Faith and a Full House...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...belated...

2012-01-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say that I have pretty much drowned when it comes to this blog...and... I'm sorry... I have been working on two other sister web sites, and have rather let this one down... To all my readers (the faithful few) I apologize... another New Year's resolution in the works, but I hope to do better! :)

We had a great Christmas. It was absolutely wonderful to visit with family that I hadn't seen in a year and a half. Mom, Dad, brothers in law, and sisters were all a blessing and we had a wonderful time getting reaquainted with our nieces and nephews...

What a blessing family can be...

Thanking God today for faith, family, and friends...

Grace Active

2011-12-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

Taken from "The Valley of Vision"

Lord Jesus, Great High Priest,
Thou hast opened a new and living way
by which a fallen creature can approach these with acceptance.
Help me to comtemplate
the dignty of thy Person,
the perfectness of thy sacrifice,
the effectiveness of thy intercession.
O what blessedness accompanies devotion,
when under all the trials that weary me,
the cares that corrode me,
the fears that disturb me,
the infirmities that opress me,
I can come to thee in my need
and feel peace beyond understanding!
The grace that restores is necessary to preserve,
lead, guard, supply, help me.
And here thy saints encourage my hope;
they were once poor and are now rich, bound and are now free,
tried and now are victorious.
Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess,
but not more than is found in these,
the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells.
To thee I repair for grace upon grace,
until every void made by sin be replenished
and I am filled with all thy fullness.
May my desires be enlarged and my hopes emboldened,
that I may honour thee by my entire dependency
and the greatness of my expectation.
Do thou be with me, and prepare me for all
the smiles of prosperity, the frowns of adversity,
the losses of substance, the death of friends,
the days of darkness, the changes of life,
and the last great change of all
May I find thy grace sufficient for all my needs.

Communication is key!

2011-12-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Throughout life, we run into situations where we don't exactly see eye to eye with others, have personality conflicts, or even hurt by someone's actions. When that happens, humans generally begin avoidance strategies...I know I am guilty of that, too. Who likes confrontations or situations that could get ugly? Yet, time and time again I have found that if I bring the issue to the person it is with and try to talk it over... almost every time communication wins the day. Both parties are able to talk through it, and resolutions can be met.

This is obviously why the Word of God encourages us to do this. The Bible clearly teaches that if we have ought with a brother, we are to go to them. We are not to go to everyone else about it, or avoid them - we are to go to them - and talk it out. Remembering that our speech should always be "seasoned with grace."

Are you struggling with this issue today? Don't be anxious, just follow what the Bible teaches. If you are angry, are hurt, or have an issue with a brother... go and speak with him.

Matthew 5:22-24
²But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
²³Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
²⁴Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

It's Hard to Practice What You Preach...

2011-11-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

Wow... isn't being a parent pretty difficult? I'm not too sure I would've signed on for this if I knew in advance what it would require... Just kidding... there probably wouldn't be many parents if they knew how tough it was BEFORE they had kids! I love my children, and thank God for the ways He has used my children to smooth off alot of my rough edges...(there are still so many more to go though!)...but I wouldn't trade them for anything!

Do you ever struggle with practicing what you "preach" in front of your children day in and day out?

I know I do... I am always telling them to be kind... watch what you say to your sister... apologize for being mean...

Sometimes, I stop and think... wow... I need someone to tell ME to watch what I say... and to apologize...

There is just no way that I can ever live what I "preach" to my children... except by the grace of God.

What is REAL Christianity?

2011-10-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

The word "Christian" means "follower of Christ" or "ones like Christ." This term was used first in Antioch as the Bible clearly tells us. Today, the terms is so very loosely used to describe anyone who remotely has a connection to Christianity. So, the question on my heart is... are these people that we now refer to as Christians really anything like Christ? Do we use the term far too flippantly? I believe that most "so called" Christians aren't really like the true Christ. Perhaps more like the Americanized Christ that we've reshaped to wink at greed, enjoy entertainment in His house, the Christ who promotes a Christianized version of the American dream, and one who no longer is known for judgement and justice but only for His love.If we will read the gospels and the book of Acts we will clearly see a different version of the Messiah... a far different version than that we have made Him out to be in America.

In America, we think church has to be on a grand scale with a huge chandeliered auditorium. If we go to church, we go to be entertained, not to study the Word of God. Yet, Christ had an inner circle of 12 disciples, a few hundred dedicated followers, and thousands that would come to hear Him... but no building...no fancy speaker system, no band, no chandeliers, no choir, no special music, and he didn't even wear a suit.

We think Christ is happy for our self sufficiency, resourcefulness, and our self reliance. You know, the big house, two cars, 2.5 children...or the big church building, the large crowd, the gorgeous carpentry, the awesome choir...all meant to please us and not God. Where is the sacrifice, the dedication? The Son of Man had only the clothes on His back and even encouraged those who sought to follow Him to sell all that they had and give it to the poor.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not telling you that you shouldn't care for your family, have a job,or that you should be homeless. Yet, there is so much waste in our lives and our churches. I love America and what it was founded on, yet what it has become today is a gross deformity of what it once was. In the process, the church in America has also lost its salt. "Christians" are living lives no different from the unconverted. Our churches are decreasing in number, yet those churches abroad who daily suffer persecution are growing.

So, what is a real Christian? Are you still unsure? Read the book of Acts to find out!

Life in the Fast Lane...

2011-09-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

...or at least that is what this feels like.

Each week ticks by like a day...

Each day feels like just a few moments...

What has happened?

Time used to seem like it stood still. Remember waiting for the bell to ring in school? Remember sitting on the porch and being "bored?"

Here's my theory...Somehow, as you get older time begins to speed up. It starts going faster and faster until... well, until you're just plain out of it.

Stand Up For What You Believe In

2011-09-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ex 20:3-4 Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image...

The 3 Hebrews that were confronted with bowing before King Nebuchadnezzar's image knew these commandments from their childhood. Their convictions were not simply words they had memorized in school but part of themselves, part of their lives. They could no more bow down to that idol than they could change their eye color. They had convictions that God had etched on their hearts.

Where is that kind of conviction today? In a world full of chaos from our homes to our churches; convictions are passe to us, but they are not passe to God.

What are convictions, you might ask? They are simply the beliefs that you live for... beliefs that you would die for. You see, these core beliefs that God has etched in your heart should become an integral part of who you are... an inseparable part of your character. Standing for what you believe (I'm hearing a veggie tale song in my head right now... :) ) in will make you the person that God wants you to be as well as someone that others can look to as an example of Christlikeness.

You do realize that our story doesn't end there... Those 3 guys stood for what they believed, and they were rewarded. Yes, that's right... they were rewarded by being thrown into a kiln-like furnace that was heated with fire seven times it's usual temperature, bound by cords, and sentenced to death. Yet, God did not let them go alone. The Son of God was there with grace to liberate them in the fire. Their cords were burnt but their clothes and flesh untouched.

Seeing this miracle old Nebuchadnezzar called them out. These men amazingly didn't even smell like the smoky furnace they just came out of. God had so honored their stand for Him that He protected them in the fire.

Thus the message for us in this modern day is to stand for what God has etched in your heart. Nothing on your heart? No real beliefs that you stand for? Oh, dear friend...Jesus has made it possible for us to stand for something - by paying our debt of sin by His sacrifice of Himself on the cross. We are full of sin and cannot stand before a HOLY GOD. He was perfect, yet became sin on the cross in our stead so that we might be washed clean of our wickedness and presented perfect through Christ in the eyes of God. Believe in Him dear friend... and He will fill your heart full of things that you will want to stand for. You'll want to stand for Him because He stood for you... Amazing love... and then when you stand for Him... He'll be right there standing with you!

"God has a way of showing His grace to the world by walking beside us through the trials that we endure." ~D. Dickerson

Daniel 3:28-30
King James Version (KJV)
28Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
29Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
30Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

So, in the end they really did get rewarded!!

Count Your Blessings...

2011-08-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

one...two...three...four...five...six...seven...

I've just been thinking...(really...cuz the kids are all in bed and it is finally quiet) of how blessed I am. There are seven precious people asleep in this house that God has entrusted to me. So often, I must admit that I take them for granted. They shouldn't be taken for granted.

I am frequently beset by trying to keep the bills paid, the house clean, the laundry done, and the family fed... that I forget to see what I really am doing all that for. The people... and foremost... the God that blessed me with them. Is that how it is at your house? Have you forgotten why your here? There are times that I sure do... but I am thankful that He sent a gentle reminder to me this evening.

I am going to join my family now, but I pray that tomorrow God will give me fresh insight into the reason why He brought me to this place in my life. I pray I will possess and live the knowledge that my life is for His glory. I can't wait... tomorrow is a fresh new day... "with no mistakes in it."

Top 10 for Busy Mothers

2011-08-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing a post with you that I posted over at momSCHOOL. I have changed it a bit - but I hope there's something there for you! I really love top 10 posts... for some reason they appeal to my -condense it, and expedite it - source for knowledge!

1) Get organized. Organize your house, your schedule, your personal time. Maximize your potential by limiting wasted time (email checking, web surfing, internet shopping, etc.) Get rid of things that add stress, and use a calendar. Download your calendar to your smart phone and set it to remind you of upcoming events.

2)Be prepared. Set goals and make a "to do" list. Prepare your grocery list before you leave, and prepare in advance to run all your errands in ONE trip per week.

3)Delegate. Chore lists are awesome. Make sure everyone in the house has some responsibilities.

4) Pay your bills online. This is a super time and money saver. Use your bank's website to pay ALL your bills with one click.

5)Make time for youself. Take an hour of two to do something that you love. Take a bubble bath and read, or sew, or draw something lovely. It will renew and refresh you!

6) Take time for you spouse. You are a team, and you must be together both in mind and spirit. Schedule a date night, go out and have a nice long talk over a meal.

7) Use your crock pot to make delicious homemade meals. Set it in the am and forget it till supper!

8) REST. Look to the Lord to carry your burdens. The Bible tells us that He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Lay your burdens at His feet, and REST in Him.

9)Eliminate things that are not necessary. This means things that are consuming your time, that you don't enjoy or that are really just a waste of time.

10) Just let it go... it really dosen't matter if the clothes get folded immediately after they leave the dryer. The dishes can get washed once a day, and the toys can get picked up before going to bed. Don't stress the little things... enjoy time with your children!

Check it out...Something NEW!!

2011-08-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes around here, I have been working on a couple new projects. Still in its infancy, is momSCHOOL. If you get a chance hop over there and check it out. If you see something that I need to add - or change - Please by all means comment and let me know. I definitely want and really need your input!

Back to School... Homeschoolers Top 10 Things to do.

2011-08-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

It seems like we just began our summer vacation and here it is - time to get back to the daily grind. We have been organizing, cleaning, scheduling, and ordering books. A great time to review what you did last year in your homeschool, and what you would like to do this year. Here are my top ten "to dos" before school starts each year!

1. Go through your supplies - get rid of things that are broken, don't work, or are not useful.

2. Take an inventory of what you need to replace, and what supplies you need to purchase for the year. I like to buy all of my school supplies in August - because the retailers offer them at such great prices! I buy a bucket load of mechanical pencils, notebooks, and glue sticks; and I typically have enough to make it through the year. Last year we ran out of mechanical pencils in the spring, so this year I have been sure to buy more than enough! (At $.50 for 10 this past week at Publix - we use mechanical pencils for everything!)

3. Clean out the area that you like to use for "schooling." Educational research has clearly shown that a cluttered work area is a big distraction for children. Even though it may be a huge inconvenience for us, making the "school" area neat and organized can pay off with increased time "on task."

4. Set up a school/work area that is conducive to learning. Make it kid friendly, comfortable, and learning rich. Make sure each child has a place to sit, that is comfortable.

5. Go through your curriculum. Yes, homeschoolers tend to be curriculum collectors. Come on now... admit it... go through it - and get rid of what you don't like, won't ever use, or just plain old unnecessary stuff. List it on ebay, and you'll be able to fund #7 below.

6. Sit down and review what you did last year. Did it work? Was everyone in your family satisfied? Was there any stress? Write down what you like and what you didn't like. Write down what you want to see out of your homeschool.

7. If you haven't already done so, look at new curriculum. (Most homeschoolers do this in the spring - when homeschool conventions abound and discouts are great!) Look for programs that will help you obtain the goals that you wrote down in #6.

8. Once you have researched, and reviewed curriculum that will help you achieve your goals for your home education, order it. My favorite place to order is CBD. I have a link on my sidebar that will let you search for various subjects on their site.

9. As soon as your curriculum arrives, review it. Make sure that it is what you expected and will fit your goals. Learn all you can about the requirements it will have for you family. Find out what work is involved, and what your children will need to do on a daily basis. Look for any suggested schedules contained in the curriculum.

10. Finally, make your goals clear and distinct. Construct a schedule, and organize you and your family's time. This year, I am going to try something new for us. We will be operating on more of a block scheduling system. So, our schedule will be something totally new for us.

Camp Adventures

2011-08-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Wow... again another few busy weeks. We have been recuperating from a week at camp with over 100 degree temperatures. It is always a great blessing to be able to go to camp with our young people. It seems like God gets them apart from the world and daily distractions and really gets to their hearts.

It was a huge blessing to watch 40 young people worship God, testify, and dedicate their lives to living for Christ. Though we probably sweat bucket loads... it was well worth it!

I love watching my children grow in the Lord, and Camp Fairview seems to allwise enable this. Thank you Lord for your love, mercy, and grace!

In the Fire...

