The List

Listening

Obedience

Contentment

Orderliness

Mercy

Respect

Trust

Truthfulness

Patience

Our summer word studies to date. We do each word at least 2 days.

The time has been awesome. They are so eager (sarcastic) they call it their "boring lesson." As soon as we begin, they forget it's boring. Why do we so often approach our time in God's word with such a poor attitude, only to be so pleasantly surprised?

The lessons are simple. Yet, I have walked away from each with a great truth to mull over in my brain. Each night at dinner we tell Daddy about the word and the lesson. He can learn too and we get his input on the discussion!

My favorite memory is from the lesson in trust. The boys took turns being guided around the room blindfolded. They had to "trust" their guide.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

The irony was Owen decided he didn't need a guide. He walked off on his own. Straight into the wall.

Isn't God so generous? Immediately a picture of how quickly we want to trust ourselves more than God.

Yesterday, we made a paper chain counting down the days for our next beach trip. It's hard having "patience" when something so fun is in view. Today, I made them wait patiently as I divided up (very slowly) the last of the chocolate chips for a treat. It's the little things. They love seeing the word used and laugh if I use it at other times during the day.

The word studies have come to mind so often in my summer study as well.

My friend, Kim often uses the word generous when she has seen God's goodness in her life. That is the word that comes to mind this summer. God has been so generous to me!