Simply Living...For Him

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!

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

To Him Who Much is Given...

2012-01-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;

and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

Luke 12:48

Last night we watched the intriguing documentary Dive!: Living off America's Waste.

What an eye opener to the amount of food this country wastes.

Do you know that HALF of all food produced in this country,

is thrown away?

Do you know that the amount we throw away could feed the entire country of Haiti (a country that struggles with hunger and malnutrition-especially children) for FIVE years?

Mind boggling.

This movie is about how the grocery stores throw away the food on their shelves quite unnecessarily. If the food is about the expire, or perhaps one egg is cracked in a carton {even though the others are fine}, it ends up in the trash.

Now, this movie is not necessariy about "dumpster diving," which many people do. It is more about how this food can be picked up and delivered to shelters and those in need.

But most of it is not.

Because the stores don't want to deal the the "hassle."

One thing that struck me in the movie, is when the narrator talks about how we, as a society, have become so distanced from our creation, that we don't respect or care for it anymore.

When a society is so easy to toss waste, and to disregard the amount of money and resources to create that waste in the first placed...it is a problem.

We have become distanced from the caring of the creation, as well as our own neighbors.

A few generations ago, people wasted very little. They understood the value of what they had. They grew their food, labored over it, and would not waste it. They saw the work and care that was put into it.

Nowadays, we don't see what goes into making it. Everything is manufactured far away and we simply put it on the table.

And food that is grown is a wonder of God's creation for us. Have we forgotten that?
In Genesis it tells us how God provided for our needs by creating the food!

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:11-12

Have you ever wondered at the marvel of a plant? From planting the seeds, to seeing it grow...it is a tiny miracle. And in turn, it nourishes us. It is a connection with the Lord Himself, our Creator!

Today everything seems replaceable, and a commodity. So there is no thought in tossing things. We think we can always replace it.

I am thinking long and hard about this movie.
I am having the children watch it for school, and dig deeper into these principles.

After all, if we don't value our creation or those in it, how are we living out so much of what the Bible says?

Living more simply, means really paying attention to our needs and wants as well as those around us. We can not turn a blind eye to the needs of our world...

We must feed the poor, take care of the orphan and widow...and look out for the needs of others.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

So I challenge you today, to take small steps. Be more intentional with the provisions you have.
Not even with just food-with all things. Children loose toys, games, pieces, etc. We lose pens {always in my house}, paper, small things...all the time.
Why?
Because it is easily replaceable.

Can you repurpose things before throwing them away?

Can you save scraps for compost?

Can you reuse left overs, even if they aren't exactly what your family "feels" like having for dinner?-Have it anyway, so we are good stewards of what we have?

Just because we have plenty, doesn't make it OK to waste.

Do we always do everything in regards to what "makes us happy" or do we look for what makes others happy?

We are not here on this earth for ourselves and our happiness {contrary to what the world tell us.}

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

So today, please look at your provisions with new eyes...when we are grateful for what we have and don't toss it away so easily, it causes us to become closer the Creator from whom all blessings flow...

An Invention Box...

2012-01-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

What better way to get a boy's mind going, than giving him a bunch of old parts, broken electronics, pieces, and odds and ends in a box....and instructing him to invent something!

An Invention Box!

I set some rules:

Only use what is in the box.
Nothing else!

Immediately, son #1 found every reason to need to use things not in the box.

Son:"I need scissors!"

Me:"Nope you'll have to find a way without. You may only use the items in the box."

My other son, quite the opposite-immediately began dismantling things to find useful parts.

Ahhh...the life of boys. It is a wonderful thing!

Simplicity Redefined

2012-01-05T08:47:00.001-05:00

What does a simplified life look like?

Simplify is certainly a buzzword these days. Everywhere I see articles of people looking to live more simply.

Simplifying to me at the core is getting rid of the things that burden us to give us false sense of joy. Getting rid of things that get in our way of true joy-the joy that come from the Lord.

Simplicity doesn't necessarily mean minimalist.

You can certainly have less physical stuff and a very simple life,

yet still have no joy from the Lord.

To me it is more of a heart issue which then spills out into that physical aspect of simplifying.

Because once you see in your heart that the only thing needed to fill you up is Jesus,

naturally the desire for "stuff" loosens its grip.