2011-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

How loath we are to walk with God in the fire. How we secretly cherish the hope that the Divine goal may be reached by some other and easier path than that which lies through the furnace of fierce test. And yet there is no alternative for those who would enter into deepest union with the Eternal. 'Tis midst the scorching flame that life mounts to its throne in God.
Feel like you're stuck in the fire? Is life so difficult that the daily course of things feels like a fire to your soul? The last four months has been that way around here. There has been a shadow of cataclysmic effect on our church and there has been the possibility that Alan might lose his job- or if he wanted to keep it - would have to transfer. God had just this past year and a half given us the green light to stay here, work in a job Alan loves, and minister in our church. Every day of these past months has been an exercise in faith, culminating in the past week of... well... stress almost beyond what we could handle. The impact of decisions that were made this past week would truly have altered every area of our lives.

Does experience confirm that in the fire God is able to put His best workmanship into our lives? Is it not here that life is rendered most impressionable to the gracious design of the Father? In the forge of trial those elements in human nature that would frustrate the fulfilment of the Divine purpose are deprived of their power - the dross of unworhty ambition and unholy pride is consumed, leaving the life richer, purer, and stronger.

My dear husband preached a message yesterday that summed this trial up completely. We had a hope... we desired to minister and be used by God here, and to see our church move on with the plans that had been made for God's glory. Then our hope was defferred and our hearts were sick... we began to see that everything that had been our course may be completely changed. The situation was desperate, bleak, and completely unsurpassable... unless God... Then finally, yesterday morning we had official news that God had once again delivered our church and our family out of a completely desolate situation. Now we are like them that dream... with four months of living in the fire, once God sets you free it is difficult to believe it really happened. You feel like you are dreaming. ("When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream." Ps 126:1)

In the dark room of trial God brings out the beauty of His own nature, fixing the heart in true devotion upon Himself. Every natural challenge to His sovereignty is dissolved, and the image of Christ alone remains to tell of life's true relationship.

All that I can say is, "I will sing unto the Lord for He hath triumphed gloriously..." I am sure that our struggles are not over, in fact, I am sure there will be more. Yet, I know once again that God has proven Himself faithful. During these past few months, God brought me to the place where I knew that there was absolutely NOTHING I could do to change the circumstances. There was nothing - besides WAITING - on Him that was assigned to me. I had to trust and rest that He would take care of everything. Why is trusting, resting, and waiting so difficult for us?

His prescence shall lighten thy hours of loneliness; His beauty shall transform the frowning face of thy lot; His heart whispers shall heal thy wounds. Gethsemane and Golgotha shall lead thee to Easter's radiant morn. The things that threaten to crush thee shall add to the lustre of thy crown. ~ E. Boulton

So today, I am still like them that dream. Yet, I know that God is faithful not only to deliver me, but also His church. I know that He carried us through this fire and safely brought us to the other side. He is my hope and salvation!

(Selections in red were from the devotional "Drops from the Honeycomb" for the day that God sent His deliverance from this trial.)

The 4th Memories

2011-07-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Isn't it wonderful to make great memories? I love those days when you can sense that you are making memories that you will cherish later... days with family - or with friends just being together.

Travel, Texas, and a Tournament...

2011-07-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

It sure has been a while since I've posted, and I must admit the time went by so fast that I didn't even realize I hadn't posted for this long! We took our annual journey out West and visited with the grandparents...

By the way...Texas has beautiful sunsets...

and even pretty cool grandparents...

We visited some pretty fun places...

Saw some pretty amazing things...

Had loads of fun... can't you tell?

Met up with some old friends...

Did some camping... good times... good times...

Saw more beautiful sunsets...

Visited the shrine of Texas freedom.... and let me tell you... Texans take that seriously!

Ohhh... and we visited a few more places... like Cabella's and Sam Moon...

but you know which one deserves honorable mention...

Here's another Texas shrine... but only in the eyes of the girrllllssss!

We had great fun, and made great memories... but then we came home and had base ball tournaments!

Slater was so excited to finally win a game! He had a great time and his team did 2-2.

But it has been so busy around here... I think I need to read my previous post about being still!

Be Still and Know that I am God...

2011-06-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

S T I L L

"Be still and know that I am God"

Dictionary.com says that "still" is... "the absense of sound or movement", "pacific, placid, serene", "undisturbed or tranquil." That is a beautiful picture isn't it? A place that I desire, one that I would absolutely love to have access to. Yet, why is it so hard to "still" ourselves? The "still" that the Bible talks about here, often seems like a foreign land. Aplace very far away...

Busy... Worried... Needed... Stressed... Burdened...

Ah... here is where we live. The opposite of that wonderful little word "still." We as wives and mothers and women in general, often have so many demands placed upon us, and we continue to accept more. A vicious circle that seems to never end. Yet, is it pleasing to God? I always hate to rely on man's opinion about spiritual matters, so what does the Bible say?

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Matthew 6:25-32

Ah... the Bible tells us that we are to abstain from worrying and being anxious but how do we do that? How can we possibly be women and NOT worry? It seems like for most of us, it is part of our daily living just as we eat and breathe, we worry. Yet, clearly we see by worrying we are disobeying the scriptures' command to "be anxious for nothing." We need help... we need to know how to stop the vicious cycle. Besides the simple common sense approach of not taking on too much...(ahh hem...) the Bible clearly tells us how to stop the worry!

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass. Psalms 37:5

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Be still and know that I am God... Ps 46:9

So, when the trials of life are consuming you 1) Commit thy way (prayerfully give it to HIM), 2) seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God (seek HIM in HIS WORD and through prayer), and 3) be still and know (rest) that He has it all under control.

Breaking a habit isn't easy... and that is exactly what worry and anxiety is for most of us. Let's consciously commit our way to Him today and ask Him to break the sinful habits in our lives.

Are we too busy?

2011-06-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

"Why stand ye here ... idle?" Matt. 20:6

"It is possible to be idle and yet to be fully occupied; to neglect one's paramount duty while yet employing every moment of one's time."

I would have to resoundingly agree. Do you feel like some days you spend the whole day doing, doing, doing... yet not really doing anything of lasting benefit. I feel that I am guilty of this most days. Yes, I know being a mother is a great and God honoring thing... yet - the question follows me, "Am I doing my best for my Lord?"

Am I teaching and training my children with their future in mind? Do I work on instilling in each of them godly characteristics? Am I the wise woman building up her house, or the foolish plucking it down with my hands?

I can't help but feeling that I could spend less time on the computer, less time on the telephone, less time doing trivial things - and more time investing in my children and showing them Christ through my life.

"Consider then! is it not idle to waste time in trivial occupations when we are charged with serious responsibilities, or to employ only our lowest powers and talents and leave our higher ones unused? For a Michelangelo, who could plan and erect a St. Peter's to spend his life in rough hewing blocks of marble, would it not have been a sin and a shame? For Peter, James, and John to have continued their fishing after receiving from the risen Saviour their great commission, or for Paul to have retained tent-making as his life's main business after his conversion, would it not have been sinful waste of precious time, as well as sinful disobedience? We may be spending the one life that God has given us to live for Him, in doing work of a kind different from that which our Master intended; of a lower and less important description..."

God help me, to be busy about your business today...

Peachtree Baptist Church Youth Ministry

2011-05-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

The month of May has been so busy... it really hasn't seem like we have had even a few minutes to enjoy it...

It started at the Cotton Pickin' Fair...

where we evangelized, passed out DVD's, and ministered to people...

got our faces painted...and other body parts...

and did all kinds of crazy stuff...

Then the next weekend we ended up in Brooks at the park across the street from our house - selling funnel cakes - so that the youth could go to camp!

which quickly declined to snake handling...

And of course... the "little rebels" were thrilled to be right next to a "Son of Confederate Soldiers" representative!!

It was great fun... and we were able to get about 3/4 of our camp money... Keep praying for the rest!!

My little girl is 13!

2011-05-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

I really just can't believe how fast time flies. I know that really sounds trite...but I am completely serious! It boggles my mind at how fast a week goes by. I wish there were some way that I could put our life on hold or at least slo-mo for awhile!!

See this was just yesterday...

or wait...

that was 8 years ago...oh my....

See what I mean... this little girl who just turned 13 on Monday is now...
taller than me...

wears a bigger shoe size than I do ... (which is saying a whole lot!!)

and in my impartial opinion is... so pretty... when did this happen?

A Secret Mission...

2011-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Should we homeschool in the summer or not???

The facts are strong on both sides... but I must admit... the lazy days of a free summer call to me! Even when I taught at school, I think I loved summer way more than the kids did! I love the peaceful relaxation and the time it gives me to unwind and destress. I know I would never be able to get through all of the rough times with homeschooling if I didn't have a bit of time off. However, I really see that the children do begin to forget a good bit of what they were learning. It's with this in mind, that I have tried to concoct a summer experiment... my very own covert educational mission!

My poor innocent children just won't know what hit them! I want the kids to be able to review and practice some of the skills that we have worked so hard this year to learn. So, I am putting together several websites that offer concrete drill and practice at each level that my children need with awesome super fun games. The beauty of this Secret Mission is that whenever the kids get bored this summer, I can honestly tell them to go "play" with the websites that I have put in their lists. Learning will be taking place, kids will be having fun, and I will be sitting on my patio, sipping a lemonade, reading a book, and refreshing my soul! Woohoo... can't wait for summer break... how 'bout you?

A Summer Secret - Book Review

2011-05-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Just (finally) finished a good book by Kathleen Fuller called a Summer Secret. This would be a super pick for a young girl. The story is about an Amish Family and their children. The young people find a run away boy living in an abandoned barn and decide they must help him. But then things get out of control and... well, you'll just have to pick up a copy and check it out! Yet, as a new author Kathleen Fuller has you interested from the first moment. With poignant thought provoking issues for young people introduced throughout, this is a great read!

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The Future of Homeschooling

2011-04-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

No... I am not gazing into a crystal ball to tell the future of homeschooling...

But, I am looking at the facts...

Did you know that the most recent government count of homeschoolers was at 1.5 million in 2007? And this was estimated with a projected growth rate of 36% a year! Calculate that and you have nearly 3 million Americans that are homeschooling!!!

But, in this "government" count, they excluded those homeschoolers who particpated in umbrella schools, public school sponsored homeschools, and temporary homeschoolers. Also, think about most homeschooling families - I lump myself in this - I don't really like the government to know everything that we do so I typically only answer what I have to... So in all reality the government's count could be VERY shy! Including in all of these other "excluded" groups would bring the homeschooler count to between 4-6 million. WOW!!

So, if homeschooling is really growing this rapidly what does that mean for our future? Yes, I have seen homeschooling grow from a "red headed stepchild" to a popular method of education. Homeschooling has grown from having little to no resources to having such a plethora of resources that it boggles my mind to look for curriculum. There are homeschooling support groups all over the place now, and even our family and friends are starting to "come around" to our crazy decision to homeschool. The scene has changed - and definitely for the better, but again... what does that mean for our future?

Well, truthfully no one can say. Alot of the future of homeschooling depends on how the federal and state governments continue to look at home education. As long as the laws remain that protect our freedoms in this area... we should be able to continue. Yet, with so many Americans making homeschooling their method of education our voice becomes louder. At this point in time...with an estimated 4-6 million homeschoolers... the future of homeschooling appears strong and growing!!

The Toilet is Overflowing... but am I?

2011-04-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Overflowing toilets are a serious issue at our house... in fact, it has happened twice this month...

...beautiful innocent children become monsters when they leave a loaded toilet to gracefully spill its contents out onto the floor...

...fill up the bathroom, and spill down onto the ceiling below...

...trickle down the lights, and spill out of the stove vent hood...

...dripping onto innocent mothers cooking dinner...

That's alot of overflowing... which brings me to my thoughts today...

Am I? You know, overflowing... hopefully not with the same nastiness that we were just talking about... but with the Lord...

Am I so full of Him that it spills out onto everything around me? How I want to be! We were made for this... not for sitting in front of the TV... not for wasting time and money... but we were made to seek Him. To draw nigh to Him, and to relish in His amazing love! God help me today... to be so full of you I just drip onto everything near me, around me, above me, and below me!

I recently started a new Bible reading program... it is really interesting... it gets you reading ALOT... somedays I can't get through all of it - you know since I only have a couple kids and all... but I try. You can check it out here and here. I am praying that He will fill me as I earnestly seek Him.

I did purchase plungers for each toilet in our house,and have conducted plunger school...

...By the way... anyone know a good painter... we have some water damage on our kitchen ceiling... ;)

Making peace with Graham Crackers and English Muffins...

2011-04-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Everyone has their own daily personal battles...
For one person it may be loneliness... for another it may be sickness... or financial difficulty...
Many days mine is frustration with training and teaching my children, and stress that I just don't have more time to do what needs to be done with them. Some days, I just gotta laugh or I would cry! How about an English muffin, chocolate graham cracker, and cheese sandwich? She knew mommy was busy, so she fixed her own lunch... This, of course, makes me sad that she didn't want to bother me because she knew I had so much to do...

Life is full of unexpected challenges... yet being able to rest in the Father's will though life's storms threaten and howl about you is evidence of a true child of God...

He fills us with His strength and we go on though we really don't understand how...

I love this song that Heartland Baptist College sings...
Is there something in your way, a battle you can't win
Do you struggle day to day with thoughts of giving in?
There's no reason for despair, He has walked this way before.
With compassion flowing free, He is there for you and me.
That's what grace is for...
When all hope fades away, and prayers are only words.
Just reach out in faith and know, He's already heard.
He'll mend your wounded heart,
Peace he will restore - His arms are open wide
Walk through mercy's door - That's what grace is for!!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Cor. 12:9

Under the circumstances...

2011-03-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been there? you know... under the circumstances?

Are you there right now?

I have been there many times, though it isn't a place that I should be because I am His.

That's difficult. When things are tough... the stress is high... do we get "under His wings" or "under the circumstances?"

I often allow my perception of what I should be, how I should be doing it, and what others think to put added stress on my life. I have always had these goals in my head that I felt I must live up to but are my "goals" His goals? Are the troubles of this life the focus of my life?

If I could only focus on Him, the trials and troubles would become so much smaller... and actually pale in comparison to ... HIM.

