Lift Your Glad Voices

I always thought that survivor guilt was silly. Why waste time on guilt that you survived and another didn't? But sometimes emotions don't make sense.

I thought I was prepared, but Jess' funeral was harder than I expected. Ed and Jess share the same disease, yet Ed is feeling remarkably well while Jess' 25 years seem pitifully short. And only God knows the number of Ed's days.

I know that in God's time even several hundred years of life is ridiculously brief. Eternity is endless, and Jess gets a head start in enjoying the glories of God's presence. Jess' goal was to be faithful until death, and she made it. The rest of us have more living to do - which means more pain ahead.

But "Jesus hath cheered the dark valley of sorrow...For Jesus hath risen, and man shall not die." (From Lift Your Glad Voices)

Yesterday was Ed's 41st birthday. I told him that I hoped he'd have a really good year. His immediate reply was that whatever happened, he was going to have a good year. Ed has taken Jess' death even harder than I have, but he also has a firm faith that God will carry us like He did Jess.

I searched online to find some of the music that was sung at Jess' funeral. She loved to sing, and the words of these songs share Jess' message to us who are still living.

"The Lord is My Light and My Salvation" - Jess' favorite song




"Somewhere in the Skies"




"By His Hand" - Jess' Testimony



"Lift Your Glad Voices" - Maybe the last song that Jess sang in her earthly body



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My Jesus, As Thou Wilt

I know that I have shared a lot of hymns in the past few months, but sometimes my own words are inadequate.

Last May, a few days after Ed's brain surgery, our friend Jess and her parents came to visit us. Jess was so encouraging as she shared her experience with a benign brain tumor eight years ago. We were able to ask questions about her surgery and treatment. But, as any friend of Jess knows, just her presence was an inspiration.

A few months later, Jess was at our church on a Sunday morning. She planned to travel with some friends to share in a singing program after church. But part way through the service, Jess walked out. Her confusion caused her brother to take her to the hospital where she learned the monster was back. Her brain held many inoperable tumors which were diagnosed as glioblastoma, the same kind of aggressive brain cancer Ed has.

Jess was only 25 years old, but she had impacted our church in a huge way as nearly every family in our church has at least one child who had been a student in Jess' second grade classroom. I don't think I exaggerate to say that everyone loved Jess. She added so much joy to so many lives. The last months have been difficult as we watched Jess decline quickly. And, on Tuesday, Jess left her earthly body and the pain of this earth for her "inheritance incorruptible."

With Ed, Jess, and some other circumstances, our church has had a challenging year. Our faith in God has been tested. It is hard to look at a situation such as Jess and not wonder "why." So many prayed for healing for Jess, included dozens of children with their childlike faith, yet God did not answer with physical healing on this earth.

Yet we also know that God is so much bigger and wiser than us that He can take what we call a tragedy and turn it into good.  The God who can turn a cross into victory is certainly capable of redeeming even this. Maybe some day we will look back and see that Jess' death had a larger impact on the children and our church than her life had. But we don't know the answers now. The only way I have found peace to these unanswered questions is holding my hands up to God and say "Thy will be done."

But still it is hard. Ed is feeling so well now that we almost forget cancer sometimes, but some day we may be in the same grief as Jess' family.

Last week Ed was singing My Jesus, As Thou Wilt. (From my comments it may sounds as if Ed is super into music, but he claims he can hardly carry a tune--which isn't true. But Ed has a huge number of hymns in his memory and can usually recall one that applies to any situation.) I wasn't familiar with this hymn, but I've been thinking on these words a lot this week.

My Jesus, As Thou Wilt
by Benjamin Schmolck
Hymns of the Church #927

1. My Jesus, as Thou wilt! Oh, may Thy will be mine!
   Into Thy hand of love I would my all resign;
   Through sorrow, or through joy, conduct me as Thine own,
   And help me still to say, “My Lord, Thy will be done.”
2. My Jesus, as Thou wilt! Though seen through many a tear,
   Let not my star of hope grow dim or disappear;
   Since Thou on earth hast wept, and sorrowed oft alone,
   If I must weep with Thee, my Lord, Thy will be done.
3. My Jesus, as Thou wilt! All shall be well for me;
   Each changing future scene I gladly trust with Thee:
   Straight to my home above I travel calmly on,
   And sing, in life or death, “My Lord, Thy will be done.”
4. And here is the music if you'd like to listen.

What's For Lunch?

A new year means a fresh chance to get organized.

And no area pays back better, in my opinion, than meal organization. Whether it is planning grocery shopping or making menu plans before 5:00 - any time I spend streamlining food prep is time well spent.

