Simply Living...For Him

{Free} Resources

2012-02-23T22:13:00.001-05:00

Be sure to stop by the Simple {free} resources page today. I have just uploaded "31 Days to Praying for Your Homeschool." This guide has 31 verses to help focus prayer on your homeschool each day. Try it for 31 days, and then let it become a regular habit of covering your homeschool in prayer.

Also...

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Unplug Your Mind and ReCharge Your Soul is free on facebook! 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!

I also am excited to have some speaking engagements booked for the spring....and one very exciting day for homeschool families:

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Jamerrill Stewart (Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling) and I will be your hostesses at Simply Led- A Day out on the Park With Spiritual Refreshment for the Homeschool Family. Visit our facebook page for more info or our website.

Only Through Him...His Power Alone...

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD

and put their trust in him.

Blessed is the one

who trusts in the LORD,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, LORD my God,

are the wonders you have done,

the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;

were I to speak and tell of your deeds,

they would be too many to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—

but my ears you have opened—

burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—

it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, my God;

your law is within my heart.”

I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;

I do not seal my lips, LORD,

as you know.

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;

I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.

I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness

from the great assembly.

Psalm 40

I want my readers to know something. Anything and everything I do, is only by His power.

I was a messy little girl.

An even messier teenager.

Physically messy. Mentally messy.

I floundered. I made bad choices. I reaped the consequences of those choices.

Until...

I surrendered to Him.

He changed me.

He redeemed me.

He made me new. {2 Corinthians 5:17}

I am clean.

For eternity.

I don't ever want anyone to think for one second, that I know what I am doing. That I have any answers. Because I don't.
But He does.
And I have watched Him change me. Inside and out.

And I can't help but write about what HE has done. Not what I do. What HE does.

When I surrender and rely solely on Him {and not myself}, He works in my life.

I want Him to receive every ounce of glory. I only want to point others to Him.

I have over 2,500 readers and know that each day I have 2,500 chances to point to Him and give Him glory.

That is humbling.

I am nothing without Him.

And I still mess up every single day.

My kids fight. The house is messy. I fail.

And He still works in me...when I trust in Him.

I stop trying to do things on my own, and surrender to Him.

This power is available to us ALL. In Romans 5 we see that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead LIVES in us!

Does that not astound you? That power is available to US!

We do nothing by our own power.

He lifted me out of the mud and more...

His Power.

He set my feet on a rock.

His Power.

He makes me white as snow.

His Power.

And that power is within us always.

It things seem hard or complicated-remember you have a reserve of power living in you. Pray for Him to unleash it. Trust Him.

Whether it be in homeschool or other issues in life. When we stop trying to control it, and surrender it to Him, is when He works amazing things!

Nothing is too hard when we have HIS power living in US!

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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Taking the "School" Out of Homeschool

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know why we use the term homeSCHOOL sometimes. I have been finding more and more when we take the word "school" out of our day, we actually learn much more.

I spoke last year at the Heart of the Matter Online conference about Education as an Atmosphere. I want my home to be a continuous atmosphere of learning. Not a 9am -3pm time of enforced drilling of facts.

A typical day in a homeschool looks like LIFE. It can range from anything from:

a day of research on a topic of the child's choice
an afternoon spent listening to Mozart while painting
a day in the yard observing an ant hill, a robin's next, or a bee hive
a morning gardening, while learning all about compost, seeds, and zone planting
writing creative stories, plays, or poetry
a construction project in the home. complete with preiminary plans, blueprints, and the execution of the plan with the proper tools
cooking up an authentic cultural feast after weeks spent reading about that country
analyzing the nutritional content of your pantry
grocery store math, while grocery shopping
a day out to see a play or visit a local museum
a visit to the local nursing home
writing a letter to your sponsor child in Africa
designing buildings on the computer
helping with the finances by watching dad pay bills and budget (or do taxes!)
chores, chores and more chores...all life skills!
figuring out the how to build rockets, legos in 3D, and more
raising chickens
spending the day at work with dad as a mini-intern
learning all about how day to day life works by being immersed in it and not a classroom!

The list is truly endless.

Life is a classroom. Life is what we are preparing our children for. What better way to learn that with the hands on lesson of life?

I have found lately when I loosen the structure {not throw it away}, the kids are more free to pursue their interests and that is when they truly learn.

When I don't see a separation between learning and life...they thrive...

