God wants to bless your family

I'm excited! I'm fired up! 

It can be a wonderful thing to let the kids go spend time with the grandparents. It is hard to leave them, but it's also important for them to have the special time with Grandparents and. . . . . .  who knew it could be so awesome for me to spend a little mommy time without them?

I don't like being away from my kids, but this weekend was really good for me and good for them as well. 

This past week has been a whirlwind of activity. We plowed through our homeschool as I prepared to attend the BEECH Retreat. The boys have had special time to spend with grandparents and with daddy, so I could go and learn, grow, and renew. I am coming back to them a better woman. I return refreshed and renewed.

Although it has been hectic, getting it all done, it has been so worth-while! I cannot express how grateful I am that God provided the opportunity for me to participate. I've learned much in the process and believe whole heartily that He intends to bless my family through it. 

God wants to bless my family. He wants me at home teaching my boys, and He has been faithful in providing financially for me to do so. 

God wants to bless your family too. He wants us to have life and have it abundantly!!! 

Gods love for us is so great, so deep, and so wide! We cannot comprehend the depths of His love for us. As much as we love our children, as much good as we want to see for their lives - He loves us even more than we are capable of understanding. We are His children. 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

* privilege of seeing God's plans come to fruition
* inspiration to Go forth and do what I am called to do 
* Grandparents & making special memories 
* One on One time with my little guy 
* physical strength to do what I need to do (and healing) 
* God's amazing provisions! 
* fun with new friends 
* time with old friends
* opportunity to share my heart 
*  BEECH Retreat!!!!

linking with:  Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home
 The Wellspring - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days   Raising Mighty Arrows -Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs  Works-4-Me   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed

Monday 4 Moms - Love one another

Hebrews 10: 19-29 

 “…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Heb. 10:23 


Today's bible reading is one that can sometimes be uncomfortable - and it certainly doesn't fit into the politically correct venue. It's all about the two edged sword that is the truth in the bible. 

"He who promised is faithful" is a wonderful promise for those who have faith in the blood of the Lamb. But for those who deny His Deity, who reject His gift - for those - that faithfulness brings another promise. A promise that isn't pretty. 
It reminds me that we, as Christians have a job to do. Sharing His truth of love and forgiveness is the most important thing we can do, here on earth. It begins in our own homes. It should carry out into the rest of the world. 

"Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4: 7-11)

God says we shall "know them by their fruit" 
In today's Christian society - that  means "know them by what comes out of their mouth - behind closed doors" It means "know them by the way they treat others" it means "know them by the way they love others in my name" it means "how they act online".  

How are you treating others today? in your home? in your community? online? 
Do the people you work with see Christ in you? Do the circles you socialize in know the love of God through you? 

My heart breaks when I come across Christian sisters treating others in an ungodly way. Especially, if they are in a position of authority within the Christian community. Your words matter. Your actions count. It is your testimony for Him - and He IS faithful. 

"You shall know them by their fruit"  The world is watching sisters - to whom do you belong? 

From the "She reads truth" bible study - I read about how good works should come from a heart of gratitude and not as a way of "earning our way around what he did for us". What is being laid on my heart today is that gratitude for what He did for us - should be producing fruit in our life. If we love Him - it should be coming through loud and clear. And by living a life of gratitude, we can show that love to others. Amen? 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

Faithfulness of our Father God, steadfast love we can count on, His grace, the way He sends encouragement from unexpected sources, the opportunity to teach His word to my children, ninja costumes and the imaginations of little boys, the smell of cinnamon in the house, rough and tumble little boys all cuddled up to mommy, speaking for Creation Expo, 

Mostly this week I am thankful for our new little cousin - this fresh life - precious one: 

Welcome baby Luke! 

