Simply Living...For Him

Mentoring Mamas {Monday}- Link Up!

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have received so many emails this past week from new homeschoolers, that my heart is full of joy for them. I also know they need the support of us {seasoned} moms who can share the joy, the trials, and the nitty gritty.

Last week I talked about the importance of mentoring each other and Titus 2 relationships.

Are you new to homeschooling?
Have you been in the trenches for a few years?

Share today by linking up below a post (from past or present)

to encourage those new homeschooling mamas!

They need us!

It can be anything homeschooling related...let's get to know each other, and encourage each other.

One bit of advice that I will share is you never, ever do it alone.
All of our strength always comes from HIM. Seek Him first in everything! (Matthew 6:33)

Don't forget... my eBooks are still being offered {free} for facebook fans.

Go over to the facebook page, and "like" it. Then click on the "only likers" tab to download! Not on facebook? Subscribe here and email me to let me know. I will send them over directly!

Simplify Your Time

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Source: flickr.com via Collin on Pinterest

Our time is an area that is in much need of simplifying these days. The family is suffering. The family that runs around going separate ways is wondering why the family is falling apart.

My family is not by the world's standards that busy. Don't get me wrong- our schedule is full, but nowhere near the point of racing around.

This is very important to us. We have certain standards that we follow because family is so important. We want our kids to be close and to feel connected with their family first. We want their identity to first be in Christ, and then with their family.

When we get too busy, tempers flare, everyone's tired, there's meltdowns, and the tension rises. So we work to create a balance of activity in our lives.
We want our activity to be fruitful activity.

So many people run aorund today being busy. But where's the fruit? Busy doing what?

Ask yourself about what you are doing with your time:
Is it purposeful?
What is the longterm benefit?
Is this making our family grow? Or grow apart?

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."

Ephesians 5:15-17

Be purposeful with your time. It runs out quick. Don't look back one day wondering what you were so busy doing?

We want to choose acitivites that are fruitful and purposeful, making most of every opportuntiy to serve the Lord as a family.

We eat three meals a day together, clean up together, prepare meals together
We pray together and read the Bible together
We play together

This summer we will travel together.

I love my family so much and love the bond we have together.

We certainly have our bad days, where everyone is cranky, headaches prevail, and tempers rear their ugly heads. Please don't get me wrong. There are quite a few of those days when I can't wait for my husband to come home so I can close the door in my room and be alone...{with the covers pulled up over my head}

But...we get through those times. We work through it.

I can't imagine if it wasn't balanced out with the fun we enjoy together.

So consider ways to simplify your time and make the most of each day living for His Glory in all that you do!

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

Colossians 3:23

Don't forget my eBooks are still being offered {free} for facebook fans.

Go over to the facebook page, and "like" it. Then click on the "only likers" tab to download! Not on facebook? Subscribe here and email me to let me know. I will send them over directly!

Simply...Surrender...

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week has been a lesson in letting God lead. I have been praying lately to the Lord that I would just surrender my plans, and let Him lead and to be open to His plans. To fully trust.

Not just say it.

But really, fully in my heart turn it over to Him.

He has already answered in ways I didn't imagine.

It's exciting.
Scary.
Wonderful.

All in one.

Letting Him lead and knowing that the result will be far more than you ever imagined.

But we are human.
We want to control it ourselves.
We want to know the outcome of our choices.

Whether it be in homeschooling, or other life situations- letting God lead is what He wants.

He wants our full surrender that we will be OK with His plans...wherever they take us.

So many times in my homeschooling, when I am convinced I know what I am doing and plan everything out, but forget to pray about it...

...it fails.

But when I pray about it, sometimes my plans fade away and my heart is melded with His...
His plan becomes my plan
It is an amazing thing.

Suddenly my way doesn't seem the best way anymore....

So I ask you today...meditate on that thought...

are you fully ready to surrender to His plans...no matter where they take you...knowing the outcome will always be best?

Will you simply...surrender...

Don't forget... my eBooks are still being offered {free} for facebook fans.

Go over to the facebook page, and "like" it. Then click on the "only likers" tab to download! Not on facebook? Subscribe here and email me to let me know. I will send them over directly!

Mentoring Mamas! Living Out Titus 2

2012-02-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

Source: weheartit.com via Bella on Pinterest

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Titus 2:3-5

Do you have Titus 2 women in your life? It is a must.

