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yarn along

February 3, 2016 MarthaKimball4 Comments

Are you tired of seeing socks yet? I’m probably not a very exciting knitter. I am on my LAST SOCK after knitting a pair for each family member and I was hoping to have this done by his birthday (today!) but, alas.. only on the gusset. I secretly knit him a big chunky hat, though, this week, to make up for it, and I hope that is a fun surprise for him. But I forgot to get a picture of it before I wrapped it. He requested cherry pie for his birthday dessert, so this is my first attempt at a gluten-free pie. (I never attempt pies, it seems; I think I am horrible at them. I pieced together a few different recipes to make this one, so we’ll *see* how it turns out.)

I am wanting to make my first shawl. It is a knitter’s rite of passage, right?? So.. comment with your recommendations! It seems there are a billion options to choose from and I have only been knitting since October so my skills are pretty limited. I need to try something beyond hats and socks and scarves.

I’ve been reading Roots + Sky the past few days (it just released yesterday!) and I can hardly put it down. Christie Purifoy’s voice feels like home to me, familiar somehow to my own thinking, and the imagery and color she uses in her prose is so vivid and evocative! She makes me want to write more and be a better writer. I love how she has captured her first year living in her home, Maplehurst, in all four seasons, journeying through change and reflecting on our connection to the soil and to the sky, a people both of the earth and yet also a people of a far-off Kingdom. I highly recommend it!

Joining in with Ginny + all the lovely knitters and readers at her weekly yarn along.

listening for His voice

January 31, 2016January 31, 2016 MarthaKimballLeave a comment

“As for me, I will call upon God,
and the LORD shall save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.”

Psalm 55:16-17

all this light

January 29, 2016 MarthaKimballLeave a comment

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The heavy snows of last weekend lingered all week, now just piled in soggy clumps here and there. We have played so much in it, the kids bemoaning the sun and the melting each day. It’s been an ordinary sort of week around here, lots of cleaning and tasks and bills and such. The sun was so inviting this morning we were out for a bike ride and jaunt to our little neighborhood playground, but it was still so freezing out!

I found myself battling against some heavy dark of soul this week. I don’t know how much more to share of it here, but only do so because it seemed to be a theme this week between the Lord and I, and I see it reflected in the pictures above, the favorite snapshots from the week: dark + light. I found myself scribbling in my journal yesterday afternoon, “Thank you, Lord — the night can be so dark, black as coal, but the light falls so sweetly this morning.” I found myself cheered by the afternoon light pooling on our dining room table, slanting across my journal laid open, dancing across the snow. These children bring so much light, so much laughter. Life with them is good–I’m so thankful. Could it be that He wanted me to notice? Could it be that He wanted me to see? Could it be that He wanted to preach to me the light of the glory of His grace to me in these ordinary earthly realities? To let the light slant just so in beams across my path, to remind me: The light always overcomes the dark, always.

I’ve needed to preach the truth of the Gospel over my soul this week, leaning hard into what the Word says is true rather than what I feel. I found particular comfort in these words:

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit…

You are a hiding place for me;
You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with shouts of deliverance…

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.”

Psalm 32:1-2, 7, 10

I am blessed, not because of any other glad or fortuitous circumstance, but namely because I am one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. This is the happiest circumstance of my life, and it is permanent, unchanging, unswerving, though the enemy of my soul would often try to convince me otherwise.

Maybe you needed to remember, too. If you are in Christ Jesus, your sins are covered. All His ways to you are grace. He is your hiding place, your secret place. His steadfast love is your shield and buckler against the enemy, your promise that in the end, no matter what comes, it will be well with your soul. I hope you see His light this weekend, and His steadfast love surrounding you.

yarn along

January 27, 2016 MarthaKimball3 Comments

Joining in with Ginny today to share what I’m knitting and reading. I finished Hannah’s Choice last night, and I really loved it! I read Almost Amish a couple of years ago and learned a lot about the Amish lifestyle and how much we can learn and appreciate from their simple ways and values. Hannah’s Choice was a really engaging novel about an Amish family and their attempt to raise their children apart from an increasingly encroaching world of outsiders. I grew up in a “Brethren” type of gathering/meeting, and I found it interesting, reading about this family and the way they viewed those outside of their faith. I found certain aspects reminded me of my upbringing. Also, the author mentioned that this story, though fiction, was based on her own family’s history, an attempt for her to fill in the gaps after doing a bunch of genealogical research. So it was definitely a story very rooted in place and history. It was a really interesting read, I loved being hooked on a story again and unable to put it down. And it’s the first book in a series, so book two will come out this fall. Yay!

