Hi, welcome to my blog. I will be sharing our experience as we homeschool 5 boys - our struggles, trials, prayers, and blessings. There are many challenges along the way for any homeschooler and I hope you are encouraged by what you read here. We use Sonlight and My Father's World as our main curriculum. Thank you for stopping by and comments are welcomed. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:45:00 -0600 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:45:00 -0600 I have decided to move my blog...if you would like to visit me head on over to Encouragement for the Day - I would love a visit from all of you.  I am still settling in so please don't mind the mess and disarray...I hope to have it all sorted out soon.  If you are wondering why I decided to move well there are several reasons actually: 1.  Blogger seems to be easier to navigate and change things around...changing things here took me forever. 2. I have a google account & I think it will be easier for me having my email, calendar, blog etc. all in one location.  I have "met" some great friends and sisters through HSB & I hope to continue visiting and spending time getting to know each other.  Blessings, Tammy http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/619539/ Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:45:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/619539/ Welcome to Thankful Thursday!  Visit Iris at Grace Alone and be encouraged by the many thankful hearts represented there.  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13 We are finishing up our study on Romans in our Wednesday night Bible study.  :-(  I have learned so much and grown a lot in my walk with Christ - I will miss this precious book!  I know it is always there for me to go back to and revisit but as always my focus will not be on this book but on the next book we tackle.  I wish I had the time to absorb each book of the Bible over and over again...but alas that is not possible.  I pray the Holy Spirit will continue to bring to my mind the things I have learned over the last few months.  I am thankful for the group of people that meet each week in our home and are able to share this journey with them. I am thankful for my faith...faith that brings so many blessings into my life.  I was reminded tonight that faith gives us hope, joy, peace, salvation, my faith pleases the Lord and because of my faith righteousness is credited to me.  The Lord is good - I do not claim to understand it all but I know He is faithful and He gives me the ability to take those steps of faith.  As I walk in faith He is there to guide me and provide for me and my faith is strengthened.  I also have the walk of others to encourage me - the scriptures are full of examples of those who have gone on before us and we can follow in their faith legacy.  Their wonderful examples give us the courage we need to move forward and trust in the Lord.  We have brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage us and urge us on in our faith.  I am so thankful for the Word of God and the people He has brought into my life.  Thank you Lord! ~ A few verses on faith...may they be a blessing to you today: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9 ~  This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.Ephesians 3:11-12 ~  ...in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 ~   Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7 ~   And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6   The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/618477/ Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:44:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/618477/ Welcome to Word-filled Wednesday!  We are studying the book of Romans in our Wednesday study - what a wonderful book!  It has been thought provoking, challenging and an encouragement to me in my walk with Christ.  I am blessed to know that I no longer have to live my life in sin because Jesus has set me free.  He has given me new life and I do not have to work my way into God's favor.  The Lord is so gracious and loving as He reaches out to sinful man and welcomes him into a relationship.  He is good! I love the picture of the rowers working together.  I remember a time when I was working with someone to try and get our canoe across a lake.  We were not experts and ended up going in circles most of the time or in a direction we did not want to go.  It was frustrating but in the end when we figured it out - life became a littler easier.  We were finally able to make it to our destination.  It is the same with the body of Christ - we must work together in love.  If we do not, we end up going in circles or not finding our destination.  The Bible is full of examples of working together as a body - in unity...together not apart…complimenting one another...encouraging one another... If you would like to know more about word-filled Wednesday visit The 160 Acre Woods! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/617749/ Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:10:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/617749/ My boys love to draw and so I have found these books from Usborne to be great assets to our homeschool library.  I Can Draw Animals is from Usborne's  Playtime Series and is recommended for ages 4 to 8.  It teaches kids how to draw sixteen different animals such as a lion, bee, rabbit and a dolphin.  The drawings are simple and easy to follow even for the youngest child.  What Shall I Draw?  is from Usborne's Activities Series and is recommended for ages for ages 4 to 8 also.  This book also teaches how to draw animals but also rockets and castles.  The book also gives creative suggestions for adding and changing your pictures.  Both of these books are easy to use and would be a great way to keep the younger ones busy while you are teaching your older children. If you missed my art book ideas for the last few weeks here are the books I recommended: Global Art Discovering Great Artists Drawing Faces Have a blessed day and thank you for stopping by, http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/617526/ Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:22:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/617526/ I haven't been very faithful with Fruit of the Spirit Fridays...I am not sure the reason why but I am praying about what the Lord would have me do... Today I want to share with you some thoughts I have on a few verses from the book, Having a Mary Spirit Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out.  We are using this book for our women's study at church.  The chapter I read ended in this verse: Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us...(Eph. 3:20 NASB) Wow! I have always loved this verse because it tells me God has more for me than I can imagine. BUT so many times I grumble and complain because I do not get what I want - how selfish of me, how foolish of me to forget that the Lord is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that I ask or think. Many times I settle for second best instead of waiting on the Lord, going to Him and asking Him what He wants me to do...how does He want me to respond...is this what He wants me to have... My prayer is this verse will be engraved in my mind so that I do not forget and I will enjoy the blessings the Lord has for me not what I want for myself. He is faithful and just to forgive me of those sins - thank you Lord! Thank you that you do not leave me as I am but continue to change me and mold me into your image. Thank you Lord that you give me what I need not always what I want. Thank you Lord that you are able to do far more abundantly beyond all that I ask or think...Thank you Jesus! Let me close with the rest of the passage: Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:13-21 NASB Have a blessed weekend in Christ, http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/615889/ Fri, 7 Nov 2008 08:05:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/615889/ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  Philippians 4:6-8 (NASB) As I meditate on these verses I find comfort in knowing that the Lord will take care of all things.  We do not have to worry, fret or be anxious!  Oh this is so difficult for me sometimes but I know the peace I can have if I will but trust in Him.  I am thankful for the Lord's peace (shalom)!  I am thankful that when I go to Him prayer and hand Him all my concerns, fears and failures - He will listen and peace will guard my heart and my mind.  Hallelujah!  Oh how I need my mind and heart guarded from those things - fears can plagued me, past failures can keep me from moving forward and the uncertainty of the future can make me want to hide until He calls me home.  But thank you Lord I don't have to be plagued and unable to function in my walk with the Lord.  I am thankful the Lord guides us in renewing our minds and tells us what to think on...I don't know about you but I need someone to prompt me, remind me and tell me what to think on.  I am thankful there are things truthful, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute and excellence things to dwell on.  Thank you Father that you have not left us to our own devices...you know we are dust and need You.  I am thankful that the Lord is still on the throne, He is sovereign, full of grace and truth, He is love and gives it freely... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/615406/ Thu, 6 Nov 2008 07:01:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/615406/ Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday - to learn more or visit other blogger participants head on over to The 160 Acre Woods. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16 I chose these verses because the boys and I are learning them this week for school. Besides the fact that we are called to be a light in this dark world... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/614577/ Tue, 4 Nov 2008 18:41:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/614577/ The last 3 weeks I have been sharing with you a few of the art books that we have on our shelf.  If you are interesting you can check out the previous posts:  Global Art and Discovering Great Artists.  This week I would like to share with you this great drawing book - if you have an aspiring artist at home this may be the perfect book for him/her.  It is called Drawing Faces by Usborne books.  I used to be an Usborne consultant and this is one of the books included in my kit.  My boys like to draw but they are more interested in drawing animals and scenery.  I probably would never have purchased this book because of that reason.  But we have used it on occasion...especially last year during the art class I hosted at my home.  One of the lessons was drawing each other's faces so this book came in handy when I was trying to teach the kids how to do this.  The instructions in this book are easy to understand and step by step illustrations guide the artist in constructing the faces and features.  It is also internet linked so that you can enjoy recommended websites download templates.  This book is recommended for ages 9 to 12.  Come back next week to see what art book I will be sharing with you... Blessings!!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/613963/ Mon, 3 Nov 2008 15:31:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/613963/ November 3, 2008... Outside my Window...colors of fall, beautiful blue sky I am thinking...about school and the things we will learn this week From the learning rooms...starting our study of Brazil today I am thankful for...God's Word and the freedom we enjoy in this country From the kitchen...pork roast with pears and apples I am wearing...blue pants with mint colored flowers at the bottom, mint colored sweater, blue top underneath and blue socks I am reading...Fourth dawn by Bodie and Brock Thoene I am hoping...to get the laundry done today :-) I am creating... I am hearing...the kiddos in the kitchen getting breakfast Around the house...definitely need to get the leaves raked One of my favorite things...the smell of fall and the sound of crunching leaves A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...vote, Bible study, help a friend, clean house Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/613742/ Mon, 3 Nov 2008 07:40:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/613742/ I was sitting here this morning pondering what to write for this TT post.  The word freedom kept popping into my head and I began to think of the freedom we enjoy in this country.  We are truly blessed!  Yesterday I was reading through the current Voice of the Martyr magazine and as always I was encouraged by our brothers and sisters in Christ.  They endure so much for our Lord and Savior - but they are not bitter or angry.  They serve him with a grateful heart and are full of joy and peace knowing they are counted worthy to suffer for His sake. So this week: I am thankful for the freedom to gather with other believers whether it is in a Bible study, prayer meeting or worship service.  We do not have to meet in secret or gather in fear.  We have the Word of God in it's entirety when so many hold on to a verse or two - and treasure it with their hearts. I am thankful for the freedom to homeschool my children and teach them the way my dh and I desire.  We have the ability to send them to school whether it is Christian school or public.  There are many in the country of India for instance who do not have that freedom.  They may be too poor to send their children to school and they do not have the freedom to learn to read and write. I am thankful most of all for my freedom in Christ.  "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1 NIV)  and "...if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 NASB) - hallelujah!  I am free from the curse of sin and death.  I am free from condemnation in Christ.  Thank you Jesus! I do not know if one day our freedom in this country will be no more but I do know that we will always be free in Christ.  I will choose to be grateful for what the Lord has blessed us with including that wonderful thing called freedom.  Freedom - let us not take it for granted and remember those who do not enjoy this wonderful blessing.  Let us lift them up in prayer - our brothers and sisters need us. Be Blessed, To read more Thankful Thursday posts visit Grace Alone... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/612103/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:04:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi/612103/