As a flower turns it’s face to the sun, so must the child of God turn his face toward the Son. Living life in His glorious presence is surely the only way to live and learn with our children. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 2 Nov 2005 07:44:00 -0600 Wed, 2 Nov 2005 07:44:00 -0600 Wow, it's been a long time since I wrote here!  My hubby wanted me to write more on the blog he created for me, so I've been writing there and haven't had time to write in two blogs :-).  However, I do miss the fellowship here.  This is such a super group of friendly homeschoolers :-) Anyway, it may be awhile before I am writing consistently here again, so if you want to come and see me at Reflections, feel free. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/39663/ Wed, 2 Nov 2005 07:44:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/39663/ “The Lamb is the light thereof.” - Revelation 21:23 "Quietly contemplate the Lamb as the light of heaven. Light in Scripture is the emblem of joy. The joy of the saints in heaven is comprised in this: Jesus chose us, loved us, bought us, cleansed us, robed us, kept us, glorified us: we are here entirely through the Lord Jesus. Each one of these thoughts shall be to them like a cluster of the grapes of Eshcol. Light is also the cause of beauty. Nought of beauty is left when light is gone. Without light no radiance flashes from the sapphire, no peaceful ray proceedeth from the pearl; and thus all the beauty of the saints above comes from Jesus. As planets, they reflect the light of the Sun of Righteousness; they live as beams proceeding from the central orb. If he withdrew, they must die; if his glory were veiled, their glory must expire. Light is also the emblem of knowledge. In heaven our knowledge will be perfect, but the Lord Jesus himself will be the fountain of it. Dark providences, never understood before, will then be clearly seen, and all that puzzles us now will become plain to us in the light of the Lamb. Oh! what unfoldings there will be and what glorifying of the God of love! Light also means manifestation. Light manifests. In this world it doth not yet appear what we shall be. God’s people are a hidden people, but when Christ receives his people into heaven, he will touch them with the wand of his own love, and change them into the image of his manifested glory. They were poor and wretched, but what a transformation! They were stained with sin, but one touch of his finger, and they are bright as the sun, and clear as crystal. Oh! what a manifestation! All this proceeds from the exalted Lamb. Whatever there may be of effulgent splendour, Jesus shall be the centre and soul of it all. Oh! to be present and to see him in his own light, the King of kings, and Lord of lords!" (taken from the August 3rd morning entry of Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional....) Lord Jesus, You are IT for me.  You are the light of heaven.  You are joy!  You chose me, loved me, bought me, cleansed me, robed me, kept me, glorified me.  Anything beautiful in me is clearly rooted in You Jesus.  Thank you for your great salvation.  You are the exalted Lamb of God and I give you glory! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/12894/ Wed, 3 Aug 2005 07:50:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/12894/ I tasted some heavenly fruit the other night.  The moment it touched my lips, I knew it was not of this world.  Clearly it was rooted in the spirit of God. We were washing dishes, Rebekah and I.  Deborah Jane was finishing up the wiping and sweeping.  She finished with a flourish, and I could see her turn to go downstairs and join the fun with Daddy, her brothers and Uncle Ben.  But she stopped as though compelled, turned toward Rebekah and I, and said,  "I'm finished with my job Mom.  But you guys are still working......can I help?"    For me, it was a moment I have been waiting for, training for, hoping for - and I was stunned by how my emotions were affected.  To have a child of mine voluntarily giving up their own desires to love and serve others is clearly a step toward having the mind of Christ, and I could do nothing but weep with joy and thankfulness (and sing Phil. 2 in my heart). <em>God, you are so good!  My thoughts are of your glory and the joy of seeing it manifest in my daughter.  Thank You!</em> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/11388/ Thu, 28 Jul 2005 07:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/11388/ 1. What is your favorite all-time movie? For a long time I think I considered my favorite movie to be The Jesus Movie starring Brian Deacon.  Then the Lord of the Rings came out:-)  I was stunned by the grandeur of it.  It must be the most magnificent movie of all time. 2. Where is your favorite place on earth? At home.  I particularly like to hang out in my backyard, in the woods, watching my kids play. 3. Do you run a home business, and if yes, then what is it you do? We have lots of business ideas presently, but none of them have been successfully implemented...none of mine anyway:-)  My husband is another story.  He has finally figured out what to do with his javanut site!  He's a programmer, not a coffee nut. 4. What are some lessons in life you had to learn the hard way? People cannot be depended upon to meet your needs; God has already done so in Christ Jesus, most abundantly.   Also, having patience in my younger years would have saved me a lot of grief in my life. 5. As a parent, what is the one thing you are (or would be) happiest to see in your children? Fruit!  And I enjoyed a tasty bite last night when my daughter finished her kitchen job.  I was still working with a younger child on the dishes.  Deborah finished her sweeping job and then asked us, a bit hesitantly, "can I help you guys?"  I could tell she wanted to go and check out the fun going on downstairs.  My heart was so full of delight that I literally cried right there as we finished the work!  God is so good.  