Evening Praise

Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin. Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory.

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies. Thy hand bestows blessings: Thy power averts evil. I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of Thy Spirit, the strength of Thy restraining will, Thy spiking of hell's artillery. Blessed be my sovereign Lord!

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

Summer break and summer jobs

We have finished our homeschool for the year and taking a couple weeks off for summer!

Ahhh that sounds so nice...

Really we are finished with our books and we are waiting for the new curriculum to come so we can start a new year!

This year we are going with AOP's Switched On Schoolhouse for our oldest daughter. The 5 subject CD pack was bought (on sale!) 2 days ago and should be here soon. Our youngest daughter is going to use Time4Learning to catch up in reading and math until she is ready for 3rd grade and SOS.

I am so excited! I have been having a stressful time lately...whole other post but not gonna go there. This will take homeschooling off my hands for a bit while I recoup and get my home back in order. The girls are bouncing off the walls ready for school because "it is on the computer and FUN!!!" I am glad they are happy. Nothing like children ready and willing and hungering to learn!

In the meantime my oldest is taking on small jobs to earn the money for her rabbit. She is pulling garden weeds, organizing cabinets, helping pack boxes and whatever else people will pay her for. So far she has about half the money and just 1 week left to earn the rest. I am so proud of her! She doesn't want any help buying her rabbit. She would even like to buy the cage, which would be about $70 over the rabbit cost, if she can get enough jobs. Next summer she plans to hire out as a "mother's helper" during summer break.