Girls to Grow

Am I Old Enough To....

2012-02-01T06:30:00.013-05:00

Since our girls are getting older, we sometimes hear questions that begin with the words, "When can I...." as they seek permission for new privileges.

From painting their fingernails to getting their ears pierced, they want to know how old they have to be to do certain things. They know that my husband and I have set specific ages for many of these activities.

I can't give you a Bible verse about why we chose a particular age to allow them to wear lip gloss in public (as opposed to wearing it to play "dress up.") However, a principle I learned from my dad is that it's wise to give children things to look forward to as they get older. If at the age of nine I'm allowing them to have privileges that a teenager might have, there won't be much new (that's appropriate) left for them to do as they get older.

These are personal decisions that each family makes for themselves. We've just decided that we want certain activities to be celebrated milestones, from having their own cell phone (not happening for awhile yet!) to wearing makeup (no, not that one either!!). It's a delicate balance between giving them age-appropriate freedoms and not allowing them to move ahead too quickly.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have it all figured out yet (nor will I ever!), but I hope that our daughters will always know how much we love them and that we have their best interest at heart.

2012 Goals Update

2012-01-31T06:30:00.009-05:00

I recently heard the following: "You don't grow old; you just wake up one day, and you are."

If time continues to pass as quickly as January did, I'm afraid I'll be old any day now!

While the month passed quickly, I was pleased with the progress I made on many of my goals for the year. I've listed the goals below, followed by my progress in bold.

Spiritual

1. Memorize "one another" passages. I've made it through verse 6 of John 15:1-14.
2. Complete our "others" projects. In January, we chose to share our faith in some way at least once a week for four weeks by giving out a tract, inviting someone to church, etc. I updated this goal yesterday.
3. Highlight one prayer request per week and pray for it throughout the day for seven days. I have not been faithful with this yet. Yesterday I wrote down my request for the week on a 3x5 card and placed it in a very visible spot in the kitchen. Hopefully this will help me remember to pray for it throughout the day.

Physical

1. Reach goal weight. This could take all year! No weight lost yet.
2. Exercise for twenty minutes at least four days a week. This has been an easy goal to reach since my husband and I have been walking together in the evenings.
3. Eat only one sweet/baked good per day. (This one may kill me...) I failed miserably with this at the beginning of the month, but was successful most of last week. Maybe this sacrifice will show up in weight loss soon.

Intellectual

1. Read through my book list. I got a great start on this, reading six of the twelve books this month! I'll post more details later in the week.
2. Study my camera guide and learn how to take better photos. Well, I've been thinking about getting out my camera guide...
3. Write an e-book.

Family

1. Visit five new restaurants this year.
2. Plan at least one "fun" homeschool day each month. Last Friday we celebrated the 100th day of school.
3. Find a volunteer opportunity we can do as a family. My husband has a lead on this; we'll see if it works out.

Did you set goals for 2012? If so, how are you doing so far?

Focusing on Others in 2012: January Project

2012-01-30T06:30:00.038-05:00

As I share our first month of focusing on others in 2012, please understand that I am not seeking attention for what we've done. As Katie mentioned in a comment on my original post on this subject, these acts of service are done first of all to glorify God, and secondly, to help us develop a more Christ-like mind. I share our efforts here that I might have accountability for reaching these goals and in hopes of encouraging readers who seek to have the same focus.

In January, we chose to find ways each week to share our faith. Here's what we were able to do.

Made brownies, which we put in a basket and delivered to a family that moved in down the street. We gave them a tract with information about our church and invited them to visit.
Left a gospel tract at a bookstore and at a mall in a place where people could easily find and read it.
As part of a church-wide visitation program, we delivered "welcome" baskets (filled with pre-wrapped crackers, cookies, candy, etc., along with information about our church) to homes of people who have recently moved into the area.
Our nine-year-old invited several neighbors to a special Friends and Neighbors service we had at our church on the 29th.

One of the lessons I am learning is that even my efforts to minister to others can become self-centered. As I looked about for people to reach out to, I found that my motivation was to accomplish the project when I should have been concentrating on the other person and their needs, especially spiritually. I need to continue asking God for His help in getting my focus right.

As we were leaving a small homeschool activity a couple of weeks ago, I asked our daughters if they had made any new friends or found a way to be helpful. Our nine-year-old told how she had helped another girl, then said, "I just did it, and didn't even really think about how I was being kind." That, I told her, is our goal - that helping others will become such a natural part of who we are that we do it without even thinking.

We'll be choosing another project for February, so watch for another update at the end of next month!

Saturday Salutes

2012-01-28T06:30:00.009-05:00

Carrie encourages us to get rid of clutter in 5 Ways Getting Rid of Stuff Will Save You Money.

Being thankful through trials is what Jessica Lynette seeks to show her children in Teaching the Habit of Thankfulness to Children by Example.

If you made some goals for 2012 as I did, Lacey reminds us of The Power of Review in her guest post at Money Saving Mom.

I was convicted by Amy's post on Complaining: The Heart of the Matter.

The girls enjoyed celebrating our 100th day of school yesterday!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Cooking Class

2012-01-27T06:30:00.012-05:00

Since I want our girls to be comfortable in the kitchen as they get older, I know that I need to involve them more in the preparation of our meals. Therefore, I've decided to schedule once-a-month "cooking classes." While both girls have helped with some of these tasks before, I want them to master these techniques. Since January is almost over, we will be tackling one of these in the next few days!

1. Peel, chop, and roast potatoes.

2. Prepare pasta and sauce for homemade macaroni and cheese. (This includes a basic white sauce.)

3. Make and bake homemade bread.

4. Scramble eggs.

5. Brown ground meat.

6. Independently follow a recipe to make chocolate chip cookies.

7. Prep all vegetables for a salad.

8. Peel and slice apples and prepare filling for an apple pie.

9. Help make homemade chicken broth in the slow cooker.

10. Cook grilled cheese sandwich in the frying pan.

11. Soak and boil dry beans.

12. Prepare and serve one of their favorite meals, Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Do your children enjoy helping in the kitchen? What other skills would you suggest adding to the list?

Let Me Know

2012-01-26T06:30:00.004-05:00

One of my desires is that my blog would be a ministry to the Christian women that God brings across its path. As I write, I am always interested in knowing what topics are most relevant to my readers.

If you could, take just a minute to fill out the survey below. It will help guide me as I schedule future posts. If there is a topic you would like to see covered that's not on the list, please leave it in the comments. Thanks so much for your input!

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I'll Always Be His Little Girl

2012-01-25T06:30:00.007-05:00

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I love my dad.

He was my first hero, the first man to ever treat me like a young lady. He listened when I talked, and, when asked for it, gave wise advice.

On my wedding day, as my dad walked me down the aisle, we stopped near the front of the church and a male soloist sang this song.

She skipped across the room in her pretty new dress
Did a ballerina turn in her patent leather shoes
And to say the very least
I was impressed
She was my little girl

And we played our little game again
I said "Who's the only man in your heart?"
And she smiled as we held each other's hands
And she said, "Daddy don't you know?
Daddy don't you know?
You're the only man in my heart"

A few years later in her life
I saw her walking home from school
She had her books in her arms
And a young man at her side
And I felt a jealous pain
And I felt just like a fool
But when the young man told her bye
I said, "Can I walk with you?"

And we played our little game again
I said "Who's the only man in your heart?"
And she smiled as we held each other's hands
And she said, "Daddy don't you know?
Daddy don't you know?
You're the only man in my heart"

Now it's hard to believe this day has come and gone
He put a ring on her hand
That held her Daddy's heart
And I'll always remember as they played her wedding song
The words my little girl said to me

"Daddy, can we play a little game?
Who's the only little girl in your heart?"
And I cried as I softly called her name
And I said, "Honey don't you know?
Honey don't you know?
You're the only little girl in my heart"

"You'll always be that little girl in my heart"

You're The Only Little Girl
© 1986 Steve & Annie Chapman / Shepherd's Fold Music

These days, my dad's heart holds other "little girls" as well - my younger sister and my two daughters. In my eyes, He is still the hero from my childhood days and I am blessed by how he continues to build precious memories with my girls.

Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you.

If you'd like to hear Steve Chapman sing this song, check out the video below. He begins the song about 1:45 into the clip.

Celebrating 100 Days of School

2012-01-24T06:30:00.004-05:00

In this, our first year of homeschooling, I am making plans to celebrate our 100th day of school, which falls on Friday. I'm excited that we've been enjoying homeschooling and have made it this far!

Here are some of the activities I'm planning.

Do a physical activity (jumping jacks, running in place, hopping, etc.) for 100 seconds.
Put together a 100-piece puzzle.
Thread 100 pieces of O-shaped cereal on a piece of string and wear as a necklace (and use as an instant morning snack :).
Fill three small jars with mini chocolate chips and let them choose which jar they think contains exactly 100.
Using an advertising flyer from the Sunday paper, make a list of items you could buy with $100. (I will have my 5th grader calculate tax and include that as part of the total.)
Research what happened on this day in history 100 years ago.
Write the number 100 on a piece of paper and incorporate it into a drawing.
See how many times you can bounce a ball in 100 seconds.
Write a paragraph on the following subject: If I could, I would have a collection of 100 ______
Glue 100 sunflower seeds to a piece of cardboard. (Admittedly, this is to use up a half bag of sunflower seeds we have in the pantry!)
Make a chain of 100 paper links and string across the "schoolroom."
See how quickly you can answer 100 math facts (using flashcards).

Have you ever celebrated the 100th day of school?

Separating the Good from the Evil

2012-01-23T06:30:00.002-05:00

"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things..." ~I Corinthians 2:15

In this verse, the word "judgeth" has the idea of "discerneth." Our daughters and I have been studying discernment in the Bright Lights Bible curriculum we use in homeschooling. The definition of discernment given there is "skill in separating the good from the evil and understanding the bigger picture." I love the way that is worded!

As the keepers of our home, we must have discernment. It begins in our own lives, as we examine our attitudes and actions for any sin that needs to be forgiven and forsaken. Beyond that, our responsibility extends to our family. From media and other materials that enter our home to the friends our children have to the activities we participate in, we need wisdom to see what is potentially harmful. How often we need to pray for help in not giving evil a foothold, even unwittingly.

As we seek to be discerning, we are not to judge according to arbitrary standards, but base our decisions on Biblical standards. I also believe that as we seek God's leading through prayer and study of His Word, He will even give us instincts that will help us avoid potential pitfalls. Surely our discernment, like other skills, can be improved as we use it in our daily lives.

Finally, as our definition of discernment states, it is valuable to remember the big picture. Perhaps there is some activity or influence that might seem acceptable today, but could cause problems as our children get older. All of our decisions can be passed through the filter of I Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

I want to be on guard and actively evaluating the choices we make for our family. As mothers who seek to rear our children as servants of Christ, may we ask for His wisdom and guidance in discerning those things that are best for our children.

Saturday Salutes

2012-01-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

Sherry's Aussie Chicken is a "new-to-me" recipe that's becoming a favorite with the whole family.

I think I might follow in Jessica's footsteps and try some Hammock Time with my kids this week.

Rachel shows how she incorporates Legos into math activities.

Here's yet another decorating-themed post for me to drool over! This one's from Prairie Homestead and includes some practical tips for improving your space.

We're hoping that rain will hold off today so we can take our daughters to play miniature golf (using a gift card our eleven-year-old got back in July....) Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Just Like Me

2012-01-20T06:30:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it's scary to see how much like you one of your children is becoming....

One evening last week, our eleven-year-old said she'd run out of things to do, so she organized the bookshelves in the playroom. She arranged the biographies alphabetically, grouped all the series together and put them in number order, then put all the random books in categories. This is exactly the type of project I would enjoy doing!