I yearn to keep God first in everything. (Matthew 6:33)

Most days I fail.

I wake up, pray, have a good outlook, and as soon as my feet hit the floor downstairs, the kids are calling {or arguing}, the laundry is piled, the world is calling, and I forget so quickly...

So my goal is to find ways to keep Him at he forefront of my mind all the time. Because I know when I am dug deep into His Word, I am feeling so strong and so filled.

Some things I have been doing to keep Him first lately are:

Besides morning Bible time at the beginning of our school day, we also have mid-day Bible and prayer. These are non negotiable times
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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
Posting Bible verses throughout the house, as well as a Bible in many different rooms.
You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:9
Writing down my pillars-keeping a journal of what God is doing in my life each day
Playing worship music in the background all the time throughout the day. It uplifts my soul.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105:2

Simplifying is about getting rid of the things that we think we treasure here and replacing them with the things God treasures.

So we if the clutter of our lives is not hindering our relationship with the Lord, then great- but for me it does.

I look at everything and think what is the true value of this and does it really matter in the grand scheme of things. Is it edifying to our family? Is it growing us? There is a balance though.

I choose to simplify but it is a work in progress. Especially after the Christmas season which can become indulgent.

Remember, it is a heart issue. Your heart needs to rid itself of the desires that hinder us from putting Him first. Getting rid of clutter physically is truly secondary.

If you are on the journey to living more simply, comment below, share this blog with others, subscribe by email, and like the posts on facebook.

Together, we can walk together on the road toward Simply Living...for Him.

Gratitude Journals-and Making Brothers and Sister Best Freinds

2012-01-04T12:30:00.003-05:00

We have added gratitude journals to our Bible time in the mornings. {we tried these while back, but somehow, they were forgotten...}

The reason is, without gratitude, how can I cultivate love in our family?

So after our Bible reading (so far focusing on love...for each other, our enemies, etc.), we then sing praise and worship, followed by prayer.

Afterwards, we are reading from Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. We read this a few years back, but I felt like it was time to read it again. The book is written by three teenage brothers and sisters. It is so good!

The whole premise is that our families were designed exactly by God. Our family is a gift from God, and we should reject what the world says about it being "normal" for brothers and sisters to have discord. We should focus on our family being the priority and all of us being on the same team.

With lots of wit and humor, this book is a great read aloud. It is filled with scripture as well to bring home the points, and direct us to God's Word and what He has to say about families. There is also lots of practical application to apply the principles in the book.

After we read, we then take out our journals. The kids are required to write down something each day that they are grateful for.

{these photos are from last year's journals, but aren't they sweet?}

I decided to do this after the new year, because gratitude truly does foster joy. After reading Ann Voskamp'sOne Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, this was very evident to me.

So now we are writing down things we are grateful for each day. I want the children to be grateful-not just for the big things-my home, my family, God- but for the little things.

Because after all, they all come from God~the big things and the little things.

"Because what will the math really matter if they are bitter? If the house is immaculate — but my attitude a mess? If they can count — but they don’t know how to count all things as joy? If we get the lists done, but have lost happiness in Him? How can any grammar skill outweigh the fact they don’t know the language of grace and thanks? What good will it be if they can recite all the major British battles — but they don’t know to see beauty? What am I teaching our children if I’m not living simply, quietly this: “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” (Phil. 4:8). Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true –isn’t this the truest education?

Ann Voskamp, at A Holy Experience

Homeschooling Boys...

2012-01-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

This is one of the best articles I have read on this subject and I encourage anyone with boys or girls to read it.

Click here:
School ADD isn't Homeschool ADD.

I love homeschooling boys!

Hands on Letter Learning

2012-01-02T11:03:00.001-05:00

I am teaching Ethan (just turned 3) his letters. Lately, I have noticed he is recognizing letters he sees and pointing them out. I also realized he will take anything around-sticks, batteries(!), his light bright, crayons, lego pieces, etc. and make letters. He will take the crayons and line them up to make an "A' or an "E."

So, for his school work today I took out a large poster of the alphabet and gave him a stack of colorful craft sticks. I told him to copy as many letters as he could with the craft sticks.

He really loved this activity and it will help him memorize his letters.