These past few days have been wonderful for me to receive so many emails from homeschooling moms. Many of them are just starting out, and it is my passion to encourage each and every one of them!

{Keep the emails coming ladies, I love hearing your stories!}

When I first started homeschooling it was a struggle for me. Yet I was sure God had called me to it.

Now I am much more confident and even passionate about it.

We need those mentoring mamas in our lives though. Those true Titus 2 women.

I am grateful to have found this year in my life some really authentic and genuine girlfriends. The ones who pray with you, cry with you, and rejoice with you. The ones that show the true love of God.
There is no comparing, no masks....just true hearts that live out God's plans for women supporting each other in the Body.

So much wisdom is to be gained by those who have walked this path before us. Learning from example, hearing godly wisdom...gleaning from experience.

It is a beautiful thing to see God's Word in action.

I encourage you, homeschoolers or not...seek these relationships. Pray that God will put these women in your path.
He will.

They are a necessary part of the walk.

If you are a new homeschooler and struggling, these relationships are essential.

Comment below and share your stories of Titus 2 women. Or email me at karen@simplylivingforhim.com

Also my eBooks are still being offered {free} for facebook fans.

Go over to the facebook page, and "like" it. Then click on the "only likers" tab to download! Not on facebook? Subscribe here and email me to let me know. I will send them over directly!

And don't forget ALL of you can recieve $10 off from My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software by using this code STMMMS14691 Click here to redeem your code:

Welcome to My New Readers-What an Exciting Few days!

2012-02-09T07:26:00.000-05:00

The LORD has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

This verse has been running through my mind all morning.

This has been a wild few days! First, I want to welcome all my new subscribers and friends! I am so glad you are here and know that the Lord has caused our paths to cross for a reason.

A few days back I released my short eBook "Unplug Your Mind and ReCharge Your Soul."

I offered it up free to all facebook followers. Well, in no time I had a great response. My dear sweet friend, Jamerrill over at Holy Spirit-Led Homeschoolingwww.holyspiritledhomeschooling.net mentioned it, and a great response came over. {please go check out her site if you are a homeschooler-she rocks!)

Well, that day I decided to start offering "Simply Homeschool" free as well.

You see, that book is my baby. It is my heart in words.
Well Money Saving Mom posted it and before I knew I was flooded with people on facebook and email.

I am thrilled that these books are now in the hands of almost 2,000 people.

If you are new here, WELCOME. Let me share some of my heart.

I started this blog a few years back as a journal. {didn't we all...} Through so many different turns I ended up writing for other publications, and really getting out there. Before long I had followers, and this blog grew.

Simply Living..for Him was born when my desire to simplify my life {all areas-homeschool, home, mentally, etc.} was really growing.

Over the past two years I have shared with my readers this journey of living more simply in order to focus on God.

I am passionate about encouraging other homeschoolers on the way. As the number of homeschoolers continues to rise at an exceptional rate, I am thrilled to be a part of it. I heard from so many moms yesterday who are just starting out, and it made my heart sing to be able to encourage them.

And can I just tell you...I published this post about letting God's plans for this blog unfold just days before all this happened... {click the link!} My Simple Little Blog

Can you believe it?
He is so good.
This was all His doing.
I don't take the responsibility lightly of using my words.
They will always be used for His glory!

Please know this is my passion. To encourage. Whatever else happens, that is the Lord's plan...all I know is yesterday I gained about 1,500 more readers and I couldn't be more humbled.

I hope to encourage each other, provide you with resources and lift your spirits.

I'm just a messy little girl, that God chose to make clean by His grace.

I can't wait to get to know you all more.

Please take a look around the site, and get to know me.

I am available for Speaking Opportunities

I have some helpful free resources

I have some really exciting announcements coming up soon, so subscribe here so you dont miss a thing!

I will also be addressing all of you new Homeschooling Mamas out there in an upcoming post!

Here are some favorite posts you may want to check out from my archives
If My House is Messy
Just a Mom?
The Other Side of Homeschooling

So, welcome! I am so glad you are here!
Join me as we all strive to...
Simply Live...for Him!

Lessons from Job...Faithful Through it All...

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Karen on Pinterest

I have been reading the chronological Bible in one year. This week is Job.

Oh Job....

What a book!

So much to be gleaned from this book.

In fact when I finish the book, I am going to go through it again. I don't want to miss anything.

So today I focus on this fact- God is not here to make us "feel" good- we are here with the purpose to serve Him.

