My Pondering Heart

I am reading "The Radical Cross" by A.W. Tozer. It is a make-you-think book. He quotes a poem, in chapter 6, that just stirred me to the core and I wanted to share it with you.

'Tis midnight, and on Olive's brow
The star is dimmed that lately shown.
'Tis midnight; in the garden now
The suffering Savior prays alone.
'Tis midnight, and from all removed,
The Savior wrestles lone with fears;
E'en that disciple whom He loved
Heeds not his Master's grief and tears.

~William B. Tappan

Doesn't it make you want to just run *to* and throw your arms *around* Him and through tears of utmost gratitude, say "Thank You!"? The fear and torment Jesus went through ~alone~...even before the crucifixion, makes me incredibly sad. He knew what was coming. Yes, He is God...but He is human, as well. He knew the terrible pain and death he was going to suffer. He did this for me. He did this for you. Not because He *had* to...but because He loved us...and still loves us.

His love is flowing abundantly to each of us. He created us, knit us together in our mother's womb. I love these verses:

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

~Psalm 139:13-14

I am seeking, daily, to be more like Him. I want to love like He loved. I want to give like He gave. Sometimes, I must admit, that sure seems like a difficult (and even, scary) road to walk. It's hard to love unconditionally...and He gave everything. I *want* to do that...I am working each day to improve who *I* am so I can *be* who He made me to be. I fall short, each and every day, but I truly want to walk the walk.

Do you know Him? Do you live, everyday, talking to Him...letting him communicate to you through His Word? Do you give him complete control of your life? Even if you haven't been seeking Him...He's patiently waiting for you.

I just want you to know, He loves you.

Some pictures from our days...

Madelyn and Xavier putting together a puzzle...

Delicious apples, ready for snack time...


Always some baking and cooking going on here at home...


Supper, last night, was ham, homemade au gratin potatoes and fresh sweet corn. I also made some buttermilk biscuits to go with it (they're Chris's favorite)! :)


Now that the weather has cooled and is even chilly to most (quite perfect to me, though)...we moved our schooling back into the schoolroom! :)


It went well and I was glad to be back in there! :)

Madelyn's science experiment...

The boys working on their schoolwork...



The other day, while I was checking schoolwork papers, Madelyn was looking in an art book and found a project she wanted to do. When she started, the boys wanted to *craft* as well. So they all made some "crowns with jewels".




Such sweet, silly beans they are. I just love each of them, so much. They are each so unique and fun and I treasure their laughter! They have their bickering and battles, as well, which are not a joy to have to mend and discipline...but I try to remember this is all part of training them up and their learning process....as well as mine. Not only are they learning how to be selfless, caring, considerate and patient...but *I* am as well. :)

I have started today, Saturday, slow. Chris is getting wood for the wood stove and I have the children. We'll do some housework, playing, reading and knitting...and maybe to into town and run a few errands. We'll see. :)

One last thing, before I go...I must share this. A dear blogging friend, Lara, makes beautiful bags for her business Sam Harvey. Out of her loving and generous spirit...she has made a bag for me! I am so absolutely grateful and humbled by her kindness! If you go HERE and scroll down about halfway...you will see the beautiful bag she made me.
**Thank You Lara!!!** And I want to say, to each of you, who read my blog...if you are looking for a handmade, well-made, quality bag (for you or maybe for a Christmas present)...you should really check out Lara's site. My sister has one of her bags and absolutely loves it and carries it everywhere!

Thank you, so much, for visiting. It's kind of you to take time out of your day to stop by!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend ahead!

Warmly,
Katy :)

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
~Numbers 6:24-26