* I am speaking at the Creation Expo from Media Angels - you can win a ticket here today 

linking with: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom   Welcome Home  The Wellspring #1000 gifts
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word     Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

Encouragement for Women - Peace

I've talked with a lot of people who are struggling with life in general and many who 

are struggling with election results. So many are out of work, or have had their salaries 

cut. Families are still loosing their homes by the minute and more of that is expected. 

How do we find comfort when the world around us feels as though it is crumbling? 

We've had personal struggles of the sort that would sensibly insight the use of medication on my part- I'm so not joking. If I were left to my own devices I'd be about one panic attack away from hospitalization. Seriously. 

But, I've not been left to my own devices. I have the Holy Spirit to guide me, I can have 

a peace that passes all understanding - all I have to do is remember to exercise it! 

The bible is the living, breathing Word of God. I have access to it daily. By soaking it up,

I am exercising my faith - growing it - leaning on Jesus. 

Our Creator hasn't promised us that life will not hurt. He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us - and that we can have peace in the storm. 

It's easy to trust Him when things look good. It's not quite as easy when the going gets tough, but that is exactly when we need to trust Him the most. It may come more natural

to trust Him during the dark days if we've been practicing on a regular basis. I want to keep my mind steadfast, by filling it with His Word daily and putting it into practice. 

Our God is mighty. He is steadfast and true. His perfect peace is ours for the taking. 

How? Trust Him. No matter what the outlook or the outcome - trust Him. Have a heart of gratitude in the small things and in the big ones. There is always someone whose need is greater. Pray for them, reach out to do what you can. Remember we are here to serve Him - not the other way around. Thank Him, even for the hard stuff. 

And walk in His peace. 

I'm thankful today: 

*grace for mommy 

*friends who listen and check on me 

*stormy days 

*access to medicine 

*food on the table 

*healthy food for our children 

*time outside 

*field trips to the farm 

*colors in Creation 

*filling up on God's Word 

Thank you for nominating me for

 Best Photo and Best Field Trip/ Nature Blogs

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday 

  Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls 

1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

31 days of HsEncouragement - Soul

As homeschool Moms - we are "on" pretty much 24/7.

 If we aren't staying on top of our own health - things can go from bad to worse quickly.

 Along with healthy eating and exercise - we must care for our spiritual well-being.

 Actually, most importantly, we must care for our spiritual well-being. 

Many go to church each week. We go, we sing, we listen, learn and fellowship. It's a good thing to gather in the house of God and to fellowship with one another. It is good to feed our Spirit as we listen to God's Word being preached from the pulpit. 

But, there is more. There is so much more for those who will choose to spend time with Him daily. To truly walk with Jesus, means more than showing up for church. It is more than prayers before eating, and before bed at night. Those are all good things, but there is more. 

Staying in God's Word will light our path and show us the way 

I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "Pray without ceasing" 

We are to go about the course of our day - in prayer! It's important (always) to look at the surrounding scriptures in any text. I find it interesting that in Thessalonians 5:16 we find 

"Rejoice evermore"  and then 

"Pray without ceasing" followed by verse 18 which says

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus" 

So, our instructions are clear. Be joyful. How? By praying without ceasing. About what? Thank Him. Thank Him for everything. EVERYTHING. 

My son just threw himself in the floor because he doesn't want to do his work. . . . 

"Thank You Jesus" 

I have no idea how we are supposed to pay these bills, and we're already behind. . . 

"Glory be to God" 

I don't feel well today and I'm having trouble getting going . . . . 

"Praise the Lord" 

Crazy talk you say? I don't think so. Crazy like a fox, maybe. 

"Thank you Jesus" when my son is pitching a fit because he is strong and healthy and able to do so. Someday God will use him for great and mighty things. 

"Glory be to God" although I cannot pay these bills because we have food to eat and clean water to drink. He is faithful to provide all our needs. 

"Praise the Lord" even though my body hurts because I could be in a country without access to much needed medical care and medicine. As long as there is breath in me, I will praise the name of Jesus! 

What a difference perspective makes. Entire attitudes changes when you change focus.