It is not about us.

It's always about Him.

We don't wake up everyday asking God what will He do for us today, but what will we do for HIM?

Oh Job.

He was living the great life-by the world's eyes for sure.

And then he lost it all.

He had nothing left.
His family was taken. His children taken. His wife taken.
He lost his possessions.
He lost his health.

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;

I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Job 13:15

Can you say that? You will still defend Him even though He slay you?

Do we only trust when the good is happening?
Or do we praise Him in ALL?

He didn't base his relationship with God on his feelings.
Truth be told, at this point if He did, He would not have relied on God...
Job was in desperation. Complete and utter desperation.
And he would not cave.

When we have nothing left, we realize God is enough.

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Job 1:21

We love HIm regardless of our future.

If God took everything from you-materially, relationally, emotionally-took it all...
Would you still continue to trust?

It is a question that requires all the faith in the world.

God ultimately rewarded Job for his unwavering faith.

And had He not in this world, Job would still received the ultimate reward-eternally.

We must remember that God is always working in our lives. Just as He was in Job's.
It is not what He does for us, but how we serve Him no matter how we "feel."

Our purpose is serve Him. Unconditionally.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Job 19:25

My Memories Suite Giveaway!

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Scroll down to the entry form to see the winner!

I recently had the opportunity to download the My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking software for the purpose of review.

If you read my post over the weekend about my purpose for this site, you will know that I am selective in what I review or what I promote on this site. This review is wonderful because you all receive $10 off this fabulous product!

I was never a "scrapbooker." I always liked the idea of it, and tried it a few times, but all of the cutouts, stickers, embellishments, etc. overwhelmed me. Too much "stuff" for a simple girl like me :)

So when I received this software I was very intrigued. I had never used digital scrapbooking software before so I did not know what to expect.

My Memories is full of templates and all those extras to personalize your creations. You can completely start from scratch and design your own, or you can simply choose to have your photos automatically inserted into a template of your choice.

I chose that option for my first attempt. I like the idea of letting it do it all for me, and I can choose to add a few things here and there. However since it is so easy, I know down the road I will create my own and personalize it more. Yet for someone like me (simplifying time, and stuff) this was perfect.

For those of us looking to simplify, this is the perfect product! It is so easy and no mess, no fuss! You can have your book printed out if you miss the "hold in your hand" scrapbook-but with no mess and no "stuff!"

Check out this video to learn more!

The possibilities are endless with the My Memories Suite- I mean endless! There are so many different ways to customize your scrapbook-papers, stickers, embellishments, fonts, you name it! It is simply amazing!

Now here is the best part! My Memories has generously given me a discount $10 off for all of my readers! You must use this code STMMMS14691 for you discount.

Click here to pick your product!

Also I am going to giveway one My Memories Suite Software to a reader. In order to enter, visit MyMemories.com and checkout their awesome products. Come back here and tell me which layout you like best. Then, you can like them on facebook, and follow on twitter for more entries.
USE THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM BELOW TO ENTER! (click read more at the end of the post, if you do not see the entry form)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giving them a future....

2012-02-06T12:28:00.000-05:00

Snapshots of their life now...

someday they will be snapshots of a distant memory

I give them boundaries now...so they live in freedom later

I give them a safe nest now, knowing they will have wings later...

I give them love now, so they will always carry it with them...

I give them prayers now...so they will always be carried wherever they go...

I give them limits now...so they will grow into a future that is without limits!

I give them Jesus now, so they will always know, deep down...the Truth

They will grow, they will go...and that is their purpose.

And mine. To help them.

Not to make them into what I want them to be...

But what HE wants them to be

It's exiting...seeing their passions unfold, watching them change, and evolve...

Its exciting thinking about where God will take them, and what they will be...

If He takes them across an ocean, or just down the road...

They're only ours for a moment, but they are His forever.

And I trust in Him with His plans for their lives

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

My {Simple} Little Blog...

2012-02-03T22:54:00.002-05:00

I never intended my blog to be a business or a ministry even. It was simply a journal. As the time has passed though, it has ministered to people, and I am so thankful.

I have found my passion for writing, speaking, and encouraging. I am so thankful.

I have networked with so many beautiful women in the homeschool community, homemaking community, and blogging world. I treasure my friends. They have ministered to me.

I have decided to keep this blog simple. There is a world of information out there on how to make it better, grow more readers, make it look prettier, make money, etc.