Simple hands on activity, using something he was already doing. Easy way to tailor an activity to his own learning style.

New Year's Eve Ideas-Homemaker's Challenge

2011-12-30T15:46:00.000-05:00

I am honored to be part of the writing team at Homemaker's Challenge. Today you can find me writing over there about New Years' Eve Ideas with the kids.

I have many fond memories of New Year’s Eve as a child. Each year we would have a big party with lots of family and friends. There would be a big dinner and afterwards all of us kids would get to help ring in the new year.

My grandmother would pull out the big ‘ol bag of old-fashioned noise makers. All of us cousins would pick one out. Then there would be funny party hats and leis and we would hand those out. We would eagerly anticipate the highlight of the evening!

Read the rest by clicking here

A Look Back at 2011...

2011-12-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

A look back at 2011.

A glimpse of where we've been and as we do so, we are full of hope and anticipation for what the Lord will do in 2012.

NYC 2011

Happy New Year! (the glasses were from the previous year, but I promise you...it was 2011) :)

Snow Day Unit Study

Typical breakfast at our house ;)

Mom and Dad took Grace for an overnight trip for her 10th birthday-this is how we celebrate!

Favorite Bible lesson- we washed each others feet

A visit to Lancaster-highlight of summer

The family

Our newest "student"

My favorite photo from 2011- A Daddy's love for his child-it is so, as God loves us

And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16

I am linking this post over at Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling-GO check it out!

Favorite Photo 2011 LInk Up!

2011-12-27T08:31:00.001-05:00

This is a great idea. I am linking up with Sam's Noggin today with a favorite photo of 2011.

I have many favorites, but this one stands out!

It is Ethan and my husband.

Pure joy!

Go over and share yours. It is really fun to see all of the beautiful photos!

www.Samsnoggin.com

Just a Mom?

2011-12-26T22:43:00.001-05:00

Reposting this oldie but goodie from several months ago...enjoy!

What is happening to the American family?
Why is raising children seen as just a past time?

I was reading an article, where the person being interviewed said that growing up, her mother was a stay at home mom. And a good one at that.
Yet when she reached adulthood, she looked at her mom, and said,

"But what did she DO with her life?"

Pause.

I had to read that a few times to really believe what I was reading.

"What did she DO with her life?"
{For starters- she raised you.}

She fulfilled the job that motherhood calls us to do.

Raise our children.

Wholeheartedly.

Now, I don't usually get involved in debates about stay at home moms. I understand some have to work for financial reasons. I am not judging anyone who works.

But my problem with this article was that it made it sound like this poor mom wasted her life being a stay at home mom.

And this is where I wonder what has become of the American family.
To now see that raising children is a waste of a life.

Raising children has become a past time in our society. We "have" babies. We get all the cute "stuff" that goes along with having them. It's like they are an accessory.

Then if we actually choose to be a stay at home mother, wife and homemaker, we are wasting our life.
Raising the future generation is pretty important!

The sad reality is, if I were to have my babies, then pay someone to watch them all day, while I went off to work...that seems to some to be success.

Yet, I have chosen to embrace the blessings God has bestowed on me and raise them- pour my life into them.

Being a mom to me is the ultimate success.
I work my hardest everyday to raise my children, homeschool them, and nurture them. I enjoy being with them and teaching them.

There are big sacrifices on being home, especially financially.

But it isn't even about me anyway...

it is about living for HIM and what He has called us to do.

While I don't have a salary, or a bunch of letters after my name, I know in God's eyes I am successful...
and I will continue to "just be a mom..."

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.”

Proverbs 31:10-12;25-31

25 Days of Simple Christmas-Celebrate the GIFT!

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrate HIS Gift. His Indescribable GIFT.

For many, many years...I heard about Christ, but my with my ears only.

My heart was not penetrated.

I heard the Gospel, went to church, lived life...

Then, I strayed from it all for awhile...because the Truth had not yet set me free...

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John8:32

But one day, it hit me.

Christ was BORN, LIVED, and DIED for MY sins.

When the truth finally went from my ears, to my heart... to my soul...

it all changed.

I truly received the gift. I truly understood the depths of it.

The Truth.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

That without Him, I would not spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

That the Bible speaks the truth of life to us all.

