I just found a wonderful blog site that I had to share with you! The lady, Karla Dornacher is a wonderful artist with many books, scapbook kits, and more. She is a wonderful inspiration for the Lord and for artsy, whimsical creativitiy. I have three of her books in my home and it is so nice to see a small glimpse into her life.
I found a paper today stuck in my desk and it was an encouragement to me. I wish I wrote down where it came from . I am sure it was in a book but I don't know from where unfortunately. I hope it will be a good reminder -and an encouragement to YOU today, too!
Here is what it said:
"Remember, you actually have been teaching your scholar since birth!
Homescholing isn't a sprint, it's a marathon!
So... be sure to pace yourself! Gently lead your scholars in strengthening and stretching their abilities like a personal trainer would an athlete. Instill in them a love of learning for learning 's sake--- for your child's sake!
Slow down and enjoy the journey! (Time flies fast enough as it is)"
From this:
To this:
To this:
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.
O Lord, I know you want me to stay away
from those who would lead me astray.
But their advice is so seductive.
They have so many studies
and psychological treaties to give me,
reasons and rhymes for raising my children.
Yet I see how they mock you, Father.
They have no guarantees-
only theories couched in probabilities.
But you have given me promises.
Help me to dig my roots into your word,
to feel Your life pulsing through me.
I want to nourish my family
with fruit of your choice,
and reap a harvest ripe
with your wisdom and love.
All around me I see families blasted apart
by storms of selfishness, anger, and hate.
Or rotted from within
by cancers of bitterness, despair,and apathy
Father guide me daily
as I seek to mother as you desire.
Continue to watch over us as You promised
and help our little family stand firm
amid the domestic devestation around us.
(From the book, Songs From a Mother's Heart by Pamela Kennedy)
Lord, help me dig deeper and nourish my roots in Your Word, not in this world!
May this peom encourage someone's heart, as it has mine!
Frank & Carisa are full-time missionaries to inner-city Philadelphia, PA. They have two young boys and a baby on the way. Carisa is the host of Tot School. She is currently about 14 weeks along in her pregnancy. Up unto about 2 weeks ago, Carisa was so ill with her pregnancy that she had to spend most of her time in bed, missing her boys! Thankfully she is feeling better now. However, now her husband, Frank has been disagnosed with testicular cancer. Her boys are going to stay with grandparents and they are battling this disease, trusting in God. It is very hard for them right now, as I am sure you can imagine so PLEASE join me in lifting them up in prayer!
Let them feel our prayers, our love and God's love !
Romans 12;5 "So, we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
Whether you are Pro-choice or Pro-LIFE, You MUST see these videos!
Her story is amazing!
If Obama is elected, our tax dollars will fund these kinds of abortions- Oh the horror! The only thing that keeps me from agonizing over this is knowing that NO MATTER WHAT, God is in control (as Gianna surely proves!)
Pass these vidoes along! Gianna's story NEEDS to be heard!
Those with large families (that would mean more than two children)- can you believe this?
There are people trying to put a stop to large families. Read this article. Then click back here and read the rest of this post.
So some of the same people that chant "It's a woman's right to choose." are saying woman shouldn't have more than 2 children. Ugh! So.. if it is our right to choose (in their eyes) what about choosing to have children ... and have as many as the Lord gives us. They are promoting choice - only if it is THEIR choice?
As we (large families) get bombarded with this kind of irrational far-left thinking, take encouragment from God and His Word!
As if we don't get enough stupid questions at the grocery store, etc., now this. It is truly sad that many poeple of this decade just don't see the blessing that children are!
Psalm 128:3-4: " Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord."
This Psalm beautifully describes how rich a blessing children are. Chances are we don't often stop and think about our home and family as a house with a thick growth of olive plants. This comparison is a vivid representation of a home that is healthy, loving, full of life and full of future hope. "In many places, children are not viewed as precious. It is rare to see homes brimming over with blessings as they were in Bible times. Think what a tremendous opportunity God has given you to live in the way that brings the most blessings, and to pray for those families who do not yet know.
The Bible says that not only are children a sign of God's blessing, but they represent promise. God views children as living, growing examples of hope to place in your life. "
Psalm 127:3: "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
"How beautifully God reminds us what a precious blessing He gave when He allowed us to bear children or have children become part of our life. He alone ensures generation after generation of people who will receive His promises. God made us, mothers each an incredible part of His plan. Thank Him for His wonderful gift, and let your children overhear how great a blessing they are to you!"
