Biscuits.

They photography beautifully.

Let me help you.

Enter to win a sourdough starter.

And get the recipe from the Healthy Whole Grains course . . . or win that too.

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Wordless (Food) Wednesday: Biscuits is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

A Happy Boy displays his credentials!

If not, please go and congratulate the boy!

And then come back to win a $50 gift certificate to be used in the All About Learning store!
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All About Learning Press $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

However, there is one series of books that I am  sad to be done with.  They do their job of educating my children so well, that I won’t need to return to them.

All About Spelling.

Asher finished Level 2 this week.

He has been talking about starting Level 3.  I’m been contemplating it.  Just because summer break is days away for us . . . doesn’t mean the brain needs to turn rusty.

And because All About Spelling is so diverse . . . magnets to flash cards to chalkboards to jail time to whiteboards to hand movement to dialogue to quick and poignant lessons . . . spelling just doesn’t seem so boring. 

At least what I remember spelling to be.

My mom used to make me write my misspelled words 15 times each. (Thanks mom.  I did enjoy sitting with you.)

And the list . . . ugh.

25 words or more.

I am still a crappy speller.

However, thanks to All About Spelling . . . I am getting better.

Forget teaching your kids.  Get All About Spelling for yourself.  Seriously.  {grin}

Join me in the learning.

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to use in the All About Spelling store.

All About Spelling Level 2: FINISHED! is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

You know that with this clean water, you can now make bread and other healthy grains that won’t send your gut screaming.

Now you need a sourdough starter from Cultures for Health.  I am no stranger to Cultures For Health.  My Kombucha SCOBY, milk kefir grains, water kefir grains, and countertop yogurt all have a Cultures for Health heritage.

Sourdough isn’t hard to make.

Yes, I happen to make it a longer process than most people.

We start with purchasing wheat berries.

Soaking.

Sprouting.

Dehydrating.

Grinding.

However, Asher (who is the baker of the Bible) has a desire to start his own business.  Lord willing, you will soon be able to buy your sprouted flour from my son.  Just sayin’.

Instructions are included in the cute little Cultures for Health Sourdough box. (Said picture of cute little box is lost right now . . . we are on our 3rd hard drive in two weeks.)

Or you can sign up for Healthy Whole Grains.

Nevertheless, you can end up with some amazing bread.

Sourdough bread that is.

(Raw butter tutorial . . . coming soon!)

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Sourdough Starter from Cultures for Health is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

I realized that I am one of Joseph’s brothers.  Ugh.  I’m sure that everyone around me knows that I have issues . . . but it is official, I know that I have issues.

Good thing I just received Forgiveness and Into the Future essential oils from my Young Living autoship order.  I’m not looking forward to God performing surgery in my heart . . . but it is time.   I have wasted too much time on some pretty trivial issues.

I watched Joseph change.

One moment he was a cocky, prideful, 17-year old boy.  Quite abruptly,  Joseph found himself in a pit, sold, and shipped off to Egypt to live as a slave.

And the bad news doesn’t stop there.

However, instead of a haughty boy rebelling at his circumstances, we see a young man who repeatedly demonstrates God’s blessing in the house of Potiphar and as warden of the prison.

Exciting.  No matter what . . . God is to be glorified in our lives and we can be blessed regardless of our circumstances.

So, let’s congratulate the two winners of the Precept Ministry Giveaway.  Once again, it was such an awesome privilege to be partnered with a ministry that has so radically changed my life . . . and continues to do so.

Winner of the Precept Study Bible, Joseph Bible study, and colored pencils is Angie Owens.  Her winning comment said,

I love Precept studies… right now we are half way through the Revelation PUP. Just finished part 2 last week, and starting part 3 in the fall. I have done 6 books of the bible Pup way and excited about finishing Revelation.

The winner of the Family Discipleship Plan of Joseph is Kim LeFebre.

Ladies, you have 48 hours to get back with me!  I sent you an email!

To everyone else, thanks so much for entering and blessing me with all of your fabulous comments and tweets back to my blog.