On Saturday night, she told me she had planned her clothing for the coming week. Sure enough, she had written the days of the week on a piece of paper and noted the outfit she would wear each day.

I am a planner who enjoys organizing and I think these traits are definitely part of her makeup. In considering this, though, I asked myself the following questions. What if she's like me spiritually? Am I setting an example that I want her to follow? Does she see me reading my Bible, praying, and memorizing Scripture?

I know I am human and often fail. Yet with God's help, may I develop my walk with God in a way that not only I, but He, would be pleased if she were to be just like me.

We Rule the World

2012-01-18T06:30:00.044-05:00

"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." ~William Ross Wallace

In the busyness of these days - when the hours seem to fly away and the to-do list seldom gets shorter - do I realize what a responsibility I have in influencing my children for Christ?

What a calling is mine, this nurturing of a human soul. The child whose schoolwork I critique, the one whose constant chatter fills my ears, the ones I hug and kiss good night, could be a Fanny Crosby or an Amy Carmichael. Perhaps you are rearing a Billy Sunday or a David Livingstone.

Let us not give that influence lightly to other caregivers, be they well-meaning adults or seemingly harmless forms of media. We have been given precious lives to guide, infuse with character, teach responsibility, and impart virtues like compassion and diligence.

While who they ultimately become will depend on the grace of God coupled with the choices they make, my days with them now can lay a foundation that will enable them to rise up when Christ calls and follow Him all their lives.

A Challenge in Gratefulness

2012-01-17T06:30:00.018-05:00

Cultivating a grateful heart is something I hope to do for myself as well as our children. After reading 365 Thank Yous by John Kralik, I am challenging myself to express thanks in writing more often. While I typically write thank you notes for gifts and special acts of kindness, I want to go deeper than that.

Writing one thank you note a day, as the author of the book attempted, would be a wonderful challenge. However, I think it would become overwhelming for me in this season of life. Instead, I am purposing to write and mail or hand deliver a thank you note each Tuesday in 2012. I chose Tuesdays because I usually read Laura's Gratituesday posts, so that should prompt me to get my weekly thank you note written. I'm hoping that this project will be a constant reminder of all the things for which I can be thankful.

Is there someone you can thank today?

Linked to Gratituesday hosted by Heavenly Homemakers. Amazon link included in this post is my affiliate link.

Oh, How Marvelous!

2012-01-16T06:30:00.017-05:00

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Reading through A.W. Tozer's The Attributes of God has given me a renewed appreciation for our God. Over the last few days, I have been pondering the love that God has for me. He created me for His pleasure, that I might bring honor and glory to Him. Then, because of man's sin, God sent His Son to die for me that I might be redeemed.

So often we talk about the joy that we will feel when, as Christians, we reach heaven and see Him face to face. And that is certainly true. Yet how amazing it is to think that God will be excited to see me, too. As Tozer writes, "Did you ever stop to think that God is going to be as pleased to have you with Him in heaven as you are to be there?" That thought inspires me to want to do even more for Him, that as the ages pass, God and I will have much to talk about together.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

~Charles H. Gabriel

What attribute of God would you celebrate today?

Saturday Salutes

2012-01-14T06:30:00.002-05:00

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In I'm a Perfect Mom....In My Head, Mandi encourages us to let go of our expectations.

Katie has another fabulous idea for spreading God's Word throughout your home in Magnet Makeover.

If you're in the midst of a cold spell like we are, Jacinda's Frugal Ways to Cozy Up Your Home are timely!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Play With Your Food

2012-01-13T06:30:00.003-05:00

Since they were very young, our daughters have enjoyed arts and crafts projects. If they were actually allowed to eat the ingredients we worked with, so much the better!

Here are five fun ways we've used food to not only create art, but also practice fine motor skills.

1. Chocolate Pudding Paint. As a teacher, I did this every year with my first grade students. Let your children finger paint with chocolate pudding on a sheet of waxed paper - after washing their hands well, of course!

2. Peanut Butter Playdough. This was another classroom activity that's so much fun for kids. I can't locate my old recipe, but here's a post with two versions you can try.

3. Cereal or Pasta Necklaces. We've strung various cereals and pasta shapes on yarn or lacing cord.

4. Mosaics with rice, beans, pasta, etc. Print out a plain picture, such as this whale, on a piece of paper (or card stock, if available). You could use a flower, tree, or any image with simple lines; a coloring book page could work as well. Outline the picture by gluing on rice, dry beans, or small pasta shapes.

5. Homemade Ice Cream. Admittedly it's winter, but who doesn't like ice cream anyway?! There are several ways to make this, but here's one recipe that involves using zipper-seal bags and is similar to what I've done in the past. You can also read the recipe reviews for variations other than vanilla.

Do you have more ideas for letting your children play with their food?

Book Review: The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay

2012-01-12T06:30:00.001-05:00

Learning how to use our money wisely is always of interest to me. In The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay, getting your finances in order is approached in the same way as a physical workout. Each chapter has a warm up, strength training, cardio burn, heart rate and cool down section.

Most major money topics are covered, including ways to approach debt, retirement, travel, and even beginning a home-based business. The author gives practical advice without getting bogged down in technical details and shares concrete steps you can use to work towards your financial goals. She emphasizes the importance of managing your money with your spouse and asks readers to set aside an hour a week to tackle financial issues together.

While there are other financial planning books that I have found more practical and motivating, this book could be a helpful approach for those wanting to try a new format for organizing their finances.

What is your favorite money management book?

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah. All of the opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not compensated for this review in any other way. Links in this post are my Amazon affiliate links.

Writing It Down for All to See

2012-01-11T06:30:00.008-05:00

I've been looking for extra motivation as I seek to reach my goal weight this year. I have read that keeping a food journal (writing down everything you eat) can be a powerful tool. I actually did this online a couple of years ago, but the process became too cumbersome.

Instead of using paper, I came up with another approach. My eleven-year-old has a small, magnetic white board that hangs on our refrigerator door. She rarely uses it, so with her permission, I adopted it for my experiment.

Each day, I write on the board every food I eat. From meals to snacks, I document in this very public place what I have eaten all day. (The picture above was taken right after lunch, since the afternoon and evening are typically my weak moments. ;)

Our daughters are conscientious about asking me - while I'm eating - if I've added that food to my list. They will glance at the board when they walk by and even offer comments at times. I am finding them to be quite vigilant accountability partners, but I have to admit that I think it's helping!

Are you working towards any healthy eating or weight loss goals?

Just Leave It for Now

2012-01-10T06:30:00.002-05:00

Their sleeping bags littered the floor, along with a pile of pillows and blankets, remnants of their "sleepover" the night before. Hand-lettered signs adorned the walls and furniture in the playroom, announcing stations for playing games and making crafts. My order-loving nature balks at the scene, wanting to call them in immediately to put things to rights and restore the room to its normally tidy state.

Then, as I step across the mess, I am reminded that before I know it, this room will be neat all the time. There will be no blond-headed whirlwind to scatter scraps of paper as she cuts out dresses for her paper dolls. My literature-loving eleven-year-old won't have stacks of paper and notebooks on the shelves, waiting for her next attempt at a poem or a story about characters from long ago.

All too soon, the room will be clean and organized - and stay that way. It will be quiet, perhaps even peaceful. But the constant chatter accompanied by whispers of hope and the airy clouds of dreams built in spurts of imaginary play will be gone, too. And I know I shall miss the messes, and the energy, and the girlish touches that fill this space.

So let me stumble over the disheveled heap, listening to their voices and laughter in the room next door, and embrace what our home looks like in this stage of life. We can always clean it up tomorrow.

Love One Another

2012-01-09T06:30:00.020-05:00

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." ~John 15:12

Here we find a direct command from God. These three words tell us how to interact with people around us. John 13:35 says, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." We can have no greater testimony, whether among believers or nonbelievers, than that we demonstrate love to others.

Notice also in this verse that He says to love as He has loved us. In verse 9 He says, "...continue ye in my love." That means we are to love without constraint, from a heart overflowing with grace and forgiveness toward others.

I have found that love usually involves sacrifice. Whether it be yielding my desires, my time, or my will, showing love often means putting others first.

As I mentioned previously, this year I am memorizing what I call "one another" passages - those that deal with how we are to act toward others. John 15:1-14 is the first one I have chosen. Since my mind isn't quite as quick as it used to be, I've given myself till the end of February to memorize this Scripture. My prayer is that by memorizing this passage and meditating on its message, I will become more consistent in showing love to others.

Saturday Salutes

2012-01-07T06:30:00.013-05:00

(One of my darling nephews!)

I found wonderful advice and encouragement in Feed My Sheep.

Whether or not you've made goals or resolutions for the new year, Caroline's post on Resolutions as a Christian reminds us of what's most important.

Grace always has a place in our parenting as Melissa shares in You Understand Her.

Some people just blow me away with their creativity. With her mantel clocks, Lisa is one of them.

Thanks for enduring all my new-year related posts this week!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Here's the Plan

2012-01-06T06:30:00.002-05:00

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I'm wrapping up this first week of 2012 by sharing some of my goals for the year. While I've done this indirectly through my reading and project lists, I haven't yet given the overall picture.

I chose the following areas in which to set goals: spiritual, physical, intellectual, financial, family, homeschooling, blogging. I decided to have three goals per area.

Spiritual
1. Memorize "one another" passages. (I plan to post more on these later.)
2. Complete our "others" projects.
3. Highlight one prayer request per week and pray for it throughout the day for seven days.

Physical
1. Reach goal weight.
2. Exercise for twenty minutes at least four days a week.
3. Eat only one sweet/baked good per day. (This one may kill me...)

Intellectual
1. Read through my book list.
2. Study my camera guide and learn how to take better photos.
3. Write an e-book. (Numbers two and three are carried over from 2011. Oops...)

Family
1. Visit five new restaurants this year.
2. Plan at least one "fun" homeschool day each month.
3. Find a volunteer opportunity we can do as a family.

While I won't give specifics, our financial goals involve paying down the balance on our house, saving money to replace my car, and saving cash for the family trips we want to take this year. As for homeschooling goals, I plan to write about those at a later date.

So, did you set goals for the year? How's it going so far?

Read-Alouds for 2012

2012-01-05T06:30:00.003-05:00

We are blessed in that both of our daughters enjoy reading. While they read a host of books on their own, we also have read-aloud times at lunch and before bed. I try to choose books slightly above their current reading level so that they are introduced to unfamiliar words or settings while I am available to answer questions or make explanations.

Our list of books for bedtime reading during 2012 begins with a book we didn't finish on our 2011 list.

1. To Have and to Hold: A Tale of Intrigue and Adventure by Mary Johnston

2. Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen

3. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

4. What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge

5. Rascal by Sterling North

6. Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

7. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

8. Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale

Our lunchtime reading is from a Christian biography. We are currently finishing Mary Slessor: Heroine of Calabar and plan to follow that with John Newton: Letters of a Slave Trader Freed by God's Grace and Anne Bradstreet.

Amazon links included in this post are my affiliate links.

Homeschooling: A Mid-Term Review

2012-01-04T06:30:00.007-05:00

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While we haven't quite reached the halfway point of our first year of homeschooling, the extended break we took for Christmas and New Year's gave me time to reflect on our school year so far. It has truly been a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to continuing in the coming months.

I readily admit that not all the lessons have been learned by the girls! Here's what I've taken away from our first few months.

1. Homeschooling works best when each child's personality and learning style is considered. Since our daughters had attended traditional school, they easily adapted to the DVD-based curriculum we are using. However, while one child can focus on her school work for long periods of time, the other needs more frequent breaks and positive reinforcement from me.

