We R Learning Jefferson, SC
Jun. 28, 2008
Tos Planner Contest

Contest at My Crazy Life's Blog

Steph is giving away a free copy of The Schoolhouse Planner. All you have to do is post about it at your blog with a link to her's and then leave a comment at her blog.

I really could use more organization in my life!  Esp, with ending our school year and gearing up for the next!

Happy blessings,

Sharon


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Jun. 28, 2008
The Cattle _W_E_R_E__ Lowing................

 

 

 

(Written by:Sharon Yarbrough)

The Cattle WERE Lowing..................

Hebrews 13:1-4;5-6

As I prepared for sleep last night, I could hear the cows bellowing.  I knew it was time to begin weaning the younglings from their mothers, but had not thought about the lowing that would ensue.  The mothers wanted to put their children to bed, and the younglings wanted the comfort of being with their mothers.  Sometimes, it is the sheer determination of the need for comfort that will bring us to our Comforter. 

During the night, the cows escaped their fence and were still trying to get to their mothers. 

I was awakened this morning, as every morning lately by my puppy Otis, who was desperately ready for his morning walk.  I am not by nature a morning person.  What better motivation to get you going in the morning than, a puppy wanting to take care of his business outside.  Well, I struggled out of my slumber, put my clothes on, obviously, not fast enough for my morning companion. He was whining, dancing, and just rushing me along.  We made it outside, and met the lingering bellows of the night before.  We were walking happily along,  until, I noticed cars slowing on the road and then speeding up again.  I immediately knew that the cows were out, and were on the road!  I turned around, and began running toward the house, yelling, hoping someone would hear me, so I could stop running.  Remember, before, I was barely awake, and now running full throttle! 

I got close to the house and my husband came to the door, and I shouted to him, "the cows are out and in the road."

He quickly threw on his cloths and shoes and was in his truck before, I could ask him what he wanted me to do.  After a while he returned to the house, with the news; they had gotten the cows back into their lot.  He finished his breakfast, and was off to finish his morning chores on the farm; as if nothing had gotten him off track.  I am still recovering from my morning walk, uh, run. 

"Sometimes, it is the sheer determination of the need for comfort, which will bring us to our Comforter.  I am so thankful, that I have a Comforter to call out to in my times of need."  When I feel separated and alone, I call on Him and am comforted beyond measure.  I can feel my pain, because I know the one that will take my pain away.  How sad for those without a Saving Comforter, what do they feel?  Most likely, desperation, solitude, fear, hopelessness, surely, this leads to numbness.  Not being able to feel anything, isn't that death, eternal death! 

 Oh, my prayer today, is for those that are suffering from eternal death.  I pray that they feel the comfort that only Jesus can give.  I pray, they call out to You today, and grasp the eternal comforting life, only You can give.  Lord please help us that know you, share your love to those in need, to be a comforter to those that do not know to call out to you. 

Hebrews 13:1-4;5-6

  1Let brotherly love continue, 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.  ---5Keep your life free form love of money, and be content with what you have for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  6So we can confidently say,

"The Lord is my helper;

     I will not fear;

What can man do to me?"


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Jun. 26, 2008
And The Rain Came Down!

 

 

This afternoon, I had to make a trip to the farm dumpster, and it was on the trip, that I met with God. You might wonder, "Meeting God at the Dumpster", yes the dumpster. While driving down our drive way, I looked to my right, and I looked to my left and was overcome with the realization; "our crops are literally dying of thirst in the afternoon heat." I began crying out to God, "Oh, my God, please send respite to this dry thirsty land. Please, if it is your will, send us some rain. Bless us with your wonderful showers. Please forgive me Father, if I have done anything that would keep this land from receiving your blessings! I just felt so much better after talking with God.

Well, I made my trip and came home. I was going to make a trip to town, but at the last minute, decided to stay home and rest. I put my Mp3 player on with my Cindy Rushton pod cast (www.CindyRushton.com) playing and fell asleep on the couch. After a restful nap, I awoke to the sound of RAIN falling! I arose from the couch and walked to the door, and saw the greatest miracle. Earlier, the weather man stated,” that we might see rain either Fri or Sat."I was overcome with emotion; I praised God with tears of THANKFULNESS. I looked out over past the field in front of me, up to the sky above and saw that the sky was clear with just a few puffy white clouds. The sun was shining! Only God could send rain, where there shouldn't be rain. He opened up the windows of Heaven and poured out a blessing so great, I could not take it in. I am so glad; I can turn to my Heavenly weather man. By turning to Him and letting Him know my hearts desire, I was able to experience His love for me. And, just to think, I would have missed it, if I had gone out to run errands.

And now, I am rested, the land had a sip of refreshment, and I have seen the power of my Comforter.

I hope you get to experience your miracle, today!

 

Malachi 3:10
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

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Jun. 24, 2008
Dry in the South again!