I will be studying Joseph the rest of the summer if you would like to join me.  It isn’t too late to join in on the learning.

Are You Joseph or His Brother? is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

Quite honestly, the week seems like a fuzzy blur.  I think I just repeated myself.  One thing I did well . . . getting into the Word.  I’m studying Joseph with the kids and digging deeper with a friend.  It has been rich.  I’ve cleaned the upstairs multiple times — for Bible Study — for an Esssential Oil 101 class — because it is a good thing to stay on top of.

In our homeschool this week…

The kids have had a lot of independent studying.  I never thought I would live to see the day that I could work along side of them but not hovering over them.  Several workbooks and textbooks have been finished.  Yes, I have this crazy need to finish a book.  It boosts  my self-esteem.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Learn with your children.  I have invested in our study of birds . . . and now birds are on my radar.  It is neat being an ornithologist.  Except when you hit your specimen with the grill of your car.  Not that I have done that.  Recently.

I am inspired by…

• My husband.  Working beside him . . . knowing that we have a goal in mind.
• The Word of God.  To have the mind of Christ.
• Biggest Loser contestant.
• Mama Kristi.  

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

• We got invited over for a sandbox play date!  I sipped a latte from someone elses’  Delonghi.  It was glorious.
• We might go see our Chiropractor.
• And this weekend . . .  well, it is BIRTHDAY weekend!

My favorite thing this week was…

Reading with the kiddos.  Diving into the word with Kinsey.  Seeing my new niece.

What’s working/not working for us…

Cooking.  Just don’t want to do it.

Questions/thoughts I have…

What is the big deal about a mandrake?  Never mind.  I just looked it up.

Why aren’t more people entering the amazing giveaways going on right now?  (I still have Apologia, Grapevine Studies, All About Spelling, Cultures for Health, a year of Nourished Kitchen meal menus, and a blog consult in the pipeline.)

Things I’m working on…

Weeding the garden.  My heart just isn’t in it this year.

I’m reading…

• Kisses from Katie
•  Mary on Horseback
• The Core
• Already Gone
•  the Bible
• and some vacation reading . . . contemplating a new website for my book reviews . . . thoughts?

I’m cooking…

Lots of sourdough bread . . .

I’m grateful for…

Dogs that snuggle.  Home births.  Texting.  My handsome husband.  Sweet boys that bless me with tea in bed because I don’t feel well.

I’m praying for…

Our future . . . people’s salvation . . . my children . . . .and well whoever gets chosen, and whether or not to be a Classical Conversation tutor.

A photo to share…

Linking up with iHomeschoolnetwork meme, A Homeschool Mother’s Journal.

Homeschool Mother’s Journal is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

I really like our church.  The word of God is preached.  Book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse from Genesis to Revelation.

We have good worship too.  Music personalities are sometimes in our midst.  Does that make our fellowship more special? No.  Do we go gaga when they are around?  No.

They are normal, like you and me.

Everyday people.

Our pastor’s son-in-law happens to be John David Webster.  Several members of the band  Under the Olive Trees are in our Sunday morning worship team.

And then there is Marissa. 

Marissa Morris.

It is hard for me to tell you about Marissa, only because I might come across as a stalker.

Ever since we have attended our church, I . . . umm . . . have been fascinated with her and her family.  Like her entire family.  They are neat.  Plain and simple.  Their family dynamics make you want to hang out with them.  Talk with them.  Live life with them.

I’ve cloth diapered with her mom.  Shared coconut oil stories.  Talked html and social media with her dad (in the children’s nursery), been blessed by Marissa’s younger sisters’ delight in playing with my kids at a birthday party, swapped icky chemical stories in the hallway before church, and been influenced by Marrissa’s leadership during worship.

I don’t purchase much music. 

But Marissa Morris is on my Kindle.  (I only have two other songs that I have bought for my Cloud Drive.  We are a Pandora family. ) Her album is frequently what wakes me up of a morning.  I use my Kindle as an alarm clock.

