Dec. 1, 2009 - Take My Cup And Fill It Up!
Take My Cup And Fill It Up Lord!
After months of serving outside my home I am taking a much needed break to pull “in” and fill my cup. It’s hard to explain what that means because my cup truly is filled when I am able to serve outside my home as well?
What I am learning is that my life has a rhythm that I have to be very aware of. Too much downtime depletes my energy and makes me lazy, but too much time outside my home can do the very same thing.
Right now, I am enjoying the holidays as I pull in to spend time with my family and focus on my Savior. Last night was a precious and perfect example of how I fill my cup. We put our Christmas tree up while Avalon blared Christmas music through our house. I was cooking fajita’s and the smell of sauteed onions and green peppers mingled with my evergreen candles. I heard my boys engaged in laughter as they worked together to put the tree up. My heart was so full I thought it would burst.
I am beginning to see the rhythm of my life. I have come to realize that “spurts” are a good thing for me. I finally get that my personality does better with “spurts”, whereas, I have friends who need daily balance.
Neither is better or worse, right or wrong. It’s finding out who you are and then engaging it without apology. We shouldn’t spend our whole lives striving to become what we admire. Our goal should be to thrive in who God made us to be.
It’s funny that I always worry that I’m not home enough during my busy season and then in the down time I feel like I am home too much. Does anyone else ever struggle with that? Balance is such an elusive creature. I know that it doesn't come naturally, I have to be thoughtful, purposeful and most importantly prayerful. Finding balance gets me to the very throne of God where HE pours out, wisdom and direction.
"Therefore, God elevated him (Jesus) to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father....," Philippians 2: 9-11
Father, as I quiet my heart and bow before your throne may I always keep my eyes on "you" and seek only "your wisdom", "your direction". Show me where to say, "yes" and more importantly where to say, "no". I only want to do your will Lord. Help me to decrease so that you might increase.
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Nov. 27, 2009 - Strength's Based Living! Change Your Life!
Strength's Based Living!
 Mary with Linda Werner at the FPEA State Homeschool Convention
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Loosely based on Romans 12:6-9
Last May I heard Linda Werner speak at our convention on Strength's Defined and it has truly changed my life. Six month’s later and I am even more in love with the heart of this message. Strength’s Defined was an introduction to Strength’s based living.
Strength’s Based living is all about being purposeful with those talents God has given you. It talks about stepping back and looking at who you are, who you really are. Imagine if you quit trying and striving to become something or someone you admired and instead threw yourself passionately into who you already are? Sounds simple doesn’t it? It’s NOT!
Our society has programmed us to think that overcoming our weaknesses is character building. Though I don’t totally disagree with that concept, I do think that we as a society have given that way of thinking too much room in our lives. Overcoming our weakness is all about “striving” and embracing our strength’s is all about “thriving”.
Strength’s based living does not have you ignore your weaknesses, but instead it tells us to manage them. How do I manage mine? I look around me and take note of the people God has put in my life. Most often, those friends who I cherish and adore are strong where I am weak, and so I include them in my management plan. What does that look like? Sometimes they offer words of wisdom, other times they hold me accountable, sometimes they simply listen and pray.
If you’ve noticed I am blogging two days in a row after lots of time off. Last weekend when I spoke to leaders at the "Leadership Tea" I realized that I had been too busy and that I love doing this. Facebook seems to get more attention, because it takes less time and nets lots of immediate feedback, yet it's not the same thing.
Blogging allows me to put thoughts together more completely. I can take my time and process, plot, plan what I want to say. The truth is I've missed it. I have come to learn after 4 1/2 years of blogging that there are seasons when I can and seasons when I can’t. Right now, I am in a downtime schedule wise, and plan to use the next few weeks to catch up and fill my cup through blogging.
If we’re not engaging and embracing those things that fill our cups, energize us, empower us, than our cup runs dry and we begin performing as we try to pour out what we don’t own.
So my Christmas break goal is to share those things I’ve been learning this past six month’s about Strength’s Based Living. I plan to write about my personal experiences because I think real life stories are more powerful than any how-to book.
Not only will I share my triumph’s, but I want to be real and share my hurdles as well. It’s not about getting it right, never making mistakes, but instead this journey is helping me to live out our family motto, “Fall Down, Get Up, Fail Forward, Finish Well.” |
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Nov. 26, 2009 - I Give Thanks
I Give Thanks
“And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18
Lord Jesus, I give thanks today for so many things. At the very top of my list I am most thankful that you called to me and I heard your voice. What an incredible honor it is to be your daughter. YOU never forsake or abandon. I thank you that you breathe peace and healing deep into my soul and that I am never a victim, but always victorious because YOU are in my life.