     It seems, we are headed for a new record here in the South!  Last summer was dry, and it is even drier this summer.  It has also been very HOT, with record breaking temps for this early in the season.  Please pray that we will get the rain needed here on our farm.  We have cattle, and other animals that will suffer this winter without the harvest of hay. 

Thanks,

Sharon


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Jun. 23, 2008
God's Authority in the Family

     Have you ever just sat down and ask God for direction?  Well, in the following notes, I will share with you, God's revelation to me on rearing children.   Thankfully, I give Him all the glory for the works, He has done and is doing in my life.

      I must say, before I could discipline my own children, God had to discipline me.  You see, God impressed upon my heart, what I already knew.  He is my authority, and I must seek Him in all things.  It is His plan designed for me and His plan designed for my children.  I am only caretaker of the children, He has placed in my care.  In everything, I must seek God for help to understand His plans.  I could not even begin to understand those plans, without a close relationship with Him, first.  Oh how I desired to be the mother, pleasing in God's eyes.  God rightfully said, "First you must be closer to me." 

The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Psalm 14:2

     You might be wondering, if I am talking about salvation.  I am not; I have been saved since, the age of twelve.  God was talking about walking closer with Him.  He came into my heart along time ago, and for the most part, I have been leading a life of a Christian… But, God has been ministering to my heart for the last few years, mending many broken places, and giving me peace beyond measure.  Placing upon my heart a yearning like no other, to know Him on a personal basis.  I can not share with you in just one note, just how much He is molding me.  I am on the road designed by God, and not by me.  Life for me is more than, God coming to me in my time of need, it is me going to Him to summit my whole life to Him in everything I do. 

     It is with that understanding that my mothering education began.  No longer, am I worrying, what I must do next to discipline (or DISCIPLE) my children; I obediently gave it to God.  Now, when I have to discipline my children, I tell them, “God is my authority, and He has given me authority over YOU.  It is not because, I say so.  But, because, God says so!  They may question my authority, but they will not question the authority of God.

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  Romans 13:1-2

      So, when you find yourself at your wits end, go to the one with all the answers, and the power to follow through!  He is our Great Lord, and has authority over all things.  Draw closer to Him, and He will give you authority over all that he has entrusted to you.

      I refer to the following name for God:   ADONAI - The Lord, my Great Lord!  God is the Master and majestic Lord.  God is our total authority!  Oh, I will be shouting out this name for God!  Praise the Lord, ADONAI!  :) Psalm 8; Isaiah 40:3-5; Ezekiel 16:8; Habakkuk 3:19

 

Check out this Youtube video set to the music For Psalm 8:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm8BVF1NPfE

     Of course this is just a beginning, I can not fully, tell all the ways that God is making me a better parent - a better Christian, by making me a better child of Him!

 

Lord, thank you for this wonderful lesson learned from this website;

http://www.amblesideonline.org/CM/M301.html

       I am so thankful for persons that have such a close relationship with you, that their words ooze your spiritual guidance.  I am so moved today, to listen to your guidance, which has such clarity!  I confess my mistakes as parent and ask that you continue to show me the way, toward being a guiding light for my children.  I am a poser of what it really means to have authority over my children.  I am not teaching them the correct parenting methods.  Please forgive me and help me to be in submission to you, and therefore teach them, that my authority comes from you, and not my own reasoning.   It is my strongest desire for them to see you as the only form of authority in their lives, and by following and answering your will in their lives that they live freely!  Give me more, so that I can become more.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,

Amen


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May. 2, 2008
TOS Subscription

Have you heard about "The Old Schoolhouse" magazine? I have
gotten this magazine every year, since I began homeschooling. This
magazine has been very helpful to us. Every issue has inspiring
articles from veteran homeschoolers. You will also benefit from the
reviews of established and new homeschool curriculums. I have always
found it to be very informative of "What's out there".
Here is the link for anyone wishing to check the above mentioned
magazine:

http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_
info&cPath=66_60&products_id=1542> &cPath=66_60&products_id=1542

The above link will show you the pictures of your free gifts, plus
gives you
all the details - it's over $500 worth of FREE curriculum items for
you when
you subscribe. The magazine sold out two months early last promo.
Last year you had to buy a two year sub to get the gifts - this year
you pay less - just a one year sub gets you IN. Hurry if you want to
claim your stuff! The promo started out with 3,000 packages, 1/3 are
sold

I would recommend this magazine to anyone just starting out, or to
any veteran HSing families needing support or fresh ideas.
They do have a sample magazine that they will send you, just incase
you want to see, what you are getting.

I have passed issues, that I would be willing to let you borrow, if
you wish to have a look see.

I hope you will find the above link helpful, if not please just
overlook the recommendation.

Happy Spring to you,
Sharon

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Mar. 12, 2008
New TOS Digital Magazine Subscription!

Don't Miss Out on the New TOS Digital Magazine Subscription!

