With the Lord: Went on a ladies retreat last weekend. It was a fabulous time of renewal and restoring. We had many teaching sessions, time of fellowship, and time to be alone. The main focus of the weekend can be summed up:

The power of the gift of today as we come to the table:  (our theme was Come to the Table)

We have specific works already prepared by the Lord (for me specifically )

My portion is an opportunity to show evidence to transform (me) so as to change the world around me.

I need to choose a joy filled life: Col 3: 1 – 2

3:1 Therefore if you have been raised  up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated  at the right hand of God. 3:2 Set  your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 

On the Missions Field: Had a great time of ministry with new homeless this past week. One always loves to tell about Jesus and this guy really wanted to know how he could have Jesus in his life. One of the homeless living in his car is now attending a bible study at church and really enjoying it.

On the Homefront: Just staying ahead of the feline and canine hair/fur!!!! Doing my best to keep the house, do school, the food pantry and all it entails.

In the Schoolroom: We have had a few bumps in the road but are managing to work out schedule differences, reassessing some of our lessons and making more room for spontaneity.

We toured two very old homes this week. You can read about that in the Show and Tell Post for this week.

I am encouraged that the path of learning seems to be weaving through many subject areas at the same time for History, Literature, and Art. The gals even gleaned information for biology from a 200 year old house garden.

Two books we got from the library today to enrich our fieldtrip experience: The Fever by Lon Wagner  ( all about the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1855 in our area), and Norfolk, Virginia :The Sunrise City by the Sea ( a tribute to one of our areas famous photographers. He left a wonderful legacy of photos to document history) The photo below is a gate made specifically for a cementary during the yellow fever epidemic. It seems odd to me that it is no longer where it belongs.

Lifestyle Change Still finding it difficult to stay the course…busy schedule brings on poor choices. Working hard to stay the course and make a more healthy lifestyle stick.

From the Library: Lots of reading going on. I have many books at this time. Most are short devotional types that I can keep in each area of the house so that when I have a few moments I can glean and grow.

Understanding the Bible: Biblical Survey from Genesis to Revelation  by Cindy Zeigler The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, Mocha With Max by Max Lucado,God’s Mirror by Max Lucado, The Prayer That Changes Everything by Stormie Omartian, Twelve Extraordinary Woman by John Mac Arthur

On the Creative Side: Finished another hat. Gals are working on Paper Mache project.

In the Garden: Idle at this time. I just do not have time to get out there. I am enjoying the morning glories and the late blooming sunflowers. Love to see the birds and squirrels feasting on the seeds.

The Chayote did indeed sprout and root. My felines think it is their responsibility to uproot and eat every house plant I try to keep. So the poor Chayote is struggling to make it. I have five more in the windowsill in various stages of sprouting. Also an avocado pit.