Phil. 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand, be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God . And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Rain, prayer, and hope

2011-03-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Random...

Yes, that is the only word that really covers my title... or truly my thoughts today.

It has been raining for 3 days in Georgia...

You know how it is... rain... kinda makes you sleepy, thoughtful, and a bit retrospective...

I have been thinking this morning about a comment that my Pastor made yesterday about prayer... Abraham had prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah asking God to spare the city... he had prayed many times but God chose not to give him his request... Yet, Lot prayed one more time that God would spare one of the cities of the plain... and He did. The point is... just one more prayer... might be the one that "is enough"... the one that fills the vial... With that in mind, how important it is for us to pray! Thank you Lord for the means of grace...

...and thinking of that... brings hope to my heart. Hope that God hears our prayers and STILL ANSWERS them... hope that God has it all under His control... and hope because when the rain comes and the wind blows and we feel so threatened we can trust that we are safely sheltered "under His wings."

Thank you Lord...

Being Christ - "like"

2011-03-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I came across this quote today from Salt and Light Ministries website...

"You know, when you hang around Someone, when you're in Their presence, you eventually start talking like them and thinking like them and even acting like them.... Ah....In His presence is where we want to be...Jesus ministered out of the abundance of His relationship with the Father.....God has not called us to ANYTHING but Himself and everything else flows from that call ! (see John 15:5)"

Oh, that I would "hang around" my Lord so much that I would just naturally become like Him!

What's your personality?

2011-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend, Mary who admins a great website call Strong Women Surrendered Hearts. Today she posted this link http://similarminds.com/jung.html for a free personality test. I have done a few of these in my time, and even used a few for some of my college classes, but this one was a bit more on target than most free tests that I have taken before... check it out - it's kind of neat! You might find out more about yourself than you really want to! ;)

Oh... by the way... here are my results.

ESTJ - "Administrator". Much in touch with the external environment. Very responsible. Pillar of strength. 8.7% of total population.

Personality Test by SimilarMinds.com

Spring Fever...

2011-03-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you... but homeschooling is getting harder... the prettier it gets outside! Ahhh... the dangers of Spring Fever. They want to play and be outside, so I'm trying to work with it. :) I have to admit - I have it too!

Trying to do more of our lessons outside

and even some reading on the porch swing.

We've been studying about birds - doing Apologia science's book about Flying Creatures. Love the book... and are just now able to get "into it" since the birds are returning!!

What are you doing to combat Spring Fever at your house???

Baseball and Memories...

2011-03-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was a busy, crazy day... but full of memories for our little man.

He was in a parade...

and played his first baseball game of the season...

Got to pitch his first game...

AND it was against the team his best buddy is on!

It was tough work rooting for our little guy! (nervous mommy mouth...)

But we managed it... and still got some smiles...

Sweet memories...

...my little Jo.

I Have Been Blessed...

2011-03-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

I know... I just posted about my crazy life adventures with my crazy kids... but all day I have been thinking... how blessed I am.

In my devotions this morning... the scripture was a verse about how God promises that His children will endure trials. That could be discouraging... but if we look at it from God's viewpoint, it is sooo encouraging! You see - He sees us as His children needing correction, needing growth, needing maturity. So, just as I have to put up with crazy stuff from my children.... ohhhh does my precious Lord put up with crazy stuff from me! He leads me along, teaches me lessons from my failures, uses circumstances to show me how to trust Him, and ultimately He makes me more like Him. Yes, trials and testings are so scary, but the goal is so blessed!

So - yes today - I am thanking Him... for the crazy moments with my family... for He is teaching me lessons much deeper than just how to clean up toilet water and powder snow!

Thank you Lord, for loving me!

What is going on with my life?

2011-02-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

I know I have been quite negligent in my posting here at Faith and a Full House... but that's just it... I have a full house! Everytime I turn around these days there is a huge catastrophe awaiting my attention. I am sure all of you mothers with many children can commiserate! Somedays I can't even find the time to shower... yeah - I know... that's gross.

Just this past week we have had a series of "freak" accidents at our house. Really, I'm not sure if I should call them freak or just kid related incidents that make me freak out.

The first eerie... no... GROSS situation occured while I was fixing lunch for the kids. All of a sudden I felt drops of water hitting my face from the built in range vent hood. At first, I didn't get what was going on... then the sound of running water hit me (or should I say dripped on me)! Someone had plugged the toilet and then the toilet was stuck running... and now it was dripping from the second floor through the ceiling down through the vent hood and onto my face....YYYUUUUKKK! Of course, I ran upstairs to take care of the issue - but needed way more towels than I had anticipated! Eventually, I got all of the water up - and then took another shower....grrr.....

After I had the nasty toiletty water towels safely washing in the machine, I heard a knock at the door. I go to answer, and there is a nice deputy sheriff waiting for my attention. I kindly asked what it was that he needed, and he proceeded to tell me that someone from our house had called 911 and he was just checking it out. Now, I thought the toilet incident was pretty bad, but not quite bad enough to call 911 over. So, who called? Yeah... you guessed it my precious little blue eyed three year old! I apologized profusely that he had to come by my house when there were real criminals out there needing his attention. He did look at me rather weird when I said that, maybe I look like a criminal or something - OR maybe he can read minds!!! I then proceeded back into the house to debrief my dear little ones over the importance of NOT calling 911 unless someone is bleeding, hurt, or dying. I think they got it... let's hope.

Over the weekend our dogs kept mysteriously getting shocked (shock collars) everytime they stepped out of the back door. I shut off their transmitter, and still they wouldn't go past the back steps. They wouldn't use the bathroom for over a day! Yes, they finally they got over it - it was pretty bad - we thought we were going to have labradoodles. :)

Then yesterday my dear sweet Jordan was telling me about some amazing thing she had done and just tripped over her own feet and broke open her chin on the door jamb. I mean... crazy! It swelled up huge and now is a lovely shade of purple. Oh... this is not the extent of her amazing capabilities... later that day she was hopping on one foot with her other leg bent over and pulling on her ankle. Fun... but it popped her knee out of socket... screams... tears...all I could think of was, "What am I going to tell the emergency room now? (purple chin and knee out of socket) 'Yes, doctor she just did it to herself'!"... but thank God while I was thinking through that one... daddy came to the rescue and rubbed it the right way and it popped back in.

Tomorrow I am going to try to work on my income taxes... do you think I'll make it through alive?

Free Public School Resources

2011-02-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have several friends that have used the free government resources that are available for homeschoolers. They have had needs such as learning disabilities, in which their children need speech therapy or other additional services that they really couldn't afford. This seemed to work out well for them, but they did have to stay accountable to the party providing the services to them. It was a benefit for them, but they weren't completely free to educate as they pleased. Once they had taken advantage of the benefit they surrendered some of that freedom.

As a homeschooling family what do you think about taking advantage of these "free" services? My personal conviction is to struggle through and try to pay for the services myself, in order to completely maintain my freedom in educating my children. I feel it would be worth it to me. I can understand the other viewpoint as well. Let me know what you think!?

Here is a recent post I made on another blog about the same issue...

Public School Resources

Frustrated with your curriculum?

2011-01-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hi dear homeschooling friend... Ever get frustrated with your curriculum? I sure have, but I have learned over the years to stop the frustration as soon as possible. This is for your sake as a parent, but also for your child's sake! :) If you are getting frustrated with the way a curriculum is laid out, or requirements that it is putting on you and your child... just stop! I suggest a day or two off from school, take inventory of what exactly it is that is frustrating you. Make a list, this will give you a visual of what you don't like. Then make a list of the ways that your child learns best - really think about this. You could watch how your child plays and learns for a day and make notes. Compare this with your frustration list. What do you find? I am guessing that will find that your child's "strengths" are NOT the things that are frustrating you. These lists are telling you something loud and clear... find a different curriculum!

The lists of your child's strengths should guide you in your new curriculum choice. Find a curriculum that their learning style will find a comfortable fit. This in itself should help alleviate that stress thats been stalking you lately... There are so many great homeschooling curriculums available, that there really is no need for you to suffer with one that isn't a good fit for you and your family!

Being a Martha AND a Mary

2011-01-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have been meditating on the story of Martha and Mary today... I am sure you can guess why! Feeling as if my busy serving has totally "encumbered" me. I have many many things that need to be done for my family as well as for the Lord's service. Yet, in trying to get it all done - I have begun to feel encumbered - just like Martha. Luke 10:40

Serving the Lord is a good thing -even serving Him with all you have until you have nothing left... but we cannot truly serve Him without also having comunion with Him. Like Spurgeon says, being Martha and Mary takes great grace. Being busy serving the Lord - and being in constant communion with Him is not an easy task. In fact, the harder tasks are always the more spiritual tasks. It is harder to pray an hour than to "serve" in menial tasks for the same amount of time.

God help me today - to first seek You and communion with You... then serve You with all my heart!

Creation Evangelism 2011

2011-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about the outreach our church is doing this year. We have been planning for several months now, an evangelistic outreach ministry to our town. We are hoping to reach our town through distribution of DVDs, materials, visitation, and gospel CDs. Would you pray with us about this ministry?
We are trying to reach our whole town with a Creation DVD. I am posting it here if you want to check it out. We have also tried to find some tract/brocures that support creation evangelism.

What really put it all together for me was one of Ken Ham's videos. He stated that today we are fighting a losing battle against the effects of an eroded foundation. We are trying to battle the decay in many areas... but we are not getting to the root of the problem. This is what really spoke to me... the root is the fact that over the past century the foundational belief that GOD created the heavens and the earth in a literal 6 days has been attacked and evolution has now given many people the "godless" belief of their beginnings. When man believes that he has been created by chance, on accident, he then does not have to acknowledge a Creator God. Yet, if man agrees that there was a CREATOR... then man is responsible to that Creator... and must then follow his Creator's will for his life. Also, if Gen. 1:1 is not true, then the rest of God's Word is not true.

Basically - no Creator - no responsibility - no sin - no right - no wrong. Can you see it? This is so true... this is IT. This is exactlly where our society is... exactly what has happened to us! If we can restore that foundation... the fact that man was created by God... and that Genesis 1:1 is true... then man must also agree that the rest of God's Word is true as well. We are accountable to a holy God, and that one day man will face his Creator and give an account of his life. Oh... that God would give us souls in our town that through this ministry may be prepared to meet HIM on that day!

Fourth grade Writing

2011-01-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Writing isn't an easy thing to teach at best, but given a set of twins who hate writing... it's a nightmare! It has been our present joy to have a book report to write this week. Wow! after writing, rewriting, and rewriting... it still isn't any easier. Taking each step one at a time was the only way that we made it. Gathering information, taking notes, and then writing interesting sentences from the information was slow going. The twins, age 9 are not fans of anything that has to do with creative writing. Though it isn't easy, it is definitely something that we need to keep at.

So, though a necessary evil, I see many harrowing days of writing in our future. If you have any advice for lessening the pain of teaching creative writing... please share! My life may depend on it! :)

Snow...Snow...Snow...

2011-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's here again, snow in Georgia! Beautiful white snow... freezing cold weather... keeping all of my energetic wonderful little indians inside! We are attempting to make good use of these "stay at home" days by working hard at our schoolwork. I find that working double hard on these "yukky" weather days gets us where we need to be to enjoy the beautiful weather once it finally comes. So it's been a long day, working hard at our online lessons, but here's lookin' toward the sunny days of the future!

Homeschool Blog Carnival

2011-01-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

The Homeschool Blog Carnival has its Princess Bride edition up... if you love encouragement, great ideas, and uplifting homeschool stories... check it out.

Click here to visit the blog carnival -

Refreshed and Ready to go?

2011-01-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, we have just had two great weeks of festivity and family time... I should be totally refreshed and ready to get back to homeschooling. Yet, for some reason my mind keeps begging for more time... could it be the never ending "To Do" list that I just can't complete, or maybe the dread of getting back to that troublesome subject that the twins just can't grasp? It really could be a myriad of things, but I know that if I don't get down to business sometime soon... I never will. Yet, as I sit here wondering what could help me get into the right frame of mind... some advice a friend recently gave me popped into my head.

I was struggling with meeting the daily requirements of homeschooling, being a mother and wife, working at home... and finding joy and excitement in them. She suggested reading books on the topics that I was particularly discouraged with. I thought she was a bit crazy at first, but since I was in pretty bad shape... I was willing to try anything. I immediately went to the library and Amazon.com... I found several books on homeschooling and children's learning checked them out, and ordered the rest. What I discovered really changed my perpective. I realized that my dear friend was sooo right! When I started reading about homeschooling and the benefits as well as the struggles that other moms face and how they tackled them, I got excited. I began to see again how worthwile all the hard work is... how meaningful every day can be in the life of my children... and I found my joy and excitement again!

So, I am going to take one more day of "holiday" and we are going to read... read... read...I know what I will find when I dig into the treasure trove of other mother's amazing experiences, and remind myself of the many victories that we find daily in the trenches of homeschooling. Not to mention that the kids will love reading books themselves and will probably also appreciate the fact that I regained my perspective before we started back to the old grind... Needing some refreshment? a little perpective? Have a mini workshop in your own home and read up on the benefits of ... homeschooling! Guaranteed to get you ready to get the new year started... ahhhhh just what I needed....

Shirt sleeves, sunshine, and soapsuds... again

2010-12-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

Finally, this week has been so beautiful (warm) in Georgia. Not lots of sun,but warm enough to go out without a coat! The younger kids have been sneaking outside at every opportunity. We will be reading a school assignment, and I will go get something only to come back to an empty room. At first I thought, "Whoa ... where'd everybody go?" But then I heard hammering...they were all outside playing in Daddy's old wood pile and trying to build a fort. How fun is that? I always wanted a fort or a tree house when I was a kid...

