Aug. 27, 2008
Summer time events
Here's a quick pic of all my lovies! From left to right
Andrew- 2 months, Nathanael- 7, Chase 1 1/2, Ian 3, Noah 1 year, Evan 4, Beka 5 1/2 Jayna 5, Caleb 2 1/2
This is what my family does on the Fourth of July...take lots and lots of pictures!
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Aug. 27, 2008
a hard day
We had one of those days yesterday. It became contagious. One of my children had a real hard time focusing yesterday. Boo watched everything... but me, listened to everything... but me, did everything...but what she was supposed to. When I asked her why, her response was, because I didn't feel like it. She even got in trouble at her sport last night. UGGH! How embarassing, when your kid acts up! She's doing much better today, not that she's perfect by any means, but I'm noticing a whole different attitude.
However, it seems to have been contagious. Now my oldest decided to not focus. "It's too hard." "This isn't my level!" "I can't!" I don't know about you, but that drives me insane. You know your kids are smart, right? Or at least, they are in your eyes! But am I the only one that goes crazy when you're kids act like they have no idea what your saying????
Now that I've vented, I feel a little better. I better go before we have any more "Mommy, I don't get it!"
However, it seems to have been contagious. Now my oldest decided to not focus. "It's too hard." "This isn't my level!" "I can't!" I don't know about you, but that drives me insane. You know your kids are smart, right? Or at least, they are in your eyes! But am I the only one that goes crazy when you're kids act like they have no idea what your saying????
Now that I've vented, I feel a little better. I better go before we have any more "Mommy, I don't get it!"
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Aug. 24, 2008
unfinished business
I recently ran into a question on an online forum that begged a question that boggled my mind. The question revolved around protecting a public sports team of Christian young ladies by not including a group of non-believers to become involved in that very same team.
I was disheartened. Though Jesus called us to be aliens of this world, He did not call us to be aloof from all people. In fact, it wasn't in the temples that Jesus did most of His callings and miracles, but on the streets in the midst of Pagans. Why? One of the reasons might have been that the Pharisees and Saducees (those already who were religious believers) thought they knew it all. But most of all, I believe, as Jesus said himself, that he did not come to save the righteous but the unrighteous.
Those of us who have called ourselves Christians, must not be afraid of our neighbors, co-workers and such. We must embrace them. We must love them. We must live our lives as Jesus did, not OF the world but IN the world, allowing our relationship with Christ to shine with our actions, attitudes, and words.
Does this mean that only adults, though, are knowledgeable and experienced enough to think that only we can influence a generation? What PIOS a thought! When Jesus called the little children unto him, he wasn't just talking about allowing them to actually sit upon his lap, but to sit, listen, understand, and become fishers of men! Yes, children!
Countless times children are mentioned in the Bible. Not because they need to wait until they are adults, but because, though they are still young, Jesus used, in fact, them to set an example.
If we say, "They are still being trained..." or "They don't know the Bible well..." I venture to ask, "But aren't WE still training? Will we ever be 'ready'? If you really think about it, how much more do we know the Bible in your heart than a child?"
We need to, as parents, discuss how to live in a world full of evil and spite yet shine the light of Jesus with brilliancy. If we allow our children to be so overshadowed by "God stuff" that we miss the whole point of Jesus coming into the world...to save SINNERS we have, as they say, my friends, "missed the boat."
Ministry is not about us, and keeping US safe, for we battle a battle that is not of flesh and blood, but about waging war against the spiritual . Might that mean that we, as parents, need to teach our children to be equipped for battle and a young age, that they may grow in mature in Christ.
We must trust, that we ARE training our children the right way, and must trust God to protect our children. If it is to God that we have dedicated our lives and our children's lives, we will fail our trust in God if we chose to protect them so much that they not have opportunity to live the life we are training them for.
Please hear me. Yes, I understand that there must be a point of protection. And yes, we can watch over what our children are doing and watching. It is important to keep them safe and guide them, but to completely expel them from practical experiences that they can use to grow as people, is at minimum unwise.
I was disheartened. Though Jesus called us to be aliens of this world, He did not call us to be aloof from all people. In fact, it wasn't in the temples that Jesus did most of His callings and miracles, but on the streets in the midst of Pagans. Why? One of the reasons might have been that the Pharisees and Saducees (those already who were religious believers) thought they knew it all. But most of all, I believe, as Jesus said himself, that he did not come to save the righteous but the unrighteous.
Those of us who have called ourselves Christians, must not be afraid of our neighbors, co-workers and such. We must embrace them. We must love them. We must live our lives as Jesus did, not OF the world but IN the world, allowing our relationship with Christ to shine with our actions, attitudes, and words.
Does this mean that only adults, though, are knowledgeable and experienced enough to think that only we can influence a generation? What PIOS a thought! When Jesus called the little children unto him, he wasn't just talking about allowing them to actually sit upon his lap, but to sit, listen, understand, and become fishers of men! Yes, children!