 I thank you that when my biological father walked out of my life to begin a new life w/ a new family that you were faithful and gave me an amazing earthly dad to step in and raise me.
 I thank you for my mama. I have so many precious memories. The one that always brings tears to my adult eyes is when I think back to when I was a very young girl and she had just gone through a divorce after her husband had walked out of our lives. She would sit with me while I ate dinner and not eat. I would ask why, and she would tell me that she already had. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized my mom went without, so that I wouldn’t have to. How faithful you were Lord to bring my adoptive dad into her life. I can't imagine it having been any other way!
 I thank you for my amazing husband Scott. It seems like yesterday that we were teens working for Publix. Every time they would call the stock boys to the front my heart would beat out of my chest. I can only imagine how nerve wreaking it would have been if I’d known then that we would marry and have four children. (smile) I thank you that he loves me like I’ve never been loved. He believes in me, cheers me on, keeps me safe, protects me, takes care of me and gives his whole life to making sure that I am happy. I pray that I am able to give as much as I get. He is my very best friend and I love him forever.
 I thank you for Brandon my first born son. I still remember finding out I was pregnant. I had been married for two years, but was only 21 years old. I loved that child from the very first blue plus sign on the pregnancy test. He has brought his mama so much JOY, so much gladness. Lord, I believe in him and I pray this morning that you would direct and guide every part of his life. May he grow up strong in YOU. May he never favor in his faith and trade the things of heaven for this fleeting life.
 I thank you for my Colton. Colton was our second born, but he is our third child. We found out we were expecting exactly three months after a horrible miscarriage. I remember being so scared to get excited or to trust that everything was going to be fine. But little by little, I began to bond with this child as he grew bigger and bigger inside me. He was the only one that I worked full time with and my patients loved him as though he was going to be their grandchild. He was the perfect pregnancy and delivery. I thank you that he was born with learning disabilities because you make no mistakes and that is a part of who He is. It has gotten both of us to your throne and you’ve equipped him in other area’s that blow my typically learning children away. I love his eye for art, his ear for music, his heart for others. I pray that He would always hunger after you.
 Lord I thank you for my Seth. Oh this child has a special place in my heart. Once again, I entered into this pregnancy on the heels of another miscarriage. This child came out with his own little personality. Where the first two made me think I had parenting down, this child humbled me and wrapped himself around my heart through lots of learning curves. He is my most academic, but also my most headstrong. I love how much he favors his daddy in personality and looks. I love how he is his mama’s boy. I love how fiercely loyal he is to those he trusts enough to call friend. I love how he loves to snuggle with Scotty and I more than any of the other children and wants to have intellectual discussions about the world around him.
 Lord I thank you for my Jacob. My baby, my Omega. I still remember that my progesterone levels were low and how the doctor thought for sure that I was losing him. I’ll never forget going for that ultra sound. I still smile as I remember Scotty meeting me at the doctors office. He had come from work in his uniform and when I reached out to hold his hand he pretended that I was one of his prisoners and said, “Maam, I need you to keep your hands to yourself please”, “Maam, please don’t make me call back up”. He was so good, so convincing and I can still see those patrons in the waiting room not sure whether to believe him or me. (laughing as I type) It is this exact story that illustrates his sense of humor. It made me forget why we were there. Then when they did finally put that wand to my belly they could hardly keep up with Jacob because he was happily jumping all over the place with a strong little heart beat. Jacob is so much like Brandon. He is sweet and outgoing. He is my most positive child. He loves life and others and never has a bad attitude.
 Lord, I thank you for my Grandma. Oh this woman is so very precious to me. She has been my rock through everything. When her son walked out of my life, he walked out of hers too. I became her everything as she threw herself into helping me grow up. (and vice versa) I love how close she is with my mom and that though her son abandoned her she gained a daughter. (to this day) I love the example she is to me. She is such a strong woman. Widowed twice before forty. Went back to school at 40 and earned her Masters degree in education. I still remember her 3rd grade class coming in first place at the Pinellas County economics fair. One of my favorite memories is when I had Brandon and he was only two days old. She came up on a Friday evening after everyone else had gone home and we had girl time. We took Brandon for a walk around the maternity wing, ate dinner together, laughed together, remembered together and bonded together. Lord, you already know my heart. I am so scared that I am going to lose her. As she approaches 90, I want her to live 90 more years. My life will never be the same once she goes home to be with you. 41 years old and I still need my Grandma.