I have decided to stand on Colossians 3:23....

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men"

and Ephesians 3:20

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than you we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us."

The Lord doesn't need me to have the elaborate technology or the most beautiful looking blog out there. He will use me if He chooses to. If I have one follower or one thousand, I am blessed to minister to anyone.

I feel rich when people tell me that I am encouraging them.

And while it's nice to contribute to my family's finances, my goal has never been, or will never be to put money over words.

So today, I am letting you all know that I am so thankful for those who read regularly. I pray to grow the blog and gain readers, but I will do it through His power...

And I completely admire those women who have run full fledged businesses through their blogs, and those who use all proceeds to support ministry. It's a wonderful thing.

May the Lord bless us all as we submit to Him, and Simply Live for Him!

Radical...

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I wrote about the book Radical that I am reading. To be honest, I can only read it in small snippets because it is just that powerful. I can only read a chapter at a time and then really must digest it before moving on.

As someone who desires to live more simply, this book is just hitting home on many levels. It in convicting and eye opening.

My desire for simplicity often tugs at me because I think about other people in this world suffering, while this country is indulging. So part of my quest comes from the desire of my heart for hurting people.

So, this week my reading in Radical has really hit this nerve:

More than twenty-six thousand children today will breathe their last breath due to starvation or a preventable disease.

As a mom and as a human being, that is heart wrenching.

Every Sunday we gather in a multimillion-dollar building with millions of dollars in vehicles parked outside. We leave worship to spend thousands of dollars on lunch before returning to hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of homes. We live in luxury.

Meanwhile, the poor man is outside our gate. And he is hungry. In the time we gather for worship on a Sunday morning, almost a thousand children elsewhere die because they have no food. If it were our kids starving, they would all be gone by the time we said our closing prayer. We certainly wouldn’t ignore our kids while we sang songs and entertained ourselves, but we are content with ignoring other parents’ kids. Many of them are our spiritual brothers and sisters in developing nations. They are suffering from malnutrition, deformed bodies and brains, and preventable diseases. At most, we are throwing our scraps to them while we indulge in our pleasures here.

~Radical, David Platt

The church is not a building, it is a body. And while we strive to make things more comfortable for ourselves here, people are dying from lack of simple necessities.

How does that happen?
How do we live in a country where obesity is a problem, when billions are starving?
How do we live in a country plagued by debt, when over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 dollars a day?
How do we spend money on storage units to hold all of our "stuff," when people are living in a meager tent with just the shirt on their back?
How do we hoard, when others struggle to live...
How do we indulge, when babies die?

It is not an easy issue to wrap your mind around, but as Christians one we must.

My heart really hurts over these issues. As Platt states in his book, we have a "blind spot" to these issues. Like if we just pretend its not there, it is ok. But as Christians we can NOT do that. We must have a heart for the poor.

Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you.

Matthew 25:34-40

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Acts 20:35

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

1 Corinthians 10:24

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

James 2:5

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

James 2:15-17

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

I do not know how to reconcile all of this, except to pray. Pray that I will follow God's leading in my response to this, as well as the church's response.

I was not saved for myself. But to live for HIm. And He calls us to help those in need.

14 Days of Love- Idea for Kids and {free} Printable

2012-02-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

I love February! Good bye January, we are one step closer to spring!

Today we started a fun project to focus on love. Each morning in our Bible time we are reading a scripture that talks about love. We are really focusing on loving as the Bible tells us, and what the difference is between how the world peceives love and how God teaches us about love.

Each child made their own Valentine mailbox out of a large white envelope. They will be hung on each of their bedroom doors. Everyday, their sibling is to write down one thing that they love about the person on a slip of paper (or cut out heart) and put it in the mailbox. On Valentine's Day we will read through them all.

Here are some pictures:

Ethan just tried to write his name in glue :)

And if you would like to follow along with out 14 Days of Love download the scriptures here!
Free Printable 14 Days of Love

Enjoy this month of Love!

A Journey Through Learning's New DigiFolios Giveaway!

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

This contest is closed! Congratulations to the winners! Scroll down below to see the names of the winners!

Have you used A Journey Through Learning's Lapbooks before? Well, now there is a new twist on the lapbook...A Journey Through learning's new Digi Folios. They are all done digitally-no cutting, pasting, or printing!

