I was so inspired Chantelβs DIY Literature Degree that Iβve been thinking about how to incorporate something similar. Iβve been feeling the pull (again) to be purposeful about certain areas of my life. I need some home education, spiritual, and life inspiration! I put together a stack of books to pull from, resources, and habits to especially focus on this summer. Iβm sure this will extend far beyond 3 months π, but I love sharing in case it encourages/inspires someone else and as a bit of accountability for me. Firstly, here are some of the books. I am going to be dipping into these, and/or finishing, or rereading. My Bible and Fire Bible notes are a biggie as well plus various devotionals I dip into!
~ Formation of Character by Mason (life/ home learning)
~ Learning All the Time by Holt (home learning)
~ Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge βοΈ
~ Women by Edith Stein ( spiritual/creativity/life)
~ The Cloud of Witness by various (ongoing)
~Slowing Time and Motherprayer by Mahany (spiritual/life)
~ poetry from different poets (spiritual/life)
~Know and Tell by Glass (home learning) βοΈ
~ Real Learning Revisited by Foss (life/home learning) βοΈ
~Pilgrim at Tinker Creekby Dillard (nature/life) βοΈ
~Jane & Dorothy by Marean Veevers
Some of these are on my Summer ABC list too, which works well!
Our last co op Picture Study artist! Fascinating!
The next area is my health. Iβve been floundering a bit in the program I was in and have gained a lot of weight back. I prayed about it and talked with a few close people and made some modifications. Iβve started back in and am feeling hopeful. I am prioritizing getting outside/walks, drinking water, trying to sleep, journaling, healthy food, and a biggie is limiting social media. I also have to have margin around our busy summer schedule. The key to these things is just a little bit everyday. I know it sounds like a lot, but Iβm keeping it VERY simple to set myself up for success. ππ»β€οΈβπ₯
Multiplication with Beans
Lastly, I really want to focus on real life relationships. I have a lot of people here at home and around me that I want to pray for and keep in touch with. Soooo, Iβm focusing on s-l-o-w mediaβ¦like penpals, this blog (it takes me a lot of work to post as Iβm working from my phone), and an occasional reading wrap up on Booktube (super slow because itβs a lot of work to film and edit)! This means I wonβt be around Instagram this summer, and limiting how much Booktube I watch! I have plans to connect with church and local homeschool moms this summer and Iβm excited and a good nervous. π Iβve been seeing that I need to break some covid-era dependency on online friends. Not that Iβll forget them entirely, my Victorian Reading friends through Kate Howeβs Patreon are dear to me! π Iβm really focusing on reading aloud to my younger kids and dates with my hubby, too.
Recent library picture books that we loved! π₯°
How βbout you? How is your summer shaping up? If you could create a DIY degree for yourself, what would it be? Iβd love to hear! Chat below! πβ₯οΈπ‘πΏπππ
Iβve been plugging away at my devotionals, Bible, reading, and journaling. Iβve really tried to concentrate and put a little more focus into it as I had gotten so distracted this summer during my meditation time. Iβve also noticed Iβve really enjoyed taking notes at church, helping me to concentrate. Thereβs so many things the Lord has been showing me, He is SO faithful! Iβm excited about Advent readings soon.
Physical
Iβm back in my food program called Bright Line Eating. It has been a bit bumpy, but October was the best so far! Iβve been texting a friend for accountability and thatβs really helped. Writing my food down for each day helps with not making bad, emotional decisions. Iβve gone back to Instagram after a 10 month break for the purpose of using it as an encouragement to others, but also to keep myself accountable in many areas. I will watch carefully my usage. Iβve been re-listening to Rezoom by Susan Peirce Thompson and itβs been to good to refresh myself. I have to be purposeful about my health, so I can be of service to others.
My son took this picture! β₯οΈβ¨ππ
Mental
Iβm challenging myself to read a little deeper and I have some great buddy reads lined up in November. Dombey & Son, The Makioka Sisters, Countess Kate by Charlotte Mary Yonge, and Julie by Catherine Marshall. Nourishing food for my brain instead of βcandyβ. Iβve been reading more poetry, especially Emily Bronte, Rilke, and Sara Teasdale. Iβm trying to write more poetry too, as a healthy, healing way to work through emotions and feelings (instead of eating and binging on media). Iβm thinking on the tagline, βrage and graceβ, that I saw on the artist RMβs Instagram a few days ago.