TOS Digital Magazine ButtonWith their new digital magazine, you will get to enjoy all the same great content as the print edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, but in a new format - digital!

Want to know why you'll want to subscribe - even if you already get the print edition?

  • Instant delivery - No waiting for your mail to arrive.

  • Huge savings - At $16.95, the digital subscription is 32% less than US print subscription price, 43% less than Canadian print subscription prices, and 65% less than international print prices. If price has kept you from subscribing before, you can't go wrong with the huge savings on the digital subscription.

  • Helpful links - No more running to the computer to check out an advertised product or website reference. One click and you're there!

  • Exciting features - Print or email articles to share with up to five of your friends.

  • Fun, dynamic format - Flip through a real online magazine, not a pdf file.

  • Never lose your magazine again - Save all your TOS issues to your computer.

  • More of what you love -  Enjoy the same high-quality content and beautiful design of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine print edition.
View the sample issue here.

With a one-year digital subscription, you'll receive four quarterly issues, the 19 free International/Digital gifts, and Teacher's Toolbox membership, but right now, TOS has a Charter Subscriber Special for the first month that makes it an even BETTER offer.


Order between March 12 -18, 2008 to get the very best deal!

Pay only $10.95, receive one full year of TOS Digital Magazine, the Summer & Fall '07 digital back issues and five BONUS downloadable gifts just for Charter Subscribers!

  • International Geography Quest Project Pack from In the Hands of a Child   ($25 Value)
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Hurry! This offer won't last long. Prices will go up and there will be fewer gifts each week until they reach the regular digital subscription price. Enjoy HUGE savings and FREE bonus gifts, order early!

Go digital! Subscribe TODAY.


   

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Jan. 23, 2008
Proverbs 31 Woman

Found this at the following site:

http://www.proverbs31woman.com/

Check it out! 

 


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Sep. 7, 2007
Unseasonable!

Here in the South it is very hot and dry!  The month of August was one of the hottest on record.  The number of 90 + temperatures beat a standing record.  Folks here are hoping that a small depression near Bermuda will bring much needed rain.  I must say, at the first of the week, it sounded more promising than today.

     Yes, there are times in life when situations or circumstances are unseasonable.  What are seasons?  There are seasons of time and seasons of life. When used as a noun, it has the following meaning:  a period of the year characterized by particular conditions of weather, temperature, etc.: the rainy season(Dictionary.com).  When used as a verb, it has the following meaning:  to mature, ripen, or condition by exposure to suitable conditions or treatment: a writer seasoned by experience(Dictionary.com).  These definitions can be applied to our calendar time and to our life experiences

     Our weather has been "un" seasonable!  We have jumped into September, with the hope of cooler temperatures, and maybe a little rain.  Well, I have to tell you, we can jump all we want, but it is still 90 + and no rain in sight.  Can we jump out of  this situation or circumstance? No, it is not within our power, but we can find hope in the one, that controls the seasons!  I know in my heart, that my Heavenly Father is in control, and when this season does change, I will be more suited to it, when it occurs again.  I will most definitely appreciate the reprieve, when it comes. With the experience of this season, the promise of a new season is a blessing to come.   I will be counting my blessings! 

Deuteronomy 28:12  "The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none."  I am going to hold onto that promise! :)  Deuteronomy 11:14
then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. 

      My husband and his father are almost finished harvesting the corn for winter, maybe, when the harvest is finished, the rain will come!  :) I will keep you posted!   The calendar year has four seasons, and over the centuries, we have become conditioned to the characteristics of each one.  And, yes, some seasons are not what we expect, but time does still ebb and flow.  God designed it that way, time does not stand still.  It must move forward. 

     In life, we will  have many different seasons, too.  What season are you in right now?  Are you like the weather, feeling the heat of trials or temptations?  Or have you been delivered, and feeling the comfort of many prayers answered?  Are you harvesting the bounty of your  faith and labor?  I have family and friends, that are experiencing some of the difficulties of life.  In the past, I too, have experienced trials, and dissappointments, sadness, anger, depression, oppression, etc.  But, with God's help, I was able to weather the season.  Whatever your current season, it has certain characteristics, I'm sure.  Just as God is in control of the seasons of the calendar,  he has your season of life in the palm of his hands.  Know, he is in control. Like the calendar, we must move forward. When your immediate season of life passes, and you move onto the next season, you will be closer to becoming mature, ripe, and ready for the harvest.  Remember with every action, whatever you do, do it to please God and glorify His name.  Be ready for the Harvest!

Jeremiah 7:24 But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

  Sometimes, with our self will, we want to go back in time.  We might want to relive a good experience or a bad one.  There may be an experience, that we wished, we could change or erase altogether.  When we continue to live our lives the same-ole-way, make the same mistakes, or experience the same sins over and over, we cause ourselves or others to experience a lull, and we are all trapped in a current season.  The only problem is that we can't mature, or fully ripen. We are of no use in God's Kingdom.  We can not be harvested!  


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