And I want to share her music with you.  I have two Marissa Morris CD’s to mail out.  You could be one of the winners.  So, pay attention to the below interview!  Read carefully!

Jodi:  What is your favorite color? 

Marissa:  Magenta!!!!

Jodi:  How did you come to the realization that you were going to do more than lead worship at church . . . and produce an album? 

Marissa:  It was always something that I wanted to do.  During one of Drew’s (her husband) business trips I was able to lead special music at a church in Florida.  It was during this trip that the vision for my ministry came about.  The vision is that we would go into town on a Saturday, wherever the PGA Nationwide tour happened to be that week. I would lead special music at the church on Sunday morning. Then on Tuesday nights they have a tour Bible study, that I have had the privilege of leading worship at, that I would lead at from time to time.  So that’s the vision in a nut shell…

Jodi:  What was your favorite part about homeschooling?  Your least favorite aspect of homeschooling?

Marissa:  I actually was never homeschooled.  I was the only girl that was never homeschooled.  I totally see the benefits of it and at times wish that I would have done it!

Jodi:  What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Marissa:  Right now my favorite verse is Psalm 104:33.  I feel like during this season of life it fits perfectly! 

Another favorite is Jeremiah 29:11 .  It has always been true in my life.   The Lord has always had a plan for me and it has never been what I thought it would be, but always what I needed!

Jodi:  What do your quiet times look like and what are you studying right now?  

Marissa:  I wish I could say that my quiet times were consistent, but right now there’s so much going on that sometimes it’s in the morning or in the middle of the day or at night.  I do have a favorite spot, but living in Indiana makes it difficult!  I’m a beach girl — so if I could I would spend time with the Lord on the beach with a cup of hot tea!

Jodi:  How did you meet your husband? 

Marissa:  A girlfriend of mine from college knew Drew growing up.  When he moved to Indy after living in Boston for a few years she said that we should meet up. 

Well, we both said, “Thanks, but no thanks!”  One night about a year later, we decided to meet up at Starbucks and I brought Kendall!!!  (Kendall is Marissa’s sister.)  

And 9 months later we were married!!!

Jodi:  What is your favorite thing to do on a sunny Saturday? 

Marissa:  Sleep in!!! I’m a night owl so going to bed early is not something I do easily…I’m ususally exhausted and need the extra sleep!!

Jodi:  What is the most important thing  your parents taught you . . . or something that stands out to you about your family?

Marissa:  I think the most important thing my parents taught me was to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  When that is first and foremost in your life, everything else falls in line.  I’ve seen it lived out in their lives as well as in mine!  We’re a very close family.  Being close was something that my parents always tried to instill in me and it’s something that I want for my children someday!

Jodi:  What is a little known fact about you?

Marissa:  I like to dance!  Sometimes when I’m getting ready (and no one is home) I crank up the music and let loose!!!

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Marissa Morris: A Giveaway is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

I am going to be reading a book titled, The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education, written by Leigh A. Bortins.

What is the book about?

In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on  political correctness instead of teaching students how to study. Leigh Bortins, a leading figure in the homeschooling community, is having none of it. She believes that there are core areas of knowledge that are essential to master. Without knowing the multiplication tables, children can’t advance to algebra. Without mastery of grammar, students will have difficulty expressing themselves. Without these essential building blocks of knowledge, students may remember information but they will never possess a broad and deep understanding of how the world works. In this book, Bortins gives parents the tools and methodology to implement a rigorous, thorough, and broad curriculum based on the classical model, including:

• Rote memorization to cement knowledge

• Systematic learning of geography, historical facts, and timelines

• Reading the great books and seminal historical documents
instead of adaptations and abridged editions

• Rigorous training in math and the natural sciences

Why?

I want to learn more.

My schooling was fine.  I did well in school.  We lived in an excellent school district.  But quite honestly, I don’t know that I always think in an orderly manner.  Structured.  Um . . . I’m not always logical.  And if you want me to explain something, it is better to have me write it out than speak my thoughts.