 Lord, I thank you for my friends. One of my greatest joys in this life has been the amazing women you’ve brought into it. They inspire me to be my best. They believe in me long before I do. They pray for me and encourage me in my walk with YOU. It overwhelms my heart when we can share and relate on a “girl” level. I am so blessed!
 Lord, I thank you for Kidney Stones....., “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Don’t ask why I’m including this, but the Lord keeps putting it on my heart. I had been thinking about this over the past week because I’ve been quietly passing another kidney stone on the heels of my big one from a couple of weeks ago. It’s been 31/2 weeks and I am feeling weary and tired. This second one is not as bad as the one that put me in the hospital, but no stone is “easy”. Why am I thankful?
Because it doesn’t let me get too comfortable with my place in this world. It reminds me that heaven is my home and only there will I live a life without any pain or worry. I love kidney stones because I draw closer to you than when things are wonderful. Pain breeds intimacy w/ my Savior and humbles me. I still see your hand of blessing as you’ve given me the greatest doctors and nurses in the whole world. Dr. Morris and his staff always make the experience less scary, no matter how many kidney stones I pass. (Over 20 thus far and still have 8 left) I just adore them and their hearts for others.
 Lord, I thank you for Homeschooling. I’m so glad I didn’t know that I was going to homeschool my children when I was a new mama. It might have freaked me out. Now, I cannot imagine “not” homeschooling. What a joy it is to be with my children as they have their “aha” moments. What satisfaction it gives me to be purposeful in their socialization. I love spending time with them.
I cannot even imagine my life without the incredible friends I’ve met through this journey? We are a tight knit community and it’s a place where we can come together and support one another.
 Lord, I thank you for allowing me to serve in our support group. You give me a place to pour encouragement into other moms. It fills my cup so much more than what I could ever give away. Thank you for the incredible people who I serve with. I love them and cherish the friendships we’ve built. Thank you for the members who’ve prayed for me, encouraged me and loved me through my growing process. It’s all about the relationships. (smile)
Lord, I thank you for Time4Learning. YES, I am thankful to our curriculum publisher. Not only was Time4Learning the first curriculum that my children with Processing issue’s could thrive with, but it eventually became a part time career that allows me to use my passions. I thank Time4Learning for hiring me to be one of their freelance writers. I have learned (continue to learn) so much through this experience. It allows me to offer encouragement and I get paid? Life doesn’t get better than that, LOL;-)
I could go on and on, but I need to begin cooking and preparing for a feast-filled, memory-making day. I lift up each of my family members and friends to you this morning and ask that you would capture their hearts to pause and reflect on you. Lord, be with those today who may not have the money to do anything special. I stop this morning and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an amazing and incredible God and I adore you Jesus. I know that one day I will close my eyes here and open them there. Thank you for pursuing me with your Holy love....,
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever...., 1 John 2:17-18 |
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Nov. 22, 2009 - Speaking Engagement- Leaders Tea
Tampa Bay Homeschool Leadership Tea
This past Saturday I was honored to speak to homeschool leaders from all over the Tampa Bay Area. I was so blessed to meet so many precious women.
Alice Paquette, who is a dear friend, partnered with Linda Oberg from Prodigy and together they blew us away with their strong organizational and detail skills. The tea was catered by a very popular tea house called, “Miracles”. There were finger sandwiches, Scones, Chocolate brownies, several types of tea, coffee and bottled water.
The Lord spoke to us from Romans 12 about how He purposefully made His body, His family with different gifts and talents and how when you put us together we make a complete picture. I loved how the leaders participated by sharing those things that energize them and assessing how much they have on their plates of responsibility. I came home energized and “full” of JOY!
Lord, may I never take for granted your gracious heart. Thank you for allowing me to engage in those things that bring me great joy...., Being your daughter, a wife to an amazing man, a mom to incredible sons and homeschooling. You are AMAZING Lord God!
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Nov. 1, 2009 - Montage of Edison House Pictures!
Nov. 1, 2009 - Field Trip To Thomas Edison's "Summer" Home
Family Field Trip To Thomas Edison's Summer Home In Fort Myers
Since this is my blog I have to share honestly from my heart. This was a beautiful field trip. The weather was gorgeous, the grounds were breathtaking, but I believe that a docent can make or break the "experience" and ours did.