(Quoted notes come from the Book "The 100 Most Important Bible Verses For Mothers" - W Publishing Group, a division of Thomas Nelson Publications.)
Thanks, Natalie for sharing that article. (This world just keeps getting more ridiculous. People NEED the Lord. So glad my family and I can fully rely on Him and know He is in control when this world is so-o out of control.)
Many of you that read blogs here at homeschoolblogger regularly, I am sure have read about this sad story. I have had it on my mind and heart and have been praying for them. Please pray for them as well...
Marsha is like many of us moms on homeschoolblogger, a wife, mother, teacher, blogger, friend, and much more. We have a bond in our similarities and a closeness as we share our journeys with each other through our blogs- windows into our lives.
Marsha's sweet little 3 yro.old boy went home to be with the Lord this past week after an accidental drowning in a lake behind their home.
I know this mommy’s heart now aches to teach her little boy this year, yearns to kiss his cheek and tuck him in. The things we take for granted everyday (to some degree), she is missing painfully. Marsha, your sweet child is in peace with God above-- yet I pray for your aching heart and your family! I would think it would be too hard right now to look back as the memories still bring sadness instead of joy. Looking forward is just as hard as so much is missing. So… my pray for now is that you will Be Still and let the Lord take care of you and David and your two oldest boys, giving you the peace in knowing that He is also caring for your youngest. In Christ, there are no goodbyes!
Think of the gifts that Christian gave you; his hugs, smiles and love, his favorite things and funny faces. Each day you had with him is a gift and… in Christ, there are no goodbyes. Hold on to the promise that someday you will be with him again. And, know we are all praying with you!
Previously on my blog, I blogged about the Chapman family and their recent and tragic accident, which sent their youngest daughter home to be with the Lord. This is like something the son said....
but I thought too, Marsha, you are your family can honor Christian by honoring the One who gave Christian to you!
Also as Steven Curtis Chapman said about how the Lord leaves little breadcrumbs in the journey of life for us to find...
When I read you found Christian's loved blankie, I thought of how that is a breadcrumb from the Lord for you. You have the blankie that Christian loved so much and maybe it can bring you comfort.
So many of us are praying for you... I hope you feel the prayers!
Here is a song for you!
I will carry you to Jesus, He is everything you need!
I will carry you to Jesus on my bended knees!
Anyone wishing to send a note of encouragement to this family:
Cards or Correspondence can be mailed to:
David and Marsha Drews
c/o Rachel Harris
12830 N. Cypress Lane
Tomball, TX 77377
This Christian comedian really had me laughing HARD! I wouldn't say he is proper but he is so-o-o funny! The funniest thing for me is I did shop at Dress Barn before. (I actually really like the dress I bought there too!)
I just watched the 6 part series of when the Chapman family was interviewed on Larry King Live.
Steven Curtis Chapman, grammy-winning Christian contemporary singer whose songs are touching and powerful has faced a horrible family loss and struggle. In May, one of his sons accidentally ran over their youngest adopted daughter. Yet through it all they stayed strong in their faith, growing in their faith and now sharing their faith to try to win souls for the Lord as hard as it may be for them. I really love how Steven explains some of this- his feelings and the way he deals with it all, etc. Their family support is inspiring when so often in this world the family is not given its level of true importance, this story shows how important the love of your family is! Family is a wonderful gift that God has given to us!
It's worth the time to veiw it. It's so inspiring. Grab some tea, watch the interview then grab a family member and give them a hug!
Here is the 6 part series:
Here things they said that are such sweet reminders of our purpose and of the goodness of God in ALL times!
The older son, Caleb said that they honor Maria by honoring the One who gave Maria to them! He says he wants to live his life not being ashamed of what he's been created to do- share the gospel and right now by sharing Maria's story he can spread the gospel to others.
A question was asked about something Steven previously said about "little breadcrumbs in our journey of life". He explains that the breadcrumbs are little reminders that God leaves us here on Earth to let us know that He's there and he cares. I love the breadcrumbs the Lord leaves in my life. They often give me chills, smiles and so very often make me stop and say "Thank you" to the Lord above. Recently I read a review on something and thought how nice that item would be to have, never thinking of it again really, until at a yard sale and there is was. God placed it right in front of me! A breadcrumb and a gift from Him!
Our God is an awesome God! May those around us that do not know God but know us, come to know God by knowing us!
Summer time is a great time to continue or begin our ministry of hospitality. I am ready to start hosting families more regularly. I love the times we have with others when we have families into our home for supper, games, or just sitting and chatting!
