A Good Read

This summer I've been reading the book Story:recapture the mystery by Steven James.

When I first started reading it I found it so delightful that I thought I rush through it and absorb it like a sponge, but then I decided to take it slowly and just soak it in in bits.

I find it to be a delightful summary and synthesis of the Bible as it relates to today.

Here is what I read today:

"Jesus isn't interested in admires. He never was. And that's why his invitation was not 'Admire me' but 'Follow me.' That's why he was so blunt with crowds. Jesus didn't want a fan club. He wanted a spiritual revolution." p. 112

One thing I appreciate about this book is that the author processes and ponders the Word of God as it relates to today and asks questions that I might. His thoughts are not traditional, but common and random in a fresh and honest way.

Today I consider what I read and am reminded of how easy it is to go through the motions and and start looking at my feet as I go about the day and lose sight of what is going on around me. When I do that, the result is often miscommunication with my husband and children, boredom in my classroom and rising stress within me.

The thoughts in this book help me remember to look up and rediscover God's word.

Today I pray that you might also "look up" and rediscover God's handiwork.

Moving Day cont.

We moved a few more things today and tomorrow a few more. Here are a few pictures of the front room with our new furniture, two of the back rooms, and the kitchen.

The house is more American than we've lived in before. It will be a treat. Tomorrow we'll move the dining table, a desk for our room which you can see through the doorway of the second picture. A few other pieces will be moved too. I put a few more pictures up today. On Thursday I hope to check in the store of furniture in hopes that we can find a few odds and ends like bookshelves, small cupboards, chairs, etc. I'll post some more pictures as the days go.

We're trying to connect the light so we can pump water too.

Keep checking in for updates!

The Slow Move Has Begun

Today I unpacked the first carton in the new house, hung up a few clothes, made sure there is soap and toilet paper in the bathroom (My late Daddy drilled me on the importance of that one!), moved a few of Dan's toys over, and enjoyed first cup of coffee in our new house.

But before any of that, I went from room to room saying a multitude of prayers for our new life there. I pray it is a home of comfort, security, fellowship, and peace.

Since the kids and I are on holiday for about another month there's no reason to stress about moving in haste. I'll do a little each day while the kids are at soccer camp. Tomorrow we'll move some furniture and the new refrigerator and the tailor measured for curtains today.

I put up a picture of my parents too. Little by little it will all be done.

I look forward to setting up a new place, but it's kind of overwhelming to go through all the nooks and crannies and know what to move and toss, but as I said the other day, it will all get done one way or another.

Maybe in a few days I'll post a few pictures, but it will take awhile before it will start to look like our home. Maybe I'll find some more pictures to set around. Stay tuned!

Back Home

We arrived back in Jos a few hours ago. One thing that hit me hard is how much clutter we have. That was one thing I enjoyed about being in our Yola house...no clutter!

It's amazing how easy things add up. Even now, I need to unpack, but since we're moving soon I don't really want to unpack, only to pack up again soon. I'm tempted just to run my suitcase over to the new house on Monday and just unpack it there. I'll still find stuff to wear, especially after our clothes are washed.

I think I will try to be selective about what I take to the new house and then look at what's left and decide if I really need it or not. It's easy to give away things that don't fit the kids anymore, or things they have grown out of, but it's really hard to start giving away books, things I MIGHT need one day and so on and so forth. At the same time, I look forward to the opportunity to have a fresh start.

It is a good time to scale back...I'm sure I could find good homes for some of the things and I'm sure there are some things I should just toss out.

At least I know some places that can use some things and I can think of a few people who might be interested in some of the other stuff. It's summer break and a good time to scale back and examine priorities. Wish me luck...or better yet, pray for discernment between things that would be wise to save and those that are just clutter at this time in my life. Perhaps you want to join me in this effort!

Holiday in Yola

HI, we've been in Yola for over two weeks. It has been a wonderfully restful time. I've had time to read novels, magazines, a few devotional books and had time to bake. The kids and I have enjoyed time with our extended family here in Adamawa. Amson's cousins and their families are here and his mom spent two weeks with us.

We are really blessed to have this home here. I really love all the space we have and we've gotten to know one neighbor better, they have two boys Daniel enjoys.

Now we just have a few days left before we head back to Jos and move into a new house. As much as I have enjoyed our time here, I'm ready to head back...besides, my novels are all read and I only have one devotional book left and the magazines are fun, but I much prefer relaxing with a good book.

Amson arrives today to spend our last weekend with us and then we head home on Tuesday...we are so rich to have more than one home we can enjoy!

I have often wished I could share some of the various thoughts I have pondered on these past few weeks: thoughts on living more simply, rediscovering my faith in God, enjoying my children and family in Yola, and just being able to slow down. It has even been good to have less access to the internet.

Well, it's time to sign off. I've been on internet while Nat is taking confirmation class....more about that another day. Now it's time to go.

Hope you too are enjoying some downtime this summer!