Our docent was very nice, but I learned a valuable lesson. Never, never, never choose the docent who is carrying index cards. (smile) Many of us in my group would look longingly over at the other groups as they would be pulling the kids into the presentation, asking questions, stirring excitement.
Our docent seemed to be flustered when children asked questions or laughed together. It was not horrible by any means, but a lesson was definitely learned. DON'T PICK THE ONE WITH THE INDEX CARDS!
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Oct. 19, 2009 - Brandon's Birthday Montage
Oct. 18, 2009 - Stacia
Dear Stacia,
As I sit here this morning my heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness, gratefulness and love. Who would have known that when your sweet mama and I met 16 years ago that God already had a plan in place, beyond what I could ever see, ever know.
You were only a little girl in those early years and it was my honor to watch your mom pour prayer and love into her precious daughter. I had no idea that God was going to allow me to not only see, but be the recipient of those answered prayers many years later.
You have become such a beautiful wife, mother and friend. You love your Jesus, your husband, your daughters and your friends in a way that draws their hearts closer to you and yet gives God all the glory. I so admire the way you patiently pour into those around you with your love language of “Acts Of Service”. You give, give, give and never ask for anything in return.
Friday night as I mingled with others and watched you work Brandon’s birthday I was overwhelmed with such deep gratitude. I knew that everything going on had your fingerprints all over it. From the games to the signature board. You were there behind the scenes, working, planning, plotting, praying.
What I love most is the heart behind the gesture, I know that you did it just because you love our family. I love how much you believe in my Brandon and I am so forever thankful that you and Terry are in his life.
An hour into the party I looked up and saw everyone having such a great time and it brought tears to my eyes. How very thankful I am to have you in my life. You did such an amazing job planning out the details of this party that it just took my breath away.
I LOVE YOU STACIA and I am forever thankful for the woman, wife, and most importantly (to me) “friend” and “sister” you have become.
Planning and facilitating this party was a gift that I will never forget as long as I live. 20 years from now as Brandon visits us with his wife and children we will pull out the scrapbook and STILL talk about Stacia and the memories that were made at this event. As a matter of fact, I find myself continuing to remember more and more details as we gain distance and hindsight. Your gift just keeps on giving. I love Stacia Nemeth!
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29 |
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Oct. 17, 2009 - Brandon's "18th" Birthday Party!
Oct. 16, 2009 - Brandon Turns "18"!?
Don't Blink
 (Brandon "1991")
 (Brandon "2009")
Today is very emotional for me. We are celebrating my Brandon's "18th" birthday. My heart goes flying back in time. You see, we have been planning a HUGE birthday bash for him for weeks now.
As I have been making out the guest lists, calling the Dee Jay, writing checks, planning the details, I am quickly taken back to his first birthday. It seems like yesterday that I was planning his big Chuckee Cheese party.
I had friends and family who didn't understand why I would want to spend money on something (they said) he would never remember. All these years later and I wouldn't change a thing. Do you know why....., because "I" remember.
All too soon, his days at home are coming to an end, and yet it seems like it was just yesterday that I was putting his pudgy little diapered bottom in the front of my grocery cart. Where did the time go?
I close my eyes and can still see me kissing his little-boy boo boo's or drying his little baby head after bath time. I remember running him to ice hockey, soccer, co-op classes, you name it.
I will never forget going through nursing school with a young baby. Scott worked evenings and so I would tuck him into his Barney laden bed, and sit in my great grandmother's rocking chair with a small lamp studying my Latin terminology until he fell asleep. (I got some of my best studying done in those quiet hours where it was just he and I)
I will never forget that exact moment the Lord called me to lay aside my plans to embrace "HIS" plans. Where I had dreamed of a long career as Florence Nightingale,He saw me as a stay at home, homeschooling mom. Thank you Lord for knowing what was best for me because it truly was the BEST decision I ever made!
Twelve years later and I can't believe that I ever hesitated. It has been an honor and privilege to educate my boys, and to be with them as they had their "aha" moments.
However, as sentimental and bittersweet as those memories are I am even more proud of the young adult my Brandon has become. The Lord made Brandon who he is and just allowed Scott and I a few treasured years to help develop what was already there..., A deep love for Jesus, A deep love for others, Powerful communication skills, positivity, adaptability, humor, etc..., What an honor it is to be his mother!
Brandon Arnold may you always feel the Love of your Savior guiding and directing every single decision you ever have to make. Don't ever get caught up in the things of this world my son. 1 John 2:17 tells us that, "THIS world is quickly fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever!"
