Pamela's Daybook: December 6th

Around our home:  Christmas is slowly making an appearance. RB got me one poinsettia and a friend another. Both red and beautiful. My Christmas cactus is in bloom. The Christmas dishes are in the cupboard, and an undecorated tree in place. The dining room table is resplendent with red and green.

Today: One of the necessary "perks" of RB's job is a hotel stay when he's teaching far away. He's been teaching a class in Louisville and these nights have been good for my soul. I leave my computer at home (read withdrawal) and take my Bible, journal, and books. The respite covers my heart and mind with peace. We stay until the last checkout moment possible. 

Advent reading: I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

At my writing desk: I need another 10 hours in my day for writing. But then I'd just want another 10! There's a deadline for the 30th of December. I'm on track to meet it, but no room for "fun" writing," I think. 

Praying for:  My daughter, Melanie. Both my girls inherited RB's back issues. Melanie sneezed last week and put her back out. She's in so much pain, but is in the midst of daily final rehearsals for The Christmas Carol, then has five performances Thursday through Sunday. Please help me pray for her. As a mother, I'd love to take her pain.

I'm reading: Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-centered living in a self-centered world. I highly recommend this book. I'm working my way through it with prayer.

Blurb from Amazon:
Our culture is self-obsessed – in our schedules, relationships, and especially online. (Can you say selfie?) But in this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. Why? Because we forgot the joy that comes from putting others first. Doing so requires us to live alert, listening for “heart drops,” hints from those in our lives who need a helping hand or a generous dose of encouragement.

Favorite Quote:  Do not waste time bothering whether you "love" your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone you will presently come to love him. C. S. Lewis

Pamela's Daybook: October 8th

This week: My not-so-busy week turned into a busy one but much of the busy was fun. 

• I had lunch with my friend, Eleanor, which is always good for my soul. 
• RB taught in Indianapolis which translates into five Barnes and Noble hours. When we arrived, we realized my computer case was still at home. I panicked at first, then realized God knew my mind needed a rest. 
• The four grands came for an oh-so-fun lunch yesterday. They love sloppy joes on homemade rolls. I keep waiting for them to get tired of them, but that's what they continue to ask for. 

At my writing desk: I'm writing/editing the Parables of Jesus this week and next. 

Praying for:  RB had a 28-year-old student die in his sleep with a heart attack. We are praying for his family. 

Standing on the promises: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10).

Thankful for: Emily's on spring break next week!

Postmark Fun: Working on this week's list. I was blessed with a fun envelope of goodies from a friend this week -- things she made herself and, my favorite, Scripture cards. 

I'm reading: My Earth Psalms by Francine Rivers. I rarely read a devotional book like it was intended. I'm always too excited to read the next one.  

Part of Eleanor's gift for my birthday was a gift certificate for Books and a special bookmark from Hawaii from their cruise. 

Favorite Quote:  Free grace can go into the gutter and pull out a jewel. Charles Spurgeon

Pamela's Daybook: October 4th

Today: Nothing too exciting happening here today -- which is exciting in itself. 

On the weekend: RB and I had a date on Saturday. Ivanhoes -- home of 100 different milkshakes and 100 different sundaes. Then on to Taylor University for an evening of "Antigone" by the drama department. 

At my writing desk: I have two projects I am working on. Carving time out to work on both of them this week.

Praying for:  My Aunt Posie and Aunt Jean.

Standing on the promises: "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4).

Thankful for: Francine Rivers! Her book Earth Psalms: Reflections on How God Speaks through Nature is released today. This is her first nonfiction. I've had it pre-ordered for a long time. I had 4 classes with her at a writer's conference, and she's lovely -- a true lady.

Postmark Fun: I'm caught up! 20 pieces of mail ready to go out today. We've started postmarking shelter to veterans this week. If you have a veteran who needs encouragement or just a "thank you," send a private message to me on Facebook (Pamela Cessna Kuhn).

I'm reading: Designed to Pray: Creative Ways to Engage with God by Kelly O'Dell Stanley. Another book I've pre-ordered is Ann Voscamp's The Broken Way: A Daring Path to the Abundant Life.

Favorite Quote: God is an artist, and the earth and the universe are his canvas. Francine Rivers

Pamela's Daybook: October 1st

Today: Up early to write. And that's about all I did except for supper. Oh, and cookies--that, too. Which wasn't much since they were the three-ingredient peanut butter ones. Made RB happy. 

