Personal musings and devotions collected to encourage, inspire and record our homeschool journey. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 5 Aug 2009 08:09:00 -0500 Wed, 5 Aug 2009 08:09:00 -0500 I like many of you have not spent the summer vacationing under an umbrella with a glass of lemonade on a balmy white sand beach. I have spent the summer pushing through math left unfinished by my children "last" year, planning school for "next" year, scouring used book sites and stores and curriculum fairs for materials and THANKING GOD ALMIGHTY that I do not have to run out on "tax-free" weekend to buy school clothes. In my efforts to plan school for this year I  have done a few things differently that I would like to share with you.  Over the next few weeks of August I will share things with you that are impacting our homeschool and changing the way I am approaching this ministry. Pray Without Ceasing First and foremost I have prayed.  Many of us leave this all important element to last, and I confess that in years past I have not prayed at all for our homeschool journey.  But this year I have a renewed sense of the power and purpose of prayer.  I have been taking stock of myself as a wife, as a mother, as a homeschooler and I have found myself short in many areas.  I have purposed to change with God's help and to strive to become the daughter HE has called me to be.  By doing that all other areas will be addressed as well. For a tool to take an account of yourself I recommend: Becoming a Woman of Virtue No, I don't spend hours a day locked in a closet praying, but I do have a prayer plan and I do my best to follow it every day. I found and posted a calendar with a daily prayer point for children.  I printed it and put it on the fridge, and I also copied them to my online calendar so I get a reminder e-mail every morning. Praying for Our Children (PDF) I am re-reading The Power of a Praying Parent one chapter at a time at night before bed. And perhaps most importantly I am reading my BIBLE.  Because to pray without knowing and seeking God's word is pointless. Here are some awesome articles on getting back to homeschool: The Teaching Home #217 - Back-to-Home-School, Part 1 #218 - Back-to-Home-School, Part 2 #219 - Back-to-Home-School, Part 3 #220 - Back-to-Home-School, Part 4 #221 - Back-to-Home-School Orientation http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/714479/ Wed, 5 Aug 2009 08:09:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/714479/ The Myth of Equal Time by Carol Barnier Once again I stood over my son, working with him for hours on a task that would have taken a mere 20 minutes for any of my other children. And once again, my daughter dutifully picked up her books, completed her work all on her own, and basically took care of herself. With a sideways glance, I saw her quietly withdrawing through the door while I poured my energies into my son. Just then my youngest skipped in and gingerly asked if now, maybe I might have time to enjoy that tea party we've been putting off for days. I sighed. Not now. What was God thinking? Why would He put such a time consuming, labor absorbing, emotionally intense child in the same family as my other compliant, quiet and reserved children? It just wasn't fair. So often his siblings were overwhelmed by him, his needs, his intensity, his incessant desire for interaction. (Not to mention the amount of time they spent dodging the small desk supplies he would catapult at them by balancing them on the handle of a spoon and whacking the other end.) How can this be a good thing? And how can I possibly give them equal time when this intense child takes the lion's share of my parenting efforts? I'm often exhausted just getting him started on schooling in the morning. This struggle to provide equal time to all my children was my constant companion for years. But my "aha" moment came when I attended my state's homeschool conference and observed a panel of moms with special needs kids. These moms had children with serious issues. Deafness, blindness, Spina Bifida. Their lives were far more full and challenging than my own. Doctor visits, diet restrictions, severe allergic reactions, nebulizers, wheelchairs and frequent injections were a part of their daily lives. But as I watched them, I sensed that these moms weren't living the frenzied life that reigned in my home. You could just tell by looking at them. Nor did they go about wearing the lovely guilt accessories I seemed to carry everywhere.   The microphone was passed around and finally there came the question that I had waited for. "How do you give equal time to your other children when this one child takes so much of your resources?" Everyone's ears perked up, including my own. The woman who answered this question said two great things in response. First, she told us that question comes up every time there is a meeting such as this. (Whew! At least I'm not alone in this boat.) Second (my favorite part), she said "You don't. You don't give equal time to all your children. You can't. You have to let go of the notion. It's not realistic or" (get ready for this one) "even desirable." You don't? What? It's not even desirable? I couldn't quite take it in. I had so fiercely held to this concept, assuming it was a sacred cow like looking both ways before crossing streets or never mixing laundry colors. I just took for granted that it was a noble goal and that everybody else must be achieving it. Since it wasn't occurring in my house, clearly I just needed to work harder. Just make it happen. Just don't get any sleep. But here were these women saying it isn't so. They were also saying that they were at peace with the concept. Not only at peace with it, as in "resigned to it"--they were really at peace with it, as in believing that it wasn't even desirable. It took awhile (quite awhile in fact ), but eventually I learned to unfold the truths that were buried deep in those words. LETTING IT GO For me it really became an act of faith. Does God know what He's doing? Can I truly trust that our family is by design and not by default? Can I honestly rely on the One who knew each family member before they were formed in their mother's womb and then selected them, one at a time, for membership in my family? I began with the assumption that I could. I could trust that God has plans for each of us that are for good, not evil. I could actually stretch out and recline back into the arms of that trust. With that as my premise, I began looking for the good that I knew had to be there--the good that I had been missing in my driven but misguided efforts to mete myself out in equal portions. What good did I find? Plenty. My other children were developing an awareness of reality and others' needs that went beyond their own skin. Early on, they found empathy and compassion. Early on, they discovered ways in which life wasn't fair and that they had actually received more than others. Early on, they found gratitude that their lives were far easier in many ways than was their brother's. God is good. One child was able to assist in Sunday School in reining in a child whose behavior was much like her brother's. Her sense of service and even competence was grown by this experience. Yep, God is good again. One daughter is incredibly shy, but with this very intense and highly physical brother to deal with, she toughened up and developed skills she might never have found if all her siblings had been calm and compliant. God is still good. My children had to learn to entertain themselves. I have discovered over the years that this is a profound gift for them, one often missing in other families. My children do not believe that it is my job to keep life interesting or entertaining. They have learned to do this for themselves. They have learned contentment. God is all about contentment. Siblings of a special needs child are simply not as judgmental when they meet folks who don't fit a preconceived mold. They are more comfortable in a variety of scenarios that leave others feeling awkward. They've had plenty of experience in reading the faces of those who are taken aback by their sibling. And they've learned to respond in ways that bring ease to uncomfortable situations. What a skill. God is empowering. In many families, children have developed an interest in a medical career, counseling position or other service-based occupation because their heart has been touched by the unique needs of a much loved but challenging sibling. Some children choose careers that allow them to impact the laws that protect and care for those unable to advocate for themselves. God has plans for all our children. In the end, I have come to believe that God has placed these siblings in this arrangement because He has a plan for them that will require skills that are developed by this family makeup. It wasn't a mistake. It's not even an issue of simply learning to tolerate it. You can rejoice in the good that will come of the mix and blend in your family. Look for the blessings. Look for the good. But don't keep it to yourself. Point it out to your children so they too learn to recline into the arms of a God who put together a great family with them in it and a great plan with their name on it. *This article first published on September 3, 2007. Carol Barnier is a delightful speaker, entertaining author, adequate wife and a pitiful housekeeper ... and oh yes, a fellow homeschooler. Her book, If I'm Diapering a Watermelon, Then Where'd I Leave The Baby? is a survivor's manual for life in the distractible lane. Contact Carol at carol@OpenGifts. org This article was originally published in the July/Aug '07 issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine. For more details, visit http://HomeSchoolEn richment. com  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/714111/ Tue, 4 Aug 2009 06:31:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/714111/ As many of you may remember alerts and prayer requests were sent out earlier this spring for homeschooling "legend" Jessica Hulcy of Konos.  I have been thinking of her a great deal lately and realized there had not been a follow up (at least not one that I had seen).  Yesterday, I went in search of one and I am pleased to share that she is recovering, slowly, but she is recovering.   The update from today says she was in great pain last night, please pray for Jessica.  Specific requests are listed in the post from today.  Please visit and post a prayer or encouraging word for her and the family.   Please visit CaringBridge to read the latest update: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicahulcy .   We serve a mighty God and HE can and will answer this need!   In Christ,   Schonna   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.   2 Corinthians 5:17 (New King James Version) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/706478/ Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:47:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/706478/ When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard.... ..to listen to his son whine about being bored. ....to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes. to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work. ...to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep. ...to be silent when people pray to God for a new car. ...to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower. ..to be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying. ....to keep from laughing when anxious parents say they're afraid to send their kids off to summer camp. ....to keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather. ....to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold. ....to remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog. .....to be civil to people who complain about their jobs. ....to just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year. ....to be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house. The only thing harder than being a Soldier..Is loving one. And saying goodbye forever... So when you see a soldier coming home... SAY... And while they are gone say a prayer and show your support!   I was asked to pass this on and I will gladly do so, Will you??? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/705451/ Sat, 4 Jul 2020 07:24:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/705451/ Don't forget today that as we celebrate there are men and women standing in harm's way. God Bless the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coasties & Guardsmen who are unable to be home with their families today. Give their families peace and comfort today. Thank God for America! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/705066/ Sat, 4 Jul 2009 12:20:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/705066/ Finding Sanctuary   Have you found it a bit disheartening to see the economy plummeting, yet hear stories of how top executives are still going on lavish retreats?  We hear stories of those who run the mortgage companies and auto industries living the lifestyle of the rich and famous, while we struggle to put food on our table and pay our monthly utility bills.  It reminds me of what the psalmist was observing in Psalm 73.   He began to notice how the proud would prosper despite their wickedness.  They seemingly lived painless lives, with strong, healthy bodies.  They didn’t appear to be troubled like many who were daily plagued with one problem after another.  The wicked would even flaunt their pride – wearing it like a jeweled necklace.  It seemed as if they could boast and scoff against the Lord, yet face no punishment.   As the psalmist beheld these activities, he couldn’t help but have negative thoughts.  He even began to question God’s goodness.  He wondered if he had been serving the Lord in vain.  It is the same for us.  First, we begin to take our eyes off the Lord.  Next, we begin to magnify the circumstances we are in, as opposed to the God who rules those circumstances.  Our feet begin a slippery, downward slope; we find ourselves doubting the very God we have trusted for so many years.    What are we to do?  The psalmist found a remedy in verse 17.  He went into the sanctuary.  Suddenly, his perspective began to change.  Instead of focusing on the seemingly prosperous lives of the wicked, he focused on their destiny.  He realized that while on the outside, it looked as if they were succeeding.  Yet, in reality, they were really heading over a cliff to destruction.  The dream they were currently living was going to come to an abrupt end.   Next, the psalmist realized that in spite of his foolish thinking, and his temporary doubts about God’s goodness, the Lord continued to hold his hand.  He realized that God had never left him.  God was still there, guiding him.  That realization leads him to declare, “Whom have I in heaven but You, Lord?”    To adjust our focus, we also need to come to the sanctuary.  This “sanctuary” is more than just attending church.  It is living in God’s Word, for that is what will strengthen us.  Our health may fail us.  The shape of the economy may cause our spirit to falter and grow weak.  Yet God is strength of our heart.  He can only be the strength of our heart when we daily seek Him and diligently get into His Word to find the strength to sustain us in these uncertain times in which we live.   Go find your sanctuary in the Word of God today.  © 2008, Stacy R Miller http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693885/ Mon, 2 Feb 2009 14:32:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693885/ From a Friend for Mother's Day: THE POWER OF A MOTHER'S PRAYER I remember seeing my mother kneeling at the side of her bed and praying aloud for each of her children and grandchildren. That memory is forever etched in my mind and I will never forget sensing a strong presence of God through her intercession. I came away with a sense of reverential fear and trust that no matter what would happen to any of us, God would honor her prayers on our behalf. My mother is in glory now and it's a comfort to know that the Lord continues to honor those prayers. It encourages me to continue to pray for my own children and grandchildren no matter how uncertain their futures or what they are currently facing. I am sure that there are bittersweet moments for each of us whose parents have gone on to be with the Lord. We remember them. We miss them. We now realize how wise they really were. Our hope in the Lord is that we will see them again and enjoy His presence together. Except for Eve, the mother of all living, we've all been blessed with mothers. Our mothers helped shape who we are today—for good or not so good. We learned from their example and from their mistakes. And when we had children of our own we realized what a challenge they faced raising us. Some of us are privileged to have our moms around to help us with our own children. They bring the wisdom of experience and offer their time, love and energy to the task. What a blessing to have a doting grandma to pour unconditional love on our offspring! But even with all that, the Holy Spirit is our best adviser, teacher and counselor. He knows what's best for each child and can give us the insight to know what each needs and how to pray His will concerning