Another Daybook

Monday morning.

Outside my window -  Sunny.  Cool.  No snow.

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I am thinking about eating better - for the whole family.  My kids are quite worried since we already ban so many things!  (Their view.)

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I am wearing comfy lounge pants and a tank top.  Let me know when winter arrives and I'll consider sleeves.

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I am listening to Bach.  After a brief reminder yesterday of Charlotte Mason's music method, Shiffy and I started Bach today for the next six weeks.  But, read on...

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I am going to the Bahamas in February. Cruise is booked. Can't wait!

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I am currently reading The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson (an  audio book, actually, whose reader has a very soothing voice), Redeeming Sociology by Vern Poythress and Lectures on Calvinism by Abraham Kuyper.  And the Bible - currently 1 Timothy.

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I am hoping that Hadassah's glucose levels will continue to decline and that one day (soon?) she'll be non-diabetic.  She is off the steroid now so this is actually possible.

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On my mind - the good and bad of multi-tasking and other things I ran across in yesterday's sermons, books and magazines.  Could we have Sunday every other day please?

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Noticing that my attempts to get Bach infilitrated into Shifrah's mind is being overridden by her own singing.  She's busy belting out the songs she learned for Christmas.  She's off-key and messes up some words but the joy with which she sings makes that irrelevant.  Hadassah (home sick today) told her to stop singing but she said, "No way, Dassah, I'm singing to the Lord!"

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From the kitchen - don't know what's for dinner yet but I do have my next five meals planned so it's just a matter of picking one.  It's early yet.  And no, I'm not that organized.  This five-meal-plan-ahead thing is new.  Let's see how long I last!

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Around the house - I got new carpet in my family room last Friday.  And (thanks to my cousin Sylvia) I started a 52-week program to get my house organized.  Again, let's see how long I last!  The new year is always a good time to start something, isn't it?

"Hi Lady!"

Yesterday, I was pondering the reactions of strangers to a friendly toddler. I took Shifrah shopping and typical of Shifrah, she greets each person she sees with a friendly, "Hi Lady!" or "Hi Man!"

My favorite people are the ones whose face breaks into a smile and responds with a cheery "Hi there!" and a gracious glance (with a slightly more reserved smile) at me.

Then we have the is-she-talking-to-me? people. They first look. Yes, why yes, shocking as it is, this kid is greeting me with a friendly 'hello'. Guess I better smile or something. Awkward smile follows. A glance at me then quickly looks away and gets out of there.

And finally, the glarers. This is Jersey, after all. We've got things to do. Places to go. We're BUSY. Why do people have to take their kids shopping anyway?

Shifrah is unmoved by it, of course. She is looking for the next person to greet with a friendly "Hi Lady!" and we continue to shop.

It Is Not Death To Die

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who've found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and nobel wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

By Henri Malan (1787-1864). Translated by George Bethune (1847).