May you always know how much your daddy and I love you and believe in you. It is our honor to now step to the sidelines and take on the role of cheerleader as you make your own life, mistakes and all.
Remember our family motto, "Fall Down, Get Up, Fail Forward and FINISH WELL" It's okay to make a mistake as long as you learn from them! I love you with my whole heart and I am so proud to be your mother!
I am going to close with a song that ties it all together my sweet son. All too soon you will be married and beginning your family. My prayer is that you don't every take one single second for granted because the minute you blink it's all over......., DON'T BLINK
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Sep. 20, 2009 - Don't Check Your Brains At the Door!
Don't Check Your Brains At The Door Biblical Worldview Class
 Highschool Class
 Junior High Class
The Purpose of this class is to expose myth's that the world believes about God that are not true. We use the Word of God as our weapon and never the thoughts of man! Our goal is that "He might increase so that we might decrease".
Each week we cover one to two chapters. Before I share I want to tell you that the junior and senior high students blew me away. You can tell in each of these classes that mom and dad have invested deeply into their children's spiritual growth.
The Vending Machine God- Exposing the Father Christmas Myth
You deposit a prayer, push the right button, and your wish is fulfilled. Imagine God to be a Father Christmas figure who waits in uncharted expanse of space to fulfill his wish list. We imagine that if we pray hard enough and believe hard enough, God will plop down anything our heart desires. What does God's word say about this....,
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear". Isaiah 65:24
"Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him"...., 1 John 3:21-22
Each of the following verses indicates a condition for answered prayer that can be expressed in ONE word.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land". 2 Chronicles 7:14
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 1 John 5:14
Check List For Prayer Time
Humble
Seeking
Believing
Confessing
Confidence
Prophet Jesus - Exposing The Good Teacher Myth
There is a movement in this country where people don't acknowledge Jesus as God, but instead call him a "Good Teacher". The problem with this is that it now puts him in the same category as Moses or Muhammed. However, what does God's word say about it?
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matt 5:17
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Matthew 12:8
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. Matt 24:30
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins Mark 2:10
So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. Mark 13:23
But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. Luke 12:9
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." Luke 22:70
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." John 4:25-26
For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. John 5:21
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."John 10:18
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; John 11:25
 Goofy Junior High class! (and I LOVE them!)
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Sep. 19, 2009 - My Senior
My Senior
When did it happen? When did my precious brown haired, blue eye baby grow up? It seems like just yesterday I was plunking his chubby little bottom in the front of my grocery cart and playing peek-a-boo while we shopped, and then today I took him to his first graduation information meeting?
Even as I type the tears are pouring down my face. What an absolutely joy it has been to raise this son of mine.
One of my favorite memories from today was watching Brandon fly in HIS God given gift of being an "includer". One of the moms comes over to the table where I was sitting with a group of parents and says in a whispered tone that the Lord had answered her prayers.
She began to tell us how shy and self conscious her young man was and how he really didn't even want to go to the pizza social. She then said that there was this boy in a green shirt that was going out of his way to make her Jonathan feel comfortable and fit in. Before I even looked I knew she was talking about my Brandon. This is something he has done since he was a little boy. He cannot stand to see even one person feel left out.
As I finally looked over, there sat Brandon telling stories and jokes, (his communication strength at work) making friends and pulling others into the conversations. It doesn't take much anyway, but the tears welled up in my eyes. I can hear the Lord whisper, "I love you Mary, now let go".
Being a parent is so hard. We invest everything within us to raise them up and then have to let them go. I am so proud of who Brandon has become. It is such an honor to be his mama. Thank you Lord for all four of my amazing sons. Thank you for filling my life with an amazing family.
"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord all the days of our lives"
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Sep. 13, 2009 - Night Of Joy!
Night Of Joy ~ 2009
 The Gang getting ready to go IN!
 My Jacob, so EXCITED!
 We're inside and ready to GO!
 Going into Star Tours!
 The boys meeting Prince Caspian. (I MADE Brandon participate, LOL;-)
 My knights
 This is an original prop from the movie, "The Chronicles Of Narnia"
 Mary and Monica
 Two of my sweet girls.
 I love our teens!
Preparing For "The Tower Of Terror"
 Last picture before they take us to the top and DROP us!
 DROPPING!
We had such a GREAT time! We loved the fellowship with the other families 
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Sep. 13, 2009 - Preparing For Highschool Class! (Strength's Explorer)
Preparing For Highschool Class!