Crazy... but fun - great memories to hold on to! Well, sometimes... Last night the two little girls were taking a bath, and I stepped away for something (OK... I guess I need to stop stepping away). I came back to a tub full of suds, girls, and towels. When I asked rather impatiently what had happened, they said we were trying to wash our hair and the soap came out. Hmmmm.... Then I asked why the towels were in the tub with them. Their response,"We were cold." Huuuhhhh? Oh, the complex mind of a child, some things I just don't even try to understand...

Holiday Hullabulu

2010-12-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you... but it is crazy at our house. Even more crazy than typical... and that is pretty crazy. I love the holidays, but it sure does take its toll on our sanity and especially our schooling. The kids really do not want anything to do with "work." They have holiday fever! Really bad...

I'm not sure what you do during the holiday... but I have decided that our homeschool needs some help. I plan on doing some "out of the box" things over the next few weeks. An attempt at getting the kids to settle down, and actually learn something.

We've checked out books from the library, and will be watching a few "learning" videos this week. The kids are doing their online lessons, and a light load of worksheets...

How about you? Doing anything different to survive the holiday hullabulu?? Share... please!

O Come All Ye Faithful...

2010-12-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

I just love this time of year... the only time of year that we can go to public department stores and hear hymns being sung... Christmas hymns that is! I was thinking today of those good old Christmas hymns... many of them have such a great message. Enough that they are a witness to the unconverted... even convicting to those who are converted. - "O Come all Ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant... O Come let us adore HIM" Wonderful words - I know I need to be reminded to focus on Him during this season!

Yet, it makes me very angry to see how so many people, organziations, and even stores are taking away even the name of the holiday. Happy Holidays is becoming the "politically correct" version of Christmas. Which is completely ridiculous, because the national holiday that we celebrate on December 25th is legally named "Christmas." I have personally chosen to only shop at stores this year that openly use Christmas in their advertisements.

Christmas is because of Christ. We celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, that was the purpose of the holiday... how can it be a holiday without a purpose? Happy Holidays... what does that celebrate?

I hope that many of you are choosing to wish people a Merry Christmas - and continue to celebrate this wonderful holiday for HE is the reason for this season!

Luke 2:11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.

Thanksgiving in Many Ways

2010-11-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

First of all... I can't believe it has been so long since I posted. Yikes... it suprised me.

Secondly, I want to give thanks for the many blessings in my life... even if it is a bit belated. Sometimes, life just kinda gets you caught up in its whirlwind and you don't even notice that time has just flown by!

I am so thankful for all of God's blessings on my life. I am thankful for salvation for through that Jesus has given me access to my heavenly Father. I am thankful for prayer and the Word of God - Scripture - the means of grace in my life. I am thankful for a husband that loves me - that WILLS or CHOOSES to love me even when I am so unlovely. I am thankful for the children God has given me - a quiver full - the arrows that I am to shape, form, and aim for God's glory. Psa 127:4 "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." I am thankful for a home, clothing, and food, for the ability to pay our bills and take care of the children that God has given us. I am thankful for a job, as well as a job for my husband. I am thankful for a church that preaches the truth, worships the Lord, and exhorts the saints of God.

...Thank you Lord for your blessings on me...

Finding Contentment in Difficulties

2010-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Contentment is a choice, not a spiritual mystery...
... an act of faith.

Faith that God has given all that He wants for us to have at this present time. You ask why would god want me to be in the difficult situation that faces me now? or Why would God let our family suffer in these circumstances? or even Why would He neglect us?

So many times, we (I) waste precious moments asking God to change these circumstances believeing that happiness or contentment will follow, but what we don't see is that God uses these situations to prepare us to be better used by Him.

Can we ever change anything in our lives by desiring or even coveting it? Can a man who wants to be taller add an inch to his stature? Never. Yet we can be content by stepping out in faith and accepting what God has for us as He gives it to us each day. If we adjust our expectations to match HIS SUPPLY - contentment is sure to follow.

I have asked myself these questions this week...

Do I want more than I can have?
Do I ask for more than I need?
Do I strive for more than I can do?
Do I expect mroe than God promises?

Sadly, I had to say yes to some of these... I am praying that God will help me to expect only what HE GIVES... and thus experience true contentment.

The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage. Ps 16:6

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Proverbs 30:8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us therewith be content. I Tim 6:6-8

Secrets... and Confessions...

2010-11-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yes... it's true... I have made a confession. My dirty little secret is out. Curious? Jump on over to this blog that I write for each week and find out!

Generation Misdiagnosed

2010-10-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

I was recently reading an article that nearly made my blood boil. Researchers are now saying that there are nearly 1 million children in the United States that are misdiagnosed with ADHD. Boy, did I see that coming. In the early nineties, when I was teaching in school this was so common. Although our school was a proponent of natural rememdies, I had many children who were treated with ADHD drugs. Many of them were truly discipline problems even WITH their medication. Often I could not tell a difference between their behavior on the drugs or off the drugs. (which by the way, leads teachers to suggest higher doses and on and on) But now, a decade later we are trying to rein in a horse that has run free for way too long. What damage has already been done to the previous generations that are now trying to function as adults?

The other article that I read stated that often the issues associated with ADHD can be resolved with play, "green" time, and excercise. The studies cited in this article mentioned that children were tested with no play time - with play time indoors - and with playtime outside. Which do you think responded better? I can only imagine that you would answer - play out of doors. It is so true - children are created to discover, to learn through play, if we take that from them - WE are the ones causing these issues. Here's the kicker - guess what teachers in schools do to children who are misbehaving? They take away their playtime - the time they need outside to release their energy - to discover - and to play. You see, a vicious circle ensues. Misbehavior, no play time, more misbehavior, teacher diagnoses child as ADHD, child put on medication, misbehavior... What did we do 100 years ago when there wasn't ADHD?

Just go play outside...

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-10-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Wow...isn't it amazing how exhausted you get when you are constantly going? This past week has been very crazy... well, crazy good! We had a youth meeting at church, and then our Bible conference - along with a family in the church moving across the country, and another moving in. Every day was alot of going, and working... and we are truly exhausted. The children actually slept 11 hours last night. That spoke volumes to me. They were (with all their amazing energy) as tired as I was!

Through our exhaustion, weakness, and business - God was still so good to meet with us. I can truly say as so many others have before, "a river was running through my soul." We serve an awesome God, that is so good, so loving, and so just. I deserved nothing - yet he picked me up out of my sin - set my feet upon "the Rock" - and no, He didn't just leave me there - He continues to care for me, love me, and make me more like Him.

So tired... but so blessed!

Carnival of Homeschooling on Homeschoolbuzz

2010-10-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

This week's carnival of homeschooling has a lot of great posts. I appreciate these "collections" of helpful and inspiring posts about homeschooling. Take a minute and read a few... it just may give you a great idea, or inspire you in some way!

Homeschool Blog Carnival

Thoughts from Archibald Alexander 1772-1851

2010-10-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have been reading an article written over a hundred years ago entitled "Thoughts for Young People." Yes, some of it is outdated, but some of it is ever so relevant... for today... and for me...

Here's a snipet...

Permit me to suggest the following brief rules for the government of the tongue. Avoid talking too much: "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin" (Pr. 10:19). If you have nothing to communicate that can be useful, be silent. Think before you speak ...Especially, be cautious about uttering anything in the form of a promise without consideration. Be conscientiously regardful of truth...Never speak what will be likely to excite bad feelings of any kind in the minds of others. Be ready on all suitable occasions to give utterance to good sentiments, expecially such as may be useful to the young. Listen respectfully to the opinions of others, but never fail to give your testimony - modestly but firmly - against error. "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt...Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Col 4:6; Eph 4:29).

Playing... Is it Learning?

2010-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

I wonder sometimes if we really understand how to educate. Isn't it funny how a comment here, or an action there can get you thinking about something so off the wall? I am beginning to believe that playing for children or enjoyment for adults is connected to learning. What motivates? I am sure our desires account for much of it. Do we desire to do something that will make us miserable? Of course not. Just thinking out loud...

On the "educated" side of things, I have read many studies that connect play and learning. It is a documented fact that children learn through play. God created them that way. So, when I sit down to educate my children, do I make allowances for that? Sad to say, sometimes I don't. I am not saying that all day everyday should just be fun and games, but why can't something fun be the method used to bring the instruction. Jesus used parables. An enjoyable means to get across a message.

Each day in our homeschool provides new questions and situations... I think that learning would be a whole lot easier if it were a bit more fun. How can I help make it that way? Still working on that question, but I have some ideas in the making. I'll get back to you on this one...

By the way... the photos were taken by my daughter "playing" with the camera... hmmm....

Getting back on the horse...

2010-10-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Wow... life can tend to get pretty difficult at times. Well, at least where I live. Yet, I love where God has put me, I love my children, I love working with the young people at church, I love tutoring, I love being a Pastor's wife... but at times it isn't easy to walk in all those shoes.

Recently - things have been getting to me... so since this year's GACS convention was at Myrtle Beach, my husband (yes, the one who never organizes family outings) decided he was going to take me there. After I got over the initial shock of his spontaneous decision, I was amazed...

Grateful...

... and excited!

We went this past weekend, and it was truly wonderful. I couldn't help but feeling like we were on a second honeymoon - he was so sweet. (wait...not that he isn't sweet normally - but just more so...) I definitely came back with an armload of precious memories, a hermit crab ( I can't believe I actually bought one of those things - from one of those horrible beach stores...), and a desire to get back to my crazy life.

So... why did I cry all day yesterday? I really couldn't figure it out, even while I was crying - I knew that I needed to get a grip. God has been way to good to me - for me to get in the ditch like that. After begging God to give me the strength that I needed to get up and go about what He has given me to do - I finally got through it.

"Why have I found grace in thy eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me?" Ruth 2:10

Ok... it's days like that that make me feel sorry for the men who have to try to figure us out... especially when we can't even figure our own selves out. - Looking forward to a brighter day, and greater things through my precious Lord...

Homeschool blog Carnival at Sprittibee

2010-09-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this week's homeschool blog carnival at Sprittibee...ok - I must admit... I want you to visit - first because she has a great blog, and second - I have an article posted on this week's carnival. So do us both a favor and go check it out - there are always great posts about homeschooling!

Click here to visit the Homeschool Blog Carnival

If you are interested in submitting an article to the next homeschool blog carnival click here:

To them that believe, He is precious!

2010-09-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ III Jn 1:4

Today was an extra special day. My dear crazy twins - born April 5, 2001 - were baptized. Slater had made a profession of faith over a year ago at our church's annual Camp Meeting in 2009. He had been under conviction for quite a while, but just couldn't quite get peace. Finally, after months of prayer, God saved him! Charis was just recently saved, but in our conversation that day she revealed something that really startled me. She told me that she was waiting to be saved, because she thought she would have a second chance after Jesus came for the rapture of the saints. She and I have had other similar conversations, where she let me know she doubted if the Bible was true, and Jesus really was REAL. This idea of a second chance stemmed from that. She thought if she saw Jesus take us all to heaven, then she would know he was real. This really scared me. WOW... I didn't realize that a nine year old was capable of that type of thought process. Since the spring, Charis has really been on my heart. I have been praying that God would make salvation clear to her - to give her understanding. On September 9th He did just that. She became a beggar... asking God to save her. What a HUGE blessing it was to see the twins baptized TOGETHER! God has been so GOOD to me! How could I ever thank Him for HIS abundant blessings on us... for He not only cares for our needs - but gives us our hearts desires as well! I am now praying that He would use them, not just to live an ordinary life in HIM... but to live extraordinary lives FOR HIM!!

It was my birthday on Friday - this was the BEST birthday present EVER!! :)

Cyber Book Club

2010-09-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

I know so many of my dear cyber friends homeschool. So, I wanted to share with you a really great new homeschooling resource, a cyber - book club! This week is the pilot week, so I thought I'd ask you all to stop by and join up. A dear friend of mine, Mary is moderating this book club. She's a wonderful and encouraging person - just meeting her will be a blessing I am sure!

CYBER BOOK CLUB

This book club is for everyone - and its free! I am excited just thinking about the encouragement that it will be! Hope you will join us!

Soap and Jacuzzis

2010-09-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

My children are so smart... they do science experiments without being made to! Just this week, they wanted to find out the answer to what would happen if you put a whole bottle of Johnsons baby wash into a jacuzzi tub and turned it on. Wow - were they suprised...

They look a little like deer in headlights...maybe it was because Daddy found them...

Feeling a little less than?

2010-09-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling is one of the hardest things that I have ever done. As most of you know, I taught in the regular classroom for over 12 years, was a principal, and taught college courses for over 10 years. STILL... I must repeat... homeschooling is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is so personal... if my children don't learn - it is MY fault and mine alone. Can you commiserate?? Sometimes the pressure that I feel is so great, I am almost overwhelmed. I especially let it knock me down when I talk with homeschooling mothers who seem to have little "geniuses" that are getting college credit at 15. How do they do it? Is their whole life devoted to study? Do they ever have fun? I would love to just ask - In fact, I think the next time I run across a genius homeschooler who has studied Biology and Algebra II before they reach high school... I WILL ASK... do you ever have fun? Do you ever just watch movies?

Anyway, it took my wonderful husband to wake me up this time. He pointed out that I have great children who are self motivated... who take time to learn and study and READ. Yet, these children are individuals... they are NOT going to be just like another... they ARE going to be just what God made them to be! We strive for excellence - we "Study to show ourselves approved unto God - a workman that needeth NOT to be ASHAMED..."

So if you are feeling like you don't measure up - just check yourself... Are you doing your best? Are you striving for excellence? Are you careful to encourage your children to learn within their means? Are you fostering and letting them blossom within their strengths? Then keep your head up... you are NOT less than! You are doing a great job!

PS - thanks so much Alan for resetting my viewpoint!

Birthday, ballgames and bugs...ladybugs that is!

