Welcome ~ May this blog be a reflection of my heart. "The Best part of Beauty is that which no picture can express...." Sir Francis Bacon
~ ~~"The face of beauty can take many forms ~ an encouraging word of kindness, a smile that breaks forth like morning light, a tender act of compassionate love. The most winsome of all women seem to have in common some timeless qualities of beauty ~ grace, wisdom, thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion ~ and they carry these with a certain sense of confidence. The truest kind of beauty is cultivated over time, perfected in the heart. And it is a loviliness that lasts long after all else has faded." ~~~ A Heart Where Beauty Lives ~ I so long to fill my life with gems of grace, kindness, and confidence. I pray that the Lord will continue to fashion my heart after His, for it is the place where beauty lives and flourishes.
~ Whispers of Life ~
**A look at my world here in Kentucky**
Oh, to wake up to the ever present release of winter, so slowly knocking at my windows.
My heart anticipating that first fresh fall of snow.
Watching the birds as they happily finish the last details before winter arrives,
The squarrels so anxious to get all the food they need into their little coves.
It is this I long for when I look out my kitchen window. The whispers of life beckoning me to glance it's way.
To record it's journey one more day.
God's Beautiful World Etched in My Journal
6/11/08 HOT! Very Humid. It has been so hard for me to get out and actually plant some flowers. I look forward to the evenings.
I notice the birds taking to the waterbaths and hummingbird feeders. I love to watch them splash around and havin' fun.
~ Weekly Morning Psalms~
Meditating on one Psalm a week
Psalms 74:1-11
1 O GOD, why do You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger burn and smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
2 [Earnestly] remember Your congregation which You have acquired of old, which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your heritage; remember Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.
3 Direct Your feet [quickly] to the perpetual ruins and desolations; the foe has devastated and desecrated everything in the sanctuary.
4 In the midst of Your Holy Place Your enemies have roared [with their battle cry]; they set up their own [idol] emblems for signs [of victory].
5 They seemed like men who lifted up axes upon a thicket of trees to make themselves a record.
6 And then all the carved wood of the Holy Place they broke down with hatchets and hammers.
7 They have set Your sanctuary on fire; they have profaned the dwelling place of Your [a]Name by casting it to the ground.
8 They said in their hearts, Let us make havoc [of such places] altogether. They have burned up all God's meetinghouses in the land.
9 We do not see our symbols; there is no longer any prophet, neither does any among us know for how long.
10 O God, how long is the adversary to scoff and reproach? Is the enemy to blaspheme and revile Your name forever?
11 Why do You hold back Your hand, even Your right hand? Draw it out of Your bosom and consume them [make an end of them]!
Psalm at a glance: In effect, the prayer of asaph here is, "Lord, please take your hands out of your pockets and do something!"
Notable Quotable~
"From the depths of nature's blindness,
From the hardening power of sin,
From all malice and unkindness,
From the pride that lurks within;
By the mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.
~John James Cummings.
~ A Garden of Friends ~
~ Prayer Request ~
* Please keep my family in prayer,for ministry and homeschooling ~
* We are on number 8 pregnancy, I have been diagnosed placenta previa, please pray for full term
pregnancy and the placenta returns where it belongs, next appointment in June 12, 8:30a
* Please keep my womens bible study in your prayers.
Coincide your Proverbs Chapters with the day of the Month. December 1 ~ Proverbs 1. When you run into only 28 or 30 days in the month double towards the end of the months.
Jane Austen~
* The Jane Austen Book Club
* Pride and Prejudice
* Sense and Sensibilty
* Jane Austen Companion
* Emma
* Northanger Abbey
* Mansfield Park
* Jane Austen Letters
* A Memoir of Jane Austen and other Family Recollections
* Darcy's Story
~ My Favorite Classic Authors ~
* Louisa May Alcott ~ Little Women, Little Men
* Emily Bronte ~ Wuthering Heights
* Charlotte Bronte ~ Jane Eyre
* Lewis Carroll ~
* Charles Dickens ~
* Edgar Allen Poe ~
* Leo Tolstoy ~ Anna Karenina, War and Peace
* Voltaire ~ Candide
* British Literature
* Christian Literature
* World Literature
* Becoming Jane
* Mrs. Potter
* Esther: One Night with the King
* Passion
* Gone With the Wind
* The Notebook
* Pride and Prejudice
* Ella Enchanted
* Ever After
* The Secret Garden (1993)
* Lord of the Rings
* Emma
* Rose Hill
* Hobbit
* The Chronicles of Narnia
* Arsenic and Old Lace
* Little Women
* Shirley Temple
* Princess Bride
* Sense and Sensibility
* The Lion, The Witch , and the Wardrobe
* Fiddler on the Roof
You are anxious to have a comfortable lifestyle at any cost - once you've made a decision, you don't go back on it. However, you are a good friend and loving family member.