We have used the Binder Builders from A Journey Through Learning for TurthQuest history. This year we have been learning about Pioneers and Indians, and have enjoyed this supplement to our curriculum. Usually every other week we work on some pages, and they help provide a hands on way to present the information learned.

I was excited when I saw these DigiFolios since my older children love to use the computer, and with a graphic designer husband, they enjoy using graphic design programs.

Here are how the Digi Folios work:

You receive the files in a zip file, and you then unzip the pages individually giving you many pages to pick and choose from for your DigiFolio.

We chose the American Presidents. Some other choices are Farm Animals, Current Events, The Election Process, and more. Click here to see the full list of products. Then it is recommended that you choose a program in which to create your DigiFolio. Some suggestions were paint.net, Photoshop, or even Word.. I actually decided to use Power Point. We have used this often and the kids enjoy making presentations. With Power Point, we were able to add the text and photos in, but not so many other fancy graphics. Yet it made a beautiful slide show and then can be printed out if we choose.

Here are some screen shots of what we did with it:

Overall, we enjoyed these as something new and different. When I asked the kids, they said they still do enjoy cutting, pasting, and making a "real" book, but they really enjoyed this as something different. If you are a fan of lapbooks, or have any kids who love computer time-go ahead and try the DigiFolios! They are a really neat way to learn! Plus, your kids can gain computer experience with different programs- certainly a much needed skill.

I have the opportunity to give away FIVE DigiFolios! This contest will run from Feb 1st-Feb4th!
Enter NOW! This is a GREAT opportunity to win a new and exciting product!
CLICK BELOW WHERE IT SAYS "READ MORE" IF YOU DO NOT SEE THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here Am I. Send Me.

2012-01-30T18:25:00.002-05:00

It's been a sullen start to the week. A tween daughter with emotions...watching those you love suffer...and just overall blahs.

Despite my mood, we managed to get quite a bit of work done today. We actually worked until 4 pm with a minimal break.

Thank you Lord, for the gift.

I also noticed tonight that it was not pitch dark out at 5pm.
Another praise. (I loathe the early darkness in the winter)

I know when things are at the lowest,

He is ready to take me to my highest!

Here am I Lord. Send me.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Isaiah 6:8

This is my new prayer. Continually. I am fully relying on His plan today, and His power...no matter where takes me, or how hard it is.

I have been saved from the depths of darkness to someday live in eternal light and glory. I can't sit around anymore and take that for granted...

Did you hear?
from eternal depths of darkness...
to eternal light and glory!

Shout it!
Proclaim it!
Live for that alone!

I am fully relying on Him to do things in my life I never dreamed of!

After all, my life is not mine. It is His.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

I am a Mess!

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know I am a mess?
Every. Single. Day.

A mess.

But God does not see me that way.

Only by HIS power can I do anything.

When I try to do it on my own...
I yell
I complain
I am a mess
I see darkness
I am lost
I am fearful
I race...

When I surrender and let His power work in me...

He quiets me
He gives me joy and contentment
I am clean
He provides the Light
He shows me the Way
He gives me faith
He stills me

I do absolutely nothing by my own power.

That is the beauty of the gospel. When we realize that we surrender our old life for the new, His power does immeasurably more than we can imagine.

Me? A homeschool mom? Yup.
Me? Living this life I do? Yup.

It is immeasurably more than I ever imagined.
But it is done ALL by His power.

And every single day I can choose to surrender to Him and let His power work. Or try to do it on my own.

When we try to do it on our own and put our pleasures and needs first, we will always fail.
When we surrender our lives to Him, for His purposes, He is always glorified.

Can you imagine if we truly surrendered it all to Him?

The power that could be unleashed in our lives...

to do immeasurably more than we ever imagined!

I've linked this post with Women Living Well!

A Homeschool Success-"Writing Workshops"

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just love when something actually works. Where you have an idea, and the kids not only love it, they are excited! And all the while they are learning...

After having some bumps in the road this week {who doesn't in January...right?} today was so much better.

It's a beautiful and unusually warm day here. So after lunch we took a walk around the neighborhood. I gave the kids some time to play in the yard, and then told them we are instilling a new activity in our homeschool- "Writing Workshops." {for some reason just giving it a name, makes it exciting for the kids!}

Nope, I didn't buy a new curriculum. Nope, I didn't implement a fancy idea. I just based it on their need to practice writing, and practice it in "real life." And I based it on what they would find fun!

So, the first thing we did was take out our journals. I told them to sit for a bit and soak in the warmth of the day, and take notice of what they saw, heard, and smelled around them. After a few minutes they were to write about it.

Once everyone had finished, they got up and each took turns reading what they wrote.

Next we played "mail." Each child was given another child to write a letter to. I set up a "mailbox" {flowerpot} in the yard where they could "mail" their letter. When everyone was finished, they took turns checking the mailbox for their letter. Then they read it aloud.

Next, they wrote a letter back to the person that had written them a letter. We did this until each person had written to everyone else.

Then we played a mystery game. Each child wrote out clues to an object. We placed them in a container and each child took a turn choosing. They read the clues aloud and had to guess what it was. {They literally played this for over an hour}

All the while they were practicing writing skills, reading skills, and communication.

I plan to do these "Writing Workshops" a few times per week in our school. I am trying focus on writing for the rest of the year. I feel if my kids can be proficient readers and writers, they can learn anything they want to and will be independent learners.

A few activities I have planned for future "Writing Workshops" are:

Poetry- taking turns writing poems
Short stories
Design a newspaper or magazine and work together to publish it-one writes, one edits, one illustrates,etc.
Reports- Choosing what interests them and researching and presenting their report to the family, in the evening

I am grateful for these fun little successes-they encourage me to keep on in my homeschool, and it makes it all worthwhile!

And here is a photo just for fun- Why boys love homeschooling:
They can write from up in a tree!

I am linking this up with Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling. Go check it out!

Radical

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to read the book, Radical by David Platt for a very long time. To be perfectly honest, I had put it off out of fear. Fear that what I would read would impact me in a great way. Fear that the truth would sting.

Well, today I started the book. And I am completely blown away.

Here are some quotes from the book to give you an idea just how incredible it it.

“But then I realize there is never going to be a day when I stand before God and He looks at me and says, 'I wish you would have kept more for yourself.' I'm confident that God will take care of me.”

“We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves.”

Consider the cost when these Christians gather in churches and choose to spend millions of dollars on nice buildings to drive up to, cushioned chairs to sit in, and endless programs to enjoy for themselves. Consider the cost for the starving multitudes who sit outside the gate of contemporary Christian affluence”

“The modern-day gospel says, 'God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Therefore, follow these steps, and you can be saved.' Meanwhile, the biblical gospel says, 'You are an enemy of God, dead in your sin, & in your present state of rebellion, you are not even able to see that you need life, much less to cause yourself to come to life. Therefore, you are radically dependent on God to do something in your life that you could never do.”

“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”

“As long as you and I understand salvation as checking off a box to get to God, we will find ourselves in the meaningless sea of world religions that actually condemn the human race by exalting our supposed ability to get to God. On the other hand, when you and I realize that we are morally evil, dead in sin and deserving of God's wrath with no way out on our own, we begin to discover our desperation for Christ.”

“If we were left to ourselves with the task of taking the gospel to the world, we would immediately begin planning innovative strategies and plotting elaborate schemes. We would organize conventions, develop programs, and create foundations… But Jesus is so different from us. With the task of taking the gospel to the world, he wandered through the streets and byways…All He wanted was a few men who would think as He did, love as He did, see as He did, teach as He did and serve as He did. All He needed was to revolutionize the hearts of a few, and they would impact the world.”

“The price is certainly high for people who don’t know Christ and who live in a world where Christians shrink back from self-denying faith and settle into self-indulging faith. While Christians choose to spend their lives fulfilling the American dream instead of giving their lives to proclaiming the kingdom of God, literally billions in need of the Gospel remain in the dark”

“My biggest fear, even now, is that I will hear Jesus' words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical obedience to Him. ”

Are you humbled? Intrigued? Blown away?

I am.

If you have read the book, please share in the comments below your thoughts. As soon as I am finished, which won't be long-I can hardly put it down- I plan on writing a series on these ideas.

Until then, I urge you to ponder these thoughts, get the book, and explore what our "America Dream" has done to this country, yet alone Christianity.

* all quotes are from the book Radical, by David Platt

Why Simplify?