Emotional
This ties into the mental category too, while in reality, all of this is in relationship together, but Iβve been journaling, writing penpals, taking nature photos, and dipping into seasonal books. Taking drives in nature (the leaves!!!!) and keeping track of the moon phases has been a relaxing and enjoyable experience lately. Godβs creation is a gift given for the taking if I just open my eyes and heart and RECEIVE. β₯οΈβ¨
Servanthood
Our homeschool activities are in full swing and itβs been good and stretching for me to give! π¬π₯±π Weβve been getting back into better daily rhythms and Iβm continually learning that servanthood can mean something as simple as shutting my mouth and listening. πΆπ€πβ₯οΈ
First snow, leaves in glass β¨ππβ₯οΈ
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.
from The Beatitudes, Jesus
Light β¨
How about you? How are you doing? Iβd love to chat in comments or drop me an email! πΎπβ₯οΈπβ¨ππ€πππ Blessings over your new November month ahead!
There is just something about SeptemberπΎππ that has gotten under my skin and deep down into my soul. The golden tinge, the lazy, drift-y woodsmoke through the warm sunβs slant, the cool, autumn-touched mornings, and the swirl of leaves π behind my van as I go a toolinβ down the road. Sigh. I declare September as my βnew yearβ, the sitting among fluttering Queen Anneβs Lace with the Chicory and Golden Rod as my only resolution. Oh, glorious September, donβt go with your woody smell of freshly sharpened pencils, favorite cardigans pulled out, and bold Zinnias flaring out of gardens. The cicadas screaming buzz, green speckled grasshoppers, and that deep, dark secretive cricket singing from behind the refrigerator. There is an end of summertime, early autumn π rustle and crunch to everything, cornstalks, leaves, and a rattle and roll to the landscape. It is SO unbelievably beautiful and Iβm thankful for new seasons and new, fresh beginnings.
Never put the key to your Happiness in somebody elseβs pocket.
Iβm really trying to get into focused prayer and devotions. I have a well established devotional time, but it has been very distracted and disjointed. Iβm loving the second half of Ezekiel! Itβs an intense book, but oh, thereβs some richness and encouragement, too.
Again He said to me, βProphesy to these bones, and say to them, βO dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the LORD GOD to these bones: β Surely I will cause breath to enter into you and you shall live.
Ezekiel 37:4-5, NKJV
I bought this charming pumpkin, her name is Hazel. π β₯οΈπΈοΈπ·οΈπ
Physical:
Iβve really struggled and I know itβs because my good habits were not well established again after letting them fall by the wayside. Homeschooling began and it has been a battle for me in getting enough well, everything. ππ Sleep, water, walks, and healthy, nourishing meals. Pray for me to slowly integrate these back in as our homeschool days are evening out now.
Mental:
Honestly, with school beginning, Iβve felt myself feeling βcrazyβ and even though homeschooling is going well, itβs just that added βon- nessβ that I know contributes. We have extra outside obligations, also, and I know that adds to this feeling. Iβm recognizing I need to adjust some of my summer habits and be very choosy about what Iβm giving mental space to and also remembering to judge my feelings by Truth. Taking my thoughts captive! My sister sent me this quote to think on:
The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not be able to do something, and enter Godβs realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His Almighty Power. Nothing is too small for His love.
Corrie ten Boom
Emotional:
Iβve been *trying* to turn off social media (curse you, Booktube- jk, jk! ) and actually use my hands to make bouquets, write penpals, and lately, create altered composition notebooks. Creating with my hands always helps encourage and calm my emotions. We took a little βTookishβ adventure the other day to a cemetery with gorgeous leaves and had a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie πͺ snack there, yes, I know thatβs sort of weird , but we loved reading the history of peopleβs lives on the headstones πͺ¦ and enjoying the autumn atmosphere. We then visited a new-to-us public library and it was fun setting aside my Baggins habits of wanting to hide in my house all the time. ππ
Half of a .69 cent composition notebook πcollaged into a gratitude journal! πAnother half a composition notebook collaged into an Inspiration notebook! Much easier to cut them this way in half than the other way. My hubby says heβll help me with a saw next time! π I may do some of these as Christmas gifts. Used Modge Podge over and under it all! So fun and relaxing!
