So I finally have a chance to blog a little. Last Monday I had my surgery. Everything went well and I'm up and around like before, just sore and being careful to not lift too much. I was taken good care of by Jose and my mom. Even though I was frustrated with having to lay around and not do anything last week, I had a chance to get some reading done that I've been wanting to dig into. I read:

"Shepherding A Child's Heart" by Paul Tripp...I enjoyed reading through this. At times some of the content was very challenging to me, but overall I agree with the main points the author makes about raising children.

"Because He Loves Me" by Elyse Fitzpatrick...EXCELLENT!!! A MUST READ!!!! I heard Elyse speak at two conferences in the last 4 months and the Lord has gifted her, no, annointed her to teach His Word and convey His love in a transforming way. This book was an exhaustive reiteration of what she taught at those two conferences. I did have to read it with a dictionary in hand and I learned some new vocabulary along the way. The two parts to the book talk about how God's love transforms our identity and how God's love transforms our daily lives. She drives home the fact that it is only our appreciation for the gospel and God's love that can motivate genuine obedience. She couples the imperatives (gospel declarations about who we are in Christ) and indicatives (gospel obligations to live a holy life) in the Bible and insists they must not be separated from one another. This will be a definite re-read for me.

"The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace...A wonderful book for wives who desire to fill their role the way God intends. It was very convicting but also encouraging to be the wife who (1) glorifies God and (2) "does my husband good and not harm all the days of my life" (Prov. 31:12).

Now I'm reading through "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer. I have to read this one slowly because its too profound for my pea brain. Each chapter, or page rather, is so much to chew on so I'm just doing a little at a time. I'm also studying through "The 7 Laws of the Learner" by Bruce Wilkinson as recommended by my husband. It is excellent and since I'll become my daughter's teacher in less than 2 weeks (aaa!) I want to be equipped as much as possible.

I think that covers all my reading in the last couple of weeks. My family is having an exciting August. My dad has been doing a lot of work to his new house which he moves into this coming weekend. I feel bad that I haven't been able to help since having my surgery. I'm sure the house looks great and I can't wait to get out there to see the finished product. My dad also had the opportunity to travel to France and England. He had a great time seeing all the sights in person and brought us back some fun souveniors and lots of great photos. I would post them, but I'm having trouble, so I'll have to keep working on that. Jeff (my brother) bought his first home! Its a brand new condo and its so great. He's been busy with installing window coverings, shopping, and assembling new furniture. We're excited for him and proud of him buying this new place. My mom has been so busy between staying here a few nights and doing my household duties (she's an old pro) as well as helping Jeff with his new place and shopping with him.

This past Monday morning was very exciting for us. I sent Jose off to his seminary orientation! It lasts all week, but thankfully he spent last night home and will be home again tonight. When he called me on Monday evening he had so much he wanted to tell me. All the speakers and flood of information has both challenged and highly motivated him. We're so thankful the Lord is allowing him to start even just 1 day a week. Last night we were invited back to the seminary for a dessert reception for the new students and their wives. It was so wonderful to meet all these other students and wives. The seminary really makes the effort the include the wives in the whole seminary experience and minister and train them for a life of ministry as well as the men. When Jose had called me on Monday he said he wants me to attend the sem wives ministry on Wednesday nights. Yay!! This is something I wanted and have been praying for since he was accepted in the spring. Somehow we'll work it out. It is still our prayer that the Lord will provide the opportunity for us to move much closer and allow Jose to attend the seminary full time. We'll keep praying!

So we have a lot going on. Next week Jose officially starts school followed by us starting homeschooling, possibly serving in the Children's ministry on Sun. evenings, a small group women's study for me on Thursdays, as well as Sem Wives on Wednesdays. I'm also looking for an extra-cirricular activity for my girls once school begins. But I'm ready! And I'm also ready to be flexible and adjust our lives should the Lord lead us to.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." -Proverbs 16:9