each one. God hears a mother's prayer. I am thankful for His instruction and "coaching" as I grappled through years of raising an autistic son in a ministerial fish bowl filled with well-meaning parishioners giving "expert" advice concerning things they knew nothing about. Without the Lord, we would not have made it. Time and time again, He would admonish me to trust Him with our son. That was not an easy task. We would place him on the altar so to speak, and then quickly take him off, load ourselves with worry, then place him on the altar again. Then we'd call on the Lord for help and take one day at a time doing as He directed. The result was miraculous! Today, he's a grown man who loves and serves the Lord, is gainfully employed and active in the men's group at church. Surely, God is worthy of our trust. Surely, He knows what's best for us and for our children. He is totally trustworthy. Sometimes we worry when we don't see our children going in the direction we feel would be best for them. Yet we have His promise that if we raise them and train them in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from them (see Prov. 22:6). Though they may stray as they try to find their own way in life, they will return to what was instilled in them (see 2 Tim. 3:15). It's a promise. Perhaps you are a single parent wrestling with raising your children and working full time. You feel exhausted and overwhelmed. You wonder how you are going to make it through another day. Take heart. You are not alone. The Holy Spirit will provide and direct you each step of the way. Our Father hears a mother's prayer. Trust Him. If God has blessed you with a special-needs child, know that He has given you a treasure. It may not feel that way sometimes. You may feel as if you are the only one carrying the responsibility relating to your child, your spouse, your other children and the household. And if you also work outside the home it's a balancing act like no other. But His grace will enable you to do all He requires of you. You will learn the meaning of unconditional love and enjoy deep fellowship with Him. His love and grace is available—and it's free. Perhaps your children are grown and your mom is in her golden years and needing care. The tables have turned and you are now the caregiver and she is the one needing your help. It's difficult for her to transition from total independence to needing care and provision. Do you struggle with the demands of your own family and her needs? Well, you are not alone. Honoring your mom in this season takes as much grace as handling a household of kids, a special-needs child, a full-time job and a cranky husband. But God is able to sustain you and go even beyond your need. He is there to give you His sufficiency, rest and restoration as you take time to get alone with Him. No matter what season of life you are walking through, the Lord is there for you. As a daughter honoring her mother, a mother enjoying her children or one who is pulled in many directions at once, our God is more than able to provide you with everything you need to make this the most wonderful season of your life. Remember that God answers a mother's prayer. Happy Mother's Day! -SC http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693883/ Sun, 10 May 2009 14:31:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693883/ Worship That Moves the Lord   Have you ever been so desperate in prayer that you begin to beg God for His help, yet feel as if He is ignoring you?  A Canaanite woman experienced that very thing.  In Matthew 15:22, she is crying out to Jesus as He passes by.  Yet, the Lord doesn't even acknowledge her.   Now many of us become discouraged when we feel as if the Lord is ignoring us.  We may even fail to pray since we feel as if our fervent prayers are falling on deaf ears.  Yet, what this Canaanite woman does next fascinates me.  She refuses to give up.  She comes and humbly kneels before Jesus and again asks for His help.  Her humble posture speaks volumes to the Lord, for not only does He notice her, He speaks to her.  Her humble response shows her great faith in Him, even though He previously ignored her.  He commends her for her great faith and grants her request.   We can learn much from this story.  When we don't get an immediate response, we must not get mad and become too proud to ask again.  We must humble ourselves before Him and keep asking, for the Lord will not reject a humble, contrite heart. (Psalm 51:17)  Our humble worship may be what moves Him to act quickly on our behalf.   © 2008, Stacy R Miller Proverbs 31 devotions http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693881/ Mon, 11 May 2009 14:30:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693881/ Priorities   Do you struggle to keep your priorities in the right order?  I certainly do!  It can be quite frustrating at times.  We try to keep our husbands happy, take care of the kids, manage a home, keep on top of all the outside activities, keep up with extended family, and suddenly, there is no time left for us, nor time to spend with the Lord.   Psalm 1 gives some wonderful insights into how to change this merry-go-round that seems to spin out of control.  Verse 2 tells us the godly delight in doing everything the Lord wants.  Hmm…..how many times do I find myself doing things everyone else wants me to do?  That happens more often that I care to admit.  Perhaps that is our problem.  Sisters, we need to learn to say “no!”  If you don’t think you can say no up front to someone who asks you to do something, train yourself to say, “Let me pray about this and discuss it with my husband, then I’ll get back to you.”  This will train you to be a God-pleaser, rather than a man-pleaser.  You will learn to pray before saying “yes,” and it may lessen your load because you may discover that God wants you to cut many activities from your life.   The second part of verse 2 says the godly think about God’s law day and night.  This means they take time to read the Word, meditating on it until it is in their spirit.  This way, even when they are going about their daily grind, they can still be thinking about what they have learned.  This takes practice and diligence.  Ok, I can hear some of you saying, “I just don’t have time for this!”    Verse 1 tells us the godly don’t follow the advice of the wicked.  We may claim to not have time to read the Word, but how often do we turn on secular TV and listen to the ungodly advice given there?  How often do we pick up a magazine or newspaper and read ungodly advice in those pages?  Verse 1 also mentions the joy the godly have because they aren’t filling their spirit with ungodly advice.    This verse also tells us the godly do not stand around with sinners.  In other words, they find wise, godly friends who will be like iron sharpening iron.  The godly also refuse to sit down and get comfy with those who scoff the very Lord they serve.  Yet, how many times do we sit down and turn on a situation comedy to relax and wind down for the night?  Often, these shows portray the fathers as idiots, and they frequently make Christians look like morons.   Verse 3 tells us the godly bear fruit in each season.  If we make time with the Lord a priority in our lives, it will enable us to stand firm regardless of what comes our way.  We can bear fruit: n       when going through a desert experience, n       when the children are squabbling, n       when a family member is ill n       when our marriage is in a rut, n       in the midst of a job loss, n       while grieving the death of a loved one.   I don’t know about you, but with the trying times in which we live, I’m finding much more life in the Word than on television.  It refreshes my spirit and gives me hope, even when the evening news makes me want to tremble in fear.   Do your priorities need to be adjusted? © 2008, Stacy R. Miller Proverbs 31 devotions http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693880/ Fri, 29 May 2009 14:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693880/ I LOVE LOVE LOVE Menus4Moms and have gotten their free menus for years.  I just never have had the $ to do the Lifetime membership.  Well now thanks to a little run in Christine (The Menu Mom) is having a special offer.  I signed up as soon as I saw this (somehow I missed the earlier e-mail!) but today I am officially a lifetime member! Here is the e-mail she sent out: Happy Friday!  It is the last day of school here, so this is going to be short!  Just a real quick reminder that today is the last day to take advantage of our $80 package deal special.  Here are the details from before in case you missed it:   My husband has been in the dog house a bit.  You see, he had a bit of an accident in my 6 month old brand new SUV.  Accidents happen, and of course I forgive him and I'm just grateful no one was hurt!  However, it does put us in a bit of a bind.  We just paid a huge tax bill - which was a bit unexpected and wiped out a lot of our savings, and now we have a $1000 deductible to get our car fixed, - three weeks before we are supposed to go on a 6,000 mile road trip (and I'm sure you have noticed the price of gas is not going down!)  Anyway, I'm sure you don't want to hear all about my financial woes - we all have them these days!  So, let's move on to the good news!    The good news is that in order to help us pay for the deductible, (and give you a good deal in the tough financial times as well) I have put together a really nice package deal at a really nice price!  I haven't ever done a combo like this before, I could be crazy giving away so much for so little...but here it goes!  Here's what it includes: - A Lifetime Subscription To Dine Without Whine (www.dinewithoutwhine.com)  - $139.95 - A Copy of Kid Approved Meals (www.kidapprovedmeals.com) - $14.95 - The Kid Approved Meals Bonus Books - Weekly Family Brunch Recipes & Fun With Food - $20.90 - Entertaining Made Easy (http://www.menuplanningcentral.com/entertaining.html) - $16.97 - Bonus E-books: - $87.00  The Best of Living On A Dine - Grocery Savings  Family Routines  More Energy For Mom  Thanksgiving Planned For You  Christmas Planned For You  Fondue Fun  Raw Kids Cookbook  Freezer Cooking Basics  How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half  & A couple More Surprise Books $279.77 Value - Your Price:  $80.00 I can offer this price through Friday May 29th. (feel free to tell your friends!)  To take advantage of the offer, all you need to do is sign-up here: Dine Without Whine Sign Up    Scroll Down to CLICK HERE TO JOIN   on the order page SELECT Lifetime Subscription and use Coupon Code:  CAROOPS   I will need to manually email you the Kid Approved Meals E-book, so please have a tad bit of patience on that, but I will do it as quickly as possible.  Everything else you will have immediate access to.   ***Please note, I am not able to offer refunds for past purchases. Also, if you have a current monthly subscription (recurring - you pay each month), and you would like to take advantage of this deal, please contact our help desk at support@dinewithoutwhine.com to cancel your monthly subscription so you don't have two subscriptions running at the same time!    Have a WONDERFUL Weekend!   Christine "The Menu Mom"   P.S.  If you want to read about and see a picture from the accident, you can do so at www.dinewithoutwhine.com/blog  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693820/ Fri, 29 May 2009 12:02:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/newcr8ion/693820/