2010-09-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

Crazy began early this weekend... on Saturday I had to run up to the store - so Chloe came with me. She was so sweet and quiet all the way to the store. I just wanted to hug her, when I got out to get her - I noticed that she was blue... from PERMANENT marker! My lovey huggy feelings went right out the window...grrr... So we went into the store looking like a mess... even got a comment from some nice gentleman about how she had made a mess of herself. Really? that was obvious! When we got home, I gave her two baths, and when she was finished with the second bath, she decided that she needed a haircut... a very short haircut. Then it finally came... the challenge of making Jordan's ladybug cake, along with doing a party for her and entertaining guests for Labor Day. We had loads of fun - played lots of ball... anyway...

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Chloe's new haircut...

We worked Saturday evening making homemade ice cream...

Melting the marshmallows to make the fondant for the cake...

Kneading and rolling the fondant out .... and many hours later....

Here it is.... not exactly what I had in mind... but not too bad for my first "fondant" experience. Except when you ate the black - your teeth and tongue turned black for quite a while... ??too much food coloring???

...and here is my little ladybug herself... I can't believe she is six already!

We polished ladybugs on the little party goer's toes... and painted ladybug shirts... very girly fun...

A few crazy girls that were there... no these weren't the ones with ladybugs on their toes...

Party entertainment... playing basketball...

...opening presents...

...and that is a crrazzzyyyy lady... and her daughter...

A True Patriot

2010-09-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

"Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics. There must be a positive passion for the public good, the public interest, honour, power and glory, established in the minds of the people, or there can be no republican government, nor any real liberty: and this public passion must be superior to all private passions. " ~ John Adams

What do you know about John Adams? In studying his life, he was an amazingly sacrificial man. He lived the majority of his life "serving" America. Here are a few facts...

As a lawyer, he represented the British soldiers that had shot men in the Boston Massacre. They were wrongly accused of murder, and he stood up for them simply because the truth needed heard - British or not!
He represented Massachusetts in the first and second continental congress, and nominated George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Contintental Army.
He was appointed to a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Though Thomas Jefferson was responsible for the bulk of it, John Adams defended and protected it.
He represented America in Europe and Britain in many forms from 1777-1788. During which time his children were educated by tutors.
He never bought a slave nor did his family use slaves. Abigail employed (paid) free blacks to assist her at times
He was vice president for two terms.
He was president for one term. During this tumultous time, our nation teetered on the brink of war with France. The greatest achievement of his presidency was to keep America out of war, which he did at great cost. He left the white house to return home in a public carriage.
He was one of two presidents to see his son become president. (John Quincy Adams)
He died along with Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1826. The fiftieth anniversary of our nation.
He served one less day than any other one term president. The year 1800 did not happen to have a leap year day.

"The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families.... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers? "

"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now. They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty. "

"Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it." ~ John Adams

Coupon Crazy...

2010-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Alright... I can't help it, I saved a boatload of money this week at the grocery store, and I am proud of it! Here's my proof:

I know alot of people have been using coupons and shopping store sales since the economic crunch began a few years ago. I used to do this every week, and then... I had TWINS. Shew... my life changed dramatically and I was just glad to get a few groceries from wherever during those early days. Now that the twins are finally 9 (it took me almost a decade to get on top of things again :0} ), I have had a bit more time to organize coupons and sales. To really take advantage of the store savings, I have had to adopt a "pantry" method. I use the sales/coupon events to stock up on certain items that week. This means that I don't go to the grocery store and get the same thing every week. I get what is on sale, and necessities for that week. Each week it may be different, but because I have a "pantry" stock I can draw from it to create my meals. It works great, and I have been spending less than $600 a month (this includes detergents, paper products, medicines, and cleaning supplies) to feed and care for 8 people.

Sound exciting? Anyone can do it, so why don't you give it a try. If you live in the South, start with SouthernSavers.com and Couponmom.com. Both of these give you the sales for your favorite stores. In my area it is Publix, Kroger, and Walmart. Between these three, it has worked great!

A Homeschool Intervention

2010-08-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yes... homeschooling is tough. It isn't the easiest thing that I have ever done. In fact, I think there have been a few college level courses I have taught that were a bit easier. Still, it doesn't change the fact that homeschooling is probably one of the singlemost meaningful things that I have done with my life. I am directly involved in my children's education, I have the ability to encourage them spiritually at every turn, and I have the opportunity to raise responsible, intelligent, caring, citizens for the future.

And the future... is what I am concerned about these days. I love America - yes - I AM PROUD to be an AMERICAN. I am also very heart broken over the condition that our great nation is in these days. I truly believe that we need men like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin in these days. Yes, I know - these men were not perfect - they had issues - but they were men of great character. Character that led them to make noble and selfless decisions for the future of a fledgling republic.

What is so very encouraging is the fact that homeschooling is the fastest growing form of education in America. I wrote an article this past that brought out current research on this trend, however, the Old Schoolhouse sent out an email article today that reflected even more recent numbers. It is amazing - and very encouraging. I believe that homeschooling produces a different breed of individual - more akin to those great men I was just talking about. Just think of the change that this "explosion" of homeschooling could have on our nation if left unchecked. Could we begin to see the tide turn in favor of honest, upright, patriots? I am anxious to find out how this intervention turns out!

I have six children, and I am praying that God would allow me to influence their lives, to train them to be of noble and outstanding character like American's founding fathers, and to make a difference for God and for AMERICA!

God bless the U.S.A.!

Ladybug Conundrum??

2010-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

It's my little Jo's year to have a big birthday bash... sooooo.... I (though not very original) suggested a few birthday themes. One of which was a ladybug party. Oh my, that caught on like wildfire, and now I am having to brainstorm ideas to incorporate into a party for 6 year olds!

So, since I have such great cyber friends, I thought I would ask you all for your expert opinion - on what to do.

1. The absolute party necessity - birthday games - can you think of some really good ones that use the ladybug theme?

2. I am determined that I am going to learn how to make my own fondant and decorate a cake - here are three of my favs... which do you like?

Each of these are so pretty... whoever made them did such a good job... I can

only hope to make Jordan's as nice.

3) I am wanting to let the girls make some "favors." I thought maybe a t shirt

with some Iron on ladybugs... or black puff paint with each of their names and

ladybugs... SHARE any ideas you have!!

I have until Sept. 10th... so if you have any other ideas... I am all ears!! Please comment...

True Love

2010-08-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Just been rather under the "blog writing" weather... so sorry for my neglect. I have been trying to focus on my precious Lord and His tender mercy, provision, and love for me. His love is deeper than any person on earth could ever love me...

O THE DEEP DEEP LOVE OF JESUS by S Francis

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!

Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love

Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!

How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!

How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;

How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!

’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;

And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Homeschool Hope...

2010-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Oh... my... goodness... school hasn't even started yet and I already have a headache...
Just trying to get my thoughts together for the fall and what we plan to teach and learn this year. I have been gathering items over the past several months and setting them aside for this fall. Now I have to put all those bits and pieces into a cohesive learning plan. Just to be honest, it is giving me a bit of a headache.

Yet, the teacher in me just loves to get out the new pencils and pens, notebooks and paper, and textbooks and learning programs. Setting everything up with the anticipation of a great year of learning. There is truly something exciting in that for me. Maybe it is the new beginning, or the possibilities that a fresh start brings, or maybe even the hope that this year the problem areas will just "click" and we will have success in areas that we struggled with. Hope... that is what it is... hope for better things... new paths... greater success... achievement.

What are your homeschool plans looking like? Have you been able to sit down and put together your learning plan? Make some goals - if you give yourself something to shoot for... you will be more likely to hit it!! Well, I am back to the drawing board... and my learning plan for the fall... Good luck with yours!

Related posts: homeschool science, homeschool resources

Home sweet home...

2010-07-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know... I have been a stranger lately... but we are finally back to our "home sweet home." With piles of laundry, neglected projects, and a desk that had become a mountain of "to do's", I haven't had much of a chance to breathe let alone write. The desk mountain is now at about half capacity, the laundry is almost caught up, and well... the neglected projects are getting a lick and a promise because next week is church youth camp. AND you guessed it... we start all over again.

I have tons of pictures I want to share, and even some of our updates about homeschooling this fall. I promise it is coming soon -

When I was little, I had a small picture in my room that my grandmother embroidered for me... it said, "Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet." I guess that is my motto this summer!

A Busy Summer

2010-07-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately that I have obviously neglected my writing... but we have had some wonderful adventures!

We had a great week at our church's yearly Camp Meeting. Wonderful preaching, great fellowship, lives were changed, and souls were saved!

After camp meeting we left for a bit of family free time, we went to visit my parents and stopped off at Galveston for a couple days. We enjoyed the beauty of creation and loved watching the ocean, the flying fish, and the pelicans sweeping down for their bit of lunch.

We left Galveston after frying our children.... accidentally... in the sun, and went to visit Nana and Papa. We took a little day trip to the Wichita Mountains, and had a great time hiking up the mountains (or us Easterners used to the Appalachians would call them more "large rock piles" :)

Beautiful scenery! The kids enjoyed the hike, but Jordan got a bit hot and got sick...

We stopped at a little "hole in the wall" that is ranked 8th in the nation for its burgers! Meers Restaurant a very dignified place to eat...hmmmm...

Would you go in?

Right before we ordered... Jordan said she was hot and had a headache so we headed for the bathroom, but on our way.... she threw up next to the table beside us... and they had just ordered their "hand cut steaks"... so sorry...

Here it is folks... the whole reason we risked our lives going in to that building...the supposedly famous... Meers burger...

tasted good, but I would have rather had one of Dad's grilled hamburgers at home... where the kitchen is actually clean.

Stay tuned.... the Texas adventures are still in progress...

My best friend's back...

2010-06-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah... it's summer... it's crazy...
it's camp meeting time at church... and my best friend is home.... who hooo...

I am trying to be mature and spiritual and act my age and all that... but I can't help feeling like...

a little girl.

I just want to giggle and be silly and have fun!

I just love my best friend...

Let's go have fun... want to???

I'll take that as a YES! :)

Homeschool Science

2010-06-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Science is one of those subjects that has so much to offer. Each child can find a place of interest in this much encompassing subject. It is so amazing, but also makes home school science all the more important. Regardless of how important the subject is, a good science curriculum is very hard to come by. In the last few years, I have found a few favorites that really meet my expectations. Below you'll find my list designed to make your search for science home school materials easier!

I know I've mentioned before in my other posts about Abeka and Bob Jones being the oldest curriculum out there. They do have a good track record and definitely get the job done. Abeka is available as a basic parent/teacher led curriculum or as a DVD/internet based lesson. Either way the curriculum is top notch. Bob Jones is of similar quality, and they have a satellite program available to homeschool students that puts the student in touch with the teacher and classroom. However, when you have many children to teach science to each day - Abeka and Bob Jones can be very time consuming.

This difficulty in teaching many grade levels at once is what caused me to "shop around" the last few years. I was literally pulling my hair out trying to teach 4 grades of science and history at once. I went on a hunt for a science curriculum that I could teach to all four of my grade levels at one time, that made allowances for their achievement levels, and that presented the information in an easy to understand yet challenging way. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon Apologia Science. I was thrilled when I found this homeschool resource. We have used it for 2 years now, and haven't looked back. I still have several of the science books from ABEKA that we used prior to Apologia, but I let them read those books as readers now... it works pretty great! They enjoy it!
We also use a supplemental science home school curriculum that is internet based called Time4Learning. It has interactive games and activities that teach the lesson and let the children practice what they have learned.

Another computer based curriculum is Alpha Omega's new program, Monarch. They say it is well designed and computer integrated in a way that engages the learner. I have not used it, but I do know that behind Bob Jones and Abeka, Alpha Omega has been around almost as long. Alpha Omega also presents several other types of homeschool curriculum from Lifepacs to Switched on Schoolhouse.

A program that I recently discovered is Exploration Education's Homeschool Science Curriculum. As I previewed it, I was impressed by the hands - on aspect of learning that it incorporated as well as the many testimonials on their website.

A few free science resources include: Lesson Pathways - this program started out as a paid subscription, but is now free, Core Knowledge, PBS teacher source, Hotchalk Lesson plans page, and a great educational search engine to find more free lessons online.

A few free science review games resources include: Free interactive educational games, Nobel Prize based games, Edheads activate your mind, and Gamequarium.

Other related posts may include:
Home school resources
Language Arts Home school

Where are the Lazy Days of Summer????

2010-06-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

My thoughts today...

I love summer, always have... I enjoy the summer break from

home education

and

tutoring

as much as my children... well, at least I usually do!

This year it seems like no "break" has come??

What is up with that?

I think I need a vacation from my summer vacation....

Am I big - or still your baby?

2010-05-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

"Am I a big girl?"... Chloe asked me this morning with her sweet blue eyes shining.

" Sure sweetie", I replied. "You are growing every day, you are three now!"

It wasn't but a moment, and she was climbing on my lap. "But mommy I'm still your baby!"

Oh... my... goodness....moments that take your breath away!

..... if only I could just keep these precious moments fresh forever!

A Day of Rejoicing....

2010-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I have my own business as an educational consultant/tutor -as Reach Educational services. I tutor many different types of people from high school math to adults in college. Well, yesterday was a day of rejoicing for me in that area in many ways...

One of my long term students a young Vietnamese woman came yesterday for her session. The week before I had given her the book "Ultimate Questions" by Jeff Blanchard... only it was in Vietnamese. I had spoken with her about the Lord several times, as I know her husband had as well. But yesterday when she came she was almost glowing - she said she had read the book and she finally could understand what her husband and I had been telling her about Jesus. She said as she read the book - she wanted to be saved and stopped and asked the Lord to save her and cleanse her from her sins. She told me yesterday that she was concerned about finding a church to be faithful to and to be baptized in. Praise the Lord - She even told me that she was worried about her mother in Vietnam and called her to tell her about Jesus... but her mother quickly told her that she believed in Buddha. Join me in praying for this young lady and the desire she has to serve a LIVING God.

