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Hello, Reader.

Did you know National Bible Week is right around the corner? It is celebrated annually during the week of Thanksgiving. That seems entirely fitting, since the Bible faithfully points to the One to whom our feelings of gratitude should ultimately be directed.

When I was little, we used to sing a song in Sunday school: "The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that's the book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God: the B-I-B-L-E!"

God's Word remains the surest foundation for our lives: It was then. It is now. It always will be. This week's link list is for everyone who knows that already, for those who need to be reminded, and for anyone looking for a firmer foundation than the shifting sands the world would tell you to build your life upon.

Free resources for you this week:

• ​One Year Bible Reading Plan - a smart way to read God's Word through in its entirety
• ​The Books of the Bible Printable - includes a one-line summary for each of the 66 books
• ​50 Bible Verses to Memorize - a few favorites for hiding the Word in your heart
• ​Bible Scavenger Hunt - how many of these familiar stories can you find fast?
• ​Sermon Notes for Kids - use this to keep young children quiet & attentive in church services
• ​All Scripture is Given Coloring Page - features the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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What we're reading this week:

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I read Barbara Robinson's classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud to my kids every December. But we finished it early this year so we'd be ready to watch the new movie version when it debuted in theaters last Friday. The film follows the storyline beautifully: Six delinquent siblings by the name of Herdman show up at church just in time to wreak havoc on the annual Christmas pageant, turning what had traditionally been a somber and predictable production into something completely unexpected and truly memorable for all involved. This book never fails to make me cry, and the movie had me balling in all the same spots.

What we're eating this week:

My son Isaac made a delicious Blackberry Crumble to take to a potluck dinner for his engineering class yesterday. He assembled it the night before, then asked if I'd pop it in the oven for him then bring it to him at school, since he wouldn't have time to return home for it between classes.

I told him sure, but asked that he leave a note to remind me. In true engineering fashion, he left me the most detailed memorandum you could imagine -- a full page of notes and step-by-step instructions to make sure the transfer of energy went off without a hitch. See it here.

On the podcast this week:

Loving Life at Home: Episode 67 ​EARLY EDUCATION IDEAS FOR TODDLERS​ This week on Loving Life at Home, I’m tackling a question about early education for preschoolers: What can a mom of multiple toddlers do to make sure her little ones are getting everything they need? ​ Listen Now

Progress on last week's goals:

God gave me a very productive week, so I was able to mark every last item off last week's to-do list: I ✅ made a new wreath for the door, ✅ finished wrapping/packing overseas Christmas gifts and sent them on their way, ✅ compiled a box of stuff for Goodwill, ✅ got my desk and closet (mostly) straightened up, and ✅ put the Christmas tree up in our den (although--full disclosure--we haven't put on any ornaments yet).

I also ✅ did a bunch of research for the STEM video I need to film next week, ✅ sent another Bible memory challenge to my family, and -- for readers who keep requesting details about exactly what that means -- ✅ added two brand new Bible Memory Print Packs to our online shop.

Personal goals for next week:

• review Christmas painting set for Timberdoodle
• film STEM video
• plan menu & shop early for Thanksgiving
• thaw the turkey!!!
• attend homecoming festivities at our Alma Mater
• make Christmas gifts for co-op teachers