New Year . . . New Books

 Carry On Mr. Bowditch

by Jean Lee Latham

This book I read to the kids and it took a few chapters to get into it but once into it it was AMAZING!!!!! We loved it!!!! It is the true story of Nathaniel Bowditch and his life from childhood into adulthood. Life wasn't smooth sailing for Nathaniel but this story tells of this young man's character, perserverence, and generosity of sharing the gift he had been given to change others lives. SOOOO GOOD and a must read!!!! Amongst the hardship it has GREAT humor!! Nat (as the book refers to him) is an incredibly gifted boy and with that comes blessings and challenges. Here is an excerpt from the book:

"How do you want to surprise your father?" 
"With a present. He always brings me something." Elizabeth's eyes danced. "This time I want to give him a present. Something he can use."
"Hmmm. How much can you pay for it?"
"Oh, that doesn't matter. Mother said I could get anything I wanted to."
Nat studied. "Parallel rulers might be nice."
"Do you suppose Father has them already?"
Nat exploded. "Of course! What sort of sailing master do you think he is?" Then he apologized quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bark at you."
"I know. I'm just like a chair you stumble over in the dark," Elizabeth said. "It isn't the chair's fault, but you kick it anyhow."
Nat blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"Your brain. It's too fast. So you stumble on other people's dumbness. And-you want to kick something."
Nat felt his face get hot. "But I shouldn't."
Elizabeth agreed. "No, you shouldn't, because even if people are dumb, they aren't chairs, are they? They do have feelings."
"Lizza, was right," Nat said. "You have eyes in the back of your heart."
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Wow, pointed words and good ones at that!

My FAVORITE humorous part I will not type all out but if you read the book the kids and I got a BIG kick when Lupe came one night to ask Nat to teach him navigation. It is just so funny and so great!!


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The book Natheniel Bowditch wrote, The American Practical Navigator, it said at the beginning of the book is still "a standard text in the U.S. Naval Academy." This book was published awhile back so I don't know if that is still true but still amazing. Nat never went to a day of college in his life! Again, Amazing!


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I'd Be Your Hero

A Tale of Godly Character

by Katheryn O'Brien

Some people might be critical of this book but I thought it was cute. I know in today's world that the word "hero" is to easily used but I think for Mommies with little boys all into going into being heroic this has good thoughts. It is about a little boy talking to his Mommy about how he imagines himself and his Mommy in medieval times and the grand things he will do. She always brings what he says back to a character trait and a Bible verse. The biggest bummer is the verses aren't in KJV but that is easily remedied. This book was perfect for my Carson. I wish I had thought of writing it!

January

For a number of years now I haven't really relished January. I don't think it is the whole holidays are over thing. I don't think that really bothers me. I just always feel like January DRAGS on for so long! Maybe, it is the fast paced days of December are gone and January puts on the brakes. Who knows, whatever it is I need to not dread it. I did do better this year!!

January this year was an extremely interesting and eventful month. On the lighter side . . . Annalina and Ross started new classes (More on Ross's class later). Aside from morning family devotions Annalina and I started Mommy/Daughter devotions at night before bed with a one year mommy/daughter devotional that has already touched Annalina's and I's life. Babe started Father/Son Devotions at night with Gabers and Ross. It is written military style and they all enjoy it. Funny the devotional book was written by people out of Colorado Springs! Jedidiah cut 2 teeth. We had friends over for lefse making and eating! They wanted Babe to tutor their family in the art of lefse making! Very fun! Get memories and laughter.

The heavier events of the months are not for writing but needless to say so much joy and tears of sadness. Our Lord works in so many ways and more often then not contrary to the way we'd work things out because His ways are so much better. As my friend M. N. said it is like the disciples getting scared when they saw something coming towards them on the water and then in their fear they realized it was Christ and he spoke to them! Oh, now it is all better Christ is in this and then peace comes! I love that picture. A book (Guns of Thunder-Douglas Bond) I am reading the kids right now said it so well. The grandfather was speaking to his grandson and said "Ay, no ye cannot, and so ye must learn to wait upon the Lord, lad. Ye'll find it easier to put fear aside and wait upon God the more ye come to love God's sovereignty, to know his goodness, to hope in his gracious power to save."

February will continue in fun. My sister-in-law and her two daughters are coming to spend some time hanging out and then our BIG plans are to go to a castle (Glen Eerie) for a tour and then all of us girls are going to a REAL tea party at the castle!  The castle is run by a Christian organization. I really look forward to this! We've been wanting to do this for awhile! We are also going to our friends home this month where they are going to teach us how to make fried ice cream (funny story as to why). That will be so fun. Babe will be winding down in his current job and in March starting to train to go on watch which is shift work with 6 days on, so many days off, etc. Our schedule for family life will really be changing.  We've got some big decisions to make too this month. Also, I've been reading a book about Bonhoeffer and have been challenged to start memorizing the Sermon on the Mount with the kids. A bit intimidating, but slow and easy wins the race. I have no idea how long it will take. As Christians, my family and I need the attributes preached about in those 3 chapters and what better way to learn to live them then by memorizing and meditating on them. Wait, how can I forget it's my BIRTHDAY this month too!!

I love how God is continually teaching me to rest in His sovereignty. I don't always enjoy the journey but the destination is worth it.