In recent months I have gotten some bad habits. Far too often I ran to the store for one or two items that I forgot the day before or scratched my head in late afternoon trying to figure out what to eat with minimal time to prepare.

So it won't be hard to make an improvement at my house.

To start I made a list of ideas for breakfast and lunch. We tend to cycle through the same meals. A simple card on the fridge is helping me be more efficient in planning ahead so we don't fall into the rut. Just a little forethought this morning meant that I had tortillas and cheese out of the freezer so we could make breakfast burritos this morning.

Several months ago I wrote an article for a homeschool magazine on lunch. I'm sharing it here and hoping to put more of the ideas to practice myself.

What's For Lunch? Tips for the Homeschool Mom

The clock strikes noon. The children push aside their math books and dash for the kitchen. I open the fridge and wish for lunch to appear. Even half-dried leftovers will be accepted with gratitude. But I've learned that wishing doesn't fill plates or stomachs. I hear that lunchtime is a challenge for many of us homeschool moms. This is a list compiled from my own experience and the suggestions of other moms to help meet those hungry groans with a smile instead of panic.

Leftovers. Make extra food the night before and serve the leftovers for lunch. As my family has grown, this has become a challenge, but I often make a huge pot of soup or chili in the winter. Cook extra rice and make fried rice. Bake extra potatoes and make hash browns. Grill extra chicken to serve on a salad.

Shop. Plan for lunch when shopping. If I plan on having taco salad Tuesday, I can have the ingredients purchased and the meat thawed.

Rotate. Write a weekly plan. If I know that we will have macaroni and cheese every Thursday, the work feels half done.

Slow Cooker. If I think ahead, I can use my slow cooker. I like to cook dried pinto beans with garlic and onions and serve them in tortillas with cheese for bean burritos. Baked potatoes in the slow cooker can be served with leftover chili or taco meat.

Freeze. Spend a day making lunches to freeze. Options include hot pockets, calzones, and burritos. Freeze par-baked pizza crusts. They thaw quickly and can be topped and baked in minutes.

Pack. Even if you are eating at home, pretend you pack lunches. Make sandwiches in the morning, stock your fridge with baby carrots and your pantry with granola bars, cookies, or a salty snack. On nice days, my children love to pack a lunch and eat outside.

Breakfast. Waffles, baked oatmeal, eggs and toast, french toast, or one of the many make-ahead breakfast casseroles are great options for lunch as well as breakfast.

Emergencies. Sometimes I didn't plan for lunch and find the refrigerator bare. I like to stock at least one emergency lunch in the pantry that doesn't need thawed and can be prepared in less than fifteen minutes. Favorites at my house are canned tomato soup or salmon cakes from a can of salmon. Another winner is quesadillas which can be made with tortillas, refried beans, and shredded cheese.

Delegate lunch to a child who could use some kitchen experience. The year I graduated, my mom assigned me the job of making lunch each day for the family. She could focus on homeschooling while I gained valuable homemaking skills.

Take a poll to find your children's lunchtime favorites. Tape the list to the fridge. Stock your pantry with a few basics. Prep your lunch at breakfast (that's the tough one). Then you can smile when you hear “What's for lunch?”

What are your ideas to streamline meal planning?

Lead, Kindly LIght

This morning at 5:30, I laid in bed luxuriating that I didn't have to get up yet. I listened to Ed in the basement directly below our bedroom getting his router started before he left for work. (If you deduce from that sentence that Ed is feeling terrific, you are correct.)

I heard Ed singing snatches of Lead, Kindly Light. This meaningful prayer hymn written after the author had a lengthy illness. Corrie ten Boom's sister, Betsy, sang Lead, Kindly Light while being herded into a German concentration camp. Titanic survivors sang this hymn while in a lifeboat awaiting rescue.

This morning we got word that my newborn nephew had just been airlifted to a larger hospital because of his breathing difficulties. To begin the day praying/singing this song for my brother, his wife, and little baby was a reminder of the blessing of the Lord who is the Light for our journey. (You can follow my brother's Instagram at German Barn Builders for updates on their baby.)

