It is a beautiful Monday morning.  So far, the temperature is mild, and there is a soft breeze.  It is also very quiet as the children are still sleeping.   In my book, Mondays, in the summer months, are good for sleeping in.  I love the quiet time it affords me.

I tend to cherish my Monday’s.  I plan no appointments, run no errands, and have no one over.  I spend the early morning in prayer and then read His Word.  I love doing this on the front porch, all the while listening to the sounds of the birds, insects, and the rooster; and watching the horses graze.

  I prayed this morning that He would bless my time in His Word and to let it be a lamp unto my feet. Let the Word speak to me, direct me, and show me His Will.  When I don’t pray in this way, I often read His Word and find little understanding or relevancy in it.  I need spiritual eyes to see the meaning behind the supernatural, inspired, written Word of God.  And when I pray in this way, He always answers my prayer, like this morning.  The Words bounced off the page and into my heart.

I have been studying the beatitudes.  “Poor in Spirit,” was something I read last week. I   studied and meditated on the meaning of it, and it was my intention today to go on to the second beatitude.  But I instantly got sidetracked, and within what seemed like minutes, I was reading verses that had direct correlation to something I had prayed about this morning.  I love it when the Word of God just comes alive and He is speaking to me through it.  It is truly the Living Water that refreshes my soul and the Bread of Life that sustains me.

 I have things I want to accomplish today, but when the children start getting up, the priority will be to spend time with them.  Our home is often similar to Grand Central Station in the summer months, as we host a variety of guests during the week.  But on Monday, there is no one here except for the children and myself.

I am glad that the 4-H fair week is over.  We participated in the horse and pony competitions.  It was interesting being with all of the other horse-lover people for such a concentrated time.  We were there before eight in the morning and stayed until midnight many days.  It was a fun experience for Rachel, and I would have to say that I enjoyed it also.  But then again, I’m very glad it’s over!  I love being home.

On the list for today:

Kids chores: 

Clean bedrooms (including dusting)

Clean the chicken coop

Pick raspberries, strawberries, and the cherry tomatoes.

For myself:

Clean my bedroom

Catch up on my laundry

Figure out what’s for supper and then start dethawing the meat, planning the sides.

Start the back closet summer project.