Charlotte Lucas
85%
Mr Bingley
80%
Jane Bennett
75%
Lydia Bennett
65%
Elizabeth Bennet
50%
Mr. Darcy
50%
Mr Bennett
40%
Mrs Bennett
40%
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
35%
Kitty Bennett
30%
Mr. Wickham
30%
Mary Bennett
25%
Mr. Collins
20%
~ A Writer's Delight ~
If you are truly a creative writer youll find it almost impossible to separate yourself from your material, whether youre writing fact or fiction.
Your memories, emotions, convictions, experiences and unique personality will permeate whatever you write. ~ Marjorie Holmes, ~ Writing Articles from the Heary
"Blessed God, give me wisdom and grace to be a teacher of my children as
Thou wouldst have. Thou sufferest not any other to usurp the parent's place;
Thou hast appointed him the first and highest teacher. Lord, teach me, with all parents,
to take home the lessons which Thou seest we need to fit us for our work. Fill our
hearts with Thy love and Thy word. Love knows no sacrifice, it counts nothing a burden;
love rests not till it has triumphed. Oh, fill us with Thy love; shed it abroad in our
hearts by the Holy Spirit. And fill us with Thy word, that teaching our children will
be the spontaneous overflowing of the heart. Make us diligent and wise to do our work well.
Sharpen Thy words deep into our children's hearts, too. And make us persevering all the day,
walking in Thy love and presence.
Make our whole life an influence, educating our children for Thee." -Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
Jan. 16, 2008~ I am still here. ~
Just a quick note to all my sisters in Christ. I just want to let everyone know that I have not gone anywhere. I am currently taking a Sabbatical and a 21 day fast until the 6th of February. I will be posting as the Lord leads up until that date.
The reason I am taking this time is to lean into God, for direction. I want so much to have God's purpose in my life. I am seeking His destiny for me. There are so many situations that he is showing me and I am just really needing to lean into Him and seek His face and presence.
I will share as the Lord leads what is happening in my life. He is a wonderful God, isn't He? When we least expect it He begins to woo us to Himself?
I ask for much prayer for me and that God will show me and lead me into the knowledge of why he has created me to be 35 years young in 2008 and what my calling is.
I know that one of my heartstrings has been with missions. My heart has been called to Zambia, Africa for quite sometime now. I also know that He has put prayerwalking into my life as well.
I am seeking direction for my blogs and what God wants to do through me. I anticipate God's heart and His vision for my life.
Thank you all for all your prayers, I feel them coming my way already.
My Monthly Journal ~ I jot down what God has been doing in my life and any revelations He has given me. Any words He may speak to me about changes that need to take place in my life.
I have prayers added and poems, anything inspirationaI. I used a composition notebook and added the paper decorations to it from the scrapbooking section at Walmart.
"Remember [fervently] the word and promise to Your servant, in which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life. "Psalm 119:49-50
Acceptance
Biblical ~ the favor and approval of an individual by God.
Personal ~ the confidence to be yourself because of God's unfailing love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well done, you upright and (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys."
Matthew 25:21 (amp)
Apodechomai is the greek word for acceptance, which means "to receive heartily," "to welcome by deliberate and ready reception what is offered."
So basically acceptance is to receive someone as they are, in a deliberate and ready form. Opened arm so to speak.
Do we have problems with this today? We are not very ready to accept everybody the way they are. They clothes are too tight, they do not keep the faith the way we do, they are too much into the world, they sin too much and on and on.
Now, mind you the word does tell us to be careful who we yoke with. I take yoke as who we partner with, who we make close friends with, who we merge business with, and stuff like that. I do not consider it someone we know as an acquaintence.
The basis for our whole personality should begin with knowing acceptance by God as he created you to be.
The apostle Paul had a problem with acceptance because of his past and persecuting Christians. Could he be trusted now? First, he had to learn to accept himself as he was viewed by God.
"By the grace of GodI am what I am..."
Those who look to God alone for approval, for the substance of who they are, can receive each day with confidence and welcome whatever reception comes from others. That acceptance by God rests on what Jesus did on your belief.
When you know God's love and acceptance, you can accept yourself just as you are, with all your imperfections and you will find the courage to discover who you are inside.
"Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God."
Romans 15:7
Acceptance happens when you know that God loves you as you are and you find out the purpose He has for you and who He created you to be, regardless of what others say. From that point of knowledge, you are able to reach out to others and not really be concerned about how they feel about you. You are able to be honest and humble before others, whatever they may think.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God, thank you for accepting me with open arms, help me to accept other sin the same way and to love them unconditionally, not being concerned about that love beinf returned
As the New Year starts and the old year ends,
There's no better time to make amends.