2. It's okay to skip some of their written assignments or "homework." As long as I am confident that they grasp the concept and are reviewing it enough to make it stick, they don't have to complete every single math problem or diagram every sentence on the page. What a relief for all of us!!

3. Homeschooling is hard work. The three of us are together all day, most days of the week. There are many fun, sweet times, but there are also times when we can make each other a little crazy! In addition, I have to be diligent about overseeing their work, preparing for and helping with projects or book reports, grading papers, etc.

4. They really are learning! It's rewarding when they are introduced to new material and come to me to discuss it. Seeing them develop an interest in subject areas like health, history, and science is exciting. Talking through our morning Bible lessons and reading Christian biographies together at lunch time gives me more of an opportunity to talk with them about spiritual things.

5. If the Lord leads you to homeschool your children, He will give you the grace and the strength to do it.

By the end of the school year, I hope I'll have learned even more about how homeschooling works best for our family. I'll be sure to share a final report card!

Focusing on Others in 2012

2012-01-03T06:30:00.005-05:00

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To quote Kat's 12-word post on selecting goals for the new year, "Need goals? Imagine who you want your kids to become. Be that."

Since I desire that our daughters have a vision for reaching out to others, I need a plan to develop that compassionate spirit in all of us. For 2012, we are going to focus on one "others-oriented" project each month. I hope that once we begin we will do even more than we have planned, but at least this will give us a place to start.

Here's my list in random order.

1. Write a letter to a missionary family and include a small monetary gift to support their ministry.

2. Share our faith in some way at least once a week for four weeks by giving out a tract, inviting someone to church, etc.

3. Take flowers to an elderly couple or a widow in our church.

4. Write two thank you notes to military personnel, one active duty and one veteran.

5. Save our change and any other "extra" money for a month and send it to a Bible-based children's home in Florida.

6. Send a care package to a college student.

7. Make cards and mail them to each grandparent.

8. Collect items for a local animal shelter.

9. Take a meal to a new mother or a family that's struggling with illness.

10. Give a note and small gift to our pastor.

11. Anonymously pay for someone's meal at a restaurant.

12. Visit someone in the hospital or assisted-living facility.

At the end of each month, I'll let you know which project we completed. If you have additional ideas for "others-oriented" activities that we could do with our children, please share them in the comments.

What I'll Be Reading in 2012

2012-01-02T06:30:00.005-05:00

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Last year was the first time that I created an actual reading list for myself and I was pleased with the results. I was motivated to read not only the books on my list, but others as well. My blog readers are great accountability partners!

There were two books that I wanted to read, but didn't get to in 2011.

1. With the Master on Our Knees by Susan J. Heck.

2. The Parenting Breakthrough: Real-Life Plan to Teach Kids to Work, Save Money, and Be Truly Independent by Merrilee Browne Boyack.

Here are ten more books I want to read in the coming year.

3. Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. I have read this book before, but it speaks to me so directly that I want to re-read it every year.

4. Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy.

5. Debt-Proof Your Kids by Mary Hunt.

6. The Master's Indwelling by Andrew Murray.

7. Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald.

8. The Attributes of God, Volumes One and Two, by A.W. Tozer.

9. 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik.

10. Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World by Joel Salatin.

11. Teenproofing: Fostering Responsible Decision Making in Your Teenager by John Rosemond

12. Winning the Food Fight: Victory in the Physical and Spiritual Battle for Good Food and a Healthy Lifestyle by Steve Willis.

[Just a side note: When did book subtitles become almost as long as the books themselves???]

In a few days, I hope to post a separate list of the books I want to read aloud with our daughters this year.

Have you read any of the books on my list? Do you have any particular books you're planning to read in 2012?

Links in this post are my Amazon affiliate links.

Saturday Salutes

2011-12-31T06:30:00.005-05:00

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The blogosphere abounds with reminiscences of 2011 and anticipation of 2012. Here are some of my favorites.

Jessica reminds those of us who homeschool that Today is a New Day.

I always enjoy seeing what Crystal's planning for the year as she shares her reading list and posts the DIY projects she plans to complete.

Liz at Hoosier Homemade gives a "Best of 2011" post with cupcakes, decorating ideas, and sweet treats, while Kristen at We Are THAT Family highlights her most popular posts from the year.

Next week I'll be posting some of my own goals and lists for 2012. Until then, have a wonderful weekend reflecting upon God's goodness and opening your heart to all that the coming year will hold!

She's Still Smiling

2011-12-30T06:30:00.001-05:00

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We were friends through elementary school, best friends in high school. We shared classes and sleepovers, personal victories and disappointments.

Our relationship is no longer that close; I'm here on the east coast while she lives out west. But we still keep in touch the old-fashioned way, through cards and notes on birthdays and holidays.

When no card arrived for my wedding anniversary in late summer, I wondered how she was. But as the weeks passed, I just waited expectantly for her Christmas greetings. The card, along with a note, arrived a couple of days ago.

She has been fighting breast cancer for the last seven months. After undergoing chemotherapy and surgery, she had her last radiation treatment on December 20th, putting, Lord willing, the most difficult part of the journey behind her.

Because of another need she had mentioned back in the spring, I was already praying for her. In the last couple of months, when I wasn't sure if that situation had been resolved, I just began asking God to meet whatever need she might be facing. Little did I know the importance of those prayers.

In the picture she included with her card she is bald, yet smiling the warm, contagious smile I remember from years ago. I can only imagine the testimony she has maintained through this trial, as her note begins and ends with references to God's love, goodness, and peace.

In this season of reflecting while also looking ahead, may this unexpected reminder of the frailty of life and the providence of God direct my thoughts and goals for the coming year.

Saturday Salutes

2011-12-24T06:30:00.006-05:00

It may be a little late to apply for this season, but there's advice that's good year round in How to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays.

It's All a Lie is a lovely post that is balm for the homemaker's soul.

When I think I have Nothing to Offer, Amy reminds me of what others really need.

Have you read Jen's Christmas Letter? It's heartwarming and real.

Training Children: The Life Work is a great reminder of the importance of training our children while they're young.

From our family to yours....

Wishes for a merry Christmas, where our Saviour's birth is celebrated and our families' hearts drawn closer together.

Mary's Faith

2011-12-23T06:30:00.001-05:00

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." ~Luke 1:38

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Oh, what faith Mary had! In spite of the unusual situation she found herself in and the almost unbelievable words spoken by the angel, she had complete trust that God could accomplish what He said.

During this Christmas season, may we ponder the promises we've been given in the Bible and, like Mary, have the faith to take God at His word. As the angel said, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37)

Showcasing Frosty

2011-12-22T06:30:00.002-05:00

Our girls and I have not been the only ones crafting around here. My husband made this little project of his own.

He took it to work for a gift exchange, but we enjoyed watching him build it.

Meanwhile, our daughters continue to make circle garlands and other Christmas crafts on their own. I think I'll need another storage tub when it comes time to pack it all away!

Handmade and Homemade Christmas

2011-12-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I put our Christmas Craft and Baking Day plan into action.

We started a little after 9:00 A.M. with the Clothespin Christmas Trees. This is the state of our dining room table after about fifteen minutes.

Next came the button wreaths. We actually had many more beads than buttons, so we ended up making bead wreaths instead.

My favorite project was the circle garland.

We took a break from crafting to bake our Chocolate Holiday Bears.

The Hands and Foot Reindeer turned out very cute!

We also made the String Balls and Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments. Since I had an extra bag of Hershey Kisses, I made Peanut Blossom Cookies instead of the Chocolate Peanut Sweeties. They are a bit easier to make and still satisfy that chocolate and peanut butter craving!

We finally cleaned up around 5:15 P.M.

The girls enjoyed the day and now we have a lot more Christmas decor around the house!

What Appointments Do You Have Today?

2011-12-19T06:30:00.003-05:00

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Paul recounts the story of his conversion in Acts 22. In verse 10, he recalls the words of instruction from Jesus that "...it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do."

Just as God appointed Paul things to do, so God has appointments for you and I to keep. Whether it be individuals He places in our path or circumstances we encounter as we go through our day, God has a plan for what He is seeking to accomplish in our lives. Our focus should be to recognize these opportunities and ask for the Holy Spirit's help in fulfilling them.

What is appointed for us to do today? Are we willing to accept these divine appointments as from God or do we see them merely as interruptions? My prayer is that I would learn the lessons God wants to teach me and show my obedience by allowing Him to lead me in every situation.

Saturday Salutes

2011-12-17T06:30:00.002-05:00

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This post has been shared on several sites, but in case you missed it, see if you agree with this blogger's list of The Five Best Toys of All Time. Our daughters have played with all of them!

Have you read Joy's Grace Story? How I needed to hear her message.

I am big on traditions, especially at Christmas, but I found Sarah's post on Keeping the Obligation Out of Tradition very insightful.

I'm finding it difficult to believe that next weekend is Christmas! Last night we enjoyed a very entertaining local production of A Christmas Carol and, along with what we have planned for Tuesday, we'll be busy doing our annual Dollar Tree shopping and wrapping presents in the coming week. Hope you have a wonderful weekend as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Christmas Craft and Baking Day

2011-12-16T06:30:00.004-05:00

We have designated Tuesday as our Christmas Craft and Baking Day. Our calendar is clear, so we can spend the day making messes and memories!

The following are crafts we hope to try:

1. Clothespin Christmas Trees (The Shaving Cream Snowman in this post looks cute, too.)

2. String Balls

3. Hands and Foot Reindeer

4. Circle Garland We'll actually be cutting scenes out of Christmas cards and gluing them to some of our circles. Alternating the picture circles with plain circles should make a pretty and unique garland.

5. Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments. I found directions for making these out of construction paper, not actual dough (though I've made those before). Since you sprinkle cinnamon over white glue on the front of the paper cutouts, we'll still get that nice cinnamon scent.

6. Button Wreath Ornaments

We'll be baking these Chocolate Holiday Bears and Chocolate Peanut Sweeties. I'll try to remember to take pictures to document our day and to show how the projects turn out. Since you all know about my limited crafting ability, I'm trusting our daughters to put their talent to work!

What have you been baking and crafting with your children?

Book Review: The Money Saving Mom's Budget

2011-12-14T06:30:00.002-05:00

When I discovered the blogosphere several years ago, Crystal Paine's Money Saving Mom was one of the first blogs I began reading regularly. I have always enjoyed her money saving tips, sound financial advice, budget-friendly recipes, and the occasional posts that give us a peek into her family's life.

I was excited to have the chance to preview her first book, The Money Saving Mom's Budget, which is scheduled for release on January 10th. Although much of the content was familiar to me, the book held my interest and I read it in its entirety in two days.

The information included is very practical and doable. While the majority of the material has been covered at some point on her blog, it is nice to have it compiled in one place. I especially appreciate her focus on goal setting. She also includes her seven rules for financial success, an outstanding final chapter on contentment, and helpful worksheets for the reader's use.

Whether you're just learning how to budget and save money or have been living frugally for years, I consider this book an excellent source of information and encouragement on your journey to financial freedom.

Crystal is donating all profits of this book to Compassion International. Amazon links included in this post are my affiliate links.

Compassion

2011-12-13T06:30:00.001-05:00

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"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ...And of some have compassion, making a difference:" ~Jude 21-22

One of my goals in seeking to rear Godly children is that they would make a difference, be it in the lives of a few or many. With Jesus as our example, we find that one of the greatest characteristics of His earthly ministry was His compassion. Mark 6:34 says, "And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them..." Christ looked for those who had needs and met them.

The following are three ideas I want to use to help my children - and myself - become more compassionate to those around us.