All of my questions began to be answered in the Bible.
He speaks to us there.
If we listen, and truly hear it.

So it was no longer words, it was life.
It was no longer words, but it was Truth.
It was no longer dark, it was LIGHT.

When I truly received the gift and didn't just say with words that I believed, I was blown away by God.

And I continue to be each day.

I was reading the story yesterday, of Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection:

"As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”...

..." When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread."

After I read this, I had goosebumps. I realized that was me. And it is so true of so many!

The disciples had Jesus right in front of them! He walked with them, talked with them and they did not recognize Him.

Oh dear one...that was me.

Was it you?

Is it you?

He was walking right next to me...even into the pits of life at some points.
HE was there,
But I did not recognize Him!
He went with me into the pits.
He went with me everywhere.

But I did not recognize him.

"Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him,"

I woke up. I saw Him. It all became clear.

Without HIM there is no life. No eternity no heaven....there is only everlasting darkness.

I can hardly stand the thought of anyone I know perishing without accepting that truth.

So this Christsmas I am praying, with all my might, that all would recognize Him.
Let the Truth penetrate their ears, and fill up their hearts, and awaken them to new life.

There is NO GREATER GIFT!

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Do you believe? Do you trust to let the Truth set you free?

Ask Him into your heart, and let it be changed.

It is the greatest gift!

I Wish You a Very Merry Christmas

You are ALL a GIFT to me.

I never expected to be in the place with myblog....but I am so blessed to be.

I love you all and pray for a Christmas full of love and JOY for each one of you!

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to a new year of more encouraging, fellowship, and authentic relationships...

I have LOTS planned for the New Year....

Until then, Merry Christmas.

Celebrate the GIFT you have received!

25 Days of Simple Christmas-Make Memories!

2011-12-22T22:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 25 Days of Simple Christmas! Each day I will be posting an idea about keeping the holidays simple- so that we can focus on Christ and the real meaning of Christmas!

While Christmas is such a special day, so much of the joy gets lost in the busyness.

Each day I will be writing about a simple way to celebrate the season. To focus on family, joy, and memories, without the elaborate extras that can bring added stress. Simple can be more meaningful if it gives us more time to focus on the huge GIFT we are awaiting-Jesus Christ, our Savior.

One thing to keep in mind during Christmas season is that you are making memories. Things that will be ingrained in your child's mind for a very long time.

Think back to your favorite Christmas memories. I bet most of them did not involve material things.

My fondest memories were of time with my family-cousins, grandparents, and relatives. Laughing and joking...always having a fun time at holiday parties.

This cookie tin was my grandmother's. Every year I remember chocolate chip cookies filling that tin. And that tin was there when Christmas came, or whatever special occasion it was...

I can't pull that tin out without thinking about those memories.

And when I fill it with cookies, it makes me feel warm...

I try to remember that what I am doing each moment matters-
Do I want my kids remembering mommy always stressing about the housecleaning, or mommy running around outside playing soccer? (and boy am I terrible at it-always gives them a laugh)

Do I want them to remember me on the computer or in the Bible (self-convicting here)

Do I want them to remember me be stressed over finances and Christmas gifts? Or surrendering it ALL to the Lord and trusting Him to provide? Remembering me on my knees, faithful.

*Disclaimer-I am working on these things. It is not easy!

Yet...

What we do matters.

Our children are a gift and have such a short time with us, that we must make the most of it.

I pray for making memories that will last and ones that will be pleasant.

Children will remember feeling safe and loved, and having fun.

God's love will be refleceted.

So amidst the busyness, take time to slow down and create memories.

Last year we made a gingerbread house. We had one of those kits, and we set out for a family night to put it together.

Well, half way through we got crazy- my husband starting taking the icing and painting mustaches on the kids faces, and taking pictures.

We were laughing so hard.

So that year, did we end up with a beautiful decorated gingerbread house? No way...but we DID have memories.

These are the things that shape children-feeling secure in the family and loved.

Simple memories.

Please Join These Bloggers in

their 25 Days of Christmas Series:

25 Days of Christmas: Home for the Holidays @ Graceful Abandon

25 Days of Easy Christmas Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers @ Sidetracked Sarah

25 Days of Christmas Traditions @ Sharing the Journey