Summer is a great season, a wonderful time for sipping lemonade on the porch with a friend or hosting a cookout, tea parties, picnics, and what better time to sit by the garden! As homeschooler moms we can extend our hospitality to having moms and their kids over for lunch. (Stick supper in the crockpot for your family- then enjoy your time with your friends with no fuss or rush)
Hospitality isn't just fun though it teaches us and our children many great lessons!
"An open heart is an essential ingredient for hospitality. An open heart will bring about an open door in an open home. It is not the food or the house that makes hospitality. It is the heart."
2 Cor 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
"I am convinced that if we learn to open our hearts and our homes in a sweet, simple way, we can reach far more people for the Master and lift many more burdens than the church at large is presently doing. If we must wait until the house is perfectly cleaned, or the budget can stretch to make an elaborate meal we will miss many, wonderful opportunities. The stay-at-home mother can be a missionary in her own home if she learns a few valuable lessons from the Master. Jesus met people wherever they were and served them there with out any fanfare. He gave what he had even if it was only fish and bread."
As much as I like creative set-ups and themes, I realize this is not necessary and must not be a prerequisite to hosting. Lovely settings and things are nice but not necessary. Sometimes we may have them if time permits and other times things may need to stay simple.
By trying to keep up with the housework as much as possible we will be able to be better prepared when an opportunity is in front of us. This doesn’t mean the house must be perfect. As long as it doesn’t look like a tornado hit or totally dirty, as this may make your guests feel uncomfortable. This is when order, organization, simplicity and chores help out a lot.
Another aspect of being hospitable is that your children learn to give, to share and to minister to others, if you do it willingly. Involve your children in the preparation teachng them along the way. They will learn lessons from the kitchen about more than just food prep...
and table setting... but also how to better love others (that is if we use this time to be with our children teaching them and allowing them to help where they can.)
It is so easy to give in to the temptation to grumble and complain about the extra work and the burden of needing to provide for others. Perhaps that is why Peter sagely advises us, “...Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
This is a lesson I need to work on. I sometimes get caught up in trying to have everything as perfect as I can. When really, I do need to work on having the meal and home ready but more so work on having my heart ready. This is what I was forgetting in the past- taking the time to pray with the Lord. He will then stay with me to help me. An author challenged me by saying that she takes a bit of time to go aside and prepare her heart for her guests. When she prays for them and for help to minister to their needs she finds that things go so much better."
"A Christian home in today’s world is a miracle that must be shared. When we give in Jesus’ name He sanctifies our simple gift of love and our kitchen table becomes an altar where fires are lighted that burn in other’s souls. We can share the Bread of Life and the Living Water while we share our meal and fellowship"
" And last, but not least, your hospitality must begin at home. Our children and husbands deserve the same grace and the same love that we extend to others. We greet a guest with a warm welcome. Our children however, are often welcomed with, “take off your muddy boots, or pick up your toys immediately.” They need to do these things but we need to temper our commands with sweetness and love. Kindness and respect for our own families every day is a prerequisite for true hospitality. Like the statement “Charity begins at home,” so does hospitality.
May it be said of us, as we serve our brothers and sisters in Christ....“ “...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” 1 Cor 16:15
On a fun note:
Keep a guest book/ journal! Have it out so guests can sign it. It is so simple yet a fun keepsake to look back through and see who was there when. The guest(s) can put their address down for easy contact and the comments are fun to read and to remember the time(s) you spent together.
Most quotes, other than the Bible verses were taken from a wonderful article entitled An Open Heart and Home by Rachel Weaver. I have no idea who she is but she wrote a lovely article. You can read her whole article at this blog, Hidden Creek Homestead. The segments I used were the noteworthy tidbits I wanted to remember!
This came to me in an e-mail. I thought it was so cute and wanted to share it! Enjoy this little SMILE! Read on! (Smile awaits!)
An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard; I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.
He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.
An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.
Curious I pinned a note to his collar:
"I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."
The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar:
"Our conduct has a direct influence on how people think about the gospel. The world doesn't judge us by our theology: the world judges us by our behavior. People don't necessarily want to know what we believe about the Bible. THEY WANT TO SEE IF WHAT WE BELIEVE MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN OUR LIVES. Our actions either bring honor to God or misrepresent His truth."
--From "Feminine Appeal - Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother" by Carolyn Mahaney
I need to work on keeping my behavior always pleasing to the Lord- dealing with unwanted inconveniences in the way the Lord would want me too (WWJD?) I was convicted by this quote as well as encouraged to do a great job as unto the Lord to bring glory to Him through my actions. May it be a reminder and encouragement to you as well!
