The sun is shining and it’s a beautiful December day. Yesterday it was cloudy and snowed all day. I love bright sunny days. They always make me feel so much better. I’m so glad God created the sun to rule by day. He has given us so many good gifts to enjoy.

Ecclesiastes 11:7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. (ESV)

Yesterday Kevin and the 4 oldest boys worked very hard cutting wood. This wood will be for next winter. They’ve already worked hard along with some other kind friends from church to provide wood for this winter. I know I will appreciate their hard work when I am warmed by the fire on a cold winter day.

I’m so thankful for a husband who has always worked hard to provide for his family. At one time he was working full time, pastoring and doing extra work in his spare time to provide for us. I’m so grateful for the privilege I’ve had and still have of staying home with my children.

I know some people must think we’re crazy to have 8 children and live on one income but we are always marveling at the abundant provision of the Lord in our lives. We never lack and are so thankful for the way God provides.

Psalm 37:25 (ESV)
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging for bread.

Over the weekend I was troubled by some things that are really small in light of eternity. It’s all too easy to be burdened by the cares of this life and let it rob us of our joy. I hadn’t spent enough time in God’s Word and in prayer. It’s something I need daily. I knew I needed to get back on track this morning. As I was reading my Bible, I was very encouraged by Psalm 68:19.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,
The God who is our salvation. Selah. (NASB)

I knew I needed to confess my worry to the Lord and leave my burdens with Him. I am not in control but He is and He is the only one who can change the situations that trouble me. As I walked this morning, I was able to spend much needed time with the Lord in prayer. My heart was much lighter when I finished my walk. I am so thankful the Lord daily bears our burdens.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss has a helpful series on The Power of Words that is currently airing on her radio program. Her solid Bible teaching is always an encouragement to me. How easy it is for our tongues to get us into trouble. Check out the daily transcripts from this series or listen online.

Death and Life

The Overflow

I Don’t Lie — Do I?

I Don’t Want to Hear It?

Talk Less

A Soft Answer

I Am Not My Husband’s Mother

Freedom

James 3: 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Recently we’ve been working on a verse each week as a family. If we stick to it, we’ll have memorized 52 new verses in one year. Even if we fall short of our goal, we’ll still have several new verses committed to memory. By doing this I hope to implement the wisdom of Psalm 119:11.

Psalm 119:11

I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

It’s raining today so I didn’t take my normal morning walk. I also had some items I needed to take care of this morning that got my day of homeschooling with the kids off to a rough and late start. Following a set routine is always helpful to our days going smoothly as a family. I know I function much better with a routine. Although I never stick to a rigid schedule, I always find regular nap times, bed times and meal times serve us well.

I’m reminded of the verse:

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

I find our home is more peaceful when we stick to our routine.

For several months now, I’ve been walking for an hour in the morning and have been treated to many spectacular sunrises. There is something about getting out and enjoying God’s beautiful creation that helps to get my day off to a good start. As I walked yesterday morning the words of the hymn, “How Great Thou Art” were running through my mind. I was walking on a trail through a very pretty wooded area.

When through the woods and forest glades I wander and hear the birds swing sweetly in the trees.

I walked to the lake and saw a beautiful display of color in the sky before me as the sun rose and the full bright moon hung in the sky behind me. As I enjoyed the beauty of a new day my heart was lifted in praise to my Creator.

How Great Thou Art!

As I returned to the trail to head back home I was moved by my Savior’s love for me.

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Heading toward home I was thinking about Jesus returning. My heart was filled with joy thinking about what a great day that will be.

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

I hadn’t expected it but my walk turned into a wonderful time of worship. Some mornings as I walk I spend time in prayer. I started walking to help me be more physically fit and have discovered a far greater benefit in the boost it’s given me spiritually.