I need no other argument...

Last week, Isaiah 58 was my scripture reading in the morning. A great one to start the day, and a stretching one for the Christmas season. I love the if/then statements in the scripture. The ones where God tells us what he expects of us, and then tells us what to expect from Him in our obedience. How wonderful that He would even give us a glimpse of the blessing to follow knowing that obedience is it's own blessing. As we are walking through this season, our family has focused more on those around us than usual. There are so many worthy projects to help and take part in. It's actually really difficult to decide which ones to do. I wish we could do them all. I wish I had the resources to fix it all, I especially wish I could sit down with everyone in spiritual need and tell them about my great and mighty King Jesus. To tell His Story. The show of His hand of redemptive work among His people throughout all of time. That the story of the baby is not the beginning of the story, and not even close to being the end! That after generations of groaning under the weight of sin, of trying to atone for that sin through sacrifices, of always feeling the need to do more, and after 400 years of silence from God (shudder) THEN the baby came. Just as they said He would. Lowly and small. Meek and Mild so that the glory could only be given to God. A baby, born a King. A Man King on a donkey. And a Just King who will return on a mighty steed, a sword in His hand. That the bowing down to Him will be done- either now or then- and so much better for the now! So much peace and joy. Abundant life. Love and freedom. Now and forever more. Isaiah 58, taking care of the physical needs of those around us. Pouring ourselves out for them. Becoming a light as bright as noonday. A watered garden. And His love can not be hidden in that light and that abundance. We have our chance to give a reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15) Imagine- blessing others brings about a glorious blessing for ourselves. It goes around in circles. And comes around. And He is our peace.

⁶"Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
⁷Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
⁸ Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
⁹Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
¹⁰ if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
¹¹And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
¹²And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.

Happy Birthday, Isaiah!

Isaiah-
Joy, Sweet, Funny, loves music, loves cows, gift from God

December 8, 2009 12:30am
9lbs. 1 oz 21 1/2 inches

December 8, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

We were so very blessed to have wonderful friends in for
a visit from Georgia for Thanksgiving.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,
as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly,
and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

Emmie's 9!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful baby girl!
Exuberant, sweet, loving, outgoing, strong, and fun!


November 19, 2001
Emmie Caroline Ferrell

2010

Our Staycation

St Louis

Our Staycation

Cave In Rock and the Ferry to Kentucky

Our Staycation

Garden of the gods in Southern Illinois

Fun!

Homeschool for 2010-2011

I thought it would be helpful to post what we are doing in our home-school this year. I have had some of you ask what we use, and it will help me to see it all written out! So here goes:

Everyone:
Art: Artistic Pursuits
Artist Study: 4 different artists during the year
Composer Study: 4 different composers during the year
Poetry: 4 different poets during the year
Hymn Study: a new hymn every week or so
Nature Study: aiming for one a week (hikes at Giant City State Park and on our property)
Illinois History
Character Traits
Scripture Memory
Skip Counting
Geography Songs
Read Alouds: currently reading Great Expectations

Bennett (10th grade):
Science: Apologia Biology
Math: Math U See: pre algebra and algebra
Logic
History: Veritas Press Omnibus
Theology: Veritas Press Omnibus
Literature:Veritas Press Ominibus
Writing: Veritas Press Omnibus
French: The Easy French

Sam (8th grade):
Science: Apologia Biology
Math: Math U See- Zeta
Spelling: Christian Liberty Press 8
History: Veritas Press Omnibus
Theology: Veritas Press Omnibus
Literature:Veritas Press Ominibus
Writing: Veritas Press Omnibus
French: The Easy French

Emmie (3rd grade):
Science: Apologia Zoology 2 Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day
Math: Math U See- Gamma
Spelling: Christian Liberty Press 2
Copywork: copying character traits
Handwriting: Classically Cursive
History: Veritas Press- Greece and Rome
Bible: Veritas Press- Judges- Kings
Grammar: Simply Grammar
Literature: Veritas Press reading list
Latin: Latin For Children Primer A
French: The Easy French

Clear Creek On Mission

Wanderings

Some random pictures of my wanderings..

I go to Weaver's Country Market at least once a week. It is owned and run by a Mennonite family, and all of their goods are natural and yummy! I get eggs, butter, cheese, bread, and whatever goodies we want for the week.

You can tell a Mennonite home around here, because
they all have scripture placed at their mailbox.

This is the tombstone for King Neptune, the mascot pig for the navy in the 40s. I kid you not- he has his own turnout on the highway and everything!
Google him if you want the story!

Midnight marauders enjoying the dog food on the back porch!

The last of the season's color!

This was the scene a few miles up the road- how cute is this? I wonder what the story is and who got engaged! I have been tempted to stop in and ask!!