So many new things to report...

little Chloe (orphaned filly) is now living in the dairy barn with a "weaning-in-progress"  colt named Sugar Bear.  Sugar Bear is not at all happy about being weaned and tends to pace like a lion at the zoo.  Chloe is learning horse manners from him yet still enjoying all the human attention she can get.  I am also happy to report that my laundry room no longer smells like a horse gymnasium.

I also recently started an online Bible study with a few friends.  We are attempting to read the Bible in a year and make comments as to what we've gleaned from each reading.  Sometimes it has been wearying with all the disobedience and judgement -- but sprinkled throughout is the message of hope, "If you'll only turn back to Me, I will bring restoration!"  I think we all need that message repeated!

School has been quite interesting with a combination of Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts, World History:  The Fertile Crescent to The American Revolution taught by Linwood Thompson, Bellflower High School (The Teaching Company), and Blackline Maps of World History -- The Complete Set -- 5000 BC - The Present created by Terri Johnson.   

Yes, our original intention was to study American History and Creation Science through a mini co-op, but  that has been put on hold until our calendars can work together more effectively.  It is STILL a possibility!

Additionally, we attended a family reunion this weekend.  My daughter is taking photography at a nearby Vo-Tech, so she offered to take pictures of each family grouping and make CDs for all present.  One family member said that we were all so spread out across the United States that it made it a bit frustrating to travel so far for a single meal and only a few hours of fellowship.  While I understand his concerns, I had to share my response.  My children have been to many family gatherings over the years.  Of all the groups we've been a part of, the particular group (my mom's family) we saw this weekend is the one that blesses us the most.  These people are 'salt of the earth' folks.  They are real...no masks, no pretences, no head games.  They have lived for the LORD and run from Him, only to come back again later.  They have endured cancer, divorce, poverty, and a multitude of challenges and humiliating circumstances -- yet they still come.  They come to hug, to cry, to laugh, to comfort, to share.  They come to remember who we are and Who we belong to.  The witness they provide to my children is invaluable, especially in this day of compromise.  Is is worth the time and expense?  For these amazing people, YES, it is.

May you find the 'gold' in your loved ones today!