I can't wait to taste more:-) 6. Who do you most consider to be your role model, the person you most want to be like? (No fair saying Jesus. Pick someone else.) There are many....so I'm just going to randomly pick.  There is a wonderful gal back in Iowa whom I admire tremendously.  She is always serving others; always loving them.  She cooks and takes meals to others often.  She seeks out those who are needy and seeks to provide for them.  My son once said of her, after she had been watching my kids for a week straight while I was packing to move, "Mommy, it seems like she really loves us."  Her name is Sheila Tu.  You probably won't read this Sheila, but if you do, know that you are much loved by the Tippys! 7. What is the greatest blessing you have gained from home schooling? Definitely my own zest for learning.  It has been slowly increasing since I embarked on this wonderful journey of motherhood! 8.  In your opinion, what is the most important thing to train into your children? I used to think that it was obedience, and that still ranks highly.  But loving and serving others is definitely the most important thing for me right now. Now, who can I tag? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/11212/ Wed, 27 Jul 2005 08:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/11212/ Inspiration:  I was inspired to write this post when I realized that I was beginning to recognize a particular kind of bird in my backyard.  In fact, I was listening for his voice.  I realized that I really loved to listen to his song because it was becoming familiar to me; because I recognized it. My son David is determined to memorize every dinosaur that ever lived!  When we go to the library, he can usually be found in the dinosaur section.  He makes lists of dinosaurs on the computer.  He really loves dinosaurs and wants to know everything about them.  And the more he knows of them, the more he loves them. My daughter Deborah Jane is in love with the Little House stories (and so many of you are also:-).  She often listens to one during her quiet-time in the afternoon.  She will tell me some little tidbit that she has memorized from these precious stories.  And the more she knows of these whispering souls and the lives they lived, the more she loves them.  I have become convinced that familiarity does NOT breed contempt when it comes to someone or something worth loving.  When we really know something we begin to recognize it's nuances; we begin to appreciate it's character.  Recognition is the fuel that fans this flame of love in our souls.  And that is the essence of worshiping God.  Seeing Him;  Recognizing Him; Loving Him. I know of people who talk in a very animated fashion about their interests.  Their eyes light up and their voices take an enthusiastic turn.  They are engaged by something they really LOVE! This reminds me of some precious verses in the scriptures:  "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of thine heart."  (Psalm 37:4) "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9) "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affectiona on things above, not on things on the earth.  3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."  (Col. 3:1-4) I've found that delighting myself in the Lord brings about a change in my heart like nothing else!  All of those other interests and desires that I am prone to love are veiled in light of HIS glory.  O, God, let your glory blind me!   Plant within my heart new passion for the things of God.  I want to delight in you as I draw breath; to recognize you in all that my eyes behold; to drink you into my parched soul.  Let me recognize and delight in your glory which is present in each moment. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/10250/ Sat, 23 Jul 2005 11:11:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/10250/ I remembered that the frogs came out after dark, so I gave the oldest two children a special dispensation to be night owls (and you thought I wasn't a dispensationalist!) :-)  I hovered in the background while they scampered into the backyard, eagerly scanning for hopping shadows.  In the meantime I dodged the swooping bats, which my husband assured me were not actually trying to nest in my hair, but were merely attacking the mosquitos hovering near my warm form (yikes!  hurry up kids!).  It wasn't long before they both ran back to me, eagerly holding up their treasures.  Then they were off again to put the frogs in the special habitat they had created in the woods.  They returned with two more frogs, and I reluctantly allowed them to camp out in our cooler in the garage (but really they were more reluctant than I:-).  The only fresh food we could find were June bugs, so we settled them down with some water, a rock, some leaves and said bugs.  We found out in the morning that frogs don't like June bugs.  Or maybe they just don't eat them until July, when they are cheaper.  Anyway, here's a picture of the kiddos with their prisoners.... <img src='/wp-content/2005JuneFrogs.jpg' alt='David, Deborah & Frogs' /> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9026/ Tue, 21 Jun 2005 08:02:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9026/ Yesterday we spent quite a bit of time outside.  I weeded the garden and finished mowing outside, while the kids took turns riding with me on the mower and playing in our little "forest". The children caught several frogs at different times and their delight was contagious!  They created a special frog habitat, replete with rocks, leaves, branches & an ice cream bucket prison.  I was their "get out of jail free" card when we came inside, having persuaded the kids that the frogs may need to take care of babies or fulfill other familial responsibilities ;-). When we came inside last night it was almost dark.  David and Deborah were both excited beyond containment.  Deborah kept telling me over and over again...."Mama, I can still feel the frog in my hand!  O, Mama he was sooo cute!"  David proceeded immediately to his little Z-50 computer and started a document called "Frog Thoughts".  Within this document, he typed items from his Children's Dictionary that he hoped to build for his frog tomorrow. As I pondered this it became clear that this is a very special moment, worthy of framing.  All of the vividness and wonder of childhood is being experienced RIGHT NOW!  I'd better make sure my priorities are straight because I don't want to miss it :-). [We'll post some pictures of the frogs and kids soon if I can capture them.] http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9025/ Wed, 15 Jun 2005 07:59:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9025/ Last night was my first opportunity to explore the library.  Alone.   O, mother of multiple young children, have you ever wondered what it would be like?  I enjoyed myself thoroughly! Though I must say it does not outshine the glory of  seeing my brood eagerly rifling through masses of peaceful activity.  However, the peace of lingering; and of seeking literary treasures that might otherwise remain hidden behind the distraction of looking 4 ways at once, was truly a delight. Driving along I-70 toward home, I was greeted with a most peculiar sight.  In the truck slightly in front and to the right of me, a man leaned out of the driverside window.  As if this weren't a dangerous enough feat when driving, this man's arm was engaged in vigorous activity.  The kind of shaking, finger outstretched, that goes on when one is scolding a rather naughty child.  It took me a moment to realize that I was the subject of this dreadful chastisement.  In a flash, I realized that I was driving home in the darkness.  Literally.  I had forgotten to turn on my headlights!  The interstate and prior roads were well enough lit that it wasn't immediately apparent.  Whatever happened to getting behind someone and flashing your lights?  I immediately flipped on my lights and proceeded with chagrin, hoping that this crazed gentleman would not deem me worthy of further attention. Humbled and thankful, I pondered the incident on the drive home.  What would have happened if I had proceeded without my lights?  Driving in the dark I may have driven over or into something in the shadows.  But it was more likely that another would have run into the invisible darkness of my forgetfulness.  Headlights are for seeing <em>and</em> being seen. I wonder if my light is being seen.  Surely not on the Interstate (harhar)!  But do the little eyes that watch me see the light of my Lord?  Are they drawn to His warmth and glory?   As a flower turns it's face to the sun, so will a child be drawn to one who radiates the light of Christ.  I want my child to see that light in me; to see me in that light.  I want him to see me dancing in the Sonshine.  My heart beats for those sweet moments of recognition, along with all mothers in the Body of Christ.   We are surely recognized only as we bask in the Sonshine of God's glory. <blockquote>"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."  1 John 1:7</blockquote> <blockquote>"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. " 2 Cor. 4:6</blockquote> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9023/ Wed, 29 Jun 2005 07:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9023/ Yesterday Rebekah (my 3yo daughter) said something that made my heart sing.  We had spent the morning outside in the sunshine, watering and feeding the flowers and garden.  Rebekah  was very talkative when we came inside. "Mama, if God came to our house and sat down on the floor, then I would run around the house!"   "Really?" I questioned.  "Do you mean that you would go outside and run in a big circle around the house?" "No, Mama, I would run all over INSIDE the house because I would be so excited to see Jesus!" This made all of my "inadequate" moments pale momentarily.   A simple childlike excitement about the presence of Jesus.   How simple all of life becomes when such joy is present. <em>Thank you Jesus!  May she always be so excited about Your presence. </em> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9019/ Wed, 6 Jul 2005 07:54:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9019/ In 1998, we moved from a condominium to our very first house (I was 9-months pregnant with our very first child at the time).  On moving day we were completely prepared; we had even moved everything from upstairs to downstairs to facilitate a rapid move.  All of the boxes were labeled with the room they would go into and the ease of it all was quite wonderful!  We received many compliments that day:-) I absolutely love being prepared.  There is something wonderful about having dinner ready, guest rooms prepared, duckies in a row:-).  A clean island, a clean desk, a clutter-free living room.....these are truly "ahhhhhh" moments for me:-) It is exciting to go into a situation where your full attention (such as it is) can be devoted to the task at hand.   On the other hand, it is truly disappointing when I have failed to plan.  For instance, the other day I intended to color pictures with my kids, and I sat down at the computer to find some great pics online.  I handed the pics out as they came out of the printer and by the time I had given up on finding my oldest the perfect outline map of the continents, all of the other children were finished with their pictures! As I begin to plan out our homeschool year, I am realizing that the true dilemna of the homeschooling mother of young children seems to be finding the time to plan, and doing so effectively.  When the children are finally tucked in at night seems to be the only time available, and by this time my gas tank is running on fumes.  If anyone has any good planning tips, I'm all ears! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9015/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 07:10:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sonshine/9015/