That wonderful season Autumn has been teasing us here at Hidden Pines. A couple of weeks ago, we had some cooler temperatures, but the hot weather returned soon after. This morning was cool again, but it was in the 90s again by afternoon. It is a pleasure to sit on the porch having my devotions early in the morning when it’s this cool. Pine needles have been falling since July and other leaves are following suit. I am looking forward to being able to do yard work without sweating and fighting insects. I am looking forward to open windows and doors. I am looking forward to seeing the cat and dogs tear through the yard with the bundles of energy cooler temperatures bring.

We are in our second week in our new homeschooling year. We are starting out slowly so as not to stress ourselves. We are reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom as our read-aloud. It is one of my favorite books. We did not get to read it last year when studying World War 2, so we are reading it now. If you’ve never read this book, I think you should drop what you’re doing now and order it. (Order from ChristianBook or Amazon.) This true story of how the ten Booms hid Jews from Hitler’s horrors during the Holocaust will deeply increase your knowledge of this event, but more importantly, increase your faith and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. The book is truly riveting, and you’ll never forget it.

I got my free DVD series of the History Channel’s The Story of Us today! It was free for educators, including homeschooling teachers. I’m so excited to get it. These DVDs will greatly bless our school.

A wonderful, almost magical thing happened to me recently—I was invited to attend the local pregnancy center’s annual fundraising banquet. To get an invitation was truly a gift from God. As a country girl, I was very nervous about attending something so fancy. It was fancy indeed—I’d never had a meal that had so many spoons and forks at my plate.:) The food was delicious, the atmosphere very special, and the message was powerful. I was most excited about hearing the speaker—Bro. Voddie Baucham! I’d long been a “fan” of his, but got to hear him in person this time. His message was powerful and God-honoring. I got to meet him before and afterwards, and got to purchase 2 of his books, which he signed. My pastor and his wife, along with another pastor friend were in attendance, too. It was sad that there were not more Baptist pastors there.:( I believe abortion is the Holocaust of our times, and we must all do all we can to help save little lives and meet the needs of scared mothers.

My oldest daughter who just graduated has started selling things on e-Bay. She is learning a lot from The Selling Sisters. My daughter is very excited about the possibilities. She is also learning sign language online and is trying to get a job in town. She has some needs that I’m not able to meet at this time. I’m praying for God’s perfect will in her life. Ultimately she wants to be a wife, mother, and homemaker, and doesn’t mind telling this to folks that pressure her.

Supper tonight was delicious chili and homemade bread. I was able to purchase a brand new, sealed in the box bread machine from a yard sale for just $10 a few weeks ago. What a blessing it has been to us! While the chili was simmering, I cut up all the onions that came in the package and put them in the freezer. It will help save time later. I do this for garlic and peppers also. Daddy gave me some deer meat recently. He is cleaning out his freezer for the upcoming deer season. We were so grateful to get it. Groceries have gone up, so every little bit helps.

My oldest daughter and I go for walks around the woods and pond almost every night. Sometimes the other girls will join us. Our sweet girl Missy loves to go, too. She just gets so excited when she hears the words “ride” or “walk”. My daughter and I shot a water moccasin the other night when we were on our walk. Missy found him, but knows to stay way back when she sees a snake. She is the smartest doggie! We are so glad of her caution, for there are tons of poisonous snakes here.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!