More Reading Challenges

Two years ago I strove to do 3 reading challenges during a very challenging year and, while I did still read a lot, I didn't keep up with the challenges well at all. Last year all challenges were off. As much as I wanted to do them, I didn't have my books to commit.

Now I'm back in my own home and have all my books back at my disposal! So along with the Classics Challenge I shared yesterday, I'm looking at three other challenges to fill in during the year!

Now before you call me crazy, I do read a decent amount with my kids as part of our school time and I really want to read to learn as well as for fun. I also want to read all these books I've invested in over the years! Will I read every book in every challenge? Not likely, but I like having different lists to work off of to inspire my next read. Therefore, I may use one book on a couple of list, especially since one has 104 books on the most extensive challenge! The whole thing is just to get back into the discipline of reading again. Reading Scripture, reading for growth, reading with my kids and Jim and reading for inspiration to get back to my passion for writing. It's time to get back to it!

The three other challenges are these:

Tim Challies 2019 reading challenge. His list ranges from 13 to 104 books for the year. Jim, James and I are all working off this list. It was fun watching James pick his books for this challenge. He already started The Fellowship of the Ring for one of his categories! And this is outside of any school reading for him. He is aiming for the 104 level! So fun watching him grow in his excitement and love of reading.

2019 Reading Challenge for Women with Jami Balmet of Young Wife's Guide. I'm not sure if I will read the recommended books or just books in those categories. Her husband also does one for men that Jim is looking at and may do some of.

The 2019 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge is the last one. I've never looked at hers before, but I'm a little excited about the different categories.

I'm excited to get to reading and share what I'm reading. Just reading with the kids the last couple of days has been super fun.

So what are you reading this year?

Back to the Classics Challenge 2019

After missing the Back to the Classics Challenge last year and not completing the challenge in 2017, I'm super excited to jump into the Back to the Classics Challenge for 2019! Recently I've really missed reading on all levels, but I've not read a classic for over a year and I'm looking forward to stimulating my creative juices and enjoying some great reads.

I will admit, I may need some help with some of the categories as she has added some categories that I'm not sure what to read. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Here are this year's categories:

1. 19th Century Classic
2. 20th Century Classic
3. Classic by a Woman Author
4. Classic in Translation
5. Classic Comic Novel
6. Classic Tragic Novel
7. Very Long Classic (500 pages or more)
8. Classic Novella (shorter than 250 pages)
9. Classic from the Americas (includes Caribbean) set in or written by someone in one of these areas
10. Classic from Africa, Asia or Oceania (includes Australia) set in or written by someone in one of these countries
11. Classic from a Place You've Lived set there or author from there
12. Classic Play

I have many classics that will fall into a few of these categories and some that I don't know where they would fit, so I may have to adjust and read something different.

Classics I have that I'd like to read:
Pilgrim's Progress
Wife No. 19
A Shakespeare play I haven't read yet like Taming of the Shrew
What I haven't read of G.K. Chesterton (I have his complete works)
A Canticle for Leibowitz
Perelandra
This Hideous Strength
Sherlock Holmes

I also know I have several others I've picked up for free on Kindle, so I have options there I need to look at. If you have any recommendations for the categories above, I'd love to hear them!

Here's to another year of classics along with all that God has for me in this year.

Welcome 2019!

I'm still in awe (shock!) that it's year 2019 AD. This blog has been far more silent than I intended the last two years, but being in a state of constant transition for two years has been taxing and wearing to say the least. But as challenging as it has been, I really can't complain. God has been faithful through it all and He has brought us through stronger in faith and more ready to do those things He has called us to do.

It's been two years since I last shared my goals for the year and as I look at them I see how we have grown in all of the areas we desired to grow in. Some we met the specific goals stated and others we did not, but found alternatives that worked. With that, we also failed miserably in some areas, but in all of it we have learned and grown so much.

I only did one evaluation post in 2017, which shows the type of year it was. And it's been that way ever sense then until now. But by God's grace, we are now in a new home, Jim has a new full time job that is mostly consistent in days and times and we're finding our new normal in this season.