You would run me out of town - tar and feather me for hypocrisy - if you caught me on the wrong day. I do not write these things because I have it all perfected or because when my children are bickering . . . again . . . I throw my hands up and say "hallelujah" but because - I should.

 One thing I can tell you for sure is that upon the occasion when I do manage to do things the right way - God is glorified in my home. When I do look up instead of laying in - something wonderful happens. The enemy is defeated. It also has a strange and wonderful affect on my children. Surely does get their attention - better than any old lecture would for certain. Perspective changes, and attitudes change. 

I want to encourage you to begin each day in the Word and in prayer. There is no better thing for any parent to do - and for the homeschool Mama who spends all day with her children - it's impact means that much more. 

Please let me know if you find these reminders and information useful or if there is something else you are looking for. I am happy to share what God has led us through (some pretty big challenges) and how He continues to carry us through each day.

 - visit others participating in 31 days series from The Nester here -
- Read my other posts of encouragement for your homeschool here-

linking with: 

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  
Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  
fresh brew

31 days of Homeschool Encouragement . . . . . when things are hard

It's easy enough to be the happy mom when things are all hunky dory.

When children are eager to learn, sitting quietly in their seats, diligently soaking up the wisdom you skillfully impart to them from the homeschool lesson you've prepared ahead of time (of course) - when everyone is smiling, and even the birds are singing - you know you are doing it right.

During those times it's simple to see that you are the person, teacher, mother your children need. 

Clearly, you are the woman God intended you to be. You know it. They know it. Your husband knows it. Even the neighbors know it. 

Surely, everyone can tell from the peaceful expression on your face, bouncy hair, and totally stylin' ensemble - not to mention -  your perfectly well behaved little angels - how pulled together you are! 

You probably feel sorry for that other mother. You know the one. She looks frazzled, a bit disheveled, tired, and completely stressed out. Her children can be wild, they even fight with each other.

 She is obviously not even hearing those birds as they sing. She can't seem to manage to get through the check out line at the grocery store without having to talk between her teeth at her children (who, by the way appear to be rather unruly).  How could she possibly conduct a peaceful homeschool (like yours)? 

O.K. so, here's the punch line - I may or may not be that woman - at least every once in awhile.

The truth of the matter is - we most all have those times when we at least feel like that woman. 

Some may not admit it. And, this may or may not be a picture of my son laying in the floor - right out in front of God and everybody - at a Christian homeschool conference - while I was working

 - in the front of the room - in the front - middle - of - the - room. 

I may or may not have just finished talking through my teeth while he completely ignored me.

I want you to know - I don't often think to pull out the camera to take a picture of my little cuties when they are whining or disrupting - but sometimes they do. 

We don't allow our children to fight with each other - but sometimes they do. 

I don't believe in raising my voice or yelling at my kids - but - I totally have. 

Most of the time, my children are helpful and cooperative at the grocery store. They take part in finding the things on our list, they stay by my side, and wait patiently during the check out line. Usually, I get comments about how well behaved my boys are. Sometimes they follow all the rules. Sometimes they don't. 

I have boys. 3 little boys under the age of 11. Four years ago, they were all under the age of 7.

I love my children. They are cute. Sometimes - that is what saves them. It's a good thing they're cute! 

They are full of testosterone - they are boys.

They are good boys, but they are all boy, and some days are hard. Some days are really hard. 

It is easy to be the happy mom when all is hunky dory. It's the other days when it's really hard. 

These are the days when we must lean even more heavily - on the Lord. In our home - we have "do-overs". On those days that are not going well - we've been known to go back to our rooms and reemerge - pretending that it's the start of a new day. The really good news - at that point - it is! Stopping in your tracks and praying right out loud doesn't hurt either. (Sometimes THAT can really get their attention!) 

Pulling out the bible to read a few verses together always helps us clear the air. 

On those days - what we need is a mantra. This makes a good one: 

 Psalm 118: 24 says - 

-printable-

Thank you for visiting  - I'll be posting daily doses of homeschool encouragement - with some detailed information about how we manage our homeschool - and struggles - daily throughout October. 

Please let me know if you find these reminders and information useful or if there is something else you are looking for. I am happy to share what God has led us through (some pretty big challenges) and how He continues to carry us through each day.

 - visit others participating in 31 days series from The Nester here -
- Read my other posts of encouragement for your homeschool here-

 Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday -  Gratituesday  

 Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows -

Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew   

A day in the life - homeschooling our boys!

As a family of 3 boys - I like to keep things moving a bit. They don't like to write - or sit still (or be quiet and listen) but they are required to do some of each. We are relaxed homeschoolers, bordering on unschooling, but we start each day with Jesus and the pledge of allegiance and some desk time. 

We haven't confined our school to one room in the house - we use the family room area (pictured above) and dining table if we need to spread out info for a project or lapbook. We use the kitchen open area for art and other projects - and spend plenty of time in the kitchen doing "cooking 101" which includes planning meals, budgeting, and shopping. We go over kitchen safety and nutrition as well as measuring and other kitchen science. 

 We have more of a "routine" than we do a strict schedule. An average day would go as follows: Wake up and cuddle in mommy's room - breakfast - computer time. Get ready for the day, cleaned up and meet at the "school area". Do Bible time and pray together. Take turns holding the flag and say the pledge.  Then, depending on what day it is - I will read out loud from our Apologia Science or Trail Guide to Learning (which is full curriculum other than math) from Geography Matters for History - Paths of Settlement. I use it for most of our reading, social studies, geography, history, spelling and vocabulary. We do math every day.

 Depending on how I'm doing in the mornings (I have RA and mornings are tough) makes a difference on when we actually start. Sometimes it's easier to just start a little before lunch - and then finish up after lunch.

We try to get outside as much as possible to explore God's creation. My boys are big fans of bug collecting.

The boys help me run around and clean the house each day. We have age appropriate chores - such as emptying the dish washer, taking out the trash, putting clean clothes away and doing some laundry. They take turns running the vacuum cleaner, dusting, and fight over who gets to clean the sliding glass doors with the squeegee. I try to focus on getting one major thing done a week along with general cleaning. 

Several times each week we will either then go meet with friends, go to the beach for a swim and to collect shells, go to the pool, or (when it's a little cooler here in Southwest Florida) go for a nature walk. 

We have quite a few museums within reasonable driving distance and plan regular field trips. 

Living near the beach and on the water has provided us with a unique outlook that fits right in to our lifestyle of learning. We never cease to be amazed at God's beautiful creation and get excited about learning more about how things work. We try to never take it for granted. 

We most always have dinner at home as a family - usually we participate together in planning and preparing it. The boys love their daddy time - he works hard so we can enjoy our homeschool life. In everything we study and learn - we look back to the Creator and give Him the glory. We are surrounded by natural beauty which makes a wonderful platform for learning - but mostly for admiring the handiwork of our Maker.  Reading and writing and arithmetic are all very important - but our number one goal is to teach the boys to live for the Lord. 

God's Word is the foundation of our homeschool. 

Homeschool at the beach - is a rough life - but someone has to do it! 

(I'm so very thankful we can - thank you Jesus!) 

#1000 Gifts 

* sandy toes 

*supportive homeschool daddy 

*sunsets that take my breath away 

* boys excited to learn Bible verses 

* family time in nature 

*getting back to a more steady routine 

*hearing the boys prayers change as they get to know the Lord better

*brothers supporting and helping each other 

Linking with - Holy Spirit Led Homeschool , The Imagination Tree , Creative Family Fun ,
  Camera Phone Friday,   Collage Friday, ihomeschoolnetwork Mommy Teaches  Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday -
Soli Deo Gloria From My Mountain View Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows
Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word