Without social media, it’s harder to share daily life. Although we feel that exiting Facebook et al. was the right decision for us to make, I have to admit I miss it.

So here is a “patchwork” post… various items of note, combined into one rambling post, kind of a “facebook not facebook” if you will. 😄 I’m hoping to do one of these every month. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, or hear from you personally!

Here I Stand – A life of Martin Luther – by Roland Bainton

I’ve been trying to read this book for quite a while. I’m ashamed to even admit how long it is taking me! But, I’m determined not to give up. I found out that Joshua is also reading it for his Reformation History class. I’m struck by so many things as I poke along through this book. Here is one quotation:

“I will tell you straight what I think. I am a Christian theologian; and I am bound, not only to assert, but to defend the truth with my blood and death. I want to believe freely and be a slave to the authority of no one, whether council, university or pope. I will confidently confess what appears to me to be true, whether it has been asserted by a Catholic or a heretic, whether it has been approved or reproved by a council.” -Martin Luther

Luther only made this statement after hours and hours of trembling on his face before God. He didn’t strike out on a limb without knowing Whom he really must answer to. God help us to raise warriors with this kind of courage! And help us to be those kind of warriors ourselves!

BJUGrass

Joshua has taken on a new venture. He is now the string bass player for BJUGrass, and has the opportunity to travel out several times this semester to minister in churches and various venues. This weekend he is in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. All those violin lessons and summer Fiddle Camp experiences have paid off!

Ethan and his ‘film stuff’

Ethan seems to be loving his Cinema major at Bob Jones. He recently had a hand in this project. I love watching him spread his wings and pursue God’s calling on his life. He sounds so happy when I get a rare chance to chat with him.

My Hope is in the Lord

I’ve been singing this hymn with the children in our morning meeting each school day. We’ve been learning one verse a week. I love hearing them going around the house singing it throughout the day. It’s the gospel in song; so rich in truth. The lyrics are deep and the words endure far beyond “I’m going to hop for you, Jesus” or whatever pop tunes are floating around out there these days. Toby made an observation about the chorus (“For me He died, for me He lives…”) that if someone didn’t know about Jesus, they would be very confused by these words. He died… He lives?? There is no better way to plant truth deep into the heart of a child than through the tool of music.

Steve Hall & Family Blog

Steve is blogging at www.stevehallandfamily.com. He recently shared a very helpful post about transitioning young men from boyhood to manhood. Joshua has contributed some writings as well and others in the family are slated to contribute. I also hope to share some writings of mine that seem less suitable here and more suitable there.

History Curriculum

I posted on FB a few months ago that I was looking for a new history curriculum for Sammy. Many people gave helpful suggestions. I ended up getting this from Christian Light: North America is the Lord’s (textbook with accompanying Light Unit workbooks).

This has been perfect for him. He reads one section every day (with Steve) and then fills out the section in the Light Unit workbook. Steve has enjoyed reading it with him and refreshing on some history. It does contain some non-resistance type of ideologies, which is fine since Steve is reading it with him and can therefore make comments as he sees fit. (It’s a good reminder that history should be, well, history, and not necessarily laced with doctrinal ideologies.) Overall, it has been a great choice. I think Sammy will likely use it next year as well.

Pizza Dough Recipe

We enjoy having a homemade pizza night every now and then with root beer floats for dessert. This pizza dough recipe is awesome because it can be made very quickly and it tastes great! You literally mix up the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes, and then make the pizza.

So, what’s been happening with you? ♥