"He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12

Lead, Kindly Light
by J. H. Newman

1. Lead, kindly Light, amid th’ encircling gloom,
   Lead Thou me on;
   The night is dark, and I am far from home,
   Lead Thou me on;
   Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
   The distant scene; one step enough for me.
2. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
   Shouldst lead me on;
   I loved to choose and see my path, but now
   Lead Thou me on;
   I loved the garish day, and spite of fears,
   Pride ruled my will; remember not past years.
3. So long Thy pow’r has blest me, sure it still
   Wilt lead me on,
   O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
   The night is gone,
   And with the morn those angel faces smile,
   Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

Off the Shelf: Middle-Grade Books

I know how hard it is to find good reading material for my children. Here is a collection of thhe favorite books that I have read aloud or pre-read for my children in the past months. The first five are nonfiction and the remaining books are historical or realistic fiction. All of these are at our public library and should be easy for you to find.

An Indian Winter by Russell Freedman, illustrated by Karl Bodmer

Learn history from one who was there. Taken from the travel journals of a German prince and illustrated by a Swiss painter, this book records their historic journey into Indian country in 1833.

Blizzard! : The Storm that Changed America by Jim Murphy

See the Great Blizzard of 1888 through the eyes of the ones who were there to live through one of the worse natural disasters in the US.

 In Search of the Grand Canyon: Down the Colorado with John Wesley Powell by Mary Ann Fraser

Imagine traveling down and un-mapped river to explore the famous canyons of the west. This book allows you to travel down the terrifying rapids with the ten men who first explored the area.

The Long Road to Gettysburg by Jim Murphy

From first-hand accounts from two young men, one fighting for the north and one for the south, learn about the Battle of Gettysburg and its impact on the Civil War. I also read Murphy's excellent book on the Battle of Antietam.

Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy by Rhoda Blumberg

Sometimes a true story is as exciting as any made-up tale. Such is the story of Manjiro. Shipwreck was only the first of his adventures which took him from his Japanese homeland to America, from whaling ships to the Gold Rush, and finally back to Japan where he helped end the isolation laws.

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Manjiro and his friends were shipwrecked on an island near their homeland of Japan. Rescued by a US whaling boat, visiting New England, becoming a gold digger, and finally returning to Japan, this historical fiction tells the same amazing story of an amazing man of the previous nonfiction title.

Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan

In 1914, Katya is enjoying a comfortable life as a friend of the Tsar's daughter, but times are changing. As Katya becomes aware of the plight of the common people her life too begins to change. An excellent historical fiction depicting life in a crumbling Russia.

Black Radishes by Susan Lynn Meyer

Gustave is dismayed when his parents decide to leave their home in Paris. Couldn't the French army protect them from the Nazis? Inspired by true stories of Jewish children in France in 1940.

Tua and the Elephant by R.P. Harris

When Tua finds an elephant that needs help, she embarks on a journey through her city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Travel with Tua through the night market, a Buddhist temple, the river, and finally, to the elephant refuge. While not exactly realistic, this book can give your child a fun introduction to life in Thailand.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

Paul and Maureen want a pony of their own and choose Phantom, a wild pony of Assateague Island. Join in the fun of pony penning day, pony races, and the special bond between the people of Chincoteague and the island ponies. This special book is a classic for a reason.  

Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan

Imagine you are thirteen and engaged to marry a boy you have never met. And then find that your new in-laws are dishonest and you are alone in a strange city. Follow Koly's story from India and be inspired by her courage. 

El Guero: A True Adventure Story by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

His comfortable life as the judge's son ended when his family was sent to exile, El Guero's adventures were just beginning. A picture of life on the Baja peninsula of Mexico in the late-1800's that is a family favorite.

When the Sirens Wailed by Noel Streatfeild

Three children are sent out of London along with thousands of other children to escape the bombing during World War 2. They face uncertainties with pluck and creativity as they try to reunite their family. Realistic details stem from the author's own memories as a volunteer worker in war-time London.

Peddler's Summer by Jane Flory

Life with eight girls and no Pa has not been easy, but they survived the winter. Now Amanda has a chance to travel through western Pennsylvania for the summer with the peddler earning money and making new friends. A sweet story of a simpler era.

The Heart of a Chief by Joseph Bruchac

Chris dreads the first day of sixth grade. He is sure that the town kids won't like a boy from the reservation. But Chris soon finds that he can make a difference, in school and at home. A realistic portrayal of the challenges of modern Native Americans.

(This post contains affiliate links which means that by clicking through the Amazon links and making a purchase, you can give me a small commission with no extra cost to yourself.)

Bible Reading with Children

While were are on the topic of Bible reading this week, I'd love to hear your tips for Bible reading with children.

Like anything else worth doing, we have found it challenging to read the Bible with our children. As they grow and mature, what worked needs to be adapted. When they were younger we read various Bible story books. Now we usually choose a passage and each person takes a turn reading a verse.