Also, yesterday four of my previous students graduated from high school! What a joy to have been a part of their lives and to have helped them reach this goal!! Congratulations to Kenny, Lyndsey, Josh, and Jared. I wanted to go to the graduation, but I came down with a strange allergic reaction and have really strange itchy hives... well I guess that may be too much info....

Praising God for many things today!! ( even though I'm itchy)

Homeschool Resources

2010-05-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post about some great homeschool resources that we use. These are free internet based sites that offer a lot to augment your child's homeschool education. Take a look at what I've listed, I am sure you will find a "goodie" to take with you!

Are your children having trouble remembering the various vocabulary words – such as homophones, antonyms, synonyms, prefixes, suffixes, and root words? Try this Free Vocabulary site that has all levels from Kindergarten through Twelfth grade. This is fun and educational – your children will love it!!

Here is a great site that offers free educational games for children. These are actually pretty fun - you need to try 'em!

Try Spelling City - they have a paid service but also some free resources.

Lesson Pathways also offers free lesson plans that are cross curriculum and organized by grade.

Looking for something specific...Education bug is a great site to begin when looking for anything homeschool. They are a forum based site with information on almost everything that has to do with homeschooling. If you need it – this site will help you find it!

If you are a homeschooling parent who likes to be organized you can find all kinds of great organization tools here. Check out the planner …. I love it!

Are you needing a report card to be able to “show off” your child’s progress this year? Here is one that may help… remember there are lots of places that will give your children free things in return for a good report card.

Do you want legal help in protecting your right to homeschool your children? Check out the Homeschool Legal Defense Association – this is also a great place for other homeschool resources – and to find out what is going on in your state.

Are you looking for a place to connect with other homeschooling parents? Try a parent forum or a Homeschool forum. You will enjoy the camraderie and encouragement.

Are you into notebooking or lapbooking? We do it with science and history, and love it! It really connects the material for the student. Try these free notebooking pages in your next project!

Homeschool blogger is a great place for you children to start "Journaling" on the computer. I started my older children with this and they took off... they loved the creative side of blogging and I loved the fact that they were writing... on a daily basis!!
If you have any great FREE resources that you would like to share - please comment and let me know about them...
Until next time…

Related posts

Christian Homeschool

2010-05-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Homeschoolers are cool... by the way! - or at least we think so!

Easter 2010

I can't tell you how many times I have been somewhere and gotten "looks" or have been asked if my six children go to school. When I answer, "No they homeschool", invariably I get the "Ohhhh" response. Why does the public respond so negatively to something that is different? Homeschoolers are just good mommies and daddies who want to have an active part in their children's education. The public also assumes that homeschool parents are just uneducated people who think they can do it better than the government. That is so wrong - some of the most educated people I have ever met are Christian homeschool parents. Most of my homeschooling mom friends were actually teachers in their previous life ( :) before children.) I taught for 15 years and even earned an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction, yet still choose to stay at home with my children. People should be more open and accepting to this type of parenting. But instead, most people think that the parents who are thrilled that their kids leave every day are the "normal" standard of parenting.

Anyway... off my soapbox... homeschooling is on the rise and acceptance of the homeschool lifestyle is becoming less offensive to our "modern" thinkers. (Though it really doesn't matter to me whether they think it's ok or not.) Yet, it is kinda funny how most people have a predetermined "idea" of what a homeschool family looks like... you know from the blue jean jumpers and tennis shoes to the unsocialized 6 year old rocket scientist. It's crazy - every homeschool family is different. (By the way, I don't own a blue jean jumper... and my kids surely are not rocket scientists... but they ARE definitely socialized!) Most homeschooling families are just "real" people trying to do what they think is the best for their children.

The Homeschool Family

This video from Tim Hawkins - is hillarious - depicting what people THINK homeschool families are all about... I laughed so hard - I cried....

Language Arts Home school

2010-05-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

There are a ton of great language arts home school things out there. You can definitely be picky in this area! Here are a few of the ones I hear the most about!

As I have mentioned before, there are the well known homeschool options such as Abeka, Bob Jones University Press, ACE, Alpha Omega, and Sonlight. Each of these are available as a complete curriculum... meaning you can get each subject for an entire grade from one source. This is often the choice that beginning home schoolers make. Then as they gain confidence in their abilities - they branch out to different types of homeschooling resources. I pretty much did the same thing the first year we homeschooled.

Each of these resources listed above as well as the ones listed here are workbook based curriculum. They are well designed and comprehensive. There is also the Character Quality Language Arts series from Training for Triumph, and Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind. Shurley English series is really getting a lot of attention in the homeschool community these days. I haven't used it myself, but I hear very good things about it. Another workbook and standards based curriculum is the Jensen's Grammar. I used this series in my first year of college. I felt it was very challenging.

This year we are using the Abeka Language Arts books with other supplements. We use Abeka spelling lists with Spelling City to help us review, practice, and test the words. We use Time4Learning as a supplement to both our language arts and math curriculum. It is so fun - the kids really don't think they are doing school!

A few free resources include Grammar Bytes, Lesson Pathways, The Web English Teacher, Rainbow Resource Center, Kid's Place by Houghton Mifflin, and Fun Brain.

Some people enjoy teaching their children language arts through a literature based program. This means that they use fiction or non-fiction trade books to teach their children language arts skills. Simply Grammar by Karen Andreola incorporates this method as does A Journey Through Grammar Land.

We typically also incorporate Latin into our Language Arts program. This year we used the Prima Latina for all of our children. We do it all together at one time, and it just takes a few minutes each week. It helps the children to understand the roots of our English words as well as the parts of speech.

And last but not least we use the Brian Cleary books on the various parts of speech. These books are so fun and colorful - all of our children like to read these.

This is defintiely not a comprehensive list of the available resources for homeschooling language arts, but it should give you a good start. If you come across some other well made homeschooling curriculum, please comment and let us know!

Spelling and Vocabulary Help

2010-05-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

I finally found it - a great spelling program. You have got to try it... it works real simple, but can be customized to your needs. I am still using the ABEKA word lists... but this helps make the "interest level" go through the roof!!!

Go to Spelling City
Make an account
Enter your spelling list - you can do a whole year at a time if you like.
Add children - so that they can access their own account.
Their personal accounts will track how they practice and test on each list.
All you need to do is check their accounts to see how they are doing!

I love it... and they love it... what more could I want?

You need to try this site too - great FREE site for practicing vocabulary such as root words, suffixes, prefixes, etc.

Give it a try - and let me know what you think!

The Map

2010-05-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading the book entitled The Map by David Murrow. Definitely an interesting book, but written with men in mind. The author takes us on a journey to discovering the real purpose of growth in a Christian's life. The Map tells us that there is a journey that we all embark upon once we are saved. The journey is typified in the example of Jesus' life. The Map develops an interesting story line as the character stumbles upon an ancient secret regarding a map from Old Testament times. Twists and turns in the plot add a little mystery, but the finale brings home the point.

I enjoyed the book, but since it was created more with men in mind I read it from an outsiders point of view. I thought that the analogies made to the Christian life were fitting and beneficial, and I enjoyed the bit of mystery that was thrown in. I would say this is a good book to share with a friend.

The Little Things...

2010-05-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is thinking about mothers today... me included. All day I have been thinking about a conversation that I had with my mother last night. She called to thank me for the "World's Best Nana" t shirt that we sent her...I know... but I was tired of the same old flowers. We designed it ourselves... so it was pretty cute! Anyway - She was excited to tell me that she found a little box with several little mementos in it from me to her on mother's day. I was rather suprised... because if anyone knows my mother - she is the queen of organization and cleanliness.
But though I was a bit suprised that she had kept these things... I really wasn't. You know of all people in the world - mother's tend to hang on to the little things. You know... those little things that make you think - - "I wish I could hang on to this moment a bit longer." The sweet smile.. the precious note...or even powder all over a room....

Just like the sweet old ladies in the grocery store that come up to you and tell you to enjoy every minute with your children because they grow up too fast... I have always felt our time with our children is so short... but more so these days when I think about how those little blonde curls give way to big girl hair....and dollies to high heels... and those little cars and trucks that are everywhere on the floor ....Well, they will be gone before I know it.

How can we hang on to it longer? Sadly, there really is no way - for time is not meant to stand still, but God gave us amazing memories which can hold so many dear moments, and we can savor the time we do have and hang on to the little things.... the little mementos that one day will be so precious to share with your grown up child... and maybe... just maybe you'll help them to see that the little things... the little moments....the little cards and notes... the children...need to be enjoyed and treasured before they are gone.

Ladies Fellowship

2010-05-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a busy one - that's for sure!! I felt like I could've slept all day on Monday... but not with six children running around. This past weekend was our church ladies' fellowship. We had a really special time together and God really blessed. Our dear sister Sheila came and spoke to us about depression. Wonderfully encouraging... and hopefully will help us today and in the future. She always seems to have the right "word" for the ladies of our church. I am so thankful for her! We went on to have a very Southern lunch at the Bulloch House, and of course, ice cream from Warm Springs Hotel. Aside from the weight gain from the excellent food, I believe that the ladies went away blessed and encouraged in the Lord. Yet, as always, it was hard to say goodbye to Sheila again. One of these days we will get her for good! :)

Sunday - was our first Sunday of the month fellowship dinner as well... we had a great time. Good food good fellowship - around the Word - what more could we ask for! Except for some rest...

Looks like I was trying to get a start on that Saturday... Thanks... Cammy...

Our Family Album

2010-04-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

This post is especially for Nana and Papa. Just so they can see how absolutely proud they should be of their grandchildren. Can you imagine what they will be like when they grow up?? This ought to be good!

Chloe - Boredom and a sheet of stickers

Abbey and a rattlesnake... Permanent marker tatoos - Wyatt

Haley - whatcha eatin?

Desperate for horses - Jo and Slater

Baby Powder snow...

brush those teeth girl... Charis

Wanting to swim in Feb. - Cameron

Josey May and Silas - still too young to be as strange as the others....

Silas and Josey -

Homeschool Math

2010-04-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely thrilled with how the homeschool culture is growing. The last decade has seen a huge increase in new homeschoolers, and public opinion of homeschooling is definitely changing. A decade ago homeschooling was still considered the "odd" thing to do... there are still those who may think that way... but there is a growing positive outlook on homeschooling. Yet, with all of the positive changes there is also a major influx of homeschooling curriculum. The options are seemingly endless. How do we know which courses of study are well designed and will fit what we want for our homeschool? This problem is probably one of the hardest aspects of homeschooling. Finding the right curriculum out of the hundreds that are out there is no easy task. In the next few weeks, I'd like to post the most popular homeschool curriculum based on the responses of many homeschooling families that I know, as well as several articles from magazines such as The Old Schoolhouse.

I will start with the most popular homschool math that is available for homeschoolers as well as some of the curriculum that I have used.

Workbook Based Homeschool Math Curriculum:
By far the most popular for elementary math and preschool is probably ABEKA. I think almost every homeschooling family has heard of this kit/workbook based curriculum. They are strong in most all of their subjects, and have had decades of solid performance under their belts. I went to a Christian school as a child, and this is the curriculum that I used through twelfth grade. I scored well on my PSAT and ACT and had no problem with college level work.
BJU press is a similar well proven curriculum that also has several decades of strong performance to speak of. I have a degree from BJU and do believe that their curriculum is a fine course of study. We have used the elementary reading series and a science curriculum. The BJU math is very manipulatives based and goes at a slower pace than ABEKA.
Saxon Math is another forerunner in the homeschool arena. This series has been out for several decades as well and has produced very well founded math students. Saxon math is strong in review... so much review that many homeschoolers just skip some of the review assignments.
Alpha Omega offers a complete homeschool curriculum as well and has also been around for many years. Alpha Omega offers several different options from Lifepacs (workbooks) to computer based learning programs. It is a strong curriculum, and many of my personal friends have used the Switched on Schoolhouse program.
Singapore math is an increasingly popular choice among homeschoolers these days. I have heard good things about this curriculum. It does not have the long track record of some of these other products, but it seems to be solid curriculum.
Math U See is a great option for students who have difficulty with typical math curriculums. Math U See is manipulatives based and even has accompaning DVDs to help the parent/teacher.
Time4Learning is a complete homeschool curriculum that offers math. We have personally used this program, and it is a great option. It is a standards based curriculum available online for PreK through 8th grade.
Houghton Mifflin math texts for the high school are what we use for our upper grades math. I have a degree in math so I enjoy teaching my children Algebra and such but this is not an easy road for everyone. If you have a difficult time with high school math yourself you may want to consider a curriculum that is teacher led and taught. ABEKA, BJU, Alpha Omega all offer individual math courses with an actual teacher teaching the course.

There are many free resources available online for help with teaching math. Here are a few:

Hippo Campus
AlgeBasics
Interactive Mathematics
Math TV.com

Comment if you have any great curriculum that you would like to recommend!

Ladies Sunday School April 25th

2010-04-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks we have been studying through Jude and II Peter. In each of these books we saw how our Lord was warning us of the false religions that were already cropping up in the first century church. Today there are a myriad of false religions it almost makes your head swim. We are studying through some of the world's major religions and comparing them to what the scriptures say about each of their major beliefs.