Anyway, I’ve started The Life-Giving Home by Sally + Sarah Clarkson. I have read a couple others by Sally Clarkson before and have really been helped by them. I was surprised to find that this one starts off with her on a writing retreat in my very own town, Asheville, NC! It’s fun to see her perspective on this little town I’ve grown up in that seems so ordinary to me. So far, though I’m only barely into it, it reminds me of The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer, which is a FAVORITE read of mine. So I think I will really enjoy this one as well. I find it super helpful to regularly read things that encourage and inspire me in my role as wife and mother and homemaker. Creating a home that is cozy, inspiring, happy, and life-giving is a huge priority of mine!

As for knitting, I’ve been working on finishing up some knits this week, but just about to graft the toe of Brandon’s first sock and cast on sock #2 this morning. He tried them on last night and really liked them, and he’s fairly picky, so I was pleased! I also need to secretly knit a hat before his birthday next week. I have a few more gift-y items to finish up and then I feel like I should knit myself something! I have yet to knit anything for myself. I’m wanting to try something beyond socks and hats. I feel like it’s time to attempt my first shawl? But also.. I want to make some more baby knits. So many things!

listening for His voice

January 24, 2016 MarthaKimballLeave a comment

“By day the Lord commands His steadfast love,
and at night His song is with me.”
Psalm 42:8

Parables

January 23, 2016January 23, 2016 MarthaKimballLeave a comment

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“Turn to his teaching, and see if anyone else ever spoke so simply as he did. A child can comprehend his parables. There are, in them, hidden truths which are a mystery even to Christ’s deeply-taught disciples; but Christ never mystified his hearers. He talked to them like a child. . .He never laid aside the simplicity of childhood, though he had all the dignity of fully-developed manhood. He wore his heart upon his sleeve, and spoke out what was in his mind in such plain, clear language that the poorest of the poor, and the lowest of the low were eager to listen to him.”

C. H. Spurgeon

I’ve been reading slowly, savoring my way through the Gospels for a solid year. I just finished Luke and am headed into John, the final Gospel account. I have craved daily life with Jesus, daily walking with Him, to remember where He put His feet, who His hands reached out to touch, who He noticed, who He welcomed, who He rebuked. I have needed to hear those red-letter words day-in and day-out. It has been such a rich time just soaking slowly, line by line.

Thus, when John MacArthur’s latest book, Parables: the mysteries of God’s kingdom revealed through the stories Jesus told, came up for review, I was drawn instantly toward it, hungry to read more about the parables, the stories Jesus told. The ways He taught about the Kingdom, the way He always came with stories, stories, stories. The way He unveiled the mysteries of the Kingdom to us, to His listeners, in the stories He told. The way He showed us that the Kingdom is not merely some high and lofty religious ideal; it meets the ground of our earth, our dust. The way He showed us that we can best understand the Kingdom by observing mustard seeds, pearls, soil, the ways of the farmer, yeast and dough, the beggar, the downcast sinner versus the upright Pharisee, a wayward child. The way He revealed to us that this world He formed and fashioned and set in motion, this world that He even today upholds and sustains down to the smallest detail, is rife with truth, with His meaning, His character, hints of His kingdom and ways.

“Jesus’ parables had a clear twofold purpose: They hid the truth from the self-righteous or self-satisfied people who fancied themselves too sophisticated to learn from Him, while the same parables revealed truth to eager souls with childlike faith–those who were hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Jesus thanked His Father for both results: ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight’ (Matt. 11:25-26).” (MacArthur)

MacArthur begins by explaining what parables are, and why Jesus used these as His main teaching method. He corrects some sloppy thinking about Jesus’ parables. Then he spends the rest of the book studying 10 different parables. As a result, you find yourself learning about the intricacies of the Pharisees and their Sabbath observance, the farming techniques of the day, the way soil and seed interact, the cost of discipleship, justice, grace, the conflict between Jews and Samaritans, justification by faith, and so forth, and what each of these things has to teach us about the Kingdom of God. You realize how much ground Jesus covered in these simple stories He told. How much He has given us to chew on, how richly He extended the beauties of the Kingdom to those who would have ears to hear. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with MacArthur’s perspective on each of these parables and have been so encouraged and edified. His book is a happy read, clear exposition and fascinating, a great accompaniment to a study of the Gospels or just to familiarize oneself with Jesus’ parabolic form of teaching. For the seasoned student of Scripture, it will bring new light to all the dearly-loved parables. For the newer student of Scripture, it gives a treasure trove of insight to what can, at first glance, seem so simple. For those hungry for more of Jesus, to spend more time in His footsteps, to know more of who He is, to experience and see His Kingdom, you will find food for you soul in these pages.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

