Sharing the Light - Homeschool Blogger

Speaking Engagement- Leaders Tea

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:41:00 -0600

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!

Montage of Edison House Pictures!

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:35:00 -0600

Montage Of Edison House Photo's

Edison House

Field Trip To Thomas Edison's "Summer" Home

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:18:00 -0600

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!

Brandon's Birthday Montage

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:23:00 -0500

Brandon's "18th" Birthday

Stacia

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:28:00 -0500

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

Brandon's "18th" Birthday Party!

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:07:00 -0500

Brandon's 18th Birthday Party

Brandon Turns "18"!?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:41:00 -0500

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

Don't Check Your Brains At the Door!

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:48:00 -0500

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!)

My Senior

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:35:00 -0500

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"

Night Of Joy!

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:20:00 -0500

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