For all the things we sincerely regret,
And wish in our hearts we could somehow forget.
We all make mistakes,for it's human to err,
But no one need ever give up in despair.
For God gives us all a brand new beginning,
A chance to start over and repent of our sinning-
And when God forgives us, we, too, must forgive,
And resolve to do better each day that we live.
By constantly trying to be like Him more dearly-
Assured that we're never out of His care.
And we're always welcome to see Him in prayer.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
I believe that the light in me is the light of Christ, and this year my purpose is to so let that light shine among all those I meet. This year I want to love like Christ loves, forgive like Christ forgives and speak words of wisdom as He speaks. I want to get out into my community and tell them about my best friend, Jesus. I want to win them to Christ, by sharing with them His love.
You see It isn't really about what I want this year. All I want is to die to this old carnal woman and live for my Jesus.
It isn't about what I do around the house on a weekly basis or even what shampoo I use? This year I want to serve Jesus 150%. I have chosen to be very selective this year in where and how I spend my time. You will notice that I am not doing as many memes this year.
I ask myself this 2008 question: Is what I am doing going to move me closer to God and to who He has created me to be? If not, I do not do it. It is just that simple.
I am a daughter to the most high God and I want to shout it from the roof top. Isn't He wonderful!!!!
So, this year I will be having my usual memes and doing bible studies. I will be picking up where I didn't start last year. So there is still time to join the book study. More on this on my other site.
****Everyday Sacred ~ Living our lives focused on Jesus and getting closer to Him. In everything we choose to do, it should be bringing us closer to Him. www.homesteadblogger.com/sanctuary
But for those of you who love detail, here is just a few of my inner thoughts on what I hope to accomplish this year.
Personal~
*Change, yes I want to change. My process has already began. During the last part of December many events took place in my life that caused me to value what is important in my life. Due to these events. I have come out loving more deeper and with God's Amazing Grace. This year is a year of transformation for me. Giving God my old heart and old natures and asking Him to create in me all that He ever desired for me. Change is good, but can be hard, but I am learning a great lesson that God's grace covers everything and will so transform you into His image.
"Every change --even the most difficult and painful--gives us an opportunity to receive the miraculous gift of personal transformation. The only real failure in life, is the failure to grow from what we go through." M. Williamson
This year I am focusing on Mind, Body, Soul and Spirit Tranformation~
Mind~
*I want to memorize more scripture this year,.
*I want to read all those books I have been putting off.
*Renew my Mind to the word of God, by making a conscious decision each day to take every thought captive and bring it under subjection to Christ.
*I want to study, practice and walk in the fruits of the spirit.
*I want to walk in complete love and grace this year. (the rest of my life)
Body~
*EXERCISE! EXERCISE! ~ I am starting my exercise program this year! Yes, goodbye 50lbs. Hello gorgeous. Heee
*Return our family to a more whole, natural, raw diet like before.
*Walk 3x a week
*Go to bed by 11pm at night.
Soul ~(relationships)~
*Love deeper.
*Send out cards this year to friends and family.
*Take time out for me.
*Start painting regularly again.
*Lots of crafts with the children.
*Breathe deeper, live stronger, laugh more often, cry deeper, get real with who I am and who I want to be. Dance as if no one were watching, Enjoy life to the fullest.
*Take time out to nurture my relationships this year and years to come.
*Every Friday go out to eat with my wonderful husband. Every other Saturday Family Night.
*!00% full force in my two businesses, Warm Spirit and A Piece of My Heart.
*By mid March have "A Piece of My Heart" items ready for sell. (I make quilts, hand bags, baby blankets, baby clothes, bible covers, basket slips, etc.
Spirit~
*Give God 150% this year and years to come. Living completely for His calling on my life.
*No more procrastinating!
*Finish my children's book and work on getting it published.
*Work on my woman's devotional/study and get it published.
*Begin my monthly groups:
~~Women's Prayer Walking Group ~ Ladies gather here at my house to go out into the community to pray for the community and we speak God's promises and word over our city.
~~Women's Prayer Teas Group ~ Ladies gather here at my house to pray for missions, missionaries, and countries. We have a prayer theme and we focus on that specific theme. We raise money for missionaries and different mission needs.
~~S.I.S.T.A.S Group ~ "Spirit Indwelled Sistas Together Achieving Sucess"~ This is my business group, ladies get together and we study god's word and what He says about being that Prov. 31 women in todays world. We pass couponc, we pass on tips, we go out into the community and help out where we are needed and we visit nursing homes, hospitals, we have book studies, we go out to lunch. We just have fun. (We are kind of like the Red Hat Society), except we are geared up for the work of the Kindgom!
