This year has been filled with wander and trials. No matter what, God always blesses us.  Our family has adopted the following verse this year:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Homeschool Share  www.homeschoolshare.com

Currclick  www.currclick.com

Cindy Downes  www.oklahomahomeschool.com

Homeschool Library Builder  www.hslibrarybuilder.com

Homeschool Highlights  www.hshighlights.com

Donna Young  www.donnayoung.org

A to Z Teacher Stuff  www.atozteacherstuff.com

ABC Teach  www.abcteach.com

Homeschool Launch  www.hslaunch.com

Homeschool with Index Cards  www.homeschoolwithindexcards.com

The Homeschool Mom  www.thehomeschoolmom.com

Homeschool Curriculum for Life  www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com

Homeschool Helper  www.homeschoolhelper.com

Cindy Rushton www.cindyrushton.com

Barbara Frank Online  www.barbarafrankonline.com

Notebooking Pages  www.notebookingpages.com

Lifestyle Homeschool  www.lifestyle-homeschool.com

The Homeschool Lounge www.thehomeschoollounge.com

Heart of Wisdom www.heartofwisdom.com

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine www.theoldschoolhousemagazine.com

Homeschool Enrichment Magazine www.homeschoolenrichment.com

With a home as full as ours, it’s a shame that we don’t cultivate the various talents and gifts that God has blessed us with.

Our oldest (daughter) would be a wonderful debater (I haven’t told her that yet).  Even though dad and mom’s rules win every time, she presents an argument anyway. Maybe we can help her mold that into something productive.

Our second oldest (daughter) is very hands-on and lyrical. If she’s told not to touch something, guess what happens next! The things that she wants to get into, the money hasn’t been there to provide the opportunities, like acting, singing, pottery, painting, guitar, and several other creative venues.

Our next born (son) is into sports all the way around. He favors basketball and football. He has named several colleges that he would like to attend for both basketball and football.

We haven’t figured out yet what the younger threes’ passions are yet. Their only interests are playing and having fun; which at this point is perfectly fine!

I have a few passions that I would love to pursue, but I’m not in that season of my life yet. It’ll come. Until then, I make the most of this season.

My husband and I have goals and passions that we want to fulfill together to help married couples; to be mentors.  God has opened doors for us to be able to minister to several friends in this area.

The more I live, the more I see that I want to do or be involved in.  Learning and developing ones’ self should be a never-ending desire.

Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:12-13 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Intro: Quality is Job #1 (Ford)

Assignment: My family and I rarely do anything apart from each other. We don’t really have quality time together because all our time is together. We feel like the more special moments are when we have dinner together or when we worship God together. For this assignment, tell how you and your family spend QUALITY time together.

Our family at Stone Moutain, GA

Our family at Tweetsy Railroad (Boone, NC)

Our family at Crowders Moutain, SC

It's so cool to be recognized.  I enjoy being a part of BFS. It has challenged me and has reminded me to keep my life light and simple.

Thanks to all that stop by to say hello and to encourage me.

Blessing,

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:13-14

I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Intro: When There’s No Tomorrow. (Marketing credit: Mercury)

Please listen to the song. Imagine you’re standing before God. There’s no Tomorrow, you can’t go back and finish up what you had planned on getting to sometime in the future.  What was that thing that you planned on getting to, that thing that now, you’re standing before God and thinking “I wish I had gotten to that…”

Assignment: We only have today. Should God take you today, have you accomplished everything that you wanted to, needed to. Have you said all the things that needed to be said?  Let’s have no regrets, let’s make sure we get to those things, so that when we’re standing before the Lord, the only thing we need to do is to worship him.. and not regret not getting to that thing on our to do list. Stop - go take care of that thing…. then, come tell  us what you choose to share. Don’t embarrass yourself or any of your loved ones

 

I do have thoughts about what if today was my last.  First of all, I pray that when it’s my last day that It’ll be everybody’s last day because God has called us all Home.

But if that wasn’t the case, then… Did I add value to someone else’s life just by them knowing me? Did I pray as fervently as I needed to?  Did I tell my mother and father often enough that I love them and appreciate what they've done for me? Did I tell my siblings that they mean the world to me? Did I tell my children enough to always trust God? Was I the wonderful helpmate to my husband that I should have been? 

The list could just about be endless.  When all is said and done, the one thing that I would really desire is to do all the God has called me to do in the different seasons in my life,  and enjoy that day to the fullest!!

 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be trouble, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Intro: “Have It Your Way” (Burger King)  - As cooler weather approaches and the winter eases into our doors I like to lounge by the fire after a hot shower.  I love to make soups that are brimming with a rich and full flavor.  In our home there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of soup or and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa on a cold winter night.

Assignment: Tell us all about how your have “your” relaxing time, more especially how during the cooler months you take time to curl up with your favorite movie, book, Bible study, and what your favorite warm drink would be.

My quiet time probably isn’t much different from many other women.  I HAVE to have my nose in a book.  So, to relax, I put the kids to bed and sit on my favorite end of the love seat with my coffee next to me on the end table and usually a book that will prompt me to open my Bible. I like to have my journal, red pen, blue pen and highlighter handy. 

Intro: M’m M’m Good (Campbell’s Soup)
The fall is such a wonderful time of year.  The beautiful foliage and cool, crisp morning air is such a wonderful change from the hot summer.  I also love the M’m M’m good smell of fall cooking and baking.  The wonderful fall veggies, fruits and Thanksgiving foods.

