Simple Times

Amazing how there are slow motion times that reveal in fast motion accumulated habits that somehow show up at a point in our lives with a new light.  That is what happened to me recently when suddenly, a practice that was an embedded part of my daily routine, was seen for what it really was.  Something that has not only caused me to be discontent and, OK I'll admit it, angry.  That was bad enough, but the fullness of the "thing" further brought to conclusive evidence the effect of itself on my entire family.  A frenzy really. As I shall now reveal.

  I want to move.  I have wanted to move for a very long time and I have spent hours, countless lost hours, trying to find a property or a way to make it all happen.  But it has not happened and I have now come to conclude that, in all probability, will not happen.  I have asked for forgiveness and pray that my family will be protected from the consequences of my actions.  

Now, as things have changed in my heart, they must also change around me.  The many years of neglect of my home are revealed, and it is time to get to work.  I even packed up some things in hopes of a different place, but they will be for this place.  I will sort through them and make adjustments to revive this place.  To revive my soul.   Contentment and a peace of mind.  It is so simple.  Exactly where this will take us I do not yet know, a new journey is now beginning and I am looking forward with gladness.  May it be for the glory of God and for our good.  I love this place.
  

Look, Listen, Learn!

"Why are we getting up in the middle of the night, mommy?"  What seemed like the middle of the night to Bennett was actually a little after seven in the morning.  "This is our first day of Classical Conversations Class", I told him.  "It is a special day."  He asked again with the same uncertain expression, "But why is it in the middle of the night?"

We rarely leave our house so early in the morning.  We are rarely out of our jammies before nine o'clock! But on this "special day" we had to actually BE somewhere at nine o'clock.  At the time I didn't realize exactly how special this day really was going to be.  I knew that we were going to learn, but I didn't know that it would be so much fun.  

When we first arrived and were greeted by the many other families that came for a special day, it was hard to miss the eager anticipation on the faces of so many.  What was going to happen?  What would it be like?  We all soon discovered that this class was going to be different and it was going to be special.  There were so many gathered in expectation, looking and listening for something...great.

We were not disappointed.  The time came for us to work in unity and help one another learn.  Learn about what?  They many ways that God is involved in our lives, in our community, in our country, and in our whole world.  The children seemed to thrive in such an place.  They all worked really hard.  They all wanted to learn the wonderful things they were being taught.  They looked.  They listened.  They learned.  I learned.  I will learn even more.  

At the end of our time together, I saw my little ones with tired little eyes.  When we arrived at our home they jumped out of the car and went inside.  They were quiet for a few minutes then then came out of their rooms with their jammies on.  They sat with me at the table and before long, Zoe began to repeat all that she had learned throughout the day.  Bennett joined her and they reflected on the new information they now had in their minds.  May the Lord transform our minds and renew our spirits that we may enjoy Him forever!  I love this place.

Where Does the Time Go?

Since the last post, my husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer, had the kidney removed, and seems to have recovered completely.  The next appointment to review the scan is August 18.  We are grateful beyond words that the recovery was quick and complete.  At just the right time the perfect provisions were made.

The summer has been a good time for our family.  I look out the back door and see the little pool sparkling and clear...well there may be a few bugs floating around.  We have enjoyed playing in the pool and being out during this season.  Always looking for time to be in the water.

We have also taken this time to prepare for the fall season.  Out with the old and in with the new.  There seems to always be an opportunity for a new beginning.  As time goes on, we find that what really counts is not stored in the basement in a plastic container.  As things are removed and rearranged, it becomes clear that seeing the beautiful souls that are around me are much more precious than peering through clear bins of stuff.  There is no end to the amount of stuff we are surrounded by, but the ones who surround us may slip from our sight at any time.

I will look at them today.  I have prayed for them today.  I love them today and for all time.

I love this place!!!

Cold and Hungry

There was an event I attended last friday.  It was a cold, cold day.  I was at a bookstore sitting at a table with some of my books.  The streets were busy and loud.  The air was cold and silent.  My books stood in an easel quiet and still.  The doors would open and people would come in followed by the cold air from outside.  I was inside, but I felt like I was outside.  The people came in and they went out and each time the door opened the cold air rolled in like waves from the dark ocean.  The words in my book speak about the days of creation and that since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen.  The cold air was unseen, but it was clearly there.  Coldly there.  I was hungry.  My stomach growled.  I wanted to go home.  When I looked at the time another shudder moved through me...three more hours.  The sun was replaced by clouds.  The books surrounding me became dark.  All of this will burn I thought.  This downtown Indianapolis place will not withstand the days ahead.  The days that are spoke of in His book.  The days of creation are delightful.  The beginning of time.  Time has a way of changing everything, yet is one event to The Almighty Creator.  Jesus was there in the beginning and is the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.  And He says, "Surely I am coming quickly."

I arrived home cold and hungry.  There was homemade pizza all over the kitchen.  My husband and children were tired and hungry.  The food tasted so delicious and the home was so warm and pleasant.  The cold air was gone and the time became pleasant once again.  I love this place.

Happy New Year

My how time has a way of making itself disappear.  I am always glad for a new year to come.  I always think that things will get even better than they already are.  There will be apple pie to eat later and a wonderful evening meal.  We will sit at our table and discuss the very few things that will bring our family together and closer.  We have great pajamas to wear and nice warm beds.  It will be a delightful place to be this snow falling day.  I do love this place.

The Sneaky Week

The month of December is full of sneaky surprises.  I will never cease to be amazed at the light speed in which this month seems to take on.  I always think that there is plenty of time, but there is never enough time.  There seems to be a giant December black hole that grabs every spare moment and makes it disappear forever.  In the end the month comes and goes and all that is accomplished pales in comparison to the wonder of our Dear Savior's birth.  Thank you for coming and saving us precious Lord Jesus.  He will save His people from their sins.  Our sins are forgiven!!!

We have been thinking about this wonder of wonders this week.  Zoe and Bennett have made many mangers throughout the house...chairs, blankets, tables, lights...how delightful for them to imagine such wonderous thoughts.  The world stands still when the Eternal meets with the humble.  May He abide with us now and forever.  I love this place!

Away for a Day

Under normal circumstances a day away from the Pursley Place makes me long for home.  However, today, was different.  What makes it even more unusual is that I was at the hospital, which always makes one want to be home even more.  But today, today, I was with a friend that is sunshine every time that I see her.  She had to have three tests in order to obtain an update on her status after several chemotheropy treatments.  I really enjoyed her company and the hospital staff was gracious and kind at every place we went.

The children enjoyed a day with grandma and they really did have a great day!  I was happy to catch up with them at Aunt Susie's house.  She was giving them a much needed hair cut.  They look spectacular, they always have my eye.  When we returned home the tea pot boiled.  Dinner was started.  We were resting.  May our rest be in the Lord now and forever.  I love this place!