5 Days to Reclaim Christmas

This year I promised myself I would not get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  I vowed I would make this holiday more about memories instead of stress and gift giving.  I started off pretty good.  As a family we participated in Operation Christmas Child which was a huge hit with the kids.  Then my husband and I ordered most of our children's gifts online to avoid spending too much in the store or impulse buying.  However, then something changed.  Perhaps it was the start of Christmas parties, and get togethers.  I found myself questioning if I was doing enough with the kids.  We did not do an Advent calendar, haven't gone to see a live nativity, or gone on the Christmas light tour.  I have yet to put money in the Salvation Army red kettle, we have missed the big holiday parade, and sadly to say I still have not got my husband's, mom's, God-daughter's, aunt's, and some more presents.  I started the season with high hopes and now I am starting to feel dread.  Then as I was reading this morning I read the following scripture:

⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ⁹ and become one with him. - Philippians 3:8-9 NLT

I realized what have I done this season to lead my family and I in our pursuit of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.  Everything else is worthless.  The advent calender, the drive to the live nativity, even the church Christmas party.  It's all worthless unless it leads us to a deeper relationship with God and love for his people.  So now we are 5 days out till Christmas and I am reclaiming it for my family and I.  I am taking this verse as our family verse for the next 5 days to keep us focused on what life (not just this season) is all about.  I ask for your prayers in doing so.  Be blessed.

Happy Birthday to Me and the Book of Ecclesiastes

Recently I celebrated my 30 something birthday.  During my morning quiet time I was really asking God to speak to me as I was doing some serious self evaluation.  What have I really done that mattered over these past couple of years?  Am I on track with where God wants me to be or have I been side tracked by life's busyness and distractions?  Am I ok?  Am I a good wife, parent, friend?  Did I make the right decision staying home with my children and even going the extra step to homeschool?   What about the Master's Degree I once thought I would get.  Was getting my BS degree a mistake or a waste?  Am I taking care of myself? 


As a child we look at birthdays with so much excitement as we think about what we are going to get and fantasize about eating a huge piece of cake with some ice cream.  Today however, I found my mind filled with questions.  I really did not have a plan of what I wanted to read but as I flipped through my bible my eyes gazed upon some verses I had underlined in Ecclesiastes.  I will never forget when I first really read Ecclesiastes.  I thought wow that is depressing.  However, as time has gone on the book has almost served as a compass to help me get back on track to what really matters in life.  As always God in his wonderful compassion knew I needed his compass this morning.  I wanted to share with you some of my underlined verses all from Ecclesiastes:

Everything that happens has happened before; nothing is new, nothing under the sun. 1:9
God has got everything under control.  Things that have happened to me are not unique.  God has seen them before and the same way he has helped his children in the past he will help me now.

No one who lived in the past is remembered anymore, and everyone yet to be born will be forgotten too. 1:11
Only a life lived for God makes an impact in the future.  Yes I may be forgotten but the ripple effect on others from my attempts to live a Godly life will impact my children, their children, and so on.

The best thing we can do is to enjoy eating, drinking, and working. 2:24
Joy is found in the simple things.  I don't have to take an expensive vacation, shop till I drop, or do so many other things the world tells us we need to do in order to find joy.  God's prescription is easy.  Enjoy the simple things I have given you.

Walk During the Day - Reflections on John 11:9-10 and the Words of Jesus Christ

John 11:9-10 - Jesus answered "Aren't there twelve hours in each day?  If you walk during the day, you will have light from the sun, and you won't stumble.  But if you walk during the night, you will stumble, because you don't have any light." ESV

This week during my daughter's bible readings we read John 11:1-16, which is the beginning of the story of Lazarus. Normally after she finishes reading I ask her to tell me what the passage was about.  However, this time I found myself asking her specifically why Jesus said those words in verses 9-10.  To be honest I didn't feel like they really fit in at this point in the story of the death of Lazarus.  However, there they were stuck right in between the talk of Lazarus sickness and Jesus plainly telling his disciples Lazarus was dead.  I admitted to my daughter I did not understand the verses.  She looked at me with a perplexed look and said "well when you walk and you can see you won't fall but when you try to walk in darkness you will."  Now I know this may be stating the obvious but not until the next morning did it strike a cord with me.  During my morning devotions this is what I wrote in my journal:

Talented Young Writer - Kaleela Thompson - A Must Read for Homeschool Children

 Children's Book by Kaleela Thompson

Have you ever been truly inspired to just be better? To reach for a goal beyond the ordinary.  This is what I experienced during a visit at a butterfly garden back in September.  This was no ordinary visit but one with a purpose.  I wanted my daughters to meet an aspiring young author in hopes that her motivation, determination, and positive attitude would be something they could glean from.  Needless to say I was not disappointed but inspired myself to reach for something higher, after meeting 12-year old Kaleela Thompson of Hampton, VA.  Kaleela is not only a brilliant young student but at 12 years of age she is a published author, speaker, blog radio host, website designer, and last but not least butterfly expert.  We took the hour and an half long drive to Hampton to one of Kaleela's book signings to see first hand how this young lady took her love of butterflies and transformed it into a wonderful children's book.  So great is her book that she is one of only 12 authors to be invited to the state conference for the Virginia Association of Early Childhood Education in March 2012. 

Kids Posing With Their New Friend Kaleela

During our visit Kaleela took my oldest daughter on a tour of her butterfly garden.  She graciously explained the life cycle of her butterflies while patiently listening to the questions of my awe inspired 7 year old.  All in all we probably spent at least 1 hour outside with Kaleela and her mother discussing butterflies, Kaleela's book, her Kid Gardner's Club, and a whole list of other topics.  Her mother was extremely gracious and shared Kaleela's enthusiasm for butterflies and literacy.  My daughter was truly inspired and has taken up an interest in drawing butterflies.  Also, we left the garden that day with two caterpillars and 2 parsley plants for both of my daughters to observe.  It was truly and awesome day. 

Back at home with our new catipillers and parsley plants

I could go on and on but would like to encourage you to visit Kaleela's Facebook page.  Also below is a link where you will find information about ordering her book entitled, "Oh Where Oh Where is my Swallowtail?" In this book you journey with Kaleela as she explores her backyard garden in search for her beloved Swallowtail butterfly.  Along the way she encounters some unexpected backyard friends.  This is an excellent first reader that comes with a bookmark with common sight words as well as a read along audio CD.  This would be the perfect gift for any young reader.

Purchase Kaleela's Book from Barnes and Noble at the following link:

Purchase "Oh Where, Oh Where is my Swallowtail?" at Barnes and Noble

or from Eggleston Services:

Purchase "Oh Where, Oh Where is my Swallowtail?" from Eggleston Services

Here is an article from the Daily Press about Kaleela Thompson, her book, and love for butterflies:

Butterfly Girl Article

Join Kaleela on Facebook: Join on Facebook

Better to Obey God than Serve a Foreign King - Bible Study

Below are my reflections as I studied 2 Chronicles Chapter 12.  I hope you will be blessed.

The theme in this chapter is repeated time and time again in human history.  And again and again God’s mercy shines through as repentance takes place.  It is amazing to me how often when we feel secure or have achieved all of our aspirations we stop obeying God.  We lose sight of him and allow our relationship to deteriorate.  We stop leaning on him as our source of life and fall into pride, self-reliance, and true deception.  King Rehoboam “had control of his kingdom, he and everyone in Judah stopped obeying the Lord (2 Chronicles 12:1).”  It’s funny how it says everyone in Judah.  People will follow there leaders.  Isn’t it ironic how we look at others to justify our falling away?  This is especially true of our leaders.  We say “he’s doing it so why not me.  After all he is the king and look at how safe the king has made us.  God must be ok with what he is doing.  So we will do it to.  After all we are safe now.  God is on our side.”  Then comes the deception, disillusionment, and ultimately sin brings forth death in some form.