Countless times children are mentioned in the Bible. Not because they need to wait until they are adults, but because, though they are still young, Jesus used, in fact, them to set an example.
If we say, "They are still being trained..." or "They don't know the Bible well..." I venture to ask, "But aren't WE still training? Will we ever be 'ready'? If you really think about it, how much more do we know the Bible in your heart than a child?"
We need to, as parents, discuss how to live in a world full of evil and spite yet shine the light of Jesus with brilliancy. If we allow our children to be so overshadowed by "God stuff" that we miss the whole point of Jesus coming into the world...to save SINNERS we have, as they say, my friends, "missed the boat."
Ministry is not about us, and keeping US safe, for we battle a battle that is not of flesh and blood, but about waging war against the spiritual . Might that mean that we, as parents, need to teach our children to be equipped for battle and a young age, that they may grow in mature in Christ.
We must trust, that we ARE training our children the right way, and must trust God to protect our children. If it is to God that we have dedicated our lives and our children's lives, we will fail our trust in God if we chose to protect them so much that they not have opportunity to live the life we are training them for.
Please hear me. Yes, I understand that there must be a point of protection. And yes, we can watch over what our children are doing and watching. It is important to keep them safe and guide them, but to completely expel them from practical experiences that they can use to grow as people, is at minimum unwise.
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Aug. 19, 2008
unorganized or getting settled- FREE PLANNER
When I first started homeschooling about 2 years ago, I had a wonderful friend who lent me her first year's portfolio so I could get a general idea of how to "do it."
I've taught in a public school setting and new what I wanted to "do" with my own kids but just wasn't exactly sure where or how to start. Her portfolio included EVERYTHING. Included in this portfolio was a daily schedule and a weekly schedule, not only for her, but for each one of her 4 children, including those she didn't home school. I was completely impressed.
My husband had always laughed at me for making schedules. When I showed him this, and how she had everything color-coordinated according to individual in the family, he rolled his eyes at me and said, "It must be a teacher thing." With the family the size of ours, and with the crazy schedule we all have it makes perfect sense.
So this year, I had great intentions. But with the new curriculum, I just wasn't sure how much I needed or wanted to spend with each subject. So after 3 times (it is a charm, you know), I think I may have figured it out. But I still don't have everything I need. So I'm looking to win this free planner. You can try to get one too. Here's how you do it. Go to this link and sign up!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/BackAtTheRanch/574287/?#c1125279
I've taught in a public school setting and new what I wanted to "do" with my own kids but just wasn't exactly sure where or how to start. Her portfolio included EVERYTHING. Included in this portfolio was a daily schedule and a weekly schedule, not only for her, but for each one of her 4 children, including those she didn't home school. I was completely impressed.
My husband had always laughed at me for making schedules. When I showed him this, and how she had everything color-coordinated according to individual in the family, he rolled his eyes at me and said, "It must be a teacher thing." With the family the size of ours, and with the crazy schedule we all have it makes perfect sense.
So this year, I had great intentions. But with the new curriculum, I just wasn't sure how much I needed or wanted to spend with each subject. So after 3 times (it is a charm, you know), I think I may have figured it out. But I still don't have everything I need. So I'm looking to win this free planner. You can try to get one too. Here's how you do it. Go to this link and sign up!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/BackAtTheRanch/574287/?#c1125279
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Aug. 13, 2008
a new journey
I wondered last night if the new mission I was trying to do, I was really good at. I finished creating a project I brought to my husband. He loved it! Of course, he did. He's my husband. Then I asked him to play another role, my pastor. "As my Pastor," I challenged him, "would you allow me to present this as is." His response was an emphatic "YES." He even told me if I had greater resources, what I want to do could be limitless. So based upon a passion in my heart, a gut feeling, and his recommendation, I am now, getting ready to apply for a new job. If I get this job, it might potentially uproot my family, BUT I'm praying they'll let me do this job from home (of course that is, if I even GET the job). I truely believe God has placed this passion in my life and I can't just let it settle. I've been pursuing this avenue subtly for more than 6 years. Now, I think its time to take what I've wanted to do and really become forward about it. We'll see what happens, but I'm quite excited about it. So if you think about it, pray for 'roots.'
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Aug. 6, 2008
forgiven
When you walk the path of righteousness, you can be forgiven...completely forgiven.
A couple days ago, I needed a miracle. Hours later, a simple miracle came to pass. Despite some of our decisions, God has always been faithful. From the same place the gave us a little "reminder" in the mail, we received our forgiveness. It really reminded of Christ's love for us.
We daily make decisions that can easily effect which road our lives our going to take. Sometimes, those decisions can get us into a lot of trouble and other times, we make decisions that will have a great outcome. But no matter which road we take, we can be forgiven. Even if it seems like we'll never be able to pay back the debt we owe.
That's just it. WE can't. We'll never make up for the wrongs we've done. There's always going to be one more debt to owe. An "I'm sorry" to a friend or family member, or finances to repay, a boss to reconcile with, etc.
Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Yup, that's me. I'm a part of "all." And the closer my relationship gets with God, the more I realize that I am a sinner. The good thing is, as a Christian, I know that despite my faults and humanity, I can be forgiven. When Jesus died on the cross, he opened a pathway for me to reach heaven so I can have a relationship with him. I have been forgiven.
Praise God for his forgiveness! Not just for my sins, but for ALL my debts!
A couple days ago, I needed a miracle. Hours later, a simple miracle came to pass. Despite some of our decisions, God has always been faithful. From the same place the gave us a little "reminder" in the mail, we received our forgiveness. It really reminded of Christ's love for us.
We daily make decisions that can easily effect which road our lives our going to take. Sometimes, those decisions can get us into a lot of trouble and other times, we make decisions that will have a great outcome. But no matter which road we take, we can be forgiven. Even if it seems like we'll never be able to pay back the debt we owe.
That's just it. WE can't. We'll never make up for the wrongs we've done. There's always going to be one more debt to owe. An "I'm sorry" to a friend or family member, or finances to repay, a boss to reconcile with, etc.
Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Yup, that's me. I'm a part of "all." And the closer my relationship gets with God, the more I realize that I am a sinner. The good thing is, as a Christian, I know that despite my faults and humanity, I can be forgiven. When Jesus died on the cross, he opened a pathway for me to reach heaven so I can have a relationship with him. I have been forgiven.
Praise God for his forgiveness! Not just for my sins, but for ALL my debts!
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Aug. 4, 2008
shut the door
Have you ever felt like God has shut the only door you thought you were supposed to walk through? That happened today. We saw this door as the "light at the end of a tunnel" when we got the phone call. "Sorry, it isn't going to work out," said the voice at the other end. "So now what, God? There's got to be a way..." I know there is, but the natural realist in me says, "where???? When?????:
Just the other day, I heard the still small voice that said, "Just trust me." But unless a major miracle happens, all I see is utter failure, which I don't believe God has called us too. Of course, when I opened the mailbox, there was just another reminder that if God doesn't pull through, the mess we could be in. The stress this puts on one's family is inevitable. And we, as a couple do not handle stress well. Maybe that's the teaching ground we need to be on, but it seems like my "now" will never come. I need an answer "now." I need this miracle "now."
OK, God. What "now?"
Just the other day, I heard the still small voice that said, "Just trust me." But unless a major miracle happens, all I see is utter failure, which I don't believe God has called us too. Of course, when I opened the mailbox, there was just another reminder that if God doesn't pull through, the mess we could be in. The stress this puts on one's family is inevitable. And we, as a couple do not handle stress well. Maybe that's the teaching ground we need to be on, but it seems like my "now" will never come. I need an answer "now." I need this miracle "now."
OK, God. What "now?"
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Aug. 3, 2008
school again tomorrow
We start school tomorrow. It's a bit un-traditional, but who said homeschooling was traditional anyway? After looking at calendars, with all the events that we have scheduled, we figure.. "May as well get started." We can get finished early too...hopefully. My husband wants to take my oldest (7) on his first missions trip this year. I wonder if that will count as "educational" according to our state standards???? I know it will be educational on a completely different level. We'll see!
One of these days, when I can figure out how to change the size of pictures, I'll get some up:)
One of these days, when I can figure out how to change the size of pictures, I'll get some up:)
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Aug. 2, 2008
Family style ministry
My husband and I met in college. We did not like each other when we first met, but God had other plans. We were so different, but eventually, that's what intrigued us about the other. He's from the south. I'm from the north. Culturally, we didn't have a lot of in common. He did things one way, I did things the exact opposite. But the more we got to know of each other, the more interested we became. What was it that made the other person tick? After 2 years of dating, we got married, and a year later, found out I was expecting our first child.
We've made the decision to home school our children for several reasons. But mostly, God has called our family into full time ministry. Between the two of us, we easily spend 80 hours a week doing something for our church or ministry. He works full time and I volunteer. One of the things homeschooling allows us to do is teach our kids how to be a part of who God has called us to be. Even my 2 year old helps out when he can. He might help Mommy clean up, or color pictures, hand out fliers or books, but he's right there with us. He's even caught an interest in learning how to do puppets and music, another aspect of our ministry. So lately, we've been checking out small puppets from our local library so he can learn to work his fingers.
Anyway, that's who we are. My husband, myself, and our 4 kids. We love Jesus and we just want to serve Him.
We've made the decision to home school our children for several reasons. But mostly, God has called our family into full time ministry. Between the two of us, we easily spend 80 hours a week doing something for our church or ministry. He works full time and I volunteer. One of the things homeschooling allows us to do is teach our kids how to be a part of who God has called us to be. Even my 2 year old helps out when he can. He might help Mommy clean up, or color pictures, hand out fliers or books, but he's right there with us. He's even caught an interest in learning how to do puppets and music, another aspect of our ministry. So lately, we've been checking out small puppets from our local library so he can learn to work his fingers.
Anyway, that's who we are. My husband, myself, and our 4 kids. We love Jesus and we just want to serve Him.