it. I begin my days often thinking this....God you said...so I am going to believe it, now, how would I live my day today if that was true. Then I live as is if it is true, because it is. As I walk in it I find it shows itself to be true, even though often I begin not knowing for sure.

"How then do I experience this abundant life to the full? How do I discover a life free from sin? And how can it be mine without effort? God’s answer is specifically designed to be within the grasp of the weak, the failures, the unacceptable, the ignorant, the frustrated, and the hopeless. The answer is the simplicity of the abiding life.” Pg 15

God is not partial to persons, he accepts your faith even if it is simply to say, "God help me to trust you today."

“God’s answer for abundant life will always be unbelievably simple: The Christian must learn to believe and receive its simplicity. His answers require faith…faith we may not know we possess…not great talent, ability, or intellect. The problem is not that God places on us a great and difficult task to perform in order to experience His peace, rest, and joy. On the contrary, the problem is that we place on ourselves these great tasks and set for ourselves a standard of acceptance that is higher than God’s….God’s answer is simple, but often in order for Him to bring us to a place of accepting it, He must first put us through a series of courses that will exhaust us, leaving us despairing of self and others and prepared to listen to whatever God says with a believing heart. It is not until we refuse to trust ourselves that we will begin to trust God.” Pg 15

In Lost in the Wilderness you will not find another to do list. Nor will Mr. Wells reveal a method you can follow to be assured of victory. In fact he will give you nothing new to do since the way to living life to the full rests completely on what Christ has done. He will not provide principles you can follow but a person, who is alive today, who lives in anyone who believes and who is always present, and will do it all for you.

“So, now climb into the Father’s arms; let him carry you along the steps He has designed. All of your suffering is for a purpose, and though you do not see God’s hand in it now, you will! And when you see where he has taken you, you will break forth in praise! "pg 16


"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in the mother's womb, so you can not understand the work of God, the maker of all things." (Ecc 11:5)


"But, I am afraid, lest as the serpent decieved Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Cor 11:3)

“Father, we trust you to take us back to the simplicity of faith, the simplicity that made Abraham so pleasing to you, the simplicity that filled Your Son’s life with joy, peace and abundance unspeakable.”

The face of Christ



The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

This week in which many followers of Jesus reflect upon His betrayal, death and resurrection here are a few quotes that were thought provoking to me…

We are invited to contemplate; how the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. 'Can you imagine with what a face our Lord looked upon Peter, who had thrice denied Him, after confidently affirming that he would go with Him to death? Would that that face would shine upon us with whatever reproach when we in word or deed deny Him, that so we too may remember and weep.' How the heart rises to such teaching as this––the simple presentation of Christ as He walked among men. Well did our Lord say, 'I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me.' The pity of it is that He, the altogether lovely, is so seldom lifted up to our adoring gaze. Perhaps, when our teachers invite us to behold the face of Christ, we shall learn the full interpretation of that profound word. He will draw all men, because it is not possible for any human soul to resist the divine loveliness once it is fairly and fully presented to his vision.                                    
-Charlotte Mason from Parents and Children page 138

and....

We often interface with the Gospels, not beholding the face of Christ, but the behavior of humankind. This philosophy keeps us on the descending path. As teachers, we need to change our gaze. And in turn our students will see what we see, ascend and live. What might this Holy Week look like if we contemplated the Adorable One?
- Bill and Mary Ellen from Ambelside Schools International

He is lovely.