This is a really fun and great song! I never heard of Go Fish but they put out a good message with Biblical principals incuded! Here is what they say about this song: This song is dedicated to the hardest working people on the planet - moms!
It's time to pick a winner to my first bloggy giveaway
but before I do, I want to show a Mother's Day post with you!
I really enjoyed reading all the comments for this giveaway and I wanted to share them with you all for Mother’s Day!
Here are some of the great things that were said about being a mother…
…my children taught me to treasure every minute no matter how short, cling to God’s comfort …that snakes, spiders, and dirt are part of God’s creation, too!
…being a mom rocks!
…I love watching my children grow, helping them learn, getting little mementos on a daily basis, hearing them pray, watching them make right decisions when they do, seeing their individuality come out, crazy clothing choices, & lots of hugs
…being a mother has taught me so much about how God loves us!
…it’s so sweet to watch my children interact with people in ways that leave them feeling good inside
…the Lord has taught ME so much more than I could ever teach my children just by letting me be their mother!
…I am so blessed to have my children home with me everyday. We learn together, play together, and pray together.
…I love how my children love life and how they are eager to share that life and love for life and Jesus with each other
…they show me my weakness and sin. They show me that I need Jesus to make it through my day and sometimes moment by moment!
…children are amazing gifts from God... with their own special talents
…it’s an awesome gift to be a mother!
…especially love seeing their relationship with the Lord grow
…it is a privilege to be able to raise my children for the Lord. I know there are many that long to be mothers and are not, so I am very thankful
…so thankful that God has given me a whole flock of children…He has used each one to mold me to be more like our Heavenly Father …Chances are, I will have more character building in the future but I count it all joy
…my children pick me dandelions, hug me when I cry, are always full of hugs and kisses for me, always tell me that they love me. I know God has entrusted these sweet souls to me and that is such a wonderful blessing in itself
…so happy to be a mom…it’s all I ever wanted to be!
…being a mom is hard work for sure but knowing that I am raising the future generation to love God and do HIS work here on earth is so worth it.
…there is no greater blessing than being a mom. …through my children I reflect on God’s love for us as His children …He uses them daily to open my eyes to HIS longsuffering and forgiveness.
…I have learned patience, empathy, and so much more since I have been blessed with my children
…my husband tell me all the time “You’re livin’ your dream.” And he’s right I am!
…children are both treasures and tools! Their joy, laughter and love make me rich beyond measure.
…I am thankful for snuggle time- it the most precious time and it makes me thankful for the opportunity to have these sweet blessing in my home
…so blessed to have teenagers doing what is right and following the Lord
… I am proud of my kid’s creativity, imagination and incredible brains, but the biggest blessing I get from being a mom is to see my kids grow in love.
My thoughts…”Moms are busy people and it can be easy to start relying on self and not FULLY rely on Him. I have grown so much by my kids but never more than when I just let the Lord lead me and help me. I always try to remind myself to make sure the things that count for eternity, count the most in our lives and schedules!!!
Moms… God has given us an awesome responsibility and a precious privilege in being a mother. Motherhood is a high calling and very important to the Lord. We have an in-house mission field! The joys in motherhood are wonderful and precious treasures that can be easily missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab themeach and every day!
Leave a legacy: Choose to love, Choose to show God’s love!”
Enjoy this song and video!
Earthly prizes can NOT compare to our reward in Heaven if we seek and ask the Lord into our lives!
All you mothers...good and faithful servants... may I encourage you to continue to glorify His name, seek Him diligently and tell and show others HIS love.
without further ado...
My "Princess" helped me pick the winner (I used numbers to match my list. My hope was to save time writing out each name and I can use the numbers again for another giveaway! If you posted the contest on your blog I entered your number twice!)
Here is a really GREAT Mother's Day Card Craft you can simply print out and give to your kids. Let them read the directions and see what they come up with and create! It's sure to be a special keepsake and so beautiful!
My family and I went away last weekend, kind of "extra baggage" for my hubby's business trip. He wanted us there of course, but the main purpose of the trip was for his work.
Anyway... we stopped by a lake with a beach. It was chilly but we pulled off and just had a little fun in the sand!
There is just something so amazing about sand. Maybe it is how going barefoot through it makes you feel so free! Maybe it's how one grain is just so teeny tiny of a piece yet it is part of that whole beach! It can even be molded and formed when water is added.
Grains of Sand
How many grains of sand on this beach?