(2nd Period)
 My incredibly STRONG Junior High students!
We had an incredible first week. The purpose of this class is to uncover your children's unique gifts and talents. To show them the purpose for which God has called them. Our first week in class our big question was, "What Energizes You"? Here are their responses:
Matt
Talking and Texting
Sports
Spending Time On The Computer
Sam
Going to his friends house
Lego's
Computer
Movie Making
Colton
Researching things on the computer
Swimming
Art
Talking on the phone
Hanging out with friends
Piano
Building things
Sophie
Reading
Writing
Spending Time on the computer
Zoe
Talking
Volleyball
Dancing
Listening to music
Reading
Nichol
Softball
Shopping (LOVED IT)
Cooking
Swimming
Talking on the phone
Hannah
Anything technical
Horses
Reading
Soccer
Basketball
Joshua
Baseball
Computer
Hanging Out w/ Friends
Their homework was to take their Strength's Explorer test this week, print out their results and bring them back with them to class next week! Let's see how they line UP! |
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Sep. 13, 2009 - Linda Werner~ PPEA Support Group Meeting!
Linda Werner & Her Amazing Strength's Team
 Tracey, Linda, Jo
What an incredible honor it was for our group, the PPEA, to host Linda Werner and her amazing team! It was very obvious that this is their MISSION, their CALLING!
DINNER
We asked the team to come early so we could have dinner together. One of my personal favorite parts was when we shared our stories, asked questions and listened to Linda, Tracey, Jo and Mike share from their hearts. It was so precious.
 Thank you to my beautiful Friend and Co-Chairwoman Cindy DiMarco and Sonja (who had stepped out when pictures were being taken) They did all the cooking. We had Fettucini Alfredo, Salad, Bruchetta and yummy pie!
 I love this picture of Linda. She is our orientation director and does such a GREAT job! I think this captures her at her best. She was relaxing and having a good time!
MEETING TIME
For those not familiar with our homeschool support group we are the Pinellas Parent Educators Association. It is the oldest and largest support group in Pinellas County and one of the oldest and largest in the entire state of Florida.
After learning and understanding the "Strength's" message it's been very interesting to see our entire board of directors take their Strength Finder test.
It became very obvious that the Lord had a purpose when He called each of us, as we are so very different, but a complete and perfect picture when you put us together. My weakness are made perfect in HIS strength as he pairs me with those who think and act differently.
There are 14 board members who help the Lord steer this (aka:HIS) ship and we now understand our purpose on the team! (((Thank YOU Linda Werner)))
 Mary Engaging her Woo!
According to the Strength's Finder test my #1 Strength is called WOO!
Woo stands for winning others over. You enjoy the challenge of meeting new people and getting them to like you. Strangers are rarely intimidating to you. On the contrary, strangers can be energizing. You are drawn to them. You want to learn their names, ask them questions, and find some area of common interest so that you can strike up a conversation and build rapport. Some people shy away from starting up conversations because they worry about running out of things to say. You don’t. Not only are you rarely at a loss for words; you actually enjoy initiating with strangers because you derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection. Once that connection is made, you are quite happy to wrap it up and move on. There are new people to meet, new rooms to work, new crowds to mingle in. In your world there are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet—lots of them.
 Talented Homeschoolers Engaging in area's that ENERGIZE them!
 Jo, part of the Strength's leadership team opened the meeting with an emotional testimony! She shared deeply from her heart. Finding out what her and her familes strength's are changed her LIFE! She has become a dear facebook friend and I know that my life is better because the Lord has put her in it!
 Linda Bringing the Strength's Message!
 Tracey, part of Linda's leadership team shared her Strength's Testimony after Linda. They all worked together like a puzzle. Their stories painted a beautiful and complete picture of the POWER of understanding your purpose and the wisdom of finding out your children's.
DOOR PRIZE TIME
 Vonabell is one of our working moms who is an on-line talent for the homeshopping network. We had a lot of fun giving away goodies she donated.
 The Winner!
Afterwards....,
 This picture gets me excited! It's our members getting ready to change their lives as they purchase the books and tests to find out THEIR purpose and their childrens
 PPEA Lending Library! (Our beautiful volunteer librarian Michele)
 My amazing husband who grounds me, counsels me and keeps me going! I LOVE HIM FOREVER!!!!
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Sep. 12, 2009 - Strength's Quest Class!
"Finding The PERFECT Career For Your Highschooler"!
