Another Year

The year is fresh, like snow. The days have been full of many good things: homemade bread and tea with cookies, friends and fellowship, family meals, a Redwall Feast, blanket forts and trampoline jumps for energetic two year olds, embroidering sisters and homemade gifts.  The piano was never silent and Carol of the Bells was heard echoing the halls in around 100 different renditions! We visited those who had no family and brought love to those who were lonely and hurting. We watched and tended our sick kitty Clara and adopted a new fish. We had piano recitals when the power went out and so many duets we forgot who was playing and who wasn't. We remembered again the longing we feel for all to be made right and rejoiced that the Lamb came to crush the Serpent. 

And now, we start again with new books, new rhythms and the unfailing faithfulness of the Lord for each new day.  The year has not started off with ease. In fact, shock and sorrow and anger threaten like storm clouds. But He holds us fast. And we look with the eyes of our hearts for the goodness of God. When we look, we see it in abundance. 

 

She treasured up these things in her heart

In the last few months I have thought often about Mary "treasuring up" quite often as her life became a paradox of joy and sorrow. What must it have been like to have been waiting expectantly for your Child/King? Or to know He would come to die in order to save us? Our own days are full of questions too, unknowns, worries and joys all mixed up into the paradox of a life here in the fallen world. Some days or months feel heavy with burdens and aches weighing us down. We can't make sense of it all. Transitions wash over our lives, heartache sweeps through.  But we treasure up all of these things and give them to Jesus.  We hold them closely, knowing that the sorrows  are intwined with the truths we know from the Gospel. The weary world rejoices and we do again wait expectantly. Perhaps part of "treasuring" is remembering. We remember the first Advent and Mary's treasuring and we cry out "Come, O Come, Emmanuel" yet again. 

The last few months have been ever so busy. I can hardly catch my breath to think about all that has transpired.  Our kitchen renovation seems a metaphor for life! There has been a lot of ripping out, letting go and moving on, of pulling out broken things and rebuilding. There have been countless blessings of God's faithfulness and moments of stretching and growth.  The children are growing and learning and we hold close these moments of joy. We have had violin recitals, Nativity plays, choir concerts, lots of practicing and the finishing of Term 1. Lots of practicing and duets and lessons, homemade crafting and painting along with reading by the stove with tea.  As winter comes and we get our first big snow I want to treasure up too! 

 

And then you were a young lady

 Emmeline has turned 13 and into a beautiful young woman (teenager is not a poetic enough term for this household). She is oh so dear and leads her siblings into great adventures, comforts them, inspires them and models Godly wisdom for them.  She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is a very hard worker who can open tough jars better than her Mama can.  She wears my shoes and clothes, wants to open a bakery someday, mows the grass and knows her tools quite well.  She is a book girl through and through and if my Mama was here I do believe she'd tell me that I'm getting what I gave.  Emmie is always in a book, can finish a book in a night, stays up way too late and is working her way through our house library.  She loves history and re-enacting, she puts on Shakespeare plays complete with sets designed by herself, she creates mud kitchen feasts, and cares for our crazy hens and rooster. She is so smart too with a gift for languages and writing, remembering facts and playing all of her instruments.  All of these accomplishments are marvels and we thank God for them. But it is Emmie's heart of gold that I rejoice in for in it I see a servant, gentle and kind, a good listener, a hard worker, a tender soul ready to follow the Lord's leading.  Though having your eldest child grow up is bittersweet, it is a special gift to be able to share life's journey with her as a woman and fellow pilgrim.  Happy thirteenth birthday dear girl. May God bless you always, may He keep you tender and true as you learn the heavy paths life can bring, may you never lose your love of beauty and enjoyment of simple daily life.  We love you. 

We begin again

Although we are still trying to savor the last little hints of summer, Autumn is certainly here and we have begun our learning days again. Eighth, sixth and first grades are filling my days with a one room schoolhouse feel and a certain little man is working hard at potty training. I don't take any of it for granted.  It is a gift- each life here, each day lived, together.  Some days of learning at home are exhausting for sure. But as we journey through life as pilgrims we learn more and more about the goodness of God. The world and devil want to destroy the glory of normal days and the unmistakable hand of God in our lives. Yet His mercies are new every morning. Though our days are full and overflowing with Biology, French, German, Latin, Plutarch, Ancient History, Composer Studies, Piano, Cello, Violin, Guitar, Art and Ballet, most importantly we learn together to live life Coram Deo: in His presence, under His authority and for His glory. So now as we launch into a new school year we are marveling at emerging Monarchs, reading lots of stories, cooking on the fire outside, gathering our herbs for the year, swimming in icy pool water, laughing and growing together. Here's to another year!