Well, that is a little of what I plan on doing. Of course between the 3 blogs, you will find out more on how God is leading me this year.
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. [Psalm 139:1]
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. [Psalm 139:2]
I am familiar with all your ways. [Psalm 139:3]
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. [Matthew 10:29-31]
For you were made in my image. [Genesis 1:27]
In me you live and move and have your being. [Acts 17:28]
For you are my offspring. [Acts 17:28]
I knew you even before you were conceived. [Jeremiah 1:4-5]
I chose you when I planned creation. [Ephesians 1:11-12]
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. [Psalm 139:15-16]
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. [Acts 17:26]
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. [Psalm 139:14]
I knit you together in your mother’s womb. [Psalm 139:13]
And brought you forth on the day you were born. [Psalm 71:6]
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. [John 8:41-44]
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. [1 John 4:16]
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. [1 John 3:1]
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. [1 John 3:1]
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. [Matthew 7:11]
For I am the perfect father. [Matthew 5:48]
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. [James 1:17]
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. [Matthew 6:31-33]
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. [Jeremiah 29:11]
Because I love you with an everlasting love. [Jeremiah 31:3]
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. [Psalms 139:17-18]
And I rejoice over you with singing. [Zephaniah 3:17]
I will never stop doing good to you. [Jeremiah 32:40]
For you are my treasured possession. [Exodus 19:5]
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. [Jeremiah 32:41]
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. [Jeremiah 33:3]
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. [Deuteronomy 4:29]
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. [Psalm 37:4]
For it is I who gave you those desires. [Philippians 2:13]
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. [Ephesians 3:20]
For I am your greatest encourager. [2 Thessalonians 2:16-17]
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. [2 Corinthians 1:3-4]
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. [Psalm 34:18]
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. [Isaiah 40:11]
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. [Revelation 21:3-4]
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. [Revelation 21:3-4]
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. [ John 17:23]
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. [John 17:26]
He is the exact representation of my being. [Hebrews 1:3]
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. [Romans 8:31]
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. [2 Corinthians 5:18-19]
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. [2 Corinthians 5:18-19]
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. [1 John 4:10]
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. [Romans 8:31-32]
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. [1 John 2:23]
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. [Romans 8:38-39]
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. [Luke 15:7]
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. [Ephesians 3:14-15]
My question is…Will you be my child? [John 1:12-13]
I am waiting for you. [Luke 15:11-32]
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.
I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child
And guided where I go.
Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate .
Here are some pictures of my home: Kitchen, Dining Area, Office Desk, and My Craft/Art/Sewing Room. I will add another one this weekend. It will include pictures of the laundry room, bedrooms, livingroom and bathroom. Tina
We have been setting up feeders for all the birds around here. We still have to do the pinecone feeders.
You take fresh clean pinecones and add peanut butter to the whole thing, especially in between the grooves. Then you dip the cone into a huge bag of seeds and bounce it around until it is completely covered. Then tie strings at the top and hang them around the trees.
Then, I also take the netting from Thanksgivings Turkey and cut them into sections. I fill them up with peanutbutter seed balls and tie the ends with a ribbon. We will take pictures and let you see them when we are through.
We have a couple of books to read about taking care of the birds and ways to help protect and prepare them for winter and shelter. As well as what feeds are good for what birds. Ways to keep the squarrels out of their feed.
We plan on making bird pictures and some crafts. I will have all pics posted tomorrow.
We are going to have a beautiful day. I can't wait to get started finishing the rest of our crafts. I love nature, don't you?
Dec. 11, 2007~ Lasy Minute, yet on going details. ~
The morning is slowly arising as I sit here finishing some last minute, yet ongoing details of my blog. I am trying so hard to get this homeschooling site up and officially going.
At the first of the year I will be adding everything we do about homeschooling. So be looking for that.
I just fixed me some yummy Pumpkin Spice Coffee with some Spiced Rum Creamer. Absolutely divine. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!
We have many events planned this week.
Tuesday:
Homemade Pizza in the iron skillet.
Yummy! Yummy!
Wednesday:
Polar Express Night ~
1.We watch the movie- Polar Express.
2.Read books on trains.
3.Drink lots of cocoa and marshmellows.
4.Making cookies with a train cutter.-Yummy
* Now beings that this movie is somewhat based on believing, they kind of put it towards believing in Santa, but I use it as an allegory about believing in Jesus. There is alot of wisdom in how they use the term belief and how when we get older we don't seem to believe quite like a child, sometimes not believing at all. So I use the verses in the scriptures about coming to Jesus with the faith of a child. We read verses in the Bible about what it truly means to believe ~ in JESUS!!
Thursday:
Bird Day ~
1.We are stringing popcorn and cranberries for the birds.
2.Hanging out pinecones with peanut-butter dipped in birdseeds.
3.We will watch a video on "Taking care of the birds during winter."
4.As well as read books on birds and winter.
5.We will go out and find all the bird nest and look at what birds are still around.(using our bird field guide) and record our findings in out nature journals.
6.We are also making Peanut-butter Cookies topped with Reese Peanut-butter icecream.
Friday:
Gingerbread Day~
1.We are reading Jan Brett's book "Gingerbread Baby"
2.Making Gingerbread cookies and Ginger-bread.
3.I am making Chicken Ala-Ginger and Rice for Dinner and drinking Ginger-ale Punch and Ginger-Ice Tea.
* It is going to be a Ginger of a day!!!
Saturday:
Christmas Chili Celebration~
* We are having our Traditional (starting this year) Christmas Chili Celebration.
*.We are making Homemade Pimento Cheese Sandwiches and Peanut-butter Sandwiches.
* We are inviting all our family and friends to come join us for a wonderful day of Homemade Chili.
Other Celebrations~
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Comments made by customers who have read a wonderful book by: Tomie de Paola ~ excellent book, highly recommended. "Our Lady of Guadalupe is the apparition of Mary appearing to a Native American in Mexico dressed in the simple clothes of a pregnant Indian maiden. Other miracles accompany these visitations, the end result of which is that millions of people who were unable to accept the religion of their ruthless Spanish conquerors were able to embrace the religion of this maiden and became Christians."
"It is a beautiful rendering of a beautiful story, that of the Mother of God appearing to an indigenous man to teach true peace. The Spaniards argued that the human sacrificing Aztecs and other Mexican religions must be destroyed, along with their culture, while the Franciscans who accompanied their journeys argued that the people need not change their language, traditions, etc. Our Lady of Guadalupe showed that culture need not be obliterated to bring the Christian faith to others. She showed her great love for the Mexican people, and the beauty of this love pierces DePaola's work. I love his iconic style of illustration and his children's books, but this is by far my favorite. The children love it. "
****We will be having:
1.Mexican Food for dinner and any Aztec Specialties.
2.While reading the book before bed the children will have some Aztec Spicy Hot Chocolate', while I enjoy some Aztec Coffee.
3.Coloring and Painting pictures of Mexican People and their Culture
4.Reading some books about Aztec People
**Some Christians do not celebrate these days. We have chosen to celebrate all the miracles that have said to have happened that glorify our Father's abilities and great works. Only God could have allowed this to take place.
Birthday Celebration~
Then we have a birthday party to attend, My husbands old boss is having a birthday, so this should be rather fun. He is a very sweet and funny guy.
Sunday:
Third Sunday in Advent~
So we will continue on with Advent and we will read some passages from the Word of God and from our Magnificat for Sunday Advent.
All meals served with salad and homemade dinner rolls.
~ This Weeks Menu ~
* Monday ~ Dutch Oven Ribs
* Tuesday ~ Homemade Pizza
* Wednesday ~ Chili Dog Night
~ Polar Express Night w/ Hot Chocolate ~
* Thursday ~ Vegetable Soup
~Bird Day~
~ Shabbat Dinner ~
* Friday ~ Chicken Ala-ginger and Couscous
~ Gingerbread Day ~ Read Jan Bretts Gingerbread Boy
and make Gingerbread boy/girl cookies
and gingerbread houses ~
* Saturday ~ Chili Celebration Party ar Our House
~ Special Dinner for Lady Guadalupe ~ Mexican Food for Dinner
* Sunday ~ Finish all of this weeks leftovers
~ Angel/Fudge Night ~ talk about angels in a believers. life
~ Desserts ~
* Fudge
* Gingerbread Cookies
* Gingerbread
* Peanut Butter Cookies
* Yogurt and fruit
Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all. O Lord, let your blessing come upon us as we light the first and second (purple) candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise of salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy name. Amen.
Waiting
We light a candle today, a small dim light against a world that often seems forbidding and dark. But we light it because we are a people of hope, a people whose faith is marked by an expectation that we should always be ready for the coming of the Master. The joy and anticipation of this season is captured beautifully in the antiphons of hope from the monastic liturgies:
See! The ruler of the earth shall come, the Lord who will take from us the heavy burden of our exile The Lord will come soon, will not delay. The Lord will make the darkest places bright. We must capture that urgency today in the small flame of our candle. We light the candle because we know that the coming of Christ is tied to our building of the kingdom. Lighting the flame, feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, reconciling the divided, praying for the repentant, greeting the lonely and forgotten – doing all these works hastens His coming.
I really enjoy using the book called Mrs. Sharp's Traditions..reviving Victorian family celebrations of comfort & Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. The Victorian era is simply my favorite of all time.
In our family we try to keep Christ in Christmas so. We celebrate St. Nicholas's Day. December 6. On this day the children make gifts and crafts for the children at the womens and children shelter here in the community. I want my children to know the real St. Nicholas not the Santa Claus of today.
Doing this keeps in line with our typical days. We celebrate alot of people in the world and their accomplishments. I have had someone say this is idolizing someone. I argue with them since we celebrate our own birthdays and those we love.
On these days we celebrate the good they have brought to this world and I want my children to see that even though there is alot of evil in this world, there is still alot of good. Also, the stories are very inspirational and causes one to say I can do anything through Christ.
We celebrate Saints, Authors, Family and Friends, Special Days. We even talk about the history of the Church in our homeschooling. I want each day to be significant in the lives and hearts of my children.
Life is tuly what you make of it.
Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is new to us this year. So seeing that we are new to this tradition. Here is something I do with the children. Teaching them to give, like St. Nicholas gave and teaching them how when we give to others one shall receive from Jesus a reward, just like out of St. Nicholas's love for others that God I am sure rewarded him for his act of love to those he ministered to.
Now in giving we never really know what one will receive from God. So, I have the children place gifts to St. Nicholas. These are gifts that they have made. Gifts like pictures, bible verses they have memorized about giving, or they can choose to give a toy that they want to give to a needy child.
After they have done this then I tell them that if St. Nicholas was about to stop at your house as he did many, many years ago. (He was known to stop by the homes of the poor and he gave to those in need.) What would you say to him or give to him? Then I tell them that when they wake up I will collect their gifts and place uder the tree what I think St. Nicholas might have left for them.
All of this is done after we tell the story each year about St. Nicolas. I want my children to know who the real St. Nicholas was. I do not want them to fall prey to this new commercialized Santa Claus!
I know that many people choose to lie and tell their children St. Nicholas left them, but in tradition no matter how good it is, lying is never justified. Now if you choose to tell your children this, then that is between you and your children. IEven though I choose to keep the spirit alive in all our traditions, I even more choose to keep the truth in all that I do as well..
Besides they understand what I am trying to teach them. We give even when we do not know what we will receive. The holidays are about giving to others, not to receive anything really, but we have such a loving Father in Heaven that He chooses to reward us for all the we do in light of His word.
Hello and welcome to my corner of simplicity. I hope to share with you the thoughts and ramblings
of my days with my children.
Our heart is to train our children to walk in the ways of the Lord.
"To develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior
of our children by discipline and instruction."
I want to train my precious lambs to live a more simplified life with a God
created stamp of authenticity about them. Allowing the Master Potter to use my hands to mold, shape
and press them into the beautiful men and women of God they were meant to be.
We live a very vintage, creative, and antique life. Many say, including my mom, that I was born into
the wrong era. I love 40% music and old movies. Old antiques and vintage material.
Everything I do with my children is to wrap them up with family memories and traditions. I build our lives around our faith
and what we believe. Always finding something that we can celebrate.
I want to teach them to celebrate everything that God has allow into our lives. To mark that day and celebrate it, to never forget
how far he has brought us.
~ All About Me ~
~ Just a Thought.... ~
"The Value of Life does not depend on the place we occupy. It depends upon the way we occupy that place." ~~~St. Therese of Lisieux
Starting in June I will be gathering some beautiful ladies in my home every Tuesday for Tea and Bible Study. We will be focusing on "Becoming the Women God wants us to be."
"These are very Special Celebrations with Some very Treasured Friends." Come join me as I post the gatherings here. So, yes you can join and you still have time to purchase the book. Just click on book to order.
~ Bible Studies I am Starting in July 2008 ~
My Monthly Newsletter
"Sarah's Daughters"
This Newsletter is based off of 1 Peter 3:3-6, paying attention to v6.
"3. Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] [a] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;
4. but let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.
5. For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].
6. It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters
if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you]."amplified version
and Titus 2:3-5
"3. Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble,
4. So that they will wisely train the young women to be [a]sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children,
5. To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited)."
amplified version
**This will be available as a PDF file and will be free of charge, unless you request a mailing version (full color). Subscription rates will apply under that request.
More on this in days to come.
Becoming a Wife who Pleases God
Get ready to feast on true Godliness and 'Pure' Instruction.
Becoming Godly Handmaidens
Scripture Memory Verses for Daughters on the Path to Becoming Beautiful Women.
Raising Young Warriors
Scripture Memory Verses for Young Men on the Path to Becoming Young Warriors for God and their family.
Study on the Armour of God and Teaching our Children about the Invisible War that is going on in this world. The Godly Supernatural against the New Age.
*My Bible (always)
*My Journal~the voice of my heart
*Sun-rippened Raspberry Candle
*My Fav. CDs ~ Mysteries by Julie True, Serene and Pearl
*A Wife's Prayer
*The Homemaker's Journal
~Magazines and Catalogues~
* Tea and Friends Newsletterbr>
* Seasons at Home
* A Woman of Worth Quarterly
* Stepping Into the Light Magazine
* Teach Magazine
* The Remnant
* Victoria
* Tea Time Magazine
* Southern Lady
* Cottage Living Magazine
* Hope Chest Magazine
* Coldwater Creek
* L.L.Beans
* Gooseberry Pathch
* Monteray Bay
Books I'm Reading for 2007
My 2008 Reading List
*The Word of God
* A Wife's Prayer
* Becoming a Woman that Please God
* Fascinating Womanhood
* A Woman by God's Grace
* Loving Well
* Created to Be His Helpmate
* Hidden Sorrow Lasting Joy
* Social Graces
* Dancing Bones
* I Danced in Africa
* A Place of Quiet Rest
* Knowing and Loving the Bible
* Sanctuary
* Lifegiving
* Never too Early
* Brokeness
* You Can Raise a Well Mannered Child
* Growing Godly Women
* Self Talk, Soul Talk
* Living in the Light of Eternity
* Biblical Womanhood in the Home
* Under the Apple Tree
* What to Pray When Your Pregnant
* Warrior Bride Arise
* Emilie's Creative Home Organizer
* Life Management for Busy Woman
* Clean up the Clutter
* Women of Wisdom
* What's in the Bible for Women
"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),
as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men]
that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward.
[The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
Colossians 3:23-24
~ My Daily Tasks ~
* Wake up early - 4:30am
* Turn on coffee
* Turn on some soft of music
* Morning Date with Jesus
* Get children ready for school
* Start first load of clothes
* Do my personal bible study
~ Plus Read devotionals:
* Lift up Husband and children in prayer ~ 1 hour
of their lives I need God to move.
* Gather Belonging to start School Lessons
My Specific Day Chores
Daily
* wash dishes, make beds, bleach kitchen and bathroom,
sweep and mop kitchen and bathrooms, pick up each room
throughout day and at the end of the day and vaccuum, make meal
preparations for next day, water outside plants.
Weekly
~ Mondays and Wednesdays: wash clothes, art projects
~ Tuesdays: iron, water houseplants, sewing projects,
prayer group, Tea Time Ladies Group
~ Thursdays: Farmer's Market, prepare menu/grocery list for Saturday
~ Friday: change bed linens, errands outside the home,
prayer group
~ Saturday: do yard work, shop groceries and file Homeschool work
later in the evening prepare for the next week of school
~ Sunday: Church, Fellowship and Friends, plan for the next day and week to come.
Monthly
* Week1~ Clean refrigerator, and deep clean bathroom
* Week2~ Clean Oven and wash livingroom Windows
* Week3~ Mend Clothing, wash bedroom windows
* Week4~ Clean and Dust ALL baseboards throughout the home,
wax kitchen floor, and wood floors.
Quarterly
* Clean Drawers and outside windows
* Clean out closets
* Move livingroom and bedroom furniture away from walls and vaccuum
* Organize cupboards in kitchen, linen closet, bathroom closets, and hall closet
Bi-Annually
* Clean screens, check for holes, change all filters in house.
Annually
* Wash curtains, clean any drapes, clean any carpets, wawh walls and woodwork (or paint if needed),
clean out shed, make any repairs that are needed.
Whew, that's all I could think of, maybe you have some ideas and you can share them with me as well.
The rest of my days task
* Begin School Lessons
* Nature Walk
* Work on business for awhile
~ Warm Spirit and "Uniquely You" Sewing Projects
* Work on my Art ~ paint
* Naptime/Quiet Time
* Work on my blogs
My "Weekly Task" mentioned above is done during this time
* Tea Time and a good book
* Make yummy treats for kids
* Start Preparations for dinner
* Dinner
* Finish up schoolwork with children
* Childrens' Bathtime
* Story time with the children
* Kids bedtime
* A nice bath w/candles and music
* Bible Study/Devotions with my Beloved Hubby
* Finish last load of laundry
* Read my precious Bible, my love letter
* Tell Jesus how much I love Him
* Meditate on my day and close it out
* Thank Jesus for my another day
* Work on my Journal
* Work on Homekeeper Binder and Small Personal Binder
* Work on my To Do List Journal
* Take all my cares and mistakes to Him
* Prepare for the next day
* Go to bed
ZzZzZzZzZzZzZzZz
~ Bountiful Blessings~
Serving My Family With Love
This section is dedicated to all the women who have risen to the high calling of Wifery and Motherhood.