At my writing desk: I may (or not) have happy danced all over my house. At least my heart was happy dancing. Deadline reached. Feel free to join my happy dance. 

Praying for:  The needs on my Postmark list. So many...

Standing on the promises: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:1).

Thankful for: My computer. Can you imagine how hard it was to write on a typewriter. Every time I made a mistake I'd have to stick that little white corrector thing in. And lining it up to fix mistakes after it was out of the machine was nearly impossible.

Around the House: The dust bunnies have been having a party around here. I have plans for those fluffy things that have been multiplying.

Postmark Fun: I sat tonight and worked on cards. This week we are starting to shelter some veterans -- those who have fought to keep our country free. 

I'm reading: My reading club assignment for October is to read a book from the bottom of my to-read stack. For me that means the last one on my Kindle carousel -- Abandoned by Warren Craig Shan. I think I got the book free. (I hope I did!) I downloaded it last December. At first I thought there were mistakes in the book, but as I got into it, I realized it was supposed to be a Scottish accent -- except it wasn't consistent. There's a lot of telling instead of showing.  I'm about 3/4 of the way through, so we'll see how it ends. 

Favorite Quote: God takes us down paths we never want to travel and roads we never want to see, to get us to a place we never want to leave. Oswald Chambers

 

Pamela's Daybook: September 27th

Today: Anyone else feel hung over today? Too much angst over the great debate, I guess. The best part of the debate was the texting circle with my daddy, brother and sister. Daddy sent us a picture of all his snacks for during the debate, and I have two things to say -- I wish I had been there, and I want his kind of diabetes. My strawberries were delicious, though. RB was teaching in Portland, so I missed having someone to boo and hiss with me.  

At my writing desk: I'm on track to meet my deadline. May all my family and friends hold their emergencies until after Friday. 

Praying for:  Protection for traveling family. And a big answer to prayer for a friend's son. 

Standing on the promises: “You shall serve the Lord your God only; then I will bless you with food and with water, and I will take away sickness from among you" (Exodus 23:25).

Thankful for: Texts that keep me in touch with my children. My daughters hate the phone as much as I do. Texting doesn't demand an immediate answer. We can connect even when we are busy. These girls-of-mine are funn-eee. Sometimes it's a prayer call. There's nobody I'd rather have pray for me than my family -- including my grandchildren. Both girls send pictures of their daily lives. 

Around the House: I was making rolls for supper, and decided to make half the recipe into pecan rolls for RB. I put the tray on top of the pan to turn it -- and it slipped. Not only the rolls got on the stove, but the sticky brown sugar/karo and rolls. It was a mess, but I was thankful for my flat top. (And RB who cleaned up the mess.) They still tasted good!

I'm reading: The Power of a Praying Grandparent.  I've been waiting for it to be released, and thought I had it pre-ordered. When it didn't come, I checked -- nope, it was released August 30th. 

"Grandchildren are a gift from God to you. And your prayers are a gift to them that can touch them for a lifetime -- even after you are no longer around to see all the good results."

Favorite blessing: Dear Grandson, May you be more than a conqueror, an overcomer, a soldier in the army of the true God. May you stand firm in the face of the enemy and the presence of your peers. May you delight in the sword  of the Lord, always ready to wield it to defeat Satan. You are valued, prayed for, and loved. Mawmaw

Pamela's Daybook: September 26

Today: Master Camron came to my house this morning. He keeps us laughing. I was reading about Moses today, and Camron told me, "Moses led the people, and God led Moses." 

At my writing desk: I met my writing goals last week by the skin of my teeth. After the end of the week, I won't be so pressed. Even with pressure, I love what I do. I find myself writing away with a goofy grin on my face. 

Praying for:  A pregnant friend of one of RB's students. An ex-husband shot her twice in the back and once in her stomach. (then killed himself). They were able to save her baby, but they need a lot of prayer. 

Standing on the promises: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Thankful for: A fun date with our friends, Kevin and Linda Jones, on Saturday night. There is nothing like being with friends who share your love of God and ministry.

Around the House: Nothing much going on around the house. I promised RB that if I got through this week, I'd do some deep-cleaning next week. Thank the Lord for fall candles. They make me forget the dust!

I'm reading:  I bought two books with the gift certificate Jonathon and Emily gifted me for my birthday. 

Everyday Grace: It's a beautiful book -- one I'll probably buy a couple for gifts.  