We've tried various plans. We've read through the Proverb of the month. Two years ago we used the Beginner's Bible reading plan which has short readings from every book of the Bible. Last year we started reading through the New Testament and we plan to finish up this year.

We have tried Bible reading before bedtime, but we miss too many nights when we are away from home. Also the younger girls are often cranky and disruptive at that time of day.

What works best is reading before breakfast. The two youngest are usually in bed which makes it less crazy, thought I don't like that they don't get to participate.

But the biggest challenge is making Bible reading meaningful. I know how easy it is to just pay attention to which verse to read when it is my turn and not really be thinking about the meaning of the passage.

Recently Ed has been telling the children to look for an unfamiliar word in the passage. If they say they can't find a word then he'll probably do an impromptu vocabulary quiz so they are motivated to find a word. This has been especially helpful while reading through the epistles where there are numerous terms and concepts that the children are unfamiliar with.

Ed reads the Bible on his phone using the free a Tecarta app. He bought the Strongs Concordance app so it is super easy for Ed to give us the definition of a word. If something is simple, we are much more likely to continue doing it.

I liked hearing in the comments the numerous ways that you all are using our modern technology to encourage your Bible reading. Do any of you have more tips for Bible reading with children?

Bible or Email?

Should I say "Happy New Year"? But "happy" can sound as shallow as "merry" when you are facing suffering or an uncertain future.

Maybe I should wish you joy-filled or profitable or blessed new year. All those would certainly be good, but still the focus seems to be on what I will get. It is natural to want more. More happiness, more comfort, more pleasure, more of God's blessing - but it starts to sound self-centered.

What if I wished for more of God's grace this year? What if I desired to know God better? What if my greatest longing was to be more like Jesus?

Those things are possible. I might not get wealthier, or healthier, or wiser, and certainly not younger in 2018. But I can grow in the love of Christ and deepen my knowledge of His grace.

Looking back over past years of blogging I was thrilled to find that many times I beain the new year talking about Bible reading. How appropriate. I can't think of a better goal than to read more of God's Word. A new year is the perfect time to reevaluate and plan for the future.

I have struggled more in the last few years with Bible reading than ever in my life. This year was really hard. I began the year with a baby who slept poorly and woke me up often. And unlike when all my children were small, I don't have that quiet hour in the afternoon during naps anymore.

Then Ed got sick. I fought to concentrate on any reading. Like Laura Story wrote in When God Doesn't Fix It, I was so glad when a friend would give me a verse in a card or email. I could gulp down one verse like a vitamin during the time when chewing on verses in my own reading felt impossible. I started writing one verse a day in a journal - one on a page - so I could contrate on those few words.

After that journal filled I felt ready for some more thorough Bible study. I got a new journal and started reading through the Epistles writing down every verse that spoke of the character and work of God. Recording the verses by hand slowed me down enough to help me think on what I was reading. I'm enjoying this very much and plan to finish that study this winter.

But I still have the problem of waking up too late and jumping into the many tasks of the day without taking time for Bible reading.

So...deep breath...I'm making a goal...and telling you all to make myself accountable so I don't wimp out.

I always find time to check my email. Always. Every day. Usually soon after breakfast. Always before lunch.

So here is my goal: I'm committing to read my Bible before checking email.

I told a couple friends and Ed about this goal a few days ago so I've had some time to try it out.

Ouch. I knew this might be hard, but it is pitiful how many times already that I've looked from my laptop to my Bible and did an internal battle.

"I don't have time to read my Bible right now, so I'll just check my email quick."

"No. If I don't have time to read my Bible I don't have time to check email."

And I'm embarrassed to admit that I've totally forgotten and checked my email first.

But I know this will be good for me so I'm going to keep striving so that this becomes a habit.

I'm not writing this so you feel guilty. Or suggest that you need to make a similar goal. I just know that telling you all will make it easier for me to win the argument with my laptop each morning.

I'd love to hear how you help build good habits for Bible reading. One of my friends texts her friend each day with the Scripture reference she read. I love that they are using modern tech tools to help them put Scripture first. And I'm sure there are many more great ideas.

Thanks so much for your investment in my life this past year, especially those who have shared the truths of Scripture with me.

I wish for you a Christ-centered, Bible-filled, grace-saturated year.

Past blog posts on this topic...

One year ago: Are Bible reading plans legalistic?

Two years ago: Realistic Bible reading planning - Beginner's Bible Reading plan

Three years ago: One Year Bible

Five years ago: The One Needful Thing - A friend's Bible reading challenge