Living for Him
Apr. 26, 2008
The Real World

Wow! It's been a long time since I've posted.  Probably like alot of people, I've been busy prodding my kids along - trying to finish up some of our courses.  And probably like alot of you - tempted to call an end to this year and just go play!   Actually, this week was more play than work.  My husband has a company picnic each year for his office - complete with BBQ, boat rides, and a live band that consists of himself, my son, and one of his employees (who actually played for a living before settling down to a day job).  The point of this story is that, being that my children were there and not in school, some of his employees that don't know us very well, were curious about homeschooling.  One asked me if I had them make up work since they were at the picnic and not at school.  I said "it depends on what we're doing.  Since he's out here playing in the band, I consider that educational."   That stumped her for a second - then she nodded and didn't ask me anything else.   Anyway, later that day I began to think about that stupid phrase that ps people love to throw out - about the "real world".    And I thought - while all the ps kids were sitting at their desks that day, bored out of their minds or getting indoctrinated with lies, my kids were out in the real world - serving, fellowshipping with humans, learning about work relations, etc.

Then I had another lady pull the dreaded "homeschoolers are wierd" comment on me.  She was, of course, letting me know that back when her daughter was young, all the homeschoolers were wierd - to which I replied ----"Yeah, and I know alot of wierd public school kids too."    That kept her quiet for a while.

Why do people feel they can just blurt out the first, stupid thing that comes to mind about us?

 

 


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Mar. 8, 2008
It's been a long time

Well, it's been quite awhile since my last post and much has happened.  I have to laugh at  life.  My last post was about my new school schedule and how well it worked the first week.  Then life happened!

Three of us were sick - one of them being my husband - so that blew the schedule.  When he's home, it's hard to carry on with our normal routine.   The next week my father-in-law had a heart attack, which launched an all out vigil at the hospital and a full two weeks of ministering to my inlaws.

I'm reminded of all the scriptures that God gives us reminding us that He is in control of our lives, in spite of our well-laid plans. 

This week is spring break, so guess what I'll be working on?  That's right! I'll be tweaking the schedule, books, etc. trying to guide our last few months across the finish line. 

I was just mentioning to my husband tonight how I miss those calm, first few years of homeschooling my young children.  My memories are of the beautiful days when we'd sit on the couch for at least an hour and just read.   Then we might play in the backyard or go to the park.   The days were unhurried, for the most part, and greatly enjoyed.

Sometimes now, I feel like a drill sargeant, barking out the schedule and keeping everything on track.  Why?  I'm not sure.  I think it's to please that invisible person, standing over my shoulder, spouting out expecations.  You know - the ps friends who might ask what you did that week.  Or the nosy neighbor.  Or the highschool transcript lurking in the file cabinet.     Whatever or whoever - it dictates a constant feeling in my gut to push my kids to finish their work and supresses my urge to just whisk my boys off for a day of nothing schoolish!

I don't want my kids to be behind or dumb or late graduating.  But, more than that - I don't want to look back on these days and wish I would have played more or read more.

It's hard being a mom and even tougher being a homeschool mom.  But it's the best job ever.

God bless us all!


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Feb. 13, 2008
Update

To update my last post......I changed our schedule and started school at 8am instead of 9am and it made a huge difference!  I woke my kids up at 7am and that gave them an hour to eat, dress, lie around, and be ready for school by 8:00.   They worked steadily and were finished by noon!    If this continues to work, we will have so much more free time to pursue individual interests (and other responsibilities).   I really liked the feeling of having accomplished what's needed - school wise - and the afternoon free of guilt (for not having school that still needed to be accomplished. )

My oldest son has been trying to convince me that a relaxed schedule is what homeschooling is all about.  I was really torn between the structured person I am and the call of relaxed scheduling.   As I thought on this and talked it over with my husband, I realized that we can have both!  We can be structured in our book work and relaxed in our individual pursuits.  That way - we have the best of both.

I actually sensed a feeling of accomplishment in my older son as he realized how much he could get done in a few hours of concentrated effort. 

They say a habit takes 21 days to form (who is "they"?) so we're going to do this for at least a month and see what we can get done. 

 


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Feb. 10, 2008
Good morning

Well since my last few posts have been "isolating" (ha ha), I thought I'd post something rather normal and hopefully, a little more cheerful.   I've been reading "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow, which is a great book about contentment.   If any of you have problems being content in your present circumstances - this is the book for you!  It is also a great book about giving our anxiety over to the "controller of all things" - our Lord.   

 Life on the homefront is going well, with the exception of two of us having bronchitis.  The positive side is that I've gotten some well-needed rest and accomplished getting our taxes ready!    Life on the school front is a little rocky right now.   I've discovered that my kids are pretty much useless (book wise) after lunch.  They definitely work most productively in the morning.   SOOOO - I will be using this afternoon to come up with a plan to change our schedules so that the majority of school is done in the morning.  This will mean getting up earlier and starting school about an hour earlier.   THE TEENAGER WILL LOVE THIS!   

My husband is so matter-of-fact and I'm too wishy washy.  My husband says "if they were in school, they'd be up and out the door by 7am, and my response is "yes, but isn't that the privilege of being at home?"   The truth is I've always been a push over when it comes to my kids.  NOT GOOD!

Therein lies the answer to my scheduling problem!  I've been letting my teen dictate to me his own relaxed schedule, and now he's not getting enough done.  I can remember being the same way at his age.  And, unfortunately, my mother was as much a push over as I am.   This alone should be motivation enough for me to push harder.   I got away with too much manipulation when I was a teen and it didn't benefit me one bit!    At least my son has Christ living within him (I did not) and I know this makes all the difference.    He's not trying to be deceitful  - he's just being a self-satisfying  teen. 

Regardless - this is his first year of highschool and though it's more difficult than all the other years combined - the fact is - we have to do the work!  No messing around!  We have credits to count and things to be learned so he can attend college (against his will).   

One day he's going to thank us for this - I hope.      How often I've thought back to my highschool days and wished that my mother would have "encouraged" (made) me to get involved more and take my schooling more seriously.   I could have accomplished so much more if I would have had a strong person behind me, pushing me to learn things I didn't really care about or get involved with activities that I was uninterested in.   I would have been more of a well-rounded human being.

So, with that being figured out - I'm off to make out a new schedule and toughen myself up a bit!

Be blessed and remember:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  (Philippians 4:6)

Until next time.....

 

 


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Feb. 2, 2008
Isolation Update

In reference to my recent post on isolation, I wanted to write an update on my mindset.  The past two weeks have been mostly rainy and cold.  Couple that with 2 weeks of a slow schedule and you have a feeling of isolation.  I have prayed and prayed for God to help me through this and He has been faithful as always. 

I began to realize that this same time last year I was feeling the same way and even began contemplating putting my kids in a Christian school.   I feel like God allowed me to recognize the fact that this time of year has an effect on me.   So I called a friend of mine, who thinks much more creatively than me and sure enough, she filled in the gaps of my black and white mind. 

Her first suggestion was to take homeschooling out of the mix, as far as the isolation is concerned.  Any other time of the year, I am 100% sure that this is God's place for my children and my role in life - to teach my kids at home.   It's only this season that I began to question what we're doing.  Ok - so that is great advice.  I love having my kids at home with me.  I need to remove that from the equation.

Next she gave me some great ideas for getting out of the house at this time of the year and to focus more on finding a play group for my 8 year old (with moms for me) and not so much focus on my teen, who already has social activities and invitations galore!   That was an eye opener, because, most of our going seems to be about getting the teen to his next event!

Anyway, after more talk on what kind of field trips, activities, etc., I felt so much better and knew that in order to combat this time of the year blues, I will have to be creative and active.  I've tried it and amazingly, when I'm busy and occupied, I have less time to dwell on the isolated feelings.

I'm still praying daily (mostly Philippians 4:6-7) for God to calm my anxious heart and He is still faithfully working.  

I hope someone reads this who has had the same problem.  Be blessed. Joy comes in the morning!


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Jan. 29, 2008
High School thoughts

For those of you teaching high schoolers - listen to your kids!  Of course, this is dependent upon what they're talking about.  What I'm referring to is their learning style.   My 14 yr. old has expressed several times in the past 2 years, that he prefers a straight forward style of learning - one with a beginning and an end.  In other words - he prefers a traditional style where I say "start here and finish here." 

Here I am trying to work with an 8 yr. old and a freshman.  This causes you to try mixing hands on with traditional .    I'm trying to make learning fun for the 8 yr. old by doing lapbooks and a mixture of fun things along with workbooks for the basics.  And the older child is saying "just give me something structured."

So after trying to make learning fun for him and floundering - I listened to what he was telling me and I bought him the Alpha Omega Switched on Schoolhouse.   We've used this before and have always done well with it (excluding the frustrating aspects of the program) but I've always tried to mix it with other things.  This time he is doing the majority of his work on the computer and it's going great!

It's so structured that he knows exactly what to do and when it's due.  If you've never seen this program before, it's well worth looking in to.   I won't go into all the details about the program here (you can read that on their site) but it's much more interesting than textbooks, and has enough perks to make it worthwhile. 

Wow! Who'd a thought our children might actually have  a say-so in what method we use!!

I learn something new everyday and alot of times God uses my children to teach it to me!

What a blessing!

 


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Jan. 25, 2008
Isolation

While doing my Beth Moore study today I came across this profound set of sentences: JESUS is the author of CONNECTION.    SATAN is the author of  ISOLATION.  Wow!   How many of us purposely isolate ourselves from the world (church, Sunday school, youth, family, friends, etc.)?  Is this of God or a trap of satan?  It's definitely worth thinking about. 

I'm reminded of a friend of mine who homeschools and has now pulled out of the church to go find a home church where her kids are by her side at all times.  She blamed every bad attitude her teenage daughter ever had on the one or two times her daughter actually attended the youth Sunday school.  (No thought of the fact that her daughter has sin living in her, like the rest of us).  Now her daughter is whining about not having any friends.  Where will she look now and what kind of attitude will she have?

I'm also reminded about how I've isolated myself from doing anything that is just for me.    I don't go to meetings during the day (such as Women's ministry meetings or mom's activities) that don't include the kids or would cause me to leave my kids at home, doing their work on their own for 2 hours.   Why?  I feel guilty that I'm not here, being the teacher God's called me to be.  I don't go to Wednesday night Bible study because I don't care for the AWANAS program (and neither do my kids).   Therefore, I go on Sunday mornings and that's it.

It also brings to mind posts I've read here  (HSB) asking the question "do we really need friends?"   Is is really biblical NOT to have friends?  I don't think it is.   Is it really biblical to isolate our children from other godly kids? 

Anyway, the list goes on.  The point being that it's stupid that I sometimes feel isolated, when I'm doing it to myself!  Is this from God or a trap of satan?   It's definitely something to ponder.


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Jan. 14, 2008
Make sure the Lord's in it

I have been reminded of a great truth this morning while doing my Bible study:  If the Lord's not in it - it's all in vain.   That, of course, is the short version.  The actual scripture is Psalm 127:1-2 and I wanted to share it for several reasons.   Unless the Lord builds a house, it's builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays alert in vain.  In vain you get up early and stay up late, working for a living.  The Lord gives sleep to those He loves.

As homeschooling moms we wear many hats and we work hard.  As I concluded my study this morning, I imagined that many moms reading this, might need this reminder. 

First of all - don't forget to include God in your schooling.  I have overlooked praying for guidance many times in our 10 years of hs, and have had many frustrations.  When I've remembered to include God in the planning and set up of things, it's alot sweeter.

Second, how many of us stay up late or rise early, just to get a few more hours in.  Sometimes this is necessary when we have little ones.  But, if this is done without proper caring for ourselves - it's in vain.  God says to sleep.  You need it so you can be the best you can be.  **this doesn't mean be lazy and shirk your responsibilities**  It means to be sensible.  It means get a decent night's sleep and be ready for the next day.

Bottom line - God needs to be in everything we do; every decision we make.  Especially when it involves the education and caring of our families. 

I hope this helps someone.  Be blessed!


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Jan. 11, 2008
Need I say more?

This post is not about my sick dog.  It's about this awesome privilege I have to have my children at home with me; to love them when they need it.  Today we woke up to the realization that we are going to have to put our dog to "sleep."  We've had her for about 6 years but for the last month she has been overtaken by heartworms.  I've always heard that this was a very painful disease and now I know why.  It's been torture watching her get sicker each day.   My reason for this post, though, is to say that I'm so thankful that my children are at "home where they belong."  

As I broke the news to the kids today, my 8 yr. old burst into tears.  Of course, we then had to explain our reasons and didn't finish the conversation for at least 15 minutes.  Alot of why's and what's and tears.   Every 15-20 minutes he bursts into another round of tears and I hug him and console him and turn his attention elsewhere.  You know - life happens - even on school days.  I cannot imagine having to tell my kids something like this (or worse) and then send them off to school.  Most ps people are so dedicated to that institution that they barely think about keeping their sick kids home, much less their grieving ones.   Can you picture sending your grieving, crying child off to spend 8 hours in a place where there were no private moments to cry, no loving arms (that you know and trust) to comfort?  And then the risk of cruel kids to make fun of you for crying?    I can't even fathom it.

THIS is the real world.  The world where you're surrounded with the people you love, the pets you care for, the moments you need, and the freedom to praise the God who created them all.    Anything else is just a substitution.  


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Jan. 8, 2008
Have mercy

Ok.  Here's the senario:  yesterday I spend about an hour making a great dessert for family night, complete with pudding, butter, pecans, whipped cream (four layer delight).   This morning at 6am I walk into the kitchen for coffee and what do I see sitting on the stove?  The wonderful dessert I slaved over yesterday!  That's right!  It was left out  ALL NIGHT!   Who was the last person to get it out of the fridge and fix himself some?  That's right!  The man I love and cherish.  So as I'm standing there this morning looking (with disbelief) at my masterpiece sitting on the stove (at least he had covered it back up), I'm seething and yet trying to have mercy on him because I know it was an accident.

What's a woman to do?  Of course I have to say something.  How else will he learn from his mistakes? Kind of like the time he ripped the door off my car (on accident).  What can you do?  You just deal with it.

So....I put the dessert back in the fridge.   Later I'm going to make him taste it and if it's sour or bad  - I'll have mercy on him - AGAIN!

Have a great day!


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Jan. 7, 2008
Off to a Good start

Well, it's back-to-school time.  So far this morning - all's well.  I've done my daily Bible Study, I'm blogging for a few minutes, and then I'll wake the kids and get started with our day. 

It feels good to know that we'll be in our normal routine again.  We've added something else to our schedule though - another "gig" as we say in our house (musically speaking).   My son has been invited to play guitar in the praise band at a local Christian school.  He's very excited - but this makes his 3rd worship team to be on (all at the same time).  He'll practice with them Monday afternoons and then play on Wednesday mornings during the school's chapel time.

Which leads me to share a great concept that is going on in our area.  Not a new concept - just new to this area.   One of the local gymnastic organizations has begun an "olympic" style training opportunity.  The gymnasts (about 7 girls of different ages) arrive and begin practice about 7am each morning (M-F) and practice for about 4 hours.  They break for lunch and then are "homeschooled" there at the gym for 4 hours by a local homeschooling mother who has a daughter in the program.   

I love the concept and wish there was an opportunity for our kids who's passion is music.  I guess it's an idea to pray over. 

Well, I must go and get ready for my day.  I hope all who read this are blessed today and feel encouraged enough to do it all again tomorrow!


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Jan. 6, 2008
High School Thoughts

Well - tomorrow begins our second semester of High School.  It's going so much smoother than I ever imagined.   I did make a quick trip to the Homeschool Store and grab a few new things.  One of the books is The High School Handbook by Mary Schofield.   It gives some great advice on what courses to decide on and how to put your 4 year plan together.  It also offers a plan for Jr. High.  Of course - it is complete with forms to copy, etc.   

Last summer I spent hours (days and weeks) reading Barb Shelton's Form-U-La book.  Here's the comparison between the two:

Barb's book is scattered.  Lot's of info, scripture, forms - but not in an orderly fashion.  She offers alot of great ideas, but you really rack your brain trying to filter through all of it.  Barb is really big on counting hours too, which is tough to do on some subjects.  However, she has alot of forms and a great form for recording hours on the subjects that you can do that with (like P.E. or Music). 

Mary's book (the one above) is put together in an orderly fashion.  She does give scripture to back up each subject (great to have these references).  She lays out the order in which you need to put together your plan.   Much easier to read than the other book.   Mary does not recommend counting hours - she says it's too much trouble and takes away from enjoying what you're doing.  

 ***the only thing that I don't like is her credit system***   She is confusing (to me) because she gives credits in increments of 10 instead of 1.  Let me explain:

Whereas I give 1 credit for a full year course  - she gives 10 credits.   I give .5 (or 1/2 credit) for a one semester course - she gives 5 credits.    At the end my child has 22 credits - hers would have 220.I'm not sure why she chose this - I think she might have said that it's easier to divide amongst the years. To me it's confusing and it might be confusing on a transcript.  Regardless of the credit system, she still has alot of good advice on putting together the plan.

For those of you who enjoy knowing what others are planning - here is a list of my family's Graduation Requirements:

Bible                               4 (credits)

English                          4

Math                               3

History                           2.5

Science                         2

For. Lang.                     1

P.E.                                1

Electives                       2

Fine Arts                        1

Life Skills                      1

Total Credits to graduate  21.5

My son will actually have more than required in Music and P.E.  but that's no problem. 

it's great to get the plan on paper and know where you're going.

Hope this is helpful to some of you who are facing the high school years.  It's really nothing to worry about.  Good planning - good records - good resources.  That makes all the difference.  And of course - lots of prayer!


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Jan. 2, 2008
A funny beginning

Well it's a new year and I'm starting off doing what I like to do.  I've re-organized my son's room (translation: moved everything around AGAIN), I'm heading to the homeschool store today for a new math book, I've had friends over for dinner, will attend a party and a wedding this weekend.  So...by next week I'll be exhausted and want to do nothing!  Yet - the new semester begins! 

Anyway, yesterday I made cupcakes and I had this great mommy idea that I would let my 8 yr. old son ice them and decorate them.  So I get the icing ready and get out his favorite food coloring, and call him into the kitchen.  Now, in the "being a great mommy" books, at this point the child is so thrilled to be asked to help and the mom and the child spend hours enjoying working together.  Well - my son mixes his icing to his desired color, ices ONE cupcake, then turns to me and says "Mom, can you take over? This is really hard. But I want to lick the knife!"   So much for those special moments! 

Have a great new beginning!


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Dec. 27, 2007
I love the new year

I know - I know.  It's not the new year yet but I'm excited that it's on it's way!  I love the New Year with it's new beginnings.   I've come to look forward to the "after the holidays" more than the holidays. The new year brings with it hope of a better wife, mom, teacher, student, church member, friend, etc.   I look forward to starting over in bills, organization, decorating, teaching, curriculum finder and user.   This is my favorite time of the year.    Happy New Year and happy new beginnings!

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Dec. 24, 2007
Goals for 2008

I was reading a post over at "Busy at Home" about goals for the new year.   I love to read other mom's goals, schedules, ideas, etc. so I decided to post my own - just for fun.

Here are my goals for 2008:

Personally

Lose 10 pounds (starting small so I might actually achieve it!)

Exercise!

Consistently do my morning Bible Study (usually a 6 week study takes me about triple the time)

Not worry so much

Love my husband more (he deserves it!)

Household

Keep up with organization (routinely clean out closets, junk drawers, toys, etc.)

Mop more

Put up shelves in every room

Visit more antique stores (this is to decorate my house with $2 finds)

Keep up with Menu making (therefore always having what I need)

Cook more (eat out LESS)

Cut down on grocery shopping (spend more everytime I go)

Make the kids do more to help

School

Stay consistent

Use what I already have (unless it is really a bad match)

Do less around the house during school hours

Schedule less outside activities during school hours

Make my 14 yr old write more

Push my kids a little harder

I'm certain there are many more that will come up later, but for now that's a start.   Inspire me by sharing yours with me.   Happy New Year (in a week)!


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Dec. 24, 2007
God still speaks to husbands?

The title is meant to be sarcastic and meant for me.  Somestimes I get so used to being in charge around here that when God actually speaks to my husband and I let him have something to say - it usually turns out pretty good.   We had this experience a few days ago when I was having a "Christmas" breakdown.  You know how it goes - your "to do" list is a lot longer than the amount of time you have and you feel like you're the only one who can do it all.   I shared this feeling of panic with my husband as he left for work one day, kissed him goodbye, and began my busy day. 

 About an hour later he calls and says that he wants us to do something special that night.   I have to be honest -  my first thought was NO! Not something else for me to do!  We were already planning to have a night at home with the kids, no outside obligations.   I shut my mouth and just listened and what I heard was such a blessing.  My husband said that he was praying on his way to work and really felt God speaking to him about how Jesus is the "smallest gift under the tree".  (isn't that a great way of saying it?)  He continued by telling me that he wanted to demonstrate this to the kids that night by writing "Jesus" on  a small piece of paper and wrapping it in the smallest box we could find.  He would then read some verses from Isaiah about the coming king, and then ask the kids to go to the Christmas tree and find the smallest gift.  

I thought this was a great addition to the evening I had pictured in my mind.  In addition, I had some questions I had typed out that morning that I wanted to use as a "family discussion" time after the holidays.   I told my husband about these and he said we should use them tonight. 

So after a great dinner we called the kids into the livingroom and began our night.  My husband started off by reading the scripture and asking the kids what Christmas was all about.  They've heard this all their lives, so it was not a hard question.  He then told them that this country has gone crazy and that we wanted to be a little more focused in the coming years.  He assured them that we weren't turning into the grinch and doing away with gifts, but that we really wanted to be different in how we see Christmas in the future.  The boys then opened the small, little box that contained a crumpled up piece of paper.  As my 14 yr. old unfolded the paper and read the name on it, you could see understanding on his face.   It was a teaching moment.   (hands on is so much more effective than lecturing!)

After a few more minutes of discussing Christmas, we then proceeded with the questions I had typed out for the family.  They were just simple questions such as: "What do you want more of from Mom/Dad?What would you change about the family? What chores do you hate/like? What do you want to do on "family night"? 

We had a great night!  We spent about 1 1/2 hours just talking and discussing and getting to know each other's opinions about how we're doing as a family.  Nothing profound, but eye-opening. 

I was so blessed by that ordinary day and night.  I was blessed because God spoke to my husband and I didn't have to badger him or come up with the idea.   I was so blessed to know that God will speak to my husband on my behalf.   And, of course, so blessed because I have a husband that prays for me and our family every morning on the way to work. 

God is good ladies!  And He does speak to our husbands.  We just have to step aside and be quiet so our husbands can hear!

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Feel free to use the "smallest gift" idea.  Just be sure to say "David" told you about it.  And be sure to say that "David" got the idea from God.   Thanks!

 


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Dec. 17, 2007
Home Sweet Home

You know you've been away from home too long when: you're excited about doing the laundry (all 10 loads piled up) - you're looking forward to cooking - you can't wait to dust - you don't mind scheduling the bills  - you want your kids to play gamecube and watch TV (because you've been their entertainment for 4 days in the car)!!!   Yes! We've been on a week long vacation and we're back and I'm so happy!

We had a great time in Scottsdale, AZ.  It was like an oasis in the desert (oh yeah! It is an oasis in the desert).  Anyway.  It was beautiful.  But I love the feel of coming home and being in my own house, bed, kitchen (no more fast food - yay!), and my own routine.     And, of course, I've missed HSB. 

Now it's on to wrapping, shopping, baking, planning, and reading my 5th Karen Kingsbury book.  Life is good!   And God get's the glory.  Amen.


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Dec. 3, 2007
Do the next thing

I've read this quote twice in the last few weeks: When you're tired, discouraged, and feel you can't go on.....do the next thing.   That is not the exact wording - but the message is the same.  So that has become my motto.  Late at night when I'm ready to go to bed but I notice that there are still dishes in the sink - do the next thing.  Wash them so the sink will be clean and waiting for you in the morning.   When you're teaching during the day and you're ready to quit - do the next thing.   Spend a few more minutes with your child.   When the house is cluttered and all you want to do is sit - do the next thing.  Set the timer and clean up for 10 minutes. 

For some strange reason, this little quote has really inspired me.  It helps take your mind from the "I'm tired", whiney mode to the "I can do one more thing" mode.  

  It reminds me of all the times I've given up just short of the finish line.  All the projects I've almost finished, all the times I've almost served someone, all the gifts I've almost bought, all the dogs I've almost petted, all the games I've almost played, etc.

If everytime I feel like calling it quits - I do the next thing - I will be so much more successful than I have been.  I hope this inspires you to "do the next thing."


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Nov. 29, 2007
A Humbling Revelation

I now know what my mother meant when she used to say to me "just wait til you have kids of your own."  Or, at least, I have my own definition of what that might have meant.  I have been recognizing lately some characteristics in my youngest son (he's 8) that I don't like.  Unfortunately, God is showing me that I have those same characteristics!    OUCH - that hurts!   Surely I don't badger people until they are about to jump off a cliff - do I?  Surely I don't question every movement my husband makes - for no good reason - do I?  Surely I don't listen to someone's ideas and then come up with a better one - do I? 

I'm afraid I do and it's not a pretty sight to have your bad habits or characteristics played out in front of you - over and over again.   I get it Lord!  You've given me this child to refine me, to cause me to change, to cause me to see how I've tortured everyone in my life!   I get it!   Now, please help me fix it!

And God says "my strengths are made perfect in your weaknesses"  and I say  "thank you Lord for giving me a glimpse of where I need improvement."     It would be horrible to go all your life and not have a clue as to how annoying you really were.  

 I am glad that God has graciously revealed to me where I am weak.  Now I can call out to Him in my weakness and know that He's already there, ready to step in - if I let Him.    And believe me - I have no better advice to offer (see - it's working already)!


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Nov. 26, 2007
High School teachings

For those of you teaching high school or getting prepared:  If you're familiar with Barb Shelton's book "Form-U-La" you know that she used some curriculum and used alot more "non curriculum" type items to teach her children.  She has a website and a forum and I came across an email that I received on the forum site last year and saved because of the content and I wanted to share it with you.

A reader asked a question about high school history and the fact that when she made up her own choices for teaching history, it seemed so easy compared to two main company textbooks on a high school level.    Here's the response she received from one of the forums monitors:

"The point of an education is to learn, not to choose by 'difficulty level'....as though the more one struggles to learn, then it must follow that more learning is taking place.  Rubbish!"  "A high school education, in particular, must be tempered by the calling on your child's life that the Lord has.  This may take some time to reveal, or it may take an adjustment on your part to really see what the Lord has placed there.  Curriculum isn't the deciding factor.  Curriculum is a resource to develop the calling."

I couldn't agree more (that's why I still have this email)!  If my child is learning then he's learning! No. I'm not going to give my son simple math facts and call it Algebra.  But there are some subjects that are just knowledge - pure and simple.  History, English, Science, and probably many more are examples of subjects where anything you learn is a benefit.  If you haven't learned something by highschool and so you study it in highschool - does that make it void?  Not to me!  There are many things I still don't know.  There would be nothing wrong with calling learning - learning. 

Like she said - it doesn't have to be beyond comprehensible to be considered worthy of teaching.

Use God as your guide - not the NEA!


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