I myself continously look for ways to give more to my family. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
One tool that I have found to do this is through a Household Management Binder. I call mine, "Homekeeping Daily"
Here are some sites that will help you begin your own binders.
Here are are list of awesome women who are doing the same in their own homes. You can click on their link to view their binders.
I will be adding pictures of mine soon.
Our Homeschool Days involve alot of Reading, Arts and Crafts, as well as Nature Walks.
First and foremost we do what we do because of Jesus. He is our foundation and center.
My teaching style is eclectic, with Charlotte Mason and Classical techiniques, marinated in alot of living books.
We are a very simple, creative and artsy family. I try to fill our days
up with alot of reading, arts, crafts and nature. When we learn, regardless of the subject, I try to make an activity that is hands on and creative.
That way the information sticks.
We are also a reading family. It is not unlike us to have atleast 60 books from the library just for the children! That's atleast 10 books a piece, per child.
Curriculum
We gear alot of our education towards reading and hands on.
What I gather before I work on my lesson plans for the month and each week:
*Bible
*Calendar
*Journal
*Homekeeping Binder
*Lesson Planning Book
*Lamplighter Publishing Catalogue
*Keepers of the Faith Catalogue
~These two are so I can choose which books we will read for our Character Theme of the Month.
*All my magazines that involve crafts and food ideas, this is for the month I am working on.
*Highlights Magazines for that month
*Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home
Books I Keep on Hand
Charlotte Mason Companion
Charlotte Mason Study Guide
A Charlotte Mason Education
More Charlotte Mason Education
Nature Study Notebook
Field Guides
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alot of my curriculum is homemade, I form their lessons and what they will learn
My oldest girl does satellite school, but I add to her curriculum quite a bit.
Faith and Feast
*Bible
*Blessings of the Daily- A year of Monasery Meditations
*Individual Studies on the Books of the Bible
*Studies on the Saints of the Faith
*Lamplighter Publishing Books
*Keepers of the Faith Books
*Daily Bread Journal
*Stepping Into the Light Journal
*Women of Worth Journal
Arts, Crafts, and Home Ec
*Cooking with the Saints
*Monastery Soups
*Blessings of the Table: Mealtime Prayers throughout the Year
*Martha Stewart Lving and Kids
*Everyday Food Magazine
*Highlights Magazine for the month we are on
Reading
*LIBRARY!!!LIBRARY!!!and Amazon
*Teaching Reading by Jessie Wise
*Beyond Phonics
*Young Reader Collection
*Lamplighter Books
*Keepers of the Faith Books
*McGuffy Readers Series
*Along with Theme Centered Books
*Phonics Folder Games
*We select a theme for the month and then a sub theme for the week
and read alot of books based around those themes
*Classical Curriculum Series
Magazines ~
*Highlights Magazines ~ for that months
*Cricket Magazine (not about crickets)
*Bugs Magazine (not about bugs)(br>
*Spider Magazine (not about spiders)
*Playroom
*Clubhouse Jr
~ Language ~
*First Language Lessons by Jessie Wise
*Elementary Engligh in Action
*Classical Curriculum Series
History
*Story of the World ~ Series V1-V4
*Complete History Encyclopedia
*Tapestry of Grace
*Lamplighter Books
*Corps of Rediscovery -http://www.corpsrediscovery.com/
*Again we read alot on the subject
*We use alot of Living Books
Geography
*Missions based learning
*We study the country along with the people.
*Missionaries
Science
*Nuture Studies
*Hands on Nature:Exporing the Enviroment with Children
*Pocket Full of Pinecones
*We do alot of hands on
*Again, Living Books
Magazines~
*Ranger Rick
*Our Backyard
*Zoo Books
Nature Blogs
Math
*Rays Arithmetic
*Saxon Math
*Math for Fun Concepts
*Classical Curriculum Series
Writing - Penmanship
*We do alot of copy work
*We use a wide range of materials
*Classic Style Writing
*Words of Wisdom ~ Reasons for Writing
*Abeka Cursive Series
*Classical Curriculum Series
![However, let each man of you [without
exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she
notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him
exceedingly]. Ephesians 5:33](http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/ladolcevitabacon/blogs/Challenge.jpg)