Servanthood: thinking π€ on this quote! π¨β₯οΈπ
Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered. If we stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. Every time we crucify the flesh, we crucify our pride and arrogance.
Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p. 130
Verse focus:
I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing. Also the tree of the field will yield its fruit and the earth will yield its increase and they will be secure on their land. β₯οΈ
from Ezekiel 34, NASB
Last, but certainly not least, Iβve been so encouraged and enjoying my reading. I finished Volume 1. of Charlotte Mary Yongeβs delightful family saga, The Pillars of the Home, with my favorite online book people, Victorian literature lovers. Victorian literature is fast becoming a favorite genre! We will continue Volume 2 for Victober! I also SO enjoyed Distilled Genius by Susan Branch, a collection of her illustrations and hand lettered quotes. Branch and I differ in some worldview and lifestyle aspects, but overall, I loooved this collection. Iβm currently rereading for the third time, her Marthaβs Vineyard: Isle of Dreams, one of my favorite memoirs of all time.
Listeningβ¦ Risking Enchantment episode on Studio Ghibli themes. β₯οΈπ
Readingβ¦ Iβm loving reading along with the Librivox audio to Jerome K. Jeromeβs Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of The Dog) . This is a hilarious Victorian story full of sarcasm and British wit. Iβm really enjoying it. I hope to finish it this week so I can attend a Zoom discussion on it.
Noticingβ¦weβve had a super dry summer, but are having a high humidity wave currently. I love the warmth, but itβs not fun to work in! Iβm loving the mixture of yellows and purples on the roadsides. Late summer flowers. β₯οΈ
What are you listening to, reading, watching, and noticing? There is so much wonder! β₯οΈ
Donβt you feel a tug, a yearning to sink down into the silence and solitude of God? Donβt you long for something more? Doesnβt every breath crave a deeper, fuller exposure to his Presence? It is the Discipline of solitude that will open the door. You are welcome to come in and βlisten to Godβs speech in his wondrous, terrible, gentle, loving, all-embracing silence.β
Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p. 109
Focus Areas:
Spiritual ~ I was a bit sluggish this week about REALLY pressing into my quiet times and calming myself down enough to enter in. We came off a wonderful, but exhausting graduation party for my oldest son and it takes me a long time to recover from events. I kept up with my group reading plan, but didnβt deeply meditate and pray/journal as much as I want to. The end of this week has been better and it feels so good to soak in Matthew among other things. My sister reminded me of Pray As You Go app which helps me focus as I begin my prayer times. β₯οΈ
Physical ~ I honestly struggled a bit with getting in the groove with my food. Just grazing and bingeing, even on βhealthyβ things. Out of exhaustion or anxiety, finding myself feeling hungry in my MIND not legitimately hungry in my stomach. I found that listening to the audiobook of Rezoom by Susan Peirce Thompson or Half of Carlaβs YouTube really helped me calm down a bit. Not making or having unhealthy choices in the house really helps me, too. I did get out on my walks with my audiobook. Iβm 56% through Klara & the Sun and π― itβs thoroughly intriguing. I bought a new tshirt and struggled with the mental battle about my worth because it was a bigger size. π Just be brutally honest here. I am excited to receive it, though, and support my friendβs creative endeavor .
Mental ~ I had so much fun updating my book journal and purging/ organizing my reading stacks. I decided to focus on one particular stack of things Iβm reading with others or have wanted to read for a long time. I gave myself permission to set aside books that were too silly, not grabbing my attention, or just weighing me down. I read a few poemβs every day (Oliver, Wordsworth, and Native Nations poems) and it was so nice. Iβm super interested in learning about the βBalkansβ area after finishing the historical fiction thriller The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.