2012-01-24T11:42:00.001-05:00

Reasons To Simplify:

1. God doesn't want distractions of this world to get in the way of our relationship with Him.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1-2

2. God wants us to store our treasures in Heaven, not here on earth.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21

3. We are to seek first His righteousness.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

4. God wants us to fill our minds up on Him and not earthly desires.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

5. God wants our undivided devotion.
“I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. “ 1 Corinthians 7:35

6. Simplifying is a discipline."Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." Titus 1:8

{Simple} Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

2012-01-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

Whether you are a homeschooling mommy or not, everyone is susceptible to the winter blues. Sometimes us homeschooling mommies are more prone since we are feeling isolated at this time, but truly no one is immune.

Even those normally "happy-go-lucky" gals can get hit hard in the winter. Lack of sun is definitely a factor, as well as those cold days keeping us inside feeling cooped up.

Here are my favorites:

If you are a homeschooling mommy, make sure you connect with others. I can't imagine not having my girlfriends to connect with during the day for a quick encouragement.

Enlist a friend to pray with at a certain time each day. My girlfriend and I did this for awhile last year. While our kids ate lunch or napped, we would get on the phone and pray together. The rejuvenation was priceless, not to mention the fellowship.

Take a winter nature walk. Get the kids bundled up and get out there. The winter is a beautiful time of year to enjoy nature.

Have a winter scavenger hunt. Look for animal prints in the snow, identify winter birds, notice the bare trees...observe the animals behavior in this season. Notice icicles glistening in the sun. Just get out there, you'll also be getting a dose of Vitamin D. A win-win!

Schedule a night out for coffee with a friend. I do this with a fellow homeschooling friend of mine, and I cherish it. We try to get together regularly to discuss what's going on in our lives, and in our homeschoools. We bounce ideas off of each other and exchange tips. It is a much needed time of fellowship, and in these winter months, a real boost in my week.

Take field trips. Use this time to visit indoor museums; places you won't want to go when the weather warms up. Better yet ask for a tour of the local grocery store, post office, or fire department.

Practice random acts of kindness. These will surely boost your mood.

Keep a gratitude journal. Nothing brings more joy than turning back praises to our God. Delight in the small things. Take notice of the blessings. Don't wallow. This season will be over soon enough...

Know that you're not alone. Many of us feel the exact same way at this time of year. There is nothing wrong with you...hang tighter to our Savior more than ever.

It won't be long until spring...there is hope...always hope...

I'd live a thousand winters long, just to spend a moment in Christ's presence...that is where our true hope lies.

"For the winter is passed. The rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up. And the time of the singing of the birds has come." Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Homemakers Challenge FREE Recipe eBook

2012-01-19T11:55:00.001-05:00

Head over to Homemakers Challenge today! This is a great group of homemakers that I am honored to be a part of. The site is packed full of great ideas for today's homemaker and lots of encouragement.

They are offering a free recipe ebook for subscribers. Ladies, this book is BEAUTIFUL and full of recipes all by the contributors of Homemakers Challenge...tried and true recipes straight from our kitchens!

My own, homemade bread recipe is in there. Head over now and check it out! Homemakers Challenge Recipe Book

A Lego Design Wall-Repurposing a Former Schoolroom?

2012-01-18T08:12:00.000-05:00

My son is in love with Legos {what little boy isn't?}. Not only building them, but designing new creations, sketching his ideas, or using the Lego Designer program. Recently we started using the Lego Master Builder Academy. He said his dream is to meet a real Lego Master Builder!

So, my little master builder recently got his own room.

Yes, our once "school room"

Has now been transformed to his bedroom.

Well, since the room was a "school room", we had this large chalkboard on the wall that my husband had made when we first started homeschooling {ya know, when you feel like you need a classroom...;)}

We decided to move our school things elsewhere in the house and reconfigure things. After all...learning doesn't take place in the confines of a room.

So, my son had a brilliant idea. He asked if we could buy some baseplates and cover half of the chalkboard with them. The other half we would leave a chalkboard. This way he could design his ideas on the chalkboard, and then bring them to life on the other side.

So now we have completely repurposed our school room, with one little master builder quite happy about that...

Homemakers Challenge and {free} eBook coming!

2012-01-17T11:38:00.000-05:00

I am over at Homemakers Challenge today, sharing my thoughts on simplifying in the New Year. Head over there and check it out.
Homemakers Challenge- Ways to Simplify

I also want to let you all know, I am working on a new short eBook for Simply Living for Him- on ways to eliminate the mental clutter in our lives. In this world of information we can become bogged down and easily distracted. I can't wait to share it with you all. It will be {free} for all subscribers!