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal: It spoke my name when I saw the page, "God will shelter you."

Postmarking: For the first time, I am behind in my cards. I hope to catch up tonight. And one came back without a stamp. (Insert frowny face.) I have a boy with autism who loves Christmas on our list this week. We're sending Christmas cards in September! So fun. I'll be happy to share the address if I or one of the team knows you.

Favorite quote: Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. Dale Evans

Pamela's Daybook: September 22

Today: Today is the first day for me to teach my grandson, Camron, kindergarten. Those who follow me will remember three years ago when I had a part in Morgan's kindergarten journey. Camron's Nana gets a day, and Melanie does the rest. 

At my writing desk: I had some lessons that a writer didn't complete. I've really enjoyed working on them. Usually I'm editing or rewriting -- I enjoyed starting from "scratch." I hope to write my daybook more often, but life seems extra busy (not to mention the age thing that seems to be making everything take longer than it used to.)

Praying for:  Beth -- A family from the school where she teaches had a collision with a school bus. The father, baby and 4th-grade daughter died and the mom is in critical condition. The 2nd-grader was injured. They had two teens who weren't involved. Please help me pray for Beth. Her own daddy was killed in an automobile accident, so it's extra hard for her.

Standing on the promises: The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

Thankful for: Time with our friends, Ben and Sue Colburn. RB taught in Louisville Tuesday night. The university provided a room at the Holiday Inn Express.Wednesday we met Ben and Sue for a long lunch.

Around the House: My son-in-law, Jonathon, took two personal days to help me with a project to surprise RB while he was at his annual faculty retreat. We surprised him! 

I'm reading: Emily gave me a gift certificate for my birthday. So many choices!  I'll be at Barnes and Noble for 6-7 hours tonight so that should help me decide!  

Here's a couple I've been looking at on Amazon:

Creating A Ripple: The Guide to Serving Millions with Mercy & Compassion through Hospitality (Kindle)

Made Well: Finding Wholeness in the Everyday Sacred Moments (October 4 release date)

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul (not yet released)

Postmarking: We have sent over 3,000 encouragement cards this year. Almost every day I hear from people who have been touched by this ministry. 

Favorite quote: Let God’s promises shine on your problems. Corrie Ten Boom

Pamela's Daybook: September 13th

Today: Today is my mother's birthday. I wonder how they celebrate birthdays in Heaven. 

Last week: Celebrating Bee-utiful Corrinna Joy 

At my writing desk: Last week I used my mother's chair for my writing desk. I stayed a week with my daddy and was pleased to meet every day's goal. I have fallen in love with the book of Esther again. Sometimes I think I know everything there is to know about a Bible book. Then in studying it, new truths pop up everywhere. I loved researching about the times and customs, and about the God unmentioned.

Praying for:  My prayer list grows with the cares and burdens. I sometimes feel like a failure in keeping up with the needs. And then I get reports of prayers answered and my heart is filled with joy. Today I focused on a dear friend of mine. I've never met her, yet she's a sister of my heart. So I was honored to offer prayers for her and her family to my Heavenly Father through the name of His son, Jesus Christ.

Thankful for: Dentists, Jersey Mike's, the License Branch, my chauffeur RB, and the promised prayers of Melanie and Emily. 

Around the House: You can smell the fall candle, and from where I am sitting I can see the flowers Emily brought me in memory of her grandma -- purples with a big yellow sunflower. "Healthy colors because that's what Grandma would have chosen." 

I'm reading: I just received Marilyn Feinberg's "Flourish" in the mail. The cover is amazing. It's a 52-week devotional with coloring pages. My friend, Sue, shared Marilyn Feinberg with me, and I've become an avid follower. This is the book I would have gifted to my mother for her birthday.

Postmarking: We've been encouraging pastor's wives the last few weeks. If your pastor's wife needs encouraged, drop me her name and address in my Facebook message box: Pamela Cessna Kuhn. (We don't want their addresses floating around.)

Favorite quote: We flourish when we pursue the life God intends. Marilyn Feinberg

Pamela's Daybook: August 17th

Today: I'm weary, but it's a fun weary. There is a difference. RB had a meeting in Marion so I rode along. I met with my friend, Linda, for a Crimson Tea. This girl is seriously interesting. She has such a heart for people, and I always come away from our visits wanting to do more for God. RB came to pick me up, but we weren't nearly done. He ran to the grocery store and came back--nope, not done. Unfortunately, we had a deadline. 