Notice people in need. If we are wrapped up in ourselves, we miss opportunities to help others. It is often easiest to spot physical needs, but we should also be attuned to spiritual or emotional needs that we can have a hand in meeting.
Be humble. Assisting others should not be done from a position of pride. God created each one of us and, while a person may make choices that put him in difficult circumstances, God still loves him and wants to have a relationship with him. As the saying goes, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."
Empathize. Try to understand others' feelings. We have recently been in situations where my daughters were the "new kids." After these experiences, I have talked to them about how they felt and asked them to remember that bit of awkwardness for times when they have the opportunity to reach out and welcome a stranger. While our children won't have personal experience with every difficulty they see a person facing, they can still learn to identify with people who are hurting.

With God's help, may we develop compassion within ourselves and our children that we might make a difference in our world.

How do you help your children learn to be compassionate?

Saturday Salutes

2011-12-10T06:30:00.007-05:00

If you're looking for seasonal crafts for your young children, read Crystal's Six Fun and Inexpensive Christmas Activities for Kids. I want to make the Button Wreaths with my girls.

Katie is hosting a giveaway for a cute Christmas apron at Blessed Femininity.

As I continue to admire others' Christmas decor, I found this beautifully decorated mantle at The Frugal Homemaker.

Finally, I admire Jen for sharing the bedlam reality behind her Christmas mantle. Judging from the number of comments on her post, I think we all appreciate the honest, "behind the scenes" look into her home.

Wishing you a happy, healthy weekend!

He Giveth and Taketh Away

2011-12-09T06:30:00.014-05:00

The Lord gave us a baby with a neural tube defect, and took away my sense of control over my life.

The Lord gave me eight months to carry that precious child, to feel her kick and move in my womb, and took away any bitterness that threatened to creep into my soul.

The Lord gave doctors, nurses, family, and friends who supported us, loved us, and prayed for us. He took away our loneliness.

The Lord gave us moments to hold her still body, to kiss her soft cheek, and took away any fears about bonding with her.

The Lord gave sweet assurance that we will see her again in heaven and took away some of our sense of loss.

The Lord gave peace that His will is always best and took away my desire to change the path He had chosen.

The Lord gave us time to heal and took away the sadness and emotional pain.

The Lord gave two whole and healthy daughters and took away my barrenness.

In the words of Job, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Fourteen years after the birth of our Angel, I can say with all that I have that God is good and His ways truly are best.

Learning How to Save Money, Parent with Grace, and Cook Southern Style

2011-12-06T06:30:00.001-05:00

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November was a good month for reading! Here are the books I read last month.

The Money Saving Mom's Budget by Crystal Paine. I'll post a review of this book soon, but suffice it to say that I read the entire book in two days!
Southern Plate by Christy Jordan. Yes, this is a cookbook you actually read! It includes stories about many of the recipes and is one of the few cookbooks that I'd actually like to own.
Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. Since I tend to err on the side of truth rather than grace, I found some helpful advice in this book.
EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey. I'm certainly not a business owner, but I still enjoyed Dave's newest book.
Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick. A church friend loaned me this fiction book and it occupied me over the Thanksgiving holiday.

What have you been reading lately?

Links in this post are Amazon affiliate links.

Selfish

2011-12-05T06:30:00.005-05:00

I am selfish.

Being a mom seems to reveal just how selfish I am.

I want the children to go to bed so that I can have some quiet time. I want them to obey so that I can be spared the trouble of disciplining them.

I want them to sit quietly in church so that I can listen to the sermon and not be distracted by their behavior. I want them to instinctively do the right thing so that I don't have to use my time to train them. I want their tastes and interests to align with mine so that I don't have to stretch outside my comfort zone.

However, I need to want what's best for them, not necessarily for me. It's not in me to overcome my selfishness, but it's in Him. I am trying to ask daily for this help, to at least see progress in overcoming my addiction to my own desires. This is a spiritual struggle and begins with surrender of myself to God so that He might help me put others' needs ahead of my own.

Through His power, may I become more selfless each day.

Just What We Needed

2011-12-03T06:30:00.018-05:00

Just as every child is different, so each birth story is unique.

Nine years ago, this day began at an early hour with a labor induction and ended late in the evening with a C-section. At 9 pounds, 1 ounce, a precious baby girl entered our world and enlarged our hearts.

Like the tinsel on a Christmas tree, she adds sparkle to our lives. In her hands, every empty box can be repurposed into something new, each scrap of paper has the potential to become a masterpiece.

Her enthusiasm for life knows no bounds. Her generosity puts me to shame, as does her willingness to reach out to anyone in need.

God builds our families, intertwining each personality, meshing our strengths and weaknesses that we might complement, improve, and encourage one another. So this youngest daughter came with all the curiosity, joy, and sensitivity that we needed. How rich we are because she's here.

Happy 9th birthday, "baby!"

Christmas Around the House

2011-12-02T06:30:00.001-05:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving, our family goes to Lowes to choose a Christmas tree. Our daughters love decorating the tree and, except for the lights, can almost do it by themselves. They get so excited as we unearth ornaments that they made in past years and find a special spot on the tree for their favorites.

I'm not a fancy decorator by any means, but I try to spread a little Christmas throughout the house.

Is your home looking "Christmassy"? If you've posted pictures on your blog and would like to leave a link in the comments, I'll be sure to visit. I'd enjoy seeing how you decorate for Christmas!

It's Passing So Quickly

2011-12-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

It's the way your eyes sparkle when you're about to reveal a special secret.

It's how grown-up and sophisticated your voice sounds when you and your sister pretend to be "fancy Southern belles."

It's your wide smile when you tell a joke and hurry to get to the punch line so we can laugh together.

It's the short distance I have to look down to see directly into your eyes.

All of these and so much more show who you are and who you're becoming.

Along with that comes the exciting fruit of maturity. It appears when you willingly share your espresso ice cream with your sister or as you play along with her when she tries to trick you. It's the diligence you show in doing your school work and the responsibility displayed when you complete your chores without a reminder.

While a birthday is just a day on the calendar, it reminds us of the swift passing of time, that the years we have living full-time in the same house are likely more behind us than ahead of us.

But when I slip in to check on you before I go to bed, and the moonlight slicing through the blinds lands softly on your cheek, I see the same sweet face that I first gazed upon eleven years ago - and the love that I feel spills from my heart and trickles down my face.

I love you, my dear daughter. Happy eleventh birthday!

Homeschooling with Spice

2011-11-29T06:30:00.005-05:00

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The expression, "variety is the spice of life," proved true in our home last week.

On Tuesday, we struggled through our regular routine of homeschooling. While I was tempted to take Wednesday off, I wanted to get one more day's work accomplished since we are taking two days off this week due to a visit from my parents and to celebrate the girls' birthdays.

Typically our daughters do their work at desks in the schoolroom/playroom. On Tuesday afternoon, I told them that Wednesday would be "School Around the House" day. They could work any where in the house they wanted (except my bedroom) and could change locations after each subject if they wished.

Our ten-year-old made up a schedule so that there wouldn't be a conflict. One did Science under the dining room table while another did Writing under the computer desk. The pantry, hallway, and laundry area became classrooms, too.

Not only were they more enthusiastic about the school day on Wednesday, but my attitude improved, too! I'm hoping to remember the importance of creating special days that not only make learning a little more fun, but also create good homeschooling memories.

Praise Him in the Morning, Praise Him in the Evening

2011-11-28T06:30:00.017-05:00

Last Thursday, I read through some of my favorite praise and thanksgiving passages from Psalms. I had been considering the importance of expressing gratitude every day of the year and these verses seemed to speak directly to that.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. ~Psalm 92:1-2

I thought how fitting it would be to read these verses every morning and evening to cement thankfulness in my heart. Over the weekend, I printed the verses out on a sheet of paper, found an old, empty frame I had stored away, and placed the finished project on the nightstand by my bed.

Not only can I begin and end each day with this reminder, but I also notice it as I go in and out of our bedroom throughout the day. I hope that meditating on this passage will help me to keep a thankful heart throughout the year!

Saturday Salutes

2011-11-26T06:30:00.008-05:00

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Perhaps Six Ways to Prepare Your Daughters to Cook Healthy Meals will be the motivation I need to get my daughters more involved in the kitchen.

Any post that makes me laugh is worth sharing, so here's Lisa's post on My Special Gift is Finding the Negative in Everything.

I could echo Jen's list of Five Things Homeschooling Has Taught Me.

A Mother's Thanksgiving Prayer is one of those posts I wish I had written.

ProBlogger comes through with another thought-provoking post in Define Successful Blogging for You.

We were close to setting a record yesterday when we successfully chose our live Christmas tree at Lowes in less than ten minutes! There actually seemed to be an abundance of nice trees this year. Today and tomorrow, our daughters and I will be decorating the tree and unpacking our other Christmas decorations.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

The Fruit of Our Lips

2011-11-24T06:30:00.003-05:00

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ~Hebrews 13:5

May our thankfulness this day be directed to the One Who meets all our needs and provides so many of our wants.

For health, family, friends, church, country, and blog readers, I am thankful. Yet most of all, for the loving God and returning Saviour Who has provided salvation for all who believe.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving as you weave another layer of memories into the fabric of your children's lives.

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Victory and Defeat

2011-11-22T06:30:00.001-05:00

Last night, our eight-year-old scored the winning goal in overtime of her soccer game. It was a sweet moment for her and the team, as they've won only one other game this season.

While God gives us life, we will walk with our children through their victories and defeats. Both are full of teachable moments. In victory, we help them be gracious, humble, and thankful. Through defeat, they learn to persevere, accept loss, yet hold their head up high. This is true in any competitive venture, from athletics to academics to fine arts.

As parents, we celebrate or console, offer congratulations or comfort. Either way, our children should be able to rest in the fact that they are loved unconditionally. Whether or not they score a goal in the game, get an "A" on the test, or win a first place trophy, I will always be proud to be my daughters' mother.

An Untroubled Heart

2011-11-21T06:30:00.019-05:00

"Let not your heart be troubled."

As John 14 begins, we see Jesus talking with His disciples. They have finished what we call "The Last Supper," and Christ is telling these dear followers some of what is to come. The men are confused, seeking to understand. He comforts them with words that so many of us need to heed: "Let not your heart be troubled."

How easy it is to be troubled. From physical suffering to spiritual temptation, difficult circumstances to discouragement, we become bewildered over the trials that come into our lives. But as we lift our eyes and focus on the One Who walks beside and lives within us, we can have peace.

So whatever struggles we may be facing today, we can take them to the Lord, leave them there, and receive from His hand an untroubled heart.

Saturday Salutes

2011-11-19T06:30:00.001-05:00

Ready or not, Christmas will be here soon! Tsh offers great advice on how to Plan Your Peaceful Christmas.

This idea for performing Random Acts of Christian Kindness during the Advent season is one I would love to implement. Don't know if I can pull it off for a whole month this year, but I think a week is doable!

When I saw the combination of flavors in Amy's recipe, I knew these Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins would be a real treat. (I did add a few tablespoons of milk to the batter as it seemed a bit dry, and they turned out moist and delicious.)

While we're on the subject of food, I used up some extra broccoli in Christy's Broccoli Salad. It's another keeper (that I'll have to serve when my parents visit since no one else in my house will touch broccoli!)

If you ever blog, Facebook, or tweet about your children, read Jon Acuff''s 8 Words from my Five-Year-Old That Changed Social Media Forever.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Our Thankful Tree

2011-11-18T06:30:00.001-05:00

I wanted to put our Thankful Tree up on November 1st, but we finally hung it on the back of our front door Monday.

In case you can't tell from the photo, I drew a tree on a large sheet of brown kraft paper that had been used as packing material in a box we received. (Extra "green" points for recycling!) I found leaf patterns online; the girls traced them onto construction paper, I cut them out, and we got busy writing on the leaves things for which we are grateful. In fact, I already need to make more so that we can fill up our tree!