first snow

January 22, 2016January 22, 2016 MarthaKimball1 Comment

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Here in the mountains of North Carolina we gladly welcomed our first big snow of the year last night. It’s still coming down in huge flakes as I write. We had a cozy morning taking it slow and then took like an H O U R to bundle everyone and get outside. This is the first snow Philippa can play in and potentially remember. One of the best parts of raising kids is getting to see them discover the world. SO fun. We took her on the craziest sledding hill ever and she loved it! As did the other kids. Until they didn’t, and everyone was thoroughly wet and soaked and there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. But hey, that’s par for the course. Everyone recovered their sanity after hot chocolates and getting cozy by the fire.

This week has been a heavy week here, emotionally. A lot of friends and loved ones going through a lot of difficult things, and my heart has literally been aching on and off this week, grief rolling over me in waves, as grief tends to do. Tears coming unbidden at inconvenient times. Playing in the snow this morning, seeing the world blanketed in white, seeing it look fresh and new… it is a gift to me from the Lord. A quietness settles over our little corner of the world, broken only by children’s squeals and laughter, and we are soaking up every glorious second of it, even in the face of grief. Maybe we just needed the reminder that storms can bring glory as well as grief, beauty in spite of the bitter. Maybe we just needed to see that a storm can be the way God chooses to make all things new.

yarn along

January 20, 2016 MarthaKimball4 Comments

I’ve been working on Brandon’s socks now, almost done with the foot of sock one. Since they weren’t done by Christmas, maybe I’ll have them done by his birthday in a couple of weeks? 😉 Since he never reads my blog, I can safely tell you I will probably knit him a chunky warm hat, too. He hasn’t asked me to make him anything yet, but he asks every time I start something new “and who is that for?” I think he’s quietly waiting for his turn. I finished up the hat I was knitting last week (made up the pattern). Here is Phoebe modeling it, and then myself (picture snapped by Phoebe)! It’s a gift for a loved one.

I’m reading a few books right now, but this one came in the mail yesterday and I just started it. I am only one chapter in so I can’t tell you what I think just yet. I find I rarely read fiction these days and I’m in need of some good stories to get lost in. I’m hoping this is one of them! It’s about a girl from an Amish family in 1842 who has two marriage proposals, one offering her the home + life she craves near her family + faith, the other offering her an adventure West. I’m hoping she goes with option #2 for some reason. I’m drawn to everything prairie-life, alaska-related + homestead-y right now. Do tell if you know of other books in that genre!

Anyway.. I can hardly focus because this is what I’m seeing outside of my window from my desk. FINALLY!

Joining up with Ginny + all the other lovely knitters and readers at her blog today! Hop over there for great reading + knitting suggestions.

greater things

January 18, 2016January 18, 2016 MarthaKimball11 Comments

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Just a little glimpse into our week. We’ve been home a lot, doing tasks around the house, staying in instead of facing the cold or rainy weather, doing crafts and reading books. In reading Emily Freeman’s book Simply Tuesday last year (“last year” sounds weird to say, still), she talks about grounding ourselves in our present moments by keeping track of what fills our days. She does this by keeping a list called “These are the days of..” I’ve been finding myself mentally making a list, smiling over some moments, mourning others, and keenly aware that these days will soon fade into others. These things that are so common to me right now I will pretty much completely forget in a few years time, the way that winter slowly gives way to spring, frost melting and crocus pushing up through soil. These days so full of children, diapers, immediate felt needs, discipline, correction, training, tiptoeing in the early morning hours so as not to wake the baby, squeezing in tiny moments of prayer and scripture, etc.

