Back in Tennessee

Our last day in Texas was Friday. It was a beautiful day that we were fortunate enough to spend with our friends. The girls and I had lunch with the twins' best friend Nat, and her mom. I only teared up once. After lunch, we met the rest of our park group at the bowling alley for some fun. There was a great turn out, and I only teared up a couple of times. After bowling, we all went to Braums for ice cream and goodbyes. I did cry there, but it was still nice to be able to see everyone before we left.

I just can't express how much we will miss that group of people! They accepted us into their group so quickly, and became a big part of our lives in Texas.

Friday night, I finished up the last bit of packing I needed to do, loaded the van, and Tom and I turned in early since I was getting up so early the next morning.

These photos were all taken by Miranda with her iTouch while we were driving.

At 4AM, I got up and got the girls ready to go. We told Tom goodbye and headed out around 4:30AM. He is staying behind another week until the movers arrive to get our stuff.

Bridge into Memphis, TN

The ride to Tennessee was long, but thankfully uneventful. The traffic was light, and the weather was great.

Once we got to the plateau in Crossville, TN, we saw a lot of snow. There were about 2 inches on the grassy areas, but none on the roads. We also saw the temperature steadily drop the whole drive.

We got to Tom's parents around 7:30 and were greeted by some VERY happy cousins. The kids have been hanging out and goofing off ever since.

It is a little surreal being back, and knowing we aren't headed back to Texas in a week or so. It kind of feels like we've just been on an EXTREMELY long vacation.

We will just kind of hang out here this week. By Wednesday or Thursday, I should have the keys to our new house and will begin the planning of furniture placement. I hope to have it mostly figured out before the moving truck gets here. I'll be glad to start getting settled in next week.

Finding the Old Testament God in the New Testament Christ

People often portray Christ as a kind of hippy, love everyone type of "good guy" in order to fit Him into their idea of what God should be. This is a dangerous and untrue thought process. 

In my Bible study this morning, this was brought home. I have been slowly going through the book of Malachi, and today I was focusing on Malachi 2:17-3:5. In the first part of Malachi, God has been letting Israel have it for their lack of faith, and their deceitful ways. He has pointed out how they have turned from God and are practicing a kind of false worship. Then in chapter 3, He reminds Israel of the coming Messiah. He then asks: "But who can endure the day of His coming?" Mal. 3:2. It goes on to describe Christ's return as a refiner's fire, one that purifies. It will weed out all evil so that only a pure offering will remain. That offering is Christ's church.

Many try to say that the Old Testament God and the New Testament God don't match up. They point out things like Malachi talking of God's wrath, and then try to portray Jesus in the New Testament as only love and accepting of all. But look at Matthew 23:1-39. Here you see a similar display of anger and wrath, and words of judgment. He is still the refining God of the Old Testament. He is still angry about false worship and idolatry.

"For I am the Lord, I do not change..." Malachi 3:6

Thankfully, although we are all worthy of His anger, He has provided salvation to ALL who will seek it. That salvation is through faith in Christ and His work on the cross, and that alone. (John 10:1-30)

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:9-10

"I and My Father are one" John 10:30

Christ is love. But you cannot define that love by our frail, human terms. His is a righteous, timeless love. One that demands refinement in His holy flame.

Book Review: The Ale Boy's Feast

The Ale Boy's Feast is the 4th book in The Auralia Thread series. I received this book before I had read any of the other books in the series, but after reading just a few pages I was interested enough to find the previous three to read.

This series is well written, and engages the reader. The way the writer pulled characters from the entire series into the final book was inspiring. It is definitely a recommended read if you like fantasy.

Book Review: We Be Big by Rick Burgess and Bill Bussey

I was given a copy of We Be Big by Book Sneeze to review. Honestly, it has taken me much longer than usual to review this book. I never could get through the entire book because it just wasn't an attention grabber.

It is a biography of two radio personalities collectively known as Rick and Bubba. The writing style left a lot to be desired. Throughout the book, the narrative shifts from Rick to Bubba, and back again, leaving the reader disjointed in trying to piece which narritive went to which person.

Generally, I enjoy a good biography. This one just couldn't hold my attention long enough to get to the end. I just can't reccomend this one.

Curriculum Review: Take Five! For Language Arts

I received Take Five! For Language Arts to review through Library Thing.  It is a book containing 180 "bell ringers" or activities to engage middle and highschool students in learning about different language arts concepts. 

As a homeschool teacher of 2 middle school students and one high school student, I am always looking for creative ways to present lessons.  Take Five! is a great resource for short, uncomplicated exercises that fit well into both a classroom and a homeschool setting.  The book is geared towards the classroom, with an emphasis on meeting the standards required in an engaging way.  In spite of that, this book can be easily adapted to homeschool use.

It is nice that the activities generally require no special materials, and the author has included links to websites that can further enhance the lesson.  The short length of the activites keep them from being a drudgery added to the regular lesson, and instead are a welcome enrichment.

Book Review: Pompeii by T.L. Higley

Pompeii by T.L. Higley

A few months ago, I picked this book up at LifeWay to read.  I love historical fiction, and we are currently studying this era in history. 

Pompeii is part of Higley's Seven Wonders series, and does a decent job of bringing the time period to life.  She incorporates a coming to Christ storyline that isn't cheesy, and a romance that isn't too gushy.  It makes for a great combination.  This was a quick, easy read for me and left me wanting to read the other books in the series.  I also handed this book to my teen daughter to read this week as part of her school work.  (I include historical fiction relating to the area of study whenever possible)

I would love to see more authors write historical Christian fiction, that isn't some sort of Amish love story. 

Overall, this was a good read.

Artwork for Sarah's Room

I drew this tonight and Sarah claimed it for her room after we move :)