From My Learning Room...

Participating in LDS Mommy University, I find my self stretching to new levels.

Religious studies have kept my mind on an even keel. Attending the Temple last week, I focused with new spiritual eyes. The Holy Ghost whispered, as I listened seemingly for the first time. Visiting Teaching took on new meaning as I actually taught. A little preparation goes a long way in allowing the Spirit's presence.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I'm not as mathematically empty-headed as I assumed. I've been moving forward with it all these years of homeschooling, but to actually focus on it with my own goals in mind was an enlightening experience. There was no stress to make sure I'd explained things right; just the pure pleasure of learning new ideas.

I love all of Mrs. Stratton-Porter's books. The Keeper of the Bees ties for favorite with The Harvester. She is so good with description--I can almost feel Jamie's wound in my chest or the hunger in his gut. Since I've read this before, it doesn't hold any surprises for me. I'm just visiting an old friend.

"Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been,, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms--that ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you." Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-80

I like studying history and geography, because I believe I've been commanded to do so. Besides, it is so interesting. I want to know how mothers like me lived thousands of years ago. How did they cook their food and what did they eat? How did they take care of hygiene (this is a weird obsession of mine)? How did they live, love, raise families, and thrive under the governments they were blessed to be oppressed or liberated by.

Studying health and the human body have always been interests of mine. I especially like to cook healthy meals for my family, using things from my food storage. Considering my interest in this area, this was fun. I'm perfecting my bread making skills and trying not to get the willies, when I read about the different parts of the body in detail.

I have great plans for sewing this year: several skirts, two dresses, and a new nightgown. Now to organize myself well enough that I get them done.

I love to draw. But drawing gets the same treatment as sewing--back shelf treatment. I need to commit to myself to do better with both of them. It's strange how inconsequential things get in the way of our desires.

Spanish is on the same list as sewing and drawing. I am doing it just not consistently enough to learn the language. Tisk, tisk...

Learning hymns is not hard--I can sing while doing almost anything.

Well, that's it for January. I did accomplish my goals in everything. I think I could have done better at magnifying my studies, meaning I could have put aside inconsequential things for the importatn things in my life. On to a new month.