Leaves the girls have added include family, salvation, seasons, books, and laptops. Some of my own contributions are prayer and sisters - for their sake and mine, since my sweet sister celebrated her birthday yesterday.

I hope to make this a Thanksgiving tradition - and it's one that won't pack on the pounds like the Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Stuffing and Strawberry Pretzel Salad that I plan to make next week!

Living History

2011-11-16T06:30:00.004-05:00

On Friday, we traveled back in time 150 years or so.

Being able to choose your field trips is one benefit of homeschooling. Since our daughters enjoy history, we attended Living History Day at Boone Hall Plantation. Re-enactors were dressed in period garb and talked with us as though we were walking through their camp during the 1860's.

Being girls, we were enamored by the ladies in their hoopskirts. We also learned about some of the schooling methods used during that time period.

Other highlights included dipping candles, sewing stitches in a quilt, seeing what a field hospital would have been like, and hearing a Civil War-era cannon fired.

Sometimes, spending a day in the past makes for good memories in the present!

Blessed

2011-11-15T06:30:00.004-05:00

I am blessed.

After supper, we sit around the table.

My husband reads aloud to us, the Bible in his hand.

Our daughters, healthy and whole, listen, trying to absorb the passage so they can answer questions later.

Our empty plates are in front of us, holding the remnants of our recently eaten meal. The house is warm, the roof is sound, the rug soft under our feet.

I realize that I have done nothing to deserve these blessings. My heart is full as I dwell in the present, thankful for the normalcy of the night, treasuring the scene before it melts into the rush of after-supper cleanup.

Thank you, God, for this moment. Let me not take for granted these everyday blessings that you bestow.

Find others giving thanks at Gratituesday hosted by Laura at Heavenly Homemakers.

They've Been With Jesus

2011-11-14T06:30:00.002-05:00

One of the most difficult habits to establish as a Christian can be that of spending time daily in God's Word. Perhaps because it's vital to our walk with Christ, our flesh finds it easy to fill our hours with other tasks.

Reading in Acts 4 last week, I came across a verse that has convicted me before in this area. As the religious leaders question Peter and John, they are amazed by the boldness with which they speak. Verse 13 says, "...and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

While I can't physically spend the day with Jesus, I am privileged as His child to be able to enter His presence through prayer and Bible reading. However, I have to ask myself if I am taking advantage of this opportunity and is it making a difference in how I relate to others.

As I greet the day with my family, sending my husband off to work and getting our daughters started with homeschooling, can they tell that I've been with Jesus? When I encounter a grouchy clerk at the grocery store or talk to the librarian as we check out books, can they sense that I've spent time with Jesus?

I desire for the time I use praying and reading my Bible to effect the rest of my day, that it not just be a ritual I perform. By God's grace, may others I encounter today be able to say that I have been with Jesus.

Saturday Salutes

2011-11-12T06:30:00.009-05:00

Whenever I need blogging advice, I can review the tips in What I Learned as a Bestselling Author that Can Equip You for Blogging Success from ProBlogger.

To quote my husband, "there's no such thing as balance, only harmony." I'm pondering On Being Yourself as I seek harmony between the different functions I perform in life.

In looking for a slow cooker meal to have ready between our field trip and soccer game yesterday, I tried this Crock Pot White Chicken Chili. It will definitely become a frequent cold-weather dish in our house! It was flavorful without being too spicy and had a nice blend of textures.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Forgive

2011-11-10T06:30:00.002-05:00

"Bitterness is the aftertaste of an unforgiving heart." ~Francie Taylor

What Do We Honor?

2011-11-09T06:30:00.022-05:00

Some months ago, I heard a speaker tell parents that, in regards to your children, "you get what you honor." In other words, our children will notice those people, activities, and ideals that we deem important and act accordingly. Whether it's actually verbalized or just implied by how we use our time, our children pick up on what we value.

In considering what I honor in front of our children, I thought of these five questions that I could ask myself.

1. What type of people do I encourage our children to emulate? Ultimately, we are to pattern our lives after Christ, but are there Godly people we know whom our children can witness demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit? Our children are blessed to have wonderful spiritual examples in their grandparents, aunts and uncles, fellow church members, etc., and I can encourage our children to learn from them.

2. Do I pay attention when our children talk about spiritual things? I hope to create an atmosphere that encourages our daughters to feel comfortable discussing any topic, especially questions about our faith and beliefs. When these conversations arise, they need my full attention.

3. How do I use my time? If I want them to think it's important to attend church, than I need to make the extra effort required to be in the services. If serving others is a trait I want them to have, they need to see me helping people. I should spend the most time accomplishing things that have eternal value.

4. Do I look for the good things my children do and point those out? Most of us naturally react well to praise and want to repeat those actions that attract positive attention.

5. Am I giving importance in the home to those character traits that I desire our children to display? I should be teaching and training those qualities until they become part of who our children are. The goal is always to reach the heart, not just produce a person who performs outwardly.

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God can we bring our homes into focus spiritually. I hope I will honor the right things in my life and thereby see our children drawn into a closer relationship with God.

For Their Sake

2011-11-08T06:30:00.002-05:00

I'm not naturally a "hugger." Though I was raised in the South, I don't go around greeting people (outside of my family) by wrapping my arms around them.

However, I have noticed that our daughters go through stages where they want lots of hugs and cuddles. Therefore, for their sake, I make the effort to become more physically affectionate. Because I love them, I will set aside my natural tendencies in order to meet their needs.

As our children grow older, I believe it will become even more important for me to show an interest in things they like doing. For example, both of our girls enjoy art. While I can appreciate viewing fine works of art, I don't relish the creative process. However, because they do, I need to learn enough about the subject to be able to discuss it with them and steer them in a direction that will help them further develop that passion.

As different as our children's interests may be from our own, one way to demonstrate our love is by joining them in their pursuit of knowledge and activities that appeal to them.

What interests might your children have that vary from your own?

Whose Feet Can I Wash Today?

2011-11-07T06:30:00.001-05:00

Photo Source

As a child, I was annoyed when someone's feet touched my body. If my brothers or sister were on the couch with me, they knew they could get a reaction if they maneuvered their foot to rest against me. In fact, I'm not sure I've outgrown that aversion!

In John 13, we read about Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. As He explains to them the significance of what He has done, He says in verse 14, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."

The lesson here is that we are to serve others. We should see no task as too menial or lowly to do in service for Christ.

I doubt that I will be called upon to literally wash someone's feet today. But I may be required to clean up after my children, pack my husband's lunch, wash dishes after a church fellowship, or deliver a meal to a new mother. If Jesus can humbly and willingly bathe the dusty, dirty feet of a roomful of grown men, how can I not do whatever I am called on to do in service to others?

May I not only sweetly accomplish my duties, but let me seek out opportunities to demonstrate the heart of a servant. Each day, let us ask ourselves, "Whose feet can I wash today?"

Saturday Salutes

2011-11-05T06:30:00.009-04:00

There's much to ponder in What's Your Definition of Successful Parenting at Simple Mom.

If you're a blogger - or write in any format - you'll want to read Jody's post on A Writer's Number One Enemy.

I found encouragement for myself as well as tips for helping my daughter in Sunny Side Up.

It has been a full week, but I'm thankful for the physical strength and energy to keep up with everything! I think I'm going to sneak in a bit of Christmas shopping by myself this morning, then shiver through a fall cookout at church tonight! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

It Is Enough

2011-11-02T06:30:00.002-04:00

Perhaps you're familiar with the story in II Samuel 24. David had sinned in numbering the people of Israel and God sent the prophet Gad to instruct David to choose his punishment. David decides to "fall into the hand of the Lord" and three days' pestilence comes on the land.

However, in verse sixteen, as the angel stretches out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, God tells the angel, "It is enough," and the plague is stayed.

Truly our God is merciful; He knows just when to relieve us in our trials.

The greatest example of this in my own life occurred during the pregnancy of our firstborn daughter. Diagnosed at eighteen weeks' gestation with anencephaly, I continued to carry this precious baby, knowing that she would be unable to live outside the womb. I believe that God, in His mercy, allowed me to deliver her early, at just thirty-three weeks, rather than going full term.

God is deeply involved in all of our trials and knows just what needs to be done in order to work His intended purpose in our lives. Whatever you or I may be facing today, may we thank God that at just the right moment, He will intervene and say, "It is enough."

Catching Up on Reading

2011-11-01T06:30:00.005-04:00

Since we were out of town at the beginning of October, I never posted my reading progress for September. In this post, I'll combine the books I read in September and October.

I realize that people sometimes have strong opinions about the On Becoming Babywise book by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, M.D. My own experience of using many of the methods recommended in that book worked well when it came to getting our babies into a routine for sleeping and eating. I had read other books in the series, but just recently bought On Becoming Preteenwise: Parenting Your Child from Eight to Twelve Years and On Becoming Teenwise: Building a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime. I didn't find Preteenwise to have much different advice than what was given in Childwise, but I did glean a few helpful ideas from the Teenwise book.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink, PH.D., from my book list for the year, was an easy and interesting read. The author shared results from surveys and studies about our eating habits and included tips for helping us to mindlessly eat less.

A friend at church gave me the book Sweet Journey by Teri Maxwell. It is a Bible study that I have found to be encouraging and convicting. It covers the basics of our walk with God, including Bible reading, prayer, and Bible memory, yet reminds us of how important these aspects are to growth in our Christian lives. I haven't quite finished it yet, but I'm loving the practical applications she provides.

In the realm of fiction, I had to catch up on Karen Kingsbury's latest two books, Leaving and Learning. I can't say this is my favorite series of hers, but I'm looking forward to continuing the story when the next book releases later this month.

I finished reading Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton to the girls. It was our lunchtime read-aloud for October. At bedtime, I'm reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare to my ten-year-old and The Bronze Bow (by the same author and on our reading list for the year) to our eight-year-old. Elizabeth George Speare was a favorite author of mine when I was a child, but I somehow missed reading The Bronze Bow.

As for our bedtime Bible-related reading, we are continuing to make our way through The Adventure of Missionary Heroism by John Lambert and Joshua Wean. The words used in this book strain even my vocabulary at times which makes the actual stories a bit difficult for my ten-year-old to follow. We have skipped certain portions of this book and are just going to finish up the stories that look the most interesting. On the other hand, The Bible Smuggler, a biography of William Tyndale by Louise A. Vernon, is very age-appropriate and we are all three enjoying it.

I have just two months now to finish up the rest of the books on my 2011 reading list. We'll see if I can make it!

What have you been reading lately?

Saturday Salutes

2011-10-29T06:30:00.006-04:00

So, have you jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon yet? While I haven't, I enjoy seeing what others pin. Lisa highlighted some lovely homemade gift ideas this week.

As Jamie so sweetly reminds us, let's choose peace for our families.

I made JoLynne's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole for supper Thursday night. It was easy and delicious!! Now I want to try Crystal's Cinnamon Roll Bread.

Our daughters and I will be attending a baby shower this morning, then I'll be coming home to make apple crisp and homemade ice cream. Hope your weekend is full of sweet moments!

Results That Last

2011-10-28T06:30:00.007-04:00

No matter how many times I wash the dishes, they get dirty again.

The same goes for vacuuming the floor, doing laundry, and cleaning the bathroom.

Doing those tasks are important, as everyone in my family enjoys having clean plates, wearing fresh-smelling clothes, and walking on crumb-free floors.

However, there is one thing I can do today that will impact eternity. I can invest in the lives of our children.

I can listen intently when they talk. I can answer their questions thoughtfully. I can teach them something they didn't know before.