Sabbath Day Rest for Children - Teaching our Children the Commandment to Rest

Last week at my church's moms meeting we did a bible study entitled "Rest for Those He Loves."  This is a wonderful women's study found in series entitled "A Mom's Ordinary Day Bible Study Series - Managing Your Time."  The ladies and I had a wonderful time discussing things in our lives that prevents us from taking a regular Sabbath rest.  In addition, we discussed the benefits and consequences of adhering to or neglecting a Sabbath rest.  You can find this series at amazon.com at:

Managing Your Time

Also, while we were doing our bible study the children also had a study to work on.  I want to offer this study for you to do with your children.  You can download it here:

Free Printable - Teaching Children About the Sabbath

This is an excellent way to teach our children the principle of the Sabbath.  Our society is very driven.  The Sabbath belongs to God and we must teach our children to follow Godly principles.  The world will teach them that they must keep going and going to be on top, to achieve success, to get ahead.  God teaches us that we must rest and honor him and our families and he will make our six days more productive and peaceful than our 7 days could ever be.

Positive Christian Music For Our Children

I am always looking for music for my daughter to listen to.  She loves to dance around the house and make dance routines with her sister and brother.  I love to see her uninhibited creativity it is truly God inspired.  Since she loves music so much it is often a challenge finding music that has an upbeat, contemporary, feel she likes.  Then I came across Jaime Grace.  I absolutely love her and would recommend her music to any person with young girls.  Her music is upbeat, positive, and reflects her intense love for Jesus Christ.  Below is a link to her website:

http://www.jamiegrace.com/

Here is a clip of her on YouTube:

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Family Event - Starting the Christmas Season of Right

The kids and I were so excited today to finally fill our shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.  After picking up the two little ones from preschool we headed off to the collection site to drop off our shoe boxes and help out where we could.  This was a wonderful way to kick off our holiday season.  This year my husband and I have resolved to make Christmas more about memories and sharing the love of Christ versus spending stressful hours in the store. 

At home my oldest and I filled our boxes with toys, candy, toothpaste, stickers, and all sorts of fun items.  Once we got to the collection site the kids had even more fun.  Many other home school families were there from our support group and all the kids sat down while the head of the collection site explained how each child would be helping to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world by filling shoe boxes.

We started with the two boxes we already had at home

It was wonderful. The kids both chose even more shoe boxes to fill and we went through all of the items at the site and chose fun items for each box.  All the while the kids enjoyed cookies, drinks, and hanging out with other families. They colored "all about me" pages to include in the shoe boxes and even made a little blanket to put in the boxes.  Finally we prayed over our boxes and the children that would receive them.



Kids Writing Their "all about me" pages to include in their boxes



They wanted to make even more boxes!

Once again I want to encourage you to visit my sister's website. It is awesome and she really has a heart to see people saved and set free. Below you will find one of her recent blog posts. If you like what you see visit her at www.lovedandforgiven.com and tell a friend.

www.lovedandforgiven.com

Are You Among the Faithful Few?

While reading in Revelation chapter three today, something really stood out to me. It's as if although I've read it many times, it just leaped off of the page (don't you love it when that happens)! In verses 7-13, the Lord is speaking to the church in Philadelphia. In the margin of my bible I have written, "the faithful church."

Agnus Dei From Jotta A. - You Have Got to See This!

"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" - Matthew 21:16

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger - Psalm 8:2

The video speaks for itself!

Second Grade Daily Homeschool Schedule / Stay At Home Mom Schedule

For some time now I have wanted to post my daily homeschool schedule.  Admittedly, I do not always follow my schedule.  However, when I feel I am going too far off course I always go back to it to get back on track.  It has been very helpful to have a schedule.  I am just not one who can wake up and just go with the flow.  The days I try that I always feel as if I have not accomplished anything by the end of the day.

