Grateful

Sometimes it seems our minds are not our own anymore. It seems the world is pressing in more and more into my little sanctuary, trying to rob me of the ability to think clearly. I've found it necessary to take small steps pushing back against the influx of information in order that Jesus may reign in my mind and soul rather than the anxieties and fears that accompany such a daily avalanche of information.

So grateful this week for the gift of a mind that can choose beauty, choose to love, choose to be kind rather than fearing the world and the future which always seems so uncertain. A mind that can choose to feed on life giving knowledge.

I know when I'm not under Jesus' yoke because anxiety and all my efforts to control rather than trust are burying me deep in the sand, unable to move forward. And so - repeatedly because I am remarkably human - I pull myself out and hand myself over, a little smaller every time, to Him who can carry me through the darkest tunnel.

We are moving from this beautiful part of the country. Virginia has shown me the most glorious fall I have ever known. Always moving. New unknown. Like Bilbo I get too comfortable and God sees the need to stretch me. I must always remember that this world is just my ship, and I've been remarkably good at getting too comfortable and somehow missing the peace that I expect would come with it. Home is important. It is my little sub-creation. It is my mirror on eternity and paradise. But it is only for a time. It is a means to an ultimate end. I'm looking forward to eternity with Jesus, but there is much to be transformed in me before I get there and I pray for the grace of perseverance.

True Yoke

These thoughts tiptoed into my winding, rushing, stumbling mind
What am I seeking, lightening my soul with
crying for? needing.

When He said, I shall find rest for my soul
with His yoke. Blessed direction. Relieving security.
Small spirit. Weak tears. Halcyon moment.

Precious faces come in
A mind that can know
A heart burying itself in love's divine home.

Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Gospel of St Matthew Ch 11 vs 28-30

Starting a Commonplace

I've always been a journal keeper of some type. Reading about the three pillars of keeping in Laurie Bestvater's book The Living Page has given me a good prod in the direction of regular keeping in a commonplace. It is a simple and yet effective approach to raising my ordinary thoughts out of the pedestrian monotony they frequently plod into.

Last year I read a book whose words left a deep mark on my thinking. I picked up The Martyrs of the Coliseum in a book sale and read the first two pages and was drawn right in. The consequence was that I could not put it down. All other books were neglected. I became a Roman citizen among the frenzied masses yearning for truth and becoming completely enamored by the heroic living and dying of these holy martyrs. These were real stories. Real people. Real miracles. Every chapter an inspiring story in itself. These were words - I decided - that could transform their audience, if they were allowed to do their job. By the end I was plotting how I would get the Author's other work, Victims of the Mamertine which was available but at an inordinate price. The stories are thoroughly researched and beautifully written in narrative form. An older student would gain much from both books in their history studies. Much to my delight Christmas deposited it on my pile and after finishing other reads I now have started it on my vacation here in New Zealand. From my commonplace...

The Church grew like a night flower that loves the shade; but the seed was sown; it casts roots secretly, like the acorn concealed under the surface; the soil, enriched by the remains of the saints and moistened by their blood, willingly received it.

The Victims of the Mamertine by Rev. A. J. O'Reilly

Linking up with Celeste and Keeping Company.

Education is a life...

We almost didn't make it. Between fevers, colds, stomach viruses and a snow storm, somehow I left on time with two out of the three boys. The rest of the family followed two days later. After two days of settling in, school began gently. Mixing up our days with school in the morning and adventures in the afternoon, our New Zealand vacation is taking good form.

Now that language arts, history, literature and math are well underway, I'm excited to begin nature science in such refreshing setting! Unfortunately in my haste to get away on time in the midst of illness my packing faltered and I left behind a few essentials. I don't have my nature journal and we left behind all our watercolors. Pencil drawings and plenty of photos will have to suffice until we get home. I also left behind all my careful lesson plans based on John Muir Laws Nature Journal. Sigh.... Fortunately I have one lesson typed out.

It is so beautiful here. I will have much to share on the flora and fauna here. It is a joy to be near the ocean again. The fresh salty air does me much good.

Linking with Celeste at Joyous Lessons