WWU--Purity of Heart and Other Thoughts

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

My Home

When we began our homeschooling year, I thought I was doomed.  But I'm much happier now that our schedule is running smoothly and I know what to expect--generally speaking, of course!  Fernando addressed the issue of chores, which was the only item being neglected the past several weeks.  Using my "Home Management" chart, he assigned a son to each day of the week, and laid down some rules.  Praying this works!


College and Homeschool

Jacob is cruising along at college, and always comes home with stories, mostly of what he has learned in class that particular day.  My head gets stuffed with all sorts of tidbits about psychology, U.S. government, criminal law, and juvenile delinquency.  Whew.

Danny seems to have found a rhythm with his online chemistry class, and he complains much less about going to English Comp class with Jacob.  Even though he does not like it, he is more of a natural writer than Jacob, and the professor likes his work so far.  Jacob has to work harder at it.  They enjoy their time together, both in the classroom and in the car.



My Kitchen and Garden

I have an October garden!  Tomatoes are still ripening on the vine, green beans are still growing, as well as herbs, onions--though small, and jalapeños.  I'm happy.

My Project Desk

No pictures to show you, but I've been slowly working on altering blouses to fit better.  I bought several blouses at Goodwill with my birthday discount, and I need to take in sides a little, and sew on hooks and eyes.  Hopefully I'll post some photos for Tackle-It Tuesday.


Behind the Lens

On my way to the garden this morning to capture some veggie images, I almost stepped on this spider web, still wet with dew.  Mr. Spider quickly went into hiding, but the glistening web called me to take its picture.  So I did.

Heart Thoughts

The thoughts emanating from the Scripture our family is reading during devotions have been weighty.  The Lord has been impressing many things on my heart, but I'll share just one verse from Thursday's devotions.

If anyone thinks himself to be religious,

and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart,

this man's religion is worthless.

James 1:26 nasb

Religious refers to ceremonial public worship--the external trappings without the internal belief.  It is simply superficial pseudo-faith, which reminds me of the verse about whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones (Matthew 23:27).  Which it should, because James used this word religion to refer to the Pharisees.

The main thought, however, was in regard to bridling one's tongue.  Fernando's commentary said:

Purity of heart is often revealed by controlled and proper speech.

It has made me ponder my manner of speaking, and even the words I use.  Controlled brings to mind the lack of angry outbursts, and the welling up of patience as I respond to others.  Proper connotes the actual words I use--hmm, slang, possibly?  The use of casual phrases or words--good luck (do I really believe in luck?), or even "darn" or "shoot" instead of other--um, colorful--expressions.  Purity of heart--may the Lord cultivate self-control in my speech!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne