Coffee and A View - Homeschool Blogger

our Roman Feast

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:54:00 -0600

It was "Pax Romana" at our house recently! The Roman Feast was a huge success and lots of fun! Jenna invited some of her homeschool friends by sending a "scroll" invitation and then spent two weeks making decorations, costumes, and planning a menu. We were definitely all about the food - but also implemented "entertainment" and recitations for each guest. Even Emperor Augustus Caesar joined us .

The actual feast lasted almost 2 hours - complete with "roasted dormice" and "stuffed peacock" (otherwise known as nuggets and wings). The kids tried some authentic dishes tho such as honey omelettes and hummus. Jen played several piano selections, we watched a video on Ancient Rome, and each guest shared information about some aspect of Rome history. The highlight for me was listening to Jenna recite all of the verses from the book of Romans to her guests - beautiful!

Of course I was the "slave" - but enjoyed every minute of serving!

The Purple Boa

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:48:00 -0500

I was presented with the coveted "purple boa" at our children's fall retreat this past weekend. The boa is traditionally given to the "most spirited leader", of which I certainly didn't feel worthy of receiving, yet very honored, and humbled. My first reaction was "is this a joke?"...then felt very convicted that I needed to live up to what the boa represented. The kids in my group urged me to wear the purple boa to church the next morning - and I assured them I would, for them.

And I did.
In doing so, the Lord taught me a lesson. Isn't He good to always do that?

The purple boa was quite the attention getter.
Not the typical item of choice in a Southern Baptist church smack dab in the middle of the Bible belt. I definitely caused a few eyebrows to raise. What amazed me more and more throughout the morning that as people - adults - noticed, and even gave a second glance, they never ASKED or COMMENTED. I wasn't wanting a fuss made over me, mind you, but to be blatantly "different" within our church walls would, I think, bring reason for conversation - or so I thought.

Two, maybe three, openly commented on my attire - wondering "why the festive look" :) But most chose not to say a word...or even pretended not to notice.
As the morning went on, and I proudly strolled the halls, it became more obvious to me the lesson of the purple boa.

How many times do we notice that something just isn't right about a person...something is out of the norm or "off"? And we choose to ignore the obvious and act as tho everything is "fine"? How many times do we have the opportunity to ask, "Is everything okay?" and we don't. Reaching out and actually asking the question - taking time to engage in a conversation - takes effort and if I may add, caring. So we don't ask...but then perhaps when we get home we bring up "the purple boa" over lunch -- I can imagine! "Did you see Lisa at church today? Oh my, she had on a BOA - I can't believe she wore that to church!"....But we speculate. We guess. We simply do not take the time to UNDERSTAND WHY she had on that boa.

The purple boa represents anything that someone may be "wearing" that we simply don't want to look at...divorce, pain, sadness, loss, moodiness, death. Things that shape who we are. Emotions and aspects of life that we all deal with - and WANT someone to ASK - to get in our world and CARE.

The issue becomes the pink elephant in the room...or in this case, the purple boa.

When we choose to look away from what is necessary to address - where is our boldness for Christ?
When we choose to ignore - where is our compassion?
When we choose to talk about it later - we are gossips.
When we choose to wonder - we miss the opportunity to be used as a vessel for Christ.

Hebrews 12:14-15, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

Ephesians 4:25, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

Ephesians 4:29, "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."

Ephesians 5:1-2, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice for God."

Matthew 7:1-2, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Diorama

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:29:00 -0500

Jenna just finished reading Marguerite Henry's book "Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West". She loved it and could relate to the main character, Annie - who by the way is the real Annie Bronn -and this is the inspiring true story of her crusade to save the mustangs.

She created a "diorama" for her book report --- this was her first attempt at one and created the entire scene on her own, using her imagination and whatever we had in the art closet. If you're wondering...it's a white mustang with a covered wagon and Annie's family in the woods

rhythm of life

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:56:00 -0500

the rhythm of life
never ceases
through moments of living
and all the details
much like the seasons
that nature unfolds
the rhythm of life
today strums of loss
a slow, steady swirling like the first leaves of fall
ever so lightly til the ground is covered
and you can't see any evidence of what was
or is
or is to come

5th grade and breakfast

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:49:00 -0500

Jen made breakfast.
Isn't it beautiful? Can I say that scrambled eggs and ~~burnt~~ crispy bacon are beautiful? Certainly! When the her heart was set on making something to serve...to be a servant...and to receive instruction with a humble heart - then, yes, breakfast is beautiful!

5th grade is going well. We are somewhat in a routine and enjoying our time together. The history and Bible components of "Rome to Reformation" have been so rich, so deep - lots of "a-ha" moments this year, as if she and I both are seeing it all come together with understanding of our fallen world and the need for a Savior! I have treasured sharing this time of learning and growth with her.

I think she has surprised herself by being more confident in math this year. It is still her least favorite thing to do, but her ability to put concepts together and remember them has been huge this year. I am proud of her! Our science focus right now is on the human body - we are enjoying the study of the different parts of our intricately designed beings. I am also incorporating a series of books called God's Design for Sex which gives a very sweet yet direct informational approach to what God intends for our bodies. It is beautifully written and I highly recommend it. The series begins as young as age 3!

My Father's World does such a great job of integrating. Art, music and the study of Latin roots are very complimentary to our study of Rome. I love that - and so does Jenna - it just makes sense to bring it all together!

Beyond our "schoolwork" we are certainly staying busy! Each week we deliver for Meals on Wheels, have piano lessons, Bible Drill class, and horseback riding lessons. And she is busy with rehearsals for the upcoming production of "LIfe, Death, and 2 Strips of Bacon" at our church. Not to mention taking care of sweet Lizzy the kitten!

I guess in a lot of ways 5th grade has been like breakfast (refer to above picture) -
nourishing, complete, and highly satisfying!

set apart

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 16:44:00 -0500

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ---this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Jenna and I are memorizing these verses...
Meaty sustenance for our daily living.
The very thing we need.

I am challenged by these words, are you?

Studying these verses has led to much conversation about what the world offers and what we expect from God. I am amazed at the depth of my 10 year old who already can recognize the pull of the enemy through things like the television, advertisements, and music.

The enemy is exactly that - the enemy - so we must purposefully strive to steer clear of those forces every day! As Christians it is so easy to give in the subtle things and before we know it we are desensitized and have no clue that what we are doing/watching/reading is totally opposite of what God wants! And we wonder why!

We are very challenged in our relationship with Jacob these days. The world is his biggest attraction. It is heart breaking to watch. We are taking the steps necessary to bring him back onto the right - the better - path, but it is hard. Yet we must continue on. We must! I don't want to be normal, and I don't want my family to be either. Normal is going through the motions of this self-centered world. No, I want to be set apart - to live self LESS. Don't you? I want my children to know of the better things...and to have a heart's desire for the things of God! Don't you?

As a parent we must ask ourselves, what are we willing to do to make sure we are helping our children to "renew their minds" rather than aiding them in conforming to the pattern of this world?

- What are they watching on television?
- What are they listening to on their Ipod? Have you listened to it lately?
- What are they browsing for on the internet? Don't assume they are not curious or that they haven't seen inappropriate material - no matter their age, or the fact they are in a "Christian home" - do not be naive!
- What are they wearing? Is the waistband rolled down to show their flesh? Are the guys pants below their underwear? Is the shirt revealing or too tight? Modesty is such an important characteristic - it lays just part of the foundation for purity!
- What are they reading? Pre-read it! Or at least research it.

That may seem like a lot of checking in to do - but we must! The easy thing to do would be to ignore their tendencies or habits and play it off as if they are going through a stage, it doesn't really matter, or worse - it's normal! As parents we get tired tho, don't we? I know I do. Sometimes it is less painful to just be silent because we don't want the conflict - but a little bit of pain brings glory!!! What is an inconvenience now will bring lives living out love for God!

Just because we raise our children in a Christian home, and attend church 2-3 times a week, and they have Christian friends, and possibly even attend a Christian school, does NOT make them immune to the pulls of the world which are the very devices of the enemy! Do not be ignorant! Get involved in renewing your child's mind - make sure they are seeing the world through God's eyes.
We cannot, simply cannot, assume they are sheltered from the one who is set on destroying them. Be the adult - be the parent - and step into your child's life to know what is going on.

Be set apart.
Live it out.

HE is worth it.

more than football

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 19:08:00 -0500

The end of the 4th quarter...the lead was in our favor and we were smellin' victory. It was long awaited as we'd lost the first two games. There hadn't been an opportunity for him to play in those games...especially being a freshman, and inexperienced. We knew the moment would eventually come, and we were prepared to wait.

We had a substantial lead (30-7) and all of a sudden we hear the Coach call in the freshman! Jacob slyly moves to the opposite end...perhaps anxious over the moment finally arriving - perhaps even wanting to be invisible.

We're that way at times, aren't we? We spend time preparing, praying, desiring to be used by God and when the moment happens sometimes we hesitate. Why do we do that? Faith is trust. Yet even that is a process. Growth. Little by little, by our experiences, we gain more confidence and we begin to recognize the moments God has for us - just for us.

Yes. We heard the Coach yell, "Moore! Where's Moore?".
And he put his arm on Jacob's shoulder and began to tell him what he needed to do.
The whistle blew and he ran out onto the field. Just like that.
Two plays later the game was over.

And our son walked off the field not only with a taste of victory, but also the realization that he has what it takes to get in the game.

My prayer is that he will realize more and more each day that who he is in Christ is enough. That he will draw closer to Christ each day - desiring more of him, and less of the world. I pray he will realize he can "do all things through Christ who strengthens him." I pray he will TRUST the One who will never forsake him. And I pray he will "get in the game" of life as one of His own.

This mama's heart will treasure the moment he ran out on the field last night...it was as if he was running INTO the moment that will help shape his life.

This season of our lives is so much more than the game of football.

there's a new kid in school

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:16:00 -0500

Yes, there's a new kid in school. Her name is "Lizzy Rose." Jenna adopted her from the local animal shelter. She saved her money...to the penny...for the adoption fees, the food, the litter box, etc. We are so proud of her determination and discipline. And sweet Lizzy is a wonderful addition to our family.

However, right now she is quite the distraction!

Yet totally worth it...

One more blessing of homeschooling - Jenna not only paid for Lizzy herself, but is responsible for her daily care. Life lessons really are the best teachers.

Wordless Wednesday

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:35:00 -0500

blue skies

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:18:00 -0500

blue skies
a coolness in the air
and clouds

a beautiful day

yet, I wonder
as pretty as the day was
will the clouds remain?

the "clouds" that are often not discussed
the clouds of despair
disappointment
and frustration

and how long
will they hover and hang
and sometimes bring rain
wind
and storms

even when
the skies are blue

yet, I know
these same clouds
hold
hope...

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."
Psalm 130:5