This realm of home and family and children seems so safe. It is an atmosphere I create and manage. The tasks are completed day after day, week after week. I am comfortable here looking for joy in the mundane and hope in the difficulties, perhaps too comfortable.

Distractions encroach pretending to be innocent tasks while consuming my moments. Years pass in these unnoticed hours, and they cannot go by unbalanced and scattered. Denying my own selfishness with excuses scratches skin and allows more germs penetrate my thoughts. Inadequacy and failure sting.

Then my 4-year-old daughter clobbers a 2-year-old for taking her vacation Bible school craft that says, ironically, “We can share our toys.”

I receive the report from a friend, the friend whose 2-year-old received the beating. And I wonder anew at the power of forgiveness and grace. There is no pride to cover the anger of a 4-year-old soberly confessing a bad day.

The facade crashes around me, and I am humbled. My good habits obscure the battle in my mind from the majority. Am I trying to hide the truth from myself as well?

You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself…(2 Corinthians 10:7)

The thoughts will be purged. They are part of the clutter and distraction which opens my soul to destructive ideas that pry at my resolve. Absurd ideas that never should have stuck must be abandoned, but I cannot do it alone.

But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord, for it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:17-18)

Pride is not commendable, nor is it powerful enough to displace the lies. I clearly see the neglect of daily considering.

Forgiveness and grace emerge again when my 4-year-old cries at the realization of hurting her friend. Through her sobs she scribbles a note my heart deciphers,

I love you. Please forgive me.

Followed by jubilant hugs and wrongs forgotten. It is a new day.

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Forgiveness is powerful. When I determined to think about the good, love, grace, and even joy fell out of tangled webs of distraction and guilt. My parents desired the best for me. They sacrificed new cars, clothes, wishes, and untold amounts of sleep on my behalf.

My heritage is not all good or all bad. It is as life, a mixture of both.

Storm in the Rocky Mountains

When I introduced my son to history, I described it as the story of God working in the lives of men and nations. We read Psalm 77:15, “You are the God who works wonders…” He was enthralled and composed a heartfelt song,

God, you are so good to me. God you set me free, so I worship you.

That was not my response as a child in school. I often heard of the terrible acts of men, war and hate. Historic heroes disrobed grade by grade. Was there another story?

My quest to find the answer led me to the Principle Approach. I rejoiced in the large, red volume containing facsimiles of the writings that influenced the thoughts of colonial Americans. Another side of my national heritage emerged from the dark. The heritage of hard work, diligent study, enduring faith, and love of liberty squeezed through clouds of disdain for selfish slaveholders only caring about money.

Principle Approach is often criticized for only focusing on American history. I see how that perception emerges. The excitement of reading what William Bradford or George Washington actually said is such a contrast to reconstructed history it is tempting to focus solely on the glory of America’s founding. That glory is not because the men and women involved were perfect, but because the value of the individual gained a fuller expression. A government created to protect the innocent with liberty and justice for all.

Our heritage is passed down to us. Our challenge is to decide what to do with it. Will we focus of the selfishness of men, worship imperfect patriots, or try to recreate the past? Instead, let’s hate what is evil and cling to what is good. In doing so, we may discover our heritage is indeed beautiful. (Psalm 16:6)

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Right now Christianbook.com is selling the So That’s Why! Bible  for $8.99. For the price, I didn’t think I could go wrong, and I didn’t. The Libronix Bible CD alone is worth the money.

This chronological NKJV Bible is full of notes and articles that give insight into the historical context of biblical events. It has timelines, maps, and the notes are about everything from agriculture to economics, geography to science.

One caveat about the timelines is the comparison of secular history to biblical history. I don’t like those labels, but I understand the context. The first timeline places creation somewhere before 2500 B.C., and the secular side begins with stone tools c. 26,000 B.C. It is interesting to compare the two, so I do not discredit this resource because of that issue.

Also, I recommend covering the Bible with contact paper. It is a large volume, and the cover doesn’t feel sturdy enough to withstand a lot of use.

The eBible CD is amazing. The Libronix Digital Library System enables numerous Bible resources to be searched at the same time. The library includes:

• Various Bible translations
• New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words
• Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
• Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts
• Where to Find It in the Bible A-Z

The charts and maps can be printed for notebooks. Topical studies can be completed easily. I look forward to discovering even more about my favorite book, the Bible!

To find out more details, or to purchase, click here.

What good books have you added to your library recently?

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I am trying to morph into a morning person. It is affecting my writing routine in a bad way. I have always stayed up late, a typical night owl. Now every morning I rise with the sun to walk the neighborhood. Every Many mornings I want to hide under the pillow, but I have accountability. Two ladies stop by my house ready to go. How can I leave them waiting? Besides, if I don’t get up the dog barks, and children jump on me. It’s better to sneak out.

Starting the day than with fresh air, good company, and purposeful exercise is refreshing, so I continue in hope of better health. I’m still waiting for my extra weight to slip off, but until then it’s nice to move. The early walk pounds my brain awake. Then at night I am too tired to write anything very coherent.

Just to reassure you (and me), it will work out. Writing is for my sanity, so it will happen somewhere between the coffee and commotion.

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What are your plans for celebrating America’s 232nd birthday? (My son figured that out for me.) Beverly included some interesting links to assist your celebration in this week’s Carnival of Homeschooling.

Our plans aren’t solidified yet, but we always enjoy getting together with friends. Last year we finished our gathering by reading the Declaration of Independence. I plan to continue that tradition.

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• I added a new button to my sidebar. I am honored to be a new writer for the of Heart of the Matter Online. My articles will appear once or twice a month, and I’ll let you know when they publish. I am excited to be part of such an amazing group of ladies.

• Emily of Remodeling This Life published an article from my archives this week. It is entitled, I Quit Reading Better Homes and Gardens. If you like to save money and live simply, you will want to check out Emily’s blog. She enjoys the mundane and finds beauty in the simple things. I appreciate her perspective, because it encourages me to adjust mine.

Speaking of perspective reminds me of my grandmother’s trivet displayed by my kitchen sink. The faded paint says,

Thank God for dirty dishes they have a tale to tell. While others may go hungry we’re eating very well.

So it’s back to the dishes for me. I hope you have some to wash, too.

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