But don’t tell me that to my face.

I have been learning a lot about a certain community of homeschoolers.  At home we call them CC’ers.  This means Classical Conversations.

It’s not a coop.  It’s a community.

I have no idea what I am really getting into, but I’m excited.

Grab  your book.  You can order it on Amazon if you are reading beside a lamp or get it on your Kindle.

We will begin discussing in two weeks . . . which will bring us to May 23rd as the launch date.  I will post my thoughts here, but we can dialogue on my Facebook page (goodness that page needs some design help!  You should go look.)

By the way, you don’t have to be involved in Classical Conversations to participate in this book club.  The Core looks into the idea of Classical Education.

Will you be joining me?

Leave me a comment . . . I would love to hear your thoughts as to why you want to learn more about classical education or developing a strong brain.

What Does Your Core Look Like? is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

I have a friend.  She is wise (beyond her years).  A  young lass of 26 she is.  She is a woman of influence.  It isn’t uncommon for her to utter one particularly piercing desire each time we speak.

She says she wants it to be known that her “life is a result of the gospel.”

She means that anyone who encounters her, be it at Wal-Mart, the clearance rack at Target, a Starbucks drive through, her kitchen . . . that she lives, breathes, speaks, and serves in light of the Gospel.

In light of having a life that has been transformed by knowing, observing, and studying Jesus.

Jesus.

I am challenged by those words.  I find that I stumble when I am around those words.  I aspire to be a reflection of G

od’s perfect Word . . . but oh how I fall short.

Around family.  On the interstate.  In the return line.  As I count how many items are in the overflowing shopping cart ahead of me in the 10 item lane.  The stressed moment of exiting the house . . . late.

But . . . but I have the Bible.  In my language.  Someone taught me to read.  I even have some verses memorized.  I should be living a life in light of the Gospel.

I often dream of being a sweet, gentle servant.  But I don’t take new moms any meals.  I never deliver the promised dinner.  I fail at writing encouraging snail mail notes — though I bought really cool stationery to do such a thing.

So, as I read from James 1:22 tonight (along with some amazing gals), where it says, “But prove yourselves d

oers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves,”  I am inspired to be a doer.  Bring it on.

I’ll go visit the orphans and widows.  Sure.  That is what James 1:27 tells me to do.

But . . . but . . . . I have a Bible.  I can assure you that tomorrow I will become busy and soon the days will snowball and I will have forgotten what pure and undefiled religion is.

There are people who can’t be doers of the Word.  In fact, they can’t even delude themselves.

They don’t have a Bible in their language.

They don’t even know that they should put aside filthiness or wickedness because they don’t even know

that they were born into sin . . . or that what they do is sometimes wicked.

There are people who can’t humbly receive the Word, as James 1:21 encourages, that was implanted.  The very Word that HAS THE ABILITY TO SAVE SOULS.

I may not go visit the orphans and widows, but I can do my best to help the Holy Spirit get there.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  (Romans 10:17)

One of my biggest joys, outside of diving into the Word, dating my husband, and cultivating rich relationships with my children, is partnering with One Verse.

Presently the Lord has the Engineer and I serving stateside.  My heart longs to be on the mission field, especially after looking through our India photo album.  But I am content in knowing that I can be a “sender.”  I can help others be my hands and feet in a different part of the world.

One Verse.

Each month this blog helps sponsor one verse of the Bible to be translated into a different language, so that a trib

e of people – the Vidunda people to be exact, can be transformed by the renewing of their mind.

I’m sure they have some widows and orphans in distress that need visiting.

Soon, an entire group of people will know that they should take care of orphans and widows and keep ones

elf unstained by the world.

I’m asking you to consider and pray about sponsoring Bible translation on a monthly basis.

$26 a month.

Help me raise the roof.  Spread the word.

Sponsor.  Pray.  Win a One Verse T-Shirt.

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(subscribers, please click on the link to enter to win)

A Free T-Shirt and Bible Translation is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies

Just one more conference.  Because they are all different.