Our Homeschoool Room

Here is a link to download my schedule:
Second Grade Homeschool Schedule

Fun Autumn Glyph for Kids

Recently during a mom's meeting at my home the kids made the following autumn glyphs.  What is a glyph?  It is a symbol that conveys a message or information nonverbally.  This is a great way for kids to learn data collection and learn how to interpret information.  Below are the directions for creating this glyph:

To download a copy of these directions click here:
Fall Wreath Glyph

Our Field Trip to Mt. Vernon - Revealing HIS-tory

Yesterday we went to Mt. Vernon's Homeschool day.  For those of you who may not know Mt. Vernon was the home of George Washington and his wife Martha.  It is the most popular historic estate in our country.  My oldest was so excited to go on this field trip.  From public school she of course learned about George Washington.  Also, this year in social studies she has learned some interesting facts about George Washington.  Prior to visiting the estate we went online to Mt. Vernon's official website.  I have to say that this site is very well.  There is another interactive site just for kids called Washington's world that I highly recommend if you will be visiting Mr. Vernon http://www.washingtonsworld.org/.

While reviewing the site prior to visiting, Ayanna was astonished to learn that Washington owned slaves.  It really took her aback.  She was well aware that he was a Christian man, the Father of our country, and we have taught her to honor and respect leaders from the past and present.  She was very confused.  However, this was a wonderful opportunity to teach Ayanna principles of our faith and more about her history.  During our visit, as we went into the slave quarters and visited the blacksmiths shop, we talked about how it is not God's will for men to be held in bondage by others.  We also talked about Jesus is our standard.  We don't make idols out of men even good men because from Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The Most Important Subject During My Homeschool Day

Like many homeschoolers I often find my day going way off schedule.  To be perfectly honest I have a pretty great schedule written down.  However, most days I find I am actually going off schedule.  I don't know if I am just trying to cram too much in one day.  Perhaps my schedule just doesn't allow for any interruptions or moments when I have to explain a concept over and over again.  I just know that lately I have become increasingly frustrated with my lack of consistency in following my schedule.  This frustration has been amplified by not always knowing what subjects to teach and which to let go when my day does not go the way I plan.  Then I was challenged by the thought of letting Bible slide.  After all isn't it important that we cover at least math and language arts daily.  Those are the two subjects we are required to test our children on (at least in Virginia) and report their scores to the superintendent.  Then it struck me Bible is not just a subject and if I treat it as just one more thing to get through on our daily checklist that is exactly the view my children will have towards God's Word. 

Today we read in John chapter 6 that Jesus is the bread of life.  Nothing will sustain my children more than learning God's Word.  And not just memorizing verses but learning the daily discipline and privilege of spending time with Jesus.  She is learning to discern the voice of Holy Spirit.  She is learning of the faith that will keep her everyday of her life.  We don't know what the future holds.  There is no guarantee that the America we live in today, that is still so full of opportunity and wealth, will be that same America our children and grandchildren experience.  The best and most important thing we can teach our children is to have a hunger and thirst after God.  To live life in light of eternity.  This will only be accomplished if we make sure we don't neglect the most important subject in our homeschool day and our entire life - God's Word.  Everything else can wait.

Do As I Say Not As I Do

Below is a blog post from my wonderful sister.  She is absolutely awesome!  God has given her so many gifts one of which is writing.  If you enjoy this post check out her website at:

http://www.lovedandforgiven.com/

"This is a phrase that I have heard many times...but is it truly realistic to expect our children to do that? I have two sons. A 10-year old and a 14-month old. I have realized this year more than ever how much our children watch us. Fortunately I'm relieved to say that my oldest has noticed that I'm actually trying to live what I've been trying to teach him. He lets me know, and asks questions about how I would have handled certain situations when I was his age. I even catch him watching me sometimes, studying me to see how I will react when faced with difficult circumstances. Even my toddler, although he's not old enough to understand the spiritual tidbits I try to deposit into him, I've realized how much he watches me too. He knows all of my routines. It always amazes me that even though he can't tell the time on a clock, he has observed me so much that he has a concept of time based on what I'm doing. As I'm writing this, I'm reminded of:

2 Timothy 1:5 - I'm reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, now I am persuaded, lives in you also.

What a wonderful testimony to have someone see God's light shining in our children and grandchildren as adults, and also recognizing that our godly lifestyle influenced them as children.

If you enjoy this post check out:
What Was I Thinking!

