The -ing Phase

There is a Scripture that says we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2).  I should have known by reading this verse that it is a continual ongoing work. Not a one time thing and boom the mind's "got it."

Lately, I have been convicted of the fact that I am not living God's Word. I know the Word OK.  I believe it absolutely. But I am not quite up to snuff on applying it moment by moment.

Verses like "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding..." (Proverbs 3:5)
Or...
"He will have perfect peace who's mind is stayed upon the Lord." (Isaiah 26:3)

Applying these verses means constantly bringing the mind back to proper alignment with God's Word and not on whatever happens to flit across the mind or lands on your emotions.

It's hard work.
It takes self control.
It means getting rid of the old ways of living and thinking.
It's revealing to find out how much of my mind is still not in line with God's ways and His Word!

And...  it's worth it!

So, I am in the "ing" phase. Not yet renewed, but in process of renewing. 

A Tune in my Brain

I have  a tune in my brain that will not leave! I like the tune. It's one that my daughter plays on her clarinet, but it makes me so aware how careful we need to be with what we listen to. Even when we are not trying to remember something, it subconsciously enters our mind. And it isn't just music. It can be words, tones, mannerisms... How easy it is for me to pick up an accent, or an expression.

We just need to look at our kids to see ourselves. A tone of voice, a phrase, a facial expression, a sigh...

Remember when "mom" use to say "Be careful or your mouth will freeze in that position!" I think there is a lot of truth to that.  

Every now and then I need to think about these things. To take stock of what is coming out of my mouth, and circulating in my mind. To assess what has had access into my mind, and to ask God to wash and cleanse anything that has seeped in by merely walking in this world we live in - before it can enter my heart.

Proverbs 4:23  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

I am grateful for my daughter's lovely classical and jazz music and for the reminder it gives to examine  myself every time I start whistling one of those tunes!

One of the Best Days of the Year!

I have always loved this time of year. 
Not because it's autumn. 
Not because there are fairs.
Not because the mosquitoes are finally gone.

I have always loved this time of year because of...
the newness!
New grade.
New books.
New teachers.
New rooms assigned, new desk, new locker, new subjects, new learning and sometimes even a new school! But, primarily, it's a new slate.  A clean start.

Although things look a little different in a homeschool setting, the promise of newness is still there.
There will be new books, a new backpack, new expectations, a new level of learning, and due to a co-op this year there will be a few new teachers and subjects  for one day a week.

As a teacher, I get to teach new literature, new math (not "the" new math, but a new area of math in Algebra 1), new areas of Biblical History and new areas of science (geology from a creationist point of view)! 

Sunday School is starting up, and there will be some new students and new methods of teaching to meet the needs of the students this year!

My husband even starts a new course this week! 

So, as the trees start dropping their leaves, as the flowers start to wither and die, the promise of newness remains.
All in all, a great day!

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2