Like previous {blogging} trips in my short career as a writer, Maureen and Buzz were my companions to the 2:1 Conference.  Thankfully we had purchased our tickets months before . . . as we ummmm made last minute preparations via email around 11 pm the night prior to departure.

Sarah we missed you!

We gained a new companion, Connie, from the Daisy Head, who has an incredible gift of encouragement . . . she remembers the details.

She also has a nice shoulder to sleep on – at least the man beside her thought so.

Why did I go to another conference?

To get fun pictures of Buzz?

He certainly does get around.

Enjoys past presidents.

And goes to infinity and beyond.

Really, why did I go to another blogging conference . . . and one so specific – a blogging conference devoted to homeschoolers.

Talk about a narrow niche.

It must have been to jump on a bed.  No.  I totally forgot to jump on the bed.  Sarah where were you to remind me!

I went because God told me to go.  I stepped out in faith.

So . . . what happened?  Right?  When you step out in faith you expect something earthshaking to transpire.

Well, I laughed.

I stayed out way past my bedtime.  Who knew that people sightsee at midnight!?

(Ahem Madonna and Amber of 2 Teaching Mommies and {gasp} author Dianna Wiebe of Grapevine Studies keep me out by providing Starbucks.  But it was so worth it.)

I wonder sometimes.  Did God have me go to the 2 to 1 Conference just to see the heart of our country?

I have long dreamed to visit this well-known destination.  Washington DC.

It is awesome . . . almost a palatable power within it.

Did you know that when it is late enough at night . . . they turn the White House lights off?  Guess the President does get to sleep.

But God never slumbers.  He has my back.  And I think He loves me so much, He sent me away on a vacation.

I got to sight see.  I didn’t cook one meal.  I exercised without the need to put someone in a time out.  (Yes.  I exercised on vacation.)

I came back choosing joy.  (Thanks, Rachel Carmen.)

When the plane landed in Hoosier land, I was refreshed.  Happy.  Excited to see that handsome man I call the Engineer.  (Then again, I am always delighted to see him.)

Do you know that he meet us at the airport?  With all the kids.  (He even took them to the Children’s Museum by himself.)

What a sight to see my lover surrounded by his offspring . . . and six out of those ten legs came sprinting at me faster than Usain Bolt.

Why did God send me away?  Because it was His good pleasure.  He provided all the money for my trip.

Sure I learned some bloggy things . . . like internet security.

Take this one tip . . . only have one tab open if you are engaging in a financial transaction.  Close your browser.  If you have more online things to do, just open a new browser.  Trust me.

I was reassured of the direction we are taking for learning next year.  Classical Education.  I am giddy with excitement.  To better achieve God’s heart for my children, we are going to be involved in Classical Conversations.

In fact, I’m going to have a little ‘ol book club soon where we can discuss The Core:  Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education by Leigh Bortins.

This would be a great book for you to read if you are unsure of your school plans next year or you are just curious to see what Classical Education really means.

I’ll give you two weeks.  Grab your book or read it on your Kindle.

I was reminded (once again by Rachel Carmen) that the Engineer and I are raising world changers.  World changers.  Parents . . . let that sink in.

Raise them in such a way that when you release them from your carefully constructed bow . . . that your quiver(s) follow the direction the Lord has for them.

Release them and train them with joy.  Not out of duty.  Not with the thought in mind that you are having a bad day.  And never as the priority, setting God and your husband aside to communicate with when you have time.  Because you won’t have time.

Pass the baton on so that, should the Lord tarry, your children will replicate what you have done . . . and home school.

Why do I homeschool?

Because God told me to.  I’m passionate about my kids.  I love investing in their thinking.  I only have them for a short time.  My goal is to live fully with them for that short time.

What has God told you to do recently?  Are you doing it?

How Many Blogging Conferences Must One Attend? is a post from: Granola Mom 4 God Please consider visiting my great sponsors: Berkey Light Water Filters Apologia Press Grapevine Studies