How many blades of grass in the meadow?
How many drops of dew on the tree?
If you could count all these, You could count the number of God's blessings.
-Author Unknown
If we stopped to think of all the blessings God puts into our life each and everyday- things we never even think about - we'd never be able to stop because the blessings are truly so abundant. Are we thankful? It's like that sand. There are just so many individual things/pieces, it would be impossible to count, as this verse says: Psalms 139:17-18 "How precious are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand."
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has BLESSED us with every spiritual blessing in Christ."- Ephesians 1:3
The Lord cares about every little thing! I am reminded of this regularly. Did you see this post- about Him sending my son a rainbow? (when we were studying rainbows.) People like to call it coincidence but it is not! It is the Lord giving us blessings- it is Him blessing us with even the littlest things on our minds. Have you ever thought to yourself how you'd like a certain book or product after reading a review and then.... you find it at a yard sale or thrift store or someone gives it to you? Do you stop to thank the Lord for this gift? Well... He did somehting like this again today. I had this post on my mind after I uploaded our photos a few days ago. Then my devotional this morning had a cute story involving sand. Not a coincidence!
The devotional book I recently started is God's Little Devotional Book for Moms (published by Honor Books) It is a wonderful devotional book and I recommend it!
Anyway my devotional today was a story about a family with 4 kids that just took a family vacation to the mountains. They hiked the mountains each day and had campfires, smores and storytelling. The tent was less than desirable and they didn't sleep too well but wonderful family memories were made! Once back home, the children were excitedly telling the grandparents about all the fun they had. These grandparents took one look at the parents (who still had to unpack and get back into the swing of schedules and routines plus catch up on laundry and sleep) and they said "You two need a vacation!" So the grandparents kept the children the following weekend and insisted the parents go away to relax. They went to the beach and just relaxed on the beach together. On the last day the wife mentioned to her husband how it had been 3 whole days without any children or related worries and that was the first time since their first child was born. Her husband said "Yes and I kind of miss them. Will you throw some sand in my face?"
I want to start doing Motivational Monday posts on Monday to start our week of school off with encouragement. I am running late this week but am still posting it as I like to stay motivated and encouraged. I do think there is a meme like this but this week I am just posting for myself and any visitors. I may link into this meme sometime. ( I think the meme is called Motivation Monday)
I often say " With the ins and outs of being a homeschooling mom, there are always ups and downs!" The key to staying on track is to keep our focus, stay motivated and encouraged! Satan wants nothing more than to wear us down so negativity can seep in!
I enjoyed this video and song! Read the words as they play. The photographs of God's creations are also amazing!
HIS light will shine when all else fades! (what reassurance to think on that --in this world where it seems darkness prevails so often, truly it doesn't. The Lord reigns--forever!)
Here is a great article entitled Relax! Whatever your method. The author, Kathy Crawford is a homeschooling mom of seven children. Here is a paragraph from this article!
"Remember your priorities. It often helps to jump off the merry-go-round for a minute and look at the “big picture”. This is where you have to shut out everyone else's expectations, grab your spouse's hand, and walk ahead with confidence. If everything I do fails, have I been faithful to raise God-fearing, selfless children who love the Lord with all their hearts, and others as themselves? Isn't that really the only thing God has required of us? And isn't it Him that we serve? Education can become an idol if we allow it to interfere with our spiritual training, and the passing on of a godly heritage to our children."
It was a reminder again of what I have posted in my sidebar:
Kathy's website has many great, encouraging articles for Christian homeschooling moms! Check them out for a dose of encouragement!
A living education begins when that spark of interest is ignited, and the wise parent fans the flames with whatever she can lay her hands on.
Welcome to our Homeschool Blog: SchoolinRHome (School in Our Home!). We are in our 7th year of home schooling!
About Me: I am a wife of 15 years to my high school sweetheart and I am the mother of our 5 children
The Peas in our Pod are
PANDA: 12 year old daughter,
PRINCESS: 10 yr. old daughter,
PILGRIM: 8 year old son,
PEANUT: 4 year old son,
and
PRECIOUS: 2 year old daughter!
We home school and home (cyber) charter school. No matter what you call it, we educate and train our own children under our own supervision, with God’s guidance and strength! They do not “go” to school unless you count the field trips, co-op classes, music lessons, drama touring company, 4-H (in the past), outings, fun day trips, and real life experiences!
Jul. 8, 2009 • 12:10 AM
!
(I actually really like the dress I bought there too!)
Read on! (Smile awaits!)
are part of God’s creation, too! 