Assignment:  Post your favorite fall recipe/recipes to share.  I love trying new recipes, do you?  It can be baking, main dishes, veggies, dessert or anything else you can think of.  There are no limits.  Mmmmmm..I can’t wait to take a look at some of those recipes

Broccoli Bread

2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix

2 sticks butter

4 beaten eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 cup chopped onion

1 box chopped broccoli

Blend ingredients.  Batter will be slightly lumpy.  Let batter rest 3-4 minutes before placing into greased 9x13 inch pan.  Bake at 400¢ª for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

 SORRY NO PICTURE :(

Favorite Verse:

The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy.  I came that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). 

John 10:10 (Amp.)

Don’t Leave Home Without It! (Marketing Credit: American Express)

Memory Verse: Matthew 28: 20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

Intro: Never Leave Home Without It (Marketing Credit:  American Express) Diapers, bottles, wipes, bibs, pacifiers, extra clothing, cell phone, PDA, ipod, iphone, credit or debit cards … what would you never leave home without?

Assignment: In the memory verse Jesus tells us that He will never leave us, not even at the end of the world.  He assures us in this verse that He will be with us and that means through everything we go through in life.  I thought it would be interesting to write about the things we would never leave home without.  For some it might be baby needs, others it might be a gym bag and bottle of water, and for some  it might be your Bible and a notepad or small journal, maybe even your son or daughters favorite blankie!  I’d like for you to write about something that you would never leave home without.

I never leave home without clear directions of where i'm going, my cell phone, a book or devotional to read, my Bible, journal and a CD series of sermons that i'm listening to.  I find myself mostly at football practices with a lot of quiet time to study. Boy, I love those times.

This is WACKY WEEK here at Blogger Friend School!  Everything is wacky fun!  This week YOU, the student, get to share something of your choice that is little “Wacky”!!!

Have you done something crazy in your homeschool?  Do you fingerpaint with your toes?  Do you let your children do your hair?  Do you wear your pajamas during homeschool?   Oh, the list is endless, but it’s up to you and how much fun you want to have.

To make it even “wackier” (not sure if it’s really a word, but hey, we don’t check spelling this week at BFS either!!!…..try and type some or all of your post sdrawkcab.  (backwards!)

!keew gnixaler dna nuf a siht ekaM

(…and forwards…Make this a fun and relaxing week!)

One thing that I think was really wacky is that my computer crashed this week. I've been without it going on day 2 now and i'm having withdrawels. I've been using my husband's laptop which is very awkward (not that's not a backwards word :).

But really, my daughters have been really wacky this week. Just laughing at the goofiest things, especially when its one or the other being goofy.  It is refreshing to hear the joy.

Assignment: How do you keep energized so you can get it all done? bouncy music? treat it like a workout? Do you use a schedule?, a housekeeping binder system? luck of the draw system?.. or is this an area where you need encouragement? Do you need God’s help to keep order and beauty in your dwelling place? Take this week to tell us how You diligently keep going with your housekeeping chores.

I absolutely love the idea of calling my home a dwelling place.  That means security to me. A very stable place to rest.

My methods are kind of hit or miss.  Those who know me best would know that my skills need to be improved tremendously and I totally agree.  I am not the most organized homemaker and need encouragment and direction and motivation. 

I think alot of times, "what am I teaching my children by my actions or lack thereof". I am their first example here on this earth, which means that God's Word should be my first example

I've thought about inviting an organized friend into our home to help our family get on track, but I shoot that idea down because I'd be embarrassed that I don't measure up or that i'd be judged.  Yes, I know that thats something that I'll have to get over. I have to learn to accept good help.

Assignment: This week I want you to do something for someone else. Do you have a neighbor that needs you? Do you know an elderly person or single mom that could use you? What about the homeless? Pack even one single sack lunch and give it to someone in need. Do you know someone in blogland that is struggling right now and could use a note from you about how much you care? Pray about this. Let God put on your heart the perfect thing for you to do for another. Now, here is the kicker…I DO NOT want you to post about what you do. Whatever you choose to do is between you and God. Our rewards are in heaven, not here on earth, Mathew 6:1. I want you to post about how doing this “act” made you feel. Was stepping out of your comfort zone in this area as hard as you thought it might be? Could you see the gratefulness in their eyes? Hear it in their voice? Tell it from their typing? Do you think you might make doing things like this a more regular part of your time?  If this is an area that you are already active in, tell us how you feel this has impacted your life.

My family is so blessed to be a giving family.  I have to include my family because we do all work together. Whether it's input or actual helping hand, we all have our part. 

When we set out to help and bless others, we are more blessed.  We are glad to brag on what God does in the recipient's lives and in ours.  Many, many times we are blessed in return with something that we may need.  We find favor in the sight of God and man.

Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling.  Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it.  Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family.  Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!

Everyday is a learning experience. I learn new things from other homeschool moms and communities. God knows my need for direction EVERYDAY and He is more than gracious enough to grant it to me.  A blessing to me lately has been Belinda Letchfield's website lifestyle-homeschool.com.

I had been grossly neglecting my role to actively parent my children.  Yes, I'd provide their necessities and go through the motions of helping them get their assignments done, but that was about all I was doing.  God had a nice talk with me through the words and wisdom of Belinda and reminded me that I am created for a whole lot more than I was currently doing, and that I'd better get in gear and enjoy life with my children and stop looking for ways to "get alone" all the time.

My prayer is that of Prov. 31:27: She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. And also I Timothy 4:12: Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.