Roar-chestra

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Some of the best years of my life were spent as an Elementary Music Teacher. Of course, I was always on the look-out for new ways of teaching the basics of music. Wouldn’t you know I would find a very usable book for the classroom after I had moved on to another education career?

This delightful book is perfect for introducing some of the basic words used by the instrumentalists in the orchestra. It is cleverly devised to show different animals that match the action words. The author uses sleeping animals to show the concept of the word adagio and animals that can move swiftly to portray allegro. The illustrations are fun to look at and clearly show how the animal’s movements match the Italian word.

I highly recommend this delightful book for the classroom and home. Although recommended for ages 3 to 7, I think most Elementary students would enjoy it. After all, teachers, we never have enough books. Right?

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Net Galley/Kids Can Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Whatever

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Have you ever given serious thought to your thoughts? Are your thoughts always focused on God? Are they always positive? I’m pretty sure the answer to all these questions is no! Among the 80+ verses in God’s Word about thoughts, a couple really stick out to me.

Give some thought to the one on the right. Whatever is in my mind is going to be expressed in my words, my actions, my relationships, actually, in all of me! I’ve always known my thoughts control my actions but only recently have I realized that every bit of me is controlled by what is going on in my mind. Not just the biological, scientific, control of my body, but the every moment activities, ideas, plans…

 

 

And so, I thought, what am I going to do with that? One of my go-to verses is Philippians 4:8. Whenever I find myself thinking about things that are not worthy of being the King’s daughter I focus on these words.

One of the things I have done for many years, actually since I read Ann Voskamp’s one thousand gifts, is to keep a journal of blessings and thanks. These include thoughts of family, friends, and events, as well as some really original blessings that have crossed my mind. Like:

Warm hospital blankets

Quietly colorful aquariums

Singing What A Friend We Have In Jesus with my friends at my piano

Snow diamonds (Yes, He loves me that much!)

Detroit Tigers beating the Cleveland Indians

I think you get the idea. By keeping this journal I deliberately focus on the good all around me. I highly recommend committing to writing your blessings down. It’s refreshing and revealing to look back and see what has been a blessing over the years. (And your children will love it when you leave it in your will. Just sayin’.)

Abba, Father, thank You for all the ways you are transforming my mind. Help me to dwell on whatever You say is right, ignoring the world and focusing only on You! 

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

I wrote this in response to Week 3 of Deb Wolf’s 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women. It’s a really great way to connect with God!

Check out Whatever by clicking on the word highlighted in blue. There are more thoughts here on Philippians 4:8.

 

Why God?

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I’m thinking of a song that goes like this…

Where do I go when there’s nobody else to turn to?
Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable?

Of course, the next line is – I go to the Rock. When Whitney Houston wrote this song she knew where to take every problem and frustration of our lives.

When we are having problems with the whys of life, with the endless irritations and annoyances God says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest..” (Matthew 11:28) He knows that this life is hard. He knows we don’t have the answers. But, He also knows our hearts. He can and will answer when we go to Him.

I have a comfy chair in my office where I read His Word and contemplate each morning. There is a window from which I can see His beautiful creation. I look out at the beauty of His creation, the blue sky, the trees and fields that are different each season, and I quiet my mind. I let His presence flow over me. Sometimes I read His Word. Sometimes I pray. Sometimes I focus on all He’s given and done for me.

In these times of blessed stillness and knowing the uncertainties, irritations, and annoyances disappear. I am at peace!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

This post is my response to Week 2 of 52-Week Devotional for Women by Deb Wolf.

All That We Carried – Book Review

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Sister relationships can be very complicated but one thing is always true, whether you love your sister to distraction or wish she would drop off the face of the earth, she’s still your sister. You can’t change that!

Often, family incidents can mar the relationship. Sometimes, sisters can be very stubborn. Occasionally, circumstances totally beyond anyone’s control contribute to the drama.

ALL THAT WE CARRIED by Erin Bartels, tells the story of two sisters whose actions express all of the above. Separated for 10 years because of their reaction to a tragic car accident that killed their parents, Melanie convinces her sister Olivia to go on a week-long hike in the Porcupine Mountains of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan.

On this long hike, meant to restore the relationship, the girls encounter wild animals, get lost, are rescued by a handsome stranger, defy death, outrun a forest fire…

The author intersperses memories from the girl’s childhoods that help the reader better understand the relationship. However, rebuilding sisterly connections after major trauma is very difficult. Erin Bartels does an excellent job of showing how challenging and rewarding the process can be.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell/Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This post may contain affiliate links.  When you use them I may receive a small commission that helps support the costs of maintaining this blog.

 

In His Presence

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

When I think about being in His presence this is the verse that most often pops into my mind. It’s interesting to consider how we perceive His presence, especially while we are praying. For me, He is quietly, patiently, listening intentionally. There’s really not a picture as such, it’s more of a presence in and around me. It’s like Psalm 115 says three times in verses 9-11, God is wrapped around us as our shield.

In the beautiful song, sung by Sandi Patty, In His Presence, are these words:

I don’t think I can say it better there is comfort, peace, assurance, an ever open door, to know our Savior more, In The Presence of the Lord.

Abba, thank You for hearing my prayers, for even wanting to hear my prayers. Thank You for drawing me close to You, for wrapping around me like a shield, for totally forgiving every mess-up! Amen

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

I will be doing a series of posts based on Deb Wolf”s 52-Week Devotional Journal. I’d love to have you join me. You can purchase this resource by clicking on the picture at the left.

 

 

 

Thank you to Bible Gateway for providing the scripture links for this post.