Emotional~ I had some hard relational talks this week that were good. I tend to avoid and stuff down which isnβt healthy. I really tried to keep up on some household rhythms and itβs amazing how much that lifts my mood. Just putting a fresh weed π bouquet on a clean dining room table with tablecloth, washing the dishes after each meal, etc. Being outdoors really helped me! I also did a fun video about my favorite things and I wrote two snail mail letters. Iβve been trying to sleep a little in afternoons lately and itβs SO nice. I did get a little Totoro stamp set and some new, darling stickers which was a blessing. Maybe Iβll show them to you next week. Stationary is the way to my heart! ππ
I watched βHeidiβ performance with two of my children β₯οΈπ²Shakespeare in the Park (Macbeth) with some friends and three of my children β₯οΈ
Servanthood ~ this was tough this week. I think coming off the graduation party made it extra hard. I want to focus more on the little things I can do for those around me and do them well. Not be so distracted. I was able to do some fun things with others last week and it was wonderful to connect in those big things, but I can see some daily practices I believe Jesus wants me to give more in. β₯οΈ He is so gracious and faithful to help and strengthen us. I do want to start gratitude journaling again to practice thankfulness and get outside my head. Look for a Joy Journal entry soon, hopefully.
Verse Focus for Coming Week:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Graduation party leftovers β₯οΈ
How about you? How did your week go? Bless you all! πΏπβ£οΈβ¨ππ»π§οΈππ₯¦βοΈπ³π±
For a habit is a delight in itself; poor human nature is conscious of the ease that it is to repeat the doing of anything without effort; and, therefore , the formation of a habit, the gradually lessening sense of effort in a given act, is pleasurable.
Charlotte Mason, Home Education, p. 121
My focus areas:
Spiritual: been really trying to keep up with my YouVersion apps Bible readings with friends. However, I decided I needed a slower soak also, so I began the New Testament this week and wow, itβs been so lovely. Just Jesusβ words. Journaling and meditating on it all. Iβm reading a few devotionals and Mary Oliverβs nature poetry has been turning my heart π to my Creator. Iβve been prioritizing spending my quiet time outdoors, too, because it adds so much.
Physical: I was able to get out for a long walk one day and listen to an audiobook. It was wonderful! Hopefully, going again today. I tend to be pretty sedentary, so walks are something I want to make time for. I adjusted my food a lot this week and checked in with my sister each night. I felt very βhangryβ at times and journaled etc to help. Iβm admittedly seeing a few things that are creeping in that I canβt be moderate in. I will be just taking those out of my diet. I know this seems extreme, but for me, it works. Iβm trying something Iβm calling BLE Lite (Bright Line Eating), in which I follow the plan closely with a few planned exceptions. Iβm definitely easing back in as this program is pretty intense and structured. However, I do think I work better with clear boundaries.
Rezoom: The Powerful Reframe to End-the-Crash-and-Burn Cycle of Food Addiction by Susan Peirce Thompson, p.73p. 74Show up for yourself, Amy, by making nourishing, thoughtful meals.
Mental: Iβm trying to chose good books to read and journal/narrate/collage about them. Slowing down to create or discuss calms and soothes my anxiety. I participated in a Zoom book discussion on Anthony Trollopeβs The Belton Estate. I can get too introverted and find myself βhidingβ and I want to challenge myself and grow, not stagnate. Iβm rereading a challenging book about home as a ministry and itβs so good. Iβve been taking naps with my 4 yo occasionally and this makes a huge difference physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Emotional: I took off the week from YouTube and itβs been so nice. Iβm on a year break from Instagram. I enjoy aspects of social media, but I have to balance these delicately otherwise, I personally find myself anxious, discontent, and not present. Naps, nature, walks, etc all contribute to a more balanced emo π€ state for me! π I also did a few creative things this week that filled my cup like collaging, filming book reviews, sending a penpal letter, and writing. I took myself on a coffee date and also picked up a favorite magazine. I want to be careful not to always associate buying things for comfort, because I actually find more genuine peace in the things that cost π² NOTHING. However, occasionally, itβs fun to get a special gift. π
Servanthood: I wonβt be giving a ton of actual real life details here as this is a personal area between me and Jesus, but, I do want to share action steps I want to try. I want to include one or more children in whatever Iβm doing around the house, ie – take a child grocery shopping or take walks with kids sometimes, etc. I want to plan some activities to do WITH kids that arenβt work related. The reality of life here with a big family is we are often working together. Thatβs good, but I also want to do purposeful fun activities occasionally.