This is a video I love of my boys learning in nature....

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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Mentoring Mamas Link Up!

2012-02-21T08:02:00.000-05:00

OK, so the picture says (Monday) and it's Tuesday....I have to change that...my mind said Monday this morning, since yesterday was a holiday....so ignore the Monday and let's encourage each other!

I recently posted about Titus 2 moms and how we all need those relationships in our lives. SO today, again we are having a link up. Please share your encouraging words to help other moms out there. They can be homeschool encouragement, parenting, family, anything that will help encourage!

I look forward to reading!

Simply click below and add any blog post link of yours that will encourage others. Then come back and read others entries and be encouraged!

Don't forget if you are looking for homeschool encouragement this summer, Jamerrill Stewart (Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling) and I will be your hostesses at Simply Led- A Day out on the Park With Spiritual Refreshment for the Homeschool Family. Visit our facebook page for more info or our website.

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Chasing the Wind?

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was reading in Ecclesiastes. Ah, the wisdom of Solomon.

I am struck by this passage in Ecclesiastes 2:

I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.

I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.

I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house.

I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.

I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.

I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart.

I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me.

In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;

I refused my heart no pleasure.

My heart took delight in all my labor,

and this was the reward for all my toil.

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done

and what I had toiled to achieve,

everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;

nothing was gained under the sun.

Isn't that what this world is all about?

Being busy trying to acquire things.

Building house, planting vineyards. Owning more things.

This passage states that He denied himself nothing because this was the reward for his labor.

Yet, in the end it was meaningless.

Chasing after the wind.

We can feel the wind.

We can feel it as it blows by.

Yet we can not hold onto it.

We can not grasp it. We can not keep it.

Isn't that what we often do though?

We chase after things of this world.

The need for more stuff; the need for more busyness.

Yet, those things are like chasing the wind. Ultimately at the end of our life, we hold onto none of it.

What do we hold onto?

Him.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

You see, wanting things, and enjoying things in this life isn't bad in itself. We should enjoy the fruits of our labor.

But are we placing stock in those things to make us happy? Are we relying on pursuing things in the hopes that we will find satisfaction with them?

I used to feel like if I had just the right house it would make me happy. Over time I have come to love my house just the way it is. Material things to me aren't that important anymore. I don't fix my eyes on them. I enjoy my home, it is my comfort, and my sanctuary. But I do not hold onto it, because ultimately I can't.

Like chasing the wind.

This is why I want to simplify. When I rid my life of the extras, I can stop chasing the wind and I can fix my eyes on the unseen things that are ultimately what I can hold onto for eternity.

I fix my eyes on praying. On filling up on His Word.

The more I pursue Him, the more I want to chase Him.

Not the wind.

Serving God, loving people, living in His will. Those are things I want to pursue. The things that don't pretend to satisfy. The things that do ultimately...satisfy my soul.

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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

My Heart In Words...

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Did you ever get such a strong emotion from somewhere that you physically feel it? Sometimes when I write, that is what I feel. My fingers physically feel alive. I can barely type the words of my heart to get it out fast enough. It's a strange feeling to describe.

Other times, there's nothing. I just don't have the words. So I am silent.

When I write though, I feel the most at home. It is me sharing my pure inner thoughts. I guess I feel more comfortable because I don't have to see anyone's reactions to what I say. In real life I think I am too conscious of that. {which I know I need to work on} Always fearing what someone thinks of me.

So be assured you all are reading the real true voice in my head. The one that comes alive in words on this blog.

I love being able to share my heart and encourage others. Just know it is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I pray over my words, I pray over my thoughts, and you get to read the result of it.

I am excited to take this blog further. I have plans for a devotional eBook with 31 verses for praying over your homeschool, and also a guide for new homeschooling mamas in the works.

Most of all, I am open to the Lord's plans for me, my writing, and wherever He takes me in this life.

I am glad you are here to join me. If you haven't already, comment below and introduce yourself. I love getting to know you all better.

Or join the facebook page here. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe to the blog so you don't miss a thing.

I'll be updating the pages at the top of this blog to share more about my journey to simplify, where I have been, and how I've gotten here. I will continue to keep my focus on simplifying all areas of life in order to focus on God, and truly what it means to be Simply Living...for Him!

And finally...

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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Radical...Changing Our Thinking...

2012-02-18T10:37:00.001-05:00

I have previously written about the book Radical, and how it is changing my thinking in so many ways.

I have actually been reading bits at a time because it takes me awhile to digest it. It's that good.

This week I finally finished the book and it concludes with an experiment for one year. David Platt, proposes this challenge:

1. pray for the entire world

2. read through the entire Word

3. sacrifice your money for a specific purpose

4. spend your time in another context

5.commit your life to a multiplying community

Imagine if we as do these things for one year.

We will be changed.

He explains,

"You and I live in a culture where we gather in stadiums and around televisions for hours at a time to watch guys run around a field with a pigskin ball in their hands as they try to cross a white line.

We express enthusiasm, emotion, and affection for football and other sports, and it begs the question, what would happen in our culture if the church prayed with such passion? What would happen if Jesus dominated our affections more than the superficial trivialities that garner our attention?

What would happen if we spent hours before God praying on behalf of the church, the lost, and the poor around the world? Of course, your Radical Experiment does not have to start in a stadium. It can start in your living room or prayer closet. Any place can be the place you begin to connect the practice of prayer with the purpose of God in the world. "

Wow.

I personally, have been reading through the Chronological Bible in One year and we have been praying using the website Operation World to pray for our world. I will also focus on the other challenges.

I love how this book can state things that I already knew, yet I am seeing them with new eyes.

This book has been an amazing journey to read. It has taken my mind to places it needed to go. To understand the gospel message is not the comfortable message we sometimes want it to be. Our purpose is for Him and spreading the Gospel to all ends of the earth.

"While the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God."

David Platt

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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Homeschooling Help During a Downswing...

2012-02-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

This time of year always brings a downswing in our homeschool. The thrill of a new school year is long gone, the excitement of holidays are over. The long dark days of winter are starting to get to us. Spring is just around the corner, but not quite here yet.

It's a season.

In every homeschool there are seasons. This is one that is inevitable, so it is worth planning for it.

This week in our school I have implemented an assignment of doing a report. Now we have certainly done reports before, but mostly on a topic that I assign.

This time, I am having each child pick a subject that interests them and then research it. We went to the library and that "spark" that I haven't seen in awhile came back. The six year old went from shelf to shelf getting excited about all options to research.

"Dinosaurs!'
"No, tigers!"
"No outer space..."

Finally he settled on eagles...

The eight year old much more focused...went straight to the building, lego, and origami section.
He wants to know the secret behind building anything...oh and there was much excitement over a map in the "free" box at the library.

Seeing the spark ignited again for learning; seeing the excitement over learning new things.
That is what it is all about.

It was much like when I implemented Writing Workshops recently...sometimes small changes, spark that excitement over learning again.

My views of education and learning have changed so much since homeschooling. Letting the children's learning not be stifled by an enforced rigid method, but by letting them explore their interests.

After all, God has placed these desires in their heart to learn...whether it be building things, or an excitement for all of God's creation...it was put there by Him and it is my job as their teacher and mother to nurturer these desires and see them come to full fruition in their lives.

I love the freedom in homeschool. I love the desire to learn being sparked again. I love letting it be simply...homeschool.

It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom;without this it goes to wrack and ruin without fail. - Albert Einstein

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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Exciting Events...

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have an exciting announcement today. As many of you know, we are planning our family dream RV trip this summer. For part of that trip I was hoping to be able to have some speaking engagements along the way.

Well...have we got a great event in the works! By God's divine grace, Jamerrill Stewart from Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling and I have teamed up to offer an event for homeschooling families this summer! We will be your hostesses at-

Simply Led:

A Day Out in the Park with Spiritual Refreshment

for the Homeschool Family!

It will be a day out in a beautiful park for the whole family. Located in New Market, Virginia, we will have:

Speaker Presentations

Curriculum Swap

Fun, Fellowship, and Encouragement

Bring a picnic lunch

Best part is: It is FREE!

When: Saturday June 16, 2012

Visit Simply Led at www.simplyledevent.com for more information and to stay updated on the plans!
Also visit Jamerrill at Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling

Be sure to visit Simply Led on facebook too, so that you don't miss any updates!

We are so excited about this amazing event! We both have a passion for encouraging other homeschooling families. Hope to see you there!

If you do not live in the Virginia area, I will also have th opportunity to speak locally this spring in New Jersey...more details to follow soon!
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Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

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)

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

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

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

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...

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

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