And, most importantly, I can point them to God - by praying with them, singing a hymn as we work, learning a Bible verse together. I can help them see His hand at work in every day occurrences, show them His continuing goodness in our lives.

That, my friend, is a task with results that will last forever.

For His Glory

2011-10-26T06:30:00.001-04:00

In John chapter eleven, as Jesus and his disciples discuss what has happened to their friend Lazarus, Jesus says in verse four, "....This sickness is....for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

Do you think Lazarus or his family knew, when he became ill, when he continued to get worse no matter what remedies they tried, that this was all taking place for God's glory? We can't know for sure, but if I put myself in the place of his sisters, I doubt that would have been my first thought.

Which brings me to my own life and the realization that God is still seeking to bring glory to Himself through His people. Whether it's a seemingly insignificant daily struggle or an ongoing trial that I'm facing, am I willing to allow God to take charge? What might God be working even now, unbeknownst to me, for His glory? Just as Martha, Mary, and Lazarus likely didn't grasp what was being done in their lives, so I may not understand the orchestrating of events in mine.

So as I encounter difficulties, may I forsake my own solutions, trust in God's goodness and perfect timing, and wait to see what outcome He provides for His own glory.

Lessons for Mom from a Corn Maze

2011-10-25T06:30:00.002-04:00

In a moment of spontaneity, we decided to take our daughters to a local farm and corn maze on Friday night. I had never done a corn maze before and was excited about this adventure. After petting animals, taking a hay ride, and painting pumpkins, we headed down the well-marked path into the cornfield.

We started in the daylight and finished in the dark, taking about an hour and a half to navigate our way past all twelve checkpoints. (Let's just say it's a good thing that we aren't settlers traveling west in the 1800's. There's no telling where we would have ended up!)

As I was reviewing our evening, I thought about the lessons we learned that night and how they might apply to parenting.

1. You need to have a map - and use it. We were given a map when we entered the corn maze, but, unfortunately, we were not very good at following it! However, as moms, the Bible is our map to guide us through each step of parenting. How important it is that we take the time to read it, and then obey it.

2. You need a leader. It would have been very unwise for the four of us to separate and try to find our own way through the darkness to each of the checkpoints. My husband was the leader and, while we each added our own input at different times, he ultimately chose our direction. If our family is to function Biblically, I also need to acknowledge that my husband is the leader of our home. While he seeks my advice and we pray over our decisions, ultimately I am to follow his leadership and teach our daughters to do the same.

3. Persevere. There came a time when the girls and I were ready to give up, but my husband was committed to completing the maze. In the end, we were glad he was determined and kept us going until we finished. In motherhood, we may not see victory every day as we instruct our children in right and wrong. They will not submit in every area or conquer each bad habit in this moment, but we must keep at it, knowing that our reward will come as we are faithful to follow Christ's commands and love our children.

4. Accept the help of others - and pass it on. We had only two checkpoints left, but instead of locating them, we seemed to be going around in circles. As we passed another group, we decided to ask them which checkpoint they had just found. Lo and behold, it was one of the spots we needed to find - and they were kind enough to give us directions on how to get there. (Pride in doing it all on our own was gone at this point; we just wanted to finish!) As we go through life, we will meet those who can help us be better mothers and, Lord willing, we can do the same for another young mother someday.

5. As much as possible, prepare for what's ahead. How thankful I was, when darkness descended on the cornfield, that we had thought to bring flashlights. We also had jackets to keep us warm as the temperature dropped. There is no way mothers can prepare for every eventuality in parenting, but we can recognize that potential struggles may lie ahead. We call this training. We prepare our children for situations that may arise by giving instruction ahead of time and even role playing what their response should be in certain circumstances.

We conquered the corn maze and ended our evening with a cup of ice cream! May I be as successful at internalizing these lessons as we were at enjoying our night together.

Saturday Salutes

2011-10-22T06:30:00.007-04:00

In Monday's post, I mentioned the importance of learning about parenting from other Godly women. How fitting that I found this post on Mothers and Daughters at The Pennington Point this week.

As soon as I can find a big enough sheet of paper, I want to make this Thankful Tree.

There are certainly days when I can identify with Jamie's biggest homeschooling mistake when I fail to be me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pleasure in the Mail

2011-10-21T06:30:00.001-04:00

Whenever one of these comes in the mail, there's a scurrying to the couch, followed by an in-depth perusal of each page, punctuated by discussions of which outfits or accessories are new.

Sometimes I think our girls derive more fun from looking through the catalog and dreaming of what they might choose if given the opportunity than they would get from receiving the actual products. In fact, I remember going through this same process as a child, back in the days when Sears and JCPenney still mailed mammoth Christmas catalogs to our home.

It's a simple pleasure - one that costs nothing, but brings great delight and hours of entertainment.

Have your children enjoyed any simple pleasures lately?

Funny Cake

2011-10-19T06:30:00.006-04:00

A sweet lady who's been a dear friend of our family for a long time (she was my wedding coordinator over twenty years ago!) mailed me this recipe that she'd clipped from the newspaper. It was so thoughtful of her to think of the girls and I and we enjoyed baking this cake one afternoon.

With such basic ingredients and a simple technique, I couldn't believe how tasty it was! We dusted the finished cake with confectioners sugar and topped it with sprinkles, but I'm sure it would be good with icing, too. This recipe is perfect for your kids to make with just a little supervision from you.

Funny Cake

Prep: 10 minutes (varies with kids' kitchen know-how)
Cook: 35 minutes
Servings: 9 (with one 8-inch cake)

1. Wash your hands.

2. Collect these ingredients: Flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, baking soda, vegetable oil, white vinegar, vanilla.

3. Find this equipment: 8-inch square baking pan, flour sifter, measuring cups, measuring spoons, soup spoon, dinner knife, mixing spoon.
.
4. Set sifter into the baking pan. Measure dry ingredients using a soup spoon for scooping and a knife to even off the top. Scoop flour into a 1 cup measuring cup. Put in sifter. Spoon more flour into a 1/2 cup measuring cup. Add to sifter. Scoop sugar into a 1 cup measuring cup. Add to sifter. Spoon cocoa into 1/4 cup measuring cup. Add to sifter. Measure 1 teaspoon baking soda. Add to sifter. Measure 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to sifter. Sift all together into baking pan. {We skipped the whole sifting process and just measured the dry ingredients into a bowl, mixed them together, then dumped it into the baking pan. And, of course, I slightly reduced the amount of sugar.}

5. Turn oven on to bake and 350 degrees.

6. Use mixing spoon to make three holes in the flour mixture. Think craters on the moon.

7. Measure 1 teaspoon vanilla into one hole. Measure 1/3 cup vegetable oil into another hole. Measure 1 teaspoon vinegar into the last hole.

8. Measure 1 cup cold water. Pour carefully over ingredients in the pan. Mix gently with spoon until lumps are gone. Don't forget to mix in the corners.

9. Put cake in the hot oven. Set a timer for 35 minutes. {My oven cooks quickly, so 25 minutes was just right for our cake.}

10. When the timer goes off the cake should be done; it will begin to pull away from the pan's edges. Put cake on a metal rack to cool. When cake is well cooled, dust with confectioners' sugar or frost with a favorite frosting; decorate if you like. Serve from pan.

[Article by Judy Hevrdejs, Chicago Tribune. Recipe adapted from the 4-H "ABC's of Food" cookbook.]

Binders to the Rescue: Organizing Homeschool Papers

2011-10-18T06:30:00.008-04:00

Many of you know that creating an organized system for some area of our home makes my heart go "pitter-patter!"

When we began homeschooling, I knew I would need a way to file graded papers and other documents and records. Rather than setting up a plan immediately, I waited a month or two so that I could determine what I really needed.

Remembering how well my recipe binder worked, I decided to do something similar. I got a two-inch binder and a set of tabbed dividers for each child. (I also purchased a three-hole-punch as I didn't have one.) I created sections in the binder for each subject that the girls cover in school.

Behind the tab, I filed each quiz, test, etc., for that particular class. When our daughters complete special projects, such as the mammal poster our fifth-grader recently made, I can take a photo of it, then print it, and add it to the binder.

My fifth-grader has one set of quizzes that are printed on smaller sheets of paper. I simply slide all of these into one page protector which is added to the correct subject area.

I also bought a package of special pockets to record our field trips. I can save pamphlets, ticket stubs, photos, and other memorabilia from each trip that we take and store each set in its own pocket.

While I'm still working on organizing other aspects of homeschooling, at least I feel in complete "teacher mode" now with my binders!

How do you organize your children's school work or other papers that you need to manage?

Five Reasons I Need Help in Parenting

2011-10-17T06:30:00.002-04:00

One thing I know is that I don't have all the answers when it comes to rearing Godly children. How thankful I am for James 1:5 which promises wisdom to those of us who lack it, if we ask. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

In the area of parenting, I probably don't even realize how inadequate my knowledge is. Here are five reasons that I need help in parenting (with many more that could be added, I'm sure!)

I've never done it before. Growing up as the oldest child in our family, my dad often told me, "I've never been the parent of a ___-year-old before," inserting my current age. In the same way, while I can read parenting books and observe how other mothers act, I need help because I haven't walked this way before. My daughters are constantly growing and changing, so just when I feel like I've mastered a certain aspect of their childhood, new challenges emerge.
I have blind spots. I never want to be the parent who has no clue what their child is really like. I pray that if my child is involved in something she shouldn't be, that she will be found out. Should a teacher or other adult approach me about something wrong my child has done, I hope I react with grace, not immediately defending my child; take the charge seriously; and see if the accusation is true.
I know what I desire to see in my children, but I don't always know how to get there. Through prayer, study in God's Word, and the instruction of Godly men and women, I hope to learn how best to help my children grow in their Christian lives.
I only get one chance to parent my children. While there is no perfect parent, I want to take advantage as best I can of each day and each opportunity that comes my way to help my girls.
I want to be the best mother to my children that I can possibly be. I need the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit for this to happen. This is my calling and I want to succeed at it for His honor and glory.

This week, I pray for the wisdom that only God can give to permeate my daily parenting decisions.

Saturday Salutes

2011-10-15T06:30:00.008-04:00

I think the lesson from Raising Arrows' Too Busy Texting to Parent post can be applied to other electronic devices as well.

Encouraging and helpful as always, Joy talks about giving grace to our children.

Besides the Pumpkin Cake recipe my husband brought home from a co-worker, the recipe I most want to try next is Jessica's Jalapeno Popper Potatoes.

Amy's list of hospital gifts for kids is a great resource if you know a child who has to endure a hospital stay.

The Modest Mom reminds me of the importance of being feminine for our husbands.

I was privileged to guest post at I Love My 5 Kids yesterday. You can visit Lana's site to read about the attitudes of a virtuous woman.

This morning will probably include our last trip to the farmers' market for the year. I plan to stock up on local honey and homemade strawberry jam!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Fashion Advice

2011-10-14T06:30:00.001-04:00

I suspected it would arrive one day, but didn't think it would be quite so soon.

As I flipped through clothes-draped hangers at Ann Taylor Loft Outlet last Saturday, I pulled out a short-sleeved sweater and held it up. My ten-year-old commented, "Mom, that looks old-ladyish."

Yes, my daughter is now offering free, frank, fashion advice.

The sad part is, as I gave the sweater another glance before returning it to the rack, I realized that she was right.

Ah, well, at least my eight-year-old still thinks any new item I buy is beautiful....for now.

Finding a Gentleman

2011-10-12T06:30:00.001-04:00

What type of manners should we teach our daughters to expect from a prospective husband?

I recently talked with a friend about rearing girls. She has a married daughter who is in her twenties so she has already traveled the path I am on with our daughters.