Verse Focus for coming week:
β¦His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
from 2 Peter 1:3
So, overall, a good week, and Iβm hopeful! Planning on checking in next week. Thanks for being here. β£οΈβ£οΈβ£οΈ Let me know how you are? Lots of love, Amy π€π²π€
{What is whole person work, Amy? Iβm on a quest for balance in life and ordered affections centered in Colossians 3:2. Iβd like to share here occasionally for accountability and community. I share here not only to keep myself accountable, but also that it might encourage you, a moment where we join each other in this journey called life. I separated out some of my personal areas of focus, but Iβm aware that all these areas flow together and are in relationship with one another. Iβm also aware that there are ebbs and flows to life, but for myself, I need things that are purposeful rhythms and practices. There are some life things that can be βby-the-wayβ, but a balance of rest and rhythm practices work best for me. You are welcome to join me in any way and with your own areas of focus! β₯οΈπΏβ₯οΈ}
Iβve been thinking about my past and what Iβd love for the future. I had gotten off track in some health and personal rhythms that help me feel strong and able to serve well. β₯οΈ I was inspired by Half of Carlaβs video to really examine where Iβm at, not only with my health, but deep in my heart as well. I love her idea of finding the perfect pot of simmering soup that works for us personally. Sheβs talking specifically in the video about her weight loss maintenance journey , but it got my wheels turning about all of life areas. Whatβs simmering in YOUR pot, Amy? Honestly, I didnβt like what I saw. For me, it was reverting to unhealthy eating patterns, too much social media, not enough margin in my schedule, and allowing things here at home to stack up. I was finding myself without enough time to spend on the things I love: deep time with Jesus, on relationships, in nature, nourishing my health, and reading good books. Itβs a nice idea that we can do everything in a day, but itβs false. We have to be purposefully pursuing what God has for each of us individually.
My Areas of Focus:
Spiritual πΏπ€~ My Christian faith is extremely important to me. I practice at it by reading The Holy Bible daily, meditating , praying, and journaling over what Iβm reading and hearing. I really want to guard this morning time by not letting YouTube creep into it and by getting to bed early enough the night before so I can get up earlier.
Physical πΏπ€~ I made some drastic changes to my heath right at the end of 2019 and ended up feeling SO much healthier through the support of some wonderful ladies and a program called Bright Line Eating. Since 2022, Iβve struggled with maintaining that and have played around a lot resulting in steps backward. Iβve been working on treating my sleep issues and eczema naturally, also. So, Iβve a plan made for August to get back slowly and reasonably to health. Iβm realizing that I work better in very specific boundaries and accountability.
Mental πΏπ€~ When practices that I know are beneficial go by the wayside or need reordering, sometimes the mental chatter about my βworthβ really ramps up. As a Christian, I believe a lot of this is a spiritual battle, but over the years, Iβm beginning to be able identify lies vs. gentle truth about myself. One of the things, I feel like that I havenβt done well during the last few years is getting to the roots of why behind some of my destructive behaviors, especially surrounding food. Iβm starting to find the anchors that aid me in this journey ~ slow prayer/Bible, journaling, writing, and being in nature. Having a little margin in my life to process everything is extremely important and helpful, too. Iβm learning to face whatβs bothering me instead of stuffing it down with excessive food or media consumption. I also need to be learning and growing, not stagnating in social media.
Emotional πΏπ€~ Knowing that my spiritual, physical, and mental health really effect my emotional place is crucial to my whole person work. All things are in relationship and unbalanced living really takes a toll.
Servanthood πΏπ€~ The giving of myself by listening, serving, and caring for others is hard for me. Itβs not natural. I can become a bit TOO βnavel-gaze-yβ ππ which this post could be in danger of. ππ€π€ However, we have to aim somewhere or we hit nothing. I feel like Iβve been given SO much that I want to grow in giving back to others out of sheer gratitude. Thatβs why I use the word βpracticeβ a lot. Iβm just practicing the things I want to become. Yes, Iβll never be complete, but prayerfully, Iβll move forward a little bit each day with Godβs help.
All this to say, I plan on checking in each week here on my βwhole personβ project. Just for transparency and accountability. I hope you are encouraged and find hope with me! πΏπ²β₯οΈπ€πππ₯°βοΈπποΈπβΊοΈπ₯° Godβs richest blessings! π€πΏπ²π€πΏβοΈ
A.M. Pine - Hearth Ridge Reflections 