So with that I'm feeling the need and desire to reevaluate life again and set goals.

But this year, I'm evaluating and planning differently. I liked the way I did it before. It was nice, neat and very easy to check off my list to say if I succeeded or failed. While there is nothing wrong with this, and there are many things preferable about it especially for my personality, the last two years have taught me that this is very limiting and when things go completely off plan it's easy to feel like a complete and utter failure when you're not.

No success is isn't measured by some list of meager goals we put on ourselves. Success is measured by living out the life God has for us to live. That is what the last two years have taught me and so much more.

Yes, I want to read my Bible for at least 10 minutes everyday. But God doesn't love me more if I do. If I have done the tasks He has given me that day through the power of His Spirit in me, it's a good day.

This year is the first time I've chosen a word for the year. As I reflected over the past two years and prayed for God to show me what it is He wants for me there was one word that was abundantly clear:

Completion

There are many things that God has asked me to do, called me to, projects I've started with His leading and have not seen through. Whether from uncontrollable circumstances or fear and laziness, (usually the latter) I have not completed tasks that He has given me in many areas of my life. So this year is a year of completion.

Yes many of the goals I made shared in 2017 still stand, but I want to accomplish them in light of the bigger goal of living the life God has for me for His Kingdom and His Glory. Whether completeing small everyday chores or reaching major objectives and dreams that He is giving to me, it is all for Him and by His strength living in me.

Welcome 2019! I can't wait to see what God does with you!

6 Year Old Gabriel

This year has been a whilwind and Gabriel turning 6 this year is unbelievable! He was our first baby born in our house in Louisville and it was such an amazing birth. He came in his own way and he continues to walk in his own way.

Gabriel is such a fun and spirited boy. His name means "Mighty Man of God" and he is quite mighty in spirit. He is always learning, seeking investigating. He is a determined boy and full of spunk and life. But even with all that might of character, he is a sensative soul that loves people and life. He is emotional but not overly so. He knows what he is and he will not say differently. Gabriel's mind is always set and he is clear in what that is. This is such an amazing quality in such a young boy.

It has been such a blessing to see God working in this mighty boy. God named this child so clearly and we pray regularly that God would take that might and turn it for God's glory. We are beginning to see that in Gabriel, which is such a blessing. He tells us of the things of God and talks Scripture with the family. He tells us what God does and says. How we see the might Holy Spirit working in his life! We pray that he will be saved soon!

Along with the things of God, Gabriel enjoys all types of learning. Workbooks are his idea of fun. He also enjoys puzzles, reading, good food and a good movie or educational tv show. He is also beginning to really enjoy the kitchen. Recently he has been doing parts of meals including peeling, mixing, pouring and putting things in the oven! He loves to eat! (most things that is) And he will tell you exactly what he wants.

We cannot express enough gratitude to God for this young man. He adds so much to our family and I'm so grateful that God gave him to us!

Father, please continue to work on Gabriel's heart. Please save him by Your grace and show him the way everlasting. Let him be mighty for You and you alone! You are so gracious and merciful. Thank you for Gabriel's life and letting him be a part of the Manor family. He is such an amazing boy and by your grace he will be all that You created him to be. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Isaac is 1!!!!!

Oh, be still my heart! Our little baby, Isaac is one year old today. How? It's seems as if I had just learned I was pregnant and would be having a new little one in just a few weeks. My "shortest" and probably best pregnancy ever resulted in this precious little boy joining our family. And what a gift of laughter he has been throughout.

As his name says, Isaac loves to laugh! And he has the best laugh. I can't even describe it, it's just beautiful and completely his. He loves silliness and goofiness and just having fun. James can always make him laugh with his crazy antics. He makes himself laugh by shaking his head or other silly games. He loves his tickles too.

This big boy started crawling before 6 months and has had one foot ready to walk since then. This week he has been taking a few steps here and there and his crawl now looks more like a gorilla. Isaac loves to go and wants to play with the big boys. He is also getting good at climbing and is ready to tackle the playground as soon as he can walk.