My friend's husband has always opened the car door (or any other door, for that matter) for his wife. As their daughter began dating, he taught her to expect the young man to open the car door for her when he came to pick her up. If he didn't, she was to turn around and come back to the house. When the boy questioned her, she was to let him know that she wasn't able to go out with him.

While that may seem somewhat extreme in our current culture, I thought it was an interesting idea. My friend said that there was one young man who failed to open the car door and her daughter did exactly as her father had instructed. For the most part, though, the young men she dated had the courtesy to open her door.

Is this a concept we will use with our daughters? Perhaps; but whether we do or not, I want to teach our daughters to recognize and regard a young man who will treat them with respect.

Surrounded by Heroes

2011-10-11T06:30:00.007-04:00

Our visit to Washington, D.C., last week was an interesting mix of past and present.

As we wandered around the Lincoln memorial, staring up at the larger-than-life figure, reading the well-known words of the Gettysburg address, I noticed a young woman pushing an old man in his wheelchair to the base of the famous statue.

WW II Veteran, his baseball cap proudly proclaimed. The woman - his granddaughter, perhaps? - helped him stand, gently wrapped her arm around his waist, and asked a bystander to snap their picture. She showed him the photo on the camera screen, they both smiled approvingly, and she assisted him back into his wheelchair.

As they made their way across the crowded floor to leave, a young man, backpack strapped on over his brightly-colored sweatshirt, strode purposefully toward them. I saw him hold out his hand, offer a greeting, and ask the older gentleman his name.

I couldn't hear more of the conversation, but they stayed in that position for quite a while. My heart warmed as I thought how this aged veteran must have appreciated the opportunity to share his story, to be recognized, even briefly, by a stranger from a younger generation.

I don't know their names - not one of the three of these courageous souls. But in a city filled with historic heroes, I knew I was standing in the presence of greatness.

Victory by the Sword

2011-10-10T06:30:00.002-04:00

When I feel discouraged about a sin that seems to continually get the better of me, there is one place to turn for comfort.

Psalm 119:133 says, "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me."

The key to overcoming sin in my life is God's Word. As I read it, commit it to memory, and meditate on it, the power of sin is defeated by the authority of Scripture. Whatever sin besets me, I can find a verse that will allow me to have victory with the Holy Spirit's help.

In the past, I worked on Bible memory while driving our daughters to school. I would type out a passage on a sheet of paper, then have them listen to me say it while we were riding in the car. Now that we're homeschooling I have fallen out of the habit, but am committed to picking it up again. As I help them with their verses during our morning Bible time at home, I want to return to expanding my own Scripture memory.

Ephesians 6:17 tells us that God's Word is our Sword. Let's put it to good use!

Saturday Salutes

2011-10-08T06:30:00.002-04:00

Since we were traveling this week, my blog reading was somewhat limited. I did, however, search for a recipe yesterday in order to use up a can of crushed pineapple that was in my pantry. I thought these Pineapple Cookies were delicious. (I used coconut oil instead of shortening and reduced the sugar by half.)

We had a wonderful time in Washington, D.C. My husband and I enjoyed sitting in for a few minutes of Oral Arguments of the Supreme Court. Touring the White House was a favorite for our girls and our ten-year-old said she misses riding the Metro every day! While I have visited our nation's capital on several occasions, it's refreshing to be reminded of the principles on which our country was founded and to reflect on the character and intelligence of some of the great leaders of yesteryear.

A few more favorite moments in pictures....

National Zoo

Young Readers Room, Library of Congress

Hope you have a great weekend!

Sight Seeing

2011-10-05T06:30:00.002-04:00

The reason for my recent silence here....

Be back soon!

Saturday Salutes

2011-10-01T06:30:00.003-04:00

Jamie from Simple Homeschool shares The Most Important Thing You'll Ever Do for the Success of Your Homeschool.

I made these No-Bake Energy Bites from Smashed Peas and Carrots. They were so tasty - dare we call them healthy???

How I needed Barbara's perspective this week as she asks, What Are You Supposed to Do?

We're anticipating true autumn weather over the next couple of days. Hope your weekend is full of fall fun, too!

A Trip Back in Time

2011-09-30T06:30:00.010-04:00

I remember weekends from my childhood when my mom chose activities for us to do as a family. Sometimes it involved visiting historical sites that she enjoyed, but my siblings and I lacked the perspective, perhaps, to share that enjoyment.

I think I may be following in her footsteps.

Last weekend we visited Drayton Hall located on the Ashley River in Charleston. Despite the high humidity in the non-air-conditioned house, I hope we all learned something and relished the time spent together.

When I made those trips with my family years ago, I learned to stick with my dad as he was likely to find a delicious treat to share. Just to make sure that our trip on Saturday ended well, we stopped for lunch at a local pizza shop.

What do you remember from your childhood that you are doing with your kids?

Five "C's" for Creating Caring Sibling Relationships

2011-09-28T06:30:00.029-04:00

One of my goals for our daughters is that they become close friends. Some of the people I most enjoy spending time with are my own brothers and sister. I also realize that, at least in the childhood years, this often doesn't come naturally!

In order to help the process along, here are five "'C's" I'm trying to implement.

1. Cultivate similar interests. Each child has his/her own personality and interests, which should be encouraged and developed. However, there are probably a few pastimes that they all enjoy, so provide as many opportunities as possible for them to participate in those together.

2. Communicate your expectations of how they are to treat one another. When our children were very young, we let them know that name calling and the use of phrases such as "Shut up" would not be tolerated.

3. Create an atmosphere of acceptance. Don't allow criticism of one another's failures or shortcomings. It's important that members of a family support each other in their endeavors.

4. Carve out time for each child to be alone. This could involve giving each child a time and space to be by themselves or scheduling individual time with a parent.

5. Capture the moments when they are getting along and commend them for it. It may be fleeting, but be quick enough to notice and applaud their efforts!

What other suggestions do you have for building strong sibling relationships?

Books That Move Us

2011-09-27T06:30:00.018-04:00

There are some books in which I cry at the same part every single time. Whether reading them alone or aloud to our girls, the tears begin to flow. They include when Laura's dog Jack dies in By the Shores of Silver Lake; when Jem returns from World War I to be welcomed by Dog Monday at the train station in Rilla of Ingleside; and when Beth dies in Little Women.

The written word can stir our emotions. A good story transports us to another place, inserts us into someone else's life. From adventures to mysteries, biographies to fairy tales, opening up the world of books to our children is a gift like no other.

As our daughters get older, it's an ongoing struggle to find appropriate reading material for them. Yet how rewarding it is to see them engaged with a book, struggling to pull themselves back to reality when called to do a task. Sharing with them some of my childhood favorites brings all of us pleasure.

So the next time you read your child a story, hand them a book that you once enjoyed, or search the library catalog for a suitable title, think of all the possibilities you are opening up for them and consider it time well spent.

Is there a book or a story that always makes you cry?

What if He Asked You to Do It?

2011-09-26T06:30:00.001-04:00

Recently I talked with one of our daughters about developing the proper attitude toward work. (Not that our children ever struggle with having a joyful spirit while doing their household chores. Ahem.) I asked her to think about whether her reaction might be different if it were Jesus asking her to accomplish those tasks.

Matthew 25:40 tells us, "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Yet even as I discussed this with my daughter, I was convicted myself. How often am I guilty of grumpiness when someone adds dirty dishes to the kitchen sink I just emptied or tracks dirt onto my clean floor?

I Corinthians 10:31 reminds me, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God." Let my daughters and I learn together that whether serving family members, friends, or strangers, we are ultimately serving Christ.

Pear Streusel Muffins

2011-09-23T06:30:00.008-04:00

I'm ready for apple season, but haven't found them on sale locally yet. In the meantime, I've been bringing home piles of pears at $.99/lb. Being the muffin lover that I am, I decided to search for a new recipe to help use up my abundance of pears.

I based this one on an Apple Strudel Muffin recipe at All Recipes and modified it just a bit. They're very moist and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. I've made them twice this week!

Pear Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups diced pears
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan.
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a large bowl, beat coconut oil, sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add diced pears, then gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over tops of muffins in pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow to sit in pan for 5 minutes before removing. Cool on a wire rack.

Any other suggestions for pear recipes?

Book Review: One Call Away by Brenda Warner

2011-09-22T06:30:00.002-04:00

Brenda Warner, wife of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and mother of seven children, has written a memoir which walks us through the major events of her life. One Call Away views the twists and turns her journey has taken through the lens of her faith and, in retrospect, of God's plan for her.

An intriguing story that reads almost like fiction, this definitely kept my attention. Brenda reveals more intimate details than I am comfortable reading, but I suppose she attempted to be as relatable as possible. She is brutally honest about her failings and imparts to the reader the importance of a strong faith in fighting through many difficult situations and unthinkable tragedies.

This woman's dedication to her family and the way she and her husband use their position to give back to others is admirable. You can read more about the book, including reviews from other bloggers, at Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers. All of the opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not compensated for this review in any other way.

The New Kid in Town

2011-09-21T06:30:00.002-04:00

Has it been awhile since you've been the "new kid"?

As we began homeschooling this year, I determined to meet new people and embrace new experiences. That is easier for some people than others. While I don't mind introducing myself and beginning a conversation, I thoroughly enjoy myself at home and can always find plenty to keep me busy there.

Last week, our daughters and I went to a kickoff meeting for a homeschool support group I joined. We enjoyed conversation with one mom and her ten-year-old daughter, but didn't have a lot of interaction with anyone else. Friday will be our first field trip with the support group and it will be interesting to see how it goes.

This is a valuable experience for our daughters in learning empathy. They are very comfortable at church [and previously at school], since they have attended both for several years. We've tried to teach them to reach out to visitors or new classmates by smiling, introducing themselves, finding out the names of the newcomers, and seeking to make them feel at ease.

Now that our children are the ones in new situations, I want them to understand how they are feeling and remember that in the future. Even as adults, we can get comfortable being surrounded by our friends and fail to reach out to strangers.

This is yet another life skill that we hope to develop in our daughters. Do you have ways to reinforce this concept with your children?

To the Future Father-in-Law

2011-09-20T06:30:00.004-04:00

To Our Daughter's Future Father-in-Law,

Sometime in the coming years, our children will meet. While your son's quick smile or handsome face may at first attract our daughter's attention, I trust that it will be his strength of character that holds her interest.

Just to warn you - she's used to being around real men, the kind who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, and have manly hobbies like hunting, fishing, and carpentry. Perhaps your son likes to work on cars or plays sports. If he'd rather spend hours watching television or devotes his free time to video games, he's probably not the one for her.

I hope that they will share a love of good literature and uplifting music. While she won't expect a wealthy lifestyle, she will want a man with a good work ethic. We'll advise her to watch how this young man treats his mother; it's likely he will treat his wife the same way.

Above all, we are training our daughter to seek a man who loves God and wants His will for his life. One of our greatest desires is that she will be equipped to support a husband in his walk with the Lord and work alongside him in whatever ministry God calls them to do.

I look forward to meeting you one day and, as time and distance allow, sharing a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas Eve celebration with your family. May we spend many happy hours together, welcoming grandchildren, rejoicing at God's working in our children's lives.

Until then, my husband and I will be doing our best, with God's help and by His all-encompassing grace, to rear a daughter who will make your son a fine wife.

Sincerely,

The mother of your future daughter-in-law

The Blessing of Intercession

2011-09-19T06:30:00.003-04:00

Romans 8:26 says, "...For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

Often as I pray for my husband, our daughters, and the needs of other family members and friends, I come to prayer with a certain outcome in mind. While I ask for God's will to be done, I may feel that what I desire to see happen is what would be best.

