Sunday Reflections: Exercise, Art, and Government

Life at the Strauss House...

It's felt like a catch up this week...and I'm afraid the next couple of weeks are going to feel similar as our weeks are busier than normal.  There are always so many wonderful things to do, and yet never enough time to stretch into all of them.  I love it when I find my kids working well together to get their work done and help out.  I'm also thankful for kids who cook!  My little Grace is becoming quite the little help in the kitchen.  She makes grocery shopping fun because she loves to dream up ideas for dinner - and she has good ideas!

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Where I'm reading in the Bible...

I paused in 1 John to return to one of my favorite books of the Bible this week: James.  I think I could contemplate the idea of considering trials a joy in my life for a long time.  I'm always fascinated that the things that could develop the character I'm interested in are the things that I avoid like the plague.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

What books we're reading...

Jason: 

• Whatever the Cost: Facing Your Fears, Dying to Your Dreams, and Living Powerfully
• Honor and Shame
• Bronze Bow
• The Odyssey

Betsy: .

• The Scarlet Letter
• Blogging on the Side I'm trying to learn from anyone I can!

Family Read Alouds: 

• Mary Slessor

Will: 

• The Scarlet Letter

Grace: 

• The Middle Moffat
• Anne of Green Gables
• Anne of Avonlea
• Mary Poppins

Ellen: 

• Winnie the Pooh
• Anne of Avonlea
• Mary Poppins

Nana:

• Born Again by Charles Colson
• A Beautiful Fall by Chris Coppernoll

Steps towards a healthier lifestyle...

I'm back in business baby!  10,000 steps Sunday through Thursday.  Friday I didn't get as many (only 4,217).  My family is so supportive of my walking.  They are such an encouragement to keep going!

This week's highlights...

We were inspired by our Art of Fall curriculum this week and took our art journals to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.  We sketched some flowers in the garden and then we took them home to paint.  I just love being outside!

Will and I attended Michael Farris's Constitutional Literacy event in Dallas with some of our Classical Conversations friends.  It was amazing to hear more about the Constitution we've been reading from a lawyer that soaks himself in it. You can read more about it here.

 Sunday Reflections:

As I look back over the week, ten things I can thank God for :

• Walking dates with my family
• Beauty in flowers
• The work Michael Farris is doing with the Convention of States
• Music by The Piano Guys - great music to listen to as we work
• Cooler temperatures
• Conversations about the Scarlet Letter with my Challenge I class - they really make me think!
• Seeing my extended CC family at the HSLDA event.  I love that!
• Giggles - they encourage my heart
• Hugs - I can never get enough
• Recipes sent to me from my mother-in-law!  It's always nice to try something new!

The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Betsy

Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.