Basic Tenets of the Catholic Faith

1) Catholics believe their faith started with Peter. Jesus appointed Peter the head of His church, and this is their basis for having a pope. Reference to Mt. 16:18. But what else does scripture say about the church and the leaders in the church?
Titus 1:5-9   I Cor 3:11   Eph 2:20 I Pt. 5:1-5

2) Catholics believe in a 3 legged basis of faith or salvation. 1)God 2) Scripture 3) Sacred Tradition. This is a works based salvation. What does the Bible say about this?
Micah 6:8   Rom 10:9-10 Eph 2:8    Gal 2:3   Rev. 22:19
3) Catholics believe a person is saved through faith and works and they cannot know if they are truly saved until they are judged by God. What does the Bible say?
I Jn 5:9-13 II Cor 5:8 Rom 10:13 II Tim 1:9

4) Catholics believe that Jesus spoke literally when He said, “Take eat, this is my body.” And “drink, this is my blood.” It is believed that after the priest consecrates the “host” (wine and bread) that it ACTUALLY becomes the body of Christ and the blood of Christ. HUNDREDS of Christians have been martyred over this point alone. What does the Bible say?
Mt. 26:17-30 Mk 14:22-24   Heb 10:8-14

5) The Catholic religion teaches that Jesus gave the disciples the ability to forgive sins, and we are commanded to confess our sins to one another if the sin involved others. If the sin did not involve others and was grave then it must be confessed to a priest. They call this the mediation of the priest. What does the Bible say about this? John 1:29   I Jn 1:9
I Tim 2:5 Ps 32:5 I Jn 1:8-10
Gal 2:15   Eph 2:8

6) The Pope has the authority to make “ infallible” statements to settle important matters regarding salvation. These “ex cathedra” statements are rare but are considered infallible. What does the Bible have to say about a man being infallible?

Rom 3:10

7) Sacred traditions and works are necessary for salvation in the Catholic religion. Here is a list of the 7 Sacraments of the Catholic church.

a. Baptism – infant by sprinkling and typically called “christening” Mk 16:16

b. Eucharist – communion I Cor 11:20

c. Reconciliation – confession Rom 10:9 Rom 14:11

d. Confirmation – at which time you receive the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit

i. Wisdom

ii. Understanding

iii. Right judgment

iv. Courage

v. Knowledge

vi. Reverence

vii. Wonder and awe

e. Marriage

f. Anointing the sick – extreme unction – last anointing – last rites

g. Holy Orders

What does the Bible say about these seven sacraments?

8) Catholics pray to Mary and to other saints. Who does the Bible tell us to pray to?

Acts 4:12   Phil 4:6

9) Catholics believe in purgatory - a place where men and women go to temporarily be “purged” from their sins. What does the Bible say about this?

II Cor 5:8

10) Catholics believe they are the Universal Church. What does the Bible say about the church?
I Thes 1:1   Col 4:16   II Tim 4:22

11) Catholics believe in worshipping icons in the church. What does the Bible say about this?
Ex 20:3-5, 23   Lev 19:4   I Cor 10:14

Today is Earth Day...

2010-04-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am sure that today will find many people writing glowing platitudes about "doing our part" to preserve the earth. I understand their intentions, and am sure they sincerely mean well. Yet, in my mind it is a deeper and more lasting change that I desire to effect in my children. The character quality of appreciation in our daily lives and applied to every thing is what I hope to instill. People today don't seem to appreciate much of anything, let alone the earth that God gave us. We have abused and corrupted most of the gifts that He has given us.

Genesis 6:11,12 The earth also was corrupt before God and the earth was filled with violence And God looked upon the earth , and behold it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

Genesis 6:6 tells us that it grieved God that He had made man on the earth. Man had so corrupted the beatiful creation both in a physical and a spiritual sense. God couldn't let that continue, so He told Noah to build an ark for the saving of him and his family. God was going to clean up the earth and clean it He did. He gave it a forty day washing, and a 140 day drying. A clean fresh start.

Flash forward a few thousand years to today, and we view the earth again full of corruption both physically and spiritually. What must God think? If it grieved Him in Noah's day, I am sure He is grieved in this day. So my next question, how much longer can this continue until God says enough? Man's reforms will never be enough to fix it. We can recycle, change our energy habits and water habits, use less papaer, grow organic, use "green" cleaners, and on and on; yet for all we do, there are countries on the other side of the globe undoing it with their careless ways. Don't get me wrong. I do believe we should take care of the beautiful gift that God has given us. Yet, just like in Noah's day, we are powerless to truly "fix" the corruption that is now here. We need God!
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Sunday, name calling, and preachers

2010-04-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

All right, I know .... I am trying to fit several things in this one post... but yesterday, was a wonderful day. We had a dear dear preacher and his wife (Dr. and Mrs. Finnigan) to come to our church yesterday. They used to live here in Georgia for a while, and my family has known them since I was very little. I was so happy they could come. He preached for us at church, and I wished I could hang on to every word. It was truly wonderful. His dear wife is also a great blessing and encouragement. Our church had a luncheon for them, and it was so nice... one of those truly memorable days.

And to put a cap on such a wonderful day...Sunday evening as we were standing around fellowshipping - everyone except the preacher and our family had gone... Jordan came running up saying "Momma, Momma - Chloe just said 'Butthead'."

Oh my goodness - I could've died on the spot. One of my fears has always been that one of my dear (big silly grin) precious children would do or say something like that in front of the preacher. But he just looked at me and said, "Don't worry, I'm deaf in one ear." (Big grin) This brought back memories of when he and his wife lived here before. One of our little boys in the church used to tease with him every Sunday. And Doc would tease him back and call him George. One Sunday the little guy said, "My name's not George!" and then proceded to punch Doc... well... shall we say at the little boy's eye level. After Doc had doubled over in pain - and the momma profusely apologized... he just said, "It's alright, kids will be kids." I guess he has a long history of overlooking our little one's silliness.

Jordan... the tattler....

Chloe... the name caller...

Just so everyone knows... we don't allow our children to say words like that... but kids will be kids...

A Busy Weekend

2010-04-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some photos with you of our weekend. It was our anniversary on April 10th.

Investigating the creek

Patiently watching...

All dressed up for church!

Us - before we went out to dinner...

I can't believe it has been 17 years... time flies when you're having fun!

Trouble with Disapearing Eggs...

2010-04-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

We have an amazing phenomena at our house... my kitchen cupboard seems to eat Hershey's Peanut Butter eggs! It is really quite amazing. The cupboard ate 5 today! Must have been really hungry...

Here is our mystery - We had 11 Hershey's Peanut Butter eggs in the cupboard on Wednesday - hidden in a grocery sack, because they are Daddy's absolute favorite treat. But today - there was only 1 left. We asked the 6 very hungry caterpillars if they had some - a couple admitted to a few... but honestly, the cupboard had to have eaten the 5 that are unaccounted for! Wow - 5 in one day that's really hungry - or maybe really sick tonight...

...by the way... I am watching the hungry caterpillars to see if one has a stomach ache.

Home school Curriculum

2010-04-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, isn't it? Have you been thinking about your plans for next year's home school? I sure have. I know exactly what I am NOT going to use next year! That's the easy part right? Though a few things will get scratched from our list, there are a few things we used this year that quickly became favorites. I guess we could call them "keepers", like Time4Learning, Apologia Science, Rosetta Stone Spanish, The Mystery of History, Memoria Press Latin and certain ABEKA subjects.

On the other hand, there are a few things on our list to "try" next year. I have heard so much about the merits of Time4Writing, and with all the struggles we had churning out a few research papers this year, I know it's time for a change. I have also been thinking about trying the "One Year Adventure Novel." I have one daughter who loves to write fiction stories and I think this would be right up her alley.

I have also been thinking about changing the handwriting curriculum that we have been using. I still haven't found one that I am particularly pleased with - comment if you have one!!

I would also like to find a better spelling curriculum or method. I have four different spelling levels I need to teach... I would love to find something that was sort of "automated." Not requiring a whole lot of spoon feeding from me. I am thinking of using SpellingCity - but I am still looking at options.

I am not finished perusing all of the wonderful home school curriculum catalogs and magazines... so I am sure I will find other items that look interesting. If you have a particular favorite homeschool or preK curriculum... please share - let us know where to find it as well!

Related posts:
Online Education's Science Curriculum
Online Education's Language Arts
Online Education's Math Curriculum

Last Lesson in Jude

2010-04-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

We were able to finish up our last lesson in Jude this Sunday. We had a great time - and God really blessed our group. We are praying that God would help us to keep ourselves clean from the characteristics of these "counterfeit Christians" that have crept in unawares.

vs. 17-18 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Jude is calling us to remember what the apostles taught
Warning us of mockers in the last days
Walk after their own lusts and desires - not Christ's

vs. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

They separate themselves - they can't and don't want to function as a true and genuine part of the body of Christ - they are joined to the devil, the world, and the flesh
They are sensual - dealing in the realm of the flesh - fleshly desires - fleshly thoughts
They have not the Spirit - so they cannot be truly spiritual

vs. 20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

How do we "build" ourselves up? By reading and studying God's Word - this is our spiritual exercise
Praying in the Holy Ghost - the study of God's Word must be accompanied by prayer He speaks to us through His Word - we speak to Him through prayer. Our prayers avail much when the are in the "Holy Ghost"
Keep yourselves in the love of God - stay close to Him - ask for His mercy to help us - Remember the characteristics of our "first love" - that hunger for Him - that reckless abandon to tell others about the wonderful gift of salvation - desire to be at His feet as much as possible.
Encourage one another to stay in the love of God

vs. 22 - 23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

And of some have compassion - we must watch over one another - be accountable if you will - faithfully reproving and exhorting one another - this must be done with compassion
Some we must treat with tenderness - others save with fear - stressing God's judgement
Each method must be accompanied by a horror of sin - abhorring the connection to the "old" life

vs. 24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen

He alone can keep us from falling - keep us from these sinful characteristics named througout Jude
He delights in presenting us to His father... though we have been so vile through His righteousness we can be presented without fault
As He presents us this way - His work has come full circle - giving Him much joy
We so often act ashamed of Christ - but He is not ashamed of us - He presents us - once wicked and sinful - but justified through His sacrifice - to His Father
Glory be to Him who has done all of this!

A Day of Fun....

2010-04-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Just thought that I would share with you all... we have been looking for a good way to get "away" as a family - but not have to actually go on vacation.

Today I found a great deal - if you live in the Atlanta area you might want to check this out - the Mailbu Grand Prix - Northside of Atlanta - I believe... is having a special for $10 you can have all day - unlimited access to bumper cars, pedal boats, and miniature golf. I don't know about you, but the last time we played mini golf it cost nearly $10 a person itself. This sounds great - so I thought I would share!

We hope to take our day "away" real soon!!

Spring...

2010-03-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

The days are absolutely lovely... sunny several days in a row. That is just what I have been needing... and so have the kids. We have been cooped up in our school room for ages now - it seems. So, we have been taking our home school to new sights... outside. The winter kinda brings our home school to a grind. It begins to feel like we wake - eat - school - eat - play - eat - sleep! But when those lovely days of spring hit - we take advantage. A day out in the sunshine does so much good, and brings life back into the "grind" of homeschoooling. I sometimes even change our pace - change up our subjects - to help change our mindset about finishing up the year.

Take a minute today - and enjoy the outdoors - take your homeschool to a new place... enjoy God's beautiful creation!

"For the beauty of the earth - for the glory of the skies...this our hymn of grateful praise!"

PBC Ladies' Sunday School Lesson for March 28

2010-03-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our third week in the study of Jude took us through the next 6 verses. We have had a good time together studying this out... preparing ourselves to be better "contenders" for the faith.

I. vs. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Jude continues on with a few more historical examples of apostates.
gone in the way of Cain - he presented the fruit of His own works as a sacrifice to God - Reminds us of those who think they can "work" their way to heaven
Ran greedily after the error of Balaam - Balaam was on his way to curse Israel and get paid for it - but God stopped him in the road - using his donkey - God opened the donkeys mouth and allowed him to speak to Balaam... it finally got his attention!
Balaam was a hireling - this is a warning to those modern "Christianity" sellers who preach a HAPPY only gospel that has made them fortunes - they preach only what people WANT to hear.
"perished in the gainsaying of Core" - Core or Korah raised himself up in pride and despised Moses' authority (see Jude vs.8) - God judged him and his whole family... the earth opened and swallowed them up

II. False Teachers (apostates) compared in vs. 12,13
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Spots in your pure feasts - a stain on a pure act of worship
clouds without water - EMPTY or DRY
carried by winds - EASILY CHANGEABLE, no foundation
trees whose fruit withereth - fruit of the spirit is evidence of the Holy Spirit within - but withered fruit is evidence of what within?
without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots - they have no depth - no fruit - THEY ARE DEAD WITHIN
Raging waves - PUSHING or CRASHING to do their own will
wandering stars - mariners guide their journey using the constancy of the stars - but WANDERING stars have no constancy no ability to guide
their judgement is clear - the blackness of darkness forever - God is not taking these "false Christians" lightly - this is serious!

III. Enoch's prophecy vs. 14-16
14. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15. To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

God has prophesied the judgement for these - and it is big... he will bring 10,000 of his saints to execute this judgement.
convincing them of their ungodliness - he uses this word 4 times in vs. 15 alone... they are UNGODLY
murmurers
complainers
walking after their own lusts - seeking their own glory and not GOD's
They speak great words - they talk a good talk but have no spiritual life to back it up
people think well of them because they "look" so spiritual - people see only the outward show... that is why Jude is exhorting us on how to "pick them out of the crowd" - they have snuck in unawares, but it is our job to detect them and warn the saints against their "counterfeit Christianity"

Government Health Care Bill

2010-03-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

...my thoughts...
I know everyone has their own view of politics and government. Yet, I have to say that I am very dissapointed with what transpired this week in Washington. On Tuesday, I took part in the MSN online poll asking what people felt about the healthcare bill being signed into law by the president. I voted - "angry." Guess what?? So, did 70% of all other voters.... WHAT?

This is what disspoints me. Our representatives are elected to "represent" us in Washington. It is obvious by polls like this one - that our representatives are not truly representing their people. How did we come to this place? I am dissapointed, sad, and concerned about what kind of America we will be leaving to our children...