However, I can't know the mind of Christ and how He may be working in a life. What a blessing it is to read in this verse that, while I may not even understand how to properly pray for something, the Holy Spirit takes my requests and conforms them to the will of God.

I have been blessed recently to see several answers to prayer - times where it seems God saw fit to answer my requests in what I would view as a positive way. Yet I must remember that, at other times, if I don't see immediate results, it doesn't mean that He is not hearing and working in the situation.

This aspect of prayer is yet another instance where I can learn to trust God by resting in the knowledge that He always does what's best and that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me.

Saturday Salutes

2011-09-17T06:30:00.003-04:00

You might want to pass along 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters to the man you love.

Emily writes at Simple Mom about how to Find Contenment in Unexpected Places.

Last weekend I tried Laura's Homemade Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns. While I used more of a white-wheat flour, they turned out light, soft, and delicious!

I haven't joined Pinterest, but I like seeing what other people highlight. Renee finds some beautiful items; can't wait to see what she selected this week!

We are reveling in some cooler temperatures this weekend - and thinking that we need to do a bit of shopping before fall weather settles in for good. We'll also be warming up with our first bowl of chili for the season. Hope you enjoy this last official weekend of summer!

Every Day is Different

2011-09-15T06:30:00.001-04:00

One of the aspects of homeschooling I'm enjoying is that every day is different. While our daughters have fallen into a routine of doing their subjects in a certain order, you never know what will spark their interest on a given day.

For my eight-year-old, yesterday was all about putting a lima bean in a cup of water to see if it would grow - then spending twenty minutes straight swinging on the backyard swingset when her work was done.

Our ten-year-old was working on a poster about mammals. She had chosen to study the domestic cat and was excitedly sharing facts with us as she wrote them down on notecards. She also had a brief introduction to algebra during math class, which I think she found rather "grown-up."

I guess we're still in the "honeymoon" phase of homeschooling, but I find that sitting alongside our children while they discover something new is a real pleasure. It leaves me wondering, "What will we learn today?"

When the Words Are Gone

2011-09-14T06:30:00.002-04:00

What do you do when the words don't come? When the thoughts that once flowed so easily from mind to fingers have dried up like an empty river bed?

Do you write on anyway, hoping that inspiration follows duty, wondering if others notice the lack of enthusiasm? Or do you stop, lay down the pen for awhile, embrace the break and wait for the passion to return?

When living days that are full, the time, the space, and the "want-to" to write can be in short supply. I examine the reasons I write - is it for myself, for others? Is it a gift, a hobby, a ministry? Has the flame of creativity burned out?

Such are the questions I ponder in what may, perhaps, be just a melancholy moment.

[Forgive the self-indulgent nature of this post. It is simply where I found myself today.]

Time to Talk

2011-09-13T06:30:00.002-04:00

"Can you come sit with us on the swings and talk?" my ten-year-old daughter asked last evening.

There were still dirty supper dishes in the sink, stacks of books that needed to be put away, and a blog post to be written.

But I abandoned it all for just a few minutes to sit on the swings in the backyard.

Not much talking took place, actually; both girls showed me how they could hang upside down and discussed between themselves plans to eat their bedtime snack outside. Yet I'm glad I joined them.

After all, isn't time the most important thing we have to give? No matter how often I remind myself of that, it is still difficult to pull myself away from the tasks at hand to give attention when our children ask for it. Now that they're older, it's easier to put them off for a little while or give the impression that I'm too busy to be bothered.

Whenever they want to talk, though, I must be available - whether we actually exchange words or not. Which means that today I'll remind myself once again to spend my time doing what is truly valuable.

Saturday Salutes and September 11th

2011-09-10T06:30:00.004-04:00

At Raising Homemakers, Amy gives ways we can help our grouchy girls develop a sweet attitude.

If you want to write effectively, you'll find great tips in The 7 C's of Business Communication: Make Your Posts Shareworthy Every Time at ProBlogger.

Heart of the Matter shares encouragement at HELP, I'm Homeschooling...Now What? Also, if you have preschoolers, Simple Homeschool's post on Homeschooling Preschoolers: Life is the Curriculum is spot-on.

With this weekend's marking the10th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, my thoughts return to that day. My husband and I were in the waiting room of my OB-GYN's office. I had miscarried a pregnancy the week before and we had an appointment for an ultrasound. As we waited, I heard the office staff talking quietly among themselves, and when we went back to the ultrasound room, the tech told us about the North Tower of the World Trade Center being hit.

While I was typically at home with our seven-month-old daughter, that day we had left her with a friend. On this particular morning, I was filling in for a co-worker in the hospital administrator's office where I had been employed previously. Once the doctor's appointment was over, I drove to work. There was a television in one of the offices and it was there that I first saw the footage and watched as the towers collapsed. All of us working in that area of the building wandered in and out throughout the morning, watching the coverage, finding it difficult to believe that this was really happening.

As I've listened to the many stories that emerged from that day, I want to pass on to our children the history that I lived through. I want them to see the heinous acts for what they were and to recognize, in stark contrast, the courage and bravery exhibited by so many in such a dark hour.

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

New Family Favorites

2011-09-09T06:30:00.003-04:00

During August we continued progressing through some of the books on our 2011 reading list.

My favorite read of the month, however, wasn't on my list. The Strong Family: Growing Wise in Family Life by Chuck Swindoll was one of the most helpful parenting books I've read in awhile. He emphasized the importance of connecting with our children and setting limits while being flexible, especially as our children enter the teenage years. I was encouraged by his positive approach to adolescence; often, people make parenting through that time period sound dreadful. I particularly enjoyed the chapter Anticipating the Unusual which addressed the possibilities of how God could use your family.

I started Make Every Word Count by Gary Provost; this is my second attempt at finding a book to help improve my writing skills. Unfortunately, this book also contains some totally unnecessary profanity. Shouldn't that be a rule of good writing - no profanity allowed???

Studying the lives of other Christians is often edifying, so I read One Call Away, Brenda Warner's (wife of former NFL star Kurt Warner) memoir. I'll share a review next week.

For bedtime reading, my ten-year-old and I are working through The Adventures of Missionary Heroism by John C. Lambert. It's a bit "drier" than I expected, but the Christian heroes portrayed are inspiring. My eight-year-old and I are reading The Bible Smuggler by Louise A. Vernon. It is a captivating tale about William Tyndale. As I mentioned previously, we just finished Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit for our extra homeschool/lunchtime reading and have begun Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray.

For their pleasure reading, the girls and I were pleased to find an exciting series by Dave and Neta Jackson at a different library we visited. The Trailblazer Books are historical fiction stories that describe a portion of an actual hero (or heroine's) life and ministry.

Let me know if you've read any good books lately!

Some of these links are Amazon affiliate links; others simply link to sites where I've found some excellent books.

Book Review: Sixty-Minute Shakespeare by Cass Foster

2011-09-08T06:30:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite classes in college was Shakespeare. I would typically finish my homework well before it was due!

Cass Foster has abridged Shakespeare's famous works and Five Star Publications has released them as the Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series. I read Romeo and Juliet and found that it contained all the highlights of the original in an easy-to-follow format. All of the famous lines such as, "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?", "Parting is such sweet sorrow!", and "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet!" are included.

I wouldn't call this a children's version, but found it appropriate for upper middle school or high school students. It would be perfect for use in practicing specific scenes or memorizing dialogue. One helpful addition is that unfamiliar words and terms are explained at the bottom of each page. The length of the book makes it easy to read in a limited amount of time.

You can purchase individual books for $8.99 or get a set of six titles for $45.89. For more information on this series, visit Get Shakespeare. You can also follow Five Star Publications on Facebook or Twitter for updates on their latest projects.

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product for this review was provided to me free of charge by Five Star Publications.. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not compensated for them in any other way.

His Touch

2011-09-07T06:30:00.001-04:00

As they walked across the Lowe's parking lot, he reached for her hand. Our youngest daughter slipped her hand into his, dancing more than walking as they entered the store.

A couple of nights later, the four of us went to the backyard to admire the girls' latest addition to their nature center. He put his arm around our older daughter's shoulders and pulled her close as they walked.

My girls need their dad's touch. They need to know they are loved, not just through words, but by actions - one of which is touch. A good-bye kiss when he leaves for work and a bedtime hug and kiss are a start. But the little touches at other times build security and make their relationship stronger.

By laying this foundation of closeness now, we pray that our daughters and their father will go arm-in-arm together through the coming years.

Labor

2011-09-05T06:30:00.002-04:00

Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and it looks like work.”

As parents, it is imperative that we teach our children how to work. Training them to tackle a job and see it through to the end builds character and develops personal responsibility. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Begin while they are young, capitalizing on the fact that they typically enjoy "helping" us as we work around the house. At this point, they won't even realize that they are working, but will just enjoy copying Dad or Mom .

As they grow, encourage their productivity by assigning age-appropriate chores and instructing your children in the proper way to complete their duty.

At the right time, begin to associate work with reward by giving some form of payment for jobs completed. While some tasks are performed simply to help the family, others can be done for money.

Allow them to see us enjoying our work. Whether it be housekeeping, mowing the lawn, or fulfilling the obligations of our occupation, it is good for our children to see us enjoying what we do.

Demonstrate Colossians 3:23. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." All that we seek to accomplish - including our work - should be done as if we were doing it for Christ.

As our daughters grow older, I'm realizing what a privilege it is to have them work alongside me in our home, whether folding laundry or baking muffins. Working together gives us time for conversation and builds a sense of camaraderie.

While our children will not always find work to be fun, they can learn that there is satisfaction and fulfillment in a job well done.

How do you teach your children to work?

Saturday Salutes

2011-09-03T06:30:00.002-04:00

Amy's Weekends in the Word reminded me that it's not my job, but His.

If you're a homeschooler, you'll find encouragement in The Homeschooling Journey at Heart of the Matter.

Keep an eye on Aurie's Saturday Shout Outs! Last week she found some wonderful links to share and I look forward to seeing what she posts today.

Renee wrote a lovely Once Upon a Time fairy tale about her daughter's need for a princess dress.

We're planning an "end-of-summer" trip to the beach today. Hope your Labor Day weekend is a good one!

Homeschooling Highlights

2011-09-02T06:30:00.002-04:00

Two weeks into homeschooling, I can say that we're really enjoying this adventure! We have a good flow to our days and our daughters are doing a great job of staying on task. We've survived a couple of "moments," but overall it's started out as a wonderful experience.

While I realize that we have a LONG way to go, there are already some things I'm enjoying about homeschooling.

Having Bible time together. We begin each day by practicing a memory verse, discussing portions from a curriculum written for young girls, and praying.
Increased interest in Science. While my ten-year-old has long been a history buff, both of our daughters have a new-found attraction to Science.
Creative uses of free time. With more free time in the afternoons, the girls have spent time reading, created a nature corner outside, and put on a talent show for me that included art, piano playing and recitations.
Reading aloud together. While we already read aloud together at bedtime, I have added the practice to another part of our day. I remembered reading that Jessica at Life as Mom reads aloud to her children at lunchtime - after she is done eating and while her children are finishing up. This has proven to be an entertaining addition to our routine! For this particular reading time, I am trying to select books that our daughters may not choose for themselves. We are currently reading through Behind Rebel Lines.
Serving different lunches. I can offer a little more variety than just typical lunch box fare and don't have to consider the logistics of keeping food either hot or cold. On different days we've had homemade pizza, homemade cheese fries, roasted potatoes - and plenty of leftovers!
Working together on homemaking skills. Since we are not doing homework in the late afternoon, I have opportunities to let our daughters help me prepare supper or do other kitchen-related tasks.

I'm very thankful that our school year has gotten off to a smooth beginning. If your children have started school, let me know how it's going so far!