 First Period Class At Co-OP
CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Lord creates each of us for a very specific purpose that NO ONE ELSE in the entire world can accomplish! In this class your student will receive their very own "Strengths Quest" book.
Each book comes with a code which they will use to go on-line and take a 30 minute test that will tell them their TOP FIVE STRENGTHS. Based upon those results, they will find out what careers or vocations line-up perfectly for them based on their strengths.
This test is so accurate that it has been used for incoming UCLA students to help place them appropriately. Many large companies, including Chick-fil-A, use this when training upper management. It will tell you the core traits that make your child uniquely HIM or HER!
In addition to careers and vocations, there will be indepth discussion about learning to appreciate strengths that differ from our own.
The purpose of this class is to prepare your highschool student for THEIR VOCATION, COLLEGE AND CAREER CHOICES, as they line up with your child's God-given strengths.
Our first day was just PERFECT! The Lord Truly blessed us by going before us and preparing our hearts to hear "HIS" voice in this journey of discovery. Their homework was to take their books home, take their test, print their reports and bring it all back next week!
Come meet the most amazing teens you've ever seen! I asked each student what ENERGIZES them! My hand could not keep up with their excitement, but I got most of it!
 Spending Time w/ the Lord, Hanging out on Facebook, Working Out, Helping his friends solve problems, Listening To music, Going to co-op, Youth Group!
 Music, Writing, Helping Others, Quiet time w/ the Lord, Photography, Mentoring younger girls!
 Being in the Word, Cooking, Coffee, Working with children, Reading!
 Listening and playing music, Singing, Drama, Writing, Designing Clothes!
 Manuel Labor, Technically figuring out how things work, Studying wars and figuring out the strategy to WIN!
 Working w/ Mechanical things, Art!
 Writing, Playing Guitar, Quiet Time w/ the Lord!
 Cooking and baking, hospitality, music, sports, anything technical, reading, friends, fashion, painting friends toes, art!
 Drama, Entertainment, Making people smile, Circuit boards, being creative!
 Guitar, listening to music, Writing!
 Sports, Martial arts, Speaking, Helping Friends!
 Teaching Sports, Swimming, Hanging out with friends!
 Being Different, Working on cars, Figuring things out, Challenges!
 Challenges such as riddles and logic, Leading, debate, serving!
 Playing 7 instruments, Anatomy, Business, Health & Fitness, Swimming!
Next week when they come back with their test results showing us what their TOP FIVE Strength's are, it will be interesting to see how they line up? I LOVE teaching this class! The students are chomping at the bit and eager to discover who they are. I couldn't believe one hour could go by so fast. Thank YOU Lord for my life and letting me do the things I LOVE and am PASSIONATE about!
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Aug. 30, 2009 - FREE Spelling Program!
SpellingCity.Com
I am LOVING our new FREE spelling program this year! It's called SpellingCity. If you are a homeschooler and happen to read this post go check it out. It's called Spelling City and it allows you to use their lists or you enter your own words. Everything is FREE. They do have an option that you can pay 29.95 per year for record keeping. We are going to use that option because it will automatically record all their activity as they work. Less details makes me HAPPY! |
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Aug. 15, 2009 - Arnold "2009" School Schedule and Curriculum Line Up!
"2009" School Schedule
Monday - Thursday
Friday - Co-op
5 a.m.- Wake Up & Quiet Time (Mom)
Work on writing assigments (Mom)
6 a.m.- Wake up & Quiet Time (Brandon)
Math, Language Arts Extensions & Language Arts (Brandon)
6:30 a.m.- PPEA Business (Mom)
7:00 a.m. - Younger Boys Wake
Get Dressed
Breakfast
Work Out (mom and Brandon)
Make Beds
9:00am - Child's Bible Storybook (Brandon Leads)
Memory Verse (Heart Of Dakota) (Everyone)
Hymns (Heart Of Dakota) (Everyone)
Weekly Character Trait (Heart Of Dakota) (Everyone)
Science (Heart Of Dakota) (three younger boys)
Independent Science (Brandon)
10:00- Break
10:15- Time4Learning Colton
Independent History Brandon
Chores Seth
Time4Learning Jacob
10:45- Time4Learning Language Arts Colton
Time4Learning Math and Language Arts Seth
Chores Brandon
11:15- BREAK TIME
1:00 - FIAR (Younger)
Brandon Read Book From List
1:30- Journal/Handwriting
Note: We only plan to do "two" FIAR units per month
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Aug. 15, 2009 - August PPEA Support Group Meeting
Welcome Wagon "2009"
Thank You Angela Sackett for taking such amazing photograph's!