History fails to record a single precendent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse, or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster. ~General D. McArthur

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

How to... clean up Baby powder SNOW

2010-03-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for each of my sweet children...

This is what I woke up to this morning! Innocence...

This is what I found this afternoon... somehow the girl's room

began to snow... baby powder??

This look tells it all... notice the powder flecks on the camera

It is still in the air...

I just thought it was safe to take a shower!

Good news... The vacuum cleaner wand and the little

flat attachment...

...worked wonders! Now we just have a lingering smell

(which is rather pleasant) and a fine dust on everything.

I guess since our two's were not so terrible... we must be

playing make up during 3!

Just thought I'd share - in case you ever wonder how to clean up baby powder snow! Now you have the "How to." (But I hope you never have to use it... I don't think I will ever get ALL the dust off the furniture.) Preschoolers...

Check out 30 minute blog challenge and Chatting at the sky for more interesting mom stories!

March 21 Ladies' Sunday School

2010-03-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

This week we were able to cover 5 whole verses in our ladies Bible study. We reviewed a bit of what we studied last week, and then covered the next few verses.

Jude
In these next few verses Jude is giving us examples of what these men are like that are creeping in. He shows us things that they are capable of doing. Gives us things to watch for in them, and to examine in ourselves!

vs. 5 - Jude is reminding us of some historical examples of the "creeps" that we read about in vs. 4.
- FIRST EXAMPLE -The Israelites that were guilty of "unbelief" were not able to enter the promise land - they were destroyed in the wilderness

vs. 6 - SECOND EXAMPLE -The fallen angels - these also put someone else above God. If fallen angels have such a judgement waiting for them - what about fallen man?

vs. 7 - THIRD EXAMPLE - Sodom and Gomorrah sensual sins and the judgment they received

vs. 8 - The counterfeit Christians - or the "creeps" do all of these examples and more:

filthy dreamers - wicked fantasies and imaginations - pornography - thinking about fantasies with men who are not your husband - leading to dreaming of this as well - pray and ask God to cleanse our minds to combat this - applied to today could be the viewing of wicked things on television or even internet
defile the flesh - this can be applied many ways - drinking, drugs - sexual sins, marking our bodies, abusing our bodies
Despise dominion - this person hates authority - anyone who has the rule over them, pastor, leader, boss, even scripture
Speak evil of dignitaries - shows they have no respect - seek only what is right in their own eyes -

vs. 9 Michael the arch angel had a dispute with Satan over the body of Moses - we don't know the whole story - but Michael is one of the most important angels in heaven - ministering before the Lord - yet still he did not rely on his own word or strength but rebuked the devil in the Name of the Lord. This is an example of how we should act toward wickedness. Rebuke it in the name of the Lord.

vs. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
This verse tells us that the "Counterfeit" Christians that are creeping in unawares do not understand why the true Christian wars against that which comes naturally (works of the flesh). The Christian fights against the acts of the flesh - and the "creeps" don't understand this - they speak evil of this - all the while they are doing what comes naturally just like a beast. A dog does something because he wants to or it pleases him - not because it is good or right. These "creeps" do the same - they act in the flesh and the Bible tells us that they corrupt themselves in this.

Tighten the Seatbelt...

2010-03-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to share a guest post with you all today. This was written by my dear friend who is a missionary to Wales, UK. She shares her struggle over the past few months, and it is so encouraging how she exhorts us to "tighten the seatbelt" during these discouraging times.

I feel impressed to share my struggles and growth in faith in this update, as I have recently run into several precious brothers and sisters struggling much the same as I have been in the past couple of months. I have to admit that it is INCREDIBLY hard to write an ‘upbeat, encouraging’ update when one feels like the fires of battle are beginning to consume every semblance of spiritual life. We have all heard that we should live by faith and not by feelings. While that is true, one cannot negate the fact that ‘feelings’ are very real and overwhelming at times! My latest battle has lasted for about two or three months. I’d best describe it as an emotional roller coaster with so many twists and turns it’s nauseating. Could it be the colder weather? Darker days? Could be...but I seriously doubt it. Even though the season could play a part in the game (feelings, remember?), it is usually pretty easy to ‘see’ that for what it truly is...seasonal. No, I have to say that this has been on a much deeper level. There are days when the battle seemed so ferocious that the strength to push back the covers escaped me before the thought of getting up had finished crossing my mind.
Emotionally, it is hard to ‘be strong’ when one feels as brittle as a pine needle. I understand that the commandment to Joshua should apply to us (’Be strong and of a good courage...’ Josh. 1:8), and I also read the exhortation not to be weary...faint not....BUT HOW?? It is easy to say, but hard to do, is it not? I believe that God has helped me to learn a lesson of how to ‘tighten my seatbelt’ and hold on!
This ‘emotional rollercoaster’ is about as fun as it sounds. Yet, God has helped me to use the ‘seatbelt’ of His Promises to keep me stable when the momentum of the ride becomes overwhelming. Regrettably, I can’t point you to one ‘Super’ passage that has helped to sustain me during the hardest times. I found strength in His PROMISES- to KNOW that He is a God that CAN NOT lie; He is faithful to listen to my EVERY ‘complaint’ and to give ‘a word in season’ through a friend, preaching, or His Word; He is a Comforter that soothes the pain; He is the One Who has called us to Wales, and will keep us here by His grace. (I could go on and on!)
At times, it seems that all I can do is close my eyes to the things around me and focus on Christ. That is our exhortation in Romans, yet when I look at man’s depravity displayed on every hand, and seek to find a way to point them to Christ; when I see the ‘church’ and its present state of apathy and coldness; even when I look at loved ones and ‘wish’ for more spiritual growth, I find it hard to access that ‘single vision’ on Christ alone. How can you see our present day surroundings and NOT be affected? I have found that even Christ was moved emotionally as He looked over Jerusalem...but His PURPOSE wasn’t swayed by His emotions!
We hurt just as you do, and struggle with the same weaknesses. Yet, through the struggles, God has been teaching me to ‘tighten the seatbelt’ and trust HIM through the twists and turns of life. He is growing my faith...and faith isn’t grown much in the easy times or mountain –top experiences. I trust Him that He will bring me through this season, as He has in times past, and in the end I will look more like Jesus than ever!
To God be the Glory!
Darlene

Sunday School - Beginning a study in Jude

2010-03-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

19th century painting depicting early Chrisians.

Christian life is a journey that begins at the narrow gate...for there is one door...Jesus Christ. Entering this narrow gate involves a breaking and a surrender - salvation and repentance. The journey begins with lessons in submission - and continues in strength - and not ours, of course!

A crude illustration of my thoughts here - (adapted from the book "The Map") is a wild horse - the cowboy or trainer takes the horse and works with it till he has "broken" it and brings it into submission to his will. Once he sees the horse is surrenedered - he can use it. The surrender and submission continues throughout the horse's life -but the horse's strength can now be used to further the master's will.

We have been in the school of submission ever since we entered the narrow gate and it will continue to be required of us throughout our lives. Yet, it is time for us to surrender our strength to His will. It is time for us to stand, be strong, be faithful, and to defend.

It my prayer that our studies would encourage us to be bold, to preserve His Word, to protect true Christianity, and to be a witness for our precious Lord.

Jude
vs. 1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: This was written by Jude - the brother of James - BUT also the brother of Jesus.
This book was written during a time of great persecution against Christians - about 65-70 AD. It was written to the sanctified or saved, preserved (kept), and the ones called (to a work).
vs. 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Mercy is an upward look - peace is an inward look - and love is an outward look.
vs. 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. He had wanted to write about salvation - but felt pressed to exhort us regarding false teachers, apostates, and false Christians. The purpose of this book is to exhort us to contend ( to stand, to defend, to guard) the faith that was given to us.
vs. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. But men and women have snuck in - counterfeiting the true Christians - so that they were unaware. These people are ordained or destined to condemnation because of what they do - they stand in judgement already. They turn the grace of God into a license to sin. Rom. 6:1,2 says What shall we say the? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? They also deny the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Note if they DENY the deity of Christ they ARE a false religion, false teacher, or a fasle christian. You cannot DENY the deity of Christ and be a Christian!

Please comment with your thoughts...I'd love to hear them!

My glimpse of home...

2010-03-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

I love being at home - being with my children and husband - just being together. I guess that's why I love homeschooling so much. Here is a glimpse of our home. I love cozy and warm colors... comfy pillows... and nice foot-squishy rugs... :) I hope you all stop by Chatting at the Sky's glimpses of home - I am linking up with her on this post!

Home Education

2010-03-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Home Education is more difficult than it looks at times... We have been working on research papers at our house now for about a month. Going through the usual - gathering information and resources - making an outline - making note cards- and then - of course - starting the dreaded writing. My girls are both pretty creative - one of them used to write me fiction stories everyday. Do you think she would like writing this paper... NO WAY. They both are dragging their feet like I am taking them to the dentist. Anyway - I am having to take a HARDLINE approach with their final due dates - no more feet dragging - no more wasting time... I want those papers... and I want them now! Alright - I know, calm down...

I like most every other mother - want the best for my children. I want them to be able to write a unified and cohesive paper. To be able to achieve successfully when they go to college. But, this month has really tried my resolve. OK - maybe it wasn't all their fault - since of course we always have a million interruptions by one of the little ones around here. Since I have been a teacher for quite a while - I usually do most of the teaching with the exception of an online homeschool curriculum. Whatever the subject - I am thankful to have the ability to teach my children...( it definitely saves money ;) But this month has pushed my resolve - I believe that for next year's writing - we will consider Time4Writing. I need an outside source to prod my dear girls along this path. And also to keep me from using drastic measures to get a rough draft! :)

Well, since this has been on my mind - I took a few moments to look for some good online writing resources. It turns out that there are LOTS of resources out there... Here's a sample of what I found:

High School Writing Course

One Year Adventure Novel - teaches story writing

Notebooking Pages - helps to motivate writing

Homeschool Writing Resources

A Homeschool Writing Blog

Homeschool Writing and Research

Do you have any favorite writing resources to share?? Please do..

Strength in Weakness

2010-03-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

Ps. 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Kinda feel like this lately??

I must say that lately I have been struggling with many things, and feel the "weight of the world" on my shoulders. Do you ever feel like at every turn - there is a large and difficult hill to climb? I don't want to come across like I am whining... yet, I must admit that raising children, being a mom, a pastor's wife, etc. etc... is not easy. Today, I am feeling the heaviness of it. And can only turn to one place for the strength I need. Everyone these days is carrying a heavy load - no one can carry my burden as well as their own... but my Lord can. He has the strength I need to face these things - a vast supply... enough for me and for you.

So, tonight - though I feel weak and weary of the requirements on my life - I am strong - I can be strengthened and renewed by casting my burden upon Him.

I Pt. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Are you struggling these days with the cares of this world? Would you share your thoughts?

Tears are fallin...

2010-03-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Saying Goodbye

It is a sad day at our house... two girls had to say goodbye to their best buddies for 3 more months!! Yes, one of those was me. I have been saying goodbye to people I love for a long time now, you would think it would get easier. I went to college in Georgia, 800 miles from home when I was 17 - had to say goodbye to my family. I got married and stayed here in Georgia. ...goodbyes...Later, they all moved again -but now they are almost 900 miles away - in Texas. ...goodbyes... I lived near my best friend for 15 years, but 5 years ago she moved to U.K. as a missionary....goodbyes... SEE, I should really be a pro at this... but it still hurts each and every time you have to say goodbye to someone you love.

I am trying to remind myself today that God does everything for a purpose, and for His honor. God never promised us that this life would be easy. But, He did promise us the strength to be able to handle it. God has a purpose - and a grand one it is. My friend was needed at that little church in the country of Wales - because God had a plan. A whole family in their village has been saved since they went - what a beautiful thing. God is good - and I know that each and every time that I must say goodbye to my dear family or friends - it is for a purpose. This world is "temporal" or temporary - but the one to come - eternal - is permanent. The temporary "goodbyes" are just for a season - one day there will be no more goodbyes.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Now the God of hope fill you wiht all joy and peace in believeing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:4-5, 13

My New Habit...

2010-03-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ok - I know I am not the authority on "couponing", but I have started making it a habit. It is pretty exciting to go to a store and have them tell you that you saved more than you spent. Now that's exciting! A friend of mine recently wrote about her new habit as well!

This recession has us really spinning our wheels... so.... about six months ago I started buying the paper on Sunday, clipping the coupons and then checking the items in our local grocery stores. We have three near us and I look through each ad to see what's on sale that WE CAN USE. I have to disagree with the coupon divas who buy everything they find on sale ... just... because... it .... is... on... sale and they have a ..... coupon for it! I look for only the items that I know I will use. I particularly enjoy the stores that use BOGO (buy one get one free) - and when you have a coupon for it as well... woohoo that is big savings!!

I also want to mention that my husband is an avid hunter - so we save a TON of money by eating venison, and other meats (not anything weird :) that he hunts. But I am a white meat lover, so I do buy chicken when it is on sale!

Then I go through my coupon stash ( a pretty pink little coupon holder that my daughter got me for Christmas - defintely a necessity) and try to match coupons to all the sale items that I want. I will also check couponmom to see if there is anything there that I can use. I like that site because it has all the different printable coupon pages. Again - one stop! :)

To save even more money, I plan my meals around the sale items that I find at the store - yes, so I don't get my absolute favorite - spaghetti - - every week... but I am saving money! Let me tell you - it is a big sacrifice. Nothing beats garlic bread and spaghetti - I really could eat it every meal... but that's another story...

THEN... because I have six kids and ~~can't~~ won't!! go to 3 different stores in a shot - I go to one on Friday and then a different one on Monday or Tuesday. We usually need more milk in the middle of the week anyway so it works great for us! Shopping mostly sale items has been saving me at least 50% (often more) each time I go to the store... That is REWARDING and exciting! AND...Here is my proof!