These are the days of…
the kids banging on the window while they watch brandon leave for work
vacuuming around the toys
a never-ending laundry basket
morning snuggles
usually tidy but not always clean
philippa playing dress up in the laundry basket
noah says to me, “picture this” meaning, take a picture of this.
“adventures in odyssey” playing in the car

The year is two weeks underway, and already it is off to quite a start. Brandon and I have spent some time looking ahead and have been totally overwhelmed with some of the needs and demands this year is going to present to us. We are facing potentially one of our most challenging years yet financially. We are not seeing the growth and healthy response to the gluten-free diet that we should be seeing from Phoebe and have more medical work ahead of us to figure out why. We hope to buy our first home. We may need a new car as Brandon’s well-loved car nears 300K miles. We celebrate our 10th anniversary in May. We have a family trip planned in the summer that we don’t want to miss. We have some medical needs to deal with in 2016. Our firstborn will start school in the fall. And other things I can’t mention.

The only appropriate response we’ve been able to muster to all that is to come is prayer. We have been totally brought to our knees in dependency and pleading with the Lord for wisdom, for guidance, for provision, for help.

I asked Phoebe the other night what she wanted to pray for and she said happily, “I want to ask God to give me everything I want.” I thought to correct her at first, but then found myself nodding with understanding. Isn’t that essentially what we’re doing when we pray? In so many ways, we’re bringing our “wants” before God, asking Him to give us all the things we think we want and need.

“Keep us safe, Lord. Keep us healthy. Turn the children’s hearts to you. Provide for our needs. Work out this difficult situation. Help us, Lord. Bring justice. Forgive us. Forgive them.”

More than teaching her to be careful what she prays for, or to somehow imply that there is a right way to pray to God, I want to teach her to be real before Him and bring her whole heart before Him. I want to teach her that it’s the safest place for all her honest emotions. The place where she really can bare her soul, respectfully and honoring Him, of course, but with vulnerability + transparency. Isn’t this what He urges us to do, to bring our requests before Him, to pour out our hearts to Him and to ask for what we need and want? The beauty of children is their innocent asking, their constant and unabashed neediness. Yet as we age, we learn that usually getting everything we want strangles the life right out of the soul. We learn that we don’t really know what’s best for us, even though we think we do. We learn we can safely ask God for anything in accordance with His will, and yet we surrender all our requests to the safety of His will, knowing that even a good request, even a godly desire might be refused because He is after greater things for us.

Maybe He is after greater things than a totally safe life.

Maybe He is after greater things than perfect health.

Maybe He is after greater things than all our needs met all the time.

Maybe He is after greater things.

In our neediness, in our brokenness, in our failure, in our struggle, in our emptiness, in our loneliness–isn’t this where we grope for Him? Where we are are most reminded of our dependency?

I read this scripture the other day in Proverbs and felt like I finally understood it.

No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble. (Prov. 12:21)

Really? No ill befalls the righteous? My life is full of ill!

Maybe the same things/events/circumstances happen to both those who follow God and those who don’t. Maybe the difference isn’t in what occurs, but the way each responds to it. Maybe all that the enemy plans for my harm, destruction, and discouragement, the Lord uses to drive me deeper into Him. Maybe what could derail me instead deepens me in Christ Jesus. Maybe that’s how whatever could be called “ill” can somehow, in the mysterious ways of God, in the wisdom of God that seems like folly to man, can somehow be called “blessing.”

When I bent to pray over the New Year in the early morning dark all alone, when I pled for Him to give me direction over this year and when I sought Him for a word over it, He clearly whispered Psalm 93 in my spirit. It speaks of waters rising, waters threatening to swallow up, to overflow, to drown. And yet, it speaks of Him reigning supreme. I believe He was wanting to tell me ahead of time what kind of year I can expect to have. I believe some things are going to come in this year that will make me feel totally out of breath, totally surrounded. (We are two weeks in and already feeling it.) He has spoken so much comfort and strength to me through the Scriptures. And this is the beauty of following Him, this is the beauty of knowing Him: He promises to go with me, to go before me, to carry me, to comfort me, to strengthen and establish me. He promises that nothing can come to me that He will not work for my good. He promises that in the end, not even death can separate me from Him. For the child of God, nothing is empty, nothing is meaningless, nothing is not ripe with blessing and fruitfulness, if we are willing to receive it, if we are willing to be open to it. The blessed life is not always the feel-good life. But what is my good? My good is to be near Him. To behold His beauty. To experience the power of His presence. To hear His voice. Sometimes the hardest of circumstances, the most desperate of times, the greatest of griefs are what it will take for me to experience Him the most deeply. He is faithful.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

(Isaiah 43:2)

Listening for His Voice

January 17, 2016 MarthaKimball1 Comment

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.”

Isaiah 1:18 esv

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