I will be addressing what is at the heart of the issue-

Why are we filling up with so much information, yet still running in circles
How to stop the comparison trap
A guide to reducing the information, and keeping what is fruitful
Focusing on God first

So be sure to like Simply Living for Him on Facebook and subscribe by email!

What Defines You?

2012-01-14T10:26:00.000-05:00

Your clothes do not define you.
Your house does not define you.
Your friends do not define you.
Not even your family defines you...

These things help shape and mold us...

But if your house is messy...
If your house is small...
If your kids are numerous, or if you have none at all...

You are not defined by our circumstances.

If your past was messy...
If your future look unsure...
If the present is unsettled...

You are still not defined by those things.

We are defined by one thing alone...

Christ.

And when we understand and accept the truth of His Grace being enough for us...

Then our lives are an extension of that definition of our joy being complete in Him.

Things of this world will NEVER, EVER make us feel complete.

Our circumstances and our surroundings do not define us.

We can still have joy in a mess...
Joy in uncertainty...
Joy in troubles...

Because our circumstances do not define us.

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—"I believed, and so I spoke"—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Can you read that without not being able to gasp?

Fix your eyes on the eternal...

Our "stuff" of this world will not last...this is not what defines us.

Our eternity does.

Joy comes from knowing that. Not from a clean house, well behaved kids, the perfect curriculum, or even from a spouse...

Those things can gives us happiness...make us feel gladness...

...but not the full, complete, contentment, knowing that by HIS grace we are saved.
NOT by anything we do on our own.

When we continually strive to "do good"...to "do right" without FIRST accepting that His grace is enough...we just keep running in circles of trying to do right...yet still feeling empty.
His Grace...
It is a gift.

And this life is just a small breath...and then we will have an eternity to spend with our Lord.

That is where JOY is found.

When we keeping grasping at the vapor that this life is...

You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14)

we can not hold onto it...

But we can hold firm to the gospel...it is worth holding on to!

"Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called...:"

1 Timothy 6:12

The Goal Of Education...

2012-01-12T16:13:00.001-05:00

Education at home looks very different than education in a classroom setting. Sometimes the line gets blurred as to where school begins and ends…personally it is a line I prefer to see blurred!

This wasn’t always so. When I first started home schooling, I thought I needed to set up a classroom, fill up lots of worksheets, and have a strict schedule.

As time went on, I realized the very life I am preparing my children for, is the life we are living now. We shouldn’t be learning for a “someday” mindset…but for each and every moment that we are living.

A true education is occurring every moment of the day- the meshing of the knowledge with the heart.

We learn by doing. Life is learning.

But most of all, we learn about God first.

The goal in mind to me is an eternal one…I have heard the phrase before,

“Is the goal Heaven or Harvard?”

May it be Heaven!

And if God wants my child to be academically successful, He will prepare them for Harvard.

But the eyes must be fixed on Him and on Heaven.

In the end of this road called education, (which will not end really ever…because after all when we say “graduate” does that mean learning stops?) if my children know the Lord first and foremost, I have done my job.

If I have nurtured them, made them feel loved each and every moment... I have done my job

If I have been there to help them struggle, to help them rejoice, and challenge them...I have done my job

If I have helped them realize their potential IN CHRIST...I have done my job

I have to answer to the Lord one day about how I raised my children, and to look at the Lord face to face- will I say,

“they made it in this world?”

Or will I say,

” they know you.”

May it be the latter.

Simply Living for Him Hits the Road

2012-01-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

We are hitting the road this summer for our family's dream RV trip. We will be traveling from New Jersey to meet family in Florida. On our way, we are hoping to see sites, live simply, and love much!

I also want to take this opportunity to gain some more speaking engagements. I am looking to visit churches, mom's groups, homeschool groups-anything!

I'd love to meet my dear readers and encourage your group. Please email me at karen {at} simplylivingforhim {dot} com.

It is my passion to encourage others!

We are documenting our journey on the road, because my super talented hubby, and his company, Farmhuas Studios, wants to turn it into a small documentary.
See some of his previous work here:

I hope to meet some of you out there- looking forward to hearing from you!!!
~Karen

New Simple {free} Printable Available!

2012-01-09T18:49:00.004-05:00

I have a simple checklist available on the Simple {Free} printables page.
It will help you go room by room, as well as taming mental clutter. It is intended to get you thinking about simplifying the different areas in our homes, and having more time for HIM!

Click here to to download: A Checklist for Simplifying in the New Year