On the way home we stopped in Yorktown at a tiny downtown restaurant, Osborns, that Jonathon told us about.  Delicious food! We got home with ten minutes to spare for RB to go to Anderson for choir practice. I made a bit of a surprise for him. Salted Caramel Brownies. Let's hope they taste good.

At my writing desk: I got my "job" writing done before I left. Have you ever made a word search puzzle? I've done them before, but it's hard to keep the letters and rows straight. Today I had the idea to insert a table --10 times easier. And just as I am typing this, I remember there's a website that all you have to do is plug the words you want in and it creates the puzzle. 

Praying for:  A single mother and her children. 

Thankful for: Peaches, fresh from the fruit stand. 

Around the House: Emily brought me a fall candle. Fall is my favorite season, and I love all the scents and colors. Is it too early to decorate for fall? My friend, Renee, usually decorates first, so I usually use her for my decorating calendar.

I'm reading: Blue Columbine (Jennifer Rodewald). First sentence:You are more than this. I thought about seeing what the last sentence is, but I just couldn't do it. You'll have to wait until I'm finished --if the book is good enough to warrant a review.

Postmarking: I hit the Hallmark Store and Tree of Life Bookstore today for some cards. Marion's Hallmark is the nicest I've been in. And they always have a couple rows of sales. Although I'd like to hit one that had their cards 1/2 price!

Favorite quote: We can heal and hurt each other, and we do. I’m hoping to help lead a tribe that does more healing and less hurting. I consider that my job.  Jen Hatmaker 

Pamela's Daybook: August 15

Today: What a week! Highs and lows. Since I didn't do a journal last week I'll share some highlights. 

• Emily started the week off with cooking a delicious Sunday Dinner for us. 
• We went to Shelbyville Sunday afternoon to see our new great niece -- beautiful Corrinna Joy!

Steve and Melodie

• I got to see my sister and husband, Steve and Melodie, there for the baby's birth. And Glen and Pam, my niece, and their three children. Pam fixed delicious food for all of us, and also brought me a beautiful miniature rose bush. 
• Thursday evening, Jonathon and Emily called to let us know they would have Emma with them for only two more weeks. 
• RB and I have had our background checks, so planned to keep Emma overnight. Emily surprised Jonathon for his birthday, and they went on a mini trip.
• Today our grands had their first day of school. (Pictures below) This is the fourth year for the school and they started today with 86 students. The kids are getting such an awesome and well-rounded education. Shawn and Melanie are third generation parents who believe a Christian education is a conviction. 

Morgan's teacher's theme is hedgehogs and foxes.
She asked Melanie to make cupcakes. Adorable!

• Camron is in Kindergarten this year. Melanie is holding on to him another year. Melanie, his Nana and I will be teaching him. It's so special to be able to help teach him to read. 

At my writing desk: I took last week off from the Daybook and concentrated on other writing. Writing my fingers to the bone.  Ha!

Praying for:  Jonathon, Emily and Emma. There have been lots of tears and hugs, yet we can see the hand of God working. A friend posted this quote on her Facebook page. "God is using your circumstances to make you more useful for later roles in His unfolding story." (Louie Giglio) 

Thankful for: All the sweet notes I received last week for the 29th anniversary of Sarah's death. 

I'm reading: This month's book club selection must have a color in the title. I found Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald. It's a "Read for Free" Amazon book. 

Postmarking: Wednesday I have a date with Hallmark. They closed both Hallmark stores in Muncie. RB has a meeting in Marion Wednesday so I'm going to hit the Hallmark there. Sometimes I just need a special card. 

Favorite quote: A little spark of kindness puts a colossal burst of sunshine in someone's day. (quotegram.com)

Pamela's Daybook: August 15

Today: What a week! Highs and lows. Since I didn't do a journal last week I'll share some highlights. 

• Emily started the week off with cooking a delicious Sunday Dinner for us. 
• We went to Shelbyville Sunday afternoon to see our new great niece -- beautiful Corrinna Joy!

Steve and Melodie

• I got to see my sister and husband, Steve and Melodie, there for the baby's birth. And Glen and Pam, my niece, and their three children. Pam fixed delicious food for all of us, and also brought me a beautiful miniature rose bush. 
• Thursday evening, Jonathon and Emily called to let us know they would have Emma with them for only two more weeks. 
• RB and I have had our background checks, so planned to keep Emma overnight. Emily surprised Jonathon for his birthday, and they went on a mini trip.
• Today our grands had their first day of school. (Pictures below) This is the fourth year for the school and they started today with 86 students. The kids are getting such an awesome and well-rounded education. Shawn and Melanie are third generation parents who believe a Christian education is a conviction. 

