HEM·ology: noun: somewhere between zoology and theology.
Summer has a different but still very busy pace this go around. I'm struck with the thought to not hurry, not be in haste, not rush anyone to be off to do anything. I feel mostly successful, but truly stumbling my way through being spent well and simultaneously recognizing limitations. I'm working on a blog post about that, but this is a very full week—fitting, right?
My friend, Jami Lee, turned me on to this one: The Soul in Paraphrase: A Treasury of Classic Devotional Poems. I swipe at it from time to time, but the section from George Herbert still powerfully strikes me. The arrangement from Ryken is just wonderful.
Emily Lex has designed these watercolor workbooks that are the dreamiest for beginners. The sketch is done for you opposite her work, along with the color swatches you should aim for.
It has taught me so much about mixing colors and technique so that I can focus on sketching another time. I high recommend this hobby!!
I have mentioned America's Test Kitchen before, but let me push hard on this cookbook: When Southern Women Cook. I mostly enjoy the old cookbooks of the 80s where you get endless pages of recipes with no commentary or pictures; however, I also like a good story from time to time. This cookbook has all the origin stories along with recipes that build serious loyalty.
With the help of my sister, Lauren, I have compiled this schedule of life skills we are cheekily aiming at for our girls over the next few months. Yes these are all wonderful things, but we aren't hammering anything into them. This is just a fun way to be intentional with the hopes of each girl learning one extraordinarily mundane thing. Please help me fill in any gaps!
The book is up and running! Well, maybe plodding! I have an outline, intro, and 2 working chapters completed. I'm gathering thoughts and ideas in nearly every conversation and observation, so be careful. Ha!
"See this page of paper? It’s blank,” Scull said. “That, sir, is the most frightening battlefield in the world: the blank page. I mean to fill this paper with decent sentences, sir—this page and hundreds like it. Let me tell you, Colonel, it’s harder than fighting Lee. Why, it’s harder than fighting Napoleon. It requires unremitting attention,”
—Larry McMurtry, Comanche Moon
(For sure not a book I would have picked up, but I was strongly urged to read the prequel for Lonesome Dove. And I suppose I truly missed Gus and Call enough to read this one. . . )
Prayer the church's banquet, angel's age,
God's breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav'n and earth
Engine against th' Almighty, sinner's tow'r,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six-days world transposing in an hour,
A kind of tune, which all things hear and fear;
Softness, and peace, and joy, and love, and bliss,
Exalted manna, gladness of the best,
Heaven in ordinary, man well drest,
The milky way, the bird of Paradise,
Church-bells beyond the stars heard, the soul's blood,
The land of spices; something understood.
—George Herbert
What are your great things from the week?
Worshiper, wife, mom—with the help of the Lord, this is my hierarchy of work. Beyond this I homeschool the girls and hold down a staff position at Zionsville Fellowship in Zionsville, Indiana. I read, write, do yoga, cook, and practice thinking pure and lovely things.
Somewhere between zoology and theology.