How blessed we are to live in Pinellas County as homeschoolers. We have over 2300 home educators in our county alone and that's not even counting those that are under umbrella schools. I wonder if that number would double? This year is so exciting. Brandon is starting his senior year and Jacob is starting 1st grade?! Where does the time go? I remember homeschool Brandon for first grade and that seems like yesterday.
We have some amazing moms that are on our servant team at PPEA and they have put together some fun and exciting family nights. We Arnold's are looking forward to playing Lazar Tag. Though my boys are trying to teach me that I don't need to apologize everytime I shoot someone. (smile) I am also getting excited about the Senior activities for Brandon. He will have dances, prom, graduation, Improv nights, you name it!
I thought I would just do a quick update and share pictures from our August Support Group meeting. I love that God has allowed me this short season of leading support group meetings. I think there is NOTHING more fun than stepping up on stage with a microphone! I know WEIRD?! (smile) Brandon has inherited his moms love as well. He stepped up and in less than 60 seconds moved the hearts of those listening, including MINE! I LOVE YOU BRANDON!
 Mary and Neoka- Neoka was MY support group leader for nine years. She graduated her last child and mentored me into her position. She is a shining success story as she has three children successfully thriving in college. One in is in medical school. I love her so much.
 PPEA Families! I love Sharon and how she's teasing w/ her daughter Ellen;-)
 Though this is an audience shot. I love that one of my favorite young Mama's is in this picture. Melissa is in the purple and she is the mother of four very young children. I love to watch her go! Melissa adores her husband, loves her children and worships Jesus with her whole heart!
 Sarah has such an amazing voice and opened up our meeting with her beautiful voice! We'll be watching her one day as she performs on television! Though who knows how God will use that beautiful gift of hers?
This year we began a Cafe for before and after our meetings. We can gather together over coffee, soda or snacks and fellowship. Thank YOU Lori for all your hard work!
 PPEA Lending Library! Even though I've been homeschooling for a long time I STILL love to read the how-to books. I always learn something new. We are so blessed to have Michelle manning our table as the PPEA librarian!
Now it's time for me to officially kick off MY school year on Monday! I can't WAIT!
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Jul. 13, 2009 - Creating Indpendent Learners! (T4L'ing)
Teaching My Children To Be Thinkers And Not Followers!
If you were sitting next to me right now you would hear a big audible sigh. I am finally feeling like myself again. The month’s of May and June are a blur. It seemed like there was one thing after another. I was out of town more than I’ve probably ever been. All wonderful things that benefited my family and our home, but wore me out. (must be getting old, LOL)
One of the things I am most grateful for is how the Lord has faithfully helped me to find curriculum that works well for my family. In the midst of all the busyness school was still going STRONG! As I've homeschooled my children over the past twelve years I have found that independent learning programs help us to achieve our educational philosophy goal of creating lifetime learners. I don’t want to fill a bucket. I want to light a fire. I hope my children grow up and are excited about new information for the rest of their lives. I want them to know how to research, to dig, to explore and to find their own answers.
The two programs that have consistently allowed my children to work independently are Time4learning and A.C.E. One is computer and one is workbook. I use Time4Learning for language arts, reading and math and A.C.E. for history and science because it has a biblical worldview as it’s foundation. I am ecstatic to tell you that we have been able to school in the midst of all the business. My boys continue to learn and grow. Just the other day Seth walked up to me out of nowhere to tell me about the sun....., "Mom did you know the sun was a star?" (Big Happy Mama Smile) I asked him where he learned of this and he said, time4learning. (He had a tone of "duh" in his voice, LOL)
Don’t misunderstand, I LOVE reading aloud rich literature to my children. I LOVE hunkering down and doing a unit study. I LOVE watching educational shows together and letting that be the springboard to a trip to the library to dig deeper, but at the end of the day I want my boys to know how to think for themselves.
This past month in the midst of my craziness my boys would pop on their headphones, type in their username and password and begin their wonderful journey of self education. In the midst of my crazy busy life, on-line education has allowed our homeschool program to keep going STRONG! Yes, I still have to (want to) be available to answer questions, to have discussions, to check their work and to cheer them on, but I can let go of having to make lesson plans, pull things together, sit down and do the teaching.
My heart is at war with goals at times because I want to be apart of everything they are reading, thinking, learning and doing, but I have to tread cautiously as I don’t want to teach them to be dependent upon ME. One day they will leave my home and I want LIFETIME learners!
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