With all of this exploring, Isaac is into everything. Currently, bookshelves are his favorite, much to my chagrin. But he is also learning to bring things to me and carry what he needs.

Isaac was such an amazing gift to our family during a time of great trial, stress and transition and I'm so thankful God has giving him to us for this time.

Father, Thank You for Isaac and is precious life. Begin stirring his heart now for You, that he may see his sin at a young age, repent and receive Your amazing grace in Jesus. May he bring You glory all the days of his life. Make him a man after Your own heart. In Jesus Name, Amen

Reuben is 7!

Another seven year old! How can it be??? It's been seven years since Reuben joined our family outside the womb, officially making us a "large family" by many people's standards today. And how grateful I am that God used this little boy to move us into this phase of life.

Reuben is usually very mild mannered, quiet and likes to keep to himself. Gentle with others he loves being a big brother and helping take care of the little ones. His smile is contagious and he can make anyone laugh. He goes with the flow and rarely causes a fuss. He is such a joy to our family.

But with all of his natural bent to be "good", Reuben is very prideful and always sure of himself. So when he does believe there is injustice, especially toward him, he lashes out. But he is very sensative along with that to others who are hurting and he does not like to see anyone upset. He's a very tender soul.

This past year, Reuben has been learning how to read and is now amazing at it. It's always a pleasure watching a child strive to learn something and then sore when they finally get it. That has been Reuben this past year. He now does most of his school work without needing a lot of extra direction or help, which is a huge blessing! He also enjoys reading for fun now and will read for an hour with a stack of his "Star Wars" books.

Reuben also loves to watch. He watches movies, games, TV shows, sports. You name it, he will watch it.

But his mind is also ready to build. He loves to build anything out of anything. Legos, magnets, K'nex, blocks, tracks, paper. If it can be made into something else, Reuben will figure out how to make it and make it right.

Reuben is still growing in learning Bible and prayer and little by little we see God working on his heart.

Father, thank You for the precious gift of Reuben. Thank You for his love of learning and building. You have given him an amazing mind. Please turn his mind to You and You alone. Show him You are the One Who is good and right. Show him without You nothing is good. Convict his heart of pride and arrogacne and make him wholly Yours in Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen

Malachi is 2!

What can I say? These two years have flown by since we welcomed Malachi into our arms. Sometimes it seems like he really was just born yesterday.

And yet, here we are two years later and he is so big! And every bit of 2!

Malachi is spunky and energetic and keeps everyone smiling. But he is also mischievious and likes to push the boundaries. (Original sin anyone???) So far, by God's grace, he has been quick to learn, and I pray that continues.

Recently his vocabulary has exploded and he is picking up on everything from body parts to animals, letters and counting. Malachi is so eager to learn and it is such a blessing to see this love in him. He also happens to be an excellent eater, which is a huge blessing. He loves fruit and hot dogs and any kind of dessert. Chocolate is his favorite.

Currenly Malachi is really into reading. He wants to read all of our books over and over again. He is picking up so much just from reading and it's such a blessing. He is also beginning to be trained in prayer. He has not yet begun to pray on his own, but He will repeat and recite prayers. He also enjoys singing especially "This is the Day" and "The Doxology." I love to hear this boy sing!

I also love hearing "Good morning, Mama" when I come to the table for breakfast. His little voice is so precious. He also has all of his siblings names down, which is amazing. Malachi especially loves taking care of Isaac with James. He is growing into his big brother role well.

While very sweet and caring, Malachi is also all boy! He loves to wrestle, body slam and run into people full force. He jumps, climbs and gets into whatever he can. He has very little fear. He loves tickles and time with family as well.

We are so thankful that God gave us this precious boy! He adds such joy and laughter to our life.

Father, thank You for Malachi's precious life. Even now at this young age, begin breaking his heart for sine. Open up his eyes to his sinfulness and show him how much he needs You. Please pour out Your grace and save him that he may bring You glory all the days of his life. I pray in Jesus Name, Amen