Morgan's teacher's theme is hedgehogs and foxes.
She asked Melanie to make cupcakes. Adorable!

• Camron is in Kindergarten this year. Melanie is holding on to him another year. Melanie, his Nana and I will be teaching him. It's so special to be able to help teach him to read. 

At my writing desk: I took last week off from the Daybook and concentrated on other writing. Writing my fingers to the bone.  Ha!

Praying for:  Jonathon, Emily and Emma. There have been lots of tears and hugs, yet we can see the hand of God working. A friend posted this quote on her Facebook page. "God is using your circumstances to make you more useful for later roles in His unfolding story." (Louie Giglio) 

Thankful for: All the sweet notes I received last week for the 29th anniversary of Sarah's death. 

I'm reading: This month's book club selection must have a color in the title. I found Blue Columbine by Jennifer Rodewald. It's a "Read for Free" Amazon book. 

Postmarking: Wednesday I have a date with Hallmark. They closed both Hallmark stores in Muncie. RB has a meeting in Marion Wednesday so I'm going to hit the Hallmark there. Sometimes I just need a special card. 

Favorite quote: A little spark of kindness puts a colossal burst of sunshine in someone's day. (quotegram.com)

Pamela's Daybook: August 5th

Today: Yesterday I had Morgan here to work on cards. Which meant I got to see all the kids but Ethan. He was at a financial class with Shawn. Today I had Emma while Emily was at a teachers' meeting so we worked on cards. It's so sweet to see Morgan and Emma pick out the "perfect" card and to read what they write. 

At my writing desk: It was a mental health day. Ha! Tomorrow will be my Friday.

Praying for: The safety of the people at the Olympics

Thankful for: The supper Emily provided for us

Excited about: I had my therapeutic massage with Rhonda yesterday (Thank you, dear Rhonda!) and found out she's going to be a grandma! She always listens to my grandma stories. It will be such fun for her to have some, too. 

I'm reading: First sentence of the book I'm reading: "I was standing at the gate of Potter Correctional Institution staring at him when he was killed."

Postmarking: I spent a while organizing my cards and weeding them out. My biggest pet peeve is cheap envelopes. Why put them with a box of nice notes? And if the note is cream, why put white envelopes with them? And really, couldn't they match the whites?

Favorite quote: Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit. Mary Lou Retton

Pamela's Daybook: August 3rd

Today: Quiet day with my love! Good talk with my Daddy.

At my writing desk: The King of Gerar caused me a bit of trouble today, but I got it all worked out before supper. 

Praying for: A boy named Seth.  He's having foot surgery tomorrow. 

Thankful for: Daughters who keep me smiling with videos. Camron was explaining about his school clothes in today's video.

I'm reading: My mind has been so full that I've found it hard to settle down and read.  There's something wrong with that picture. Maybe I need to schedule it. I love crossing things off my list!

Journaling prompt for today: Write a list of your favorite scents. (Not in any particular order.)

1. Baby Magic (on a baby)
2. Cinnamon
3. Roses -- only on the flower 
4. Eternity (cologne my mother wore)
5. Winter (Bath and Body's candle)
6. Coffee brewing
7. Lavender 
8. Books
9. Leather
10. Downey

Postmarking: I've already started a list for next week. 

Favorite quote: "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Mark Twain

Pamela's Daybook: August 2nd

Today: Waking up with a 5-year-old sweet boy is such joy! No, I don't get as much written when he asks, "Can I sit in your chair?" But it's worth working longer. Add to that a 3-hour lunch with my friend, Eleanor, and it was a good day. 

At my writing desk: Writing about the King of Gerar. 

Praying for:  Emily as she gets ready for a new school year.

Thankful for: A friend you know will keep your secrets.

Journaling prompt for today: 

What was your favorite back-to-school purchase when you were a child?