Spinach Breakfast Smoothies

OK I know it may sound yucky but thanks to my very good friend Patricia my family and I are trying to eat healthier.   You see Patricia is taking this nutrition class and I am reaping the benefits of getting all of this healthy insider information for free.   Recently, I discussed with her how it is almost impossible to get my middle daughter to eat vegetables.  It has really been a challenge up until recently.  Patricia simply said why don't you try putting it in a smoothie.  So lo and behold I introduce to you the perfect make-your-4-year-old-eat-veggies breakfast smoothie:

Half a blender full of spinach leaves
2 tablespoons of milled flax seed
1 banana
2 handfuls of blueberries
1/2 can of pineapples with juice or 1/2 pack of strawberries
Some crushed ice
Keifer yogurt (this is optional but I use it for protein)
Some Agave Nectar or Honey

The kids love it and ask for it every morning.  Thanks so much Patricia!

If you enjoyed this post check out:
November Menu Ideas

My Thoughts on Halloween

If you think this is going to be a blog posts about all of the horrible things about Halloween well it's not.  There is much debate amongst Christians about should you celebrate Halloween or not.  Personally, we have decided as a family not to participate in Halloween.  We have in the past allowed the children to go to Harvest Festivals at local churches.  What I want to offer today is just some scripture for you to think about.  Not just on Halloween but really for other topics that we (I mean the church) may disagree on (that are not foundational scripture - I do believe in many areas there is no black and white).  It comes from the book of Romans (as you read this please keep in mind if you do celebrate the holiday I am not assuming you are "weak"  I am always asking God what category of a Christian I fall into):

Romans 14:1-12 (CEV)
Welcome all the Lord's followers, even those whose faith is weak.  Don't criticize them for having beliefs that are different from yours.  Some think it is all right to eat anything, while those whose faith is weak will eat only vegetables.  But you should not criticize others for eating or for not eating.  After all, God welcomes everyone.  "What right do you have to criticize someone else's servants?  Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right.  

Some of the Lord's followers think one day is more important than another.  Others think all days are the same.  But each of you should make up your own mind.  Any followers who count one day more important than another day do it to honor their Lord.  And any followers who eat meat give thanks to God, just like the ones who don't eat meat.  

Whether we live or die, it must be for God, rather than for ourselves.  Whether we live or die, it must be for the Lord.  Alive or dead, we still belong to the Lord.  This is because Christ died and rose to life, so that he would be the Lord of the dead and of the living.   Why do you criticize other followers of the Lord?  Why do you look down on them?  The day is coming when God will judge all of us.  In the Scriptures God says,

"I swear by my very life that everyone will kneel down and praise my name!"

And so, each of us must give an account to God for what we do.

If you like this post check out:
The Church at Laodicea

Has Homeschooling Taken Over Your Life

There are many reasons my husband and I decided to homeschool our oldest daughter.  In a later post I will list the whys.  However, recently I felt a tug in my spirit or rather a warning.  In life we hold so many titles.  During college it was "I am a college student, then I am an engineer, next came I am a wife, a mother, stay-at-home mom, now it is I am a homeschooler."  However, I have to be careful not to let any of those things give me my identity.  My identity alone must be in Christ.  It is so easy to let those roles overtake you.  I was spending hours and hours on homeschool blogs and websites.  It was really becoming sort of obsessive.  I even found myself wanting to get online for a quick peak before doing morning devotions.  I was starting to find my identity in being a "homeschooler."  However, God in his graciousness pulled me back to him and actually challenged me for a while to stop looking at the blogs altogether.  I went on sort of a blog fast because it was really becoming unbalanced.  I love homeschooling my daughter.  Now that I am doing it I would not have it any other way but I can't let it define me.  If God calls me to do something else in the future I can't have all of myself wrapped up in this that I don't know who I am if it goes away.  It's really not about me anyway.  On many levels it's not about my children either.  It's about being obedient to what God has for us so that his kingdom will be advanced on this earth.  It's really just simply about him.

Sometimes We Need to Be Reminded Who This Life Is Really About ...

My sister recently posted the following video on YouTube.  It is very inspirational.  If you have time check out her website http://www.lovedandforgiven.com/ . It is awesome. 

If you like this post check out:

The Church at Laodicea