There's no way I can can address this with one answer. Maybe it was the crayons -- Crayola, of course -- all standing like soldiers with their perfect points. Or paste -- ah, the smell of the paste with its paint-brush-like applicator. Now the kids have liquid glue or glue sticks -- it's not the same! #2 pencils, yellow ones that wrote so smoothly, or maybe my own pair of scissors -- either one could be my favorite. Notebook paper and a binder with its three metal rings, and little round white "doughnuts" that I licked and stuck to the holes of the notebook to keep the paper from tearing out. I still look at all the new school supplies -- I just try to keep myself from buying them. The neatest thing I saw this year? Decorative batteries -- really! Pink and black plaid AA batteries. 

Postmarking: Morgan and I are having a Postmark date this week, so I'm waiting until then to work on cards.

Favorite quote: Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. Helen Keller

Pamela's Daybook: August 1st

Today: It's Monday, but I haven't found it too Mondayish. The weekend was so great. RB and I had background checks so Emma could spend the night. Jonathon and Emily haven't had a night alone since the week after Thanksgiving. Emma was so excited, and we were, too.

Saturday evening we met some church friends at Commack Station. We sat there 2 1/2 hours having great conversation over yummy food. Our “early” church didn't have choir yesterday, so we only had one church to attend -- which meant a 9:30 leaving time instead of 7:30.

RB is picking Camron up this afternoon to be my buddy while RB is teaching. I have a "cwaft" pirate boat, ice cream bars, and a remote car. My phone is charged, too. BuddyMan has been telling me it was time to play with him -- I'm assuming he means Camron.

At my writing desk: I picked up a date book that has 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in 1/2 hour divisions. I hope it will help me get more accomplished. So this morning was curriculum. I need to keep those morning hours for curriculum because those are my best hours. If I could just get up at 4:00 like I used to -- but I don't think that's happening!

Praying for: A single mom who has had a hard summer.

Thankful for: Family -- Shawn, Melanie, Ethan, Landon, Morgan and Camron

Emily posted this last week on Facebook:

When (Emma) leaves our home, she may not remember to read her 20 minutes every day, or to wash a dish when she is done with it. She may not decide it's important to write a little bit every day or pick up her toys each night so her room doesn't become an overwhelming mess. But I pray with all my heart that she never forgets this Truth and that she decides every day to share the love that her King has shared with her. I pray she remembers the "Kingdom stuff" and how very much she is loved. ❤️ 

Jonathon, Emily and Emma (8-year-old foster daughter)

I'm reading: I have "The Pitiful Pirates" out to read to a cute five-year-old this evening. Ha!

Postmarking: We had a long list this week -- many of them children. Love weeks with a lot of addresses, but oh, so many heartbreaking needs.

Favorite quote: Our family is a circle of strength and love -- with every birth and every union the circle grows. Unknown

Pamela's Daybook: July 28th

Today: Emily and Emma stopped by today on their way to Emma's visit with her mother. RB helped her pick a bouquet of flowers to take to her. Emma was delighted. 

At my writing desk: I hope I write something someday worth plagiarizing. Unknown

Praying for: Someone dear struggling physically. 

Thankful for: Corn on the cob, cut off. I'm thankful for our neighbors who share so freely from their garden.

I'm reading: This is a secret, but I read children's books. And I found one I fell in love with. Mira's Diary -- Lost in Paris by Marissa Moss. (9-12 year olds -- my girls wouldn't have enjoyed it at that age.) I love free books, too. So this one hit that, too. Here's the beginning. I think you'll see why I loved it from the start.  

"Who sends postcards anymore? I wondered when I saw it in the mailbox. How quaint, how old-fashioned...Even the faded French stamp looked like it was from a previous century."

Thanks to time travel, Mira went back to the late 1800s which included meeting Mary Cassatt. Oh, and she wanted Claude to kiss her. This book has some "real life" issues, so you should read it yourself before giving it to your child.  And gargoyles... That, too. 

Journaling prompt for today: List ten books you want to read.

1.  Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me (Alexandra Kuykendall)

2. Heart Made Whole: Turning Your Unhealed Pain into Your Greatest Strength (Christa Black Gifford)

3. Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other (Sophie Hudson) 

4. Rooted: The Hidden Places Where God Develops You (Banning Liebscher)

5. Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter (Annie Downs)

 

6. Land of Silence  (Tessa Afshar)

7. Ten Women of the Bible: One by One They Changed the World (Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop)  

8. Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People (Eberhard Arnold and Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

9. Hidden Agendas: Dropping the Masks that Keep Us Apart
(Steve Brown)

10. The Practice of Godliness (Jerry Bridges)

Favorite quote:  There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis